I’m looking for some advice here, from you guys, my like-minded knife buddies. Especially those of you who have served, Thank you very much.
A very good friend of mine has a son in law that we have become close to also. This young Marine is going to deploy sometime this month to Afghanistan. The only thing that I have been told is that he will be doing security escorts. So, naturally, I feel compelled to give him a decent knife to accompany him in his duties. I’m not even certain that he could take it with, or other restrictions involved. Will he be issued another knife that he must use?
I’ve picked a few knives from my humble collection that could be appropriate. My considerations are that it is a Combat knife, not a fighting or survival knife, if you know what I mean. He is a small statured man, but tough and determined as any Marine. It must be big enough to stab, small enough to be carried without being in the way all the time, and tough enough to withstand abuse as a tool. I want to make a Desert Tan kydex sheath for it and include a Tek Lox and some molle clips. Does it need a safety strap for additional retention? Or should I pick up a Spec Ops type of sheath for it. Time is of the essence if I need to order.
Do you think Res C is the way to go, or should it have a hard pommel for strikes etc?
The choices for you to consider, are as follows:

Which knife for duty? single choice
	SYKCO 511
	Ratmandu
	Rodent 6
	SYKCO 711
	Regulator
	None of the above
Votes accepted starting: 08/06/12 11:21 PM You must vote before you can view the results of this poll.

Most of the young soldiers I know prefer smaller, lighter knives. But Marines....I gave my neigbor's son a Regulator bowie. He carried it proudly in Afghanistan.

Although I love my Dogs, I went with the Rodent 6. It will handle everything the Dogs will along with the RMD, BUT if there is a chance it may need to actually function as a weapon for some reason or other (and it possibly could), either on or off duty, I personally feel the added blade length would be beneficial yet not be to long so as to get in the way.

Sheaths? give HIM the option. IF YOU CAN, do him a kydex like you are talking PLUS get him the spec ops. He can put a multi tool in the pouch and be pretty much set.

Just my two cents as I didn't serve in a combat role.

i went with the r six. to big a knife and it gets left at the base. to small and it cant pry or fight as well. resc is more grip but i would want the hard end to strike with. you could ask jj what he think. the guy might be best served if he could handle them and pic what he wants. if he cant handle them send him that pic and the specs for each blade. the he can choose the style and size he thinks will best serve him.

I selected the 711....but you can't go wrong with any of these blades.

I think it really comes down to overall length and weight.

If trying to stay light the 511 is a no brainer..... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

If you can deal with the extra weight, the 711 is more versatile..... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

But one consideration we have not talked about is he will have escort duty. That means riding in a vehicle hours a day. Will X length a blade work riding in a seat all day long?

The R6 could be the one and only if it came down to it. It is seems light for its size. The 511 is a close second if weight really is an issue.

This is very much dependent on how he intends to carry it.....

Only he could answer this one for us.

I voted RMD. I think the 511 would be perfect if it weren't for that small handle. For me, that Regulator would be the best fighting knife of the bunch, but the RMD would be the best all-arounder.

I voted the 7-11; a little bigger and a LOT better than a kabar! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

511 or rmd

I did not vote, but can say that the RMD is not a bad choice.

I'd also like to let you know that the small Spec Ops Combat Master will fit the new R6 very well without modification to the insert. Snug and no rattle.