My brother just deployed and is going to be serving 9 months in Afghanistan (U.S. Army). I want to send him a good tactical/military style knife that he could carry on him for self-defense or protection (soldiers were able to take personal firearms for a while but now they can only carry issued ones... and at least knives can still be sent.) You guys have any recommendations?

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Ephesians 6 (Armor of God)

You can spend a lot of money, or just get a good old seven inch KBar.

I recommend the KBar.

Ask what the regulations where he is are.

If he can carry a sheath knife, send either a Fallkniven S-1 or A-1. They have black blade options. I gave my son a S-1 with black blade and Kydex sheath before he deployed for Iraq. He thought it was too nice and left it at home for a hunting knife on his return. Took a USMC Ka-Bar.

You didn't state a price range, but if you're pretty well off, the Fallkniven should be on your list. www.fallkniven.com Work the buttons and see their line. They have US dealers.

If funds are limited, the Buck Model 119. If he needs to subdue glare from the shiny butt cap, it can be taped while in theater.

The Randall Models 1, 2, 14, 15, and 16 are all good choices. I'd stay with a seven-inch blade on the Model 1. Stainless option, too. Preferably, a Micarta handle. Some dealers have Randalls for immediate delivery, but they cost even more than a Fallkniven. Sometimes, they get too enthusiastic in stamping the blade and you see a depression there. I don't know if it actually weakens the blade, but it's an eyesore. Try to see the knife in advance of purchase.

Fallkniven and Buck have high QC and the knife wil probably be fine as shipped.

A Gerber PR man told me that their Applegate-Fairbairn folders are extremely popular in the military. I have all three sizes and suggest either the large or the medium. It's a lockblade knife that is meant to be sturdy for combat if need be and can perform general camp work, too. But I had to have the blades of the two larger ones sharpened at a knife shop; they were too dull as received. I hope that isn't routine.

Finally, the SOG SEAL 2000 in origiinal form is good and has a nice long handle. Muela of Spain makes a knife called the Tornado that resembles the SOG . Mine is very well made, and Muela has a good rep. If The Cutlery Shoppe still sells the M-30A-1 designed by Robert Terzuola, look hard at it. I think it's an excellent combat knife. Terzuola told me that he started with the US M-3 and improved it. Steel is either 154CM or the Japanese equivaent, ATS -34. And QC is superb. Alas, the sheath to mine doesn't have much of a conventional belt loop. It seems to be adapted to using a heavy spring clip to secure it to military pack straps, I think. An innovative soldier can probably adapt it to use a wire hook for a webbing pistol belt.These came with either bright or dull sandblasted- looking blades. In Afghanistan, the dull look may be better to avoid reflections that might alert a Taliban observer.

If you have a copy of the big Digest book, 2004 Sporting Knives, read the article on page 54. It discusses the subject and illustrates the knives mentioned here and a few others. (This is a separate volume from the companion, Knives 2004.)

If you like the Benchmade Axis lock, I like my Model 710, and my son has one of their folders with a tanto blade. He ripped open an attacking wild dog that was probably crossed with a coyote. The one-handed opening feature probably saved him, as he used his other hand to keep the mutt's teeth from his throat. (This was in TX, not in Iraq.)

You'll get all sorts of answers to this question. But one knife he can definitely use is a basic Swiss Army knife. The Victorinox Spartan is the one I'd choose. You can add a saw blade by buying the Camper, otherwise the same knife. Anything thicker is too heavy for pocket carry.

The only combat use of a knife in Iraq or Afghnistan that I've found involved an El Salvadoran soldier whose companions had all been killed by attacking insurgents. Out of ammo, he opened his lockback folder and charged the enemy! He killed and cut several and they withdrew and he escaped to receive his country's equivalent to the Medal of Honor. I may well have missed some other cases.

Don't send anything too large to be useful as a general camp and field knife or that might upset a commander. Insure your shipment.

It deeply impresses me that the SOG SEAL 2000 passed rigorous US Navy trials and that several Fallkniven models have also passed US and Swedish trials. Fallkniven knives also pass severe breakage tests at the Technical University of Lulea. Their Model F-1 is the issued survival knife to Royal Swedish Air Force pilots. It is small, strong, and sharp.

I am a fan of the Gerber. I carried a Gerber in combat long ago.

That said, the previous post pretty well gave you all the info you will ever need.

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Incoming fire has right of way

Indeed. I just spit out my favorite. Texas Star actually put a lot of thought in it and had flesh in the game.

Gentlemen, thanks for the info. I'm thinking I will probably send 2 knives. One for him to carry and another to keep beside his cot while sleeping. I'm going to be hitting a few gun shops/stores this week and seeing if they have any of the models mentioned. Texas Star thanks for taking the time to offer your input.

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Ephesians 6 (Armor of God)

My favorite fixed blade is the Boker Applegate. It comes in several different flavors, and won't break the bank. Favorite folder is an Emerson Commander.

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I'm with the banned ...

Sir, FWIW, when I went to Saudi for GWI, I took a k-bar and a Swiss Army knife. Used the SAK every day; the k-bar just stayed in its sheath on my warbelt and looked scary.

Not saying the k-bar didn't have value--it did, but it was mainly psychological.

Hope this helps, and Semper Fi.

Ron H.

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Wishin' don't make it so.

Gerber Applegate Covert folders and a Gerber Yari is what I carried.

I know quite a few guys that have been there, from the first Gulf war on, and to a man they said the most useful thing they had and one of the most in demand was a good quality multi-tool like the Leatherman Wave.

I know you asked about something tactical/for SD but a multi-tool is very practical and would likely get used most every day.

For EXACT the same reason I bought my wife two knifes before she flew out.

One is the KA-BAR Kraton G® Handled Mark I, Serrated and the other one it the KA-BAR Besh BOGA (Back Off Get Away).

The Kraton G® Handled Mark I, Serrated is so nice I'll get one myself

KA-BAR Knives, Inc. - Knives > All Categories > Kraton G® Handled Mark I, Serrated - Hardcore Lives. Hardcore Knives.

KA-BAR Knives, Inc. - Knives > All Categories > KA-BAR Besh BOGA - Hardcore Lives. Hardcore Knives.

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Jorge

I agree! I served a year in Tikrit, Iraq (2005) and have to say, all the "fighting" knives are, for the most part, just for morale and tough guy looks.
Also, if you let your nephew get in theater first, and stay for a couple months, he will be able to tell you what he needs. (often there are outposts where beads and baubles and trinkets are sold by vendors attempting to get some of that hard-earned combat pay from soldiers...)

In all my years in the Army, never saw a use for a Rambo knife. The only knife I carried was an Army-issue pocketknife that was part of a lineman's toolkit. BTW, has the Army stopped issuing bayonets?

Thats my question.
But my answer to the OP's question, the first knife that came to mind was the glock knife. Not saying it's a good knife, just cheap and somewhat functional and is what I was looking at when I stumbled upon a mil-surp cetme bayo w/ sheath for $3. Glock was $24.
I don't know how useful and needed a knife like these are in theater but I'd think a multi-tool would be.

Keep in mind that equipment is often lost, stolen, or damaged. I personally am a huge fan of Busse Combat and own several of their knives and think they literally make one of the toughest knives in existense.....However I would be learly of sending a knife of that price overseas where it could end up stolen. I hate to say it but when I was in the Marines I was constantly having to keep my guard up against other Marines stealing....I'm embarrased to say I would entrust my life to these guys but wouldn't always trust them with my equipment!

I like my Cutco Drop Point Double D edged knife, better than my KaBar Marine Fighter, truth be told, BUT I use my Leatherman multitool ALL THE TIME.

I suggest looking at Victorinox Swiss army Knives they sell a line of tactical folder knives there listed on their website under the title lockblades.

This Marine knows the score. While the idea of humping around the boonies with a $600 heirloom Randall (or similar high-dollar knife) sounds nice, it isn't very realistic unless one expects the recipient to do more babysitting the blade than looking out for his own backside. Send your guy a good ol' Ka-Bar or one of these: OKC-3S bayonet - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

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SWHF #448

I carried three knives on duty in the Corps, a USMC Kabar, Buck 110, and Swiss Army Knife. I went with basic tools that could easily be replaced at the PX when damaged or lost. Yes a Randall #1 would have been sweet, but a KaBar was a more practical tool.

Today I would opt for a Spyderco and Leatherman tool

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Regards,
Guy-Harold Smith II

My son did a tour in Iraq and according to him the best knife is a good 3 to 4" folder for pocket carry. He had a K-Bar but rarely used it. However, a simple pocket knife gets used almost daily for a variety of chores.

There have been some great suggestions here and RightWinger brought up one of the problems with sending any expensive knife. Someone else is going to want that Randall or such if you send him one. When my brother was in Desert Storm, I sent him a handmade knife that I commissioned with a knife maker friend. Being the First Sergeant, he didn't have to worry too much about it being stolen since he had his own quarters and his name was acid etched into the blade. That being said, if I were sending something in your case, it would not be hugely expensive. I would go for a K-Bar like the Ka-Bar Short Kraton-G Handled Fighting/Utility Knife and they Kydex sheath. It still has the serrated blade but it's about 2" shorter than the standard USMC fighting knife. You can get knife and sheath at that huge online store (not the auction site) for about $50. The other suggestion already made is a utility knife of some kind. If I didn't use my old Navy issue TL-29 every day for something, it was probably because I left it on the dresser at home. And it only had a knife blade and screwdriver. I agree that a Leatherman, Swiss Army Knife or something similar would be useful. But I'm also of the opinion you don't send something hugely expensive as it could very well grow legs and walk the first time he turns his back.

Edit: Don't forget a stone or something to sharpen with.

CW

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μολὼν λαβέ

For folders that won't break the bank, the Buck 110 and Spyderco Endura (lighter than the Buck, very strong, good steel and a pocket clip) are fine choices.

If you think a fixed blade knife is a good idea, check out the Bark River Knife & Tool line. Mike Stewart has designed at least one knife that was chosen after extensive comparison testing by Force Recon Marines, and a couple of others based on suggestions from the military. His knives are as nearly indestructible as you can get and are workers, not fighters, for the most part.

I always used my pocket knife or a leather an tool. Almost never took out the bayonet except to clean it. Whatever you send probably need to make sure his unit allows them to have them or be worn and insure it as things tend to disappear in the mail a lot.

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US Army (Ret) 83'-05'

Texas Star pretty much nailed it. Good info.

During the Vietnam era, it was said you could always tell the Special Forces guys because they all carried a Randall knife and wore a chronograph watch.

But on the more practical side, a Kabar is great for what is was designed for...a military-style, tactical knife. And, it won't break the bank if somebody steals it. Personally, I'd go with the Kydex sheath and probably stay away from the serrated edge. The blades are made from 1095 steel, which is a good high-carbon steel that will take a heck of an edge and fairly easy to sharpen (unlike some of the stainless blades). It will rust, but the Kabar is powder-coated so that helps.

SOG puts out a good knife, too, as was mentioned. The SOG Agency is pretty darn close to the Randall No. 1 at a fraction of the cost. But, if you're looking for a good, get-down-and-dirty type of knife, you won't go wrong with a Kabar.

Just my view from the saddle.

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Pack light and cinch tight.

Look at Becker Knife and tool. I carry a BK14 everyday shoe string holster IWB. Forget its there. That and a Gerber Multitool.

Wonder how useful something like this would be
Amazon.com: Ka-Bar Becker BK3 Tac Tool Fixed Blade Knife: Sports & Outdoors@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/2181lexkehL.@@AMEPARAM@@2181lexkehL

Never served but seems to me a Soldiers knife should be more tool and less weapon. And yes I understand using a knife for self defence.

Benchmade Nimravus Tanto

I've carried one for a while in my EOD vest. I like it.

As recommended by some others a 5" K-Bar and a Leatherman are good choices and a folding diamond sharpener. I carried a Buck 110 and a 5" K-bar the Air Force provided, I used both but the buck saw the most use.

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Carpriver.

Don't forget that Randall will deliever a knife to an APO address in about 3 months instead of the 5 year wait that is current for orders from them

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Old paratrooper in NC

Whats his MOS. I would suggest a Victorinox German Army issue knife, thumb opens,locking blade,saw ect.As a former light infantryman let me tell you that there is no such thing as LIGHT INFANTRY

Excellent posts, my .02 cents... send him a Leatherman Multi-tool and a large fixed-blade knife made by Ka-bar like the Becker Knife & Tool 7 inch model. Keep in mind the size of your brother's hands, if they are large, get him a knife with a handle that is at least 5 inches long. He may be wearing gloves when he is using his big knife and the larger handles are easier to grip while wearing gloves.

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"Life is short, hunt hard"

/\ + 1 on the Kabar. Will do everything you can expect from a good field knife...and more. First thing my squad leader had me get when I got to the FMF back in 84.

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The Last Standing Knight

I like this Gerber Multi-tool too...good for det cord and C4.

When my oldest son was ending his senior year in high school (early enlistment the August before) we went to a gun show to find him a good Ka-bar. One dealer had 3; 1 in very good condition at $50 and 2 so-so knives at $35. He bought the good knife and turned down $75 twice and $80 once before we got back to the table. His knife was a WWII veteran and saw service in Vietnam also. When he deployed to Iraq, 5 or 6 years later that was the knife that went with him! He got married and came home after that deployment, but the knife was sold to a buddy that was returning to the sand box. His idea was, Combat equipment needs to be where the combat is! His brother served in USMC and has a Ka-Bar, I have 3 (2-WWII and 1-new). My best friend and his older brother both carried Kabars based on their father's WWII experience (that knife is a family treasure of "trench art"). 70 years of proving should say it all! That said; a Swiss Army knife or a Gerber multi-tool would be a useful addition.

Send him a good Leatherman and a solid Benchmade folder (maybe a griptillian or a presido)
Both are easy to carry and you can beat the **** out of them and they still do the job. Maybe an ESEE Izula for a small fixed blade.

No one has mentioned Cold Steel. I have issues with some of their marketing hype, but their SRK, I think it is, is a good knife at a fair price. I think it uses their Carbon V steel, not stainless.

If it matters, when I was expecting duty in SEA in the mid 1960's, I bought a Hibben jungle fighting knife and a Randall Model 3, the latter mainly for sporting use. I also got a Buck Pathfinder Model 105.

My pocketknife was an I*XL scout model bought from Randall, later a Swiss Army knife.

Considering what I eamed per month as a junior airman, those knives were not cheap! That I saved up and bought them says how important I think a good knife is. The Hibben alone cost me about two full paychecks. The Randall cost about one check. I got it from a dealer who had one in stock.

Victorinox SAK's are one of the great bargains in knifedom, though.

I have owned a couple of Busse Knives. Check them out on YouTube. They use a proprietary steel called "infi steel". Can't break it and stays razor sharp. You can find them on E-Bay, not cheap, or call Busse Knives. Their shop is located in Ohio. They specialize in survival & combat knives. You can cut through pipe, cement blocks with them and they still stay sharp. Can't break them, they have a life time warranty. Don't rust either. I use mine to mark a trail in the woods when deer hunting and then gut the deer without effort. Cuts through the pelvic bone and jjust keeps going. Don't even think about sharpening it till the season is done. They look awesome along with the great Busse Infi steel you can't go wrong. It's the best of the best as far as I'm concerned. I have a Busse Badger Attack 5/16" thick between the handles.

I wish your son good luck and please thank him for his service to our country for me.

Do you carry this thick knife in a wheelbarrow, or just improvise a travois?

Sorry: couldn't resist. I'm that way when I try to resist a vanilla ice cream cone, too.

Well , I don't know how it is today , but chances are he won't even be allowed to carry some fancy combat/tactical/fighting knife till he's done some time in a real combat unit , and then only after he's earned the respect of his peers and NCOs. This ain't a tactical combat trinket fashion show. He'll get what he's issued and very little extra personal gear to pack. More stuff means more weight.

The latest issue bayonet is a good fighting knife , the new Marine Corps OKC-3 is even better , like a bigger , modern , partially serrated KaBar on the end of yer rifle.

A good Swiss Army knife or multi-tool with a decent thin blade would come in much handier.