My cousin is leaving for his second tour of Iraq after Thanksgiving. I'd like to give him something he can use while he's over there. A knife was the first thing that came to mind. I like the Gerber Paraframes (one small, one large) that I have, but something assisted opening might be handier. If I could get some recommendations from you all who have been "over there", I would certainly appreciate it. Also, rules or regs regarding knives? Is anything off limits? I don't know exactly what he will be doing this time, but his last tour was spent as security at a detention facility, if that makes any difference. My budget is about $50, but might be a little flexible.

Thanks!!

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Insert short witty words here

Emerson CQC 7B/wave



I gave a Marine buddy one for his trip to the sandbox.

@ $100

http://www.guillotine.dk/Media/MoutonTile.jpg
Or, a golden oldie
http://www.guillotine.dk/Media/GuViet.jpg

The Arab and Persian cultures of the middle east are very knife oriented and respect force, why not go for a truly American edged weapon that exudes power. A combat ready Tomahawk.

Eagle Talon

Really the only blades I needed in the Marine Corps was my Kabar, Gerber MKII, and a Swiss Army Knife. and the SAK got used far more than the others.

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Regards,
Guy-Harold Smith II

Randall knives has a five year wait list but for military deployed they will put you to the top of the list and get you a knife in 8-12 weeks. Might give that some thought!

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Old paratrooper in NC

If you decide to try something other than a knife, I gave my nephew a good pocket tactical flashlight to carry.

He returned last month, said he used it extensively. It was an everyday carry. Everything from getting to the latrine in the dark to using the strobe for car stops when doing night convoy protection.

All his missions were night, so to him this was an invaluable tool.

What you're doing is a nice thing. Good luck and godspeed to him.

Munster

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GO NAVY!

I carried a Benchmade Stryker while I was there. A good folder with a strong belt clip has greater utility than a sheath knife, IMO.

I can get you a Fallkniven A1 Army Survival Knife, black finish stainless steel w/sheath for $176.67 (shipped): Blade length: 6 1/3"; Overall length: 11"; Steel: Laminated VG10; Handle material: Kraton; Sheath: Zytel.

Link to A1blz details, click here

Kershaw Blur.. can't beat 'em for the bucks.. get 'em at Wallyworld $57
I treat mine pretty ruff at work all day and no probs..

For a big knife though you can't beat an EK..little over your budget tho..

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I've seen a lot of guys carrying big sheath knives, but is usually a good folder that gets the most use by far. Many of those big sheath knives start to disappear as soon as they are found to be getting in the way, adding weight to otherwise heavy loads, etc. Also another point on assisted opening type knives. As our deployment is winding down and preparations are being made for our return, we are told unless it is issue you can't take it home. If you can sneak it through customs, fine, if you get caught............ My first deployment wasn't this bad, but now they seem to be cracking down alot.

Sir, as has been mentioned, a Swiss Army Knife or other multi-tool is immensely handy. A big knife just doesn't get used very much. In GWI, I never used my k-bar, but used my SAK daily.

Hope this helps, and Semper Fi.

Ron H.

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Wishin' don't make it so.

I gave my son an engraved Wilson COP tool, one of the handmade ones. That one was out of your price range but now Wilson and Bokker have collaborated to make one that is less expensive but supposed to be just as tough. They're not conventional knives and can be used for prying, chiseling, breaking glass, etc. They're very versatile, something your cousin could use every day and they're $59.95 from Wilson, probably less elsewhere. I've attached links to the Wilson COP tool page and an article about them.


- Detail
Wilson Tactical - Featured Articles

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Don't kiss smiling dogs!

That COP tool looks like a winner. Something like that would be useful on a daily basis, and might just get him out of a tough spot.

Sounds like a good pocket knife would be invaluable as well. And don't discount a fixed blade belt knife. It doesn't have to be huge. I remember reading a tale about James Bowie being involved in a gang fight on a sandbar. At a critical point, he had only one hand free and couldn't open his "clasp knife" (old fashioned term for folder) to bring it into play. He vowed afterwards to keep a fixed blade knife on his belt at all times. The rest is history...

So if at all possible, please send him off with one of each... If he has to jetison them when he comes back, that's a good problem to have. He can always replace them once he is State-Side again.

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You're shy a few manners.

I like the multi-tool idea. How about a Leatherman? Those pliers come in handy!

You can get the "Wave" model from Walmart for $54. The ability to open the knife blades with one hand is convenient.

Leatherman Full-Size Multi-Tools

Wow!!! that cop tool just made top of my Christmas want list!!

Spyderco Tenacious if you are on a budget, Spyderco Military if not.

Check these out

KAI USA : ZT Product Details

As far as the Leathermans go, I had an older Supertool that was so useful that somebody "lifted" it. The pliers on the Skeletool break fairly easy, not as tough as an issue Gerber, or the Leatherman Supertool. I've found all you need is some sort of multitool and a good folder. The knife blades on a multitool can be a pain to sort out, and a good folder that can be opened with one hand fills that job. The CRKT M16-13Z I bought in the PX has worked well.

My daughter, a Herc pilot carries a Benchmade 9051 AFO II. The AF issues them to the loadmasters. She's on her 4th deployment with it. It's more than your budget (approx. $160) but a great knife that should last him a lifetime. You can buy them online at the Bladeshop.

This is what #1 son in law was issued first time in Iraq by the USAF:

Benchmade Stryker Auto BM9100SBK

I was fortunate enough to get one as well. A little pricey, but a military discount will get it down a good bit.

eta: After thinking, he will probably have at least one issue knife if not more. In Iraq, maybe a nice pair of shades. Or 2 or 3 pairs of those safety shades from Lowes.

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Dum spiramus tuebimur

+1 for the Benchmade 9051.

Here's a link to a review:

BENCHMADE 9051 SBK AF0 II Knife Review | FreshAirJunkie.com

I gave my son-in-law a Kershaw Whirlwind to take to Iraq.

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VIVERE MILITARE EST