Gift suggestion for someone leaving for Iraq?

T

ThreeWorlds

Joined
Dec 14, 2005
Messages
498
Hey all,

First thread started ever :). I have a friend of some friends who's being deployed to Iraq pretty soon (Marines, specialist) and they wanted to get him a going-away present. At first they wanted to get him "some type of armor .... flak jacket", but with my influence they've decided to get him a decent multitool. Anyway, my friends don't really know anything about knives at all so I'm probably going to be the one to pick the model, so I was hoping that people here would suggest some good models? I do have some ideas but I though I'd poke my head 'round here and see if more experienced multitool people had any pointers.

Things I'm trying to consider:
1. Portability: Functions are nice, but I don't want something that will be too bulky to carry around, especially considering I don't know what his carry options are going to be.
2. Easy Maintenance: Sand, grit, sweat ... etc.
3. Toughness: Ability to withstand all sorts of abuse.

Suggestions please. :D
 
Everyone is going to chime in with their favorites and mine would be a Victorinox SwissTool or, for a smaller package, the SwissTool Spirit.;)
 
First option: Victorinox Swisstool on black oxide finish with nylon sheath.

http://store.irawoodinc.com/irawoodinc/viswblox.html

Second option: Leatherman Core on black oxide finish with standar nylon sheath with velcro.

http://www.moontrail.com/ltg-core.php#black

Summary:
- A rough use tool will be necesary.
- Black oxide finish is a must have.
- Nylon sheath is better than leather.
- Avoid little parts that can be loosed Bits, extensions etc.
- If you can buy 2 of the same, I'm sure that one will be lost or stolen. (happened to me)

And good luck to your friend ! :thumbup:
 
I work with a couple of guys who just got back from Iraq. May I kindly, very kindly, suggest that you go with body armor? Sadly, it is needed far more than a multitool.
 
bk400 said:
I work with a couple of guys who just got back from Iraq. May I kindly, very kindly, suggest that you go with body armor? Sadly, it is needed far more than a multitool.
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I thought about that. I know there is a shortage of supply over there but for me it would be that much harder to select something that is appropriate? In all honesty I don't know much about body armor and what would be compatible with other government issue equipment, and so on. If you have specific suggestions, they are always welcome.
 
I don't think you could go wrong with any of the black leathermans. :)

I did not know the Core come in black too, cool. :)
 
while I never went anywhere I was shot at, when I was in the army I deployed a few times (engineer) and found the Swiss tool to be the best multi-tool. Of course this was before the current list of leatherman tools.
I don't know what he has available for body armour that may or may not be needed but The Swiss tool will be hard to beat.
 
son_of_bluegrass said:
while I never went anywhere I was shot at, when I was in the army I deployed a few times (engineer) and found the Swiss tool to be the best multi-tool. Of course this was before the current list of leatherman tools. I don't know what he has available for body armour that may or may not be needed but The Swiss tool will be hard to beat.
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Same here (armor), except it was decades before either Leatherman or Swisstool. I had to make do with a Kamp King. Somehow, it all worked out.

It has been my understanding that supply shortfalls in issue body armor has been made up. But unless you know what and how to buy it, I would leave these life saving matters to experts. Multitools are a little easier to select, largely because it's hard to go wrong.

Under all conditions, Leathermen always performed well for me. A black Leatherman Core would be my choice.
 
I am in the Army with the 10th MTN and I did 1 year in Iraq, I also worked with Marines because they replaced us at our FOB. Don't spend money on body armor, Uncle Sugar has that under control. I would get him a new Leatherman Core or Surge, and he will have many uses for it. A good Head lamp like a Petzl TacTikka Plus would also come in handy. I think my Multi Tool and Head Lamp seen alot of use. Other things may also come in handy as well like a Digital Camera and a Memory Stick!
 
RickJ said:
I am in the Army with the 10th MTN and I did 1 year in Iraq, I also worked with Marines because they replaced us at our FOB. Don't spend money on body armor, Uncle Sugar has that under control. I would get him a new Leatherman Core or Surge, and he will have many uses for it. A good Head lamp like a Petzl TacTikka Plus would also come in handy. I think my Multi Tool and Head Lamp seen alot of use. Other things may also come in handy as well like a Digital Camera and a Memory Stick!
Click to expand...



fort drum-i will be up there most of the year doing tile work-i guess its a big job-havent been up there since the late 80's when they did the last big build
 
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