The double-action firing mechanism on the Epidemic is stiff enough to preclude the need for a manual safety. It requires a deliberate forward push to open the knife and solid rearward pull to close it. It isn\u2019t hard to do by any means, but a number of people who tried it didn\u2019t initially push hard enough to fire the mechanism and were looking for a safety to disengage. Once told to put some more oomph behind their push they quickly mastered the mechanism. When you do engage the thumb button you\u2019re rapidly greeted by a sharp snick as the Epidemic\u2019s 3.44-inch spear point blade snaps into place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
My test model was a 14850BK with the black coating. However, the same knife is available as the 14850 with a satin finish. The blade itself is plain edge and ground from D2 steel treated to a 60-62 HRC. There\u2019s a slight bit of blade play present when the blade is open, which is common to OTF autos. Overall length of the Epidemic with the blade open is 8.22 inches; this gives you a fair sized defensive blade despite its easy to carry package. Overall, it's a great blade.<\/p>\n","post_title":"HK Epidemic 14850BK | OTF Automatic Knife Review","post_excerpt":"HK Epidemic 14850BK\u2014excellent personal or duty tool!\r\n","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"hk-epidemic-knife-review","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-10-31 23:06:02","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-01 03:06:02","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2013\/01\/01\/hk-epidemic-knife-review\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":157250,"post_author":"481","post_date":"2012-12-01 13:09:40","post_date_gmt":"2012-12-01 19:09:40","post_content":"![\"glock-knives-8076-1\"](\"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/10\/glock-knives-8076-1.jpg\" "\\"glock-knives-8076-1\\"")
<\/a>\r\nProduced with input from the Austrian army, Glock\u2019s steel and polymer survival knives are rugged and dependable\u2014not unlike their other world-famous defensive products. Steve Woods Photos<\/em>\r\n\r\nBeyond designing and manufacturing pistols of legendary ruggedness and durability used by military and police forces all over the world, Glock also designs and manufactures two knives: the Glock Field Knife 78 and Survival Knife 81. Produced with input from the Austrian Army, the Glock knives\u2014not surprisingly\u2014bear a remarkable resemblance to their pistol cousins. Both the Field Knife 78 and Survival Knife 81 are comprised of carbon-steel blades and polymer handles\u2014the same durable polymer that Glock offers in its 21 pistol models. The only difference between the Field Knife 78 and Survival Knife 81 is that the blade of the Survival Knife 81 comes with a saw back and weighs just few ounces less than the Field Knife 78. Other than that, both knives are physically identical, and both come with a super-tough yet very functional polymer sheath. These tools are profoundly simple and engineered for ruggedness and usefulness.\r\n\r\nCutting-Edge Design<\/strong>\r\n\r\nThe Field Knife 78 and Survival Knife 81 both feature 6.5-inch carbon-steel, clip-point blades. A clip-point blade, similar to a drop-point blade, has a \u201cfalse edge\u201d toward the point opposite the blade. As such, the blade tapers to a point, making it more capable of piercing. Carbon steel is one of the hardest steels, and therefore one of the strongest and most durable. Sometimes carbon steel is referred to as \u201cspring steel,\u201d as its properties allow it to flex under abusive conditions and yet retain its shape, strength and functionality. The blade, 0.19 inches wide, is also coated in black phosphate, which helps protect it against corrosion and reduces glare, decreasing the potential for giving away the user\u2019s position to an enemy.\r\n\r\n<\/a>\r\nThe sheath\u2019s most unique design feature is the reinforced, flexible retention tab that securely holds the knife in place, regardless of whether the knife is inserted with the blade to the front or back.<\/em>\r\n\r\nThe back of the Field Knife 78 blade is straight and flat. The back of the Survival Knife 81 bears a 4-inch saw\u2014alternating sharp ridges and points that will shred and tear whatever it is applied to. Glock knives come with a factory edge that is razor sharp. Their functionality, however, goes well beyond just cutting. These are robust tools that can and have been used to hack, split, chisel and pry.\r\n\r\nSeparating the blade and the handle is a carbon-steel crossguard. One side of the crossguard extends 0.75 inches below the blade, offering protection for a user\u2019s hand. The other side of the crossguard extends 0.44 inches above the blade and curves toward the front of the blade, offering a mechanism for prying. With its strong construction and the leverage afforded by its location between the blade and handle, the crossguard pry is a formidable tool, able to handle the most demanding jobs\u2014from prying supply cans open to bending metal. Its most popular use, however, might be the noble task of opening bottles.\r\n\r\nMade of the same polymer found in its pistols, the handles of the Glock Field Knife 78 and Survival Knife 81 are 4.75 inches in length. The rounded handles vary in circumference from front to back, but the widest point in the middle measures 3.63 inches. All Glock knives have opposing indentations in the handle near the crossguard to accommodate the sheath\u2019s retention tab, no matter which way it is inserted into the sheath. In addition, the polymer of the handle is textured and offers five indented rings to aid in purchase. The ends of each handle also provide two opposing 0.16-inch holes, perhaps for affixing a ring as a means of attaching a lanyard or, a user can drill through the holes using a 0.16-inch drill bit to allow for a lanyard to pass right through the handle. The end of the handle features a plastic plug, which, when removed, reveals a 1.5-inch-deep metal socket with the same previously mentioned holes machined into it. While the plastic plug is very durable, it could only take limited abuse such as that caused by using it as a pommel or hitting it with a hammer when using the knife as a chisel. Of interest, the metal socket and the forward-curved portion of the crossguard could work in conjunction so that the knife could serve as a bayonet on an assault rifle.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<\/a>\r\nMade of the same polymer found in its pistols, the handles of the Glock Field Knife 78 and Survival Knife 81 are 4.75 inches in length.<\/em>\r\n\r\nSheath Specs<\/strong>\r\n\r\nBoth knives use the same sheath, a one-piece polymer product that measures almost 11 inches in length and weighs 1.5 ounces. The ambidextrous sheath\u2019s most unique design feature is the reinforced, flexible retention tab that securely holds a Glock knife in place, regardless of whether the knife is inserted with the blade to the front or back. Once a Glock knife is inserted all the way into the sheath, the crossguard pushes the retention tab out until it automatically closes over the edge of the crossguard, snapping in place. To release the knife from the sheath, a user has to push the retention tab away with a thumb. It is possible to deploy the knife from the sheath using one hand. All of this occurs in a one-piece polymer sheath because of thoughtful design.\r\n\r\nThe sheath also offers a belt loop with a useful design that allows a user to easily but securely attach it to a belt up to 2.5 inches wide and up to 0.19 inches thick. Inside the top of the belt loop, a polymer protrusion reinforces the belt loop at its stress point and reduces the belt loop\u2019s width to an eighth of an inch to prevent the sheath from sliding when worn on a belt. If a user doesn\u2019t have a belt, the sheath can be attached to pants or shorts by simply clipping the sheath to the waistband.\r\nIn addition to the retention tab and belt loop, the sheath offers a lanyard hole for lashing the point end of the sheath. For example, when the sheath is worn on a belt, a lanyard can be tied through the loop to the user\u2019s thigh. The sheath also offers a drainage hole near the tip (or point).\r\n\r\nField Survival<\/strong>\r\n\r\nBoth Glock knives are 11.38 inches in length. While all Glock knives have blades that are coated in black phosphate, the handles and sheaths come in three colors: midnight black (to blend with tactical gear used in urban environments), olive drab (to blend with camouflage or equipment used in woodland or jungle environments), and sand (to blend with camouflage or equipment used in desert environments). Besides one having a saw blade back and the other having a plain back, the only differences between the Glock Field Knife 78 and Survival Knife 81 are in the knives\u2019 weight and price. The Glock Field Knife 78 weighs 7.3 ounces and retails for $30. The Glock Survival Knife 81 weighs 7.0 ounces and retails for $32. The difference in weight and cost comes from the additional manufacturing required to create the saw blade on the back of the Survival Knife 81.\r\n\r\n<\/a>\r\nThe Survival Knife 81 features a saw blade positioned on the back edge, while the Field Knife 78 offers a straight edge. <\/em>\r\n\r\nThe relatively low retail prices reflect Glock\u2019s economic savvy along with an understanding of real-life conditions for soldiers, law enforcement and civilian users. At only $30 or $32 per knife, a user can afford to purchase more than one and won\u2019t suffer an economic setback should he or she lose one. Further, whereas a user might shy away from pushing a more expensive knife to its extreme usefulness, the user of a Glock knife can push it to the extreme\u2014mainly because it\u2019s a rugged tool made by Glock and secondarily because it is available at a fraction of the cost of other knives that may not even be up to the kinds of tasks a Glock knife will face.\r\n\r\nEvery Glock knife blade bears the phrase \u201cMade in Austria,\u201d along with the Glock logo and the knife\u2019s model number near the crossguard. With two variants to choose from in three different colors, users can select one or more of the six models that will best meet their needs. Whether you\u2019re a first-time buyer of a Glock product or a long-time Glock pistol user, the Glock knives are indispensible tools with virtually limitless usefulness. Whether you choose the Glock Field Knife 78 or the Survival Knife 81, you will find that the cutting edge of a Glock knife is a great complement to the cutting-edge design and thoughtful execution of every detail of the knife, even to the point of the sheath. Find out more by calling 770-432-1202 or visiting glock.com. l","post_title":"Cutting Edge GLOCK Knives Review","post_excerpt":"Tough-as-nails steel to get the job done every time \u2014 a dependable survival tool, just like Glock pistols!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"cutting-edge-glock-knives","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-10-31 23:06:05","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-01 03:06:05","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2012\/12\/01\/cutting-edge-glock-knives\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":157286,"post_author":"645","post_date":"2012-11-09 11:56:53","post_date_gmt":"2012-11-09 17:56:53","post_content":"Only from Wilson Combat in collaboration with acclaimed Custom Knifemaker Les George. A Wilson Combat exclusive, the EAGLE is a rugged, framelock flipper design with the Wilson Combat signature Starburst Titanium handle pattern and Carpenter XHP \u201cSuper Steel\u201d stainless tool steel recurve blade for the ultimate in edge holding and corrosion resistance. The EAGLE is one of the fastest opening manual tactical folders on the market. The trigger finger flipper is lightning fast into action and easy to operate with or without gloves.\n\nThe lightweight and slim profile will ensure the EAGLE will spend a lot of time riding shotgun in your pocket every day. The handle of the EAGLE is precision machined and smooth tumble blasted lightweight Titanium with a robust integral framelock, chamfered lanyard hole and Titanium deep-pocket clip that can be positioned for blade tip up or down opening. The rugged open-frame construction makes it easy to clean trapped dirt and lint. Unlike many other tactical folders that are blocky and overweight, the EAGLE has been designed to be slim and easy to carry without sacrificing any strength or performance.\n\n<\/a>\n\nThe precision ground and finished 3.6\" blade of the EAGLE is a high performance tactical clip point profile with a slight recurve for impressive cutting power. The Carpenter CTS XHP powdered alloy steel has all the strength and edge retention of the best tool steels with superior corrosion resistance. The hand-sharpened blade is polished to a smooth, non-reflective high luster for easy maintenance and rides on pure Teflon bearings for a lifetime of glassy smooth operation.\n\nFor every day carry for utility or defense, the EAGLE will meet any folding knife challenge. The EAGLE is made in small quantities by a master craftsman and only limited quantities are available. $524.95. Wilsoncombat.com<\/a><\/strong>.\n\nSpecifications:<\/strong>\nBlade Steel \u2013 Carpenter CTS XHP Stainless \u2013 RC 60\nBlade Length \u2013 3.6\u201d\nBlade Thickness - .125\u201d\nHandle Material \u2013 Titanium with Starburst Pattern\nHandle Length \u2013 4.8\u201d\nOverall Length \u2013 8.5\u201d\nWeight \u2013 4.8 oz.","post_title":"Wilson Combat \u201cEagle\u201d Titanium Flipper","post_excerpt":" ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"wilson-combat-eagle-titanium-flipper","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-06-01 21:26:30","post_modified_gmt":"2023-06-01 21:26:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2012\/11\/09\/wilson-combat-eagle-titanium-flipper\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":157366,"post_author":"645","post_date":"2012-11-01 10:38:47","post_date_gmt":"2012-11-01 16:38:47","post_content":"<\/a>\r\nThe Cuma TAK-RI by TOPS Knives is an excellent direct contact combat weapon designed by world famous Johnny Tsai, an eight degree black sash in both Tsai Family System and in Tai Kit Kuen.<\/em>\r\n\r\nI have been writing for the most part of the last 15 years about the law enforcement profession and about all kinds of edged weapons and tools. I have written about knives and tools, which I or other officers carried while serving in Kosovo as a United Nations police officer. I even wrote about edged weapons and tools as I served in Iraq as a police advisor for two years. But I have never written about a real edged weapon carried by a comic book character, until now.\r\n\r\nThe knife in question is called CUMA TAK-RI and is made by TOPS knives. The special interest in this knife was the fact that it is featured in a comic book published by IDW (Idea + Design Works) entitled \u201cCobra Civil War: Snake Eyes.\u201d In issue #2 the CUMA TAK-RI is shown, along with a sword, being used to dispatch an enemy of Snake Eyes.\r\n\r\nBackground History<\/strong>\r\n\r\n<\/a>\r\nThe very sharp 4-inch top edge of the CUMA TAK-RI and the sharp 7-inch blade makes for a perfect slashing weapon.<\/em>\r\n\r\nSnake Eyes is an original character in the G.I. Joe comic book storyline. Marvel Comics produced the comic book \u201cG.I. Joe: A Real American Hero,\u201d issue No. 1 from June 1982 until December 1994 ending with issue No. 155. The Snake Eyes character has been featured as a 3.5-inch toy character with 54 different models and at least five in the 12-inch models. These toys were first produced by Hasbro Toys. Snake Eyes has also been featured in various G.I. Joe television series and in the film adaptation, G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra. In 2009, IDW Publishing took over the license for a G.I. Joe comic series, which takes the storyline in a different direction.\r\n\r\nAs of this writing, IDW Comics has produced six issues dedicated to the Snake Eyes character where the CUMA TAK-RI is shown from issue #2 through issue #6. In a phone interview with Robert Atkins, the artist of the IDW Snake Eyes, told me he likes to have his characters use weapons that really exist.\r\n\r\nWhile at a comic book show in Chicago, he met a long time G.I. Joe fan and collector Waysun Johnny Tsai and his son. Johnny Tsai is a well-known and world respected Kung Fu Master with twelve schools throughout the United States. Johnny Tsai designed the CUMA TAK-RI. In discussing the Snake Eyes character with Atkins, Tsai suggested Snake Eyes needed to upgrade his choice of weapons and carry the CUMA TAK-RI.\r\nAfter looking over the CUMA TAK-RI Atkins liked the design and started using it in his Snake Eyes series. The CUMA TAK-RI is shown on the cover of issue number 6 of Cobra Civil War, Snake Eyes.\r\n\r\nIn a phone interview with Johnny Tsai, I learned that he developed the CUMA Tactical Street Defense program. During this defense program Tsai formulated the design of the CUMA TAK-RI. Tsai also had previously designed the CUMA Evolution which is made by TOPS Knives. CUMA is an acronym for Combined Universal Martial Applications. Tsai pitched his idea and design of the CUMA TAK-RI to the fine people at TOPS Knives and the rest is history.\r\n\r\nSelf-Defense Nature<\/strong>\r\n\r\nThe CUMA TAK-RI was designed primarily as a weapon for self-defense for law enforcement and military personnel. Its design was greatly influenced by the Nepalese Knife \u201cKukri\u201d made famous by the Gurkha warriors who served in the British military. Tsai\u2019s idea was to reduce the bigger Kukri to a manageable CBQ (Close Quarter Combat) weapon. In reducing the size and adding the shark teeth serration, he came up with the interesting CUMA TAK-RI. The idea of the design was formulated through his many years of CQC training and instructing.\r\n\r\n<\/a>\r\n\r\nWhen I first received the CUMA TAK-RI I examined it closely. I found it to be all that TOPS Knives are expected to be in quality and finish and could see Johnny Tsai\u2019s reasoning for the weight, size and general design. The knife was light and nimble, which is a must for a CQC weapon. The 7-inch partial double-edge and partially serrated blade is 3\/16-inches thick and fashioned from 1095 High Carbon Steel.\r\nThe 6.5-inch handle is covered with two slim scales made of Micarta. The tactical finger-grooved handle is about 0.75 inches thick by about 1-inch wide. In the terminal end of the handle there is a 0.25-inch lanyard hole that I found nice as most lanyard holes are somewhat smaller, thereby limiting the size of cord or rawhide you can use. At the very peak of the handle there is a nicely formed blunt-force trauma device.\r\nThe blade is 2.5 inches at its widest point. The top sharpened edge is 4 inches and the bottom sharpened edge is 7 inches which includes a 1.5-inch \u201cshark teeth\u201d serration.\r\n\r\nThe CUMA TAK-RI, when wheeled around and ran through tactical defensive and offensive moves, performs very well. I would consider this knife to be toes-to-toes and nose-to-nose direct contact knife. In other words, when things have gone to hell and they are coming over the wire and you don\u2019t have time to reload, out would come the CUMA TAK-RI.\r\n\r\nThe CUMA TAK-RI is a well-designed knife for CQC when slashing and jabbing is in order. The large serration is good for ripping and cutting those who would want to do you harm. The double edge blade is well suited for slashing in both directions in either the frontal or reverse hold.\r\n\r\n<\/a>\r\nThe handle on the CUMA TAK-RI is somewhat thin based on author\u2019s hand size and expectations.<\/em>\r\n\r\nIn The Hands<\/strong>\r\n\r\nIn testing the CUMA TAK-RI I took it out to a wooded area on the family farm. Since I could not find a volunteer to see how well this knife performed, I chose a hardwood thorn tree indigenous to my area. I hacked on this tree and its limbs. I found it took 3 chops to cut through a 1-inch limb. This is not unusual as the wood is very hard. The only problem I found was the handle of the CUMA TAK-RI was a little small for my hand. Thicker scales would rectify this problem and in my opinion would greatly enhance this knife\/weapon. I next wedged the knife blade between 2 large wooden planks about seven feet off the ground. I hung my 210-pound body by the handle to see if the knife would withstand the pressure. The knife blade did not snap and held its ground.\r\n\r\nAfter evaluating the CUMA TAK-RI, I came to this conclusion: The knife is well designed and suited for what it was created for which is for DCC (Direct Contact Combat). I would not recommend this knife for cleaning your monster elk, even though you could use it for that. The knife is light and would work for the backpackers of the world but there are better-suited tools and knives for this purpose. If you practice survival techniques and are preparing for December 2012, then this knife would be one you should add to your bug-out bag. However, the CUMA TAK-RI is well suited for those professionals in the military and those law enforcement officers who serve overseas as police advisers. Anyone who would be going into harm\u2019s way, here or in some troubled land, should consider the TOPS Knife CUMA TAK-RI.","post_title":"Birth of the Cuma TAK-RI","post_excerpt":"How the comic book character Snake Eyes came to use a TOPS knife!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"birth-of-the-cuma-tak-ri","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-05-31 20:16:56","post_modified_gmt":"2023-05-31 20:16:56","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2012\/11\/01\/birth-of-the-cuma-tak-ri\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":157466,"post_author":"645","post_date":"2012-09-28 08:01:36","post_date_gmt":"2012-09-28 14:01:36","post_content":"These newly designed knives featured in the new CUSTOM ALLIANCE will be few in number, and will quickly become a valued centerpiece of your collection. These offerings will typify the WILSON standards of extraordinary quality, classic design and unmatched value.\n\nThere is no doubt that in the world of handmade knives there was no bigger influencer than Robert W. Loveless. Loveless was the pioneer of handmade high-performance knives from modern materials that looked as good as they worked. His legendary designs like the drop point hunter, sub-hilt fighter, chute knife and his embrace of high-performance steel and handle materials were the genesis of the current industry of handmade custom cutlery across the world.\n\nLoveless was an American institution who freely trained a multitude of young makers in his signature rakish styling and build techniques up until his death in 2010. We wanted to offer a handmade knife of the highest quality that honored Loveless\u2019s life and selected one of his most recognizable designs, the Wilderness Fighter, along with a maker with first-hand knowledge of how the Loveless shop crafted their legendary blades right down to the thread used in the leather sheath.\n\n<\/a>\n\nThe maker selected for this alliance, Marcus Lin of Los Angeles, CA has been making custom knives since 2004 and has studied with Loveless and his partner Jim Merritt in his quest to build true-to-form Loveless design hunting and fighting knives. Lin is considered one of the top makers of authentically constructed Loveless design knives in the world and we believe this is as close as you can get to an actual Loveless knife for a fraction of the aftermarket price.\u2028\u2028From the flawless double hollow grinding to the bright mirror polished ATS-34 blade this functional tactical and survival knife screams \u201cLoveless\u201d.\n\n<\/a>\n\nThe balance is impeccable and the polished and contoured dark ancient ironwood handle melts into your hand like the handshake of an old friend. A solid stainless guard and pins finish off this classic fighter pattern.\n\nA custom leather sheath of the highest quality is painstakingly stitched, oiled and form fitted to each knife by the maker. This rare item is limited to 10 pieces. Wilsoncombat.com<\/strong><\/a>, Linknives.com<\/strong><\/a>.\n\nSpecifications<\/strong>\nBlade Steel \u2013 ATS-34\nBlade Length \u2013 6\u201d\nBlade Thickness - .250\u201d\nHandle Material \u2013 Desert Ironwood\nHandle Length \u2013 5\u201d\nOverall Length \u2013 11\u201d\nHardware \u2013 Stainless\nWeight \u2013 12.2 oz.\nPrice: $995.00\n\nDetail photos on page two.<\/strong><\/em>\n\n\n<\/em><\/a><\/em>\n\n<\/a><\/em>\n\n<\/a><\/em>","post_title":"Wilson Tactical Loveless \"Legend\"","post_excerpt":" ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"wilson-tactical-loveless-legend","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-06-01 21:29:43","post_modified_gmt":"2023-06-01 21:29:43","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2012\/09\/28\/wilson-tactical-loveless-legend\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":157494,"post_author":"645","post_date":"2012-09-07 15:43:20","post_date_gmt":"2012-09-07 21:43:20","post_content":"<\/a>\r\nBoth the DPx HEFT 4 and 6 were designed for cutting your way out of the world\u2019s most dangerous places! They are so well thought of in the Spec Ops community that many SEALs have been willing to buy these blades out of their own pocket. STEVE WOODS PHOTO<\/em>\r\n\r\nI doubt Robert Young Pelton needs much of an introduction to most Tactical Knives readers. Author of The World\u2019s Most Dangerous Places series of travel guides, Pelton has visited and reported from more combat zones than the U.S. Marines. Whether you are asking about South America\u2019s jungles, Somalia\u2019s savannas, the Middle East\u2019s deserts, or Myanmar\u2019s sweltering tropics, Pelton has been there on its worst day. Naturally, all this first-hand observation of troops under fire has given him a unique perspective on what is and isn\u2019t needed in a combat\/survival knife. In recent months, Pelton has utilized that experience to introduce a new line of cutlery under the DPx Gear HEFT (Hostile Environment Fighting or Field Tool) trademark.\r\n\r\nHEFT 4 & 6<\/strong>\r\nLooking at the HEFT 4 and 6 (the numbers refer to the blade lengths). The DPx HEFT 4 features Niolox steel, while the DPx HEFT 6 is Sleipner steel. Blade thickness at the spine runs 5mm. Options include a \u201cWoodsman\u201d model with a stonewash finished blade and Brazilian Santos hardwood handle scales or the \u201cAssault\u201d with a PVD black-coated blade and G-10 handle scales. These handle scales are held on with removable screws that allow access to a storage compartment in the tang. While this hollowed out area is relatively small, it is large enough for fish hooks, firestarters, a button compass or similar survival items. Both knives are made by LionSTEEL in Maniago, Italy.\r\n\r\nThe sample knives each came in a black ballistic nylon sheath with a wide Velcro flap that completely covered the handle and most of the scabbard when closed. Frankly, this system did not impress me as very practical for a serious combat knife. Not only would it slow down drawing the knife, the Velcro makes entirely too much noise on a dark, quiet night.\r\n\r\nShortly after receiving the knives, DPx also supplied photos they had taken of members of a SEAL team training with the knives on their web gear. The first thing I noticed was that the SEALs were using a different sheath with a more conventional snap loop around the handle of the HEFT knife. When I asked about this I discovered that the Navy Spec Ops troops had also objected to the original Velcro flap version of the sheath and it had been replaced. I was also told that yet a third generation version is in the works and should be available by the time you read this feature. It is nice feeling when the current guys in Spec Ops back me up on these little points...\r\n\r\n<\/a>\r\nAuthor was happy to find that the original Velcro flap ballistic nylon sheath had been replaced with a more accessible handle snap loop version at the request of the SEALs. Author was told this is being further refined and a third generation will be available in the near future. PHOTO COURTESY OF DPX<\/em>\r\n\r\n<\/a>\r\nThe smaller knife also offers a magnetized hex-driver cut-out on the end of the handle. <\/em>\r\n\r\nWell-Designed Handle<\/strong>\r\nOne of the design features of the HEFT knives, according to DPx, is that the handles are \u201cexpertly balanced for hours of hard use without causing blisters, hot spots or bruising.\u201d I know from experience that many handles that work sort-of-okay for a quick cut or two prove less satisfactory when you are forced to use them for long periods of heavy work. My motto is that the best way to evaluate any knife is to cut \u201cthings\u201d that actually need cutting even if they aren\u2019t the exact purpose the blade was designed for. Springtime for me means making large quantities of garden stakes from hazel saplings. Each requires that a sharp point be whittled on to one end and turning out several dozen of these constitutes a good test of just how comfortable a knife handle is in the long run. I\u2019ll have to go with DPx on this one, the handle design is very comfortable for long periods of use.\r\n\r\nAnother interesting discovery was that I found the 4-inch model mechanically more efficient at pointing the stakes as it was easier to apply proper leverage to the shorter blade. Both of these knives have basically the same edge geometry, but if the 6-inch blade had been profiled a little thinner, that equation might change.\r\n\r\nCombat Length<\/strong>\r\nAt a recent trade show in Las Vegas, Pelton and I had a discussion about the most desirable length for a combat knife on the modern battlefields. He felt most of the current troops are content with a blade around 4 inches, while my own experience argues for something a little longer than that. For starters, anyone that tells you superior training will make a short blade just as effective as a longer one in a hand-to-hand fight has never used a knife to stick anything two or four legged. If you don\u2019t believe me, just ask someone who hunts wild hogs with a knife.\r\n\r\nUsing a 4-inch blade is the same as putting your faith in a small caliber handgun over a high performance .40 or .45. I\u2019m sure some will make the case there is little chance of anyone needing a knife as a weapon in combat. If that is your situation then the 4-inch HEFT is probably the proper way to go. As for me, I would still rather have the extra 2 inches of penetration the 6-inch model offers if I were out on the pointy end of the stick again.\r\n\r\nSo having just put down the 4-inch HEFT for infantry use, I will say it is an excellent cutting tool for the vast majority of civilian outdoor needs, including field dressing big game. Given I live in the real world, that probably means I will be carrying the smaller model much more often in the woods than the 6-inch model.\r\n\r\n\r\n<\/a>\r\nWhen it gets down to the real world, combat knives are used as tools far more often than they are for weapons. PHOTO COURTESY OF DPX<\/em>\r\n\r\nBlade Steel<\/strong>\r\nSaying the blade steel is something close to D2 probably set off a few readers\u2019 alarms, as that alloy has a reputation for being hard to resharpen. Most of the D2 knives I\u2019ve used have not been a real problem, but I can remember at least one from a famous custom maker that gave me so many fits I eventually traded it off. At the time, that particular maker was famous for his relatively low Rockwell D2 blades. He has since changed to other steels alloys for all of his knives, so maybe he has seen the light, too. As for the DPx knives, I had no problem restoring either blade to a sharper than out-of-the-box edge using the medium and fine India stones on a Norton Cradle sprayed with WD-40 for lubricant. Field touch ups were also easily accomplished with a diamond surfaced sharpening rod.\r\n\r\nI would be totally deficient if I didn\u2019t mention one other feature of the HEFT knives, a notch opener built into the tang of the knife on the end of the handle. While this will obviously work for prying off the lids of various other types of food containers, most troops are going to see it as a \u201cbeer bottle opener.\u201d It never hurts to remember that in most third world countries, all beer and soft drinks still come in pry-off crown cap containers. Another feature that seems to only be found on the 4-inch model is a \u201chex driver\u201d set into the rear of the handle scales on the right hand side.\r\n\r\nI\u2019m told that many SEALs have liked this knife well enough that they have happily bought their own out of pocket. As we all know, Naval Spec Ops teams tend to have the option of obtaining whatever gear they feel they need to best get the job done. It proves a lot about these knives that they would pick a HEFT over the many other options available to them.","post_title":"DPx HEFT Knives | Tactical Knives","post_excerpt":"Designed with the SEALs in mind \u2014 on the cutting edge for The World\u2019s Most Dangerous Places!\r\n","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"dpx-heft-knives","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-05-31 20:17:09","post_modified_gmt":"2023-05-31 20:17:09","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2012\/09\/07\/dpx-heft-knives\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":56},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_23"};
The double-action firing mechanism on the Epidemic is stiff enough to preclude the need for a manual safety. It requires a deliberate forward push to open the knife and solid rearward pull to close it. It isn\u2019t hard to do by any means, but a number of people who tried it didn\u2019t initially push hard enough to fire the mechanism and were looking for a safety to disengage. Once told to put some more oomph behind their push they quickly mastered the mechanism. When you do engage the thumb button you\u2019re rapidly greeted by a sharp snick as the Epidemic\u2019s 3.44-inch spear point blade snaps into place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
My test model was a 14850BK with the black coating. However, the same knife is available as the 14850 with a satin finish. The blade itself is plain edge and ground from D2 steel treated to a 60-62 HRC. There\u2019s a slight bit of blade play present when the blade is open, which is common to OTF autos. Overall length of the Epidemic with the blade open is 8.22 inches; this gives you a fair sized defensive blade despite its easy to carry package. Overall, it's a great blade.<\/p>\n","post_title":"HK Epidemic 14850BK | OTF Automatic Knife Review","post_excerpt":"HK Epidemic 14850BK\u2014excellent personal or duty tool!\r\n","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"hk-epidemic-knife-review","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-10-31 23:06:02","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-01 03:06:02","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2013\/01\/01\/hk-epidemic-knife-review\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":157250,"post_author":"481","post_date":"2012-12-01 13:09:40","post_date_gmt":"2012-12-01 19:09:40","post_content":" At a closed length of just 4.78 inches and a weight of only 3.86 ounces, the Epidemic can be pocketed and soon forgotten. In fact I did forget it once when I dropped my pants in the hamper with the knife still attached. I thought I lost it \u2014 whoops. I\u2019m getting good at that, I\u2019ve done it at least once before.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The double-action firing mechanism on the Epidemic is stiff enough to preclude the need for a manual safety. It requires a deliberate forward push to open the knife and solid rearward pull to close it. It isn\u2019t hard to do by any means, but a number of people who tried it didn\u2019t initially push hard enough to fire the mechanism and were looking for a safety to disengage. Once told to put some more oomph behind their push they quickly mastered the mechanism. When you do engage the thumb button you\u2019re rapidly greeted by a sharp snick as the Epidemic\u2019s 3.44-inch spear point blade snaps into place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n My test model was a 14850BK with the black coating. However, the same knife is available as the 14850 with a satin finish. The blade itself is plain edge and ground from D2 steel treated to a 60-62 HRC. There\u2019s a slight bit of blade play present when the blade is open, which is common to OTF autos. Overall length of the Epidemic with the blade open is 8.22 inches; this gives you a fair sized defensive blade despite its easy to carry package. Overall, it's a great blade.<\/p>\n","post_title":"HK Epidemic 14850BK | OTF Automatic Knife Review","post_excerpt":"HK Epidemic 14850BK\u2014excellent personal or duty tool!\r\n","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"hk-epidemic-knife-review","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-10-31 23:06:02","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-01 03:06:02","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2013\/01\/01\/hk-epidemic-knife-review\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":157250,"post_author":"481","post_date":"2012-12-01 13:09:40","post_date_gmt":"2012-12-01 19:09:40","post_content":" The grip size works well in my hands so that when I grasp the knife, my index finger nestles under the guard. Meanwhile, my thumb falls naturally on the firing button. A reversible, subdued pocket clip is attached; it places the knife low and securely in the pocket in the tip down position. There\u2019s enough tension for a secure hold but not so much that the clip tears up your clothing or is impossible to remove without using two hands. Just enough handle protrudes to make the knife easy to draw. The slab sides allow the knife to carry flat and comfortably in the pocket.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At a closed length of just 4.78 inches and a weight of only 3.86 ounces, the Epidemic can be pocketed and soon forgotten. In fact I did forget it once when I dropped my pants in the hamper with the knife still attached. I thought I lost it \u2014 whoops. I\u2019m getting good at that, I\u2019ve done it at least once before.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The double-action firing mechanism on the Epidemic is stiff enough to preclude the need for a manual safety. It requires a deliberate forward push to open the knife and solid rearward pull to close it. It isn\u2019t hard to do by any means, but a number of people who tried it didn\u2019t initially push hard enough to fire the mechanism and were looking for a safety to disengage. Once told to put some more oomph behind their push they quickly mastered the mechanism. When you do engage the thumb button you\u2019re rapidly greeted by a sharp snick as the Epidemic\u2019s 3.44-inch spear point blade snaps into place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n My test model was a 14850BK with the black coating. However, the same knife is available as the 14850 with a satin finish. The blade itself is plain edge and ground from D2 steel treated to a 60-62 HRC. There\u2019s a slight bit of blade play present when the blade is open, which is common to OTF autos. Overall length of the Epidemic with the blade open is 8.22 inches; this gives you a fair sized defensive blade despite its easy to carry package. Overall, it's a great blade.<\/p>\n","post_title":"HK Epidemic 14850BK | OTF Automatic Knife Review","post_excerpt":"HK Epidemic 14850BK\u2014excellent personal or duty tool!\r\n","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"hk-epidemic-knife-review","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-10-31 23:06:02","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-01 03:06:02","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2013\/01\/01\/hk-epidemic-knife-review\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":157250,"post_author":"481","post_date":"2012-12-01 13:09:40","post_date_gmt":"2012-12-01 19:09:40","post_content":" The HK Epidemic is built by Benchmade. It\u2019s flat anodized black exterior with contrasting red anodized thumb button compliment the simple rectangular lines of the 6061-T6 aluminum handle. A stylized series of grooves and deeply engraved HK adorn each side of the handle. Despite its squarish grip the knife is very comfortable in the hand. All of the edges are rounded where they need to be, and the handle sweeps out slightly to provide an integral guard to keep the hand in place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The grip size works well in my hands so that when I grasp the knife, my index finger nestles under the guard. Meanwhile, my thumb falls naturally on the firing button. A reversible, subdued pocket clip is attached; it places the knife low and securely in the pocket in the tip down position. There\u2019s enough tension for a secure hold but not so much that the clip tears up your clothing or is impossible to remove without using two hands. Just enough handle protrudes to make the knife easy to draw. The slab sides allow the knife to carry flat and comfortably in the pocket.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At a closed length of just 4.78 inches and a weight of only 3.86 ounces, the Epidemic can be pocketed and soon forgotten. In fact I did forget it once when I dropped my pants in the hamper with the knife still attached. I thought I lost it \u2014 whoops. I\u2019m getting good at that, I\u2019ve done it at least once before.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The double-action firing mechanism on the Epidemic is stiff enough to preclude the need for a manual safety. It requires a deliberate forward push to open the knife and solid rearward pull to close it. It isn\u2019t hard to do by any means, but a number of people who tried it didn\u2019t initially push hard enough to fire the mechanism and were looking for a safety to disengage. Once told to put some more oomph behind their push they quickly mastered the mechanism. When you do engage the thumb button you\u2019re rapidly greeted by a sharp snick as the Epidemic\u2019s 3.44-inch spear point blade snaps into place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n My test model was a 14850BK with the black coating. However, the same knife is available as the 14850 with a satin finish. The blade itself is plain edge and ground from D2 steel treated to a 60-62 HRC. There\u2019s a slight bit of blade play present when the blade is open, which is common to OTF autos. Overall length of the Epidemic with the blade open is 8.22 inches; this gives you a fair sized defensive blade despite its easy to carry package. Overall, it's a great blade.<\/p>\n","post_title":"HK Epidemic 14850BK | OTF Automatic Knife Review","post_excerpt":"HK Epidemic 14850BK\u2014excellent personal or duty tool!\r\n","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"hk-epidemic-knife-review","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-10-31 23:06:02","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-01 03:06:02","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2013\/01\/01\/hk-epidemic-knife-review\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":157250,"post_author":"481","post_date":"2012-12-01 13:09:40","post_date_gmt":"2012-12-01 19:09:40","post_content":" The HK Epidemic is built by Benchmade. It\u2019s flat anodized black exterior with contrasting red anodized thumb button compliment the simple rectangular lines of the 6061-T6 aluminum handle. A stylized series of grooves and deeply engraved HK adorn each side of the handle. Despite its squarish grip the knife is very comfortable in the hand. All of the edges are rounded where they need to be, and the handle sweeps out slightly to provide an integral guard to keep the hand in place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The grip size works well in my hands so that when I grasp the knife, my index finger nestles under the guard. Meanwhile, my thumb falls naturally on the firing button. A reversible, subdued pocket clip is attached; it places the knife low and securely in the pocket in the tip down position. There\u2019s enough tension for a secure hold but not so much that the clip tears up your clothing or is impossible to remove without using two hands. Just enough handle protrudes to make the knife easy to draw. The slab sides allow the knife to carry flat and comfortably in the pocket.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At a closed length of just 4.78 inches and a weight of only 3.86 ounces, the Epidemic can be pocketed and soon forgotten. In fact I did forget it once when I dropped my pants in the hamper with the knife still attached. I thought I lost it \u2014 whoops. I\u2019m getting good at that, I\u2019ve done it at least once before.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The double-action firing mechanism on the Epidemic is stiff enough to preclude the need for a manual safety. It requires a deliberate forward push to open the knife and solid rearward pull to close it. It isn\u2019t hard to do by any means, but a number of people who tried it didn\u2019t initially push hard enough to fire the mechanism and were looking for a safety to disengage. Once told to put some more oomph behind their push they quickly mastered the mechanism. When you do engage the thumb button you\u2019re rapidly greeted by a sharp snick as the Epidemic\u2019s 3.44-inch spear point blade snaps into place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n My test model was a 14850BK with the black coating. However, the same knife is available as the 14850 with a satin finish. The blade itself is plain edge and ground from D2 steel treated to a 60-62 HRC. There\u2019s a slight bit of blade play present when the blade is open, which is common to OTF autos. Overall length of the Epidemic with the blade open is 8.22 inches; this gives you a fair sized defensive blade despite its easy to carry package. Overall, it's a great blade.<\/p>\n","post_title":"HK Epidemic 14850BK | OTF Automatic Knife Review","post_excerpt":"HK Epidemic 14850BK\u2014excellent personal or duty tool!\r\n","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"hk-epidemic-knife-review","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-10-31 23:06:02","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-01 03:06:02","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2013\/01\/01\/hk-epidemic-knife-review\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":157250,"post_author":"481","post_date":"2012-12-01 13:09:40","post_date_gmt":"2012-12-01 19:09:40","post_content":"<\/a>\r\nProduced with input from the Austrian army, Glock\u2019s steel and polymer survival knives are rugged and dependable\u2014not unlike their other world-famous defensive products. Steve Woods Photos<\/em>\r\n\r\nBeyond designing and manufacturing pistols of legendary ruggedness and durability used by military and police forces all over the world, Glock also designs and manufactures two knives: the Glock Field Knife 78 and Survival Knife 81. Produced with input from the Austrian Army, the Glock knives\u2014not surprisingly\u2014bear a remarkable resemblance to their pistol cousins. Both the Field Knife 78 and Survival Knife 81 are comprised of carbon-steel blades and polymer handles\u2014the same durable polymer that Glock offers in its 21 pistol models. The only difference between the Field Knife 78 and Survival Knife 81 is that the blade of the Survival Knife 81 comes with a saw back and weighs just few ounces less than the Field Knife 78. Other than that, both knives are physically identical, and both come with a super-tough yet very functional polymer sheath. These tools are profoundly simple and engineered for ruggedness and usefulness.\r\n\r\nCutting-Edge Design<\/strong>\r\n\r\nThe Field Knife 78 and Survival Knife 81 both feature 6.5-inch carbon-steel, clip-point blades. A clip-point blade, similar to a drop-point blade, has a \u201cfalse edge\u201d toward the point opposite the blade. As such, the blade tapers to a point, making it more capable of piercing. Carbon steel is one of the hardest steels, and therefore one of the strongest and most durable. Sometimes carbon steel is referred to as \u201cspring steel,\u201d as its properties allow it to flex under abusive conditions and yet retain its shape, strength and functionality. The blade, 0.19 inches wide, is also coated in black phosphate, which helps protect it against corrosion and reduces glare, decreasing the potential for giving away the user\u2019s position to an enemy.\r\n\r\n<\/a>\r\nThe sheath\u2019s most unique design feature is the reinforced, flexible retention tab that securely holds the knife in place, regardless of whether the knife is inserted with the blade to the front or back.<\/em>\r\n\r\nThe back of the Field Knife 78 blade is straight and flat. The back of the Survival Knife 81 bears a 4-inch saw\u2014alternating sharp ridges and points that will shred and tear whatever it is applied to. Glock knives come with a factory edge that is razor sharp. Their functionality, however, goes well beyond just cutting. These are robust tools that can and have been used to hack, split, chisel and pry.\r\n\r\nSeparating the blade and the handle is a carbon-steel crossguard. One side of the crossguard extends 0.75 inches below the blade, offering protection for a user\u2019s hand. The other side of the crossguard extends 0.44 inches above the blade and curves toward the front of the blade, offering a mechanism for prying. With its strong construction and the leverage afforded by its location between the blade and handle, the crossguard pry is a formidable tool, able to handle the most demanding jobs\u2014from prying supply cans open to bending metal. Its most popular use, however, might be the noble task of opening bottles.\r\n\r\nMade of the same polymer found in its pistols, the handles of the Glock Field Knife 78 and Survival Knife 81 are 4.75 inches in length. The rounded handles vary in circumference from front to back, but the widest point in the middle measures 3.63 inches. All Glock knives have opposing indentations in the handle near the crossguard to accommodate the sheath\u2019s retention tab, no matter which way it is inserted into the sheath. In addition, the polymer of the handle is textured and offers five indented rings to aid in purchase. The ends of each handle also provide two opposing 0.16-inch holes, perhaps for affixing a ring as a means of attaching a lanyard or, a user can drill through the holes using a 0.16-inch drill bit to allow for a lanyard to pass right through the handle. The end of the handle features a plastic plug, which, when removed, reveals a 1.5-inch-deep metal socket with the same previously mentioned holes machined into it. While the plastic plug is very durable, it could only take limited abuse such as that caused by using it as a pommel or hitting it with a hammer when using the knife as a chisel. Of interest, the metal socket and the forward-curved portion of the crossguard could work in conjunction so that the knife could serve as a bayonet on an assault rifle.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<\/a>\r\nMade of the same polymer found in its pistols, the handles of the Glock Field Knife 78 and Survival Knife 81 are 4.75 inches in length.<\/em>\r\n\r\nSheath Specs<\/strong>\r\n\r\nBoth knives use the same sheath, a one-piece polymer product that measures almost 11 inches in length and weighs 1.5 ounces. The ambidextrous sheath\u2019s most unique design feature is the reinforced, flexible retention tab that securely holds a Glock knife in place, regardless of whether the knife is inserted with the blade to the front or back. Once a Glock knife is inserted all the way into the sheath, the crossguard pushes the retention tab out until it automatically closes over the edge of the crossguard, snapping in place. To release the knife from the sheath, a user has to push the retention tab away with a thumb. It is possible to deploy the knife from the sheath using one hand. All of this occurs in a one-piece polymer sheath because of thoughtful design.\r\n\r\nThe sheath also offers a belt loop with a useful design that allows a user to easily but securely attach it to a belt up to 2.5 inches wide and up to 0.19 inches thick. Inside the top of the belt loop, a polymer protrusion reinforces the belt loop at its stress point and reduces the belt loop\u2019s width to an eighth of an inch to prevent the sheath from sliding when worn on a belt. If a user doesn\u2019t have a belt, the sheath can be attached to pants or shorts by simply clipping the sheath to the waistband.\r\nIn addition to the retention tab and belt loop, the sheath offers a lanyard hole for lashing the point end of the sheath. For example, when the sheath is worn on a belt, a lanyard can be tied through the loop to the user\u2019s thigh. The sheath also offers a drainage hole near the tip (or point).\r\n\r\nField Survival<\/strong>\r\n\r\nBoth Glock knives are 11.38 inches in length. While all Glock knives have blades that are coated in black phosphate, the handles and sheaths come in three colors: midnight black (to blend with tactical gear used in urban environments), olive drab (to blend with camouflage or equipment used in woodland or jungle environments), and sand (to blend with camouflage or equipment used in desert environments). Besides one having a saw blade back and the other having a plain back, the only differences between the Glock Field Knife 78 and Survival Knife 81 are in the knives\u2019 weight and price. The Glock Field Knife 78 weighs 7.3 ounces and retails for $30. The Glock Survival Knife 81 weighs 7.0 ounces and retails for $32. The difference in weight and cost comes from the additional manufacturing required to create the saw blade on the back of the Survival Knife 81.\r\n\r\n<\/a>\r\nThe Survival Knife 81 features a saw blade positioned on the back edge, while the Field Knife 78 offers a straight edge. <\/em>\r\n\r\nThe relatively low retail prices reflect Glock\u2019s economic savvy along with an understanding of real-life conditions for soldiers, law enforcement and civilian users. At only $30 or $32 per knife, a user can afford to purchase more than one and won\u2019t suffer an economic setback should he or she lose one. Further, whereas a user might shy away from pushing a more expensive knife to its extreme usefulness, the user of a Glock knife can push it to the extreme\u2014mainly because it\u2019s a rugged tool made by Glock and secondarily because it is available at a fraction of the cost of other knives that may not even be up to the kinds of tasks a Glock knife will face.\r\n\r\nEvery Glock knife blade bears the phrase \u201cMade in Austria,\u201d along with the Glock logo and the knife\u2019s model number near the crossguard. With two variants to choose from in three different colors, users can select one or more of the six models that will best meet their needs. Whether you\u2019re a first-time buyer of a Glock product or a long-time Glock pistol user, the Glock knives are indispensible tools with virtually limitless usefulness. Whether you choose the Glock Field Knife 78 or the Survival Knife 81, you will find that the cutting edge of a Glock knife is a great complement to the cutting-edge design and thoughtful execution of every detail of the knife, even to the point of the sheath. Find out more by calling 770-432-1202 or visiting glock.com. l","post_title":"Cutting Edge GLOCK Knives Review","post_excerpt":"Tough-as-nails steel to get the job done every time \u2014 a dependable survival tool, just like Glock pistols!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"cutting-edge-glock-knives","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-10-31 23:06:05","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-01 03:06:05","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2012\/12\/01\/cutting-edge-glock-knives\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":157286,"post_author":"645","post_date":"2012-11-09 11:56:53","post_date_gmt":"2012-11-09 17:56:53","post_content":"Only from Wilson Combat in collaboration with acclaimed Custom Knifemaker Les George. A Wilson Combat exclusive, the EAGLE is a rugged, framelock flipper design with the Wilson Combat signature Starburst Titanium handle pattern and Carpenter XHP \u201cSuper Steel\u201d stainless tool steel recurve blade for the ultimate in edge holding and corrosion resistance. The EAGLE is one of the fastest opening manual tactical folders on the market. The trigger finger flipper is lightning fast into action and easy to operate with or without gloves.\n\nThe lightweight and slim profile will ensure the EAGLE will spend a lot of time riding shotgun in your pocket every day. The handle of the EAGLE is precision machined and smooth tumble blasted lightweight Titanium with a robust integral framelock, chamfered lanyard hole and Titanium deep-pocket clip that can be positioned for blade tip up or down opening. The rugged open-frame construction makes it easy to clean trapped dirt and lint. Unlike many other tactical folders that are blocky and overweight, the EAGLE has been designed to be slim and easy to carry without sacrificing any strength or performance.\n\n<\/a>\n\nThe precision ground and finished 3.6\" blade of the EAGLE is a high performance tactical clip point profile with a slight recurve for impressive cutting power. The Carpenter CTS XHP powdered alloy steel has all the strength and edge retention of the best tool steels with superior corrosion resistance. The hand-sharpened blade is polished to a smooth, non-reflective high luster for easy maintenance and rides on pure Teflon bearings for a lifetime of glassy smooth operation.\n\nFor every day carry for utility or defense, the EAGLE will meet any folding knife challenge. The EAGLE is made in small quantities by a master craftsman and only limited quantities are available. $524.95. Wilsoncombat.com<\/a><\/strong>.\n\nSpecifications:<\/strong>\nBlade Steel \u2013 Carpenter CTS XHP Stainless \u2013 RC 60\nBlade Length \u2013 3.6\u201d\nBlade Thickness - .125\u201d\nHandle Material \u2013 Titanium with Starburst Pattern\nHandle Length \u2013 4.8\u201d\nOverall Length \u2013 8.5\u201d\nWeight \u2013 4.8 oz.","post_title":"Wilson Combat \u201cEagle\u201d Titanium Flipper","post_excerpt":" ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"wilson-combat-eagle-titanium-flipper","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-06-01 21:26:30","post_modified_gmt":"2023-06-01 21:26:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2012\/11\/09\/wilson-combat-eagle-titanium-flipper\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":157366,"post_author":"645","post_date":"2012-11-01 10:38:47","post_date_gmt":"2012-11-01 16:38:47","post_content":"<\/a>\r\nThe Cuma TAK-RI by TOPS Knives is an excellent direct contact combat weapon designed by world famous Johnny Tsai, an eight degree black sash in both Tsai Family System and in Tai Kit Kuen.<\/em>\r\n\r\nI have been writing for the most part of the last 15 years about the law enforcement profession and about all kinds of edged weapons and tools. I have written about knives and tools, which I or other officers carried while serving in Kosovo as a United Nations police officer. I even wrote about edged weapons and tools as I served in Iraq as a police advisor for two years. But I have never written about a real edged weapon carried by a comic book character, until now.\r\n\r\nThe knife in question is called CUMA TAK-RI and is made by TOPS knives. The special interest in this knife was the fact that it is featured in a comic book published by IDW (Idea + Design Works) entitled \u201cCobra Civil War: Snake Eyes.\u201d In issue #2 the CUMA TAK-RI is shown, along with a sword, being used to dispatch an enemy of Snake Eyes.\r\n\r\nBackground History<\/strong>\r\n\r\n<\/a>\r\nThe very sharp 4-inch top edge of the CUMA TAK-RI and the sharp 7-inch blade makes for a perfect slashing weapon.<\/em>\r\n\r\nSnake Eyes is an original character in the G.I. Joe comic book storyline. Marvel Comics produced the comic book \u201cG.I. Joe: A Real American Hero,\u201d issue No. 1 from June 1982 until December 1994 ending with issue No. 155. The Snake Eyes character has been featured as a 3.5-inch toy character with 54 different models and at least five in the 12-inch models. These toys were first produced by Hasbro Toys. Snake Eyes has also been featured in various G.I. Joe television series and in the film adaptation, G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra. In 2009, IDW Publishing took over the license for a G.I. Joe comic series, which takes the storyline in a different direction.\r\n\r\nAs of this writing, IDW Comics has produced six issues dedicated to the Snake Eyes character where the CUMA TAK-RI is shown from issue #2 through issue #6. In a phone interview with Robert Atkins, the artist of the IDW Snake Eyes, told me he likes to have his characters use weapons that really exist.\r\n\r\nWhile at a comic book show in Chicago, he met a long time G.I. Joe fan and collector Waysun Johnny Tsai and his son. Johnny Tsai is a well-known and world respected Kung Fu Master with twelve schools throughout the United States. Johnny Tsai designed the CUMA TAK-RI. In discussing the Snake Eyes character with Atkins, Tsai suggested Snake Eyes needed to upgrade his choice of weapons and carry the CUMA TAK-RI.\r\nAfter looking over the CUMA TAK-RI Atkins liked the design and started using it in his Snake Eyes series. The CUMA TAK-RI is shown on the cover of issue number 6 of Cobra Civil War, Snake Eyes.\r\n\r\nIn a phone interview with Johnny Tsai, I learned that he developed the CUMA Tactical Street Defense program. During this defense program Tsai formulated the design of the CUMA TAK-RI. Tsai also had previously designed the CUMA Evolution which is made by TOPS Knives. CUMA is an acronym for Combined Universal Martial Applications. Tsai pitched his idea and design of the CUMA TAK-RI to the fine people at TOPS Knives and the rest is history.\r\n\r\nSelf-Defense Nature<\/strong>\r\n\r\nThe CUMA TAK-RI was designed primarily as a weapon for self-defense for law enforcement and military personnel. Its design was greatly influenced by the Nepalese Knife \u201cKukri\u201d made famous by the Gurkha warriors who served in the British military. Tsai\u2019s idea was to reduce the bigger Kukri to a manageable CBQ (Close Quarter Combat) weapon. In reducing the size and adding the shark teeth serration, he came up with the interesting CUMA TAK-RI. The idea of the design was formulated through his many years of CQC training and instructing.\r\n\r\n<\/a>\r\n\r\nWhen I first received the CUMA TAK-RI I examined it closely. I found it to be all that TOPS Knives are expected to be in quality and finish and could see Johnny Tsai\u2019s reasoning for the weight, size and general design. The knife was light and nimble, which is a must for a CQC weapon. The 7-inch partial double-edge and partially serrated blade is 3\/16-inches thick and fashioned from 1095 High Carbon Steel.\r\nThe 6.5-inch handle is covered with two slim scales made of Micarta. The tactical finger-grooved handle is about 0.75 inches thick by about 1-inch wide. In the terminal end of the handle there is a 0.25-inch lanyard hole that I found nice as most lanyard holes are somewhat smaller, thereby limiting the size of cord or rawhide you can use. At the very peak of the handle there is a nicely formed blunt-force trauma device.\r\nThe blade is 2.5 inches at its widest point. The top sharpened edge is 4 inches and the bottom sharpened edge is 7 inches which includes a 1.5-inch \u201cshark teeth\u201d serration.\r\n\r\nThe CUMA TAK-RI, when wheeled around and ran through tactical defensive and offensive moves, performs very well. I would consider this knife to be toes-to-toes and nose-to-nose direct contact knife. In other words, when things have gone to hell and they are coming over the wire and you don\u2019t have time to reload, out would come the CUMA TAK-RI.\r\n\r\nThe CUMA TAK-RI is a well-designed knife for CQC when slashing and jabbing is in order. The large serration is good for ripping and cutting those who would want to do you harm. The double edge blade is well suited for slashing in both directions in either the frontal or reverse hold.\r\n\r\n<\/a>\r\nThe handle on the CUMA TAK-RI is somewhat thin based on author\u2019s hand size and expectations.<\/em>\r\n\r\nIn The Hands<\/strong>\r\n\r\nIn testing the CUMA TAK-RI I took it out to a wooded area on the family farm. Since I could not find a volunteer to see how well this knife performed, I chose a hardwood thorn tree indigenous to my area. I hacked on this tree and its limbs. I found it took 3 chops to cut through a 1-inch limb. This is not unusual as the wood is very hard. The only problem I found was the handle of the CUMA TAK-RI was a little small for my hand. Thicker scales would rectify this problem and in my opinion would greatly enhance this knife\/weapon. I next wedged the knife blade between 2 large wooden planks about seven feet off the ground. I hung my 210-pound body by the handle to see if the knife would withstand the pressure. The knife blade did not snap and held its ground.\r\n\r\nAfter evaluating the CUMA TAK-RI, I came to this conclusion: The knife is well designed and suited for what it was created for which is for DCC (Direct Contact Combat). I would not recommend this knife for cleaning your monster elk, even though you could use it for that. The knife is light and would work for the backpackers of the world but there are better-suited tools and knives for this purpose. If you practice survival techniques and are preparing for December 2012, then this knife would be one you should add to your bug-out bag. However, the CUMA TAK-RI is well suited for those professionals in the military and those law enforcement officers who serve overseas as police advisers. Anyone who would be going into harm\u2019s way, here or in some troubled land, should consider the TOPS Knife CUMA TAK-RI.","post_title":"Birth of the Cuma TAK-RI","post_excerpt":"How the comic book character Snake Eyes came to use a TOPS knife!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"birth-of-the-cuma-tak-ri","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-05-31 20:16:56","post_modified_gmt":"2023-05-31 20:16:56","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2012\/11\/01\/birth-of-the-cuma-tak-ri\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":157466,"post_author":"645","post_date":"2012-09-28 08:01:36","post_date_gmt":"2012-09-28 14:01:36","post_content":"These newly designed knives featured in the new CUSTOM ALLIANCE will be few in number, and will quickly become a valued centerpiece of your collection. These offerings will typify the WILSON standards of extraordinary quality, classic design and unmatched value.\n\nThere is no doubt that in the world of handmade knives there was no bigger influencer than Robert W. Loveless. Loveless was the pioneer of handmade high-performance knives from modern materials that looked as good as they worked. His legendary designs like the drop point hunter, sub-hilt fighter, chute knife and his embrace of high-performance steel and handle materials were the genesis of the current industry of handmade custom cutlery across the world.\n\nLoveless was an American institution who freely trained a multitude of young makers in his signature rakish styling and build techniques up until his death in 2010. We wanted to offer a handmade knife of the highest quality that honored Loveless\u2019s life and selected one of his most recognizable designs, the Wilderness Fighter, along with a maker with first-hand knowledge of how the Loveless shop crafted their legendary blades right down to the thread used in the leather sheath.\n\n<\/a>\n\nThe maker selected for this alliance, Marcus Lin of Los Angeles, CA has been making custom knives since 2004 and has studied with Loveless and his partner Jim Merritt in his quest to build true-to-form Loveless design hunting and fighting knives. Lin is considered one of the top makers of authentically constructed Loveless design knives in the world and we believe this is as close as you can get to an actual Loveless knife for a fraction of the aftermarket price.\u2028\u2028From the flawless double hollow grinding to the bright mirror polished ATS-34 blade this functional tactical and survival knife screams \u201cLoveless\u201d.\n\n<\/a>\n\nThe balance is impeccable and the polished and contoured dark ancient ironwood handle melts into your hand like the handshake of an old friend. A solid stainless guard and pins finish off this classic fighter pattern.\n\nA custom leather sheath of the highest quality is painstakingly stitched, oiled and form fitted to each knife by the maker. This rare item is limited to 10 pieces. Wilsoncombat.com<\/strong><\/a>, Linknives.com<\/strong><\/a>.\n\nSpecifications<\/strong>\nBlade Steel \u2013 ATS-34\nBlade Length \u2013 6\u201d\nBlade Thickness - .250\u201d\nHandle Material \u2013 Desert Ironwood\nHandle Length \u2013 5\u201d\nOverall Length \u2013 11\u201d\nHardware \u2013 Stainless\nWeight \u2013 12.2 oz.\nPrice: $995.00\n\nDetail photos on page two.<\/strong><\/em>\n\n\n<\/em><\/a><\/em>\n\n<\/a><\/em>\n\n<\/a><\/em>","post_title":"Wilson Tactical Loveless \"Legend\"","post_excerpt":" ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"wilson-tactical-loveless-legend","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-06-01 21:29:43","post_modified_gmt":"2023-06-01 21:29:43","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2012\/09\/28\/wilson-tactical-loveless-legend\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":157494,"post_author":"645","post_date":"2012-09-07 15:43:20","post_date_gmt":"2012-09-07 21:43:20","post_content":"<\/a>\r\nBoth the DPx HEFT 4 and 6 were designed for cutting your way out of the world\u2019s most dangerous places! They are so well thought of in the Spec Ops community that many SEALs have been willing to buy these blades out of their own pocket. STEVE WOODS PHOTO<\/em>\r\n\r\nI doubt Robert Young Pelton needs much of an introduction to most Tactical Knives readers. Author of The World\u2019s Most Dangerous Places series of travel guides, Pelton has visited and reported from more combat zones than the U.S. Marines. Whether you are asking about South America\u2019s jungles, Somalia\u2019s savannas, the Middle East\u2019s deserts, or Myanmar\u2019s sweltering tropics, Pelton has been there on its worst day. Naturally, all this first-hand observation of troops under fire has given him a unique perspective on what is and isn\u2019t needed in a combat\/survival knife. In recent months, Pelton has utilized that experience to introduce a new line of cutlery under the DPx Gear HEFT (Hostile Environment Fighting or Field Tool) trademark.\r\n\r\nHEFT 4 & 6<\/strong>\r\nLooking at the HEFT 4 and 6 (the numbers refer to the blade lengths). The DPx HEFT 4 features Niolox steel, while the DPx HEFT 6 is Sleipner steel. Blade thickness at the spine runs 5mm. Options include a \u201cWoodsman\u201d model with a stonewash finished blade and Brazilian Santos hardwood handle scales or the \u201cAssault\u201d with a PVD black-coated blade and G-10 handle scales. These handle scales are held on with removable screws that allow access to a storage compartment in the tang. While this hollowed out area is relatively small, it is large enough for fish hooks, firestarters, a button compass or similar survival items. Both knives are made by LionSTEEL in Maniago, Italy.\r\n\r\nThe sample knives each came in a black ballistic nylon sheath with a wide Velcro flap that completely covered the handle and most of the scabbard when closed. Frankly, this system did not impress me as very practical for a serious combat knife. Not only would it slow down drawing the knife, the Velcro makes entirely too much noise on a dark, quiet night.\r\n\r\nShortly after receiving the knives, DPx also supplied photos they had taken of members of a SEAL team training with the knives on their web gear. The first thing I noticed was that the SEALs were using a different sheath with a more conventional snap loop around the handle of the HEFT knife. When I asked about this I discovered that the Navy Spec Ops troops had also objected to the original Velcro flap version of the sheath and it had been replaced. I was also told that yet a third generation version is in the works and should be available by the time you read this feature. It is nice feeling when the current guys in Spec Ops back me up on these little points...\r\n\r\n<\/a>\r\nAuthor was happy to find that the original Velcro flap ballistic nylon sheath had been replaced with a more accessible handle snap loop version at the request of the SEALs. Author was told this is being further refined and a third generation will be available in the near future. PHOTO COURTESY OF DPX<\/em>\r\n\r\n<\/a>\r\nThe smaller knife also offers a magnetized hex-driver cut-out on the end of the handle. <\/em>\r\n\r\nWell-Designed Handle<\/strong>\r\nOne of the design features of the HEFT knives, according to DPx, is that the handles are \u201cexpertly balanced for hours of hard use without causing blisters, hot spots or bruising.\u201d I know from experience that many handles that work sort-of-okay for a quick cut or two prove less satisfactory when you are forced to use them for long periods of heavy work. My motto is that the best way to evaluate any knife is to cut \u201cthings\u201d that actually need cutting even if they aren\u2019t the exact purpose the blade was designed for. Springtime for me means making large quantities of garden stakes from hazel saplings. Each requires that a sharp point be whittled on to one end and turning out several dozen of these constitutes a good test of just how comfortable a knife handle is in the long run. I\u2019ll have to go with DPx on this one, the handle design is very comfortable for long periods of use.\r\n\r\nAnother interesting discovery was that I found the 4-inch model mechanically more efficient at pointing the stakes as it was easier to apply proper leverage to the shorter blade. Both of these knives have basically the same edge geometry, but if the 6-inch blade had been profiled a little thinner, that equation might change.\r\n\r\nCombat Length<\/strong>\r\nAt a recent trade show in Las Vegas, Pelton and I had a discussion about the most desirable length for a combat knife on the modern battlefields. He felt most of the current troops are content with a blade around 4 inches, while my own experience argues for something a little longer than that. For starters, anyone that tells you superior training will make a short blade just as effective as a longer one in a hand-to-hand fight has never used a knife to stick anything two or four legged. If you don\u2019t believe me, just ask someone who hunts wild hogs with a knife.\r\n\r\nUsing a 4-inch blade is the same as putting your faith in a small caliber handgun over a high performance .40 or .45. I\u2019m sure some will make the case there is little chance of anyone needing a knife as a weapon in combat. If that is your situation then the 4-inch HEFT is probably the proper way to go. As for me, I would still rather have the extra 2 inches of penetration the 6-inch model offers if I were out on the pointy end of the stick again.\r\n\r\nSo having just put down the 4-inch HEFT for infantry use, I will say it is an excellent cutting tool for the vast majority of civilian outdoor needs, including field dressing big game. Given I live in the real world, that probably means I will be carrying the smaller model much more often in the woods than the 6-inch model.\r\n\r\n\r\n<\/a>\r\nWhen it gets down to the real world, combat knives are used as tools far more often than they are for weapons. PHOTO COURTESY OF DPX<\/em>\r\n\r\nBlade Steel<\/strong>\r\nSaying the blade steel is something close to D2 probably set off a few readers\u2019 alarms, as that alloy has a reputation for being hard to resharpen. Most of the D2 knives I\u2019ve used have not been a real problem, but I can remember at least one from a famous custom maker that gave me so many fits I eventually traded it off. At the time, that particular maker was famous for his relatively low Rockwell D2 blades. He has since changed to other steels alloys for all of his knives, so maybe he has seen the light, too. As for the DPx knives, I had no problem restoring either blade to a sharper than out-of-the-box edge using the medium and fine India stones on a Norton Cradle sprayed with WD-40 for lubricant. Field touch ups were also easily accomplished with a diamond surfaced sharpening rod.\r\n\r\nI would be totally deficient if I didn\u2019t mention one other feature of the HEFT knives, a notch opener built into the tang of the knife on the end of the handle. While this will obviously work for prying off the lids of various other types of food containers, most troops are going to see it as a \u201cbeer bottle opener.\u201d It never hurts to remember that in most third world countries, all beer and soft drinks still come in pry-off crown cap containers. Another feature that seems to only be found on the 4-inch model is a \u201chex driver\u201d set into the rear of the handle scales on the right hand side.\r\n\r\nI\u2019m told that many SEALs have liked this knife well enough that they have happily bought their own out of pocket. As we all know, Naval Spec Ops teams tend to have the option of obtaining whatever gear they feel they need to best get the job done. It proves a lot about these knives that they would pick a HEFT over the many other options available to them.","post_title":"DPx HEFT Knives | Tactical Knives","post_excerpt":"Designed with the SEALs in mind \u2014 on the cutting edge for The World\u2019s Most Dangerous Places!\r\n","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"dpx-heft-knives","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-05-31 20:17:09","post_modified_gmt":"2023-05-31 20:17:09","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2012\/09\/07\/dpx-heft-knives\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":56},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_23"};
BROWSE BY BRAND
Using the Knife<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>\r\nProduced with input from the Austrian army, Glock\u2019s steel and polymer survival knives are rugged and dependable\u2014not unlike their other world-famous defensive products. Steve Woods Photos<\/em>\r\n\r\nBeyond designing and manufacturing pistols of legendary ruggedness and durability used by military and police forces all over the world, Glock also designs and manufactures two knives: the Glock Field Knife 78 and Survival Knife 81. Produced with input from the Austrian Army, the Glock knives\u2014not surprisingly\u2014bear a remarkable resemblance to their pistol cousins. Both the Field Knife 78 and Survival Knife 81 are comprised of carbon-steel blades and polymer handles\u2014the same durable polymer that Glock offers in its 21 pistol models. The only difference between the Field Knife 78 and Survival Knife 81 is that the blade of the Survival Knife 81 comes with a saw back and weighs just few ounces less than the Field Knife 78. Other than that, both knives are physically identical, and both come with a super-tough yet very functional polymer sheath. These tools are profoundly simple and engineered for ruggedness and usefulness.\r\n\r\nCutting-Edge Design<\/strong>\r\n\r\nThe Field Knife 78 and Survival Knife 81 both feature 6.5-inch carbon-steel, clip-point blades. A clip-point blade, similar to a drop-point blade, has a \u201cfalse edge\u201d toward the point opposite the blade. As such, the blade tapers to a point, making it more capable of piercing. Carbon steel is one of the hardest steels, and therefore one of the strongest and most durable. Sometimes carbon steel is referred to as \u201cspring steel,\u201d as its properties allow it to flex under abusive conditions and yet retain its shape, strength and functionality. The blade, 0.19 inches wide, is also coated in black phosphate, which helps protect it against corrosion and reduces glare, decreasing the potential for giving away the user\u2019s position to an enemy.\r\n\r\n<\/a>\r\nThe sheath\u2019s most unique design feature is the reinforced, flexible retention tab that securely holds the knife in place, regardless of whether the knife is inserted with the blade to the front or back.<\/em>\r\n\r\nThe back of the Field Knife 78 blade is straight and flat. The back of the Survival Knife 81 bears a 4-inch saw\u2014alternating sharp ridges and points that will shred and tear whatever it is applied to. Glock knives come with a factory edge that is razor sharp. Their functionality, however, goes well beyond just cutting. These are robust tools that can and have been used to hack, split, chisel and pry.\r\n\r\nSeparating the blade and the handle is a carbon-steel crossguard. One side of the crossguard extends 0.75 inches below the blade, offering protection for a user\u2019s hand. The other side of the crossguard extends 0.44 inches above the blade and curves toward the front of the blade, offering a mechanism for prying. With its strong construction and the leverage afforded by its location between the blade and handle, the crossguard pry is a formidable tool, able to handle the most demanding jobs\u2014from prying supply cans open to bending metal. Its most popular use, however, might be the noble task of opening bottles.\r\n\r\nMade of the same polymer found in its pistols, the handles of the Glock Field Knife 78 and Survival Knife 81 are 4.75 inches in length. The rounded handles vary in circumference from front to back, but the widest point in the middle measures 3.63 inches. All Glock knives have opposing indentations in the handle near the crossguard to accommodate the sheath\u2019s retention tab, no matter which way it is inserted into the sheath. In addition, the polymer of the handle is textured and offers five indented rings to aid in purchase. The ends of each handle also provide two opposing 0.16-inch holes, perhaps for affixing a ring as a means of attaching a lanyard or, a user can drill through the holes using a 0.16-inch drill bit to allow for a lanyard to pass right through the handle. The end of the handle features a plastic plug, which, when removed, reveals a 1.5-inch-deep metal socket with the same previously mentioned holes machined into it. While the plastic plug is very durable, it could only take limited abuse such as that caused by using it as a pommel or hitting it with a hammer when using the knife as a chisel. Of interest, the metal socket and the forward-curved portion of the crossguard could work in conjunction so that the knife could serve as a bayonet on an assault rifle.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<\/a>\r\nMade of the same polymer found in its pistols, the handles of the Glock Field Knife 78 and Survival Knife 81 are 4.75 inches in length.<\/em>\r\n\r\nSheath Specs<\/strong>\r\n\r\nBoth knives use the same sheath, a one-piece polymer product that measures almost 11 inches in length and weighs 1.5 ounces. The ambidextrous sheath\u2019s most unique design feature is the reinforced, flexible retention tab that securely holds a Glock knife in place, regardless of whether the knife is inserted with the blade to the front or back. Once a Glock knife is inserted all the way into the sheath, the crossguard pushes the retention tab out until it automatically closes over the edge of the crossguard, snapping in place. To release the knife from the sheath, a user has to push the retention tab away with a thumb. It is possible to deploy the knife from the sheath using one hand. All of this occurs in a one-piece polymer sheath because of thoughtful design.\r\n\r\nThe sheath also offers a belt loop with a useful design that allows a user to easily but securely attach it to a belt up to 2.5 inches wide and up to 0.19 inches thick. Inside the top of the belt loop, a polymer protrusion reinforces the belt loop at its stress point and reduces the belt loop\u2019s width to an eighth of an inch to prevent the sheath from sliding when worn on a belt. If a user doesn\u2019t have a belt, the sheath can be attached to pants or shorts by simply clipping the sheath to the waistband.\r\nIn addition to the retention tab and belt loop, the sheath offers a lanyard hole for lashing the point end of the sheath. For example, when the sheath is worn on a belt, a lanyard can be tied through the loop to the user\u2019s thigh. The sheath also offers a drainage hole near the tip (or point).\r\n\r\nField Survival<\/strong>\r\n\r\nBoth Glock knives are 11.38 inches in length. While all Glock knives have blades that are coated in black phosphate, the handles and sheaths come in three colors: midnight black (to blend with tactical gear used in urban environments), olive drab (to blend with camouflage or equipment used in woodland or jungle environments), and sand (to blend with camouflage or equipment used in desert environments). Besides one having a saw blade back and the other having a plain back, the only differences between the Glock Field Knife 78 and Survival Knife 81 are in the knives\u2019 weight and price. The Glock Field Knife 78 weighs 7.3 ounces and retails for $30. The Glock Survival Knife 81 weighs 7.0 ounces and retails for $32. The difference in weight and cost comes from the additional manufacturing required to create the saw blade on the back of the Survival Knife 81.\r\n\r\n<\/a>\r\nThe Survival Knife 81 features a saw blade positioned on the back edge, while the Field Knife 78 offers a straight edge. <\/em>\r\n\r\nThe relatively low retail prices reflect Glock\u2019s economic savvy along with an understanding of real-life conditions for soldiers, law enforcement and civilian users. At only $30 or $32 per knife, a user can afford to purchase more than one and won\u2019t suffer an economic setback should he or she lose one. Further, whereas a user might shy away from pushing a more expensive knife to its extreme usefulness, the user of a Glock knife can push it to the extreme\u2014mainly because it\u2019s a rugged tool made by Glock and secondarily because it is available at a fraction of the cost of other knives that may not even be up to the kinds of tasks a Glock knife will face.\r\n\r\nEvery Glock knife blade bears the phrase \u201cMade in Austria,\u201d along with the Glock logo and the knife\u2019s model number near the crossguard. With two variants to choose from in three different colors, users can select one or more of the six models that will best meet their needs. Whether you\u2019re a first-time buyer of a Glock product or a long-time Glock pistol user, the Glock knives are indispensible tools with virtually limitless usefulness. Whether you choose the Glock Field Knife 78 or the Survival Knife 81, you will find that the cutting edge of a Glock knife is a great complement to the cutting-edge design and thoughtful execution of every detail of the knife, even to the point of the sheath. Find out more by calling 770-432-1202 or visiting glock.com. l","post_title":"Cutting Edge GLOCK Knives Review","post_excerpt":"Tough-as-nails steel to get the job done every time \u2014 a dependable survival tool, just like Glock pistols!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"cutting-edge-glock-knives","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-10-31 23:06:05","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-01 03:06:05","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2012\/12\/01\/cutting-edge-glock-knives\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":157286,"post_author":"645","post_date":"2012-11-09 11:56:53","post_date_gmt":"2012-11-09 17:56:53","post_content":"Only from Wilson Combat in collaboration with acclaimed Custom Knifemaker Les George. A Wilson Combat exclusive, the EAGLE is a rugged, framelock flipper design with the Wilson Combat signature Starburst Titanium handle pattern and Carpenter XHP \u201cSuper Steel\u201d stainless tool steel recurve blade for the ultimate in edge holding and corrosion resistance. The EAGLE is one of the fastest opening manual tactical folders on the market. The trigger finger flipper is lightning fast into action and easy to operate with or without gloves.\n\nThe lightweight and slim profile will ensure the EAGLE will spend a lot of time riding shotgun in your pocket every day. The handle of the EAGLE is precision machined and smooth tumble blasted lightweight Titanium with a robust integral framelock, chamfered lanyard hole and Titanium deep-pocket clip that can be positioned for blade tip up or down opening. The rugged open-frame construction makes it easy to clean trapped dirt and lint. Unlike many other tactical folders that are blocky and overweight, the EAGLE has been designed to be slim and easy to carry without sacrificing any strength or performance.\n\n<\/a>\n\nThe precision ground and finished 3.6\" blade of the EAGLE is a high performance tactical clip point profile with a slight recurve for impressive cutting power. The Carpenter CTS XHP powdered alloy steel has all the strength and edge retention of the best tool steels with superior corrosion resistance. The hand-sharpened blade is polished to a smooth, non-reflective high luster for easy maintenance and rides on pure Teflon bearings for a lifetime of glassy smooth operation.\n\nFor every day carry for utility or defense, the EAGLE will meet any folding knife challenge. The EAGLE is made in small quantities by a master craftsman and only limited quantities are available. $524.95. Wilsoncombat.com<\/a><\/strong>.\n\nSpecifications:<\/strong>\nBlade Steel \u2013 Carpenter CTS XHP Stainless \u2013 RC 60\nBlade Length \u2013 3.6\u201d\nBlade Thickness - .125\u201d\nHandle Material \u2013 Titanium with Starburst Pattern\nHandle Length \u2013 4.8\u201d\nOverall Length \u2013 8.5\u201d\nWeight \u2013 4.8 oz.","post_title":"Wilson Combat \u201cEagle\u201d Titanium Flipper","post_excerpt":" ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"wilson-combat-eagle-titanium-flipper","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-06-01 21:26:30","post_modified_gmt":"2023-06-01 21:26:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2012\/11\/09\/wilson-combat-eagle-titanium-flipper\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":157366,"post_author":"645","post_date":"2012-11-01 10:38:47","post_date_gmt":"2012-11-01 16:38:47","post_content":"<\/a>\r\nThe Cuma TAK-RI by TOPS Knives is an excellent direct contact combat weapon designed by world famous Johnny Tsai, an eight degree black sash in both Tsai Family System and in Tai Kit Kuen.<\/em>\r\n\r\nI have been writing for the most part of the last 15 years about the law enforcement profession and about all kinds of edged weapons and tools. I have written about knives and tools, which I or other officers carried while serving in Kosovo as a United Nations police officer. I even wrote about edged weapons and tools as I served in Iraq as a police advisor for two years. But I have never written about a real edged weapon carried by a comic book character, until now.\r\n\r\nThe knife in question is called CUMA TAK-RI and is made by TOPS knives. The special interest in this knife was the fact that it is featured in a comic book published by IDW (Idea + Design Works) entitled \u201cCobra Civil War: Snake Eyes.\u201d In issue #2 the CUMA TAK-RI is shown, along with a sword, being used to dispatch an enemy of Snake Eyes.\r\n\r\nBackground History<\/strong>\r\n\r\n<\/a>\r\nThe very sharp 4-inch top edge of the CUMA TAK-RI and the sharp 7-inch blade makes for a perfect slashing weapon.<\/em>\r\n\r\nSnake Eyes is an original character in the G.I. Joe comic book storyline. Marvel Comics produced the comic book \u201cG.I. Joe: A Real American Hero,\u201d issue No. 1 from June 1982 until December 1994 ending with issue No. 155. The Snake Eyes character has been featured as a 3.5-inch toy character with 54 different models and at least five in the 12-inch models. These toys were first produced by Hasbro Toys. Snake Eyes has also been featured in various G.I. Joe television series and in the film adaptation, G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra. In 2009, IDW Publishing took over the license for a G.I. Joe comic series, which takes the storyline in a different direction.\r\n\r\nAs of this writing, IDW Comics has produced six issues dedicated to the Snake Eyes character where the CUMA TAK-RI is shown from issue #2 through issue #6. In a phone interview with Robert Atkins, the artist of the IDW Snake Eyes, told me he likes to have his characters use weapons that really exist.\r\n\r\nWhile at a comic book show in Chicago, he met a long time G.I. Joe fan and collector Waysun Johnny Tsai and his son. Johnny Tsai is a well-known and world respected Kung Fu Master with twelve schools throughout the United States. Johnny Tsai designed the CUMA TAK-RI. In discussing the Snake Eyes character with Atkins, Tsai suggested Snake Eyes needed to upgrade his choice of weapons and carry the CUMA TAK-RI.\r\nAfter looking over the CUMA TAK-RI Atkins liked the design and started using it in his Snake Eyes series. The CUMA TAK-RI is shown on the cover of issue number 6 of Cobra Civil War, Snake Eyes.\r\n\r\nIn a phone interview with Johnny Tsai, I learned that he developed the CUMA Tactical Street Defense program. During this defense program Tsai formulated the design of the CUMA TAK-RI. Tsai also had previously designed the CUMA Evolution which is made by TOPS Knives. CUMA is an acronym for Combined Universal Martial Applications. Tsai pitched his idea and design of the CUMA TAK-RI to the fine people at TOPS Knives and the rest is history.\r\n\r\nSelf-Defense Nature<\/strong>\r\n\r\nThe CUMA TAK-RI was designed primarily as a weapon for self-defense for law enforcement and military personnel. Its design was greatly influenced by the Nepalese Knife \u201cKukri\u201d made famous by the Gurkha warriors who served in the British military. Tsai\u2019s idea was to reduce the bigger Kukri to a manageable CBQ (Close Quarter Combat) weapon. In reducing the size and adding the shark teeth serration, he came up with the interesting CUMA TAK-RI. The idea of the design was formulated through his many years of CQC training and instructing.\r\n\r\n<\/a>\r\n\r\nWhen I first received the CUMA TAK-RI I examined it closely. I found it to be all that TOPS Knives are expected to be in quality and finish and could see Johnny Tsai\u2019s reasoning for the weight, size and general design. The knife was light and nimble, which is a must for a CQC weapon. The 7-inch partial double-edge and partially serrated blade is 3\/16-inches thick and fashioned from 1095 High Carbon Steel.\r\nThe 6.5-inch handle is covered with two slim scales made of Micarta. The tactical finger-grooved handle is about 0.75 inches thick by about 1-inch wide. In the terminal end of the handle there is a 0.25-inch lanyard hole that I found nice as most lanyard holes are somewhat smaller, thereby limiting the size of cord or rawhide you can use. At the very peak of the handle there is a nicely formed blunt-force trauma device.\r\nThe blade is 2.5 inches at its widest point. The top sharpened edge is 4 inches and the bottom sharpened edge is 7 inches which includes a 1.5-inch \u201cshark teeth\u201d serration.\r\n\r\nThe CUMA TAK-RI, when wheeled around and ran through tactical defensive and offensive moves, performs very well. I would consider this knife to be toes-to-toes and nose-to-nose direct contact knife. In other words, when things have gone to hell and they are coming over the wire and you don\u2019t have time to reload, out would come the CUMA TAK-RI.\r\n\r\nThe CUMA TAK-RI is a well-designed knife for CQC when slashing and jabbing is in order. The large serration is good for ripping and cutting those who would want to do you harm. The double edge blade is well suited for slashing in both directions in either the frontal or reverse hold.\r\n\r\n<\/a>\r\nThe handle on the CUMA TAK-RI is somewhat thin based on author\u2019s hand size and expectations.<\/em>\r\n\r\nIn The Hands<\/strong>\r\n\r\nIn testing the CUMA TAK-RI I took it out to a wooded area on the family farm. Since I could not find a volunteer to see how well this knife performed, I chose a hardwood thorn tree indigenous to my area. I hacked on this tree and its limbs. I found it took 3 chops to cut through a 1-inch limb. This is not unusual as the wood is very hard. The only problem I found was the handle of the CUMA TAK-RI was a little small for my hand. Thicker scales would rectify this problem and in my opinion would greatly enhance this knife\/weapon. I next wedged the knife blade between 2 large wooden planks about seven feet off the ground. I hung my 210-pound body by the handle to see if the knife would withstand the pressure. The knife blade did not snap and held its ground.\r\n\r\nAfter evaluating the CUMA TAK-RI, I came to this conclusion: The knife is well designed and suited for what it was created for which is for DCC (Direct Contact Combat). I would not recommend this knife for cleaning your monster elk, even though you could use it for that. The knife is light and would work for the backpackers of the world but there are better-suited tools and knives for this purpose. If you practice survival techniques and are preparing for December 2012, then this knife would be one you should add to your bug-out bag. However, the CUMA TAK-RI is well suited for those professionals in the military and those law enforcement officers who serve overseas as police advisers. Anyone who would be going into harm\u2019s way, here or in some troubled land, should consider the TOPS Knife CUMA TAK-RI.","post_title":"Birth of the Cuma TAK-RI","post_excerpt":"How the comic book character Snake Eyes came to use a TOPS knife!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"birth-of-the-cuma-tak-ri","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-05-31 20:16:56","post_modified_gmt":"2023-05-31 20:16:56","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2012\/11\/01\/birth-of-the-cuma-tak-ri\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":157466,"post_author":"645","post_date":"2012-09-28 08:01:36","post_date_gmt":"2012-09-28 14:01:36","post_content":"These newly designed knives featured in the new CUSTOM ALLIANCE will be few in number, and will quickly become a valued centerpiece of your collection. These offerings will typify the WILSON standards of extraordinary quality, classic design and unmatched value.\n\nThere is no doubt that in the world of handmade knives there was no bigger influencer than Robert W. Loveless. Loveless was the pioneer of handmade high-performance knives from modern materials that looked as good as they worked. His legendary designs like the drop point hunter, sub-hilt fighter, chute knife and his embrace of high-performance steel and handle materials were the genesis of the current industry of handmade custom cutlery across the world.\n\nLoveless was an American institution who freely trained a multitude of young makers in his signature rakish styling and build techniques up until his death in 2010. We wanted to offer a handmade knife of the highest quality that honored Loveless\u2019s life and selected one of his most recognizable designs, the Wilderness Fighter, along with a maker with first-hand knowledge of how the Loveless shop crafted their legendary blades right down to the thread used in the leather sheath.\n\n<\/a>\n\nThe maker selected for this alliance, Marcus Lin of Los Angeles, CA has been making custom knives since 2004 and has studied with Loveless and his partner Jim Merritt in his quest to build true-to-form Loveless design hunting and fighting knives. Lin is considered one of the top makers of authentically constructed Loveless design knives in the world and we believe this is as close as you can get to an actual Loveless knife for a fraction of the aftermarket price.\u2028\u2028From the flawless double hollow grinding to the bright mirror polished ATS-34 blade this functional tactical and survival knife screams \u201cLoveless\u201d.\n\n<\/a>\n\nThe balance is impeccable and the polished and contoured dark ancient ironwood handle melts into your hand like the handshake of an old friend. A solid stainless guard and pins finish off this classic fighter pattern.\n\nA custom leather sheath of the highest quality is painstakingly stitched, oiled and form fitted to each knife by the maker. This rare item is limited to 10 pieces. Wilsoncombat.com<\/strong><\/a>, Linknives.com<\/strong><\/a>.\n\nSpecifications<\/strong>\nBlade Steel \u2013 ATS-34\nBlade Length \u2013 6\u201d\nBlade Thickness - .250\u201d\nHandle Material \u2013 Desert Ironwood\nHandle Length \u2013 5\u201d\nOverall Length \u2013 11\u201d\nHardware \u2013 Stainless\nWeight \u2013 12.2 oz.\nPrice: $995.00\n\nDetail photos on page two.<\/strong><\/em>\n\n\n<\/em><\/a><\/em>\n\n<\/a><\/em>\n\n<\/a><\/em>","post_title":"Wilson Tactical Loveless \"Legend\"","post_excerpt":" ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"wilson-tactical-loveless-legend","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-06-01 21:29:43","post_modified_gmt":"2023-06-01 21:29:43","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2012\/09\/28\/wilson-tactical-loveless-legend\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":157494,"post_author":"645","post_date":"2012-09-07 15:43:20","post_date_gmt":"2012-09-07 21:43:20","post_content":"<\/a>\r\nBoth the DPx HEFT 4 and 6 were designed for cutting your way out of the world\u2019s most dangerous places! They are so well thought of in the Spec Ops community that many SEALs have been willing to buy these blades out of their own pocket. STEVE WOODS PHOTO<\/em>\r\n\r\nI doubt Robert Young Pelton needs much of an introduction to most Tactical Knives readers. Author of The World\u2019s Most Dangerous Places series of travel guides, Pelton has visited and reported from more combat zones than the U.S. Marines. Whether you are asking about South America\u2019s jungles, Somalia\u2019s savannas, the Middle East\u2019s deserts, or Myanmar\u2019s sweltering tropics, Pelton has been there on its worst day. Naturally, all this first-hand observation of troops under fire has given him a unique perspective on what is and isn\u2019t needed in a combat\/survival knife. In recent months, Pelton has utilized that experience to introduce a new line of cutlery under the DPx Gear HEFT (Hostile Environment Fighting or Field Tool) trademark.\r\n\r\nHEFT 4 & 6<\/strong>\r\nLooking at the HEFT 4 and 6 (the numbers refer to the blade lengths). The DPx HEFT 4 features Niolox steel, while the DPx HEFT 6 is Sleipner steel. Blade thickness at the spine runs 5mm. Options include a \u201cWoodsman\u201d model with a stonewash finished blade and Brazilian Santos hardwood handle scales or the \u201cAssault\u201d with a PVD black-coated blade and G-10 handle scales. These handle scales are held on with removable screws that allow access to a storage compartment in the tang. While this hollowed out area is relatively small, it is large enough for fish hooks, firestarters, a button compass or similar survival items. Both knives are made by LionSTEEL in Maniago, Italy.\r\n\r\nThe sample knives each came in a black ballistic nylon sheath with a wide Velcro flap that completely covered the handle and most of the scabbard when closed. Frankly, this system did not impress me as very practical for a serious combat knife. Not only would it slow down drawing the knife, the Velcro makes entirely too much noise on a dark, quiet night.\r\n\r\nShortly after receiving the knives, DPx also supplied photos they had taken of members of a SEAL team training with the knives on their web gear. The first thing I noticed was that the SEALs were using a different sheath with a more conventional snap loop around the handle of the HEFT knife. When I asked about this I discovered that the Navy Spec Ops troops had also objected to the original Velcro flap version of the sheath and it had been replaced. I was also told that yet a third generation version is in the works and should be available by the time you read this feature. It is nice feeling when the current guys in Spec Ops back me up on these little points...\r\n\r\n<\/a>\r\nAuthor was happy to find that the original Velcro flap ballistic nylon sheath had been replaced with a more accessible handle snap loop version at the request of the SEALs. Author was told this is being further refined and a third generation will be available in the near future. PHOTO COURTESY OF DPX<\/em>\r\n\r\n<\/a>\r\nThe smaller knife also offers a magnetized hex-driver cut-out on the end of the handle. <\/em>\r\n\r\nWell-Designed Handle<\/strong>\r\nOne of the design features of the HEFT knives, according to DPx, is that the handles are \u201cexpertly balanced for hours of hard use without causing blisters, hot spots or bruising.\u201d I know from experience that many handles that work sort-of-okay for a quick cut or two prove less satisfactory when you are forced to use them for long periods of heavy work. My motto is that the best way to evaluate any knife is to cut \u201cthings\u201d that actually need cutting even if they aren\u2019t the exact purpose the blade was designed for. Springtime for me means making large quantities of garden stakes from hazel saplings. Each requires that a sharp point be whittled on to one end and turning out several dozen of these constitutes a good test of just how comfortable a knife handle is in the long run. I\u2019ll have to go with DPx on this one, the handle design is very comfortable for long periods of use.\r\n\r\nAnother interesting discovery was that I found the 4-inch model mechanically more efficient at pointing the stakes as it was easier to apply proper leverage to the shorter blade. Both of these knives have basically the same edge geometry, but if the 6-inch blade had been profiled a little thinner, that equation might change.\r\n\r\nCombat Length<\/strong>\r\nAt a recent trade show in Las Vegas, Pelton and I had a discussion about the most desirable length for a combat knife on the modern battlefields. He felt most of the current troops are content with a blade around 4 inches, while my own experience argues for something a little longer than that. For starters, anyone that tells you superior training will make a short blade just as effective as a longer one in a hand-to-hand fight has never used a knife to stick anything two or four legged. If you don\u2019t believe me, just ask someone who hunts wild hogs with a knife.\r\n\r\nUsing a 4-inch blade is the same as putting your faith in a small caliber handgun over a high performance .40 or .45. I\u2019m sure some will make the case there is little chance of anyone needing a knife as a weapon in combat. If that is your situation then the 4-inch HEFT is probably the proper way to go. As for me, I would still rather have the extra 2 inches of penetration the 6-inch model offers if I were out on the pointy end of the stick again.\r\n\r\nSo having just put down the 4-inch HEFT for infantry use, I will say it is an excellent cutting tool for the vast majority of civilian outdoor needs, including field dressing big game. Given I live in the real world, that probably means I will be carrying the smaller model much more often in the woods than the 6-inch model.\r\n\r\n\r\n<\/a>\r\nWhen it gets down to the real world, combat knives are used as tools far more often than they are for weapons. PHOTO COURTESY OF DPX<\/em>\r\n\r\nBlade Steel<\/strong>\r\nSaying the blade steel is something close to D2 probably set off a few readers\u2019 alarms, as that alloy has a reputation for being hard to resharpen. Most of the D2 knives I\u2019ve used have not been a real problem, but I can remember at least one from a famous custom maker that gave me so many fits I eventually traded it off. At the time, that particular maker was famous for his relatively low Rockwell D2 blades. He has since changed to other steels alloys for all of his knives, so maybe he has seen the light, too. As for the DPx knives, I had no problem restoring either blade to a sharper than out-of-the-box edge using the medium and fine India stones on a Norton Cradle sprayed with WD-40 for lubricant. Field touch ups were also easily accomplished with a diamond surfaced sharpening rod.\r\n\r\nI would be totally deficient if I didn\u2019t mention one other feature of the HEFT knives, a notch opener built into the tang of the knife on the end of the handle. While this will obviously work for prying off the lids of various other types of food containers, most troops are going to see it as a \u201cbeer bottle opener.\u201d It never hurts to remember that in most third world countries, all beer and soft drinks still come in pry-off crown cap containers. Another feature that seems to only be found on the 4-inch model is a \u201chex driver\u201d set into the rear of the handle scales on the right hand side.\r\n\r\nI\u2019m told that many SEALs have liked this knife well enough that they have happily bought their own out of pocket. As we all know, Naval Spec Ops teams tend to have the option of obtaining whatever gear they feel they need to best get the job done. It proves a lot about these knives that they would pick a HEFT over the many other options available to them.","post_title":"DPx HEFT Knives | Tactical Knives","post_excerpt":"Designed with the SEALs in mind \u2014 on the cutting edge for The World\u2019s Most Dangerous Places!\r\n","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"dpx-heft-knives","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-05-31 20:17:09","post_modified_gmt":"2023-05-31 20:17:09","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2012\/09\/07\/dpx-heft-knives\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":56},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_23"};
BROWSE BY BRAND
Using the Knife<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>\r\nProduced with input from the Austrian army, Glock\u2019s steel and polymer survival knives are rugged and dependable\u2014not unlike their other world-famous defensive products. Steve Woods Photos<\/em>\r\n\r\nBeyond designing and manufacturing pistols of legendary ruggedness and durability used by military and police forces all over the world, Glock also designs and manufactures two knives: the Glock Field Knife 78 and Survival Knife 81. Produced with input from the Austrian Army, the Glock knives\u2014not surprisingly\u2014bear a remarkable resemblance to their pistol cousins. Both the Field Knife 78 and Survival Knife 81 are comprised of carbon-steel blades and polymer handles\u2014the same durable polymer that Glock offers in its 21 pistol models. The only difference between the Field Knife 78 and Survival Knife 81 is that the blade of the Survival Knife 81 comes with a saw back and weighs just few ounces less than the Field Knife 78. Other than that, both knives are physically identical, and both come with a super-tough yet very functional polymer sheath. These tools are profoundly simple and engineered for ruggedness and usefulness.\r\n\r\nCutting-Edge Design<\/strong>\r\n\r\nThe Field Knife 78 and Survival Knife 81 both feature 6.5-inch carbon-steel, clip-point blades. A clip-point blade, similar to a drop-point blade, has a \u201cfalse edge\u201d toward the point opposite the blade. As such, the blade tapers to a point, making it more capable of piercing. Carbon steel is one of the hardest steels, and therefore one of the strongest and most durable. Sometimes carbon steel is referred to as \u201cspring steel,\u201d as its properties allow it to flex under abusive conditions and yet retain its shape, strength and functionality. The blade, 0.19 inches wide, is also coated in black phosphate, which helps protect it against corrosion and reduces glare, decreasing the potential for giving away the user\u2019s position to an enemy.\r\n\r\n<\/a>\r\nThe sheath\u2019s most unique design feature is the reinforced, flexible retention tab that securely holds the knife in place, regardless of whether the knife is inserted with the blade to the front or back.<\/em>\r\n\r\nThe back of the Field Knife 78 blade is straight and flat. The back of the Survival Knife 81 bears a 4-inch saw\u2014alternating sharp ridges and points that will shred and tear whatever it is applied to. Glock knives come with a factory edge that is razor sharp. Their functionality, however, goes well beyond just cutting. These are robust tools that can and have been used to hack, split, chisel and pry.\r\n\r\nSeparating the blade and the handle is a carbon-steel crossguard. One side of the crossguard extends 0.75 inches below the blade, offering protection for a user\u2019s hand. The other side of the crossguard extends 0.44 inches above the blade and curves toward the front of the blade, offering a mechanism for prying. With its strong construction and the leverage afforded by its location between the blade and handle, the crossguard pry is a formidable tool, able to handle the most demanding jobs\u2014from prying supply cans open to bending metal. Its most popular use, however, might be the noble task of opening bottles.\r\n\r\nMade of the same polymer found in its pistols, the handles of the Glock Field Knife 78 and Survival Knife 81 are 4.75 inches in length. The rounded handles vary in circumference from front to back, but the widest point in the middle measures 3.63 inches. All Glock knives have opposing indentations in the handle near the crossguard to accommodate the sheath\u2019s retention tab, no matter which way it is inserted into the sheath. In addition, the polymer of the handle is textured and offers five indented rings to aid in purchase. The ends of each handle also provide two opposing 0.16-inch holes, perhaps for affixing a ring as a means of attaching a lanyard or, a user can drill through the holes using a 0.16-inch drill bit to allow for a lanyard to pass right through the handle. The end of the handle features a plastic plug, which, when removed, reveals a 1.5-inch-deep metal socket with the same previously mentioned holes machined into it. While the plastic plug is very durable, it could only take limited abuse such as that caused by using it as a pommel or hitting it with a hammer when using the knife as a chisel. Of interest, the metal socket and the forward-curved portion of the crossguard could work in conjunction so that the knife could serve as a bayonet on an assault rifle.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<\/a>\r\nMade of the same polymer found in its pistols, the handles of the Glock Field Knife 78 and Survival Knife 81 are 4.75 inches in length.<\/em>\r\n\r\nSheath Specs<\/strong>\r\n\r\nBoth knives use the same sheath, a one-piece polymer product that measures almost 11 inches in length and weighs 1.5 ounces. The ambidextrous sheath\u2019s most unique design feature is the reinforced, flexible retention tab that securely holds a Glock knife in place, regardless of whether the knife is inserted with the blade to the front or back. Once a Glock knife is inserted all the way into the sheath, the crossguard pushes the retention tab out until it automatically closes over the edge of the crossguard, snapping in place. To release the knife from the sheath, a user has to push the retention tab away with a thumb. It is possible to deploy the knife from the sheath using one hand. All of this occurs in a one-piece polymer sheath because of thoughtful design.\r\n\r\nThe sheath also offers a belt loop with a useful design that allows a user to easily but securely attach it to a belt up to 2.5 inches wide and up to 0.19 inches thick. Inside the top of the belt loop, a polymer protrusion reinforces the belt loop at its stress point and reduces the belt loop\u2019s width to an eighth of an inch to prevent the sheath from sliding when worn on a belt. If a user doesn\u2019t have a belt, the sheath can be attached to pants or shorts by simply clipping the sheath to the waistband.\r\nIn addition to the retention tab and belt loop, the sheath offers a lanyard hole for lashing the point end of the sheath. For example, when the sheath is worn on a belt, a lanyard can be tied through the loop to the user\u2019s thigh. The sheath also offers a drainage hole near the tip (or point).\r\n\r\nField Survival<\/strong>\r\n\r\nBoth Glock knives are 11.38 inches in length. While all Glock knives have blades that are coated in black phosphate, the handles and sheaths come in three colors: midnight black (to blend with tactical gear used in urban environments), olive drab (to blend with camouflage or equipment used in woodland or jungle environments), and sand (to blend with camouflage or equipment used in desert environments). Besides one having a saw blade back and the other having a plain back, the only differences between the Glock Field Knife 78 and Survival Knife 81 are in the knives\u2019 weight and price. The Glock Field Knife 78 weighs 7.3 ounces and retails for $30. The Glock Survival Knife 81 weighs 7.0 ounces and retails for $32. The difference in weight and cost comes from the additional manufacturing required to create the saw blade on the back of the Survival Knife 81.\r\n\r\n<\/a>\r\nThe Survival Knife 81 features a saw blade positioned on the back edge, while the Field Knife 78 offers a straight edge. <\/em>\r\n\r\nThe relatively low retail prices reflect Glock\u2019s economic savvy along with an understanding of real-life conditions for soldiers, law enforcement and civilian users. At only $30 or $32 per knife, a user can afford to purchase more than one and won\u2019t suffer an economic setback should he or she lose one. Further, whereas a user might shy away from pushing a more expensive knife to its extreme usefulness, the user of a Glock knife can push it to the extreme\u2014mainly because it\u2019s a rugged tool made by Glock and secondarily because it is available at a fraction of the cost of other knives that may not even be up to the kinds of tasks a Glock knife will face.\r\n\r\nEvery Glock knife blade bears the phrase \u201cMade in Austria,\u201d along with the Glock logo and the knife\u2019s model number near the crossguard. With two variants to choose from in three different colors, users can select one or more of the six models that will best meet their needs. Whether you\u2019re a first-time buyer of a Glock product or a long-time Glock pistol user, the Glock knives are indispensible tools with virtually limitless usefulness. Whether you choose the Glock Field Knife 78 or the Survival Knife 81, you will find that the cutting edge of a Glock knife is a great complement to the cutting-edge design and thoughtful execution of every detail of the knife, even to the point of the sheath. Find out more by calling 770-432-1202 or visiting glock.com. l","post_title":"Cutting Edge GLOCK Knives Review","post_excerpt":"Tough-as-nails steel to get the job done every time \u2014 a dependable survival tool, just like Glock pistols!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"cutting-edge-glock-knives","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-10-31 23:06:05","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-01 03:06:05","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2012\/12\/01\/cutting-edge-glock-knives\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":157286,"post_author":"645","post_date":"2012-11-09 11:56:53","post_date_gmt":"2012-11-09 17:56:53","post_content":"Only from Wilson Combat in collaboration with acclaimed Custom Knifemaker Les George. A Wilson Combat exclusive, the EAGLE is a rugged, framelock flipper design with the Wilson Combat signature Starburst Titanium handle pattern and Carpenter XHP \u201cSuper Steel\u201d stainless tool steel recurve blade for the ultimate in edge holding and corrosion resistance. The EAGLE is one of the fastest opening manual tactical folders on the market. The trigger finger flipper is lightning fast into action and easy to operate with or without gloves.\n\nThe lightweight and slim profile will ensure the EAGLE will spend a lot of time riding shotgun in your pocket every day. The handle of the EAGLE is precision machined and smooth tumble blasted lightweight Titanium with a robust integral framelock, chamfered lanyard hole and Titanium deep-pocket clip that can be positioned for blade tip up or down opening. The rugged open-frame construction makes it easy to clean trapped dirt and lint. Unlike many other tactical folders that are blocky and overweight, the EAGLE has been designed to be slim and easy to carry without sacrificing any strength or performance.\n\n<\/a>\n\nThe precision ground and finished 3.6\" blade of the EAGLE is a high performance tactical clip point profile with a slight recurve for impressive cutting power. The Carpenter CTS XHP powdered alloy steel has all the strength and edge retention of the best tool steels with superior corrosion resistance. The hand-sharpened blade is polished to a smooth, non-reflective high luster for easy maintenance and rides on pure Teflon bearings for a lifetime of glassy smooth operation.\n\nFor every day carry for utility or defense, the EAGLE will meet any folding knife challenge. The EAGLE is made in small quantities by a master craftsman and only limited quantities are available. $524.95. Wilsoncombat.com<\/a><\/strong>.\n\nSpecifications:<\/strong>\nBlade Steel \u2013 Carpenter CTS XHP Stainless \u2013 RC 60\nBlade Length \u2013 3.6\u201d\nBlade Thickness - .125\u201d\nHandle Material \u2013 Titanium with Starburst Pattern\nHandle Length \u2013 4.8\u201d\nOverall Length \u2013 8.5\u201d\nWeight \u2013 4.8 oz.","post_title":"Wilson Combat \u201cEagle\u201d Titanium Flipper","post_excerpt":" ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"wilson-combat-eagle-titanium-flipper","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-06-01 21:26:30","post_modified_gmt":"2023-06-01 21:26:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2012\/11\/09\/wilson-combat-eagle-titanium-flipper\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":157366,"post_author":"645","post_date":"2012-11-01 10:38:47","post_date_gmt":"2012-11-01 16:38:47","post_content":"<\/a>\r\nThe Cuma TAK-RI by TOPS Knives is an excellent direct contact combat weapon designed by world famous Johnny Tsai, an eight degree black sash in both Tsai Family System and in Tai Kit Kuen.<\/em>\r\n\r\nI have been writing for the most part of the last 15 years about the law enforcement profession and about all kinds of edged weapons and tools. I have written about knives and tools, which I or other officers carried while serving in Kosovo as a United Nations police officer. I even wrote about edged weapons and tools as I served in Iraq as a police advisor for two years. But I have never written about a real edged weapon carried by a comic book character, until now.\r\n\r\nThe knife in question is called CUMA TAK-RI and is made by TOPS knives. The special interest in this knife was the fact that it is featured in a comic book published by IDW (Idea + Design Works) entitled \u201cCobra Civil War: Snake Eyes.\u201d In issue #2 the CUMA TAK-RI is shown, along with a sword, being used to dispatch an enemy of Snake Eyes.\r\n\r\nBackground History<\/strong>\r\n\r\n<\/a>\r\nThe very sharp 4-inch top edge of the CUMA TAK-RI and the sharp 7-inch blade makes for a perfect slashing weapon.<\/em>\r\n\r\nSnake Eyes is an original character in the G.I. Joe comic book storyline. Marvel Comics produced the comic book \u201cG.I. Joe: A Real American Hero,\u201d issue No. 1 from June 1982 until December 1994 ending with issue No. 155. The Snake Eyes character has been featured as a 3.5-inch toy character with 54 different models and at least five in the 12-inch models. These toys were first produced by Hasbro Toys. Snake Eyes has also been featured in various G.I. Joe television series and in the film adaptation, G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra. In 2009, IDW Publishing took over the license for a G.I. Joe comic series, which takes the storyline in a different direction.\r\n\r\nAs of this writing, IDW Comics has produced six issues dedicated to the Snake Eyes character where the CUMA TAK-RI is shown from issue #2 through issue #6. In a phone interview with Robert Atkins, the artist of the IDW Snake Eyes, told me he likes to have his characters use weapons that really exist.\r\n\r\nWhile at a comic book show in Chicago, he met a long time G.I. Joe fan and collector Waysun Johnny Tsai and his son. Johnny Tsai is a well-known and world respected Kung Fu Master with twelve schools throughout the United States. Johnny Tsai designed the CUMA TAK-RI. In discussing the Snake Eyes character with Atkins, Tsai suggested Snake Eyes needed to upgrade his choice of weapons and carry the CUMA TAK-RI.\r\nAfter looking over the CUMA TAK-RI Atkins liked the design and started using it in his Snake Eyes series. The CUMA TAK-RI is shown on the cover of issue number 6 of Cobra Civil War, Snake Eyes.\r\n\r\nIn a phone interview with Johnny Tsai, I learned that he developed the CUMA Tactical Street Defense program. During this defense program Tsai formulated the design of the CUMA TAK-RI. Tsai also had previously designed the CUMA Evolution which is made by TOPS Knives. CUMA is an acronym for Combined Universal Martial Applications. Tsai pitched his idea and design of the CUMA TAK-RI to the fine people at TOPS Knives and the rest is history.\r\n\r\nSelf-Defense Nature<\/strong>\r\n\r\nThe CUMA TAK-RI was designed primarily as a weapon for self-defense for law enforcement and military personnel. Its design was greatly influenced by the Nepalese Knife \u201cKukri\u201d made famous by the Gurkha warriors who served in the British military. Tsai\u2019s idea was to reduce the bigger Kukri to a manageable CBQ (Close Quarter Combat) weapon. In reducing the size and adding the shark teeth serration, he came up with the interesting CUMA TAK-RI. The idea of the design was formulated through his many years of CQC training and instructing.\r\n\r\n<\/a>\r\n\r\nWhen I first received the CUMA TAK-RI I examined it closely. I found it to be all that TOPS Knives are expected to be in quality and finish and could see Johnny Tsai\u2019s reasoning for the weight, size and general design. The knife was light and nimble, which is a must for a CQC weapon. The 7-inch partial double-edge and partially serrated blade is 3\/16-inches thick and fashioned from 1095 High Carbon Steel.\r\nThe 6.5-inch handle is covered with two slim scales made of Micarta. The tactical finger-grooved handle is about 0.75 inches thick by about 1-inch wide. In the terminal end of the handle there is a 0.25-inch lanyard hole that I found nice as most lanyard holes are somewhat smaller, thereby limiting the size of cord or rawhide you can use. At the very peak of the handle there is a nicely formed blunt-force trauma device.\r\nThe blade is 2.5 inches at its widest point. The top sharpened edge is 4 inches and the bottom sharpened edge is 7 inches which includes a 1.5-inch \u201cshark teeth\u201d serration.\r\n\r\nThe CUMA TAK-RI, when wheeled around and ran through tactical defensive and offensive moves, performs very well. I would consider this knife to be toes-to-toes and nose-to-nose direct contact knife. In other words, when things have gone to hell and they are coming over the wire and you don\u2019t have time to reload, out would come the CUMA TAK-RI.\r\n\r\nThe CUMA TAK-RI is a well-designed knife for CQC when slashing and jabbing is in order. The large serration is good for ripping and cutting those who would want to do you harm. The double edge blade is well suited for slashing in both directions in either the frontal or reverse hold.\r\n\r\n<\/a>\r\nThe handle on the CUMA TAK-RI is somewhat thin based on author\u2019s hand size and expectations.<\/em>\r\n\r\nIn The Hands<\/strong>\r\n\r\nIn testing the CUMA TAK-RI I took it out to a wooded area on the family farm. Since I could not find a volunteer to see how well this knife performed, I chose a hardwood thorn tree indigenous to my area. I hacked on this tree and its limbs. I found it took 3 chops to cut through a 1-inch limb. This is not unusual as the wood is very hard. The only problem I found was the handle of the CUMA TAK-RI was a little small for my hand. Thicker scales would rectify this problem and in my opinion would greatly enhance this knife\/weapon. I next wedged the knife blade between 2 large wooden planks about seven feet off the ground. I hung my 210-pound body by the handle to see if the knife would withstand the pressure. The knife blade did not snap and held its ground.\r\n\r\nAfter evaluating the CUMA TAK-RI, I came to this conclusion: The knife is well designed and suited for what it was created for which is for DCC (Direct Contact Combat). I would not recommend this knife for cleaning your monster elk, even though you could use it for that. The knife is light and would work for the backpackers of the world but there are better-suited tools and knives for this purpose. If you practice survival techniques and are preparing for December 2012, then this knife would be one you should add to your bug-out bag. However, the CUMA TAK-RI is well suited for those professionals in the military and those law enforcement officers who serve overseas as police advisers. Anyone who would be going into harm\u2019s way, here or in some troubled land, should consider the TOPS Knife CUMA TAK-RI.","post_title":"Birth of the Cuma TAK-RI","post_excerpt":"How the comic book character Snake Eyes came to use a TOPS knife!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"birth-of-the-cuma-tak-ri","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-05-31 20:16:56","post_modified_gmt":"2023-05-31 20:16:56","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2012\/11\/01\/birth-of-the-cuma-tak-ri\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":157466,"post_author":"645","post_date":"2012-09-28 08:01:36","post_date_gmt":"2012-09-28 14:01:36","post_content":"These newly designed knives featured in the new CUSTOM ALLIANCE will be few in number, and will quickly become a valued centerpiece of your collection. These offerings will typify the WILSON standards of extraordinary quality, classic design and unmatched value.\n\nThere is no doubt that in the world of handmade knives there was no bigger influencer than Robert W. Loveless. Loveless was the pioneer of handmade high-performance knives from modern materials that looked as good as they worked. His legendary designs like the drop point hunter, sub-hilt fighter, chute knife and his embrace of high-performance steel and handle materials were the genesis of the current industry of handmade custom cutlery across the world.\n\nLoveless was an American institution who freely trained a multitude of young makers in his signature rakish styling and build techniques up until his death in 2010. We wanted to offer a handmade knife of the highest quality that honored Loveless\u2019s life and selected one of his most recognizable designs, the Wilderness Fighter, along with a maker with first-hand knowledge of how the Loveless shop crafted their legendary blades right down to the thread used in the leather sheath.\n\n<\/a>\n\nThe maker selected for this alliance, Marcus Lin of Los Angeles, CA has been making custom knives since 2004 and has studied with Loveless and his partner Jim Merritt in his quest to build true-to-form Loveless design hunting and fighting knives. Lin is considered one of the top makers of authentically constructed Loveless design knives in the world and we believe this is as close as you can get to an actual Loveless knife for a fraction of the aftermarket price.\u2028\u2028From the flawless double hollow grinding to the bright mirror polished ATS-34 blade this functional tactical and survival knife screams \u201cLoveless\u201d.\n\n<\/a>\n\nThe balance is impeccable and the polished and contoured dark ancient ironwood handle melts into your hand like the handshake of an old friend. A solid stainless guard and pins finish off this classic fighter pattern.\n\nA custom leather sheath of the highest quality is painstakingly stitched, oiled and form fitted to each knife by the maker. This rare item is limited to 10 pieces. Wilsoncombat.com<\/strong><\/a>, Linknives.com<\/strong><\/a>.\n\nSpecifications<\/strong>\nBlade Steel \u2013 ATS-34\nBlade Length \u2013 6\u201d\nBlade Thickness - .250\u201d\nHandle Material \u2013 Desert Ironwood\nHandle Length \u2013 5\u201d\nOverall Length \u2013 11\u201d\nHardware \u2013 Stainless\nWeight \u2013 12.2 oz.\nPrice: $995.00\n\nDetail photos on page two.<\/strong><\/em>\n\n\n<\/em><\/a><\/em>\n\n<\/a><\/em>\n\n<\/a><\/em>","post_title":"Wilson Tactical Loveless \"Legend\"","post_excerpt":" ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"wilson-tactical-loveless-legend","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-06-01 21:29:43","post_modified_gmt":"2023-06-01 21:29:43","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2012\/09\/28\/wilson-tactical-loveless-legend\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":157494,"post_author":"645","post_date":"2012-09-07 15:43:20","post_date_gmt":"2012-09-07 21:43:20","post_content":"<\/a>\r\nBoth the DPx HEFT 4 and 6 were designed for cutting your way out of the world\u2019s most dangerous places! They are so well thought of in the Spec Ops community that many SEALs have been willing to buy these blades out of their own pocket. STEVE WOODS PHOTO<\/em>\r\n\r\nI doubt Robert Young Pelton needs much of an introduction to most Tactical Knives readers. Author of The World\u2019s Most Dangerous Places series of travel guides, Pelton has visited and reported from more combat zones than the U.S. Marines. Whether you are asking about South America\u2019s jungles, Somalia\u2019s savannas, the Middle East\u2019s deserts, or Myanmar\u2019s sweltering tropics, Pelton has been there on its worst day. Naturally, all this first-hand observation of troops under fire has given him a unique perspective on what is and isn\u2019t needed in a combat\/survival knife. In recent months, Pelton has utilized that experience to introduce a new line of cutlery under the DPx Gear HEFT (Hostile Environment Fighting or Field Tool) trademark.\r\n\r\nHEFT 4 & 6<\/strong>\r\nLooking at the HEFT 4 and 6 (the numbers refer to the blade lengths). The DPx HEFT 4 features Niolox steel, while the DPx HEFT 6 is Sleipner steel. Blade thickness at the spine runs 5mm. Options include a \u201cWoodsman\u201d model with a stonewash finished blade and Brazilian Santos hardwood handle scales or the \u201cAssault\u201d with a PVD black-coated blade and G-10 handle scales. These handle scales are held on with removable screws that allow access to a storage compartment in the tang. While this hollowed out area is relatively small, it is large enough for fish hooks, firestarters, a button compass or similar survival items. Both knives are made by LionSTEEL in Maniago, Italy.\r\n\r\nThe sample knives each came in a black ballistic nylon sheath with a wide Velcro flap that completely covered the handle and most of the scabbard when closed. Frankly, this system did not impress me as very practical for a serious combat knife. Not only would it slow down drawing the knife, the Velcro makes entirely too much noise on a dark, quiet night.\r\n\r\nShortly after receiving the knives, DPx also supplied photos they had taken of members of a SEAL team training with the knives on their web gear. The first thing I noticed was that the SEALs were using a different sheath with a more conventional snap loop around the handle of the HEFT knife. When I asked about this I discovered that the Navy Spec Ops troops had also objected to the original Velcro flap version of the sheath and it had been replaced. I was also told that yet a third generation version is in the works and should be available by the time you read this feature. It is nice feeling when the current guys in Spec Ops back me up on these little points...\r\n\r\n<\/a>\r\nAuthor was happy to find that the original Velcro flap ballistic nylon sheath had been replaced with a more accessible handle snap loop version at the request of the SEALs. Author was told this is being further refined and a third generation will be available in the near future. PHOTO COURTESY OF DPX<\/em>\r\n\r\n<\/a>\r\nThe smaller knife also offers a magnetized hex-driver cut-out on the end of the handle. <\/em>\r\n\r\nWell-Designed Handle<\/strong>\r\nOne of the design features of the HEFT knives, according to DPx, is that the handles are \u201cexpertly balanced for hours of hard use without causing blisters, hot spots or bruising.\u201d I know from experience that many handles that work sort-of-okay for a quick cut or two prove less satisfactory when you are forced to use them for long periods of heavy work. My motto is that the best way to evaluate any knife is to cut \u201cthings\u201d that actually need cutting even if they aren\u2019t the exact purpose the blade was designed for. Springtime for me means making large quantities of garden stakes from hazel saplings. Each requires that a sharp point be whittled on to one end and turning out several dozen of these constitutes a good test of just how comfortable a knife handle is in the long run. I\u2019ll have to go with DPx on this one, the handle design is very comfortable for long periods of use.\r\n\r\nAnother interesting discovery was that I found the 4-inch model mechanically more efficient at pointing the stakes as it was easier to apply proper leverage to the shorter blade. Both of these knives have basically the same edge geometry, but if the 6-inch blade had been profiled a little thinner, that equation might change.\r\n\r\nCombat Length<\/strong>\r\nAt a recent trade show in Las Vegas, Pelton and I had a discussion about the most desirable length for a combat knife on the modern battlefields. He felt most of the current troops are content with a blade around 4 inches, while my own experience argues for something a little longer than that. For starters, anyone that tells you superior training will make a short blade just as effective as a longer one in a hand-to-hand fight has never used a knife to stick anything two or four legged. If you don\u2019t believe me, just ask someone who hunts wild hogs with a knife.\r\n\r\nUsing a 4-inch blade is the same as putting your faith in a small caliber handgun over a high performance .40 or .45. I\u2019m sure some will make the case there is little chance of anyone needing a knife as a weapon in combat. If that is your situation then the 4-inch HEFT is probably the proper way to go. As for me, I would still rather have the extra 2 inches of penetration the 6-inch model offers if I were out on the pointy end of the stick again.\r\n\r\nSo having just put down the 4-inch HEFT for infantry use, I will say it is an excellent cutting tool for the vast majority of civilian outdoor needs, including field dressing big game. Given I live in the real world, that probably means I will be carrying the smaller model much more often in the woods than the 6-inch model.\r\n\r\n\r\n<\/a>\r\nWhen it gets down to the real world, combat knives are used as tools far more often than they are for weapons. PHOTO COURTESY OF DPX<\/em>\r\n\r\nBlade Steel<\/strong>\r\nSaying the blade steel is something close to D2 probably set off a few readers\u2019 alarms, as that alloy has a reputation for being hard to resharpen. Most of the D2 knives I\u2019ve used have not been a real problem, but I can remember at least one from a famous custom maker that gave me so many fits I eventually traded it off. At the time, that particular maker was famous for his relatively low Rockwell D2 blades. He has since changed to other steels alloys for all of his knives, so maybe he has seen the light, too. As for the DPx knives, I had no problem restoring either blade to a sharper than out-of-the-box edge using the medium and fine India stones on a Norton Cradle sprayed with WD-40 for lubricant. Field touch ups were also easily accomplished with a diamond surfaced sharpening rod.\r\n\r\nI would be totally deficient if I didn\u2019t mention one other feature of the HEFT knives, a notch opener built into the tang of the knife on the end of the handle. While this will obviously work for prying off the lids of various other types of food containers, most troops are going to see it as a \u201cbeer bottle opener.\u201d It never hurts to remember that in most third world countries, all beer and soft drinks still come in pry-off crown cap containers. Another feature that seems to only be found on the 4-inch model is a \u201chex driver\u201d set into the rear of the handle scales on the right hand side.\r\n\r\nI\u2019m told that many SEALs have liked this knife well enough that they have happily bought their own out of pocket. As we all know, Naval Spec Ops teams tend to have the option of obtaining whatever gear they feel they need to best get the job done. It proves a lot about these knives that they would pick a HEFT over the many other options available to them.","post_title":"DPx HEFT Knives | Tactical Knives","post_excerpt":"Designed with the SEALs in mind \u2014 on the cutting edge for The World\u2019s Most Dangerous Places!\r\n","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"dpx-heft-knives","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-05-31 20:17:09","post_modified_gmt":"2023-05-31 20:17:09","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2012\/09\/07\/dpx-heft-knives\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":56},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_23"};
BROWSE BY BRAND
Using the Knife<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>\r\nProduced with input from the Austrian army, Glock\u2019s steel and polymer survival knives are rugged and dependable\u2014not unlike their other world-famous defensive products. Steve Woods Photos<\/em>\r\n\r\nBeyond designing and manufacturing pistols of legendary ruggedness and durability used by military and police forces all over the world, Glock also designs and manufactures two knives: the Glock Field Knife 78 and Survival Knife 81. Produced with input from the Austrian Army, the Glock knives\u2014not surprisingly\u2014bear a remarkable resemblance to their pistol cousins. Both the Field Knife 78 and Survival Knife 81 are comprised of carbon-steel blades and polymer handles\u2014the same durable polymer that Glock offers in its 21 pistol models. The only difference between the Field Knife 78 and Survival Knife 81 is that the blade of the Survival Knife 81 comes with a saw back and weighs just few ounces less than the Field Knife 78. Other than that, both knives are physically identical, and both come with a super-tough yet very functional polymer sheath. These tools are profoundly simple and engineered for ruggedness and usefulness.\r\n\r\nCutting-Edge Design<\/strong>\r\n\r\nThe Field Knife 78 and Survival Knife 81 both feature 6.5-inch carbon-steel, clip-point blades. A clip-point blade, similar to a drop-point blade, has a \u201cfalse edge\u201d toward the point opposite the blade. As such, the blade tapers to a point, making it more capable of piercing. Carbon steel is one of the hardest steels, and therefore one of the strongest and most durable. Sometimes carbon steel is referred to as \u201cspring steel,\u201d as its properties allow it to flex under abusive conditions and yet retain its shape, strength and functionality. The blade, 0.19 inches wide, is also coated in black phosphate, which helps protect it against corrosion and reduces glare, decreasing the potential for giving away the user\u2019s position to an enemy.\r\n\r\n<\/a>\r\nThe sheath\u2019s most unique design feature is the reinforced, flexible retention tab that securely holds the knife in place, regardless of whether the knife is inserted with the blade to the front or back.<\/em>\r\n\r\nThe back of the Field Knife 78 blade is straight and flat. The back of the Survival Knife 81 bears a 4-inch saw\u2014alternating sharp ridges and points that will shred and tear whatever it is applied to. Glock knives come with a factory edge that is razor sharp. Their functionality, however, goes well beyond just cutting. These are robust tools that can and have been used to hack, split, chisel and pry.\r\n\r\nSeparating the blade and the handle is a carbon-steel crossguard. One side of the crossguard extends 0.75 inches below the blade, offering protection for a user\u2019s hand. The other side of the crossguard extends 0.44 inches above the blade and curves toward the front of the blade, offering a mechanism for prying. With its strong construction and the leverage afforded by its location between the blade and handle, the crossguard pry is a formidable tool, able to handle the most demanding jobs\u2014from prying supply cans open to bending metal. Its most popular use, however, might be the noble task of opening bottles.\r\n\r\nMade of the same polymer found in its pistols, the handles of the Glock Field Knife 78 and Survival Knife 81 are 4.75 inches in length. The rounded handles vary in circumference from front to back, but the widest point in the middle measures 3.63 inches. All Glock knives have opposing indentations in the handle near the crossguard to accommodate the sheath\u2019s retention tab, no matter which way it is inserted into the sheath. In addition, the polymer of the handle is textured and offers five indented rings to aid in purchase. The ends of each handle also provide two opposing 0.16-inch holes, perhaps for affixing a ring as a means of attaching a lanyard or, a user can drill through the holes using a 0.16-inch drill bit to allow for a lanyard to pass right through the handle. The end of the handle features a plastic plug, which, when removed, reveals a 1.5-inch-deep metal socket with the same previously mentioned holes machined into it. While the plastic plug is very durable, it could only take limited abuse such as that caused by using it as a pommel or hitting it with a hammer when using the knife as a chisel. Of interest, the metal socket and the forward-curved portion of the crossguard could work in conjunction so that the knife could serve as a bayonet on an assault rifle.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<\/a>\r\nMade of the same polymer found in its pistols, the handles of the Glock Field Knife 78 and Survival Knife 81 are 4.75 inches in length.<\/em>\r\n\r\nSheath Specs<\/strong>\r\n\r\nBoth knives use the same sheath, a one-piece polymer product that measures almost 11 inches in length and weighs 1.5 ounces. The ambidextrous sheath\u2019s most unique design feature is the reinforced, flexible retention tab that securely holds a Glock knife in place, regardless of whether the knife is inserted with the blade to the front or back. Once a Glock knife is inserted all the way into the sheath, the crossguard pushes the retention tab out until it automatically closes over the edge of the crossguard, snapping in place. To release the knife from the sheath, a user has to push the retention tab away with a thumb. It is possible to deploy the knife from the sheath using one hand. All of this occurs in a one-piece polymer sheath because of thoughtful design.\r\n\r\nThe sheath also offers a belt loop with a useful design that allows a user to easily but securely attach it to a belt up to 2.5 inches wide and up to 0.19 inches thick. Inside the top of the belt loop, a polymer protrusion reinforces the belt loop at its stress point and reduces the belt loop\u2019s width to an eighth of an inch to prevent the sheath from sliding when worn on a belt. If a user doesn\u2019t have a belt, the sheath can be attached to pants or shorts by simply clipping the sheath to the waistband.\r\nIn addition to the retention tab and belt loop, the sheath offers a lanyard hole for lashing the point end of the sheath. For example, when the sheath is worn on a belt, a lanyard can be tied through the loop to the user\u2019s thigh. The sheath also offers a drainage hole near the tip (or point).\r\n\r\nField Survival<\/strong>\r\n\r\nBoth Glock knives are 11.38 inches in length. While all Glock knives have blades that are coated in black phosphate, the handles and sheaths come in three colors: midnight black (to blend with tactical gear used in urban environments), olive drab (to blend with camouflage or equipment used in woodland or jungle environments), and sand (to blend with camouflage or equipment used in desert environments). Besides one having a saw blade back and the other having a plain back, the only differences between the Glock Field Knife 78 and Survival Knife 81 are in the knives\u2019 weight and price. The Glock Field Knife 78 weighs 7.3 ounces and retails for $30. The Glock Survival Knife 81 weighs 7.0 ounces and retails for $32. The difference in weight and cost comes from the additional manufacturing required to create the saw blade on the back of the Survival Knife 81.\r\n\r\n<\/a>\r\nThe Survival Knife 81 features a saw blade positioned on the back edge, while the Field Knife 78 offers a straight edge. <\/em>\r\n\r\nThe relatively low retail prices reflect Glock\u2019s economic savvy along with an understanding of real-life conditions for soldiers, law enforcement and civilian users. At only $30 or $32 per knife, a user can afford to purchase more than one and won\u2019t suffer an economic setback should he or she lose one. Further, whereas a user might shy away from pushing a more expensive knife to its extreme usefulness, the user of a Glock knife can push it to the extreme\u2014mainly because it\u2019s a rugged tool made by Glock and secondarily because it is available at a fraction of the cost of other knives that may not even be up to the kinds of tasks a Glock knife will face.\r\n\r\nEvery Glock knife blade bears the phrase \u201cMade in Austria,\u201d along with the Glock logo and the knife\u2019s model number near the crossguard. With two variants to choose from in three different colors, users can select one or more of the six models that will best meet their needs. Whether you\u2019re a first-time buyer of a Glock product or a long-time Glock pistol user, the Glock knives are indispensible tools with virtually limitless usefulness. Whether you choose the Glock Field Knife 78 or the Survival Knife 81, you will find that the cutting edge of a Glock knife is a great complement to the cutting-edge design and thoughtful execution of every detail of the knife, even to the point of the sheath. Find out more by calling 770-432-1202 or visiting glock.com. l","post_title":"Cutting Edge GLOCK Knives Review","post_excerpt":"Tough-as-nails steel to get the job done every time \u2014 a dependable survival tool, just like Glock pistols!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"cutting-edge-glock-knives","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-10-31 23:06:05","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-01 03:06:05","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2012\/12\/01\/cutting-edge-glock-knives\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":157286,"post_author":"645","post_date":"2012-11-09 11:56:53","post_date_gmt":"2012-11-09 17:56:53","post_content":"Only from Wilson Combat in collaboration with acclaimed Custom Knifemaker Les George. A Wilson Combat exclusive, the EAGLE is a rugged, framelock flipper design with the Wilson Combat signature Starburst Titanium handle pattern and Carpenter XHP \u201cSuper Steel\u201d stainless tool steel recurve blade for the ultimate in edge holding and corrosion resistance. The EAGLE is one of the fastest opening manual tactical folders on the market. The trigger finger flipper is lightning fast into action and easy to operate with or without gloves.\n\nThe lightweight and slim profile will ensure the EAGLE will spend a lot of time riding shotgun in your pocket every day. The handle of the EAGLE is precision machined and smooth tumble blasted lightweight Titanium with a robust integral framelock, chamfered lanyard hole and Titanium deep-pocket clip that can be positioned for blade tip up or down opening. The rugged open-frame construction makes it easy to clean trapped dirt and lint. Unlike many other tactical folders that are blocky and overweight, the EAGLE has been designed to be slim and easy to carry without sacrificing any strength or performance.\n\n<\/a>\n\nThe precision ground and finished 3.6\" blade of the EAGLE is a high performance tactical clip point profile with a slight recurve for impressive cutting power. The Carpenter CTS XHP powdered alloy steel has all the strength and edge retention of the best tool steels with superior corrosion resistance. The hand-sharpened blade is polished to a smooth, non-reflective high luster for easy maintenance and rides on pure Teflon bearings for a lifetime of glassy smooth operation.\n\nFor every day carry for utility or defense, the EAGLE will meet any folding knife challenge. The EAGLE is made in small quantities by a master craftsman and only limited quantities are available. $524.95. Wilsoncombat.com<\/a><\/strong>.\n\nSpecifications:<\/strong>\nBlade Steel \u2013 Carpenter CTS XHP Stainless \u2013 RC 60\nBlade Length \u2013 3.6\u201d\nBlade Thickness - .125\u201d\nHandle Material \u2013 Titanium with Starburst Pattern\nHandle Length \u2013 4.8\u201d\nOverall Length \u2013 8.5\u201d\nWeight \u2013 4.8 oz.","post_title":"Wilson Combat \u201cEagle\u201d Titanium Flipper","post_excerpt":" ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"wilson-combat-eagle-titanium-flipper","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-06-01 21:26:30","post_modified_gmt":"2023-06-01 21:26:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2012\/11\/09\/wilson-combat-eagle-titanium-flipper\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":157366,"post_author":"645","post_date":"2012-11-01 10:38:47","post_date_gmt":"2012-11-01 16:38:47","post_content":"<\/a>\r\nThe Cuma TAK-RI by TOPS Knives is an excellent direct contact combat weapon designed by world famous Johnny Tsai, an eight degree black sash in both Tsai Family System and in Tai Kit Kuen.<\/em>\r\n\r\nI have been writing for the most part of the last 15 years about the law enforcement profession and about all kinds of edged weapons and tools. I have written about knives and tools, which I or other officers carried while serving in Kosovo as a United Nations police officer. I even wrote about edged weapons and tools as I served in Iraq as a police advisor for two years. But I have never written about a real edged weapon carried by a comic book character, until now.\r\n\r\nThe knife in question is called CUMA TAK-RI and is made by TOPS knives. The special interest in this knife was the fact that it is featured in a comic book published by IDW (Idea + Design Works) entitled \u201cCobra Civil War: Snake Eyes.\u201d In issue #2 the CUMA TAK-RI is shown, along with a sword, being used to dispatch an enemy of Snake Eyes.\r\n\r\nBackground History<\/strong>\r\n\r\n<\/a>\r\nThe very sharp 4-inch top edge of the CUMA TAK-RI and the sharp 7-inch blade makes for a perfect slashing weapon.<\/em>\r\n\r\nSnake Eyes is an original character in the G.I. Joe comic book storyline. Marvel Comics produced the comic book \u201cG.I. Joe: A Real American Hero,\u201d issue No. 1 from June 1982 until December 1994 ending with issue No. 155. The Snake Eyes character has been featured as a 3.5-inch toy character with 54 different models and at least five in the 12-inch models. These toys were first produced by Hasbro Toys. Snake Eyes has also been featured in various G.I. Joe television series and in the film adaptation, G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra. In 2009, IDW Publishing took over the license for a G.I. Joe comic series, which takes the storyline in a different direction.\r\n\r\nAs of this writing, IDW Comics has produced six issues dedicated to the Snake Eyes character where the CUMA TAK-RI is shown from issue #2 through issue #6. In a phone interview with Robert Atkins, the artist of the IDW Snake Eyes, told me he likes to have his characters use weapons that really exist.\r\n\r\nWhile at a comic book show in Chicago, he met a long time G.I. Joe fan and collector Waysun Johnny Tsai and his son. Johnny Tsai is a well-known and world respected Kung Fu Master with twelve schools throughout the United States. Johnny Tsai designed the CUMA TAK-RI. In discussing the Snake Eyes character with Atkins, Tsai suggested Snake Eyes needed to upgrade his choice of weapons and carry the CUMA TAK-RI.\r\nAfter looking over the CUMA TAK-RI Atkins liked the design and started using it in his Snake Eyes series. The CUMA TAK-RI is shown on the cover of issue number 6 of Cobra Civil War, Snake Eyes.\r\n\r\nIn a phone interview with Johnny Tsai, I learned that he developed the CUMA Tactical Street Defense program. During this defense program Tsai formulated the design of the CUMA TAK-RI. Tsai also had previously designed the CUMA Evolution which is made by TOPS Knives. CUMA is an acronym for Combined Universal Martial Applications. Tsai pitched his idea and design of the CUMA TAK-RI to the fine people at TOPS Knives and the rest is history.\r\n\r\nSelf-Defense Nature<\/strong>\r\n\r\nThe CUMA TAK-RI was designed primarily as a weapon for self-defense for law enforcement and military personnel. Its design was greatly influenced by the Nepalese Knife \u201cKukri\u201d made famous by the Gurkha warriors who served in the British military. Tsai\u2019s idea was to reduce the bigger Kukri to a manageable CBQ (Close Quarter Combat) weapon. In reducing the size and adding the shark teeth serration, he came up with the interesting CUMA TAK-RI. The idea of the design was formulated through his many years of CQC training and instructing.\r\n\r\n<\/a>\r\n\r\nWhen I first received the CUMA TAK-RI I examined it closely. I found it to be all that TOPS Knives are expected to be in quality and finish and could see Johnny Tsai\u2019s reasoning for the weight, size and general design. The knife was light and nimble, which is a must for a CQC weapon. The 7-inch partial double-edge and partially serrated blade is 3\/16-inches thick and fashioned from 1095 High Carbon Steel.\r\nThe 6.5-inch handle is covered with two slim scales made of Micarta. The tactical finger-grooved handle is about 0.75 inches thick by about 1-inch wide. In the terminal end of the handle there is a 0.25-inch lanyard hole that I found nice as most lanyard holes are somewhat smaller, thereby limiting the size of cord or rawhide you can use. At the very peak of the handle there is a nicely formed blunt-force trauma device.\r\nThe blade is 2.5 inches at its widest point. The top sharpened edge is 4 inches and the bottom sharpened edge is 7 inches which includes a 1.5-inch \u201cshark teeth\u201d serration.\r\n\r\nThe CUMA TAK-RI, when wheeled around and ran through tactical defensive and offensive moves, performs very well. I would consider this knife to be toes-to-toes and nose-to-nose direct contact knife. In other words, when things have gone to hell and they are coming over the wire and you don\u2019t have time to reload, out would come the CUMA TAK-RI.\r\n\r\nThe CUMA TAK-RI is a well-designed knife for CQC when slashing and jabbing is in order. The large serration is good for ripping and cutting those who would want to do you harm. The double edge blade is well suited for slashing in both directions in either the frontal or reverse hold.\r\n\r\n<\/a>\r\nThe handle on the CUMA TAK-RI is somewhat thin based on author\u2019s hand size and expectations.<\/em>\r\n\r\nIn The Hands<\/strong>\r\n\r\nIn testing the CUMA TAK-RI I took it out to a wooded area on the family farm. Since I could not find a volunteer to see how well this knife performed, I chose a hardwood thorn tree indigenous to my area. I hacked on this tree and its limbs. I found it took 3 chops to cut through a 1-inch limb. This is not unusual as the wood is very hard. The only problem I found was the handle of the CUMA TAK-RI was a little small for my hand. Thicker scales would rectify this problem and in my opinion would greatly enhance this knife\/weapon. I next wedged the knife blade between 2 large wooden planks about seven feet off the ground. I hung my 210-pound body by the handle to see if the knife would withstand the pressure. The knife blade did not snap and held its ground.\r\n\r\nAfter evaluating the CUMA TAK-RI, I came to this conclusion: The knife is well designed and suited for what it was created for which is for DCC (Direct Contact Combat). I would not recommend this knife for cleaning your monster elk, even though you could use it for that. The knife is light and would work for the backpackers of the world but there are better-suited tools and knives for this purpose. If you practice survival techniques and are preparing for December 2012, then this knife would be one you should add to your bug-out bag. However, the CUMA TAK-RI is well suited for those professionals in the military and those law enforcement officers who serve overseas as police advisers. Anyone who would be going into harm\u2019s way, here or in some troubled land, should consider the TOPS Knife CUMA TAK-RI.","post_title":"Birth of the Cuma TAK-RI","post_excerpt":"How the comic book character Snake Eyes came to use a TOPS knife!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"birth-of-the-cuma-tak-ri","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-05-31 20:16:56","post_modified_gmt":"2023-05-31 20:16:56","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2012\/11\/01\/birth-of-the-cuma-tak-ri\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":157466,"post_author":"645","post_date":"2012-09-28 08:01:36","post_date_gmt":"2012-09-28 14:01:36","post_content":"These newly designed knives featured in the new CUSTOM ALLIANCE will be few in number, and will quickly become a valued centerpiece of your collection. These offerings will typify the WILSON standards of extraordinary quality, classic design and unmatched value.\n\nThere is no doubt that in the world of handmade knives there was no bigger influencer than Robert W. Loveless. Loveless was the pioneer of handmade high-performance knives from modern materials that looked as good as they worked. His legendary designs like the drop point hunter, sub-hilt fighter, chute knife and his embrace of high-performance steel and handle materials were the genesis of the current industry of handmade custom cutlery across the world.\n\nLoveless was an American institution who freely trained a multitude of young makers in his signature rakish styling and build techniques up until his death in 2010. We wanted to offer a handmade knife of the highest quality that honored Loveless\u2019s life and selected one of his most recognizable designs, the Wilderness Fighter, along with a maker with first-hand knowledge of how the Loveless shop crafted their legendary blades right down to the thread used in the leather sheath.\n\n<\/a>\n\nThe maker selected for this alliance, Marcus Lin of Los Angeles, CA has been making custom knives since 2004 and has studied with Loveless and his partner Jim Merritt in his quest to build true-to-form Loveless design hunting and fighting knives. Lin is considered one of the top makers of authentically constructed Loveless design knives in the world and we believe this is as close as you can get to an actual Loveless knife for a fraction of the aftermarket price.\u2028\u2028From the flawless double hollow grinding to the bright mirror polished ATS-34 blade this functional tactical and survival knife screams \u201cLoveless\u201d.\n\n<\/a>\n\nThe balance is impeccable and the polished and contoured dark ancient ironwood handle melts into your hand like the handshake of an old friend. A solid stainless guard and pins finish off this classic fighter pattern.\n\nA custom leather sheath of the highest quality is painstakingly stitched, oiled and form fitted to each knife by the maker. This rare item is limited to 10 pieces. Wilsoncombat.com<\/strong><\/a>, Linknives.com<\/strong><\/a>.\n\nSpecifications<\/strong>\nBlade Steel \u2013 ATS-34\nBlade Length \u2013 6\u201d\nBlade Thickness - .250\u201d\nHandle Material \u2013 Desert Ironwood\nHandle Length \u2013 5\u201d\nOverall Length \u2013 11\u201d\nHardware \u2013 Stainless\nWeight \u2013 12.2 oz.\nPrice: $995.00\n\nDetail photos on page two.<\/strong><\/em>\n\n\n<\/em><\/a><\/em>\n\n<\/a><\/em>\n\n<\/a><\/em>","post_title":"Wilson Tactical Loveless \"Legend\"","post_excerpt":" ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"wilson-tactical-loveless-legend","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-06-01 21:29:43","post_modified_gmt":"2023-06-01 21:29:43","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2012\/09\/28\/wilson-tactical-loveless-legend\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":157494,"post_author":"645","post_date":"2012-09-07 15:43:20","post_date_gmt":"2012-09-07 21:43:20","post_content":"<\/a>\r\nBoth the DPx HEFT 4 and 6 were designed for cutting your way out of the world\u2019s most dangerous places! They are so well thought of in the Spec Ops community that many SEALs have been willing to buy these blades out of their own pocket. STEVE WOODS PHOTO<\/em>\r\n\r\nI doubt Robert Young Pelton needs much of an introduction to most Tactical Knives readers. Author of The World\u2019s Most Dangerous Places series of travel guides, Pelton has visited and reported from more combat zones than the U.S. Marines. Whether you are asking about South America\u2019s jungles, Somalia\u2019s savannas, the Middle East\u2019s deserts, or Myanmar\u2019s sweltering tropics, Pelton has been there on its worst day. Naturally, all this first-hand observation of troops under fire has given him a unique perspective on what is and isn\u2019t needed in a combat\/survival knife. In recent months, Pelton has utilized that experience to introduce a new line of cutlery under the DPx Gear HEFT (Hostile Environment Fighting or Field Tool) trademark.\r\n\r\nHEFT 4 & 6<\/strong>\r\nLooking at the HEFT 4 and 6 (the numbers refer to the blade lengths). The DPx HEFT 4 features Niolox steel, while the DPx HEFT 6 is Sleipner steel. Blade thickness at the spine runs 5mm. Options include a \u201cWoodsman\u201d model with a stonewash finished blade and Brazilian Santos hardwood handle scales or the \u201cAssault\u201d with a PVD black-coated blade and G-10 handle scales. These handle scales are held on with removable screws that allow access to a storage compartment in the tang. While this hollowed out area is relatively small, it is large enough for fish hooks, firestarters, a button compass or similar survival items. Both knives are made by LionSTEEL in Maniago, Italy.\r\n\r\nThe sample knives each came in a black ballistic nylon sheath with a wide Velcro flap that completely covered the handle and most of the scabbard when closed. Frankly, this system did not impress me as very practical for a serious combat knife. Not only would it slow down drawing the knife, the Velcro makes entirely too much noise on a dark, quiet night.\r\n\r\nShortly after receiving the knives, DPx also supplied photos they had taken of members of a SEAL team training with the knives on their web gear. The first thing I noticed was that the SEALs were using a different sheath with a more conventional snap loop around the handle of the HEFT knife. When I asked about this I discovered that the Navy Spec Ops troops had also objected to the original Velcro flap version of the sheath and it had been replaced. I was also told that yet a third generation version is in the works and should be available by the time you read this feature. It is nice feeling when the current guys in Spec Ops back me up on these little points...\r\n\r\n<\/a>\r\nAuthor was happy to find that the original Velcro flap ballistic nylon sheath had been replaced with a more accessible handle snap loop version at the request of the SEALs. Author was told this is being further refined and a third generation will be available in the near future. PHOTO COURTESY OF DPX<\/em>\r\n\r\n<\/a>\r\nThe smaller knife also offers a magnetized hex-driver cut-out on the end of the handle. <\/em>\r\n\r\nWell-Designed Handle<\/strong>\r\nOne of the design features of the HEFT knives, according to DPx, is that the handles are \u201cexpertly balanced for hours of hard use without causing blisters, hot spots or bruising.\u201d I know from experience that many handles that work sort-of-okay for a quick cut or two prove less satisfactory when you are forced to use them for long periods of heavy work. My motto is that the best way to evaluate any knife is to cut \u201cthings\u201d that actually need cutting even if they aren\u2019t the exact purpose the blade was designed for. Springtime for me means making large quantities of garden stakes from hazel saplings. Each requires that a sharp point be whittled on to one end and turning out several dozen of these constitutes a good test of just how comfortable a knife handle is in the long run. I\u2019ll have to go with DPx on this one, the handle design is very comfortable for long periods of use.\r\n\r\nAnother interesting discovery was that I found the 4-inch model mechanically more efficient at pointing the stakes as it was easier to apply proper leverage to the shorter blade. Both of these knives have basically the same edge geometry, but if the 6-inch blade had been profiled a little thinner, that equation might change.\r\n\r\nCombat Length<\/strong>\r\nAt a recent trade show in Las Vegas, Pelton and I had a discussion about the most desirable length for a combat knife on the modern battlefields. He felt most of the current troops are content with a blade around 4 inches, while my own experience argues for something a little longer than that. For starters, anyone that tells you superior training will make a short blade just as effective as a longer one in a hand-to-hand fight has never used a knife to stick anything two or four legged. If you don\u2019t believe me, just ask someone who hunts wild hogs with a knife.\r\n\r\nUsing a 4-inch blade is the same as putting your faith in a small caliber handgun over a high performance .40 or .45. I\u2019m sure some will make the case there is little chance of anyone needing a knife as a weapon in combat. If that is your situation then the 4-inch HEFT is probably the proper way to go. As for me, I would still rather have the extra 2 inches of penetration the 6-inch model offers if I were out on the pointy end of the stick again.\r\n\r\nSo having just put down the 4-inch HEFT for infantry use, I will say it is an excellent cutting tool for the vast majority of civilian outdoor needs, including field dressing big game. Given I live in the real world, that probably means I will be carrying the smaller model much more often in the woods than the 6-inch model.\r\n\r\n\r\n<\/a>\r\nWhen it gets down to the real world, combat knives are used as tools far more often than they are for weapons. PHOTO COURTESY OF DPX<\/em>\r\n\r\nBlade Steel<\/strong>\r\nSaying the blade steel is something close to D2 probably set off a few readers\u2019 alarms, as that alloy has a reputation for being hard to resharpen. Most of the D2 knives I\u2019ve used have not been a real problem, but I can remember at least one from a famous custom maker that gave me so many fits I eventually traded it off. At the time, that particular maker was famous for his relatively low Rockwell D2 blades. He has since changed to other steels alloys for all of his knives, so maybe he has seen the light, too. As for the DPx knives, I had no problem restoring either blade to a sharper than out-of-the-box edge using the medium and fine India stones on a Norton Cradle sprayed with WD-40 for lubricant. Field touch ups were also easily accomplished with a diamond surfaced sharpening rod.\r\n\r\nI would be totally deficient if I didn\u2019t mention one other feature of the HEFT knives, a notch opener built into the tang of the knife on the end of the handle. While this will obviously work for prying off the lids of various other types of food containers, most troops are going to see it as a \u201cbeer bottle opener.\u201d It never hurts to remember that in most third world countries, all beer and soft drinks still come in pry-off crown cap containers. Another feature that seems to only be found on the 4-inch model is a \u201chex driver\u201d set into the rear of the handle scales on the right hand side.\r\n\r\nI\u2019m told that many SEALs have liked this knife well enough that they have happily bought their own out of pocket. As we all know, Naval Spec Ops teams tend to have the option of obtaining whatever gear they feel they need to best get the job done. It proves a lot about these knives that they would pick a HEFT over the many other options available to them.","post_title":"DPx HEFT Knives | Tactical Knives","post_excerpt":"Designed with the SEALs in mind \u2014 on the cutting edge for The World\u2019s Most Dangerous Places!\r\n","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"dpx-heft-knives","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-05-31 20:17:09","post_modified_gmt":"2023-05-31 20:17:09","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2012\/09\/07\/dpx-heft-knives\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":56},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_23"};
BROWSE BY BRAND
A Look at the HK Epidemic<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Using the Knife<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>\r\nProduced with input from the Austrian army, Glock\u2019s steel and polymer survival knives are rugged and dependable\u2014not unlike their other world-famous defensive products. Steve Woods Photos<\/em>\r\n\r\nBeyond designing and manufacturing pistols of legendary ruggedness and durability used by military and police forces all over the world, Glock also designs and manufactures two knives: the Glock Field Knife 78 and Survival Knife 81. Produced with input from the Austrian Army, the Glock knives\u2014not surprisingly\u2014bear a remarkable resemblance to their pistol cousins. Both the Field Knife 78 and Survival Knife 81 are comprised of carbon-steel blades and polymer handles\u2014the same durable polymer that Glock offers in its 21 pistol models. The only difference between the Field Knife 78 and Survival Knife 81 is that the blade of the Survival Knife 81 comes with a saw back and weighs just few ounces less than the Field Knife 78. Other than that, both knives are physically identical, and both come with a super-tough yet very functional polymer sheath. These tools are profoundly simple and engineered for ruggedness and usefulness.\r\n\r\nCutting-Edge Design<\/strong>\r\n\r\nThe Field Knife 78 and Survival Knife 81 both feature 6.5-inch carbon-steel, clip-point blades. A clip-point blade, similar to a drop-point blade, has a \u201cfalse edge\u201d toward the point opposite the blade. As such, the blade tapers to a point, making it more capable of piercing. Carbon steel is one of the hardest steels, and therefore one of the strongest and most durable. Sometimes carbon steel is referred to as \u201cspring steel,\u201d as its properties allow it to flex under abusive conditions and yet retain its shape, strength and functionality. The blade, 0.19 inches wide, is also coated in black phosphate, which helps protect it against corrosion and reduces glare, decreasing the potential for giving away the user\u2019s position to an enemy.\r\n\r\n<\/a>\r\nThe sheath\u2019s most unique design feature is the reinforced, flexible retention tab that securely holds the knife in place, regardless of whether the knife is inserted with the blade to the front or back.<\/em>\r\n\r\nThe back of the Field Knife 78 blade is straight and flat. The back of the Survival Knife 81 bears a 4-inch saw\u2014alternating sharp ridges and points that will shred and tear whatever it is applied to. Glock knives come with a factory edge that is razor sharp. Their functionality, however, goes well beyond just cutting. These are robust tools that can and have been used to hack, split, chisel and pry.\r\n\r\nSeparating the blade and the handle is a carbon-steel crossguard. One side of the crossguard extends 0.75 inches below the blade, offering protection for a user\u2019s hand. The other side of the crossguard extends 0.44 inches above the blade and curves toward the front of the blade, offering a mechanism for prying. With its strong construction and the leverage afforded by its location between the blade and handle, the crossguard pry is a formidable tool, able to handle the most demanding jobs\u2014from prying supply cans open to bending metal. Its most popular use, however, might be the noble task of opening bottles.\r\n\r\nMade of the same polymer found in its pistols, the handles of the Glock Field Knife 78 and Survival Knife 81 are 4.75 inches in length. The rounded handles vary in circumference from front to back, but the widest point in the middle measures 3.63 inches. All Glock knives have opposing indentations in the handle near the crossguard to accommodate the sheath\u2019s retention tab, no matter which way it is inserted into the sheath. In addition, the polymer of the handle is textured and offers five indented rings to aid in purchase. The ends of each handle also provide two opposing 0.16-inch holes, perhaps for affixing a ring as a means of attaching a lanyard or, a user can drill through the holes using a 0.16-inch drill bit to allow for a lanyard to pass right through the handle. The end of the handle features a plastic plug, which, when removed, reveals a 1.5-inch-deep metal socket with the same previously mentioned holes machined into it. While the plastic plug is very durable, it could only take limited abuse such as that caused by using it as a pommel or hitting it with a hammer when using the knife as a chisel. Of interest, the metal socket and the forward-curved portion of the crossguard could work in conjunction so that the knife could serve as a bayonet on an assault rifle.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<\/a>\r\nMade of the same polymer found in its pistols, the handles of the Glock Field Knife 78 and Survival Knife 81 are 4.75 inches in length.<\/em>\r\n\r\nSheath Specs<\/strong>\r\n\r\nBoth knives use the same sheath, a one-piece polymer product that measures almost 11 inches in length and weighs 1.5 ounces. The ambidextrous sheath\u2019s most unique design feature is the reinforced, flexible retention tab that securely holds a Glock knife in place, regardless of whether the knife is inserted with the blade to the front or back. Once a Glock knife is inserted all the way into the sheath, the crossguard pushes the retention tab out until it automatically closes over the edge of the crossguard, snapping in place. To release the knife from the sheath, a user has to push the retention tab away with a thumb. It is possible to deploy the knife from the sheath using one hand. All of this occurs in a one-piece polymer sheath because of thoughtful design.\r\n\r\nThe sheath also offers a belt loop with a useful design that allows a user to easily but securely attach it to a belt up to 2.5 inches wide and up to 0.19 inches thick. Inside the top of the belt loop, a polymer protrusion reinforces the belt loop at its stress point and reduces the belt loop\u2019s width to an eighth of an inch to prevent the sheath from sliding when worn on a belt. If a user doesn\u2019t have a belt, the sheath can be attached to pants or shorts by simply clipping the sheath to the waistband.\r\nIn addition to the retention tab and belt loop, the sheath offers a lanyard hole for lashing the point end of the sheath. For example, when the sheath is worn on a belt, a lanyard can be tied through the loop to the user\u2019s thigh. The sheath also offers a drainage hole near the tip (or point).\r\n\r\nField Survival<\/strong>\r\n\r\nBoth Glock knives are 11.38 inches in length. While all Glock knives have blades that are coated in black phosphate, the handles and sheaths come in three colors: midnight black (to blend with tactical gear used in urban environments), olive drab (to blend with camouflage or equipment used in woodland or jungle environments), and sand (to blend with camouflage or equipment used in desert environments). Besides one having a saw blade back and the other having a plain back, the only differences between the Glock Field Knife 78 and Survival Knife 81 are in the knives\u2019 weight and price. The Glock Field Knife 78 weighs 7.3 ounces and retails for $30. The Glock Survival Knife 81 weighs 7.0 ounces and retails for $32. The difference in weight and cost comes from the additional manufacturing required to create the saw blade on the back of the Survival Knife 81.\r\n\r\n<\/a>\r\nThe Survival Knife 81 features a saw blade positioned on the back edge, while the Field Knife 78 offers a straight edge. <\/em>\r\n\r\nThe relatively low retail prices reflect Glock\u2019s economic savvy along with an understanding of real-life conditions for soldiers, law enforcement and civilian users. At only $30 or $32 per knife, a user can afford to purchase more than one and won\u2019t suffer an economic setback should he or she lose one. Further, whereas a user might shy away from pushing a more expensive knife to its extreme usefulness, the user of a Glock knife can push it to the extreme\u2014mainly because it\u2019s a rugged tool made by Glock and secondarily because it is available at a fraction of the cost of other knives that may not even be up to the kinds of tasks a Glock knife will face.\r\n\r\nEvery Glock knife blade bears the phrase \u201cMade in Austria,\u201d along with the Glock logo and the knife\u2019s model number near the crossguard. With two variants to choose from in three different colors, users can select one or more of the six models that will best meet their needs. Whether you\u2019re a first-time buyer of a Glock product or a long-time Glock pistol user, the Glock knives are indispensible tools with virtually limitless usefulness. Whether you choose the Glock Field Knife 78 or the Survival Knife 81, you will find that the cutting edge of a Glock knife is a great complement to the cutting-edge design and thoughtful execution of every detail of the knife, even to the point of the sheath. Find out more by calling 770-432-1202 or visiting glock.com. l","post_title":"Cutting Edge GLOCK Knives Review","post_excerpt":"Tough-as-nails steel to get the job done every time \u2014 a dependable survival tool, just like Glock pistols!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"cutting-edge-glock-knives","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-10-31 23:06:05","post_modified_gmt":"2023-11-01 03:06:05","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2012\/12\/01\/cutting-edge-glock-knives\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":157286,"post_author":"645","post_date":"2012-11-09 11:56:53","post_date_gmt":"2012-11-09 17:56:53","post_content":"Only from Wilson Combat in collaboration with acclaimed Custom Knifemaker Les George. A Wilson Combat exclusive, the EAGLE is a rugged, framelock flipper design with the Wilson Combat signature Starburst Titanium handle pattern and Carpenter XHP \u201cSuper Steel\u201d stainless tool steel recurve blade for the ultimate in edge holding and corrosion resistance. The EAGLE is one of the fastest opening manual tactical folders on the market. The trigger finger flipper is lightning fast into action and easy to operate with or without gloves.\n\nThe lightweight and slim profile will ensure the EAGLE will spend a lot of time riding shotgun in your pocket every day. The handle of the EAGLE is precision machined and smooth tumble blasted lightweight Titanium with a robust integral framelock, chamfered lanyard hole and Titanium deep-pocket clip that can be positioned for blade tip up or down opening. The rugged open-frame construction makes it easy to clean trapped dirt and lint. Unlike many other tactical folders that are blocky and overweight, the EAGLE has been designed to be slim and easy to carry without sacrificing any strength or performance.\n\n<\/a>\n\nThe precision ground and finished 3.6\" blade of the EAGLE is a high performance tactical clip point profile with a slight recurve for impressive cutting power. The Carpenter CTS XHP powdered alloy steel has all the strength and edge retention of the best tool steels with superior corrosion resistance. The hand-sharpened blade is polished to a smooth, non-reflective high luster for easy maintenance and rides on pure Teflon bearings for a lifetime of glassy smooth operation.\n\nFor every day carry for utility or defense, the EAGLE will meet any folding knife challenge. The EAGLE is made in small quantities by a master craftsman and only limited quantities are available. $524.95. Wilsoncombat.com<\/a><\/strong>.\n\nSpecifications:<\/strong>\nBlade Steel \u2013 Carpenter CTS XHP Stainless \u2013 RC 60\nBlade Length \u2013 3.6\u201d\nBlade Thickness - .125\u201d\nHandle Material \u2013 Titanium with Starburst Pattern\nHandle Length \u2013 4.8\u201d\nOverall Length \u2013 8.5\u201d\nWeight \u2013 4.8 oz.","post_title":"Wilson Combat \u201cEagle\u201d Titanium Flipper","post_excerpt":" ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"wilson-combat-eagle-titanium-flipper","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-06-01 21:26:30","post_modified_gmt":"2023-06-01 21:26:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2012\/11\/09\/wilson-combat-eagle-titanium-flipper\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":157366,"post_author":"645","post_date":"2012-11-01 10:38:47","post_date_gmt":"2012-11-01 16:38:47","post_content":"<\/a>\r\nThe Cuma TAK-RI by TOPS Knives is an excellent direct contact combat weapon designed by world famous Johnny Tsai, an eight degree black sash in both Tsai Family System and in Tai Kit Kuen.<\/em>\r\n\r\nI have been writing for the most part of the last 15 years about the law enforcement profession and about all kinds of edged weapons and tools. I have written about knives and tools, which I or other officers carried while serving in Kosovo as a United Nations police officer. I even wrote about edged weapons and tools as I served in Iraq as a police advisor for two years. But I have never written about a real edged weapon carried by a comic book character, until now.\r\n\r\nThe knife in question is called CUMA TAK-RI and is made by TOPS knives. The special interest in this knife was the fact that it is featured in a comic book published by IDW (Idea + Design Works) entitled \u201cCobra Civil War: Snake Eyes.\u201d In issue #2 the CUMA TAK-RI is shown, along with a sword, being used to dispatch an enemy of Snake Eyes.\r\n\r\nBackground History<\/strong>\r\n\r\n<\/a>\r\nThe very sharp 4-inch top edge of the CUMA TAK-RI and the sharp 7-inch blade makes for a perfect slashing weapon.<\/em>\r\n\r\nSnake Eyes is an original character in the G.I. Joe comic book storyline. Marvel Comics produced the comic book \u201cG.I. Joe: A Real American Hero,\u201d issue No. 1 from June 1982 until December 1994 ending with issue No. 155. The Snake Eyes character has been featured as a 3.5-inch toy character with 54 different models and at least five in the 12-inch models. These toys were first produced by Hasbro Toys. Snake Eyes has also been featured in various G.I. Joe television series and in the film adaptation, G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra. In 2009, IDW Publishing took over the license for a G.I. Joe comic series, which takes the storyline in a different direction.\r\n\r\nAs of this writing, IDW Comics has produced six issues dedicated to the Snake Eyes character where the CUMA TAK-RI is shown from issue #2 through issue #6. In a phone interview with Robert Atkins, the artist of the IDW Snake Eyes, told me he likes to have his characters use weapons that really exist.\r\n\r\nWhile at a comic book show in Chicago, he met a long time G.I. Joe fan and collector Waysun Johnny Tsai and his son. Johnny Tsai is a well-known and world respected Kung Fu Master with twelve schools throughout the United States. Johnny Tsai designed the CUMA TAK-RI. In discussing the Snake Eyes character with Atkins, Tsai suggested Snake Eyes needed to upgrade his choice of weapons and carry the CUMA TAK-RI.\r\nAfter looking over the CUMA TAK-RI Atkins liked the design and started using it in his Snake Eyes series. The CUMA TAK-RI is shown on the cover of issue number 6 of Cobra Civil War, Snake Eyes.\r\n\r\nIn a phone interview with Johnny Tsai, I learned that he developed the CUMA Tactical Street Defense program. During this defense program Tsai formulated the design of the CUMA TAK-RI. Tsai also had previously designed the CUMA Evolution which is made by TOPS Knives. CUMA is an acronym for Combined Universal Martial Applications. Tsai pitched his idea and design of the CUMA TAK-RI to the fine people at TOPS Knives and the rest is history.\r\n\r\nSelf-Defense Nature<\/strong>\r\n\r\nThe CUMA TAK-RI was designed primarily as a weapon for self-defense for law enforcement and military personnel. Its design was greatly influenced by the Nepalese Knife \u201cKukri\u201d made famous by the Gurkha warriors who served in the British military. Tsai\u2019s idea was to reduce the bigger Kukri to a manageable CBQ (Close Quarter Combat) weapon. In reducing the size and adding the shark teeth serration, he came up with the interesting CUMA TAK-RI. The idea of the design was formulated through his many years of CQC training and instructing.\r\n\r\n<\/a>\r\n\r\nWhen I first received the CUMA TAK-RI I examined it closely. I found it to be all that TOPS Knives are expected to be in quality and finish and could see Johnny Tsai\u2019s reasoning for the weight, size and general design. The knife was light and nimble, which is a must for a CQC weapon. The 7-inch partial double-edge and partially serrated blade is 3\/16-inches thick and fashioned from 1095 High Carbon Steel.\r\nThe 6.5-inch handle is covered with two slim scales made of Micarta. The tactical finger-grooved handle is about 0.75 inches thick by about 1-inch wide. In the terminal end of the handle there is a 0.25-inch lanyard hole that I found nice as most lanyard holes are somewhat smaller, thereby limiting the size of cord or rawhide you can use. At the very peak of the handle there is a nicely formed blunt-force trauma device.\r\nThe blade is 2.5 inches at its widest point. The top sharpened edge is 4 inches and the bottom sharpened edge is 7 inches which includes a 1.5-inch \u201cshark teeth\u201d serration.\r\n\r\nThe CUMA TAK-RI, when wheeled around and ran through tactical defensive and offensive moves, performs very well. I would consider this knife to be toes-to-toes and nose-to-nose direct contact knife. In other words, when things have gone to hell and they are coming over the wire and you don\u2019t have time to reload, out would come the CUMA TAK-RI.\r\n\r\nThe CUMA TAK-RI is a well-designed knife for CQC when slashing and jabbing is in order. The large serration is good for ripping and cutting those who would want to do you harm. The double edge blade is well suited for slashing in both directions in either the frontal or reverse hold.\r\n\r\n<\/a>\r\nThe handle on the CUMA TAK-RI is somewhat thin based on author\u2019s hand size and expectations.<\/em>\r\n\r\nIn The Hands<\/strong>\r\n\r\nIn testing the CUMA TAK-RI I took it out to a wooded area on the family farm. Since I could not find a volunteer to see how well this knife performed, I chose a hardwood thorn tree indigenous to my area. I hacked on this tree and its limbs. I found it took 3 chops to cut through a 1-inch limb. This is not unusual as the wood is very hard. The only problem I found was the handle of the CUMA TAK-RI was a little small for my hand. Thicker scales would rectify this problem and in my opinion would greatly enhance this knife\/weapon. I next wedged the knife blade between 2 large wooden planks about seven feet off the ground. I hung my 210-pound body by the handle to see if the knife would withstand the pressure. The knife blade did not snap and held its ground.\r\n\r\nAfter evaluating the CUMA TAK-RI, I came to this conclusion: The knife is well designed and suited for what it was created for which is for DCC (Direct Contact Combat). I would not recommend this knife for cleaning your monster elk, even though you could use it for that. The knife is light and would work for the backpackers of the world but there are better-suited tools and knives for this purpose. If you practice survival techniques and are preparing for December 2012, then this knife would be one you should add to your bug-out bag. However, the CUMA TAK-RI is well suited for those professionals in the military and those law enforcement officers who serve overseas as police advisers. Anyone who would be going into harm\u2019s way, here or in some troubled land, should consider the TOPS Knife CUMA TAK-RI.","post_title":"Birth of the Cuma TAK-RI","post_excerpt":"How the comic book character Snake Eyes came to use a TOPS knife!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"birth-of-the-cuma-tak-ri","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-05-31 20:16:56","post_modified_gmt":"2023-05-31 20:16:56","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2012\/11\/01\/birth-of-the-cuma-tak-ri\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":157466,"post_author":"645","post_date":"2012-09-28 08:01:36","post_date_gmt":"2012-09-28 14:01:36","post_content":"These newly designed knives featured in the new CUSTOM ALLIANCE will be few in number, and will quickly become a valued centerpiece of your collection. These offerings will typify the WILSON standards of extraordinary quality, classic design and unmatched value.\n\nThere is no doubt that in the world of handmade knives there was no bigger influencer than Robert W. Loveless. Loveless was the pioneer of handmade high-performance knives from modern materials that looked as good as they worked. His legendary designs like the drop point hunter, sub-hilt fighter, chute knife and his embrace of high-performance steel and handle materials were the genesis of the current industry of handmade custom cutlery across the world.\n\nLoveless was an American institution who freely trained a multitude of young makers in his signature rakish styling and build techniques up until his death in 2010. We wanted to offer a handmade knife of the highest quality that honored Loveless\u2019s life and selected one of his most recognizable designs, the Wilderness Fighter, along with a maker with first-hand knowledge of how the Loveless shop crafted their legendary blades right down to the thread used in the leather sheath.\n\n<\/a>\n\nThe maker selected for this alliance, Marcus Lin of Los Angeles, CA has been making custom knives since 2004 and has studied with Loveless and his partner Jim Merritt in his quest to build true-to-form Loveless design hunting and fighting knives. Lin is considered one of the top makers of authentically constructed Loveless design knives in the world and we believe this is as close as you can get to an actual Loveless knife for a fraction of the aftermarket price.\u2028\u2028From the flawless double hollow grinding to the bright mirror polished ATS-34 blade this functional tactical and survival knife screams \u201cLoveless\u201d.\n\n<\/a>\n\nThe balance is impeccable and the polished and contoured dark ancient ironwood handle melts into your hand like the handshake of an old friend. A solid stainless guard and pins finish off this classic fighter pattern.\n\nA custom leather sheath of the highest quality is painstakingly stitched, oiled and form fitted to each knife by the maker. This rare item is limited to 10 pieces. Wilsoncombat.com<\/strong><\/a>, Linknives.com<\/strong><\/a>.\n\nSpecifications<\/strong>\nBlade Steel \u2013 ATS-34\nBlade Length \u2013 6\u201d\nBlade Thickness - .250\u201d\nHandle Material \u2013 Desert Ironwood\nHandle Length \u2013 5\u201d\nOverall Length \u2013 11\u201d\nHardware \u2013 Stainless\nWeight \u2013 12.2 oz.\nPrice: $995.00\n\nDetail photos on page two.<\/strong><\/em>\n\n\n<\/em><\/a><\/em>\n\n<\/a><\/em>\n\n<\/a><\/em>","post_title":"Wilson Tactical Loveless \"Legend\"","post_excerpt":" ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"wilson-tactical-loveless-legend","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-06-01 21:29:43","post_modified_gmt":"2023-06-01 21:29:43","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2012\/09\/28\/wilson-tactical-loveless-legend\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":157494,"post_author":"645","post_date":"2012-09-07 15:43:20","post_date_gmt":"2012-09-07 21:43:20","post_content":"<\/a>\r\nBoth the DPx HEFT 4 and 6 were designed for cutting your way out of the world\u2019s most dangerous places! They are so well thought of in the Spec Ops community that many SEALs have been willing to buy these blades out of their own pocket. STEVE WOODS PHOTO<\/em>\r\n\r\nI doubt Robert Young Pelton needs much of an introduction to most Tactical Knives readers. Author of The World\u2019s Most Dangerous Places series of travel guides, Pelton has visited and reported from more combat zones than the U.S. Marines. Whether you are asking about South America\u2019s jungles, Somalia\u2019s savannas, the Middle East\u2019s deserts, or Myanmar\u2019s sweltering tropics, Pelton has been there on its worst day. Naturally, all this first-hand observation of troops under fire has given him a unique perspective on what is and isn\u2019t needed in a combat\/survival knife. In recent months, Pelton has utilized that experience to introduce a new line of cutlery under the DPx Gear HEFT (Hostile Environment Fighting or Field Tool) trademark.\r\n\r\nHEFT 4 & 6<\/strong>\r\nLooking at the HEFT 4 and 6 (the numbers refer to the blade lengths). The DPx HEFT 4 features Niolox steel, while the DPx HEFT 6 is Sleipner steel. Blade thickness at the spine runs 5mm. Options include a \u201cWoodsman\u201d model with a stonewash finished blade and Brazilian Santos hardwood handle scales or the \u201cAssault\u201d with a PVD black-coated blade and G-10 handle scales. These handle scales are held on with removable screws that allow access to a storage compartment in the tang. While this hollowed out area is relatively small, it is large enough for fish hooks, firestarters, a button compass or similar survival items. Both knives are made by LionSTEEL in Maniago, Italy.\r\n\r\nThe sample knives each came in a black ballistic nylon sheath with a wide Velcro flap that completely covered the handle and most of the scabbard when closed. Frankly, this system did not impress me as very practical for a serious combat knife. Not only would it slow down drawing the knife, the Velcro makes entirely too much noise on a dark, quiet night.\r\n\r\nShortly after receiving the knives, DPx also supplied photos they had taken of members of a SEAL team training with the knives on their web gear. The first thing I noticed was that the SEALs were using a different sheath with a more conventional snap loop around the handle of the HEFT knife. When I asked about this I discovered that the Navy Spec Ops troops had also objected to the original Velcro flap version of the sheath and it had been replaced. I was also told that yet a third generation version is in the works and should be available by the time you read this feature. It is nice feeling when the current guys in Spec Ops back me up on these little points...\r\n\r\n<\/a>\r\nAuthor was happy to find that the original Velcro flap ballistic nylon sheath had been replaced with a more accessible handle snap loop version at the request of the SEALs. Author was told this is being further refined and a third generation will be available in the near future. PHOTO COURTESY OF DPX<\/em>\r\n\r\n<\/a>\r\nThe smaller knife also offers a magnetized hex-driver cut-out on the end of the handle. <\/em>\r\n\r\nWell-Designed Handle<\/strong>\r\nOne of the design features of the HEFT knives, according to DPx, is that the handles are \u201cexpertly balanced for hours of hard use without causing blisters, hot spots or bruising.\u201d I know from experience that many handles that work sort-of-okay for a quick cut or two prove less satisfactory when you are forced to use them for long periods of heavy work. My motto is that the best way to evaluate any knife is to cut \u201cthings\u201d that actually need cutting even if they aren\u2019t the exact purpose the blade was designed for. Springtime for me means making large quantities of garden stakes from hazel saplings. Each requires that a sharp point be whittled on to one end and turning out several dozen of these constitutes a good test of just how comfortable a knife handle is in the long run. I\u2019ll have to go with DPx on this one, the handle design is very comfortable for long periods of use.\r\n\r\nAnother interesting discovery was that I found the 4-inch model mechanically more efficient at pointing the stakes as it was easier to apply proper leverage to the shorter blade. Both of these knives have basically the same edge geometry, but if the 6-inch blade had been profiled a little thinner, that equation might change.\r\n\r\nCombat Length<\/strong>\r\nAt a recent trade show in Las Vegas, Pelton and I had a discussion about the most desirable length for a combat knife on the modern battlefields. He felt most of the current troops are content with a blade around 4 inches, while my own experience argues for something a little longer than that. For starters, anyone that tells you superior training will make a short blade just as effective as a longer one in a hand-to-hand fight has never used a knife to stick anything two or four legged. If you don\u2019t believe me, just ask someone who hunts wild hogs with a knife.\r\n\r\nUsing a 4-inch blade is the same as putting your faith in a small caliber handgun over a high performance .40 or .45. I\u2019m sure some will make the case there is little chance of anyone needing a knife as a weapon in combat. If that is your situation then the 4-inch HEFT is probably the proper way to go. As for me, I would still rather have the extra 2 inches of penetration the 6-inch model offers if I were out on the pointy end of the stick again.\r\n\r\nSo having just put down the 4-inch HEFT for infantry use, I will say it is an excellent cutting tool for the vast majority of civilian outdoor needs, including field dressing big game. Given I live in the real world, that probably means I will be carrying the smaller model much more often in the woods than the 6-inch model.\r\n\r\n\r\n<\/a>\r\nWhen it gets down to the real world, combat knives are used as tools far more often than they are for weapons. PHOTO COURTESY OF DPX<\/em>\r\n\r\nBlade Steel<\/strong>\r\nSaying the blade steel is something close to D2 probably set off a few readers\u2019 alarms, as that alloy has a reputation for being hard to resharpen. Most of the D2 knives I\u2019ve used have not been a real problem, but I can remember at least one from a famous custom maker that gave me so many fits I eventually traded it off. At the time, that particular maker was famous for his relatively low Rockwell D2 blades. He has since changed to other steels alloys for all of his knives, so maybe he has seen the light, too. As for the DPx knives, I had no problem restoring either blade to a sharper than out-of-the-box edge using the medium and fine India stones on a Norton Cradle sprayed with WD-40 for lubricant. Field touch ups were also easily accomplished with a diamond surfaced sharpening rod.\r\n\r\nI would be totally deficient if I didn\u2019t mention one other feature of the HEFT knives, a notch opener built into the tang of the knife on the end of the handle. While this will obviously work for prying off the lids of various other types of food containers, most troops are going to see it as a \u201cbeer bottle opener.\u201d It never hurts to remember that in most third world countries, all beer and soft drinks still come in pry-off crown cap containers. Another feature that seems to only be found on the 4-inch model is a \u201chex driver\u201d set into the rear of the handle scales on the right hand side.\r\n\r\nI\u2019m told that many SEALs have liked this knife well enough that they have happily bought their own out of pocket. As we all know, Naval Spec Ops teams tend to have the option of obtaining whatever gear they feel they need to best get the job done. It proves a lot about these knives that they would pick a HEFT over the many other options available to them.","post_title":"DPx HEFT Knives | Tactical Knives","post_excerpt":"Designed with the SEALs in mind \u2014 on the cutting edge for The World\u2019s Most Dangerous Places!\r\n","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"dpx-heft-knives","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-05-31 20:17:09","post_modified_gmt":"2023-05-31 20:17:09","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2012\/09\/07\/dpx-heft-knives\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":56},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_23"};
