Parent with a question, Re: knives

[Rupe]

Hi all. My son is in the DEP and doesn't leave for Great Lakes 'til July.

We're both what you'd call "Knife Knuts". We enjoy collecting, using, and carrying knives. I know knives are verboten at Great Lakes for basic so I have a couple questions.

When can he begin carrying a knife?
Are there any regulations around carrying? (Size, fixed/folder, visible, etc.)

I'd like to get hime a couple as gifts when he graduates basic for daily use carry but I'm not sure if that would be the best time.

Also, what is the Corpsman's choice for knives?

Right now I'm looking at the Spyderco Police w/G10 slabs for EDC.

Thanks,
Chris

[indy]

Ok, here's my very subjective opinion (and I'm a knife guy too, for what it's worth):

Most military bases have very specific policies on weapons that include most types of knives regardless of style and length. I'd recommend your son checking the regulations of the installation where he receives orders. Now, on deployments, thats a different story; while I was on the ship, I had a small (under 3" blade) folder on me at all times...not really a problem - most Boatswains Mates will have one on them at all times while underway as well. I can't directly compare to FMF folks but I would assume that they have similar rules while deployed to the desert.

As to choice, it's exceedingly personal as I'm sure you're aware of. I would recommend a folding style with a short blade with a good grip. Fixed blade is usually frowned upon, and not recommended. For EDC, the Spyderco's a good choice - not sure if you were looking at the stainless, but I'd suggest a less reflective grip for obvious reasons :)

Hope that helps - biggest thing is to make sure he's aware of installation regulations.

[8404]

Certain size blade length, on a knife, is considered illegal in some states!

[indy]

ok, ok, I suppose I should amend my statement to say that he should not only check with and abide by the installation's policies, but also ensure that he is not going to run afoul of any local, city or state ordinances that may have legal ramifications...Thanks 8404.

[Rupe]

Thanks all. I'll have to wait until he checks the regs then. As for a fixed blade, it would be for carry in a situation where it is warranted and legal.

Chris

[SemperDoc]

On some of the bases I was stationed at I know you needed to check in any weapons you owned with the armory. They didnt keep them, but kept some type of inventory of what base personnel had.

[indy]

SemperDoc,

That's another good point - it all depends on the base and it's specific instructions as given by the current CO. Some places its acceptable, while others have strict instructions (to include posting the instruction where camping equipment including knives are sold in the Navy Exchange) concerning all and any types of weapons.

[Alaska dad]

My son had a gerber folding pocket knive he used for cutting MRE open. He lost that on Viper (OK cause he found it same area). At Xmas he picked up a Gerber multi tool with scissors and case which fit on his gear so it was handy. Chief had good advice in that good chance will end up in sandy locale. they have a bayonet so really a utility tool.

[Theonecalleddoc]

At Corps School they told me my knifes on base couldn't be more then 3 inches (roughly the width of your palm).
When it comes to the base, your son can always ask the Master at Arms they would probably know better then most.
On ship most sailors carry knives regardless of occupation. I don't know if there is any real size limit, but carrying a 12" blade might get some unwanted attention. Also keep in mind, that he won't be able to take certain knives in to certain countries (if any).
If your son goes with a ground unit (ie Marines or Seabees), most any knife is allowed. With the Marines I had a 12" combat knife (more for fun and because I too love knives), a Gerber multitool, and a 3" Kershaw folding blade. One of my Marines in Iraq carried a hachet...

Like the others have said it is ABSOLUTELY essencial that your son checks the state laws before even posessing anything other then the average (3"-4" folding blades). I know for a fact that most states have a ban on carrying double edged blades. Some (if not most) states have a ban on spring-loaded blades.

As for a gift blade your best bet would be a 3"-4" folding blade.

If all else fails Google it...

[Doc's_Wife]

everyone else is on the money for the most part but i would like to add that there is no replacing a multi-tool. granted i never did any deployment time, but when i did some security work at the hospital i was working at we were issued a gerber multi-tool to carry with us on our duty belts at all times. i also carried it with me everywhere else for the most part. it came in handy in so many ways. so even if he can't carry a regular knife thats a good thing to get him.

[Oregonian]

A knife people might love for EDC that I generally have on me every day is the Kershaw Chive. Lovely little assist opener that hold a great edge and only 3" total length. Though if I had my choice I'd love to carry my murphy combat knife(fat chance on that I know).