Anatomy of a Hard Shell pt 1 – brought to you by BFE Labs and UTE
The Book You Won’t Get to Read
The Gear Junkie: Origins of the Swiss Army Knife
Archive for the ‘Knives’ Category
Stuff We Didn’t Write About
Saturday, September 11th, 2010Mad Duo – The Rifleman’s Tool
Tuesday, September 7th, 2010The Mad Duo attended Darley Defense Day held by Darley Defense near Ft. Polk last week and they promised us a couple of reviews. The first review is the Rifleman’s Tool, designed by none other than Walter “Blackie†Collins and coming to the fighting public via Tactical International. So, without further ado, here is their review.
We’re working on a full-blown, in-depth review right now but thought we’d give you the low-down quick and dirty now: this knife is COOL, and it really is more than just a knife—it’s a tool that may be the coolest thing that’s come along (at least in the category of lethal or hard-working cutlery) since the first multi-tool. Now, it’s not a Swiss Army Knife with a vast array of nifty gadgets, so don’t expect that. This piece of kit chooses a few things to do, specifically (as the name implies) for the rifleman, and it does it well.
The Rifleman’s Tool auto-deploys a strong 4†tanto style blade (non-auto versions coming), with the inestimable Mr. Collins’ signature on the side. Inside the body of the knife are several extremely useful implements for a rifle-shooter (particularly if the shooter is also an emergency responder). There’s a front sight adjustment tool, an aluminum shell extractor designed to avoid damage to the locking lugs on the M4 (you’ve seen it happen when someone grabs a multi-tool or a pair of pliers to do it), and a fire-starter that can also be used on the take-down pins to disassemble the weapon. All of these latter tools are accessed by unscrewing the threaded carbide glass-breaking pieces at the end of the knife.
(Sorry about the pictures: our minion was distracted and wasn’t doing such great work with the camera.)
The only thing some people might not like is going to be the price—we’ve seen it as high as nearly $400, averaging about $350 depending upon the retailer. Now, that’s actually not a bad price for a tool of this quality and potential usefulness, but you’re going to have to wrap yourself around the fact that you get what you pay for. This may also be the time you need to use the “yeah but look how many pairs of shoes you have!†argument with Household-6 in order to justify the expense. Note: Going Loud Tactical Outfitters carries the Rifleman’s Tool and is apparently running a special for a little while; enter SoldierSystems as a coupon code at checkout for 15% off the Rifleman’s Tool ($250.00 retail at Going Loud)…we’re not sure how long it’s supposed to last.
The Rifleman’s Tool is also available at Tactical International ($450.00) and DPMS Inc. ($378.00). Rumor has it that Darley Defense may also be offering the tool, but as of this date we couldn’t confirm that.
If you’d like to read a little more about it, Police Magazine did a review here. Otherwise, check back here because there is definitely more to follow!
If you have any ideas for us to review or discuss, drop us a line at Breach-Bang-Clear or FaceBook.com/MadDuo; unless you’re going to complain about our opinions, writing style or philosophy (or you’re a sissy) in which case don’t bother. We’ve got upcoming articles on a half a dozen really cool new pieces of kit and a picture of when we were coined by GW of Tactical Tailor, so it would behoove you to PAY ATTENTION.
MAD DUO OUT!
TAD Gear – Lookin’ Good
Thursday, September 2nd, 2010The crew at Triple Aught Designs have been busy remodeling their San Francisco show room. It turns out that wasn’t the only thing they were making over. Their new web site features a whole new look and is visually stunning. Make sure you stop by and check it out.
Benchmade Hook Knife
Thursday, August 26th, 2010Based on a need for a safety hook that would facilitate the remote removal of hazardous items like a S-Vest, or to remotely open a suspicious item such as an IED within a backpack, Zero Point turned to Benchmade. They created the specialized hook knife below. As you can see, it is unlike any other hook knife on the market. Its long length allows it to be inserted into narrow openings and the ridges along to back assist with grip and indexing. Since its inception Zero Point has included this tool in most of their kits.
While the knife was initially intended as an EOD tool, it has recently been released for general sales and adopted by LE, medical professionals, and sports medicine due to its unique size and design. If you are looking for a hook knife that does more than just cut cord and webbing, then this is the one for you.
If you are looking for the best EOD kits out there, then check out Zero Point.
www.zeropointusa.com
Gerber’s Bear Grylls Survival Series Ultimate Knife Big Hit at OR
Tuesday, August 17th, 2010Without a doubt the best giveaway at this Summer’s Outdoor Retailer was the Bear Grylls fire starter from Gerber. Additionally, they unveiled the the first of the new Bear Grylls Survival Series; the Ultimate Knife. Available beginning October, the Ultimate Knife features a full tang, partially-serrated, stainless steel blade combined with a textured TacHide handle, pommel strike, and utility saw. Additionally, the Ultimate Knife’s sheath features a number of integrated tools including a sharpening stone, magnesium fire starter, and weatherproof survival guide.
Bear Grylls is the star of the hit TV show, “Man vs Wild”.
www.gerbergear.com and www.beargrylls.com.
Eat’N Tool
Saturday, August 14th, 2010
Columbia River Knife & Tool’s (CRKT) I.D. Works line has a new member called the Eat’N Tool. One look and you’ll understand why. New York based designer Liong Mah took a spork and pimped it hard, adding three metric wrench reliefs (10 mm, 8 mm, 6 mm), can opener, and the right side of the handle is ground to provide an emergency screwdriver blade, which will also work as a pry for opening canisters. The Eat’N Tool is available in a bead-blast finish (9100C), or with a food grade black non-stick coating (9100KC).
Thanks to Beyond Issue for telling us about this one.
Stuff We Didn’t Write About
Sunday, August 1st, 2010SKD Tactical Updated Their Look
Wednesday, July 28th, 2010SKD Tactical has updated their look and with it, the entire shopping experience for that matter. As you can see, it is not only more user friendly, but the most popular brands are one click away from the front page. SKD Tactical still offers industry-leading shipping times and great service. Click on the image to check it out.
