The Loadout Room
Professional Gear Reviews
This week, we launch into our first tools-of-prepping review. This one is an American classic, a tool I own and love: The Woodsman’s Pal—or as it was known to World War II aircrews in the Pacific theater, the LC-14-B /Type IV Survival Axe , NSN 8465-973-4807. The United States military used this handy tool as a standard-issue survival axe […]
The Hogue EX-A03 is my first venture into serious automatic knives. Prior to the Hogue, I had only owned some cheap, foreign-made knives of devious quality. The Hogue EX-A03 is a side opening, automatic knife that’s activated with the push of a button on the handle. The blade feels like it’s being thrown out of […]
Svord Knives is teaming up with H.L. Dalis to produce a special, historically-accurate version of their long-running Svord Von Tempsky Bowie. Called the Gold Rush edition, this unique variant first released in a limited run of 25 pieces, but will soon see wider distribution. The knife takes its name from Gustavus von Tempsky, a Prussian […]
It seems like the gear industry as a whole is turning to a minimalistic design. Everything from plate carriers, to belts, to weaponry. Lighter pieces of gear that hold up to the field is the goal of most companies and Gerber Gear is no exception. In fact they are taking the challenge in stride. The […]
This Microtech knife is named after the most intelligent dinosaur to ever roam the earth, the Troodon, also known as “wounding tooth”. “Our goal is to attain and maintain extremely high quality knives throughout the evolution of growth and change. Founder, Anthony Marfione’s objective is to ensure that every day, each customer will receive the […]
Having a knife break when you most need it in a survival situation could lead to your demise. When it comes to survival knives I expect a lot. I baton my knives through trees, I pry pitch stumps apart and generally run them into the ground as I show at-risk DOD members how to survive […]
Chris Reeve Knives (CRK) is expanding its online offerings with the first ever addition of a non-CRK produced knife, the Nilte Raggio, to its web store. The move generated discussion among fans, but CRK tells us the inclusion is part of a larger plan to widen the appeal and reach of their brand – which may […]
Andrew Demko, the Head of R&D at Cold Steel and the man behind the Tri-Ad and Scorpion Locks, is well known for making tough-as-nails knives. He pushed production design to the limit with the Cold Steel 4-Max, and recently, in his custom work, he may have produced his strongest folding knife ever. Drawn up for […]
Operation Red Wings – June 28, 2005 – Never Forget My first impressions of the Matt Axelson Tribute Knives when I unwrapped them was, “Holy crap! These are no joke; they’re heavy and strong, bad-ass weapons.” The combat version is clearly not meant to be kept in its sheath; it’s meant to be abused. Pictures […]
A few notes on small ringed straight knives that are design for stabbing. I don’t like rings on small blades that are meant to stab. As soon as something is swinging with clothing on and you are stabbing at it with a ring on your finger you will realize why it’s a bad idea with […]
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