Help me pick a knife for a buddy heading deploying.

[UVvis]

All,

I have a buddy heading overseas soon and want to get him a nice tough largerish battle-utility knife. He knows how to handle a knife fairly well, as from my experience with him in some of the mixed martial arts we have attended together.

I'm thinking one of the Strider knives after the good words here, but I don't know much about which model would be good for an all round time to get dirty knife.

Thanks

[nickdrak]

Striders are excellent blades, I just never got used to, or liked their paracord wrapped grips much. I would recommend a Chris Reeve fixed blade such as the "Green Beret" or the Newer "Warrior" blade. Both are great blades. Another issue may be availability. You may have an extended wait on a particular Strider blade, and the Reeves blades are usually available on ebay or several other knife dealers such as Tadgear, OneStopKnifeShop,etc.

Green Beret:
http://i16.tinypic.com/2s141ac.jpg

Warrior:
http://i12.tinypic.com/48cnbkh.jpg

Another great knife that I am looking at buying is the Trident Oberland 03. Trident gives a good LE/Mil discount also.

Trident Oberland 03:
http://i9.tinypic.com/4bgw2di.jpg

[Foxandreed]

I have an MT that is on the middle to large size. I find that I like this size the best. A good folder is also a consideration for daily usage. Don't forget to get a good multitool. Most people will use this as much if not more.

[nyeti]

Any of the Strider MT's (MT-Mod 10, MT, and MT-L) are all excellent general purpose knives.

THe Strider MK 1 is now available in a short version with Gunner Grip G-10.

The DB-L NSN is the same knife issued to specialized Marine COrps units, and works very well in the CQB/Urban environment.

[Razorhunter]

Ok,
I will tell you that the two most popular knives for military/tactical use, has got to be the BN-SS, and the D9-SS.

These two knives are the most wicked, combat knives on the face of the earth right now. Head on over to the Usual Suspect Network (arguably THE best knife forum in the world), and they will basically tell you the same thing.

Here is a link to the BN-SS, which is the well liked tanto combat knife of the military... http://www.tadgear.com/edged%20tools/bn-ss.htm These pics do NOT do it justice.

I am working on good pics of the D9-SS. It's a clip point version of the above knife. Not quite as stout as a tanto blade like the BNSS above...

[Erick Gelhaus]

I used two different fixed blade Striders - a HT and a EB-S - during my tour. For me, in an alternating mounted/dismounted role, I found the shorter fixed blade to be far more functional.

That said, I know where a good deal on a like new BN can be found.

Erick

[STLRN]

I always preferred the folders, I have an MT that I took to OIF 1 and it ended up clipped to the side of my radio in my HUMVEE, but my SNG always stayed in my pocket.

[usmcgrunt]

You cant go wrong with any Strider! But as some have posted here the MT series for a large fixed blade would be my call! Next the MK1 with Gunner Grips for better gripping! Then would be the DB-L, it is just shorter than the ones listed above and easier to mount on the front of your Molle gear or drop leg holster, its also a strong ass tanto blade with G10 handles! Last, would be a Strider WP model which there are a variety of: tanto, spearpoint,recurve with G10 or cordwrapped! I use my WP alot since I have smaller hands and its easier for my to handle! Hope this helps! Good Luck!

Grunt Out!

MTL-SS
http://img182.imageshack.us/img182/4933/stridermtlssfg1.jpg

MK 1
http://img182.imageshack.us/img182/3541/stridermk1ji6.jpg

DB-L
http://img443.imageshack.us/img443/7669/striderdblkd3.jpg

WP Tanto cordwrapped
http://img182.imageshack.us/img182/1962/striderwpnb1.jpg

WP Clippoint G10
http://img443.imageshack.us/img443/2990/strider0830318frontub2.jpg

WP Recurve G10
http://img182.imageshack.us/img182/2254/strider0830314frontqqlf2.jpg

[QUICK+V]

http://www.bussecompanystore.com/warboar600.jpg

szaboinc.com has good kerambits too.

INFI is like CPM3V in performance and the steel matters ALOT.

The finger hole design represents a quantum leap in blade design. retention and control and more are enhanced.

to see what a skilled kerambit practitioner can do sayoc.com

[Dozer]

I used a Strider MT and totally loved it. I really abused the sh!t out of it, opening 7.62X39 ammo cans, chopping wood, and other things. What really impressed me, beside the durability of the blade, was the service I got after. I sent the knife back to bet refinished expecting to pay up the wazoo but the guys at Strider repaired the nicks in the blade, resharpened, and refinished the tiger stripes for free. It looks like a brand new knife again. You can't beat that kind of service.


S/F
Libardo

P.S.
By the way, I believe Strider still offers their knives with the micarta handle option.

[SGTMAJ]

During my career I carried Randalls, K-bars, CS, and even Gerbers. But once I got my first STRIDER I never looked back.

[Spurholder]

I carried my Strider BN-SS every day while in Iraq. The knife's amazing, and would be a good choice. Strider does a really nice military discount, so I'd suggest that you call them for an order.

[bullitt5172]

If $$ is any consideration I would recommend the Ranger line of knives. I did a lot of research and this guy knows what he is doing. I have a few Striders and they are some of the best out there but for $100 (I was looking for a beater knive for hunting, camping etc) these are outstanding quality.

http://www.rangerknives.com/

http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l274/bglimpse/Trio.jpg

[Glockster35]

I recommend the SOG Seal Pup for those deploying into harms way! It is relatively in-expensive, well built, and a quality knife!

This is what I use, because who wants to run the risk of ruining a good knife in the field!

My spendy knives stay at home on deployments!

[One Shot]

If your friend is thinking that he might ACTUALLY get into some knife fights, he might want to think about a double edged blade of some sort. A Fairburn-Sykes knife, fixed or locking blade, might one to consider too.

[xenophobe]

I had an original Cold Steel Tanto and a Gerber Mark II, but then again I ETS'd shortly after the first gulf war in the early 90's. There weren't many indestructible 'pride of the battalion' type knives out there.