What is the largest fixed blade you are comfortable carrying in a drop leg rig?

dcmartin

dcmartin

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I have a cousin who is deploying to Afghanistan in April. I want to send him off with a nice fixed blade, probably an Ontario RD-6 or if its not to big an RD-7 and a drop leg rig from Red Hill Sheaths. My question is... Would either of those be too big for the drop leg rig. He's about 6' tall so I'm thinking it will work. I would love to hear what you guys think, especially any active duty military. Thanks in advance!
 
Hey man, to be honest its personal preference vs. body type. I'm a combat instructor for the marine corps and one thing I always cover in depth its gear. It really is going to depend on what he's using the knife for. If he's going to be on extended patrols or prefers lighter loudouts he'll want to be carrying something no longer than six inches. Leg rigs for some people will chafe and feel restricting so they don't like it. I'm not sure if this is he case with your cousin? I don't know of any task in country that s would require you're cousin to need a long bladed knife past utilitarian size
 
Thanks Blue Falcon,
If anyone was going to comment on this thread, i'm sure glad you did!
Yeah, i suspect weight would be an issue. He will be patrolling and he is going to be toting around a SAW so i'm pretty sure he'll want his loadout to be lighter if possible. I think the 6" blade would be the call in this case. It looks like the 6" Blade would give him plenty of options for belt, molle or drop leg if he chooses.
Hey Brother, i really appreciate your input in this matter, and of course.... Thank You for your service!

Doc
 
No problem man stay safe. btw he will definitely want what I requested especially as a saw gunner. ;)
 
The proper drop leg rig can make ALL the difference as well. One that has a nice wide ELASTIC leg strap works excellent. It won't flop/slap your leg, yet has the give you need. if he carries a drop leg handgun, you may even consider an opposite side drop leg sheath.

In the woods & hunting, i can carry my BK7 or BK9 all day with no issues. My set up makes it easy to get into/out of vehicles &/or atv's.

100_1135.jpg



Hope this helps, at least a little. Custom is really the way to go for sheaths, IMHO.
 
I can't comment on the drop leg sheath, what I can comment on is the size of an RD-7, it's huge. WAY bigger than I'd want to carry from my waist and I can't imagine that thing lower down on my thigh. Food for thought, good luck.
 
Thanks TwinStick,

Man, that is one sweet rig....

I never thought about using a wide elastic strap like the one on your rig. I have a few shoulder rigs for my 1911 and by far the ones with elastic are sooo much nicer (more comfortable) Yes, he'll be carrying a drop leg M9 on the right side.
Thanks for the input! much appreciated...
 
Just a comment on size, IMO an RD6 or RD7 are great, tough knives, but length-wise they are a lot of steel for the typical soldier from what I hear from recent family/friends who have deployed. Of course, the individual should get what he wants or what works for his job, but as Blue Falcon said, "I don't know of any task in country that would require your cousin to need a long bladed knife past utilitarian size." That is consistent with what I hear. Most soldiers are using knives for everyday tasks and for that, it seems like something in the range of 3.5" to 5" range is plenty, plus it's lighter and easier to use for utilitarian detail tasks.

An excellent example of a utilitarian knife of this sort would be something like the ESEE 4, the new Swamp Rat Rodent 4, or the Swamp Rat Ratmandu. All of these knives weigh in at around half a pound (without sheath), and are much easier to control for utility cutting tasks. I own the Ratmandu, but honestly, if I were young enough to be deploying in the service today, I'd probably take an even lighter 4" blade, like the Rodent 4 or ESEE 4.
 
Thanks guys! I have an ESEE 6 coming in and I have an ESEE 3 Mil sitting around... I'll let him make the final choice, thank you for all of the great input.... Keep it coming!
 
With knives hanging below the belt line (but secured to the belt) I recommend using a piece of shock chord to secure it to the leg. You can easily cut it off an old back pack. The idea is just to tame the knife and keep it from flopping around and getting caught, not to strap it to your leg.
 
For the record, that pic is of my BK9 & Gerber metolius. Have the same set up for my BK7. One day, if i ever stop buying knives, i will have to spend $2-3000 at least, in good sheaths for them all. It REALLY pays off to do your homework before ordering a custom sheath.

Things that are important to me:

Must be able to be put on & taken off belt without removing belt, yet absolutely NOT come off once put on.
Drop leg with swivel that is made of HD material, that can be removed for pack carry or other methods of carry, like a baldric rig.
Wide elastic leg strap w/buckle, for easy on & off & all day comfort. Note: this strap also allows one handed removal of knife with just a quick pull (without using the thumb ramp). This is not possible if sheath moves a lot.
Grommets on top & bottom of blade for attachment points.
Drain hole that is not so small that it can't be "unclogged", in case debris gets in there.
Solid snap-click retention, so there is no doubt that it is secure.
Thumb ramp for quiet removal of knife.
Blade must not wobble while in sheath.
No sharp edges on the kydex.

Also good to know, you do NOT need the thickest kydex avail. Mine is not & has performed just fine. You may have other needs or wants, but those are mine. It is good to write them all down before you call & go over them all with the maker. Custom sheaths ROCK !!!
 
Thanks Again TwinStick,
Great info man! I'll post some pix or at least describe what we went with after all is said and done!
 
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