Knife for a Friend going to Iraq

[EvilMonk]

Mine has seen Ramadi, Fallujah, and Saqliweah.

CRKT M16-14M

The Glock 81 Knife is a real find too. Cheap as all get out as well...

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[wavedrop]

I am not an expert on this either but I have some knowledge on Gerber Knives as of late. Gerber makes a knife called the LMF II. I have read numerous reviews raving about the knife and there are even some youtube.com videos that I have seen where they test the knife. They essentially beat the knife around and try to break it. They use sladge hammer and try and snap the knife in half. You can probably find it by doing a search on youtube.com, but the long and short of it is that after maybe 100 swings from the hammer the knife finally broke. Apparently it is currently used by the US military already. Good luck.

[phearcat]

Hey I'm currently in Iraq right now!

Two things I would suggest:

5.11 Tactical First Responder Tanto Knife:

5.11 Tactical First Responder Tanto Knife Closeout

They have a huge discount on these. Just 60 bucks and it's amazing quality and stength on this knife. Low cost doesn't equal low quality.

I would also suggest you get him a high end leatherman tool. One of the higher end models off of amazon wich usually go for around 100 bucks. These two knives will be all a servicemember could possibly need over here.

Having a large knife over here=Not practical. Having a a very strong and sharp folding knife over here=very pratical. Something I use every day in fact. Knives are about utility here. Your "backup" is your M9. With all the crazies we have running around here with AK 47's don't tell me your going to pull out a knife to defend yourself in a pinch.

[SIGP250]

Make sure it is legal for him to take there and bring back. The wrong blade length will result in some Kuwaiti, UAE or Iraqi security dude saying, "Cool! Look at this great knife I get to keep!"

Good point. What do you do with it when you get back. Possession of Auto's is illegal in most states unless you are a LEO.

The Gerber 06-F.I.S.T. might be a better alternative.

[aquaman67]

...Benchmade Griptilian.

This is what I carried in Iraq (Spet 2006 - Aug 2007).

[can2boy]

my cousin just got back from iraq. he carried this! (gun & ammo not included)LOL!

[SIGguy229]

SOG Seal pup. thats what my usmc buddy had me send him.

+1..This is what I had mounted on my vest

[Augrunt]

I work for a tactical supply company and we have been selling the hell out of Glock 78 and 81 knives. Very popular right now and we get good feedback on them. As a former Grunt (11c) I like the feel of them and they keep a good edge. Affordable as well, Buy him 2!!

[DPAZ]

[QUOTE=phearcat;1591977]Hey I'm currently in Iraq right now!

Thanks phearcat for your service!

[logically]

Thank you all for your answers! And thank you all current and past vets for service and for your advice!

We have it narrowed down to the ZT 350, the SOG Seal Pup, or the Benchmade griptillian....

one of those three are going with our friend overseas...

thank you again for all the advice!

[Pitbull592]

ESEE RC-3Military version. Best knife I've carried, comes with molle locks for your rig as well.

[lanenoland]

+1 on the ZT0350. I've been carrying that knife for a couple of weeks now, and couldn't be happier with it. It's built like a tank out of premium materials and comes from the factory with a great edge. The features that I appreciate most are the finger choil and spine jimping; between the two there is little chance that your hand will slip forward onto the blade. It's a truly excellent knife.

[psychophipps]

Thank you all for your answers! And thank you all current and past vets for service and for your advice!

We have it narrowed down to the ZT 350, the SOG Seal Pup, or the Benchmade griptillian....

one of those three are going with our friend overseas...

thank you again for all the advice!

Of these three, I would go with the Griptilian. Great knife, great steel, excellent heat treat, excellent customer service, and it has a trainer available. You could easily get both the knife and a trainer for them for under your budget.

[AllAbtSlfDef]

Agreed about the grip. But I do have to say the seal pup would be a nice addition to have too. You could probably get a (live) grip and a seal pup elite for under budget as well. Not trying to step on toes. A folder and a fixed are a nice pair.

Forgive me if you are only limited to one blade, I have not read the whole thread. Thanks, good luck.

Jason

[Romans623]

ESEE RC-3Military version. Best knife I've carried, comes with molle locks for your rig as well.

+1 on RAT Cutlery well now ESEE.