New Knife For A Military Man?

My dad made it through all of his time serving during desert storm with a bench made 910 Stryker which is only on eBay now.
 
I understand your budget of $125, and my all means that is indeed possibly, as other members have recommended griptillians, though for your friends use IMO for the environment your buddy is in and the fact he may have gloves on at time I think the griptillians would be a little small in hand, also the axis lock could be slightly difficult to use as military wearing gloves when not tending a patient...I would find a way to be able to kick in another $50-$60 and get him a Benchmade Contego $178 Amazon ,if it must be Benchmade, I'm contradicting myself because it still has axis lock but it's a much larger knife..also benchmades require a flick of the wrist for deployment which in the heat of the moment in stressful situations is an extra thing to worry about...
+ again for a Spyderco Paramilitary 2 black,awesome knife and for $129 on Amazon pretty tuff to beat, though as another military member mentioned maybe not as robust as other options in a military environment. Hands down my choice would be a Zt0620 black $175 Amazon....extremely well built, tanto blade, nice size in hand, great detent on bearings so launches open super fast with ease with the thumb disc even with gloves on and the Emerson wave....just picked one up myself...off topic slightly but I sold my Emerson cheap to a friend after getting the 0620, IMO without stepping on toes it smokes an Emerson unless it's a custom frame lock, way better built, better fit and finish, smoother and quicker to deploy..just all around a home run on ZT with Emerson blade design...the production emersons have there place but your overpaying for the story behind the company especially the build quality...Anyways sorry for the lengthy post and apologies to my fellow Emerson fans no disrespect...I'm all about soul behind a company also and if you can afford to have multiple knives then great to have an Emerson in ones inventory, but if a person can only have a couple knives there are definitely better knives for the same money and less.
Also a 0560 would be perfect can be had for around $180 Amazon
Paramilitary 2 $129
Zt0620 black $175
Zt0560 $180
Benchmade Contego $184
Again sorry for the length and no disrespect just giving my detailed experience to try and help out IMO...he's your bro and overseas which I am very grateful for myself, I would really come up with an extra few bucks for one of these other knives or any other ones members have suggested even if they are $59-$60 more it's worth it in the end for something money can't buy!!!!
 
erhodes said:
Being an army grunt currently I would suggest either the cold Steel recon one or a zt. I have found the pm2 and military to not be robust enough to handle what we throw at it. Remember we don't always have the right tool on hand some sometimes have to resort to using a pocket knife in rather destructive ways. The more overbuilt the better
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As a (former) 11b, that's a true story... Grunts do got a tendency (and rep) to break $"%#...
Even when folks say it can't be broke, we find a way....

The definition of "paramilitary" is an unofficial military force; guerillas, militias, "sort of military" but not really if you will...
Like a paralegal is not a lawyer, and a paramedic is not an RN, a paramilitary is not a real army; down and dirty Grunts need an all out "military" model, not "para"...

Cooks, PAC Clerks, hospital staff, water purification specialists, that's more suited for their line of military work ;)

Every time I held a paramilitary, despite all the hype and praise it's received, I've always felt it was lacking a bit in the "umph!" department.... Probably just the grunt in me, but I appreciate a little more "umph" in my blades. I've always appreciated spyderco's build quality, but design and personal preference, they're just not for me...
 
Just some thoughts....

I would stay away from knives with delicate tips like the Spyderco PM2 or Military. These are fine knives and I own and love both but I understand the limitations on the tips. If he isn't really a knife guy he might be harder on the tip than is advisable like prying and what not.

The Recon 1 in the new XHP steel is a good choice. It may not be made in the USA but the steel is.

A benchmade Griptilian should get strong consideration. Nice size. USA made. Strong lock. Excellent one handed operation. Extremely durable. Some don't like the plastic handles.

This is where the H&K comes in. These are made by Benchmade. It is comparable in size to a Grip but has G10 handles with full liners. http://www.bladehq.com/item--HK-AXIS-Knife-Folder-Sand-G-10-3--27093

All this said, we hear all the time on these boards that a Multi-tool is far more valuable for today's solder than a pocket knife. A Leatherman wave would be great. Also think of a way for him to keep his tool sharp!
 
Most of the men in my family have served and currently my youngest brother is still in the US Army. During his deployments he usually would take a Kabar and a Swiss Army knife. He'd comment and say that the Swiss Army gets used almost every day and the Kabar stays in its sheath on his war belt almost 99% of the time. Also keep in mind that equipment with soldiers is often lost, stolen, or damaged, which may be a factor on how much you want to spend. Soldiers need knives that are practical, useful, and dependable, not something to collect.
 
RevolverGuy said:
Most of the men in my family have served and currently my youngest brother is still in the US Army. During his deployments he usually would take a Kabar and a Swiss Army knife. He'd comment and say that the Swiss Army gets used almost every day and the Kabar stays in its sheath on his war belt almost 99% of the time. Also keep in mind that equipment with soldiers is often lost, stolen, or damaged, which may be a factor on how much you want to spend. Soldiers need knives that are practical, useful, and dependable, not something to collect.
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I agree 100% with the assessment.
Now there might really be some knife swinging silent operators like in the movies but I haven't come across any. Maybe that speaks for how good they are with their ninja skills.
Still there is a little but. Even if almost nobody has use for a combat knife one might still be good as a kind of insurance. Out of all the Kukri carrying Gurkhas for example there have been a very few who actually had to deploy it for last ditch use. One guy was pinned down in his position and out of ammo or couldn't reach his weapon. Taliban tried to climb to him but he kept them at bay using his blade. While something like this almost never happens I'm sure he was glad to have always carried his heavy long blade with him during his whole military career.
 
Don't know why no one has suggested the Spyderco Gayle Bradley. Tough knife in M4 and very little to go wrong.
 
That $135 Adamas would be a good one, or a Benchmade Triage, the strap hook will find lots of use even if he only screws around with the actual blade.

I think a Victorinox Explorer or Yeoman would be superb choices as well.
 
craytab said:
Just some thoughts....

I would stay away from knives with delicate tips like the Spyderco PM2 or Military. These are fine knives and I own and love both but I understand the limitations on the tips. If he isn't really a knife guy he might be harder on the tip than is advisable like prying and what not.

The Recon 1 in the new XHP steel is a good choice. It may not be made in the USA but the steel is.

A benchmade Griptilian should get strong consideration. Nice size. USA made. Strong lock. Excellent one handed operation. Extremely durable. Some don't like the plastic handles.

This is where the H&K comes in. These are made by Benchmade. It is comparable in size to a Grip but has G10 handles with full liners. http://www.bladehq.com/item--HK-AXIS-Knife-Folder-Sand-G-10-3--27093
Click to expand...

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I almost forgot, the HK Axis is what you.might want, it's beautifully put together, pop the blade out and clean it up and it feels like a different knife, it's got a thick, tough, good looking blade, and the lock is a great combination of strong, simple, easy, and fun to use.

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Get him the awesome and overbuilt knife that you want to get him. It's a gift, and he'll appreciate it. He'll think it is as awesome as you do and it'll be something he loves, and that you thought of. Seriously, that's super cool. Just throw in a SAK Tinker or Farmer (or something similar).

When he gets home next, ask him which one was more useful. I'd bet the SAK. But, the other knife will still be awesome, still be appreciated.

Or I could be wrong.
 
I just got the cold steel code 4 tanto in cts-Xhp. The blade is a beast at just over 3.5 inches. The handle is slim and carries easily. A beefier alternative would be the recon 1. The locks on these things are strong. Blades are thick. Right at your budget.
 
NG VI said:
6abc26913e2606547794a610ad202f37.jpg



I almost forgot, the HK Axis is what you.might want, it's beautifully put together, pop the blade out and clean it up and it feels like a different knife, it's got a thick, tough, good looking blade, and the lock is a great combination of strong, simple, easy, and fun to use.

2206afc9128becbdd83063bfb17332bf.jpg
Click to expand...

Yup, that hits all the requirements and is under budget. Throw in a SAK or an inexpensive Multi-tool.
 
blade dude said:
The original on eBay is about on budget on the other hand. Ive tried a grip with axis and the original Stryker and they both lock up about as solid.
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I also have had both and the Axis lock was far superior. That might come down to the individual knife in question but in general, it is well accepted that the Axis lock is the better lock.
 
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