Yes that sounds a good compromise <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

I am with you steelfan, I think that Dan already builds some pretty bad [censored] tactical knives, atleast that's why I am drawn to them. Though I am no "operator" nor "sniper/spec ops guy", I do approach my knife/gear purchases for strength and utility, oh and if it looks "tacticool" well then so much the better. One must "bug-out" in style right! Would something like the top hook as seen on the swamp mojo line, and here with the yard hook, but sharpened so as to meet the wire cutting needs work?

That was my thought, which is why I bought one specifically to go on the front of my tac vest (Black blade/black handle).

For barb wire, I've always carried a very good pair of diagonal cutters to go through it; they fit very easily into one of the many small side pouches on my vest. They haven't failed me yet.


Honestly, I'd be afraid the tip of that knife would break if used to pry. I like the S5 tip far better for such a purpose.

For the price, I'd say either the Dumpster Mutt or the Scrapper 5 would capably fulfill this role reliably; it would really depend upon the individual persons' "taste".

Hi Bob, I was suprised at the guy who was SWAT mentioning the issue of "stabbing" regarding a knife like this...normally a "tactical" knife is meant to be a "tool" for day to day use/living needs in a military environment...more therefore almost "bushcraft and food prep and obstacles" in my view...I only carry something bigger if I need to chop wood...I shudder to think of the situation where my rifle and pistol are of no use and I am down to a knife.

However, taking your point directly...if you have to use a 4-5 inch blade I think you could do so.

Editted because the original words came out too "gung ho".

Gotta agree with Steelfan on this; the training I've been give always mentions not to go for the areas where there's the possibility of body armour to obstruct your attack.

Instead, aim for places where a sentry/ lone enemy would be vulnerable: neck and head, armpit, side of the ribs under the arm... these are the areas where a knife can do the most damage, typically fatal. You don't need a very long knife to do this either.

Yes me too...plus there is a number of other bits of kit which in fairness would always work better than compromise features on a knife...but it would be useful to have these as "back up" features if it costs nothing on the primary performance of the knife to incorporate them. I do agree though that you probably would'nt want to exchange proper cutters for a compromised feature on a knife....although the feature could be handy for ferro rod use or other such applications.

The problem with the DMCG is that the handle is way too small for most guys. If that knife had a bigger handle I would like it much better. Now, with that being said, I must say that I have never had to use a knife to pry a door open. We always carry a 24" Halligan Bar for breaching doors that we can't kick open.

I have carried many different knives in combat situations as well as security detail, and my favorite "go to" blade is the RatManDu. However, I am looking forward to receiving my S5s as I think they will be about perfect for such roles. The DMCG is a great knife as well, but it would be fantastic with a larger handle.

Well I am just a civilian and don't ever breach doors, but the handle on the DMs has always seemed a bit small for me, so the Ratmandu is still my favorite 5" blade knife.

I am with you all the way Tolly...we have a small ball hammer with our black ops kit...a breaching bar and a specific "team" door ram...plus we have Hatton rounds for a 12Guage for door hinges...and even shaped charges if need be...so I have never understood the "prybar" aspect on carry knives but figured within the US it was a "done thing"... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

I also did'nt know your SWAT guys did Explosive MOE's ....over here this is passed over to the Military if it is needed...and as for the guy in the Busse post who said he used the knife to pry off material from a wall in preperation for an explosive MOE...well if it is that serious over here we have the Architect's drawings to look on before this sort of thing is done...cabling and piping and inner materials are all just as important as the outer skin material...

It must be different strokes for different folks...??? Oh...and I am a fan of the RMD and a larger handle for the Dumpster Mutt as well... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />