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Blade Show – Hogue Knives

Monday, June 6th, 2016

Designed by Elishiwitz, this is the EX-TO1 from Hogue. What I find most interesting about it is the shape of the head which is cut to accommodate the carrying system. That skeleton design also makes it lighter than more traditional ones.

The sheath is magnetized so the tomahawk will click into place and then there’s a twist lock that keeps it on the sheath. The sheath also incorporates a paddle like you find on holsters. However, you can also mount other Tek-Lok carry options.

The EX-TO1 is just over 14″ long and weighs just under a pound (1.45 lbs with sheath). It is made from .25″ S7 steel and offers G10 scales in a variety of colors.

www.hogueinc.com/knives

Tags: Hogue
Posted in Blade Show, Knives | 4 Comments »

Blade Show – DDR / Master Proven

Monday, June 6th, 2016

I stopped by ABS Master Bladesmith Darrel Ralph’s booth and saw quite a few new items but I thought we’d initially discuss their DGT line of tactical gear.

This is the Shadrach, a small survival knife designed in conjunction with Master Proven and produced by DDR. The name stems from the Old Testament’s Book of Daniel, Chapter 3. Shadrach is one of four who survived an attempt at being burnt alive.

It includes the knife made from 154CM and ferro rod which is held in place with small rubber bands. This method is quite common. Next, the handle is wrapped with 550 Fire Cord so it includes a combustible material to get the fire going. There’s also a simple, Kydex sheath.

Thes will be available from Smokey Mountain Knife Works, Blue Ridge Knives and Going Gear.

Tags: DDR, Master Proven
Posted in Blade Show, Knives | 1 Comment »

Blade Show – Spartan Blades / Harsey Folder Wins American Made Knife of the Year

Monday, June 6th, 2016

Cngratulations to our friends at Spartan Blades along with Bill Harsey for their folding knife being selected as Blade Magazine’s American Made Knife of the Year!

Here you can see Mark Carey, Bill Harsey and Curtis Iovito recieving their award.

The knife features a stainless S35VN 4.25″ inch blade along with dual titanium thumb lugs and phosphor bronze bushing for a smooth, ambidextrous opening. The frame lock design incorprates and internal lock bar stabilizer that prevents the lock bar from over traveling and the slabs are are titanium.

spartanbladesusa.com/folding-blades

Tags: Bill Harsey, Spartan Blades
Posted in Blade Show, Industry, Knives, Made In USA! | 2 Comments »

Blade Show – Special Operations Equipment Goes High Fashion

Monday, June 6th, 2016

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.

www.originalsoegear.com

Tags: SOE
Posted in Blade Show, Load Carrying | 36 Comments »

Blade Show – Michael Rodriguez

Sunday, June 5th, 2016

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.

Tags: Michael Rodriguez
Posted in Blade Show | 10 Comments »

Frazetta and RMJ Tactical – Death Dealer Battle Axe

Sunday, June 5th, 2016

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!

Tags: Frank Frazetta, RMJ Tactical
Posted in Blade Show, Knives | 4 Comments »

Have You Seen B5 Systems’ New Website?

Sunday, June 5th, 2016

Ok, it’s not exactly brand spanking new, but it’s newish.

b5systems.com

Tags: B5 Systems
Posted in Industry | 2 Comments »

Mean Gene Leather Introduces “Burrito” Mag Pouch

Sunday, June 5th, 2016

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

Tags: Mean Gene Leather
Posted in Load Carrying | 6 Comments »