US military folders

[Medic]

I'm just wondering if the US military assigns a folder to its recruits (marines etc) and what kind of blade it is. I am sure they get some sort of fixed blade but do they get a folder?

[butch]

no no knives are issued sept if you are to carry a M9 pistol (ka bar) that is not counting a bayonet (M16)

no folder or fixed blade thats up you you as a grunt

[zeus]

Benchmades, Ontario, Case, and Mission knives (for mine probing) are in the Fed Log with an NSN for ordering by the military. In Aircrew school at Pensacola, we were issued Camillus survival knives with sharpeners in the sheath. I carried a Bolo machete during survival school in addition to the pilot's knife.

But you asked about folders; Benchmade folders can be issued via Fed Log and they do issue the TL-29 Electrician's knife and a four bladed pocket knife (Boy Scout style) made by Camillus, but you have to request them. (I can only speak for the Navy side.)

Pretty sure Leatherman tools are in the Fed Log as well. I do have a MC-1 Aircrew Survival Knife with orange scales, paracord line cutter, and a button operated blade. These were made by Schrade and were also Aircrew issue to pilots.

[Domanfp]

I thought they were issuing BM nimravus fixed blades now?

[Halfneck]

Only thing with an edge I was ever issued was a bayonet for standing in a parade formation.

There are knives with an NSN that can be ordered by your Unit, but it's not like you just walk up to your Supply Sgt. and say "Hey Sgt, I'd like to get this knife NSN #123456." Even if you do manage to get one, they are still Govt. property that you don't own, you've just signed them out to use.

The only NSN gear I ever saw at my unit were the Gerber Multi-Tools. Never really looked into it very much as I felt like I was in good shape with my Gerber Multi-Tool, Spyderco Remote Release, & Emerson CQC-7.

[zenheretic]

I think the lines have blurred on what is and isn't available. I do believe units "in country" often get to purchase equipment of their choice...in some cases. Then people who are shipping out, often get a knife of some sort the brands and models are never consistant between people from different recent times and different units or military branches. Then of course there are the base stores who seem to offer different models at different bases. Then of course you get most companies sended out free knives, the companies reaching the whole spectrum of never mentioning it unless asked, to making it a central part of their marketing.

I base this all from reading this sort of thread for the last three years here and on Bladeforums.

All the big companies seem to be represented some place or another. There doesn't seem to be a standard as had been the standard in previous wars.

[tortoise]

There was quite a bit of traffic in the past that the Strider SMF is the official knife of the Marine Corps special operations unit, Detachment 1.

-Apparently the first "official" knife since WWII, and issued to all personnel in that elite unit.

[J Smith]

I do know that air crews are issued these in the Air Force.

[Goldtanker]

These folders, made by Camillus, were available through supply channels (TL-29) in the army in 1965. I carried one.

[armyguy]

I can't speak for Marines, but am in the Active duty Army now.

In basic training, all soldiers go through the old-school bayonet training. You aren't "issued" one...rather, you grab one out of an old ammo can, run through the course, and then put it back.

In AIT, I can't speak for all MOS's, but I do know that knives were strictly forbidden while I was in my AIT. We weren't even allowed fingernail clippers if they had the file on them!

Active duty, the only time I've ever been issued knives are when i'm deploying. On my most recent deployment (i'm with a military police batallion now) I was issued a Benchmade Pardue designed Griptilian (not sure of the acutal model number) and a Gerber Multi-tool.

There are quite a few manufacturers that offer NSN items for the ability to order, and most of those decisions are based upon company level and has certain constraints like budget, etc. You can't just go up to someone in supply and say "hey, would you order me a .....". I wish it was that simple. The knives do technically remain "Army property" but I've never had to return mine. Too many knives are broken, damaged, or lost during deployment. I've already lost my millie I deployed with and it was like losing a piece of me.


That being said, I am currently writing and reviewing a few knives (including my beloved Spyderco Native) during this deployment and will be posting up my little reviews and opinions and pictures throughout the duration of this deployment. I'm also trying to get the opinions of other soldiers in my unit to help me get rid of my spyderco bias...ha ha. Hopefully I'll have my 1st part up sometime in a week or two, but they're keeping me pretty busy around here.

later

armyguy

[dedguy]

Kind of off topic but I've always wanted a Gerber Applegate but the price doesn't seem worth what you get. I just like the looks of it.

[Jenner 515]

20 Years ago +/- we were not issued a thing, the tools I brought with me were a SAK and a Buck 110...We also carried a Craftsman Wrench in the track thought we got at a stateside Sears.

[zenheretic]

That being said, I am currently writing and reviewing a few knives (including my beloved Spyderco Native) during this deployment and will be posting up my little reviews and opinions and pictures throughout the duration of this deployment. I'm also trying to get the opinions of other soldiers in my unit to help me get rid of my spyderco bias...ha ha. Hopefully I'll have my 1st part up sometime in a week or two, but they're keeping me pretty busy around here.

later

armyguy

Looking forward to that... :)

[scout]

My Unit issues Rescue Jr.'s and Gerber multi tools to all of the boat guys. But anything can been done by private purchase, depending on your mission specific needs or CO.

[Halfneck]

In basic training, all soldiers go through the old-school bayonet training. You aren't "issued" one...rather, you grab one out of an old ammo can, run through the course, and then put it back.

Unless you break it during the course :D

I use to love doing that.