I don't own one but I always wanted one and will get one eventually. They are supposed to be very high quality handmade knives made of 440c that are given a really good heat treatment that makes it perform like a higher-end steel. They are also very over-built and strong and are geared more toward the military,hunting,etc.
-
The BladeForums.com 2024 Traditional Knife is ready to order! See this thread for details: https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/bladeforums-2024-traditional-knife.2003187/
Price is$300$250 ea (shipped within CONUS). If you live outside the US, I will contact you after your order for extra shipping charges.
Order here: https://www.bladeforums.com/help/2024-traditional/ - Order as many as you like, we have plenty.
What is the best fixed tactical/combat knife?
- Thread starter redbeardrob
- Start date
I don't own one but I always wanted one and will get one eventually. They are supposed to be very high quality handmade knives made of 440c that are given a really good heat treatment that makes it perform like a higher-end steel. They are also very over-built and strong and are geared more toward the military,hunting,etc.
As someone who has and is deployed...I know it isnt sexy, but from a practical viewpoint, get him a high quality pocket tool first. Then a relatively inexpensive fixed blade that can be trusted to withstand some punishment...nothing longer than 6in (more is unneccessary, and can/will be confiscated). I like the ESEE 3/4/5 for pricepoint, capability, rugged utility, and functionality/ease of care...though any good steel blade will work. Just remember, it may get lost, stolen, etc...stick with something dependable in the 100$ range.
Then a decent folder...I use this more than anything. I currently carry a CS Lawman (this one surprised me...have to get over my CS bias) and an Endura.
The key to remember...weight/space is at a premium. My ESEE3Mil/Tool is on my Armor, folder on holster/pocket. Good luck.
Just my .02, and worth every penny.
Then a decent folder...I use this more than anything. I currently carry a CS Lawman (this one surprised me...have to get over my CS bias) and an Endura.
The key to remember...weight/space is at a premium. My ESEE3Mil/Tool is on my Armor, folder on holster/pocket. Good luck.
Just my .02, and worth every penny.
Last edited:
What knives have you seen confiscated because of their size?
Ok so I am confused here if so many knives are restricted than is all these things we here about certain blades BS? I have heard even the hisshou is used by military and that's what it was designed for. The hissatsu..same thing. Entrek claims that a lot of his knives go to the military as well.. what about ontario and kabar? These are all larger knives.
The closest such examples I have are two Buck knives - a 650 Nighthawk and an 895 Simonich/Buck Raven Legacy. The Raven Legacy is pricey - MSRP $340 - but made of S30V.
The 1895 Nagant is an antique - it's the only picture I still have with the 895 in it - sorry! The 420HC bladed Buck being the inexpensive and more easily found example. It's shown at the bottom, below, with the ESEE/RAT RC5, Gerber LMFII, and venerable KaBar Utility Knife above it.
I am guessing on this application. My use of a knife is as a tool. I generally have something louder on me for protection.
Stainz
The 1895 Nagant is an antique - it's the only picture I still have with the 895 in it - sorry! The 420HC bladed Buck being the inexpensive and more easily found example. It's shown at the bottom, below, with the ESEE/RAT RC5, Gerber LMFII, and venerable KaBar Utility Knife above it.
I am guessing on this application. My use of a knife is as a tool. I generally have something louder on me for protection.
Stainz
Occasionally during Customs checks, blades in excess of 6" are siezed (both routing through UAE/Kuwait and entry into Afghanistan/BIAP). Also, at the unit level...I have seen individuals told to remove large blades from their gear. In Iraq, the culture itself, calls a large knife to be more intimidating than a handgun. I dont agree with that view personally, hehe.
Than isn't that better that the troop carry the big knife and have people less likely to mess with him?
Well, you'll always have officers/NCOs eager to flex some muscle over regulations. Charlie Mike posted some time back he got some disapproval for carrying a balisong and an automatic back during OIF.
Also, in regular infantry units, military culture often demands that one adhere to the standards (even if they don't make sense) - while superiors don't look too favorably upon those who disagree. Some units are more lax, but those are the exception rather than the rule. So if command issues a gear SOP at whatever level (company/battalion) that bans certain knives, regardless of whether or not its justified or accomplishes anything, it applies to everyone, no questions.
Last edited:
- Joined
- Oct 12, 2010
- Messages
- 104
+1 esee 5
Ok I see but I just always thought that large combat knives were almost synonymous with the infantry and the like. We hear over and over about kabars being military knives and Randalls too.
Perspectives change over time.
- Joined
- May 25, 2005
- Messages
- 560
Folks, there is a reason the P X and Clothing Sales sells the knives they do. If you want better as I did for my son get something the same size and make it a light as you can.
You could get him a handmade knife like this watchman from michaelmorrisknives.com
That is a great looking blade...is that file stock?
No. Troops are taught to rely on their squad. They roll as a team, and no one messes with them. Of course 90 pounds of body armor, weapons, ammo, equipment, and a grim face hidden by dark glasses under a Kevlar adds to the menacing look, as well. Im a MSG...I dont personally restrict my guys but it does come down the chain. Imo, a blade longer than 4-5" just isnt necessary. Good blade in the ESEE 4-5 size $100-150 is ideal...emphasis on quality steel, relative light-weight, and dependability. Quality multi-tool/SAK, and Folder too. Good to go.
Last edited:
shortwinger
Gold Member
- Joined
- Apr 7, 2010
- Messages
- 1,086
Hi Rob,
Some things to consider when selecting a knife for real military duty. First and formost, its use as a protector [in other words when it is used to kill another human] is very limited and if you do have to use it that means your rifle and pistol are gone and everyone else around you with those weapons are dead too. Kind of a last ditch thing. This role is important but consists of less than one tenth of one percent of its "real" job.
For most deployed in the field, whether real combat or training, this knife will be used to cut, dig, slice food, break open cans, bust metal straps that hold together pallets, dig some more, break open crates, bust into anything and everything that doesn't want to be opened, cut nylon webbing and rope and wire and do just about every other task besides stabbing a human.
So while some of the millitary daggers seem to be just the ticket they normally fall far short and usually end up broken or stored away some where. So then how do you choose? I would begin by looking at what others, especially those with experience carry. Here is where it gets less fun for some of the knife guys to talk about because you end up hearing all the old common boring names and virtually none of the customs. So what do "real" combat troops carry and what would any troop in the sand love to get as a gift?
- USMC Ka-Bar (also available in Navy, Army, plain black, Next Gen and D2)
- Becker BK2 / BK7
- Cold Steel SRK / Recon Scout
- SOG - Seal Team (Elite) / Seal Pup (Elite) / Ranger / SOG Ops
- Leatherman or Gerber multi tool (both are very well built and each has its "absolute" following. I carried a Leatherman for 8 years and still have it. It is very hard to state how important these multi-tools are when you are away from civilization and have limited gear.)
- Bark River? More recently you "may" add Bark River to the list but they were after my time and I can't speak to whether or not many actually carry them. But the Bravo 1 and the Gunny have been given lots of attention recently.
Also note that the USMC Ka-Bar can be considered like the name Bowie. Many companies make fine Ka-Bar "type" knives and many are very well made. Just don't get fooled by a half priced knock-off that claims to be the same quality as Ka-Bar. The same with the BK2/7, with the ESEE line being comparable. What you must remember is that the troops really use their knives and if something happens to it, sorry let me start again; when something does happen to it, it should be from a company that has the models in stock and can ship out replacements immediately. This is where companies like Ka-Bar/Becker, Cold Steel, Leatherman, Gerber & SOG shine. They sell tens of thousands of knives to military personnel and they always seem to find a way to get one in the mail right away for our troops.
So the company needs to be reliable, the knives need to have a good warranty and the company needs to have the resources to repair or replace quickly. Now I know I probably left out some great companies and I mean no disrespect, just trying to make a point about what is needed in the field. Plus if you lined up every US Military personnel and took an inventory of what they carry, the companies I listed would probably comprise 85% [or more] of what is being carried in combat.
Good luck!
Some things to consider when selecting a knife for real military duty. First and formost, its use as a protector [in other words when it is used to kill another human] is very limited and if you do have to use it that means your rifle and pistol are gone and everyone else around you with those weapons are dead too. Kind of a last ditch thing. This role is important but consists of less than one tenth of one percent of its "real" job.
For most deployed in the field, whether real combat or training, this knife will be used to cut, dig, slice food, break open cans, bust metal straps that hold together pallets, dig some more, break open crates, bust into anything and everything that doesn't want to be opened, cut nylon webbing and rope and wire and do just about every other task besides stabbing a human.
So while some of the millitary daggers seem to be just the ticket they normally fall far short and usually end up broken or stored away some where. So then how do you choose? I would begin by looking at what others, especially those with experience carry. Here is where it gets less fun for some of the knife guys to talk about because you end up hearing all the old common boring names and virtually none of the customs. So what do "real" combat troops carry and what would any troop in the sand love to get as a gift?
- USMC Ka-Bar (also available in Navy, Army, plain black, Next Gen and D2)
- Becker BK2 / BK7
- Cold Steel SRK / Recon Scout
- SOG - Seal Team (Elite) / Seal Pup (Elite) / Ranger / SOG Ops
- Leatherman or Gerber multi tool (both are very well built and each has its "absolute" following. I carried a Leatherman for 8 years and still have it. It is very hard to state how important these multi-tools are when you are away from civilization and have limited gear.)
- Bark River? More recently you "may" add Bark River to the list but they were after my time and I can't speak to whether or not many actually carry them. But the Bravo 1 and the Gunny have been given lots of attention recently.
Also note that the USMC Ka-Bar can be considered like the name Bowie. Many companies make fine Ka-Bar "type" knives and many are very well made. Just don't get fooled by a half priced knock-off that claims to be the same quality as Ka-Bar. The same with the BK2/7, with the ESEE line being comparable. What you must remember is that the troops really use their knives and if something happens to it, sorry let me start again; when something does happen to it, it should be from a company that has the models in stock and can ship out replacements immediately. This is where companies like Ka-Bar/Becker, Cold Steel, Leatherman, Gerber & SOG shine. They sell tens of thousands of knives to military personnel and they always seem to find a way to get one in the mail right away for our troops.
So the company needs to be reliable, the knives need to have a good warranty and the company needs to have the resources to repair or replace quickly. Now I know I probably left out some great companies and I mean no disrespect, just trying to make a point about what is needed in the field. Plus if you lined up every US Military personnel and took an inventory of what they carry, the companies I listed would probably comprise 85% [or more] of what is being carried in combat.
Good luck!
Nailed it exactly...though I have yet to see a troop send back to the states for a replacement. Most of my guys just go to the PX and make do. Fixed blade is a tool...nothing more.
