Every year I see the SOE crew at Blade Show and they are killing it. It’s a show where vendors are allowed to sell product over the counter, directly to the public. By the end of the day, you’ll see SOE gear all over the show.
This year they had a couple of displays that I had to share.
I first met knife maker Michael Rodriguez while he was still a Special Forces NCO in the Army. He had been wounded and RMJ Tactical frontman Ryan Johnson had been teaching him how to make knives. After he retired from the Army, Michael did two things; he made more knives and he helped out his fellow Veterans. Both are things that have endeared him to me.
At Blade Show I got a special treat from Michael. He made a knife which he presented to England’s Prince Henry of Wales, KCVO, at the recent Invictus Games, an Olympics-style event for wounded Veterans.
While inspired by the Fairbairn–Sykes fighting knife, it’s not exact copy. Measurements are different as well as some of the lines, like the cross guard.
Michael accomplished all of the work by himself, including turning the wooden pommel. However, he did have a special metal stamp made to commemorate the cooperation of the British and American people.
Michael’s wife, who is still an active duty Army NCO, brought this Sapphire home from a tour in Afghanistan. He set this one and its twin, into the pommels of the two daggers. The sapphire was the perfect choice. Not only does it held special significance as a jewel to the Royal Family, but Prince Harry also served in its place of origin.
When you think of Blade Show, you think about knives, but there are loads of companies offering raw materials, including those for sheaths and holsters. Likewise, when you hear the name Index Fasteners, most people think about sheets of Kydex, but they also offer all of the bits and bobs you need to make a variety of items. Take for instance this snap selector sample wheel.
Those of you into military history may recognize this old mil-spec snap used on ammo belts. They still offer them.
Artist Frank Frazetta created an iconic image in “Death Dealer” a mounted, axe wielding berserker, set on destruction. So iconic that the US Army’s III Corps adopted the image as its mascot back in the 80s. RMJ Tactical is now poised to release a life size version of Death Dealer’s famous axe.
Coming soon!
Gene Higdon was a saddle maker when founded High Speed Gear back in the 90s and sold it a few years ago. While still at HSGI he created the TACO. Now he owns Mean Gene Leather which is a move back to his roots. So far, he’s concentrated on leather belts but today on his 55th birthday Gene announced the “Burrito”, a new leather magazine pouch.
The retention secret for this open topped pouch is springs. It’s designed to accommodate both single and double stacked mags but will also accept many other similarly sized items like flashlights and multi-tools. The Burrito comes standard for 1.5″ belts but can be special ordered with 1.75″ loops. It’s also interesting to note that it’s patent pending.
Offered in Black, Brown, Chocolate or Natural Leather.
www.meangeneleather.com/shop/the-mgl-burrito-magazine-pouch
EXOTAC’s tinderZIP works as a zipper pull but inside it contains a fire starter. The waterproof inner Red core will burn for approximately 60 seconds.
Duane Dwyer has always been enamored of Ducati motorcycles. He gave riding up for many years but recently got back into it. During a recent visit to his local dealer, he noticed a brake rotor and his knife making sense immediately kicked in. The result is a custom run of knives with components made from the brake rotor from a Ducati 1299 Panigale.
