Marine Recon Going to Iraq Suggestions ?

[TR Graham]

As an ex-infantry soldier, (8 years of service) I would pick two knives -

1. a SAK - Soldier Model. Always handy - and believe me, it will get used more than you (or he) thinks....

2. an Endura. Good blade length and handle size, small and light enough to be out of the way.

Utillity, size and weight are all very important to a foot soldier. Too big or bulky, it gets left "in the rear with the gear"....

TR Graham

[bladese97]

:spyder: :spyder: :cool: :spyder: :spyder: First of all...Please give your buddy a huge **** Ya from all of us!!!! We owe our freedom, and choices to all fine, and brave men, and women like your buddy! So...on to my sugjestion; I love all that were mentioned, like the Manix/mini or full size, and the E4 with or w/out the wave, etc, but considering the enviroment this brave gent is facing, I agree he would need something that is easy to clean, and inspect, and sharpmaker is in order as well. I would say the Atr...ss, or Titanium, or the Milli/Para; The D'allara would also be a fine, honorable choice as well(NEVER FORGET!), but utilizes a full back spacer, preventing full acsess for cleaning. Letting us all know what fine choice you make would be an honor....Thanks!

[diceman]

TR has a great point w/ the Vic Soldier - great for MRE opening, screwdriver is handy, as is the can opener, etc, and the reamer is very nice for weapons cleaning. Unfortunately, the bottle opener won't do him much good over there! I was Field Artillery when I was Active Army, and I'm an Engineer in the Guard now - so I've always had a ride :D which is something I didn't think too much about. I'd still suggest a good fixed blade - 4-6 inches - RAT, Ranger, Busse, Scrapyard, Swamp Rat, etc.

You missed a killer deal on the Victorinox Farmer (identical to the soldier, but has a saw added) at Amazon.com - they were $11 on Friday! Anyways, a Soldier or Farmer would be a great addition - and the Farmers are still VERY cheap over at Amazon - take a look! $16.55 right now, and cheaper than the Soldiers - don't ask why!?

[butch]

Hi MG2,

The most important prt about a knife is that you have it with you when you need it. His fixed blade "duty" knife will be used for prying, digging and pounding. A light weight cutting tool is valuable.

sal

couldn't agree more
if he is to be carrying a FB with him a nice light folder is the way to go

while in my field gear was gerber multi pliers spyderco millie SE and a DMT diafold sharpener fine

looking back i wish i would have had a fixed blade to beat on (would have save my millie from some real abuse) and the now new(ish) dual grit diafolds med/ fine

[SimpleIsGood229]

I'm gonna vote for the Para Military on account of its lock being (somewhat) stronger than that of the Millie.

I totally agree with Michael on the DMT Coarse and Extra Coarse bench stones. I believe those will be absolutely invaluable! Heck, throw in a Fine DMT if funds allow.

[Manix Guy 2]

Great suggestions , talked to a couple people last night , open frame folders seem to win out because of conditions in that zone . Regards MG2

[J Smith]

I would have to say the G10 Endura that is coming out.

[Zozo*HC*]

I would bring myself a multitool, some sahrpener like fallkniven, or DMT. For a folder something light and durable: Endura or Millie\Para. For a fixed blade Ontario RAT's or a SOG SEAL Team Elite :D (never handled the sog, but looks funny:P)

[araneae]

Endura PE, and Salt Atlantic SE. Both lightweight and useful and neither is too expensive.

[silverback]

I would suggest the black ATR. Rugged great blade awsome lock and easy to open and close with gloves on. Figured the black version do it is more covert.

That's exactly what I first thought: black CE ATR
The open construction makes it easy to keep clean and the lock is heavy duty while being the simplest possible: easy maintenance.

But there's so many possible choices, he might also like a FRN Endura or Military, at least that would be my other choices.

I support the idea to get a SAK and Sharpmaker or pro-files to maintain the edges.

But the bottom line is that the best knife is the one you have with you. He must be comfortable carrying it at all times.

[Jenner 515]

When I served I never carried a fixed blade. So I have nothing to offer in that matter.

I used the heck out of an SAK. +1 on the Soldier Model.
I'm EDCing a FG D2 Military right now...that'd be my suggestion for a Spydie Folder.

And given the hard use I give my Multitools as a civilian...a decent tool...SOG or Leatherman.

[jon shannow]

i am in the sand box myself and i carry a mili FG D2 big enough to be useful and light enough that i dont know its there

on thing i will say that if you are thinking about a metal handled knife i.e.
an ATR although a great knife metal handles in the summer out here get dam hot ,along the lines of not being able to touch without gloves if there in the sun for even a short while

what ever :spyder: he gets will serve him well so i guess you cant go wrong

i wish him a safe return

Jon

[ducktapehero]

As an ex-infantry soldier, (8 years of service) I would pick two knives -

1. a SAK - Soldier Model....
2. an Endura.

I am also ex-Infantry and I agree with this. A quality multi-tool would also be good too.

[Franconialocal]

As a police officer, I am constantly struggling with which of my 24 Spyderco's to carry on a day to day basis. To help out my military buddies, I would strongly suggest the Spydie Military lineup or the Endura lineup. Both of these offer great blade size, grip strength/feel, and they are just wonderful for all sorts of applications be it defense, or just using it at chow time. Glad to help and good luck!!! -Chris-

[Manix Guy 2]

The Knife will have to be Ambi folder or dedicated lefty, my friends son is a lefty , just found out . There have been alot of great suggestions , thank you all . MG2

[sal]

Hi Franconialocal,

Welcome to the Spyderco forum and thanx for the input.

sal

[Ted H]

i would say get him a sharpmaker to keep his and his buddies knives sharp first. since he is going to have a good thick FB i read that the Seals love the waved endura with a speed dial. (it is a small sheath that you can tie around your neck or on your vest and as you pull the knive out it activates the wave and opens up ready for use...this is the only thing i could find after a quick search of sheaths...maybe someone will find the right site for you

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

prayers sent for his safe return

Yep, that's the right site. There are more pics and prices on this page.

[catamount]

Sounds like you might have time to get the forthcoming FFG G-10 Endura. I think that would be a great choice.