Currently running on Kickstarter, Firefly replaces the toothpick insert on your Swiss Army Knife with a firestarter. It features a bright neon yellow-green, glow-in-the-dark thumbnail grip.
Available in two lengths, they’ve tailored the sparking material mix to double the break strength of a typical ferrocerrium/firesteel mix. You can use any of the tools on the knife to strike a spark with the Firefly.
Priest River, ID (September 2017) Jake Hoback Knives and PROOF Research are pleased to announce the release of a collaborative project, the limited edition PROOF of Life Axe.
Jake Hoback started making knives in 1990 in his backyard, pounding them out with a framing hammer and fence post nails. Since then the Idaho-based company has grown into an industry leader in the manufacture of premium knives and axes.
PROOF Research is a science-driven manufacturer of lightweight precision rifle systems, record-breaking steel barrels and carbon fiber-wrapped barrels. The company’s Advanced Composites Division develops next-generation materials to produce innovative weapon systems that lighten warfighter load while increasing durability and effectiveness.
“This was a unique collaboration,” stated Hoback, who describes his design as 1/3 tomahawk, 1/3 crash axe, and 1/3 ultra-light axe. “PROOF Research supplied the technology expertise and composite materials. Their design input was simple and concise: ‘In terms of fighting functionality, materials, and overall design – produce the highest-performance axe regardless of cost.’ Mission accomplished.”
The PROOF of Life axe is CNC-machined from solid S7 tool steel. Recesses and skeletonized cutouts reduce weight to a perfectly balanced 18 ounces, while internal structural webbing and radiused corners keep the design strong enough for heavy use. The head bevels feature scalloped channels to guide the axe into the target and to reduce the risk of glancing blows. Edge geometry was similarly well thought out, with the top of the edge bevel ground for hard chopping, and a shallower grind on the bottom edge for precise slicing and detail work.
The axe’s scales were created from aerospace-grade carbon fiber bound with high-temperature resin for maximum toughness. The fiber grain direction is also parallel to the handle for structural integrity and to reduce the transfer of impact harmonics to the hand.
“Our customers fit into one or both of two niches,” said Derek McDonald, Chief Marketing Officer for PROOF Research, “those whose profession requires the absolute highest performance, and those who demand the very best and are willing to make that investment. The PROOF of Life axe is a fit for both of those customers and also happens to be a very nice collectible for die-hard fans of both Jake Hoback Knives and PROOF Research.”
The limited edition PROOF of Life axe is available at www.jakehobackknives.com for $750.
For more information on PROOF Research, visit www.proofresearch.com.
The 818 Mini Loco will seem very familiar to anyone who has ever handled the full sized 808 Loco which is a very ergonomic design, due in part, to the canted handle design. Complemented with a robust CPM-S30V stainless steel blade, custom hardware and Benchmade’s AXIS locking mechanism, the 818 is an ideal choice for an everyday carry or as a backup knife.
The 818 Mini Loco will be display for the first time at NTOA, in booth #408.
“In states allowing the possession of switchblades, it is imperative that law-abiding citizens and sportsmen have the ability to buy and sell the tools vital to their trade,” said Crapo. “This measure would remove one of the many federal regulatory burdens that have hindered manufacturing growth, interstate commerce and consumer practices for far too long.”
Automatic knives, which are defined based on their opening mechanism, are used primarily in the professional trades and by outdoor recreationalists. In both of these examples, the use of a one-handed knife that opens automatically is often critical to effectively and safely accomplishing the task. To illustrate, a roofer may carry an automatic knife in his pocket as part of his customary tools. While perched on a ladder, he only has one hand to open and lock the blade, making the automatic open a necessary feature. This same example could be used for a fisherman, who is holding his catch with his left hand while simultaneously using an automatic knife to cut the line of a swallowed hook with his right hand. In both cases, the task may be technically achievable with other tools, but is accomplished more quickly and more safely with an automatic knife.
To advance the legislation, AKTI will be working with the bill’s lead sponsor, Senator Mike Crapo, R-ID, to educate Members of Congress on what the Federal Switchblade Act is, how it hurts free trade, consumer choice, and interstate commerce. AKTI will be working with policymakers to explain the following:
What is the Federal Switchblade Act of 1958?
The Federal Switchblade Act of 1958 (FSA) leverages the federal government’s interstate commerce power to prohibit the purchase, sale, and trade of automatic knives between any and all of the 50 states, Washington, DC, any U.S. territories, and any place outside thereof.
The FSA does:
• prohibit the possession of automatic knives in U.S. territories and on Native American Reservations;
• prohibit a consumer from purchasing any automatic knife not manufactured in the state in which they are making the purchase;
• prohibit the importation of all foreign automatic knives, as well as knife parts, even if the manufacturer or importer is a U.S.-based company.
The FSA does not:
• prohibit the possession or sale of automatic knives within any U.S. state or the District of Columbia;
• apply to contracts entered into by the Department of Defense.
The FSA hurts consumers and knife manufacturers throughout the United States by using federal law to:
• limit consumer choice;
• create unnecessary burdens on manufacturers and retailers by prohibiting most out-of-state sales;
• impose a barrier on states’ rights to legislate the availability of a tool within their borders;
• infringe on free trade by outlawing the importation of automatic knives.
The Freedom of Commerce Act will:
• repeal 15 U.S.C. § 1241 – 1244;
• allow domestic manufacturers to ship and sell their products to buyers located in other states;
• permit the importation of automatic knives and knife parts.
The legislation will not:
• supplant or amend current state laws on automatic (or any other) knives;
• legalize the possession or carry of automatic knives (except for Native American Reservations and U.S. territories).
“Drafting legislation is always a balance between safisfying an emotional drive to fix something, and finding common sense mechanisms that will truly deliver a solution,” said CJ Buck, President of Buck Knives and AKTI. “In this bill, Senator Crapo has done an exceptional job of striking that balance in a way that will help knife owners and consumers, remove unnecessary federal burdens, and allow states to decide what tools are legal within their jurisdiction – as the Constitution guarantees. We’re thrilled to see this legislation introduced, and couldn’t be prouder to have Buck Knives’ senior senator leading the charge.”
“AKTI’s mission is to promote reasonable and responsible knife legislation and enforcement,” said AKTI’s Executive Director Jan Billeb. “We believe that law-abiding citizens should be able to carry and purchase their essential and valuable tools without the fear of arbitrary, inconsistent and ineffective government restrictions. We look forward to working with Senator Crapo and his team to educate lawmakers on the restrictions and burdens created by the Federal Switchblade Act, and how the Freedom of Commerce Act alleviates these problems.”
The American Knife & Tool Institute shared some great news with us.
Today Colorado joins the growing number of states that recognizes the value to their citizens of automatic knives at work or in recreational activities. SB 008 signed into law removes “switchblade knife” and “gravity knife” from the definition of “illegal weapon” in Colorado § 18-12-102.
“This momentum is evidence that Americans continue to realize that automatic knives are tools that can be easily deployed with one hand, providing a real utility for law abiding citizens,” noted CJ Buck, AKTI President. “And AKTI is proud to lead the path in these common sense reforms.”
The American Knife & Tool Institute thanks our members in Colorado for their tremendous help in getting this legislation across the finish line, Senator Owen Hill and Rep. Steve Lepsock for shepherding the legislation through the Colorado legislature, and our supporter John Bloodgood for encouraging his legislators to introduce this change with AKTI’s assistance and help drafting the legislation.
“Colorado continues to show that we are pioneers and westerners, and we will give people every tool available to keep exploring and working” said Senator Hill. “It has been a pleasure working with Rep. Lebsock and the American Knife and Tool Institute to repeal Colorado’s automatic knife prohibition.”
The American Knife & Tool Institute cautions knife owners that concealed carry of any knife with a blade over three-and-one-half (3-1/2) inches is still illegal in Colorado, except for hunting, fishing or sport use. Also, knife owners need to be aware that some cities in Colorado, such as Denver, have additional knife restrictions. While Colorado does not have a statewide knife law preemption, Colorado § 18-12-105.6 offers limited protection to knife owners by providing that state law prevails when someone is traveling in a private vehicle or other private means of transportation. However, if you are not traveling in a private vehicle, local laws may apply.
For reliable knife law information, visit stateknifelaws.com
The Knife Combat Utility is an update to the classic Demo Knife. It is designed to be low profile, with black anodized tools, including:
The Knife Combat Utility is now selling at $65.00 each, CONUS shipping included.
You can email jrinder24@gmail.com for more information.
Kurt Ronacher, President of Boker USA, will participate at board meetings and serve on the Membership Committee of the organization.
"Boker unequivocally believes in the reasonable, common sense approach that AKTI has taken to addressing knife law changes, dealing with legislators and solving problems for knife owners and the knife industry," said Ronacher. "AKTI's recent success in removing all restrictions to automatic knives in Colorado will benefit our brand, the industry and citizens of Colorado who need to be able to choose the correct tool to use."
The American Knife & Tool Institute is governed by a nine member Board of Regents that include a broad cross section of the knife industry. Member companies include Benchmade Knife Company, BTI Tools, Boker, Buck Knives, CRKT, Gerber, Ontario Knife Company, and SOG Knives & Tools. Regular input to the Board from Advisory members also adds to the knowledge, credibility and professionalism of the organization to represent a broad spectrum of issues for the knife community.
"We are pleased that Boker has joined our board and to have Kurt's input on the strategies and projects that AKTI is working on for the benefit of the entire knife community," said CJ Buck, President of AKTI. "Recent legislative successes in Colorado and Michigan are the result of several years of AKTI laying a common sense foundation with many different legislators and groups to make this a reality. We are very encouraged that Boker, with their contributions and involvement, has demonstrated such trust in our efforts and the approach AKTI has taken to make effective knife law changes."
Boker is a renowned manufacturer and supplier of high-quality and innovative knives. Sporting, hunting, collector and tactical knives are made in the Solingen, Germany factory which is the largest manufacturer in Europe.
For more information visit www.AKTI.org.
We recently had a chance to check out this new fishing line of tools from Gerber during last week’s Outdoor Retailer Summer Market. We already showed you one product. Now, here’s an overview of the whole line.
PORTLAND, OREGON – GERBER, an industry-leading manufacturer of personal knives, multi-tools, and gear, announced today that it will debut a category-defining collection of fishing products at iCAST 2017 in Orlando, Florida. The first look comes ahead of the spring 2018 launch date, when the collection becomes available for purchase nationwide.
For a new breed of fishing, a new generation of tools. Hardcore anglers need tools that work even harder. Tools that take them beyond the beaten path, beyond self-imposed limits, beyond anything and everything that stands in their way. Gerber introduces a new line of multi-functional fishing products that outfit the angler from the trek in, to the catch, to the victorious journey home. These tools are purpose-built for the adventure to extend the experience anywhere and everywhere the angler dares to tread.
“Gerber is known for reimagining the common tool and delivering intuitive, multi-functional gear.” said Andrew Gritzbaugh, Vice President of Marketing at Gerber. “This new collection of fishing products is rooted in Gerber’s extensive experience developing problem-solving products for users in expeditionary environments – from US Soldiers in Afghanistan to Elk Hunters in Montana. This new fishing collection will serve the experienced angler by providing intelligent design, insightful material combinations, and progressive new technologies that will enable them to venture farther and fish beyond.”
The new collection features 12 multi-functional tools that are painstakingly designed and tested, because if it’s taking up space in a kayak, on an ATV, or inside a vest, it better be worth it. Do more and go farther while taking up less space – explore a few leading products.
Keep the line in the water. The compact, dual-ended LineDriver has everything needed to simplify line management: one end rotates to quickly tie knots and clear eyelets, the other end features a crimper, hook threader, and scissor snips. A pocket clip and tether point keep the tool secured for easy access.
Get a grip on the unexpected. Swift power is on hand with the durable, hot-forged Magnipliers. The ergonomic trigger grip is offset to keep line of sight in tight places, while the finger choil offers maximum control. The thumb lock and ambidextrous tether points ensure safe stowage and transport while on the move. [Pictured on the Defender Tether.]
Whether on the boat or the shore, you need a tool that can do it all. The Processor Take-A-Part Shears work as a cohesive unit and as independent tools; creativity and control collide in this revolutionary design.
Make short work of messy business. The Controller Fillet Knife System is designed for clean, smooth cuts with a flexible blade that provides just the right amount of give. The intuitive GuideFins™ & tactile HydroTread Grip™ offer ultimate control of the knife, even in slippery conditions.
The FreeHander lives up to its name, offering one-hand engagement when cutting and securing line. The wide paddle design gives intuitive purchase in cold or wet conditions, and moveable parts provide a custom fit. Optimized for use with Mono & Fluorocarbon line.
Don’t get caught in the fray; cutting with precision was a key design influence of the Neat Freak Braided Line Cutters. Micro serrated blades partner with BearHand Control™ to deliver ergonomic confidence in hand.
When the tacklebox isn’t a reality, the slim Gutsy is an on-the-go solution that is ready when opportunity strikes. Designed to be efficiently stored and intuitively used, this solid state tool offers 4 essential functions to get the job done.
The Defender Tether offers a carabiner designed to fit on-finger for intuitive control and a patented line vise on each side for secure tension relief. Line is protected by an override lock-out system, and the tool is easily carried on straps, belts, or waders w/ a wide-body flexible clip.
*also available in Compact size, features differ slightly
