Knife for a Border Patrol agent

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Franciscomv

Joined
Feb 7, 2005
Messages
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A buddy of mine has just finished his training at the academy (thanks to my expert Spanish lessons over Skype :D ) and is going to start his field training with the US Border Patrol. I want to get him something nice and useful, but I've got no idea what BP guys actually do on a daily basis. He's slowly getting into knives, but he's about to get married and start a family so money's tight right now.

I know we've got quite a few forum members with LE backgrounds, so I thought I could get some recommendations from you guys. I was thinking about a folder and a multitool. Something like a ZT 560 and a SwissTool Spirit, but I fear it might be too heavy.
 
I would totally go with a zt 560 and possibly a sniper rifle. Ok, ok... just a zt 560.
 
Not LE but I have been able to ID these knives on CBP agents, Benchmade Griptilian, Cold Steel Recon 1, and a Kershaw that was most lkely a Blur. The ZT would be an awesome gift, especially if he's a knife guy. Also checkout Benchmade's interdiction kit.
 
Some sort of multitool would probably be useful. A good flashlight would be another good option. Whatever you get make sure it is functional and light weight. If you want a single purpose blade then a spyderco delica ffg is hard to beat for the price & weight.
 
My cousin graduated from the Mass. State Police Academy last year and the instructors there recommended serrated Spyderco Enduras as one of the best choices in a pocket knife for law enforcement use.
 
Zt 0561 or 0560 I just got mine yesterday, solid piece of metal, thick blade, but not to heavy, super sharp.

Go to kershawguy, excellent service and prices.
 
For cheap, I'd get a blem G10 Kershaw JunkYardDog 2.2, the composite blade with a D2 edge. It's heavy-duty without being heavy and cuts great. Buy it from Dave, the Kershaw Guy.
For more money, the Spydie Military, carbon fiber. Heck, Sal of Spyderco said this is the knife he'd give his kid for military service. I trust Sal.
sonnydaze
 
His actual duties will depend on what station he gets. Duties will be somewhat different if he is at a line station or works a check point, etc. Might keep in mind something fairly light (a lot of walking, hiking) and definitely something with a great clip to stay secure. Very, very easy to lose badges, watches, knives and anything else loose. Ask me how I know! :) Congrats to your friend.
 
Get them a Leatherman Skeletool (you can find one on amazon for cheap) and then get them a good flashlight like a surefix 6px. That all together would be similar to the price of the ZT and he'll get a lot more utility out of it.
 
It really depends where he is going to be working at. A guy that is working a TCP in California is going to have a different set of needs than a guy working out in the middle of nowhere in Arizona or Nevada. In answer to part of your question. BP agents have a variety of jobs and positions which range from searching underground sewage systems in major areas on foot (for miles at a time with nothing but flashlights, its seriously like something out of a horror movie) to such wierd things as BORSTAR (thier elite search and rescue force).

I always tell people that they cannot go wrong with a good multi-tool for MIL/LEO buddies. Its something incredibly versatile, and you never know what gross substance a law enforcement officer is going to have to poke at. I am a big believer in the new Emerson EDC-1 multitool, Its a great knife in its own right and has some slim and tidy features. Its produced by multi-tasker which is kind of the cool guy multi-tool in the shooter community. For full tilt multi-tool tho, I am a fan of the Leatherman Mutt, Its a beast.

If you decide to go with a regular folding knife, Emerson and ZT are both excellent choices. I think the Emerson CQC-8 is his most utilitarian design, but anyone of his tanto ending blades is also great because they give a good angle at the tip for scrapeing and a sharp tip for poking and prodding and piercing. Think about small little baggies of things removed from peoples pockets, alot of these are made ad-hoc by useing the plastic that comes from ciagarrete packs and burning the tops shut and other equally weird ways and if they need to open it up for any (godawful) reason, they arent just going to tear it open.

Good luck to your buddy, he has just got himself a coveted job.
 
Thanks for all the replies, I knew I'd get some good info. I'm not sure where he'll be stationed, if he has any say in the matter he'll be running around the brush in the middle of nowhere, but the CBP might have other plans for him.

I know he has a Delica, which is why I wanted to get him something different and larger. I thought of the ZT 560 because it's got a great weight/strength ratio and it's very easy to open with gloves or very cold hands. But I'll look at the other folders suggested here.

I'll definitely get him a multitool in addition to the knife. He's been wanting a good one for a while. I was thinking of a SwissTool Spirit because it has worked very well for me, but the Leatherman MUT might make sense (I hadn't considered it initially because of weight).
 
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