what our troops like

[msierant]

greetings all,
was curious to hear from our troops as to what they like and carry. sent a couple to my buddy's son over there [a blur and blackout]. most appreciated. according to him, a pretty wide variety. kershaws, benchmade, a couple of ZT'S and a lot of CRKT's. in 1969, my options were a buck 110 and my randall 14. today our troops have a lot to pick from. anyway, let me know what your observations are. stay safe and best regards to all.
mike

 

[turk.919]

From the troops I have been around, the things they use most are fixed blades and multitools. Heavy duty folders like the 0300 are tough but they are exposed to the elements and can fail at the wrong time. I gave a buddy a 121 before he deployed and I am anxiously waiting to see it.

 

[JWRobinson]

Not an easy question to answer as it would take a 10 page list. In short, almost everything is carried by someone. I do agree that a multi-tool is the most common item carried regardless of one's position. Most of the combat arms troops also have at least one large fixed blade somewhere on their MOLLE. As the brands, I was lamenting a few months back that PXs only seem to carry low end Gerbers, Bucks and SOGs so probably way more of those down range than high quality blades. I think the biggest issue is many of the younger troops don't know the difference between something that is just OK and a high quality piece. Top that off with the low pay of an E-2 or E-3 and a $50 folder is going to seem like a high end knife. Senior combat arms NCOs and Officers are another story though as many will be carrying folders along the lines of a ZT and quality fixed blades. I'm the only one I've known off in the past decade or so who owns (or even knows what is) a Randall