SureFire

Panteao Introduces A New Custom Knife By Battle Horse Knives

December 30th, 2015

Columbia, SC, December 28, 2015 – Panteao Productions introduces the new MRTK made exclusively for Panteao by Battle Horse Knives. It was developed with the combined input of Dan Coppins of Battle Horse Knives and the instructors from the Panteao Make Ready to Survive Series. The goal was to create a workhorse of a knife that could handle a wide range of uses and scenarios. The MRTK does just that and then some.

Dan Coppins is Co-Owner of Battle Horse Knives and has been an avid hunter for over forty years. Dan has three children and six grandchildren that he enjoys passing on his hunting and outdoor knowledge to. Dan also enjoys making and designing knives that will bring his company to the next level.

“We were introduced to Dan by instructors from the Panteao Survival Series and I was extremely impressed with his work and attention to detail,” said Fernando Coelho, president of Panteao Productions. Fernando continued, “His no nonsense approach to knives and knife making inspired us to film a video on selecting a knife and during those discussions, the MRKT came about. I’m very happy with the way it came out. It truly is a beast.”

The blade is made from 0-1 Tool Steel. It’s an oil hardening (cold work) steel that provides deep hardening and high toughness properties. It’s one of the most forgiving of any knife steel and produces blades of excellent quality. The MRTK features a full tang design for maximum strength and durability. The blade itself is a saber grind. That type of grind is known for being strong, heavy-duty, and good for handling a wide range of tough jobs. Everything from field dressing game to splitting wood, the MRTK can tackle it. You also get great control with the secondary convex edge of the blade. The spine of the knife has a 90 degree angle which is ideal for creating tinder or making a spark with a rock or ferrocerium rod. The handle is made from a combination of dark red G-10 and black Micarta, attached with brass & stainless steel Bird’s Eye Bolts and Heavy Duty Epoxy. The finger groove helps give you a solid and secure grip and the overall shape of the handle helps reduce the chance of hot spots in your hand after extended use. A 3/8” lanyard hole is perfect for paracord, leather, or cordage. To secure the MRKT and keep it within easy reach is the Kydex sheath with a leather backer. The knife is secured in place within the sheath with a thumb lock system. Pull the lock up and the knife is secure in the sheath. Push it down and you have access to your knife. The leather backer helps make your sheath quiet when moving around.

panteao knife

For more information on the MRKT video the Panteao website at: panteao.com/product/mrtk-knife

The Naviator

December 29th, 2015

Funded by a $618,000 Office of Naval Research grant, this quad copter is the invention of a team from Rutgers University’s Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering.  The Naviator works in both air and underwater.  

According to team lead Professor Javier Diez, they’ve got two issues to work on.  First off, like many subsurface systems, comms is an issue.  The Naviator currently requires a float antenna so they are looking at systems such as sound impulses.  Additionally, they are working to accommodate payloads like cameras and sonar.  

A Reminder From The Army OPSEC Office

December 29th, 2015

  

QuickTop Shelters Is Now BivX Tents

December 29th, 2015

Using technology developed for CBRNE Decon shelters, BivX Tents are manufactured just outside of DC by a Government contractor.  Originally, they began to sell pop-up wall-less versions of their shelters.  Now, they’ve taken the extra step to rebrand and offer full shelters with end walls and side doors.  These go right up, using an expandable frame.  Don’t forget, they are available in several color options as well as customized printing for logos. Due to their ease of use and durability, I fully expect to see these start to show up at trade shows this year.  

  

bivxtents.com

There’s Still Time To Sign Up For The Soldier Systems Digest Newsletter

December 29th, 2015

SSD Newsletter

If you haven’t had the chance to sign up for the upcoming Soldier Systems Digest E-mail Newsletter, there’s still time! You can sign up using the registration field, directly underneath the advertising, as seen in the image above. The SSD Newsletter launches in January, so stay tuned!

Dog Faced Soldier

December 29th, 2015

I served in the US Army’s 3rd Infantry Division from 1988-1990. The Marne Division has a song, “Dog Faced Soldier” dating from WWII l, as well as a mascot named Rocky, created in 1965 by none other than Walt Disney, for just $1.  Rocky’s name hails from WWI, where 3ID held like a rock during the second Battle of the Marne River.  This distinguished service also earned the Division its motto, the French “Nous Resterons La” (English – We Shall Remain Here).

  
I find it rather unfortunate that the song “Dog Faced Soldier” written by two Infantrymen, was altered after the Division moved to Ft Stewart to make it gender neutral.  Here is the version we sang.  If you attended PLDC at the 3ID NCO Academy in Kitzengen, you had to learn and sing it as well, regardless of which unit you served with.  This often led to altered lyrics that weren’t so flattering for us ‘Dog Faced Soldiers.’

I wouldn’t give a bean,
to be a fancy-pants Marine
I’d rather be a dog-faced soldier like I am.
I wouldn’t trade my old O.D.’s
for all the Navy’s dungarees
for I’m the marching pride of Uncle Sam.
All the posters you see say the Army builds men,
Well, they’re tearing me down to build me over again.
I’m just a dog-faced soldier
with a rifle on my shoulder
and I eat raw meat for breakfast every day.
So feed me ammunition, and keep me in the 3rd Division
For your dog-faced soldier boy’s O.K.

Noel Moments from the French Army

December 29th, 2015

   
   
Merci AM

Lundhags – Husky Ski

December 29th, 2015

I remember first seeing Lundhags Ski March boots in the 80s-era Survival Aids catalogs from the UK. Lessons from the Falkland campaign were still fresh in their minds and keeping feet dry in cold-wet conditions was a particular onsession considering the unsuitability of issue footwear.

Lundhags still offers the same style of boot, slightly updated over the years. There are versions for 75mm bindings as well as for 87-91mm. In either case, they feature a Goodwell Ski Sole, Rubber Lowers incorporating EVA construction and TPU Plastic Toe Cap as well as Laced Leather Uppers with removable 5mm Wool Felt Linings. The last is designed so as to accommodate an additional layer of socks.

For those of you who are looking for similar construction without the touring ski compatibility, check out Lundhags’ Professional series.

www.lundhags.se/product-2/16318/husky_ski