...yet, another recommendation thread...

My first thought was a Leatherman Wave. The drop point Buck 110 was a good idea too.
 
bdjansen said:
I think if you’re spending government money, you should for sure buy American knives. Even better if it’s from your own state.
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no knife factories in Puerto Rico; as for US made, my first choice would be a BK-16 - if it had a black sheath and made in stainless steel. Lots of heat and humidity here.

Seems like the Garberg has taken the lead! looks like it has a taller grind than most scandis,, right?
 
eveled said:
My first thought was a Leatherman Wave. The drop point Buck 110 was a good idea too.
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Oh, we are getting a Leatherman for sure, haven't settled on one yet but it will be heavy duty. I think I may have swayed some favor regarding the purchase of a better folder, so I will push further to get a fixed blade. Hopefully, with regular use, the powers that be will finally see the light and we can get better tools in the near future. Our 3 main tools are a flashlight, knife and magnifier, so I am trying to get quality stuff without going overboard.

Garberg and Jager seem to be tied at the lead. Esee 4 in s35, tempting but bean counters might red flag it down. Cold Steel Master Hunter in san mai at around $100 sounds just right.

I will make a list and start comparing all of them, thanks for the great suggestions! got more?
 
How many are we talking about?
what about customs? alot of good makers Here.

Id be willing to make you (one) something (for free) as a prototype, or whatever....
for your service.
You have an important, and maybe thankless job.
 
I appreciate your offer, but we are talking 15-20 knives, at least for my unit (seaport cargo). I will push this issue as far up the chain as I can, and hopefully people in charge will take notice and changes are made in the future. I do make knives, too, but not willing to take this task. We need something that could be sent back if an issue arises and not be too much of a hassle. A custom would be too much, and not easily replaceable. It is a thought that has crossed my mind many times, to design a proto and have some made, but for gov't work I don't think this route would get a green light.
 
zuluninja said:
I appreciate your offer, but we are talking 15-20 knives, at least for my unit (seaport cargo). I will push this issue as far up the chain as I can, and hopefully people in charge will take notice and changes are made in the future. I do make knives, too, but not willing to take this task. We need something that could be sent back if an issue arises and not be too much of a hassle. A custom would be too much, and not easily replaceable. It is a thought that has crossed my mind many times, to design a proto and have some made, but for gov't work I don't think this route would get a green light.
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I agree, you are probably too close to it, other than design, maybe.....
15-20 batch size is perfect. per batch.
but a custom maker would jump at that chance (I think?)
That would be a dream order, getting some deserved "street cred"


I'd still talk to someone like David Mary David Mary he is starting to get a name for himself here, and I know he sends out batches for laser cutting for Other brands he makes/too.
AEB-L is one of his preferred steels and that would be PERFECT for your application.
Obviously I don't speak for Him, but i am imagining that 10-20 per batch is not far fetched.
and he is a good User of knives, and definitely will have a good opinion on what might work. (even with other makes)

*I thought I remembered you being a maker too. :D
Good luck with everything, I am following This with interest.. I already am drawing up a design.....haha
 
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Aeb-l would be a great choice for this kind of work. Still reluctant to go custom, got a strong feeling it would be a DOA proposal. Will also need a sturdy sheath, nylon/cordura/kydex/hard plastic, and an established protocol for warranty issues. Not knocking on any makers abilities, just know it will raise too many concerns. Right now it is something being negotiated, so some sort of compromise is needed.
 
Narrowed down the list to these:

- Ruike Jager
- Mora Garberg
- CS Master Hunter
- Condor X.E.R.O. Dart
- Spyderco Perrin Bowie

Considering the Gerber Strongarm and SOG Seal Pup if price becomes an issue, although the Jager is in that price range. I have time to talk this thru, so I'm still open for suggestions.
 
For production, have you checked out L.T. Wright knives?

The L.T. Wright Next Gen knife looks to fit all your needs.

Can be made in AEB-L steel, or others, and if going directly through them, they can make the sheaths in kydex.


I have a bunch of their knives. Really like them.
 
jfk1110 said:
Fallkniven F1 or S1.......
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A bit expensive, but worth a try

Crag the Brewer said:
For production, have you checked out L.T. Wright knives?

The L.T. Wright Next Gen knife looks to fit all your needs.

Can be made in AEB-L steel, or others, and if going directly through them, they can make the sheaths in kydex.


I have a bunch of their knives. Really like them.
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Will check them out :thumbsup:
 
That L.T. Wright large northern hunter looks really good! plain black handle no liners (or maybe blue?) and kydex sheath with belt loop would tick all boxes...added to the list.
 
zuluninja said:
That L.T. Wright large northern hunter looks really good! plain black handle no liners (or maybe blue?) and kydex sheath with belt loop would tick all boxes...added to the list.
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If the crew is going to pry, I think something like the bushcrafter would be good. Pretty sure I've seen it available in AEB-L.

I wonder if some of the OKC spec plus knives in stainless would do the trick. I think all of them with "alpha" in the name are 420HC. Or maybe the blackbird would do the trick (may no longer have black sheaths though...).

Hogue's EX-F02 could be an option, it has most of the boxes ticked. Their HK fray caught my eye as well recently, but it's thicker than you are looking.
 
did look at the bushcrafter, too, might have to send them an email to get a ballpark estimate. This might take until the end of the year, because even if we are at the end of the fiscal year, it takes a while for the budget to kick in. I will present some options to my supervisor after detailing the benefits of using proper tools :rolleyes: and see if this bears fruit by the end of this year or start of 2023.
 
Agree, Mora's to save the tax payers. If they break'em, just give 'em another one.

But, since taxes are gonna be collected and spent regardless;

Get 'em all a Lionsteel T5B. Max out the budget and get something nice!
5" of flat ground Niolox, (which has been compared by some as a stainless D2), black on black in black! with a button strap for added security, sexy to boot, ticks every box, and gets you a nice knife...
*(or save a couple bucks and get the T5 with the naked blade)

A pair of smaller cheaper options,:
H&K Fray
Casstrom No.10
 
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