Speaking of custom sheaths: Cleveland Kydex.
Lots of sheaths for Becker and other knives.
Also: 7Rattles Bushcraft.

Very nice setup, Para. I have the cheaper version of that knife (Gerber calls it the "Prodigy"), which lacks the holes for paracord lashing and the large tailcap (although it does have a point for glass-breaking). It's just been taking up space in a tub in my bedroom...I ought to set it up in my truck like you did. Always handy to have a fixed-blade around, and it could absolutely save your life if you ever need to break a window to get out.

The LMF II is a fine knife. I've used the hell out of mine for ten years and then some.

Nice knife. You can't be over equipped when an emergency occurs.

I bought a used one not too long ago, hoping to find one with the 12C27 blade. It's got a nice used but not abused patina and could be a surplus knife since its in the desert colors. Seems to have a lot more carry wear than usage wear.
Without any markings except for the Gerber logo and Portland, Oregon USA on the other side, I don't know how to ID the blade.
Anyone got any ideas to help me figure this out?

quote:

Originally posted by 220-9er:
Without any markings except for the Gerber logo and Portland, Oregon USA on the other side, I don't know how to ID the blade. Anyone got any ideas to help me figure this out?

Not to a certainty, but I can tell you that chances are, your knife is in 420HC.

This thread discusses the subject.

Per Gerber directly, 12C27 was used for the LMF II for only the first two years of production- January, 2006 to December 2007. After that, a brief change to 440A, and the rest of production has been 420HC.

In that thread, you'll find Gerber's detailed response

This thread has me feeling inept...

I bought a Glock knife, and sharpened it a good bit (dull as could be). It lives behind the passenger seat so I can reach around and grab it. But compared to the OP's, it's got several shortcomings. Especially that now I think about it not being insulated like that one.

quote:

Originally posted by YooperSigs:
After watching weird gas mask guy trying to destroy one, I ordered a Becker Tac. Tool.

Here's the video mentioned:
https://youtu.be/rwSlUMei__A

Guy is crazy!

Yes, it's the same way he broke the ESEE-5, by repeatedly striking the spine of the knife/tool against a radiused surface, which concentrates the force in one spot. The part of the blade ahead of the strike wants to keep moving, and the stretching of the edge- which now constitutes the top of the knife- causes a failure which starts at the edge. Some guys on the knife boards want to condemn the guy for what he does, but I have to say, as much of a mess as they are, his videos provide some useful data.

In this instance, the message is clear- don't do this, or you will manage to break even the toughest of knives.

quote:

Originally posted by parabellum:

quote:

Originally posted by 220-9er:
Without any markings except for the Gerber logo and Portland, Oregon USA on the other side, I don't know how to ID the blade. Anyone got any ideas to help me figure this out?

Not to a certainty, but I can tell you that chances are, your knife is in 420HC.

This thread discusses the subject.

Per Gerber directly, 12C27 was used for the LMF II for only the first two years of production- January, 2006 to December 2007. After that, a brief change to 440A, and the rest of production has been 420HC.

In that thread, you'll find Gerber's detailed response

Thanks. I guess I’ll just have to see how it holds up in use and go from there since that’s what really matters anyway.
Mine had no box or paperwork and appears to be older so I’m still hoping to get lucky and have the 12C27 model.
In any case I really like the basic design, handle and sheath.

You're not going to have any problems. 420HC will get the job done.

Y'know, I barely consider the LMF II a knife; it's more of an emergency tool and if it helps me get out of my truck or into someone else's vehicle and gets beat to shit in the process, then it will have done its job and I'll hang it on the wall and buy another.

I probably had one of those originals back in the day, I impulse bought it the first time I ever saw one. My bro took it and no clue where it ended up. Have had a couple more, and my current one hangs out in my closet.

I had not considered these uses as I'm kind of a dummy. I'm amazed by the mousetrap/ Macgyver situation you have going on. Making me re-examine my life.

I have seat belt cutters, knife, tourniquet, etc in my vehicle. If that sucker rolled over or something I might find myself wishing I would have thought that through.

ETA, I also didn't realize this knife was a submission for an aircrew knife. Putting 2 and 2 together I commandeered my current LMF-II from my brother as payback for him taking my old one. He got this one from a 160th crew guy. I'll be damned. It's a salty bastard.

Freshen up that edge and put 'er to work, Pete!

Here's my truck knife. It's an Ontario SP-5 I found out hunting in an old grove. The pic is from the day I found it. It's significantly cleaner and sharper now, but still has that essential, um, ...er..., ah, character...

Thing about this knife is, at 1/4 thick, if you can't cut it, you can beat it to death.

Well, that's quite a wilderness find. That cordura sheath betrays the age of your knife.

What did you do to clean it up? If it were mine, I might be inclined to tape the choil and strip all the paint forward of that, then give the blade a mustard patina.

I gave the blade an oil bath and the rust disappeared. Then gave the edge 15 minutes of work with a Ken Onion Worksharp. The rubber handle is pretty beat up, and this thing is never going to be pretty.

Nice knife.

quote:

Originally posted by ArtieS:
I gave the blade an oil bath and the rust disappeared. Then gave the edge 15 minutes of work with a Ken Onion Worksharp. The rubber handle is pretty beat up, and this thing is never going to be pretty.

You might check around to see if you could make one of the Kabar or other replacement knife handles fit.

Artie's knife has a molded grip.

Thanks for the share Para. Around here, they can (but it rare) ticket a driver who has a knife within "easy arms reach". Even having a concealed permit for a pistol will not insulate a person from the charge. (rarely occurs though).

Given how many government legal jurisdictions a person will drive through in a year ( I have 6 different ones simply to travel to the range 20 min from my house: my city and 2 other cities, 2 counties and the state laws as well). It's worth paying attention too. (opps, 7 government legal layers if I also count federal laws).

Not telling anyone how to live their life, I keep a blade in the passenger side door myself although I like what you did more, just noting that there are too many laws out there that cover parts of this here or there. Worst yet, even if a person is legal today, if they later pass a new law 3 counties over and one doesn't hear about it, ya might have legal trouble if you get pulled over there.

Something to keep in mind. Best to all.