Which knife for SF selection?

M

mmckinley

Joined
Jun 8, 2005
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Hi All. I'm a soldier attending SF selection later this year. I'm new to hi end knives and could use your help. Can anyone recommend a knife to take with me to selection this fall? I only get to pack one and it has to have a sub 3" blade. I might be able to get away with up to 3 1/4". I want to spend less that $150. I won't have access to a sharpener for a month. I'll use the knife for common field tasks. I was thinking of getting a spyderco paramilitary, does that sound reasonable? Thanks for reading.

-Mark
 
Paramilitary, or maybe a Benchmade mini-Ritter Griptilian(558). The Paramilitary's blade is actually just over 3 inches, but I would guess that it would still be allowed. If you wanted to play it safe go with the mini Ritter, it's blade is 2.88". www.aeromedix.com
 
Strider SnG? :D

I know, that is way over budget.

The Spyderco Manix would be good, but I think the blade is too long.
 
Steven Roos said:
Strider SnG? :D

I know, that is way over budget.

The Spyderco Manix would be good, but I think the blade is too long.
Click to expand...

The SnG and Manix have 3.75" blades.
 
Lil Timmy said:
The SnG and Manix have 3.75" blades.
Click to expand...
Well, that sucks then...

Strider PT? lol! Still no good, I know.

Hell, get a Spyderco Delica. It will stay sharp.
 
Maybe pick up a used CQC7/970/975 if they're still in general trade/auction circuits. Unless the previous owner happened to dig tunnels with the thing, it'll still be sharp, tough, and capable.

Are you limited to a folder? Something like a Clinch Pick or a TOPS Tracker would meet blade length requirements, and (assuming the Tracker comes with a similarly handy carry rig) might be a lot more at home out in whatever godforsaken patch of condemned land Uncle's sending your particular scout troop to. Also make sure to get some kind of retention device, a leash/lanyard/sheath-snugger, something to ensure that you don't end up hands and knees in the Mosquitoville Municipal Swamp pawing around for your blade. (you won't ever find it; the crawdads build vast underground monasteries out of lost swamp knives, I'm sure of it)
 
Spyderco Lil' Temperance - 3" blade, Martial Blade Craft rated, serrated edge model @ $137 at New Graham.

David
 
You absolutely can't sharpen it? Like, you couldn't even bring along a Lansky dog-bone keychain jobbie? If that's the case, definitely go with a nice thin ground blade with full serrations. Something like a Paramilitary or Temperance. I normally hate serrations, but a thin edge with teeth'll keep on "cutting" long after it goes dull.
 
Benchmade activator. 2.1" blade, but you will really appreciate the big handle. fits nicely in the hand. if the knife is going to be used actively, how well it sits in your hand and how comfortable you are using it is more important than another 1" of blade
 
You could always try to learn to sharpen on natural stones...that might help you out, though serrations are out. However, you would have to be proficient at whatever you could find, thus, getting a serrated edge that will last might be smarter.

From the specs, I think the pmillie would be a good soloution. The cutting edge is just under 3" while the blade (metal) is over. The difference is in the choil. You can probably argue it to pass the knife.
 
mmckinley said:
Hi All. I'm a soldier attending SF selection later this year. I'm new to hi end knives and could use your help. Can anyone recommend a knife to take with me to selection this fall? I only get to pack one and it has to have a sub 3" blade. I might be able to get away with up to 3 1/4". I want to spend less that $150. I won't have access to a sharpener for a month. I'll use the knife for common field tasks. I was thinking of getting a spyderco paramilitary, does that sound reasonable? Thanks for reading.

-Mark
Click to expand...

Based on your description, should we assume you are talking about a folder, and will you need to pry with this knife, or actually use it to cut things?

Thicker blades = better prying, but usually duller edges.

Thinner blades = better cutting, but suck at prying.

For basic cutting, I'd recommend the Benchmade RSK Ritter Grip Lil Timmy mentioned above.
 
Another vote for the Doug Ritter Mini-RSK Mk.1, AKA the Benchmade Model 558. Read my review of its big brother the 552 here.

RSK_2minis-full_300w.jpg


The large (552) and small (558) versions

Reasons?

  • Light weight
  • Superior (and stainless) steel
  • Excellent and easy-to-manipulate lock

Read about them here.

Order one (in black or yellow) here for $99.95

If your SF training is anything like the UK's, the last thing you'll need is anything heavy, fragile or difficult to manipulate when you're "on your chinstrap."

Best of luck!

maximus otter
 
Get a thin blade and avoid prying with it if that's at all possible. Bring a multitool, _any_ multitool, for the "everything else" tasks that knives aren't built for. If they're anal-retentive about the one-knife policy, get an inexpensive multitool and break off the blade before you go multitool-less and compromise your knife's function with a thick blade. The inability to sharpen for such a long period of heavy use is gonna kill you if the edge is too thick.
 
I don't think not having a sharpener for a month is that big of a deal. When I was in the Army I cut MRE packages, 550 cord, map overlay plastic, tape, and everything else with my 110 and Leatherman for a few years before I found out that knives needed to be sharpened periodically.

I would recommend a Spyderco Delica because it is inexpensive and most soldiers' knives eventually get lost, stolen, or broken.
 
My Benchmade Doug Ritter RSK Mk1 chopped through this peice of wood and still was able to shave hair off my arm, without re-sharpening:

ritter_chop01.jpg
 
My Benchmade Doug Ritter RSK Mk1 chopped through this peice of wood and still was able to shave hair off my arm, without re-sharpening
Click to expand...
That's a hell of a statement. I had been debating about getting one of these. I think you just sold me.
 
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