TYR Tactical

Archive for the ‘Knives’ Category

RMJ Tactical

Sunday, November 15th, 2009

It’s simple. RMJ Tactical does one thing and they do it very well. They make tactical tomahawks for the modern warfighter. They are so good at it that their customer list looks like a veritable who’s who of putting foot to terrorist ass. They are being carried by Special Forces, Naval Special Warfare, Rangers, Marines, Army troops, SWAT, Air Rescue all over the world, wherever the fight takes them.

RMJ Tactical

RMJ Tactical tomahawks are designed to be multi-functional with full tang construction so there is never any head-handle separation. They can be employed as a close quarter combat weapon, or as al breaching and extrication tool. They offer three tomahawks, the Shrike – 15 1/2″ & 13” – 23ox; the Kestrel – 13″ – 24 oz., and the Eagle Talon – 18″ – 28oz. The tomahawks come with a lightweight scabbard offering multiple carry options that is also MOLLE compatible.

RMJ Tactical has also just released the RUMP (Rigid Universal MOLLE Platform) which is a new MOLLE adapter for the equipment you absolutely have to keep secure. It is low profile, multiple redundancy MOLLE adapter that secures your equipment. It is field repairable and virtually indestructible.

The RMJ Tactical Shrike Tomahawk was recently featured in the Army Times Gear Scout.

RMJ Tactical will be in booth #202 at this week’s Soldier Equipment and Technology Expo and Conference or you can see their wares on the web at www.RMJtactical.com.

Modern Day Marine Round Up

Monday, October 5th, 2009

There were a lot of great products at last week’s Modern Day Marine expo at Quantico, Virginia.

Wilcox Industries showed their new interface for the Ops-Core mount.

Wilcox Ops-Core Interface

Speaking of Ops-Core, they debuted several new products available in early 2010. This eye shield was actually developed a couple of years ago but placed on hold while they refined the FAST technology for a military customer. The lens slides up and down on a track located inside the shell. It will replace the front brow pad inside the helmet as a unit and is ready to go awaiting production of the actual clear shield which will be manufactured by Oakley.

Ops-Core Shield

The Smith Optics Elite Division crew was on hand.

Smith Optics

Australian firm Global Safety Solutions & Management PTY LTD exhibited their new wet weather laminate material. It is used in the current Australian issue foul weather clothing system.

GSSM Wet Weather Laminate

Inert Products, LLC displayed a wide variety of training aids including the M4 “rubber duck” as well as other inert training aids.

Inert Products LLC

Benchmade Knives showed a set of their HK signature knives packed inside a pistol case. The combo pack includes a 20-Tools-in-One mutli-tool, LED light, and Ally knife.

HK Combo Pak

SureFire Sneak Peeks

Thursday, September 10th, 2009

We had an opportunity to see a few of the new products from SureFire at the ADS Warrior Expo and Outdoor Retailer shows. Below is just a sampling of what’s next in tactical illumination and cutlery.

Surefire X300 Prototype
M300 Mini Scout Light

At half the size of the M600 Scout Light (hence the name M300), the Mini Scout Light utilizes a single CR123 battery. It makes for a more compact and slightly lighter alternative to the full-size M600. Unfortunately, it also translates into about half of the performance of the M600. However, as more compact and specialized weapons continue to see use, such a light may well find its place.

Surefire Helmet Light
Surefire Helmet Lights

Now in its fourth generation, the Helmet Light has integrated several changes. Most notable is the new molded shrouds for the toggles. Instead of attaching an additional part to the light, the new shrouds are an integral part of the chassis which strengthens the design and reduces production time and material. Additionally, as you can see in the photo, the new light features a threaded battery cap with an integrated lock out switch. Rumor has it that an entirely new Helmet Light is under development and while no details have been released, features are being driven by user feedback and it won’t resemble the current model.

Surefire LX1 Lumamax
SureFire LX1 Lumamax

The LED LX1 is compact (4.1″ long) and features two brightness levels; 10 lumens low and 80 lumens high. Press lightly on the two stage tailcap switch for low and apply more pressure for high. Twist the tail switch for constant on in either of the brightness modes or to lockout the switch to avoid light ADs. Additionally, the pocket clip is reversible. There is also an LX2 model coming out that also features a two stage tailcap but goes to 200 lumens.

Edged Weapons
SureFire is also releasing two new folding knives; the Edge and Crank. As with their previous edged weapon designs, these are made in the U.S.A.

Surefire Folder
Surefire Crank

LENGTH CLOSED 3.97″
LENGTH OPEN 6.4″
BLADE LENGTH 2.56″
WEIGHT 3.2 oz.

SureFire Crank Coin Slot

The blade is manufactured from polished 154 CM steel. A single hexagonal opening machined into the aluminum frame accommodates 1/2″ nuts, and a slot extension holds a coin firmly in place for use as a field-expedient screwdriver. Additionally, there is a built-in cord cutter and a bottle opener.

Surefire Folder
SureFire Edge

LENGTH CLOSED 4.7″
LENGTH OPEN 8.1″
BLADE LENGTH 3.4″
WEIGHT 5.5 oz.

The modified spear-point blade is crafted from 154 CM steel and the the 7075 aluminum frame features a liner lock. Notice the prominent hex openings along the handle and set into the blade which can be used as wrenches (7/16″, 3/8″, 5/16″, 1/2″ nuts). It also features an integral finger guard/flip-open lever and a pocket clip.

With the exception of the prototype M300 all of the products will be released soon. For additional information visit www.surefire.com.

Ultramarine Multipurpose Amphibian Dive Knife

Sunday, August 30th, 2009

Developed in conjunction with Italy’s Special Forces, Extrema Ratio’s Ultramarine was designed to provide a single tool for dive operations. It features a blade made of Cobalt Steel N690 and a handle crafted from Polyamide. There is also an EOD variant with Titanium components that have a negligible magnetic mass.

Extrema Ratio decided to adopt a renewable protective film called Lubra-Skin which was developed specifically for them. This silicon spray is easily applied to all disassembled steel parts and creates a waterproof protective film to prevent salt water from adhering to the metal and causing oxidation. Since it is a spray, it can be easily reapplied during regular knife maintenance.

Ultramarine Dive Knife

The Ultramarine was designed for five primary functions (prioritized by frequency of use in each function); Field Operations, Underwater Operations, Use as an Emergency Tool, Survival, and Combat. Based on these parameters, individual features were refined.

The retention lanyard allows the user to work on equipment without having to sheath the knife. Additionally, the handle was designed with a plus sized grip and incorporates a special anti-slip material developed by Extrema Ratio to facilitate retention while wearing neoprene gloves.

Extrema Ratio's Ultramarine

The knife’s blade includes a specialized net and line cutting system for use in entanglement emergencies. The knife is designed with reduced hilt guards to reduce the chance of entanglement and snaring while in use and the pointed tang was developed as a glass break device. Additionally, besides being a good all around camp knife, the Ultramarine was designed so the handle could be disassembled, the blade attached to a pole, and used as a spear. The blade also features a matte finish to reduce light reflection wile operating in hostile environments.

The Ultramarine was conceived as a multi use, amphibian knife. As such it needs to rapidly and easily transition from the operators waterborne equipment to his field tactical gear. To meet this requirement Extrema Ratio developed two separate sheaths. The dive sheath is a rigid sheath made of ABS plastic which can be worn on the ankle or mounted to equipment webbing with a TEK-LOK fastener. There is also an optional field sheath that is PALS compatible and can be attached to a variety of field and tactical equipment.

Ultramarine Field Sheath

The dive sheath is a work of art and is designed to be sleek and hydrodynamic, with a close, tight fit to the body to reduce the risk of entanglements. The sheath also has a quick-release function that allows the knife to be rapidly drawn by simply pulling on the upper portion of the protective flap. The O-ring and retention system are disabled with a strong pull so in a panic or shock situation the user will have access to the knife. The protective flap uses special anti-wet snap fasteners designed for water environments. Finally, the sheath incorporates two sharpening diamond sharpening plates; one for the primary blade and the second for the net cutter.

Ultramarine Dive Sheath

For more information visit Extema Ratio.

Surefire Echo Knife

Wednesday, August 19th, 2009

Surefire Echo Knife

Designed specifically for use by Special Warfare personnel, the fixed blade Echo features a spear point crafted from CRUCIBLE CPM® 3V® carbon steel coated in a rustproof film. Envisioned by Knifesmith Steve Ryan, it is a straight forward design that is low on gadgetry and high on reliability. The inch and a half of the blade closest to the handle is serrated and the entire blade features an asymmetrical grind.

Surefire Echo Knife

The Micartaâ„¢ handle was chosen for wet conditions and its ergonomic profile covers a cutaway steel frame to reduce weight. The injection-molded sheath has an edge reinforced with rivets which also facilitate numerous attaching options. It is form fitted to the blade and keeps the knife secure. Additionally, the DMT diamond sharpener is ingeniously hidden in the Tek-lok attachment.

Surefire Echo's Hidden Diamond Sharpener

For more information visit Surefire online.

New TAD Gear Website

Tuesday, August 11th, 2009

TAD Gear launches their new website today. Over the next couple of days, DNS servers will update the new site. Lots of new images were shot and new products are being unveiled along with the new site.

visit tadgear.com.

OR Part III

Sunday, July 26th, 2009

Gerber Legendary Blades

Gerber was handing out samples of their “new” Shard which closely resembles the Artifact but without the blade. Also, “new” is a relative term as they have been handing out samples at several shows over the last year but are just now releasing it to the market. Gerber claims it is airport friendly and I put that to the test. On my flight out of Salt lake City I put it in the bin with my other pocket litter and it went through security just fine. A simple pocket accessory, it features a bottle opener, nail puller, and phillips head.

Gerber Shard

Sea to Summit

While most products being shown at OR won’t be available until January 2010 at the earliest, there are a variety of products you can get now. One example is the Alpha utensil set from Sea to Summit. A more economical alternative to titanium flatware, the Knife, Fork and Spoon set is made from hard anodized 7075-T6 aircraft aluminum alloy in a smooth matte finish and comes with a mini carabiner to hold it all together. The individual utensils have hexagonal holes cut out of the handle to reduce weight which provide three different size hex wrenches (3 mm, 4 mm & 5 mm). Available from Sea to Summit.

Sea to Summit Alpha Set

Feelmax

A lightweight, conformal design with puncture resistant soles make this Finnish footwear a show in for use in wet environments although several athletes have been conquering marathon events in the shoes. The Panka (seen below) in men’s and women’s sizes as well as the men’s Niesa both feature a lace up design, heel strap to assist with donning and a removable liner for drying.

Feelmax Panka

Feelmax footwear will be available soon through OTE.

Craghoppers

Based on the popularity of the television show Man vs Wild starring Bear Grylls, British outdoor clothier Craghoppers developed a clothing line a couple of years back. Earlier this year, they conducted a direct marketing campaign for fans which laid the groundwork for the release of the 2010 line here in the US and Craghoppers’ first time exhibiting at OR.

Bear Grylls Reversible Tracker Top from Craghopper

For more information Craghoppers on the web.

Two Things I Never Thought I’d See

Tuesday, July 21st, 2009

Although they share a name, one is a modern take on an old idea and the other is well, just plain different.

Ka-Bar Pistol Bayonet

The Pistol Bayonet from LaserLyte in conjunction with Ka-Bar knives evokes memories of childhood visits to museums featuring such oddities as muzzle loading pistols festooned with saber-style blades under the barrel. Pistols have been sporting rails for quite awhile now so I guess it was really only a matter of time before someone attached a blade. The 2.75 inch blade fits on medium to large pistols with rails and slides on and off with the press of two buttons. It features a Black Teflon coated carbon steel blade and comes with polymer sheath.

Delta Bayonette

Delta Assault Technologies, Inc. has introduced the Delta Bayonnette. Attach to the business end of a long arm, this non-lethal device stuns with 500,000 volts of electricity (you have to enunciate each syllable of that word when you are talking 500,000 volts). Consisting of a foregrip that attaches to any Picatinny/Weaver style rail and a DAT stun muzzle brake, it is designed to fit primarily M4-style weapons. Yes, those probes sticking off the end of the muzzle brake are the shock barbs. Please note: The product may not be legal in all localities.