Tactical folder by Spyderco

PSquared · #21

+1 for a Pacific Salt or Endura

If you wanted to toss more cash at the problem - Starmate. Someone is going to pry with the tip, it's just a matter of time.

Based on my own military experience, whilst something like an Endura, Starmate, Milllie, Manix would be nice to have a SAK or a multitool (didn't exist in my day) will be used much more.

elena86 · #22

Paramilitary 2 black blade.

opusxpn · #23

I say the para2 it's nice but the endura has a stronger tip, I would prefer the endura4 tactical blackout blade, light weight, large blade, combo edge if the plain goes dull you still got the serrations, those take longer to go dull.

LC Kid · #24

Hi Folks!

Another vote for the Military. G-10, black or cammo either way. Don't care if it's regular or black blade.

And a sturdy MultiTool is a very good idea: Leatherman MUT.

Donut · #25

shu wrote:Non-stainless is a non-issue... GI's have carried 1095 et al for decades without issue. Military life is about constant maintenance--rifles, gear, barracks, everything. If maintaining a pocket knife is too much it's unlikely they will thrive in a service environment.

I carried a variety of knives during my tour but if I had to do it again I would take an Endura (C10FG). Big enough to handle just about everything, small and light enough not to get left behind, and doesn't cost enough to feel bad about when it gets lost or damaged.

I wish I knew more about that. My brother is almost at 20 years, and doesn't seem to know anything about knives. =\

MatthewSB · #26

PSquared wrote: Someone is going to pry with the tip, it's just a matter of time.

This ^

A knife like the Military or FFG Endura is destined to have it's thin tip snapped off when given to a non "knife person".

I would go with a saber ground Endura or Delica, and include a quality pocket sharpening stone for him to learn to sharpen his knife when time allows.

As much as I love my Military as a "do everything" folder, the thip is very thin and must be taken into consideration before any hard chores. Even though the Para2 is full flat ground as well, it is definately thicker at the tip than the Military.

NoFair · #27

If he appreciates knives I'd give him a Military or PM2, if he isn't in to knives an Endura (saber ground) or Native will be a great choice.

shu · #28

Donut wrote:I wish I knew more about that. My brother is almost at 20 years, and doesn't seem to know anything about knives. =\

I was always surprised how many soldiers didn't seem to know anything about rifles. But they could wipe them down with CLP just the same.

Non-stainless steels like 1095 sharpen easily and tend to be tougher than stainless. Which is why a lot of hard-use field knives are made with non-stainless steels.

Presenting a fancy engraved knife to a service member is a wonderful gesture. Personally I would do it upon their return. Of the dozen or so knives I carried at various times during my years of service, not one came home with me.

The foliage-green FRN Endura - saber-ground and combo-edge - seems purpose-built for a deploying soldier.

hunterseeker5 · #29

Its my understanding that, when you're in, any flash gear could potentially be stolen. You might then consider getting him a less expensive knife such as a Resilience so it wouldn't be a calamity if it were lost, stolen, or broken.

Alternately, while I'm loathe to recommend a non-spyder on a spyder forum, a medium sized ESEE like an ESEE4 would likely be a very nice choice.

Blerv · #30

An Endura or Stretch would make a fine tool for the money. That or a Manix2 of any configuration.

Monocrom · #31

hunterseeker5 wrote:Its my understanding that, when you're in, any flash gear could potentially be stolen. You might then consider getting him a less expensive knife such as a Resilience so it wouldn't be a calamity if it were lost, stolen, or broken.

Alternately, while I'm loathe to recommend a non-spyder on a spyder forum, a medium sized ESEE like an ESEE4 would likely be a very nice choice.

One issue with fixed-blade knives is that some COs are absolute sticklers for regs.

Others don't care, but the sticklers have an outlook that if it's not issued; then there's no reason for a soldier to carry it. And, they'll confiscate it. Much easier to hide a quality folder than a quality fixed-blade from the sticklers.

opusxpn · #32

Yep forgot about the Tenacious great knife for the money, g-10, nice grip, large blade and you can beat the crap out of it and it will still go. For this price you can get him ambitious also as a back up.