Knives

River Rat

Here's a different question. After re-reviewing the interesting responses to Lanark Sixgunner's excellent question about sidearms in Vietnam, what about preferences for knives?

Somewhere along the way, I secured an Air Force Survival knife when TDY'd to a PBR unit in RivDiv13. Pretty lousy knife design, I believe -- pretty much intended for cutting oneself out of a cockpit harness, I suppose. But it would open a ration can!

When I was a kid, I was awed by my dad's WWII Kabar -- issued to him as a Navy pilot. Wished I had one like it on boats in the Mekong Delta, but no such luck. Bought myself one as soon as I got back. Still have the Air Force Survival Knife also.

So, tell us about your knife preferences in the boonies.

Old-Colts

I was in the Navy and this is the Camillus Survival Knife I was issued in 1971 and was part of my survival equipment while flying missions over the Tonkin Gulf.

PB Picture removed.

Paddiegrunt

I carried a K-bar bowie that was longer and wider the the Marine K-bar for my tour in 68

Sting

Our Marine company was not allowed to have options. We carried a bayonet. The bayonet is a fine piece too.

River Rat

Old-Colts: yup, that's the knife I was issued on the river. Still have it. Not sure if it was issued or misappropriated from somewhere else. SEALS were issued Kabars, which impressed me as a real knife suitable for something more than opening paint cans.

101AIRBORNE

Carried a Swiss Army Knife in my pack and a Buck-believe it has
a 7.5" blade on my side. Dad sent me the Buck. The sheath has rotten away and the AL cross guards are worn thin. Served me well and still have it.
Best.

wolfecc

BOUGHT A PUMA WHITE HUNTER AND CARRIED UNDER FLIGHT SUIT. 38TH AIRRESCUE "PEDRO"

elubsme

I was happy with my M-14 bayonet. It served me well for 18 months. Eddie, CEP-3, USN MCB 10.