In Iraq, we weren't allowed to carry firearms, but we could carry any knife we desired. I even saw some folks walking around with what I'd consider short swords. My choices were fixed blades from 6 to 14 inches blade length. I also had a couple folders. We carried these around the IZ, out in the red zone, and on various bases without any consideration.

I sure wish they hadn't taken our FALs away. I'd much rather have had one of those.

Someone asked me why I had such a big knife once. I answered matter of fact: "For lopping heads, of course." They choked on their coffee.

Not everyone had a sense of humor about it, though. Apparently a big man holding a big knife wearing a shemaugh wrapped around his head is cause for concern to some, even in Baghdad.