Can I carry my KA-BAR in uniform?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 03 Nov 2019 08:25:43 -0500

Normally in civilian clothes (I'm NG) I carry a KA-BAR everywhere I go. Is it okay to carry it while in OCP during drill weekends and AT? Thanks!

Response by SSG Brian G. made Nov 3 at 2019 9:07 AM

SSG Brian G. — Sun, 03 Nov 2019 09:07:10 -0500

That is not a question that can be answered here. You need to consult your CoC at your unit and speak with them about it. Most units don't really have a problem with a knife being carried but there are laws on length of blade that have to be adhered to for a non-issue carry.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Nov 3 at 2019 10:21 AM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Sun, 03 Nov 2019 10:21:00 -0500

This is a state law issue.

https://www.akti.org/state-knife-laws/new-york/

New York State Knife Laws – American Knife & Tool Institute | American Knife and Tool Institute

Considerable care and caution should be used in selecting a knife if you reside within or are traveling to the “Empire State.” New York State Knife Laws

Response by 2LT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 3 at 2019 3:16 PM

2LT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 03 Nov 2019 15:16:23 -0500

Why don’t you just have a regular knife, like everyone else?

Response by SSG George Holtje made Nov 3 at 2019 7:25 PM

SSG George Holtje — Sun, 03 Nov 2019 19:25:50 -0500

Depends on your local laws and what the chain of command states.
If I was your supervisor, I would permit a K-bar during field training not in a garrison setting. I’ve had little patience with some of my knife enthusiast soldiers that are not concentrating on their actual soldier tasks.

Response by SSG George Holtje made Nov 3 at 2019 7:28 PM

SSG George Holtje — Sun, 03 Nov 2019 19:28:58 -0500

PS in your MOS, keep it accessible in your vehicle.

Response by 1SG Dennis Hicks made Nov 4 at 2019 3:02 PM

1SG Dennis Hicks — Mon, 04 Nov 2019 15:02:03 -0500

The short answer is NO, Most units have zero issues with pocket knives, pen knives and small folders ,but walking around in OCP's when not in the field with a K-Bar, RAMBO Knife and assorted other Ninja stuff is a big NO-NO. You may get away with for some time but then one day you will pay for it, maybe with rank or membership in the Guard. Back in the day my old unit issued Military survival knives to Jumpmaster personnel for use when assigned duties, other times it was not to be worn of seen. You have to ask yourself is it worth it and act accordingly.

Response by SPC Casey Ashfield made Nov 4 at 2019 8:51 PM

SPC Casey Ashfield — Mon, 04 Nov 2019 20:51:33 -0500

I can tell you that a full sized, fixed blade knife is very useful when used in the field. In garrison, not as much. Consult your chain of command, but expect a no answer.

Response by SSG Michael Taylor made Nov 4 at 2019 10:08 PM

SSG Michael Taylor — Mon, 04 Nov 2019 22:08:39 -0500

You will never have a need or practical use for a fixed blade that size and shouldn't be using your part time job in uniform to justify such. If you really are in threat, buy a cheap wheel gun and a secondary. It's unlikely you're in such a threat though. Just listen to your NCOs and try to grow yourself first, frivolous issues are a waste of time and if you escalate it, you're going to make everyone look bad.

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 5 at 2019 10:19 AM

SrA Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 05 Nov 2019 10:19:54 -0500

Response by LTC Ken Connolly made Nov 5 at 2019 10:28 AM

LTC Ken Connolly — Tue, 05 Nov 2019 10:28:04 -0500

Question for your squad leader.

Response by GySgt Kenneth Pepper made Nov 5 at 2019 10:45 AM

GySgt Kenneth Pepper — Tue, 05 Nov 2019 10:45:59 -0500

May I ask, why carry something that substantial? Are there threats in your area? What will you be doing on drill weekends that requires the use of a KA-BAR?
My opinion is that carrying a 12" knife is only going to attract the wrong type of attention, both in and out of uniform.

Response by PFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 5 at 2019 12:13 PM

PFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 05 Nov 2019 12:13:56 -0500

A KA-BAR is really not necessary for drill or AT unless there's some 1:100,000,000 chance of saving your unit from a wild bear or something. That is something that is based on your state laws on knives and your CoC approval.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 5 at 2019 9:20 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 05 Nov 2019 21:20:53 -0500

Jesus christ

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 5 at 2019 9:29 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 05 Nov 2019 21:29:14 -0500

Local commanders discretion. Ask you Plt Sgt.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 6 at 2019 2:41 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 06 Nov 2019 14:41:31 -0500

Not sure the question is CAN you, but rather, SHOULD you. Short Answer is no. As a soldier you're an expert and a professional, simply carrying a 3 inch knife or a Gerber is being prepared for the duty day therefore professional. A Kabar is overkill and to be quite honest do you ever use it? Has there been a scenario where a regular pocket knife wouldn't work? Anyways, just my advice.

Response by PFC Ray Aquila made Nov 7 at 2019 12:45 AM

PFC Ray Aquila — Thu, 07 Nov 2019 00:45:35 -0500

I have an M-8 bayonet from Vietnam. It is still a potent weapon. Long/sharp blade sharpens when inserting and existing the M-10 Sheath. Sorry I didn't bring my M-14, that the M-8 bayonet fits.
The M-16's were just coming to Nam in the mid 60's. M-16 at the time were the biggest piece of garbage. Danger to all that used them.

Response by PFC Ray Aquila made Nov 9 at 2019 1:32 PM

PFC Ray Aquila — Sat, 09 Nov 2019 13:32:21 -0500

I have my version of KA-BAR. I have a Bayonet M-6 and M-8 sheath for an M-14, I brought back from Nam in 1967. Only sorry I didn't sneak the M-14 out of Nam. Should have done what Radar O'ReilIy did on M*A*S*H, when he sent a 'jeep' home piece at a time. I keep my M-6 in the trunk of my car. I see no reason for you to carry your KA-BAR about your person, unless you might want to gut an animal for dinner. By the by......The M-6 has a 6.75" blade. An overall length of 11.5". It is always sharpens at egress/ingress.

Response by PFC Ray Aquila made Nov 9 at 2019 3:55 PM

PFC Ray Aquila — Sat, 09 Nov 2019 15:55:05 -0500

I would like to ask? Why are you so hell bent in carrying such a weapon. Are you paranoid? Has someone threaten you? Or is it. You like to show off to others, that you are well protected. Do yourself a favor. Take advise from an old (72) Nam Vet. Don't invite trouble where it's not needed. Put the damn thing in a safe place, and forget it.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 2 at 2019 3:01 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 02 Dec 2019 15:01:32 -0500

Just some friendly advice, get the Post or Base S.O.P,