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Archive for June, 2013

Claymore Bag Now Available From Combat Flip Flops

Wednesday, June 19th, 2013

The CFF Claymore Bag is now available in a limited run of ~~100~~ 99 in Ranger Green (I just bought one).

When I was in the Army, if you were anybody, you had a Claymore Bag. It might be used for a shaving kit or for use as a range bag but it was a highly prized item. The one that comes with the actual mine is made from cotton duck and while it’s durable, it was designed to be disposable, so it is far from indestructible.

Enter Combat Flip Flops. They’ve sourced a USA Made version of the iconic Claymore Bag that incorporates multiple new features. First and foremost is construction. They’ve switched to modern, durable materials. Second, and the gussetted exterior pockets that are large enough to accept an iPad Mini. Additionally, the bag’s two exterior pockets each accept Velcro inserts and the main pocket’s interior is daisy chained with 1″ nylon webbing to accept shock cord. CFF has also introduced redundant closures including button, hook and loop, and Figher Design covert magnetic closures. Finally, a 5.56 mag/cell phone holder and sunglass case come standard with each Claymore Bag.

There are several additional accessories planned that aren’t available yet and include:
-IPad mini holder (optional)
-iPad holder (optional)
-Surface holder (optional)
-Kindle Holder (optional)

The current limited run is made from Ranger Green LiteLok with Black, Dark Earth, Ranger Green, and You Can’t Miss Me Silver in Cordura coming in July.

www.combatflipflops.com/claymore-bag

Tags: Combat Flip Flops
Posted in Load Carrying | 9 Comments »

Violent Little Machine Shop

Wednesday, June 19th, 2013

Violent Little Machine Shop is a new company that has created some interesting unisex jewelry designs.

For example, check out their Picatinny Rail Bracelet. The reverse side has a slight curve to be more comfortable against the wrist. Manufactured from Aluminum and Class III Type II Hardcoat Anodized. Offered in Bronze, Black, Silver and Green.

They have also introduced a Trigger Necklace that looks to be inspired by those sharktooth necklaces but in Steel and cooler. Offered in black oxide plated steel, 24k Gold Plated, White Bronze, and Bronze.

Either item comes with deerskin leather cord and is Made in the USA.

Tags: Violent Little Machine Shop
Posted in Off-Duty | 15 Comments »

Sneak Peek – Combat Flip Flops

Wednesday, June 19th, 2013

We go all the way to the UK for the 2014 Hot Shots Calendar shoot and who do we run into but Griff from Combat Flip Flops? Good thing we did because he showed us two new models created especially for Edgar Brothers.

The men’s model on the left is the Pussy Galore and the ladies’ model is the Moneypenny.

Look for these Spring 2014.

Tags: Combat Flip Flops
Posted in Boots, Industry | 5 Comments »

US Army Camouflage Improvement Effort – The Hidden Costs Of Delays

Wednesday, June 19th, 2013

Everyone knew that the tactical industry was bound to get smaller as the war winds down. At one point, business was almost too easy. It wasn’t just spearing fish in a barrel. If you had gear ready to deliver, the fish literally jumped into your boat. But those days are over. And, with them comes the inevitable. Companies are going to close. Others will change strategies and expectations and survive.

Yet, the are two additional stressors on industry that are avoidable, yet doing some serious damage. The first is sequestration. The Government and particular, the military, long industry’s largest single customer, isn’t buying much. Not for lack of need, but for lack of cash. And the blame for that lies with forces outside their control; politics. Reportedly, sequestration has caused the second stressor; the delay in announcing the US Army’s new family of camouflage patterns.

Many companies have figured out that they have to switch back to a pre-war, retail-based business model. But now, even that is fraught with problems. Normally, the purchase of many Soldier System items would fall back on the individual as the military itself stops buying. Individual service members would buy socks, boots, daypacks, eyepro, gloves, flashlights, knives, etc. with their own cash. Soldiers universally abhor the current issue Universal Camouflage Pattern and according to the Army itself, they don’t want it anymore either. But due to the delay Army’s in announcing new camo, Soldiers in particular are wont to spend money on anything lest they buy the wrong pattern. And this has many in industry worried.

The retail market isn’t the only side that is skittish over Army camouflage. For the Government, DLA has delayed several procurements in anticipation of a new camouflage. But even then, crunch time is coming for some commodities that will have to be purchased before the Army runs out. At the very least, Soldiers will need uniforms.

You see, no one wants to be left holding the bag, ie a huge inventory of fabric or finished goods in UCP. Already, it’s practically being given away in fire sales by vendors. Manufacturers are afraid to order fabric because they fear the few orders for UCP they have will be cancelled at any any moment as the client specifies delivery in the new pattern. As one industry insider put it, “the supply chain is getting crushed due to lack of orders on top of drawdown and sequestration.”

The longer the Army delays announcement of a new camouflage pattern, the more it hurts the industrial base it relies on. Additionally, the Army is forced to purchase clothing and equipment that will have to be abandoned after the switch. And finally, delays impact readiness. The American Soldier (as well as members of other services/organizations that must use Army camouflage) deserve to use effective camouflage.

Posted in Camo, Industry | 34 Comments »

A Picture Says A Thousand Words

Wednesday, June 19th, 2013

This was originally published on 13 August, 2009. Unfortunately, nothing has changed in the ensuing four years.

U.S. Army Photo by Staff Sgt. Gina Vaile-Nelson, 133rd MPAD

Posted in Camo | 38 Comments »

UF PRO STRIKER GreenZone Combat Shirt

Tuesday, June 18th, 2013

Recently, we told you that we’d have info on the UF PRO® STRIKER GreenZone™ Combat Shirt in a few weeks and here it is.

The shoulders incorporate UF PRO® air/pac® inserts.

And the elbow patches accept D3O® Trio Mid protectors.

Finally, there are both upper and lower arm pockets.

www.ufpro.si

Tags: Hyde Definition, PenCott, UF PRO
Posted in Camo, Clothing | 2 Comments »

Stop The MFing Presses! A Colt AK?

Tuesday, June 18th, 2013

This publicity photo popped up last night on Colt’s Facebook page and has started an uproar. That’s Texas Governor Rick Perry shooting a rifle at the Colt factory that has an AK mag sticking out of it and by the looks of it, a US Palm mag. And, it looks like it is going into a magwell (yes, a magwell). And, that looks like a monolithic upper maybe? Maybe were looking at a piston AR-AK hybrid? And, maybe it was purpose built for a foreign client? Ok, there no “maybe” on that last part (as in, “you can count on it.”) And yes, I know, it’s not really an AK, more of an AR in 7.62×39. I hear Gov Perry took one of these handful of prototypes home.

I don’t care if Colt banged your sister and left town when she came up pregnant, this is an interesting development. Sometimes you have to spell things out for people, otherwise they’ll wax all poetic about stuff they don’t understand. Magwells and AK magazines do not play well together. That is one of many reasons why this is remarkable.

Tags: Colt
Posted in weapons | 57 Comments »