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Video review: Up Armored Knives and Coatings

Thursday, April 12th, 2012

Nice video review of Up-Armored Knives and Coatings for ya.

Big News for Folders and Butterfly Knives: DDR’s New Pivot System

Saturday, April 7th, 2012

A little knife update from Swingin’ Dick and Slim.

We spent some time recently with the Auguste Rodin of knife building up in his double secret super foundry forge headquarters near Cincinnati and got to talk to The Man himself, Mr. Darrel Ralph of Darrel Ralph Designs. As you might expect, he’s got a lot of awesome in the works.

One of these is new developments is the NLT (No Lock Tite) Pivot System they recently developed to further improve the reliability and smooth function of DDR knives. The NLT is a pivot adjustment system that will stay tight and adjusted. They stopped using lock-tite because it breaks loose after several hours of swinging (which is obviously problematic, if you’re using a knife with an integral swing function).

Here are the instructions for the NLT Pivot system. More to follow.

Darrel and his staff have also recently finished the initial tests of their new Maxx Glide Pivot Bushing System, a bushing system intended to accompany their bearing system.

“This bushing system and the NLT are easy to adjust,” Darrel said, “and has virtually no blade play. Plus our clutch mechanism will allow blade tension to be adjusted to your liking, you know if you prefer a little tension on the blade.”

We’re returning in a month or two, though we haven’t decided if we’re going back to the Darrel Ralph shop or if we’re just gonna take some single dancing moms to King’s Island.

Mad Duo Clear

Tactical Fanboy: Looking over the shop at the DDR Shop

Knife Review: the Böker Whale

Friday, April 6th, 2012

The Whale is a collaboration between designer/maker Jens Ansø and Böker.  There’s an in-depth review at http://www.edgeobserver.com/boker_jens_anso_whale/, or you can just watch this video:

 

Medford Knife “Real Steel Showdown”

Wednesday, April 4th, 2012

You anywhere in driving distance of Phoenix? Like knives? Beer? Girls? BBQ? Live music? If you answered yes, then you need to check out the Medford Knife Real Steel Showdown. If you answered no, chances are you’re a hippie and you shouldn’t be reading this anyway.

Important Public Safety Notice from MKT

Tuesday, April 3rd, 2012

A public safety notice from Medford Knife and Tools.

BK-3B Bottleneck

Saturday, March 31st, 2012

The BK-3B Bottleneck is a collaborative effort between Mantis Knives and Hawk Designs of Idaho City, ID. This unique butterfly-style knife features a 2″ modified tanto edge blade machined from 400 series stainless steel. The handle, also machined from 400 series stainless steel, has a latch lock with integrated handle springs. The Bottleneck also includes a functioning bottle opener when folded and a pocket clip for easy carry.

Mantis Knives – BK-3B Bottleneck

LaserLyte Zombie Killer Pistol Bayonet

Wednesday, February 22nd, 2012

Featuring a 2.75″ steel blade by Ka-Bar, this LaserLyte pistol bayonet has a radioactive green handle, constructed from 30% glass-filled nylon, to easily identify its status as a high-caliber, zombie-slaying tool of destruction. It attaches to any medium or large sized pistol with a rail, easily sliding on or off with a press of two buttons. A custom polymer sheath is also included.

LaserLyte – ZK PB Serrated

Spartan Blades: Best New Knives of the Year from Field and Stream

Thursday, February 9th, 2012

Spartan Blades – New Designs (from SSD)

Spartan Blades were also chosen as some of the Best New Knives of the Year by Field and Stream, congrats! The Hunter and Harsey Model II blades, specifically…

Spartan Blades showed SSD a couple of new designs at SHOT Show. From top to bottom:

-Spartan Harsey Hunter – This one has been around awhile. Built in cooperation with renowned knife designer “Bill” Harsey, it’s intended to pull double duty as a fighting or hunting knife.

-Spartan Harsey Model 2 – Another knife built in cooperation with “Bill” Harsey.

-Phrike – A smaller knife, it should hit the market this Spring.

www.spartanbladesusa.com

 

 

Steel Flame on rails

Thursday, January 26th, 2012

Yesterday Tactical Fanboy’s TANSTAAFL ran an article about what looked like a rail-mounted skull, something we picked up from keeping an eye on those Hos at Spartan Imports. I did some checking and that comes from Steel Flame. The website is www.steelflame.com. The guy behind that site is a master jeweler named Derrick Obatake who does some really cool work (you’ve seen some of his stuff in movies like the Expendables). Actually, calling it cool is a bit of an understatement. Bad ass might be a better word for it. Check him out on Facebook too.

Tactical Fanboy: Steel Flame Custom Darkness Clips on Emerson Karambits.

Tactical Fanboy: Virtus Dagger medallion on the set of Expendables 2

Tactical Fanboy: Another Virtus Dagger medallion on the set of Expendables 2.

Good Gear: a Graphic Demonstration

Thursday, January 19th, 2012

This is quite a selection of gear from the Mad Duo. Raven Concealment, 5.11 Tactical, LED Lenser, Darrel Ralph Knives, Tactical Tailor, Bravo 5, Legion Firearms, T.I.E. Tactical, Warrior Wound Care, I.C.E. Training, SAR Global Tools and of course…butter, 5-hour energy, B12 energy powder, butter from Kokomos, Tabasco, OC spray and miscellaneous other things (like used family planning devices).

Only at a Vegas SHOT Show eh?

Tactical Fanboy: Quite an eclectic mix of gear and...condiments?

Hillbilly Two-Two-Three

Monday, January 16th, 2012

I’ve been meaning to write about these guys for a while now. SHOT Show and assorted other real world inconveniences (however much fun, and however much cleavage has been involved) has gotten in the way. Let me just throw up some pictures for you to check out and suggest you investigate further via their website and Facebook. There will be plenty more to follow, but this guy’s work is just too bad ass to not at least pique your interest now. (This ‘hawk, by the way, is for sale now.)

I’m gonna send him a whole passel of magazines (yes, I said passel) to paint up for me. When I do, I will look way cooler than the law should allow. He’s less than a day’s drives away from me…I may just head over there and do a whole article about his shop one of these days, if you want.

Check out Hillbilly Two-Two-Three Duracoat Finishing (also on Facebook.)

(Yes, I know I may not actually need a bad-ass looking tommyhawk, but if I had one that looked like that I’d be wishing for a zombie apocalypse every day so I could use it.)

Hat tip to the Mad Duo, who’ve been on me to talk about these guys for a while.

TFB Knuckledragger: Check out this 'hawk from Hillbilly 223

One of Hillbilly 223's knife coats.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Who is TFB Knuckledragger? He’s part of the team. Vetted by Soldier Systems Daily staff, approved by Tactical Fanboy actual, well liked by Jack Bauer, Raylen Givens, Bob Lee Swagger and Gogo Yubari. Grant him your full attention.

Jeremy Horton Up to His Usual Tricks

Saturday, January 7th, 2012

Jeremy Horton of Tennessee-based Horton Knives put up a few pictures of his latest creation a couple days back (on Facebook). As

New Jeremy Horton folder: as you can see, Jeremy is a man who rarely misses a manicure.

Tactical Fanboy: Horton Knives
usual, it looks bad ass, and as usual the work looks to be imminently suitable for EDC (Every Day Carry). Just out of curiosity, what do you guys out there use for EDC? Gun, knife, keys, surgical gloves? Condom, nail file, OC spray? Whatcha got?

(more…)

TIE Tactical Scabbards: TFB Tacticool Christmas Present Suggestion #11

Tuesday, November 15th, 2011

TIE Tactical (Tactical Innovations Engineering) has a new tiger strip pattern out. TIE makes some really nice custom kydex scabbards and sheaths for both fixed blades and folders (and of course some other things).

A TIE Tactical hatchet scabbard with belt lock for carry.

It’s not something you might think about right off, but they make some really nice belt scabbards even for folders. There are a number of reasons for this, including speed of presentation, carrying it on a battle belt, carrying a secondary folder, etc. The defensive/tactical reasons vary from individual, and will no doubt start more than one argument about what is valid, or a better way to carry, or whatever. This e-publication, perspicacious and sagacious as it is, will not get into that argument. We will going to say that TIE is run by an extremely nice, very detail-oriented and thorough man out of a small shop in Texas. He has a dual retention locking system if you want it (and these these things really do lock: you can carry ’em inverted and they’ll stay with you). He can make a number of different pieces you might want: for instance, we know of one commissioned project that involved a 5-round .38 speedloader for an airweight revolver sitting right next to a very small flashlight. Another was a small fixed blade (a SAR Global Tool Sarclops, as a matter of fact) next to a Zippo…you get the idea. He’s got the tools and he’s got the talent, and now he’s got the tiger stripe.

The Mad Duo previously wrote about TIE Tactical on Kit Up! if you want some background.

TIE Tactical's new Tiger Stripe pattern on a fixed blade.

NYCKS Coming…Horton, Winkler, Darrel Ralph…What’s not to like?

Thursday, November 3rd, 2011

The 2011 New York Custom Knife Show is fast approaching (18, 19 and 20 November). If you’re close enough to get by there, you should check it out. There’ll be a few dozen of the best knifemakers around.  It’s going to be at the Westin-Jersey City Newport (479 Washington Blvd.Jersey City, NJ  07310). It’ll run Friday from 1300 to 1800, Saturday from 1000 to 1800 and Sunday from 0900 to 1500. There are a number of prizes scheduled to be given away. Full information on the 2011 NYCKS website.

There will be a lot of really talented knifemakers there, including three of our favorites:

Darrel Ralph, Darrel Ralph Designs

Daniel Winkler of Winkler Knives

and

Jeremy Horton of Horton Knives

No way to pick which one is the coolest, so best to get one of each.


Covert & Disguised Weapons

Thursday, October 27th, 2011

ALCON: When we ran this post first thing this morning, we weren’t aware it originated at John Lindsay’s Don’t Even Reply. We’re happy to have been advised and you can bet we’ll now be frequent readers henceforth. Also, check out E-mails from an asshole.

ORIGINAL TEXT:

We got this as a forward from a very good friend who was one of the team that developed the 5.11 Tactical COVRT series, which we really like. (In fairness, he’s actually involved in almost all the tactical gear development and T&E at 5.11 Tactical…we must give him props for this. It’s a copy from a forum thread, apparently someone taking themselves just a little too seriously (or intentionally screwing with someone) and it’s just too damn funny not to share. Thanks for bringing it to our attention Big D, you’re all right (despite your ears and somewhat vacuous look!) 5.11 is lucky to have ya.

WARNING: Strong language. Be aware there is substantial profanity in this, particularly as the recipient of the e-mails grows increasing frustrated. If you don’t like the f-bomb or colorful invective offends you, skip this post and go someplace safer.

Disguised Weapons
Original ad:
**** Disguisable weapons wanted ****
Wanted: hidden blades, belt buckle knives, cane swords, etc…..
Offering: cash, items for barter

From Me to **********@***********.org:

Hey,

I saw your ad looking for concealable/disguised weapons. I have several fine-crafted items you may be interested in. Respond if you are interested and I will send you pictures and prices.

Thanks,

Mike

From Jeff ****** to Me:

I am. lets see what you got.

From Me to Jeff ******:

Jeff,

Here you go:

Looks like a normal spoon, right?

Wrong. It is actually a deadly 2.5″ half-smooth, half-serrated knife with tactical grip. One minute you are enjoying a bowl of cereal, and the next you are fighting off attackers with this deadly and disguised weapon.

I am asking $50 for the blade. Let me know if you want to stop by and take a look at it.

Mike

From Jeff ****** to Me:

that is stupid as hell and looks like crap. unless you have anything better to offer, dont waste my time.

From Me to Jeff ******:

Jeff,

I am sorry you feel that way about the spoon blade. I do have some other weapons that I think you will feel differently about.

Mike

From Jeff ****** to Me:

fine. but if it is another knife duct taped to a spoon then you can fuck off.

From Me to Jeff ******:

Jeff,

Thank you for re-considering. Here are three quality disguised weapons that I think you will love:

At first glance, this looks like a normal party cup. However, if you look close enough, you will see that it is really a fully automatic Glock 18C. You will be able to pour your enemies a nice warm cup of lead with this fine purchase. Asking $900 for the gun/cup combo.

Still thirsty for justice? Try this badass M16A2 disguised as a 24-pack of soda. The box has two finely crafted holes on each side to allow for any kind of optics (not included) that you wish to attach. This weapon is only for sale if you have a Class III permit.

This cleverly disguised weapon may look like a tissue box, but is actually a Benelli M3 12 gauge shotgun disguised as a tissue box. The ultra-soft quilted tissues serve as a comfortable grip on the pump-action shotgun. Also, if you find yourself sneezing during the heat of combat, you will have a handy tissue box ready for action. Asking $1500 for the weapon. Additional tissue boxes are an extra $5 per box.

Let me know if you want any of these items.

Thanks,

Mike

From Jeff ****** to Me:

youre a fucking dumbass, shitbrained, asswipe, retarded dipshit. you prob walk around with that shit too you dumb mother fucker. I hope you get hit by a car. fuck off, eat shit, and die.

TacHacker – How To Throw A Knife Like Bill The Butcher

Thursday, October 20th, 2011

One of my most frequented internet destinations, Art of Manliness, has just put up an article and video on the always cool, but fairly impractical, art of knife throwing. Proper technique and the three primary types of knives are all covered, so you can start learning how to effectively chuck that pocket folder at any hunks of wood or would-be assailants in your path.


Art of Manliness – How To Throw A Knife Like Bill The Butcher

Apocalypse – Gerber Gear

Tuesday, October 18th, 2011

A number of Gerber blades have shown up on ‘The Walking Dead’, everybody’s favorite Zombie-comic-book-turned-tv-show. I was too absorbed in the story (and Zombie killin’) to notice most of them, which is perfectly fine by me. Of course, now if anyone decides to purchase any of these tools, they’ll surely have ‘As Seen On The Walking Dead’ prominently displayed on the packaging. After that, who knows how long before Gerber does their own line of specialized anti-Zombie blades.

http://www.gerbergear.com/Apocalypse

Up-Armored Knives: Epic camouflage

Sunday, October 16th, 2011

Up-Armored Knives. We’re going to have to have one. If you’re not actually in the field on a mission where someone is actually going to be shooting at you, you’re going to want to put a bright yellow or orange para-cord lanyard on one of this guy’s knives, because otherwise it’s gone if you set it down somewhere (or drop it – which why they put the ‘cord’ in ‘dummy-cord’, dummy). Will, the man behind up-armored is a detective and an SRT member for a Sheriff’s Department in New York and he is the Charlie Daniels of the airbrush (or the Rembrandt, you be the judge). Some of these knives he makes himself (check out the Menace) others are sent in for a custom “paint job”. Everything he does is in duracote, and everything is original. No two patterns are ever going to be the same. The Menace zombie-killer is our favorite, of course, but he has digital patterns that are suitable for woodland, desert, urban and other environments. Look at the website, and Like them on Facebook to be entered into the next prize drawing. Let them know Tactical Fanboy sent you.

Desert Night Ops: Skull eyes over the eyelets is sublime.

Custom Menace "Zombie Killer"

ZT "Desert Floor" Pattern: epic custom airbrush work.

Custom "Necker" with skull pattern

ACU Pattern skull helmet. Damn. If the knives are awesome...what is this?

Don’t forget…like them on Facebook, and mention you read about them here.

SOG Double Axe – Overstock Sale

Thursday, October 13th, 2011

Looking to add something a bit more Medieval to your blade collection? Then now’s a really good time, since LA Police Gear is currently having an overstock sale on the SOG Double Axe. The double-bladed head is constructed of 420 stainless steel and features a ballistic polymer handle with a hardcased black coating. It’s the perfect tool for harvesting wood, breaching, extraction, and fighting off the crowds at your local renaissance faire*. At the current price, these axes are sure to go fast, so get yours while you can!

http://www.lapolicegear.com/sog-f12-double-axe.html

*For best results, pair with a set of full-body plate armor.

CardSharp 2

Wednesday, September 28th, 2011

20110928-095639.jpg

A while ago I wrote about the CardSharp, a knife by Iain Sinclair that folds into a credit card shape, hence the name. This year, Iain Sinclair has released an improved model, dubbed the CardSharp 2. Although the CardSharp 2 shares many similarities with its predecessor, it now also includes a stiffer, non-slip armor rubber coated body and unique safety lock. Even with the enhancements, its still not effective for undead killing, but as a basic utility knife it’s pretty damn nifty.

iainsinclair.com

Ka-Bar ZK Pestilence Chopper

Thursday, September 22nd, 2011

Ka-Bar has developed a series of knives under the ‘ZK’ designation, which stands for ‘Zombie Killer’. One of these knives, the Pestilence Chopper, features a 10-1/4″ blade made from SK5 high-carbon steel, with an overall length of 15-3/4″. The handle is made of “radioactive” green textured GFN-PA66, although a replacement black handle of the same material is included. Each Pestilence Chopper also comes with a black nylon sheath and a back-up 5Cr13 stainless steel skeleton knife. Considering you can get a hold of a good military-grade Golok machete for a lower price, this knife is purely a novelty item in my book. In the Chopper’s defense, I’ve read its sharp blade is pretty good at clearing small vegetation.

Ka-Bar ZK Pestilence Chopper

A Brief History Of The Ancient Science Of Sword Making

Sunday, August 21st, 2011

This i09 article details a brief history of sword making, from bronze to iron, including the ever-elusive ‘Damascus Steel’. A decent read, and a great reminder that humanity’s had no problem with killing each other before the invention of gunpowder.

Cas Hanwei 1918 Mark 1 Letter Opener

Thursday, August 18th, 2011

20110818-081351.jpg

First used during WWI, the 1918 Mark 1 Trench Knife is among one of the most iconic knife designs in history, a lot having to do with its brass knuckles-esque ‘knuckle duster’ grip. Now, Cas Hanwei offers a replica version of the Mark 1 for use as a letter opener. The piece features a steel blade and a blackened bronze grip and authentic detail. You’d be hard-pressed to find a cooler way to open your incoming snail mail then with one of these.

You can buy it here.

Going The Extra Length For Your Cosplay At SDCC

Tuesday, July 26th, 2011

Many people put a lot of time and dedication into making a kick-ass costume for the San Diego Comic Con, but is it possible that going that extra mile is actually going too far? Surprisingly, it can be, since on the very first day someone was caught using an actual AR-15 as a costume accessory. Although that’s fairly shocking news, I’m more interested in what costume the individual was wearing that they felt necessitated the use of a real firearm. My money’s on Rambo.

After the first day’s AR-15 incident, everything went smoothly. The second day, however, saw the confiscation of two machetes, a dagger, a KA-BAR knife and a lead pipe. Either they were dealing with some extremely dedicated cosplayers, or prevented the happenings of a Marvel vs. DC fan turf war. Maybe both.

Hat Tip: Destructoid

Coming Soon From SureFire Pt. 3

Wednesday, July 20th, 2011

X300 Compact

– 110 lumens output
– Weapon mounted light
– Powered by a single 123A battery

Hellfighter 4

– 3000 lumens output
– Rechargable lithium-ion battery
– Dual fuel capability (lithium-ion, 123A, other battery types)
– Strobe function



MVG 1 WeaponLight

– 2000 lumen output
– Vertical foregrip weapon light
– Rechargable lithium-ion battery
– Dual Fuel capability (lithium-ion, 123A, other battery types)
– Strobe function

Jekyll Folding Knife

– Spear-point blade
– Titanium/aluminum frame

Dart Folding Knife

– Portable carry-folder
– Titanium/aluminum frame

These products and more will be available later this year from SureFire, LLC.

SureFire.com