What knife to give to a Marine?

A friend of mine gave an Army buddy of his an Emerson A-100 and he came back from Iraq a couple of weeks ago and the Emerson was beat up some but it survived very nicely. No SD encounters with the knife occured but for utility use I think that the Rat RC-3 or 4 would be great or a nice strong Benchmade, Spyderco or Emerson folder would be great. Leatherman, SOG, or a Swiss multi tool are always a welcome addition to anyone especially to a soldier.
 
Sounds like he already bought the 3 listed. Of the 3, I'd send him the full size Kabar. If needed in a SD role, the extra few inches of steel might be needed.

2nd choice would be the Rat.

Unless he has has VERY small hands, dont send the short Kabar. I was really disappointed at the size of the handle when I got mine. I've unloaded it since.
 
Teague said:
Personally, I just don't get why anyone would own a SAK. If one wants a toolbox to carry around, wouldn't it be wiser to carry a multitool? I personally carry a Leatherman S2 juice or my Gerber. I also have a couple of SAKs. But, I don't carry a SAK.
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Dude, havnt you ever seen Macgyver?!!!

The thick ones are cool but a 2-3 layered Vic allox is hands down one of the greatest knives ever invented by man!!!!!!
ColonelX said:
Waved Spyderco Endura4 CE or SE
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This is a GREAT Choice for a folder though Id say go Full SE! For the $, nothing can out cut this SE spydie, its also fun to use since it functions like fluid, SO SMOOTHLY :thumbup:

If you go fixed blade than Id go for the Rat, esp since all the other dudes will already have ka-bars, gives him a chance to be unique, in a very tough kind of way.
 
I'd say a RAT RC-6 in an affordable blade though I just took ownership of a Busse Hell Razor and I would bet my LIFE on this blade in a combat situation. Perfect balance probably 60/40 handle/blade at the choil, lightweight and super tough. I'd take this blade into combat anyday....

I was 101 AB desert storm. My brother in-law was 82 AB Iraqi Freedom (retired now West Point grad, two tours Iraq/Afghanistan disabled Captain, now Yale MBA graduate and working in manhattan for JP Morgan). I purchased a Casio Pathfinder "blacked out" tough solar watch for him just before he was deployed... the other officers (1st louie's) were impressed with his timepiece choice. I think he still owns that watch lol.
 
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If a Marine has to use a knife for Offensive or Defensive purposes, then something has gone terribly wrong. When they are out and about, then they have a team with much more effective weaponry at their disposal. I know that when my USMC son gets re-deployed, he will not be carrying a big fixed blade, but rather a multi-tool, and a handy folder (probably on a lanyard, so that it doesn't get accidentally displaced from his pocket) Sadly, he did lose a Spyderco Military D2, and an Emerson CQC-7 during training and deployment to Iraq.
 
This is true, you're overworked and overstressed to the point you don't know where most of your equipment is at the time. It's easy to lose items or have them "picked up". I always kept track of my rifle and knife cleaning/handling one or the other.
 
If you have a fixed blade on you belt it's very easy to keep track of. ;)

And if things do go very wrong as they can you will have a nice sized fixed blade to use.
 
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