Good Knife for a SEAL

Can't go wrong with an engraved K-bar But he won't use that in the field most likely. Get a solid dive knife that's matte black or OD Green.

i was completely sure this was a jameshetfield thread.

Can't give a SEAL a K-bar, Happy. Great knife, but definitely a Marine thing.

The knife I got the most use out of in the field was either my Gerber boot knife or my Buck 120 General. Can't go wrong with either of those. The knife I carry now when camping, etc is an SOG folding blade. Also a good knife, but for a gift the Buck is probably the nicest.

Eddie, wouldn't he be assigned a knife as part of his standard issue operating gear as a SEAL?

Of course. But you can never have too many.

Stringer, the more I think about it, if you're looking for something he'll likely use in the field the boot knife might be the way to go. It's a great "fuck you" holdout weapon, and the Gerbers are near perfectly weighted if he ever needs to throw it.

Buck for show, Gerber for dough.

I always carried one of these:

http://www.gpknives.com/striderhtttantocoyotebrowncordwrap.html

Your buddy isn't going to kill any terrorists with this thing, but it will come in handy about 20 times a day. It's fixed blade, straight-edge on the front, serrated on the spine, and the handle is 550-cord so he can replace it easily in the field if he needs to. The sheath has holes so he can easily web it into his gear. I can guarantee you he'll have this knife forever.

get him a bear grylles knife.

forget a knife. any one of these will do:

Trijicon Reflex Sight – rapid acquisition on close targets, or when target or operator is moving
Aimpoint Comp-M – uses both-eyes-open with red-dot sighting system for target acquisition
Holographic Display Sight – instant target acquisition under any light situation
Visible Light Illuminator – provides white light when night-vision goggles are not sufficient
AN/PVS 14 Night Vision – night vision to locate, identify, and engage targets from 20-300 meters
AN/PEQ-2 Infrared Illuminator/Aiming Laser – allows M4A1 to be effectively employed to 300 meters with night-vision goggles, by amplifying the light capability.
ANPEQ-5 Visible Laser – fast and accurate means of aiming, primarily use in CQB/<abbr title="commercial real estate">CRE</abbr>.
Forward Handgrip – added support, or can be used as a monopod in a fixed shooting position
Crane Stock – redesigned collapsible stock with storage for batteries for accessory equipment
Quick-Attach Suppressor – sound suppressor that also minimizes muzzle blast
Back-up Iron Sight – provides aiming ability out to 300 meters
Combat Sling – allows safe and ready cross-body or patrol <span class="keyword_link"><a href="//www.wallstreetoasis.com/finance-dictionary/what-is-carry">carry</a></span> and limits muzzle sweep
M203 Grenade Launcher – used as an anti-personnel or anti-light armor weapon, particularly useful in raids and ambushes.
870P Masterkey – a Remington Model 870 Police 12-gauge shotgun that has been modified to attach to the underside of the M4A1 Carbine.  It can use special breaching rounds for shooting off door hinges, as well as normal shotgun ammunition for room clearing.

Still cant fathom the American thing with guns, giant knives, etc... but its fuckin awesome!

On another note, thats not a knife, THIS is a Knife!

http://www.youtube.com/embed/_vW54lAtldI

If no one else gets it for him, consider a golden trident insignia. You can guarantee he will use that.

Ka-Bar Becker BK2. I own one, the thing is a beast. It can literally be used like a crow bar (won't bend, thick steel), sharp as hell, heavy enough to cut reasonably thick wood with chops, metal stub on the butt to crack heads, etc. Awesome all around weapon / tool. Holds its edge amazingly well. Just read the reviews and see for yourself.

http://www.amazon.com/Ka-Bar-Becker-BK2-Campanion-Fixed/dp/B001N1DPDE

Ka-Bar's are amazing knives. I say as long as you aren't getting the guy the actual Ka-Bar USMC version knife (there are tons of other models, Becker BK2 being one of the best), you're good on that end.

If he's about to get his assignment, chances are he's going to have a good idea of exactly what weapons and equipment he does/doesn't want to use and will get a lot of advice from his teammates. I'd stay away from the weapon and get him a nice bottle of booze. Give him our thanks for his service!

yeah just take him out for a steak.

The thing that I could not do without on deployment was my Gerber. Might not be the flashiest bit of gear, but by far the most useful in just about every situation. From field to equipment maintenance, it is second to none. Seriously, it is something that will actually help him out, and there is no standard issue equivalent that is nearly as useful.

After a few years in the Teams and several more with elite joint units, I can tell you he's going to get plenty of gear. But it's the thought that counts so you can't go wrong. I'm sure he'll appreciate it.

The old Frogmen actually used K-bars back in the day. So that particular knife is a piece of UDT lore. Definitely not just a Marine thing.

What Team is he heading to? I can make sure he's warmly welcomed. I'm joking... that would be bad for him.