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Need some knife advice for a grunt in the USMC

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Phil-X-
Posts: 7205 - Karma: 14,399
One of my really good friends is going to be a grunt (infantry) in the Marines, I told him that I would buy him a knife before he left; as a going away present.

I'm thinking about going with the classic and iconic Ka-Bar, (with the hardcase/snap in case) Many marines swear by this thing and I trust it as one of the best knives ever made.

http://www.kabar.com/knives/detail/24

But I've heard a few people preferring more utilitarian knives during service, such as benchmades. I could imagine a 7" blade being a bit excessive for daily use (unless hes stabbing people on the daily)

Any one with knife experience or from the service feel free to give me some advice. Price isn't that big of a deal but I'd like to keep it under 150 if possible

Thanks and +k
Aug 11 2012 2:30PM
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Inspire
Posts: 113 - Karma: 20
Might not be a knife expert, but that's a classy knife! :)
Aug 11 2012 2:34PM
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Blake.P
Posts: 9894 - Karma: 3,585
I've got a vintage WWII one of those from my great uncle sitting in my garage. It looks like a awesome knife, super sturdy and practical
Aug 11 2012 2:37PM
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LiquorLanch
Posts: 1909 - Karma: 1,046
The leatherman multitools will be incredibly helpful for him to have. I use mine when hiking/camping/fixing things. It's indestructible and solid as fuck.


Aug 11 2012 3:24PM
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50Kal
Posts: 2828 - Karma: 5,373
Chances are If he's gonna be a grunt in Marines, they've probably already gave him one.( a K-Bar)

 I'd say get him a Gerber auto slide. They never rust, lifetime warrenty, just a all round great tool. Best thing about them  hands free opening. Just flick your wrist with your tool in hand and it opens. None of that 2 hand fucking around like with Leatherman multi tool.

http://www.gerbergear.com/Tactical/Tools/Diesel-Tool_22-41545

He might actually have the same type already. (military gives the grunts knives & tools first days) I'd just ask your buddy if already has those kinda larger, more expensive items.

If he does, just get him a little pocket knife. Then he's not toteing around a 12'' k-bar all day. I'd go with Benchmade. A folding one with a clip on it. Go with Benchmade cause of their lifetime warranty. He's a coulpe of their cheaper ones.

Oh benchmade is expensive but it's cause their good. Really, really good.


http://www.benchmade.com/products/556

http://www.benchmade.com/products/530

http://www.benchmade.com/products/556















Aug 11 2012 3:56PM
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t-rent
Posts: 3038 - Karma: 63
i am a Marine, im stationed in camp pendleton, CA. get him a leatherman or a gerber, multitools are way better than just having a knife, KA-BAR's are overrated, and we do not get issued KA-BAR's. get him a multitool if anything, OHRAH!
Aug 11 2012 3:59PM
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Phil-X-
Posts: 7205 - Karma: 14,399
Thanks! Ive heard people say both so its nice to finally hear it from someone who knows for sure. Ill look into some good multitools
Aug 11 2012 4:05PM
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t-rent
Posts: 3038 - Karma: 63
i have a leatherman, its like a 14 or 13 multitool, it was only 50 bucks, shit works great for me, make sure whatever you get is black, or brown or just painted in a tactical manner for obvious reasons
Aug 11 2012 4:08PM
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Rafiki
Posts: 3858 - Karma: 2,251
this is what i have, given i'm not in the military but this is an excellent knife. i use if a lot for diving and camping and outdoorsy stuff
SOG SEAL Pup (the regular SEAL is over a foot long total length, i feel this is perfect size)
pretty good on price, they're like $100
Click for larger image
Aug 11 2012 4:25PM
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feihlination
Posts: 8356 - Karma: 1,084
Click for larger image

seriously:
arent they getting an "official" knife? or is he even allowed to use a private one? from my time in the extremely badass austrian military, i am pretty sure that you wouldnt be allowed to use "your" knife on a daily basis.
Aug 11 2012 8:40PM
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JoshWong
Posts: 2823 - Karma: 20,539
My dad and my bother are in the Army and i was raised in a very military based family. I would suggest the benchmade knife or one more of that nature just cause they're much more useful in everyday situation that a ka-bar is. My brother used a lot of knives in Iraq and he told me his favorite were gerber and a benchmade one.
Aug 12 2012 12:00AM
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JoshWong
Posts: 2823 - Karma: 20,539
they are allowed to use their own knives. everyone in Iraq carries their own personal knife.
Aug 12 2012 12:01AM
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JoshWong
Posts: 2823 - Karma: 20,539
I've heard of some cases where people carried their own side arms as well.
Aug 12 2012 12:02AM
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Jakx~
Posts: 653 - Karma: 503
Love knives, but I don't know much about them. But mad respect to both you and you're friend!
Aug 12 2012 12:05AM
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POW-WOW
Posts: 1464 - Karma: 40
I would HIGHLY suggest getting him one of these. Really great quality knives.

Aug 12 2012 12:16AM
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FerrisBueller
Posts: 8280 - Karma: 5,173
this one looks bomb ass and samurai like, alot like the one you were initally thinking of, and they are great knives!

http://www.kabar.com/knives/detail/12
Aug 12 2012 12:26AM
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saskskier
Posts: 4774 - Karma: 10,005
Aug 12 2012 12:47AM
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JIBpsy^^
Posts: 2851 - Karma: 36
gerber LMF II if my favorite survival Knife. I generally use a Gerber Prodigy because its smaller and easier to carry in the backcountry. Shit is incredibly though and very useful I can fell a tree 6 inches in diameter in about 15 minutes with that knife. holds an edge incredibly well also and has a glass breaking butt which would be good for Military use.
Aug 12 2012 1:40AM
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Phil-X-
Posts: 7205 - Karma: 14,399
bawmp, thanks everyone so far!
Aug 12 2012 2:48PM
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