[MadMonkey]

It looks like I'm heading to Afghanistan soon, and since I won't be armed with a firearm while I'm there shocked, I'd like to at least ease that "OMG I HAVE NO PROTECTION" part of my brain that is screaming at me, by purchasing a decent knife to carry. The trouble is, I know pretty much nothing about knives.

99.9% of its use will be utility, not fighting. If it comes to fighting, I'm in deeeeep crap :rofl:However, I'd like something capable enough to handle a fight. A Molle sheath to attach it to my armor would be nice as well.

As for folder, fixed, assisted, OTF, etc I have no idea, and I'd like some suggestions. I'd prefer to spend under $200, but if there's something truly exceptional I might be convinced to spend more.

As for details, I'll be stuck in a US base somewhere, not roaming the countryside. I'll probably be getting there by way of Dubai so I'd like to know if there would be issues getting it through customs as well... I'd hate for an expensive knife to "disappear".

Suggestions? Right now I carry a $15 S&W a coworker sold me :rofl:

EDIT: I suppose I could get a Microtech Halo to fulfill my Jack Bauer fantasies... :rofl:

 

[Mabo]

<---- Not a knife expert by any means but here are some of my thoughts:

1. Being there is going to be a lot of sand and dust over there I would opt for a fixed blade knife. Would suck to have your OTF or folder knife fail to deploy when you needed it the most.

2. If the primary use is going to be for utility then I would opt for a straight edge knife, perhaps with some jimping on the spine for added control. However, the thought that I might have to use the knife for self defense would make me want to get a dagger type knife (one with no spine and blades on both sides). I would go with whatever makes you feel most comfortable.

3. I have the following knife sheath on a molle vest and it works great for carrying my fixed blade Busse.
http://www.skdtac.com/Spec_Ops_Knife_Sheath_Combat_Master_p/spo.101.htm
Just be sure you get the right size one, they have a "long" and "short" version. It comes with a plastic insert that you stick into boiling water to soften, then put your knife in and mold the insert around the knife. Creates a great fit around your knife and you can customize how easy or hard it is to remove from the sheath.

As far as knives go, no recommendations here but I'm sure others will be along shortly with some ideas.

 

[MadMonkey]

Thanks Mabo, good things to think about :wavey: Fixed blade is probably a good idea... and cheaper.

 

[GuinnessSynd]

check the sog seal knife have a few friends from highschool that are grunts that carry them ..my one buddy has had his since 05 when he first went over and he has used the same one everytime he goes over there

 

[sdsnet]

I can't imagine how anyone would be expected to go there unarmed. Could you carry there if you wanted ?

http://spyderco.com/catalog/details.php?product=588

 

[GuinnessSynd]

im guessing maybe he is civilian?? i think even officers carry the m9..he might be able to carry his own private firearm?? forgot to mention in terms of fixed blade check out the kabar usmc, strong knife and for the price you can get a couple to take with you just in case

 

[dregotglock]

Love it or hate it...

Cold Steel Spartan

Have had mine for over a year now as part of my edc

Very happy and trust it enough to get the Mrs one, and one each for my 3 sons.

they also make a Tanto fixed blade that my good friend and martial arts expert relies on daily. I would think that a fixed blade would be better but I am the train of thought that if 1 is good then 2 is better...

Be safe,
Doc

 

[Pardoner]

I'll probably be getting there by way of Dubai so I'd like to know if there would be issues getting it through customs as well... I'd hate for an expensive knife to "disappear".

It is strongly suggested that you do NOT take ANYTHING that could be considered a weapon or tactical gear of ANY nature through Dubai these days. Equipment is being confiscated and people detained and arrested.

Mail the knife and anything that might be considered "tactical" to yourself over there.

 

[93GT]

Yuma huh. AD MC/Navy or civilian contractor? I may be of some assistance if you want to PM me.

 

[sns3guppy]

I can't imagine how anyone would be expected to go there unarmed. Could you carry there if you wanted ?

It's a lot more common than you might think, and as for carrying if you "want," no.

As for carrying things through Dubai; in checked luggage, not too big a deal, but you'll be better off mailing it to yourself.

Make sure you bring something warm. Afghanistan is cooling down.

 

[mj9mm]

I've got a 3.25" kershaw that has button assist, open's real fast with one hand and you don't have to swing it to get it done. even if you keep it for a back-up, it's worth it's weight in blood

 

[off road]

Emerson CQC-12, if you can find one.

 

[DustyJacket]

Don't count on bringing it back, though.......

 

[[email protected]]

The Gerber Mark II is a good choice. Retails for about $80.
God bless on your journey to preserve our freedoms.

 

[RetailNinja]

If you're knife is going to me more of a tool, get a SAK. They're cheap enough that you can pick one up and still afford a decent fixed blade.

 

[MadMonkey]

Thanks for the suggestions, guys... definitely some ideas to research. I think a simple KaBar might be just the ticket but I'm going to look at reviews of some of the others.

As for me, I won't go into detail but I'm a civilian contractor, I'll be flying UAV's over there. I don't have the option of being armed unless there's a dire situation going on, and then if I need a weapon I'm sure I can find one pretty easily :rofl:Like I said, knife will be 99% utility and to ease my mind, because a (significant) part of me thinks I'm a bloody idiot for volunteering to go over there without a firearm of some sort. Much appreciated!

 

[jokon]

You can pretty much buy anything on the black market in country, including pistols and ak's of various levels of reliabilty. If you know in advance that you will need protection and whatever organization you will be with isn't providing that protection and you are prohibited from purchasing some sort of defense weapon, then brother...don't go.

 

[MstrPara]

Honestly, I'd take two. A good folder (I'd recommend a Columbia River M16 series folder for durability and price), and a good multi-tool (SOG?).

 

[Fox]

Don't count on bringing it back, though.......

You can mail it home via certified mail.

 

[Fox]

Be sure to take some martial arts lessons. I recommend Escrima for learning how to use a knife. Fencing can be good too.

Knife = hardware, martial arts = software. You all know that hardware needs the software to work!