What would you take to Iraq.

You've had a lot of sensible answers. But... :)

I'd take a favorite (smallish)SAK for the pocket, a KA-BAR for the belt, a nice tactical folder (w/3" or 4" blade), and a couple of cheaper knives to abuse :o

Lanyards will help keep your stuff from taking a walk.
Good luck and God bless you,


Cheers
 
Hehehheh :) Got it, Mutt :D Hey, ya gotta chill now and then or you lose the edge...and that means your six is in deep doo-doo :eek: Bladeforums is pretty much harmless...fun...neat folks...good thoughts and opinions...funny (at times)...and safe.

Which makes it a favorite pasttime for now and here -

Kasik sends -
 
I guess I'm a little slow on the uptake when it comes to the apparent popularity of these ubiquitous multi-tools. I'm not saying they're good or bad, so please, no one get their nose out of joint.....but could someone please enlighten me as to what a multi-tool can do that can't be done just as well with a good SAK and a medium sized pair of good quality pliers? Thanks for your comments.
 
although the seperate setup is the most easily used, I never seem to have a pair of pliers with me when I need it.
 
MelancholyMutt said:
although the seperate setup is the most easily used, I never seem to have a pair of pliers with me when I need it.
Click to expand...

Why not? If you carry a SAK in your pocket, everyday as I do, how hard would it be to carry a small pair of pliers in the same manner that I would carry a multi-tool? I'm just looking for some obvious, or not so obvious, advantage to a Leatherman (and a reason to spend 50 bucks on a multi-tool).
 
Well, for some, a pair of pliers would not be such a big addition, but here's a list of what sit in my pockets and on my belt as I leave for work...

Wallet, Money, lots of coins...
A Steel Carabiner with about 20 keys
Either a Motorola Saber radio or Icom F4gt radio/ spare battery
Flashlight w spare batteries
Cellular telephone
Zippo and smokes
CRKT M-16 folder
Reversable Screwdriver
Stevedore's hook

The weight really adds up and I need a pair of pliers only once a month... that pretty much guarantees that I won't carry one with me for that one time per month that I do need one...
 
ROCK6 said:
This could be its own thread!

A good flashlight is as essential as a good blade. I actually prefer LEDs...my typical loadout is:

-Surefire or Streamlight Scorpion for a "tactical light"...not used too often
-Inova X5 LED...great light (red or green LEDs if that's your SOP)
-Photon or Microlight LEDs...excellent all-purpose tactical lights...small, light, handy...can't ask for much more!
-last, is my Phantomlight...LED with adjustable brightness...good tactical "white" light.


ROCK6
Click to expand...
I´d go for a Surefire A2 Aviator. You have sufficient LED light (available in blue, green, white or red) and you can switch to a 60 lumen white light incandescent beam when things are going completely dark.
After the incan goes out for lack of battery power you still have lots of burning time with the LEDs. And it´s shorter tha a Mini Maglite.
Check the specs here:

SUREFIRE A2 REVIEW

CR-123A LiIon Batteries can be ordered from Surefire at USD 15 per dozen.

Good luck and Godspeed.

As for knives: get a Microtech Scarab and a small Fixed blade you can throw away. Or some serious Strider SMF or SnG. Damn, dhe MT LCC is grat to, esp. for stabbing/slashing.
Glock Field knife is OK. Get 5 and throw them away when you don´t need them any more. At USD 25,-- each - the grief won´t be that bad as if you lost a Strider fixed.
Oh, and yes, get a Leatherman or the likes..
 
Hi,

If I had to go to Iraq I would take with me :

Multitool: Leatherman Supertool 200 because it's strong and all tools can be locked.

Fixedblade: Becker Knife and Tool BK 7, because it holds the edge very well, ca be used as a prybar and of course for chopping, be sure to make a convex grind (mousepad) on it, then you have a strong and shaving sharp edge.

Necknife (Fixed): Kevin Wilkins Mini Thorn Tanto (as Backup)

Folder: Microtech UDT or LUDT, openframe, so its easy to clean

Flashlight: Inova X5T or/and Surefire A2

I don't know if thats allowed, but If you don't need to take a backpack with you, you could get a Maxpedition Thermite or Fatboy Versipack, I use my Thermite everyday.

Please note, I'm not a soldier and this are only my thoughts on what I think I could use there.
Maybe it helps a little ;)

Greetings
Olli
 
I worked during this spring in Middle East, not Iraq. I was told that Iraq was much hotter than the place I worked. I would like to say a few things I experienced while I was in the Middle East.
It was very hot there that my legs were boiling in your boots (I had to wear leather Caterpillars) and I sweat all the time. Probably, I did not acclimatise properly: all buildings were air conditioned, so I did not suffer from heat until I started my survey work. I did not wear anything except my underwear under my work uniform, but I took shower even during day breaks to cool down. I did not want to carry anything, even water, on myself because I became exhausted immediately after I went out of airconditioned car. Shemags are quite useful, they are not warm and keep the head cool, but also protect neck from heat. There are not many trees around, except populated areas. Therefore I do not know what you can do with a large knife. Foreigners, as in most parts of the world, attract a lot of attention, large knife will help to reveal you are a foreigner. Also, it is an extra weight you might wish you did not have.
Most of movements I made were by plane or cars. When I was in a desert, the wind made my equipment full of sand within minutes. And it was not a storm, it was an ordinary everyday wind.
It was very safe in the place I worked, but I think Iraq would be different. Maybe expensive things should be left at home.
I had 3 Victorinoxes (SwissChamp, Picknicker and Classic) and Spyderco Delica while I was in Middle East. In fact, I coud do well even without Delica. Some sharpener for knives would be useful.
Regards,
 
YTiger - thanks for the tip on Maxpedition - hadn't heard of them til now - checked out the website - ordering a backpack // great stuff // appreciate it.

Kasik sends -
 
I gotta say, the Emerson fixed blades looked at home inverted on an load bearing vest in Tears of the Sun. Those were all customs provided by the man himself for the movie. http://movies.yahoo.com/shop?d=hv&id=1808405048&cf=pstills

The Emerson PUK is still available though and has all the right attributes.

Before I get flamed for basing my knife advice by what looked cool in a movie I'll add this. The knife magazines have interviewed deployed troops and the ones that seem to keep coming up are the CRKT M16 line and a good multitool, Gerber, Leatherman, etc.
 
Hey Kasik, the "Fatboy" is a modern version of the 'ol "Fagbag"...if you remember. I've got to say it's a great 'tactical purse' :D I've really taken a liking to the shoulder bag when going light...give'em a shot, you won't be disappointed,

ROCK6
 
Max backpacks are well made packs, but very badly designed... extraneous straps get in the way, and that wierd Y strap has a tendency to drop whatever you strap under it.
 
I was in the 1st Gulf War and I would recommend:

A multi-tool (the Leatherman Supertool or the Victorinox Swiss tool).

A large locking, one-hand folder like the Benchmade 710 or Spyderco Police.

You might get issued a bayonet or field knife--but I would not bring any fixed blade of my own.

BTW, when I was still serving, every Hummer came with a "pioneer kit" that contained a full sized D-handle shovel and a full sized axe.

And you will always have your Entrenching tool (E-tool for short).

Good luck and thank you for serving,

Allen (previously of the 101st Airborne)
 
Limiting my loadout to blades alone,

1.) My old Gerber multitool on the belt (still works and cheap enough that it wouldn't break my heart to lose it)

2.) An SF combat knife in the boot

3.) Issue utility knife (I got a Ka-Bar), also on the belt

4.) Spyderco military, I like the lightweight handle more than the police model

5.) Maybe a push dagger on the back or something... but thats pushing it, after all, Iraq is no Vietnam, those that I know who have served overseas haven't mentioned much in the way of knife fighting... with the exception of one guy who went cave cleaning in Afghanistan recently.
 
Rock - saw Andy Prisco yesterday - he carries MAX "Fatboy" - early version of the design. He loves it and showed me how he loads it with his particular likes -

Exactly what I've been looking for for light carry / roadwork / air travel. Talked to Tim at MAX this morning and ordered FB and full size Falcon BP. Should have before I return to the sandbox.

Have carried both Eagle and Tac-Tailor 3-day assault bags over the course of the past two years. Both well made, both with good design attributes. No issues or complaints there. However, both just seem too large and complicated (too many straps, buckles, doo-dads that seem to get in the way and end up being snipped off).

Frankly, I end up going back to my Eagle day pack (which I've had forever and can't even remember the model - but it is the basic day pack Carver originally came up with) and it is just right - and still kickin. The Falcon, however, looks like nice compromise between a 3-day assault pak and a minimum capacity day pak - which is what I'm interested in.

Will have to check out the concern raised regarding design / the Y-strap - hope I don't feel the same after toting it for a bit.

Tim at MAX was very kind and I enjoyed chatting with him. Andy swears by his stuff -

On another note I have been wearing the Tac-Tailor plate / load bearing carrier for nearly 90 days now. This is new design, from SF brother who was in Afghanistan and shared some thoughts and concerns with TACTAILOR - the result is the new carrier system.

I had Chad at TT enlarge my carriers by roughly 3/4" - as I recall - so I can wrap my soft body armor around the hard plates - this makes best use of both hard and soft protection, and the soft armor wrap-around aids in collecting spaulding (fragmentation) when the overall system is struck by high velocity rounds or fragments. Weight addition is minimal (roughly 2.5 pounds).

We utilized the TT SIG 226 holster, carried at a cant for right hand draw. Holster centered on chest for swift/easy access while sitting in a vehicle (escort or convoy movements). Nice thing about the 226 holster is that it accomodates all common use automatics to include the Glock, Beretta, and .45 Colt. It also, as it turns out, accomodates my Model 29 S&W .44 Magnum with its 6" barrel ;) Big is better - the only thing I did was para-cord tie the upper rear portion of the holster to one of the moly straps on the carrier to tug the holster in tight on the carrier. Any heavy handgun will tend to roll the holster out and away just a hair...which is aggravating if nothing else. The paracord tie-down works nicely, and is easy fix for the problem.

The holster has mag/knife pouch topside and I carry Strider tac-folder (the small one) in it. Again, both tool and weapon if necessary and immediately at hand.

Below, right side, are stacked M16 mag pouches - I carry an AK so I have two AK mags, 30-rounders, available. They fit fine - just snug due to the lip on the mag that locks into the weapon's mag well. No problems, however - Have frag available in covered pouch next to mag pouches, and GPS / all-duty pouch next to that. Very compact, and easy to access with left or right hand.

Upper left is universal radio carrier - Most often carry Thuraya SAT phone here - or Motorola "brick". Again, the design allows for multiple systems which is handy.

Right front, slipped down through two moly straps, is large laser pointer for location / target identifier and single cell SureFire white light riding next to the pointer.

Overall very comfortable, easy to put on or drop, comfortable in the heat (140+) although no side protection (ya gotta give up some things to get some things).

Nothing carried on rear due to requirement for vehicle comfort -

Construction on the carrier system is excellent - it weighs in, fully loaded, at probably 35 pounds -

Recommend it highly for PSD / escort work. Convoy should be full armor, wrap-around protection to include neck/throat and groin, with either moly attachments or separate harness system riding over the armor.

Not the sole solution - just one solution -

Kasik sends -
 
Having thought it over more, I think a small snub-nose .357 hideout revolver would be alot better than a large fixed-blade if you expect to be up close and personal with the enemy.

Allen.
 
Allen - your thought process is correct. When you are dealing, daily, with improvised explosive devices (i.e. 122mm mortar rounds, multiple, daisy chained, remote detonated); small arms fire (i.e. light machine gun and AK, ambush, often after having an IED detonated on you); or running gun battles (i.e. such as more than one PSD has experienced over the past year when forced to leave a vehicle or vehicles, car-jack other vehicles, then strong point a house and call for the good guys while fighting off the mob of bad guys), a Magnum back-up / hideout such as you recommend is far more helpful / desired than a "a large fixed blade knife".

Edged options in this specific arena are based/selected more on compact size and carry option; functional on daily basis (common use in an uncommon environment); low profile (should speak for itself); ease of use (both for everyday chores and the unlikely but always possible need as CQB weapon); and ease of replacement (lost, stolen, forgotten, left behind, et al).

Common PSD bladeware reflects, most often, well made and reasonably priced tac-folder and multi-tool. Frankly, CR&T folders are commonly seen as they are common purchase at the PX - as are Gerber multi-tools. Yes, there are custom and semi-custom (speciality cutlery) tac-folders present but the percentage I've seen are production - to include Benchmade auto knives, again available at the PX.

If there are additional edged weapons or tools they are most often tucked away in "get up and go" bags, which are stored / carried in vehicles for just this purpose.

Handgun wise the 9mm caliber is the most seen / utilized. SIG/Tajik/Glock the most popular and seen handguns in-theatre, with Browning Hi Powers also available/found and the CZ in 9mm is likewise available and popular. Magnum revolvers are a tough find as are .45 caliber handguns such as the SIG 220 or Colt 1911A1. I have seen a Llama .38 Super - but ammo is near impossible to find and is very, very expensive.

Kasik sends -
 
Kas,
Mentioned you carry .44,isn't ammo hard to find??Also anyone you've seen carrying Kukris? Thanks for your time. We still have to hookup if you ever get to Miami.
Be safe,
Jim
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top