First, I've been in email contact with a major knife dealer who says he has three or four distributors for the CRKT 5700. He said he can meet or beat the $18 we've paid for the knives. He also thanked us for our support of the troops. More as I hear it.
I've ordered a $19 Ka-bar lockback that specs out very nicely. I'll report on that when it arrives. (I think I'm building a reference library of "approved" knives that we can purchase).
Finally, here's tonight's knife photos. The CRKT and Cuda neck knives arrived today, and here they are with our friend, the 5700.
Next is a closer look at the Arclite, including the extra-cost belt adapter. The knife is definitely good, the belt adapter, ????
Finally, a better look at the CRKT, including all of the attachment accessories. Besides the belt adapter, which seems only applicable for thinner civilian belts, also has more slots and tie-downs, and a pocket clip that can be screwed on the back.
Speaking of screws, the Cuda seems to be missing the tubular screws present with the CRKT, which are used to fasten the parts of the sheath together. If we buy the Arclite, it should be only as a neck knife, minus the $4 "attachment kit" that seems to be missing major components.
Both of these knives would make good neck knives, and would probably be best worn on the same chain as the dog tags. The CRKT also seems to have better carry options with its extra parts. If we go with a fixed blade, I'd give the CRKT a slight edge (no pun intended), but would have no problems with either one.
Plus, our options on folding knives are growing, and we might even be able to go back to our good ol' CRKT 5700.
That's it for now, more reports when more candidate knives come in.