[300winmag]

Yup - goy my son a SOG EOD tool, wicked good stuff and a S&W HRT knife, in case he needed to cut away any webbing or the like. He seemed to like both. He should be in the sandbox sometime next month...

A folding lockback and a pocket tool make a good combo, even if you're issued a bayonet. They're more convenience tools than weapons, and fill a hole in what a GI needs. Heck, civilians need that stuff, too.

One good thing about a private-purchase knife is that you can have you name engraved on it, so it won't "walk away", if you should be so careless as to leave it unattended for a second. That's why the Hobbit Hole here went with the CRKT Samson 5700, which we are getting at a fantastic price. It's not a combat knife, but rather a utility knife usually worn on the body armor. It's durable, well made, and incredibly sharp, especially after I get done hand-stropping each one. We've now passed the 100 mark in knives shipped out.

[ASOC]

I have one of these that I carry every day. Handy and when I purchased mine at Wally world, quite some time ago - it was like 17USD. Not bad. I ditched the clip, lost the 'thumb knob thingie' and put a bronze washer betwen the blade and body of the knife. Works great, doesn't print and is so smooth, you wonder how it stays in the pocket.

My son indicated a strong preference for a non-folder - the HRT has a curved blade and is pretty sharp - so if he has to cut away web gear or clothing, the person is less likely to be cut as well. EMT shears work best, of course, but we settled on the HRT. The finger hole allows him to dummy cord the knife to his I vest.

[Graybeard58]

It's not a combat knife, but rather a utility knife usually worn on the body armor.

My son Steve wears his on his flak jacket

He is on his way to Mosul, if he isn't already there.

Still bitching about the awful food but he's proud of his "Hobbit Hole" knife. One other thing - As a teen ager he practically lived in the shower and now he tells me he only gets to shower once or twice a week. Gotta be hurting him bad.

[Axenolith]

I have one of those little suckers. I was always worried about being able to sharpen that odd angled blade but the damn thing must be made of forged unobtainium because it just will not lose an edge!

[TC Rider]

Sweet, I've carried one of the original KISS knives for a couple of years (I actually use it as a money clip). I didn't know it had a 'big brother'.

I also keep a Griptillian folder in my back pocket for quick access.