Minden, LA – American Buffalo Knife and Tool Co. is adding the new Klondike Lockback to its line of Roper Knives.
The old Western traditional lockback knife features a 3.25-inch 1065 carbon steel blade with brass liners.
Measuring 3.75 inches when closed, the Klondike Lockback features a red saddle wood handle and stainless steel bolster. It’s finished with a pocket clip with an MSRP of just $35.99.
To learn more and browse the full American Buffalo Knife and Tool Co. lineup, visit, abkt.com.
Your chance to find out transparent sustainability information and make an informed purchasing choice
British outdoor brand Rab is clearing up the confusion many of us often feel when trying to understand sustainability jargon and logos on outdoor products. From September 2023, Material Facts will be available for all Rab apparel and sleeping bags, accessible online through scanning a QR code on the product hangtag. You will be able find out more detailed, easy-to-understand information on recycled content, fluorocarbon status and production information.
Rab doesn’t believe in hiding behind a ‘green logo’ or ‘eco-friendly’ label. A quick scan of the QR code on your smartphone will take you to a clear and accurate Material Facts sustainability data table. This information will enable you to make your own educated choice, before buying a Rab clothing or sleeping bag product.
Rab and Lowe Alpine’s parent company Equip Outdoor Technologies Ltd., frustrated with a lack of clarity around sustainability criteria, created the pioneering Material Facts sustainability information tables to drive a focus on accuracy and transparency, as product director Tim Fish explains: “Communicating sustainability information is complex and means different things to different people, often leading to misleading claims and greenwashing. We’ve developed our non-branded Material Facts program to provide consumers with enough information to make their own educated purchasing decisions. The program leads the way by taking into account consumers’ and retailers’ demands for accurate and honest sustainability product claims.”
By the end of 2024, all Rab and Lowe Alpine packs, equipment and accessories will also include Material Facts tables, and more criteria will be added in the future.
Equip will continue to drive industry-wide engagement to constantly improve Material Facts and to jointly create an industry standard with other brands and industry stakeholders. This is a clear step forward in terms of aligned accurate, honest and transparent CSR communication.
More information about the current Material Facts program can be found here.
[ARLINGTON, TX, 07/21/2023]. Imminent Threat Solutions is proud to release the SPIE® (Special Purpose Insertion Extraction) Marker. Hidden in plain sight, it offers six valuable Escape & Evasion tools, disguised as an ordinary everyday permanent marker. Whether you need it to function as an Impact Tool, escape from illegal restraint or even pick a lock, the SPIE® Marker has you covered.
A quick at-home conversion is all you need to prep your SPIE® Marker. Simply remove the standard permanent marker tip, add the included Micro Tradecraft Toolset into the marker body (give it a quick tap on the table to seat it, so it doesn’t rattle) and put in the Impact Insert.
While the Impact Tool needs no specific instructions on usage, the ideal way to access the tools in an emergency is with a quick snap of the insert and the marker body. The best part is that the Injection-Molded ABD Impact Insert is stronger than the marker body, so the body will be what breaks. Simply grab another permanent marker you have laying around and you can set up the SPIE® Marker again for use. Just in case, we’ve included a spare Impact Insert as well.
Imminent Threat Solutions provides indispensable skill-sets and products to explore your world and prevail against all threats.
For more information on ITS Products, please visit store.itstactical.com.
The Stake Hammer/Hatchet from Big Agnes does what the name says. It can be used to drive in and pull shelter stakes and be used as an all around camp hatchet. You can even open bottles with it. It also includes a removable blade cover to keep you safe while using the hammer or bottle opener features.
www.bigagnes.com/collections/new-arrivals/products/stake-hammer-hatchet
Aquaterro has received its first Purchase Order for the new Sidearm Weapon System (SWS) under the Australian Defence Force LAND 159 Program.
The multi-million dollar PO comes after exhaustive engineering analysis, testing, and evaluation since contract award in October 2022. This effort enables the weapon system to be introduced into service with the ADF and confirms Aquaterro as the largest participant supplier of weapon systems under LAND 159.
The new ADF SWS comprises the SIG P320 X-Carry Pro, SIG ROMEO2 Red Dot Sight, and SIG FOXTROT2 Weapon Light.
Image Source: Commonwealth copyright Department of Defence©
The Australian Army is upgrading its lethality system, including its small arms capabilities through Project LAND 159. The LAND 159 government website states that it is undertaking the procurement of “next-generation weapon systems, ammunition, and training and support systems [that] will ensure that ADF ground combatants maintain a capability advantage over potential adversaries to beyond 2030.”
All SIG P320s will complete their final manufacturing process: application of customer-specific laser engraving, at Aquaterro’s new Laser Machining Centre, located within Aquaterro’s High Security Defence Precinct in Southeast Melbourne.
Utilising multiple advanced workstations, Aquaterro qualified armourers and laser technicians will disassemble the weapons, conduct the laser engraving, reassemble the weapons, perform function checks, and package them for delivery to the ADF via NIOA, the program managing contractor.
Aquaterro Founder and CEO, Graeme Bulte said, “We are thrilled that these systems are now lined up for production at SIG’s manufacturing facilities, and our team is prepped and ready for their arrival and clearance into Australia. The extensive testing and evaluation conducted for the ADF program confirms the products have met the rigorous requirements of the ADF, and we can’t wait for them to begin to arrive at our facility in Melbourne towards the end of this year.” “We are proud of the combined work of our team and with the solid support from SIG, which is aiming to provide these weapons on budget and substantially ahead of schedule”.
Image Source: Commonwealth copyright Department of Defence©
Aquaterro is a 100% Australian owned, medium-sized company that has grown over 30 years under the same ownership, to become one of Australia’s largest providers of individual equipment, including small arms and munitions, to the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and police customers around Australia. Aquaterro employs 50+ people, and is headquartered in its new, purpose-built ~11,000m2 secure defence industry precinct in Southeast Melbourne. Aquaterro has delivered over $150m worth of equipment to Defence over the past 7 years, via LAND 125’s Tiered Combat Helmet (Team Wendy EXFIL) and Night Vision Goggle Mount (Wilcox G24) contracts alone; proudly achieving a faultless Scorecard record for delivery of these supplies.
Aquaterro’s facilities include advanced manufacturing as well as industrial research, engineering, in-house design, and sovereign manufacturing capability. Aquaterro also designs and manufactures equipment under its own Peacemaker® brand, which it provides to clients across Australia and exports overseas.
SIG SAUER and Aquaterro have been working closely since 2017 to offer world-leading solutions and win business in the Australian Defence and Law Enforcement market. This PO is the latest and largest contract for SIG weapon systems in Australia to date, and demonstrates the commitment both companies have for Australia.
Aquaterro was also selected to supply the new Personal Defence Weapon System (PDWS) into LAND 159, consisting of the SIG MCX, ROMEO4T Optic, JULIET4 Magnifier, and SIG Suppressors. These items are completing their test and evaluation processes prior to a procurement decision.”
Whether you are law enforcement, military or a squared away civilian, you need reliable equipment that you can count on. FirstSpear belts offer durability and performance for when it counts most — on the X.
Discover FirstSpear’s flagship tactical belt, the Assaulter’s Gun Belt (AGB). This versatile belt is designed to handle tough situations and provide users with the best possible comfort and security. The AGB is accessed through a two-point, high strength metallic buckle that facilitates combat-equipped buddy drags. It can integrate with the AGB Padded Sleeve to provide more comfort and provide you with additional 6/12 attachment points.
Upgrade to the classic AGB, the Modular AGB was developed to be as close to an overt tactical load carriage belt as possible without compromising strength. The Modular AGB allows you to mount small 6/9 or MOLLE pockets directly to the belt, making it ideal for those who need a more secure way of carrying their gear.
The Tac Belt is also a reliable option. It features a sturdy metal buckle and is less stiff than the AGB and Modular AGB. Additionally, it features security loops so you can feel confident that your gear won’t fall off during dynamic operations. This belt is perfect for carrying pistol mags, folding knives or flashlights with belt clips on them, or any other small items you need to keep secure while on duty.
Visit FirstSpear to find American Made kit and accessories, Built For The X.
BRUNSSUM, Netherlands — Teams across U.S. Army Garrison Benelux and its mission partner organizations have prepared their minds and bodies for the Four Days March July 18 to 21, 2023, in Nijmegen.
Otherwise known as “De Vierdaagse” in Dutch, participants walk between 30 to 50 kilometers — or 18.6 to 31 miles — each day through villages and the countryside while an estimated 2 million spectators cheer them on. The ultimate goal for the marchers is to achieve the Four Days March Cross, an official decoration of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, which can be worn on many nations’ military uniforms.
Lt. Col. Shaun Reynolds, a civil affairs officer with the Allied Joint Force Command Brunssum J9 (Civil-Military Cooperation), is registered to participate with the installation’s Allied International Marching Team. Reynolds finished the march for the first time last year, receiving his cross. This year he is marching for the second award, which adds a crown to the medallion.
“It’s a motivator, getting the cross,” Reynolds said, “but [now] doing it a second year … I’m going for the crown.”
This year celebrates the 105th edition of the Nijmegen Four Days March. As the world’s largest multiple day marching event, it invites up to 47,000 participants from over 70 nationalities. Participants can register as an individual or in a group and choose to compete in either the civilian or the military category. Ages range from as young as 11 years old to over 90 years old.
“There’s people that travel from all over the world [to participate in the march],” said Staff Sgt. Alexander Bertsch, a 424th Air Base Squadron air traffic controller at Chièvres Air Base, Belgium, and team captain of the installation’s marching team. This is his second time participating.
The team, made up of service members from the U.S. Air Force and Army, started training for the march a few months ago.
“It’s not just a show-up-and-do-it kind of thing,” said Bertsch.
Master Sgt. Stephen Spaeder, 424 ABS emergency operations superintendent, agreed.
“I went in thinking it was just a walk. It was a lot more challenging than I expected [and] definitely a humbling experience,” he said. “I had just run a marathon the month beforehand, so I thought I was ready.”
Spaeder sustained a serious knee injury from the lengthy marching last year, landing him in physical therapy for three months after the event was over.
He learned valuable lessons from the previous year and began training earlier for the 2023 event. Additionally, this year Spaeder knows exactly what he will carry in his rucksack. While all military participants must carry 10 kilograms — 22 lbs. — of weight on their backs, it takes experience to know what items are best to bring along.
Spaeder also determined that taking more breaks throughout each marching day to take off his boots and socks in order to cool his feet and ward off blisters is an essential ingredient to success.
“You learn a lot about yourself and your feet,” Reynolds said. From his practice marches and experience last year at the Nijmegen event, he discovered that he needed to purchase boots a whole size larger than usual for a march this length.
He also emphasized how important it is to wear broken-in boots and learn how to properly care for your feet before even attempting the march.
While blisters top the list for injuries during the march, Bertsch struggled with different issues starting on the third day. The excessive marching caused his calves and ankles to tighten up, and he had to push hard through the final day to the finish line.
“I struggled to take each step,” he said. “You have to rely on the people around you. Without my team, I don’t think I would have made it.”
Even so, Bertsch will never forget the atmosphere of all four days of the march.
“It’s really inspiring to see all these people going through a rough time and being happy about it,” he said. “You can do a lot more walking than you think you can do, and keep good spirits despite the challenge.”
Members of both teams recounted how special it was to see the community and spectator involvement at the event. They explained that throughout the four days children were passing out snacks and candy, giving high-fives and asking for military patches off their uniforms. Crowds were clapping at 4 a.m. as the marchers began their day’s journey. Spectators cheered them on nearly the entire course as they marched up to 12 hours each day. DJs and bands played live music at many locations. One of the rest stops even offered drinks and bratwursts.
Maj. Juan Fuentes, future operations officer at USAG Benelux-Brunssum, will be participating in the march for the first time this year as part of the Chièvres Air Base team.
“I just really want to experience being … part of something,” he said. “There’s always a little bit of nerves and excitement. It’s an event I need to be part of.”
The Allied International March Team and Chièvres Air Base team join nearly 5,000 other military participants in the march. Their course will begin and end each day at the military camp Heumensoord, just south of Nijmegen. This camp is built every year for the Four Days March and supplies a dining facility, showers and sleeping accommodations for registered military detachments.
Nearly 90% of those who start the march cross the finish line four days later. Typically, around 70% of those people have participated in the march on more than one occasion.
“The atmosphere is what brings people back,” said German Armed Forces Maj. Heiko Lingelbach, a member of the German Communications Directorate at JFC Brunssum.
Lingelbach, who is also the chairperson of the Allied International March Team and leads a multi-national group of 41 participants this year, has seen people sign up for the march again and again.
“It grows on you, and you say ‘ok, I can do this again,’” said Lingelbach.
Reynolds emphasized the tremendous crowd support towards the end of the march.
“The last day you’re really on air even if you’re hurting,” he said.
During the last 5 kilometers (3.1 miles), all marchers are given gladiola flowers as they join a procession down the Nijmegen city center called Via Gladiola.
More than 250,000 spectators gather for this finale and offer high-fives, hugs, and cheers. Senior officials and dignitaries salute the military as they finish their last steps.
“I recommend that anyone who has the chance to do it, should do it,” said Spaeder, “I had a blast!”
By Sandra Wilson, USAG Benelux Public Affairs
Editor’s Note: The following story is the thirteenth in the series Bits of the Benelux. This series takes a deep dive into the stories, cultures and traditions found throughout Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany.
Rheinmetall AG of Düsseldorf has secured an important order from Hungary for Hero Loitering Munitions. Contracts to this effect have now been signed. The munitions are worth a figure in the low three-digit million-euro range. Delivery will begin in 2024 and is scheduled to end in 2025.
Hero Loitering Munitions are a family of operationally proven, widely used effectors which Rheinmetall fabricates and markets in Europe under a cooperation agreement with UVision Air Ltd. of Israel. In October 2021 Rheinmetall and UVision embarked on a strategic partnership aimed at addressing sharply increased demand for remotely controlled precision munitions.
Hero precision munitions provide modern armed forces on today’s battlefields with the ultimate in operational flexibility. The weapon systems possess a unique, autonomous target engagement capability, including reconnaissance, monitoring and recognition. It locates, tracks and engages emerging enemy targets with low signatures beyond the line of sight.
Hero Loitering Munition systems circle over the target zone, locating and tracking the enemy and analysing possible targets. They help to select high-value targets as well as suitable timing, direction and angle of attack before carrying out a high-precision strike. Hero Loitering Munition systems feature a high degree of commonality and can therefore be operated from the same operating and datalink terminal on the ground.
All Hero systems are designed to operate in complex battlefield conditions, including in environments without GPS reception or jammed radio connections. Modern armed forces around the world, among them those of major NATO members, use Hero Loitering Munitions, which have proven highly effective in combat operations.
The Hero system has demonstrated its effectiveness against a multitude of different targets, including infantry, light vehicles on the move, tanks, enemy field fortifications, air defence systems and critical infrastructure. It offers major advantages in modern warfare scenarios. Thanks to their rapid deployability and independent target acquisition and engagement capabilities, Hero Loitering Munitions can operate at all echelons, from supreme headquarters to the individual soldier on the ground, and lend themselves to strategic and tactical missions alike.
