Your advice please.

wlifter123

wlifter123

Joined
Oct 16, 2002
Messages
139
I've got a friend in the Reserves that will be going to Afghanistan in a few months. I really have no idea what he will be doing there and I don't think he does either. I know his training has something to do with artillery if that helps. Anyways, before he leaves I want to give him a decent knife to take with him to help him do whatever it is he'll be doing. I believe he is allowed to carry a knife, I could be wrong about this, but he carries a fixed blade Gerber Gator to drill every month. I don't think he'll carry a big knife, and I myself am not a big fan of those anyways, so I'm thinking about a blade length under four inches. I have narrowed the choices down to two knives, either a Swamprat Bandicoot or a Greco Baby Whisper. I own a Swamprat and believe it would make an excellent knife for him, however I also think a Greco would work nicely too, although I've never handled one. Which knife would you go with? I'm also open to alternative suggestions from those that understand this stuff better than myself. Thanks in advance for your help.

-Dan
 
Dan -- I'd say Bandicoot or Howling Rat. Awesome warranty and there are several sheath makers who have sheathes available in both Kydex and leather. I don't think the stock sheath would be secure enough for his uses. Make sure you notify the folks at the Swamp that this is for military use.
I'm sure your friend will appreciate which ever one you choose.
 
if you want to go with swamprat, eric "normark" has 3 options on his site for sheaths he can make without you shipping...

SWAMP RAT KNIFE WORKS
Swamp Rat Bandicoot *NEW*
Swamp Rat Camp Tramp $38USD SRKW-CT
Swamp Rat Battle Rat $38USD SRKW-BT

http://www.mnsi.net/~nbtnoel/products.htm

eric does top notch work and besides the great price, is a great guy to boot.
 
I just got my first Swamp Rat the other day. A Bandicoot, and I believe it would be perfect. IF, they let him carry it, that is. Just to be safe, get him a decent medium sized folder too.
 
Thanks for the responses so far guys. You know, a leatherman wave does seem like it would be much more useful than a fixed blade, but it's just not as inspiring. Besides my previous question, how about some more opinions regarding a multitool vs. a knife.
 
Whatever you get him, do him a bigger favor and get him a field sharpener too. There's nothing like spending a month in the field and discovering that nobody in your outfit remembered a un-duller.

Also, FWIW, I understand the regs for what is and is not allowed will vary depending on the CO. Some may not permit fixed blades at all (out of deference to the locals I guess) or may have some other odd restictions. A multi-tool however would almost always be permitted.
 
Several of the soldiers I've corresponded with in the field have begged for (and received) good multitools.
 
The multi tool will probably be more useful than any single knife.
Maybe a multi tool and a Spyderco Endura or Delica?

Paul
 
I don't know your budget (that's always a scary intro... :eek: ) but, if you do end up buying him a medium-sized folder, I would recommend the Greco Falcon or folding Whisper. I just got one of each the other day, and man, they are awesome. They are the toughest folders I've ever felt and they are of an amazingly simple construction, to boot. They cost $75 each, plus shipping. For an extra $9, you can also buy a replacement parts kit. Other than a new blade and handle, this kit comes with EVERYTHING new that he would need to completely rebuild the knife, plus the allen wrenches, all in a small plastic bag.

The Falcon has a slightly stouter lock and is also tougher to open and close. The folding Whisper has a more contoured handle and is easier to open/close. I actually prefer the feel of the Falcon. Due to a lack of "bird's beak" on the end of the handle, it has a slightly larger in-hand feel, which accommodates my large-ish hands better.

So, I don't know what you'll end up doing but, if you get him the multi-tool/folding knife combo, I think the Greco folder is a great choice.

Trout
 
Go with the Greco. If you order one through the site, let John know. He'd appreciate your sentiment. My regards to your friend. I wish him a safe journey.
Dayuhan
 
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