Knives for soldiers

[Phoenix 1967]

Over at Paleo planet a lot of us knifemakers are making and sending knives to active duty soldiers... Here are three of my offerings...

 

This one is for the fellow who set it all up That Battle Dressed Ulu (BDU) has a full 10 inches of sharpened edge, not counting the upright!

 

The Bottom one is for a young lady in the Coast Guard. She wanted a simple, delicate knife, and liked this style.

The bowie on the top is for a young man in the Army, he requested that I make it from a file, and leave the tooth pattern showing. That file is 5/16 thick!

 

 

[2Knives]

nice!
That file bowie looks like it could take a beating!!!
I'm taking a new one with me this time around (leave in July) and I'm thinking about getting one more to take...just to have something to play with!

[Phoenix 1967]

Please E-mail me brother... I'd like to send one with you

[prarieboy]

Hey 2knives.God bless You brother! p,m Me I've got a honkin big file knife made and We will change Your name to 3knives and hope ya still have that good lookin meatheaded dawg!C-ya Bob p.s. Don't mean to step on Lawren but maybe ya oughta take more than one new one might find a friend that needs one!C-Ya Bob

[Phoenix 1967]

You aint steppin on me, I'm sure he knows a couple others that could use 'em. This is much the same way we did it on the other forum. Bless you all, and thank you for your service.

(Ret USAF SSG Wimberly)

[Ray Hammond]

My question would be - are you comfortable that YOUR steel won't end up costing a soldier his life?

I'm not asking this of you individually 1967 but of everyone offering a combat knife to a soldier? I know I would not be at this time

I also wonder about  the  capabilities of an ulu type blade in a combat situation

[Phoenix 1967]

The ulu was a special request from that particular soldier. Yes I am confident about my blades holding up. Some of the soldiers want a fighting knife, some want one for home... I send them what they want. I test all of my blades before shipment. I have BEEN there, with the crappy things that were issued. My son and all of his squad carried one of my blades for 4 tours, in heavy action. My gifts to the soldiers are simply a way of thanking them for thier service. I DO agree with your concern, however, and most of the other knifemakers that are participating have been doing this for a long time... For me, 25 years. There have been many who bowed out, citing your concern. The reality of the situation is that most of the knives we send will not be allowed in uniform... The Ulu, certainly not. But the gift of a handcrafted anything shows our thanks, and makes them happy for a time.

[skullworks]

Well said Lauren! God bless them and Godspeed!

[Ray Hammond]

I got ya, Lauren.

I thought it was for carrying in combat. As I said, I was more "thinking out loud" and am happy you were not offended by the question.

Best regards,
Ray

[Phoenix 1967]

No Ray, not offended. This was a valid line of questioning that has been voiced several times, and something each maker must answer for themselves. I approach it as a gift for the soldiers, a thank you... In my experience, most of these knives, thou designed for use, end up on a mantle, displayed proudly and cherished by thier recipient as the token of good will that it was intended to be.

Oh yeah, as a weapon, the ulu fits nicely for those trained in the reverse grip, or in the Nepalese Katar. A punch with an ulu concentrates all of the mass and power of the back, shoulder, and arm directly in line with the thin edge... easily shearing through flesh and bone. Even with the little ones I make, I cut patties from deep frozen sausage rolls with ease.

[prarieboy]

Ray I am not offended either. Lawren has stated the case very well. The type of knives I make do not belong on the battle field and I have faith that our people will know that. C-Ya Bob