When I was a child I was fascinated with knives. I remember thinking how real men carried knives. I watched movies like Tarzan with his hand made knife strapped to his loin cloth; or Rambo with the now famous survival knife. Looking back, I even remember the TV show MacGuyver; with his little multi tool type knife. I begged and begged my father for a Boy Scout Knife; the ones that had the spoon , the knife and the fork. I was quite happy that he gave me the plastic version. As I grew older I realized there were so many purposes for  knives. I grew to use them for utility , hunting and evntually protection.
Although, I have grown and so much in the world has changed; one thing has not. The need for a good knife will always be the same.

The title of this blog is "Military and Knives". I am a veteran of the U.S. Army Special Forces. It was in my time in the Army that I grew to depend on by blade. I am still as fascinated with knives, maybe more so now that I ever was as a child. Almost every soldier in the Army and many Marines that I have come into contact with carry some sort of locking folder. Many carry a version of the "Multi Tool". I live in Fayetteville North Carolina. This is the home of "Special Operations" and the famous "82nd Airborne". It is not unusual to see some of these guys carrying the "Multi Tool" and a folder.

When I was is the Army I served in the now famous F. Co. 51st Infantry (LRS) "Long Range Surveillance". Anyone who knows Military units knows that it is the renound Ranger unit formerly known as (LRRP) "Long Range Recon Patrol" in Vietnam. We were trained to conduct recon, surveillance and search and rescue missions deep behind enemy lines. We trained in survival techniques and un armed combat. We learned to use mans best friend in survival; the knife. We used to conduct 7 day exercises called S.E.R.E. Ex's. S.E.R.E. stands for Survival Evasion Resistance and Escape. We learned to use our knives to fashion primitive weapons, traps and shelters. We then were released for 5 days to be hunted by police and all surrounding units. We only had knives a radio per 4 man team and 1 match per man.

I later went on to the Special Forces. This is where I attended "The John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School" I was fortunate enough to attend the "S.E.R.E." Course. I will never forget my experience. This is where I learned the importance of carrying a good Multi Tool and fixed blade. After graduating from the Special Forces Qualification Course; I went to an Operational Detachment Alpha or (ODA). I was a Weapons Sergeant and given the additional duty of Combative Instructor. This is when I was tasked to put together a program in Combatives for my team utilizing the team S.O.P.s and equipment. I did alot of research and decided that the knife  was one of the big developmental factors in the program.

We were taught in early in our military training that Multi Tools are excellent for weapons maintanance and utility. In S.E.R.E. training we were taught the importance of "Fixed Blade knives". When I got to a team I realized the importance of carrying a locking folder as well. The Program that I designed for the team relied on the usage of all three blades. I looked at the individual soldier as being a self sufficient entity that had primary, alternate, contingency and emergency venues for survival and protection. For example; the rifle is the primary form of survival and protection. The pistol is the alternate or secondary form. The fixed blade is the contingency, the folder the emergency and for a last resort one could dig out the multi tool. I taught a system in how to carry and transition from each venue of survival. Although my idea of all three knives was no new concept it is the carrying and transitioning that was new. I would like to touch upon the the basic uses of each of these  blades.

The Fixed blade:

The fixed blade is an excellent survival , utility and protection instrument. It is best to acquire a blade with a strong steel and full tang. This aids in the strength of the blade.  A 6 inch blade is optimal. The blade should be a blade that is suitable for slashing, chopping and stabbing. with a handle butt strong enough for striking.  Serrated edges are great for cutting lanyard and twine or cordage. I teach my guys to keep the fixed blade close to where they holster their pistol. This aids in quick draw muscle memory. The fixed blade it the do it all knife in the arsenal.

The Folder:

The folder is the back up blade. I reccomend the blade style being a smaller version of the fixed blade. The similar style keeps it similar in the functionality and usage. There is no having to get used to the way the blade handles. Make sure that the folder has a locking mechanism. When using a folder I always practice and teach my trainees in how to draw quickly and efficiently. I also teach my guys to stow the locking blade knife in close proximity to the fixed blade. Example; if the pistol is on the right thigh, the fixed blade is on the right thigh and the folder is in the right pants pocket. This way the movement to draw the next venue of survival is always the same.

The Multi Tool:

The multi tool is an excellent augmentation to the complete Combat Survival System. It can be used to fashion clothing, fix and repair weaponry and equipment. Utility and mechanics is the main function. I usually teach my guys to carry at least two; one in the Rucksack and one in the tactical vest. This way if you have to ditch the ruck you still got one in the vest. The Multi Tool is the surgical peice of equipment that a soldier carries.

From the time I was a child to the time I became a soldier I have been fascinated with the knife. It is the symbol on the Special Forces shoulder patch. It has long been the symbol of warriors. the knife was one of mans first tools  and has lasted the test of time as such .

Although the designs change the need never will. I wrote this blog , because there are many out there who talk about the uses of knives in the military; yet many have never served , nor can speak first hand of the many used for knives in the military. The rifle is the primary survival tool in the military or Army; yet when all else fails it is the knife that the warrior depends on to fashion weapons, tools, and shelter. It is the knife he will use to protect himself. The purpose of this blog is to let the public know that the military used the knife not to"Kill"; but to SURVIVE!