I think those hybrids would work really well on the longer knives, too. Great idea.

I agree the hybrid rmd and 511 are great. Modularity with a thumb ramp!
Please let us know what he ends up with.

Another pro rmd would be the everso slightly exposed tang, I know that knifes handle will be used to hit something sooner or later......

I had to pic the RMD. I think its a great blade and one that will serve him well.

Thanks for the compliments guys. Sitting in woods now with a bag full of knives, begging to be used. Will see the rest of the gang tomorrow.

I pic the Rodent 6.

Those hybrids are great! Nice idea and you eliminate the need (and extra cost) of pancake sheaths.


MM

I vote the 511. I gave one to my buddy who was in Afghanistan and just got back. He said he always had it on him, even behind the wire. He used it to slash tires, cut breaklines and other EDC stuff. I think he liked it quite a bit. Not too big, not too small. For the sheath option, I gave him 2. The kydex one that you made and the molle compatable one. I forget the brand. You had it on the first page.

Well it didn't take long for the Marine (John) to choose the Rodent 6. He seems very happy with it and is looking forward to his deployment to Afghanistan in a week or two. Thanks guys for your interest and recommendations.

I think he made a great choice.
I too would chose the most unbreakable knife. And the R6 just looks indestructible.

Hooker that was awesome of you to donate one of your knives to this young man!!! I hope he returns safe and sound!!!!!

I know he already chose the Rodent 6, but note that he might want to add to that.

A three knife system is what I've most appreciated. One small fixed blade like the Rodent 4 or Strider HT-S on your vest (placed high on your left side) for quick reaction, a medium blade like the Rodent 6 or (I hate to admit I'm saying this because it's 420HC) Gerber LMF-II on your waist, left drop leg, or strapped to a lower leg (I don't suggest the lower leg position and I know some units don't allow it), and a folder like a Benchmade 915 Trige in a VERY easy place to get to for emergency vehicle egress. A multitool is kinda essential, too, but I don't count that as part of the knife system...it's utility gear.

The reason for the multiple blades is because different situations call for different positioning and tools. The small fixed blade is for when you need a knife to deploy and move quickly, and just need to make damage. The medium blade is for heavier tasks, like cutting open a barrel, prying a door or something. The folder is for cutting open MREs, etc, and when needer, cutting straps off of you and breaking glass (not that it will help much in an MRAP these days...). But remember, these needs change depending on your deployment job, and only the egress tool is universal to everyone.

Another thing to note, and this I haven't experienced myself but have heard others mention, is that Resiprene C gets messed* up by sand over time, but the metal on the handle of micarta grips can get REALLY hot under certain circumstances (so wear some good gloves...that's my preference even in the heat.

tl;dr: The Rodent 6 was probably the best choice he could have made in that price range, but the Regulator would have been roughly equivalent. Seriously suggest a smaller blade, too, and the egress tool.

Sorry GunRaptor, but I will never carry three blades in a combat zone. Gimme my Parachutmandu. I am good with that. And, language. Watch it here please.

Noted (on all accounts).

What's your reasoning, though? I'm all ears (or, you know, eyes...whatever).