Spartan Blades CQB tool. Real world tests on blades are a challenge when that blade has one primary purpose: to push through flesh quickly, again and again. To test the edge as well as the CQB tool’s durability, I took it out commercial fishing in Alaska. For 30 straight days, I used it in an […]
Knives & Tools
A quick look at the Hoback Knives Hero Series Marine
Hoback Knives is a brand we are now taking a closer look at on the Loadout Room after our initial impressions of the MK Ultra we recently reviewed. The Hoback Knives Hero Series are nothing short of works of art. Although they are really nice looking blades they are meant to be used as tools, […]
Hoback Knives MK Ultra gentlemans folder
It has long been known that the government was involved in experiments involving mind-control. Project “MK Ultra,” is probably one of the most widely recognized of these. It involved hypnosis, LSD administration, sensory deprivation, among other techniques. At this point, you’re probably wondering how this correlates with Jake Hoback’s Kwaiken-style knife, dubbed the “MK Ultra”? […]
Photo of the day: Symbolism of the dagger and special operations
I have always been drawn to the design of the dagger mostly due to the symbolism with regards to Special Operations units. While on the floor at SHOT Show 2019, we stopped by one of our favorite vendors, Gerber Gear. Although they have several new products hitting the shelves, their folding dagger and fixed blade dagger continue […]
The multi-tool upgraded: GERBER’s Center-Drive PLUS
Gerber’s Center-Drive Plus offers uncompromising performance through revolutionary design, now optimized for weapons maintenance. The innovative center-axis driver opens to align like a real screwdriver, yielding maximum torque and rotation. No productivity is sacrificed with the addition of a 30% longer outboard blade and one-thumb opening sliding jaws. Full size, real tools – the multi-tool […]
Gerber launches the Fastball: An intuitive, USA made flipper for EDC use
GERBER, has a new EDC offering, the Fastball. This American-made folding knife partners precision engineering and polished aesthetics, American craftsmanship. The Fastball will be available February 13, 2019 with an MSRP of $110 [Urban Grey, Flat Sage] and $115 [Black]. “The Fastball is the perfect EDC knife – aesthetically compelling, functionally flawless, and boasting […]
ESEE-3 MIL Fixed Blade: Practical and fully capable
ESEE knives are popular amongst Loadout Room writers. From the SERE instructor to our editor, ESEE knives receive a lot of praise and for a good reason. I have owned an ESEE 6 for years, but I only recently got my hands on the ESEE-3 MIL, and it certainly does not disappoint. The ESEE-3 MIL may be the smallest out of […]
Magpul Limited Edition Frame Lock Rigger
The Rigger is a limited edition, precision-engineered cutting tool constructed of premium materials and featuring signature Magpul form and function. This first-ever Limited Edition Frame Lock was designed by the team at Magpul and is an expression of Magpul’s design ethos and commitment to quality and innovation. The modified Wharncliffe blade is forged from Crucible Particle Metallurgy […]
Toor Knives Raider: Designed to be the perfect belt utility blade
I love thick knives. They survive the rigors of the field better than the thinner blades I’ve seen in many “survival” and “utility” knives. I use my knives quite a bit. At a minimum, they are doing 1-2 weeks in the field per month building fires and gutting animals. I’ve seen many knives break in my […]
A quick look at the SOG SEAL Strike fixed blade knife
SOG Specialty Knives & Tool, LLC has been in the business of crafting fine blades and tools for both military and civilian markets since it’s inception in 1986. In 1992, when the SEAL’s held trials for a new knife, the SEAL 2000 from SOG won the contract and remained in production from 1995-2007. The 2nd knife in the SEAL line was […]