which Busse for an ARMY Combat Medic in the 'Stan?

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DowntownDM

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an old friend recently re-upped (after a long gap, we're both non-combat Desert Storm vets) and I just heard he's headed to Afghanistan in January.

for those in the know, with first-hand experience over there, and anyone else with an informed opinion, which Busse would be best for a Combat Medic?

a BWMistress would be neat and all, but probably not that useful in his role, so I'd like to get him something that's truly useful on a daily basis doing his duties.

thanks.
 
I am not a Medic, I am Infantry and on my next deployment to Afghanistan, I plan on taking one of my Tank Busters, should be a great GP knife and if needed, CQB as well,

RickJ
 
My personal choices would be a smaller blade. For example a WARDEN or BAD or custom Sus Scrofa (w/ modified spear point. <--- It can now either slice or stab). The TB is just too big and heavy for you to carry around. Imagine an emergency surgery with the TB in your hand :eek: the patient sure will pass out on this 1. In addition, you probably should consider a medium sized blade similar to TB to make it a combo, :D. Hopefully this helps. Good luck
 
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There have been several discussions about this in the past, and lots of folks really like the AD for soldiers and marines -- it's small enough that they shouldn't catch any grief about it (as might well be the case with a big knife), but the AD is a tremendously tough and useful knife. If he's not likely to be as hard on it, the thinner-bladed BAD model would be an even better choice.

I wouldn't suggest anything larger than a Scrapper 5. S5s were released recently enough that they can be purchased at nearly release prices; CGs have a coated, through-hardened SR-101 blade, LEs (and SEs from the Easton show) are uncoated INFI. S5s have comfortable "Mudder" Res-C handles. While I know that this is the Busse forum, not Scrap Yard, if he's allowed to carry a 5-inch blade (as a medic, his carry options may be restricted) you won't go wrong with an S5.
 
Never been in the military but have followed the threads on this topic.
If it were me, i'd go with a meaner.
 
active duty, the s5, my pick for all around would be the cutellus and knifehunter has them for sale on the exchange, it is small yet easy to handle and could be easily carried in about any setting...
 
I am a non-combat Former Marine with overseas duty who is now a civilian EMT and has pondered this very question should I re-enlist as a Corpsman/Medic.

If it was me I would carry one of the following knives (in no particular order). AD or BAD, orginal Satin Jack, Desert Jack, or a Badger (think ABA) with the older style handle like the orginal Satin Jack. I realize some of the older knives are going to be tougher to get. In a combat zone regardless of MOS what is needed is a more slender blade than what is currently being offered. Additionally the ergonomics on the handles of these knives are more condusive to the type of tasks they are going to be used for.

I would also consider a very robust folder such as a XM-18, Benchmade Auto Persido or Auto Mini-Ruckus, Lonewolf Harsey Auto, etc... for those times when a fixed blade may not be appropriate.
 
Meaner, a little more reach than an AD and a little thicker, less choil, more handle, close to a straight handle SJ, ABA,BAIII etc and an upswept spine by the point.
 
I could see a High Street serving well in this capacity. Mean enough to deserve the last name, "Street" ;), but with a slightly wider style blade and a functional choil... Small & light enough to be carried everywhere, big enough to get things done.
If something bigger is required, then my standby response is usually for the handy CG BATAC with standard grips.
Both do many different type of tasks very well.

Just my opinion, but I have not served in the military.
 
I would go with something small and light. The load of a Combat Medic is mission specific but is almost always heavy!
 
PorcupineMtns66 said:
Some of what have been mentioned. Top to bottom: Skeleton Warden, Cultellus, AD, Meaner.

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any one of these imo is a primo choice:thumbup:
 
How about a Groove Master? 4.5" blade, 3/16" thick, 9.25" OAL, two thumb ramps for multiple grip options and an old style straight handle. Search "The Busse Collector", non-series. Perhaps the Shop could set you up.
Pete (Former Corpsman/non-combat)
 
pmsayre153 said:
How about a Groove Master? 4.5" blade, 3/16" thick, 9.25" OAL, two thumb ramps for multiple grip options and an old style straight handle. Search "The Busse Collector", non-series. Perhaps the Shop could set you up.
Pete (Former Corpsman/non-combat)
Click to expand...

the groove master is a whole lot of handle, and very little blade considering it's overall size. the 3rd gen badger attack does a much better job of utilizing the space in a compact manner (though the but sticks out a bit).

I like the looks of the leaner meaner streets here, but I would say it depends on what he wants to use the knife for. sus scrofa is good for slipping under fabrics and webbing :)

also, leatherman charge with bit kit. If I had to choose between a fixed blade busse and the charge as an "only carry one" situation: I would choose the leatherman.


this is my "ultimate edc" set, small, compact, but immensely versatile. equally useful in city, woods, or combat.
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as much as he would probably love a larger blade, check with him, his commander, or someone before buying it for him. the tank buster is a very large knife.

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Initially I was thinking a hook billed blade like the Scrofa or the Kerambit (Spelling?) but he will doubtless be trained to use combat shears in the trauma pack for work on boot laces and trouser legs/webbing...so the knife probably just needs to be a General Purpose one...personally I would be thrilled to bits with a S5LE or S5CG or Ratmandu.

The S5LE would be my favourite....nice and light...Infi...satin for food prep...great handle...IMO the best bit of Infi in the smaller knife range ever done...team it with some kydex and a handy clip on sheath...absolutely perfect...:thumbup::cool:

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I sent my Army son-in-law off to Afghanistan (82nd Airborne medical unit) with a Muddy Game Warden and an ACU kydex neck sheath wrapped with a good length of tan 550 paracord to be worn by ballchain as his personal knife - light but tough, good grip, out-of-the-way but easily accessed when needed. I carry the Lep Warden in my avatar photo with similar setup with my flight suit (retired Air Force now military contractor).
I'd also recommend as a second knife an Active Duty worn in a lower position such as pants leg or ankle pocket. And always a good SAK such as the new OD Army model with one hand opening/locking serated blade and saw.
Best Wishes,
"Bloody Bill"
 
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