folding knives

Everyday Carry items that make Great Stocking Stuffers

As we approach the holiday season, we at the Loadout Room would like to make your shopping a little easier for you. In this article, we are going to cover everyday carry items that would make great stocking stuffers for Christmas. We have reviewed many products over the past year and would like to highlight a few that stand out from the crowd. We’re going to consolidate those choices so you don’t have to waste your time sifting through the hundreds of options on Amazon.

Olight M20SX Javelot Flashlight

What can I tell you about the flashlight during the five years of daily use? Well, I could not kill it. In a daily use, daily carry lifestyle, I beat this little light with no reservation. I used it as a light hammer, I dropped it, I had it on my boat, I navigated at night in dark channels using it to light up channel markers, I used it to find my keys, along with any other thing a flashlight can be used for. I traveled with it. I traveled with it a lot. For its size, TSA does not even look twice at it.

The M20SX JAVELOT is a new generation of a two-tail-switch tactical flashlight. The maximum output has been improved to 820 lumens. Now, I have no way of actually testing the output of this light to make sure that it’s 820 and not 819, but I can assure you it is plenty bright for its size. One of the things I really like is it is powered by either two commonly found CR123A or you can use one 18650 battery. I personally have several 18650 batteries that I keep charged and rotate through the various lights I have.

If you are looking for a very hard use pocket light, that is designed and marketed as a “duty” flashlight, give the M20SX Javelot a close look. There are several accessories that can be used with it such as filters, diffusers, weapon mount options, remote tail caps, etc. The Javelot series also comes in different sizes and the price is definitely reasonable for what it is. Mine has become as much a part of my everyday carry as my cell phone and car keys have.

The full review of the M20SX Javelot

Surefire Sidekick Keychain Flashlight

I’m one of those guys that always have a flashlight on me. No matter what light I pick out to carry for the day, I can say that I have had the Surefire Sidekick with me at ALL times since I purchased it on Black Friday last year (2017). It sits on my keychain waiting to be used. I can go days without employing this great little light, but when I need, it is within arms reach. All too often though, when I use my Surefire Sidekick, I don’t give a second thought about how it was used.

The idea to share what is becoming one of my favorite ways to use the Surefire Sidekick came to me the other day when I was working my second job. I’m a glorified paramedic that starts IV’s for CT and MRI contrast studies. One thing that you should understand, is that when patients come in for these studies and need an IV, it is WAY different than what would be considered “acceptable” while working on the rescue at the FD. When you get a patient that is a “hard stick”, there is no bone drilling that you can do, no external jugulars… So, I do what any other fireman would do; get creative. Read the rest of this story.

The full review of the Surefire Sidekick

Streamlight Protac Series

I’ve carried a Streamlight flashlight for the better part of 4 years now as part of my everyday carry. For a long time, it was the popular ProTac 1AA that ran off a single AA battery and was the perfect size for carrying inside my pocket. I’ve also switched between the ProTac 2L and the newer ProTac 1L-1AA. Streamlight, in my opinion, is the best deal out there for what you’re getting. Their lights are just as rugged as other higher end manufacturers, but at a price point, everyone can afford. Kyle Defoor, former Navy SEAL and now firearms instructor, swears by Streamlight and carries one daily for both his job and personal EDC.

If you’re an aspiring minimalist with regards to your everyday carry, then the Streamlight Protac 1AAA light may be the ticket for you. Granted it’s not some super lumen light putting out 1000 lumens, it will get the job done in low light and complete darkness. You don’t think 115 lumens is enough to disorient a threat? Go into a dark room or outside at night and face the light towards your face and turn it on. I guarantee you’re going to be seeing spots for several minutes.

The full review of the Streamlight Protac 1AAA

Gerber Barbill Wallet

I love my minimalist wallets and only carrying what I need. I’ve tried others in the past similar to this design and was not a fan; mostly because accessing the cards and cash was not ideal, but that is just my personal opinion. When I saw the new Gerber Barbill on their site, I had to give it a try. To my surprise, I’m really liking this wallet and plan on using this for the foreseeable future. Accessing the cards and cash is easy, as is using the integrated bottle opener. Great for a night out on the town or vacations when you want to reduce what you’re carrying in your pockets. For only $20, you really can’t go wrong with this product.

Video review of the Gerber Barbill Wallet

Magpul Daka Everyday Wallet

The Magpul DAKA Everyday Wallet is a great option for a great price. It is constructed of a reinforced polymer fabric that is flexible and strong. It is coated with an anti-slip texture that ensures you can easily retain it. The wallet holds up to 7 cards comfortably and features an ID pocket on the front with a transparent window to display your driver’s license, business card, or library card. The edges of the wallet are made using a welding process of the materials, so there is no chance of it separating under normal to heavy use.

The divider pocket in the center for bills and other items is easily accessible and functional, unlike some wallets that don’t flex enough for your fingers to be able to catch what you are trying to retrieve. No chance for wallet-hoarding or the uncomfortable experience of sitting on a wallet with too much stuff in it. This wallet is no-frills, discrete, and EDC approved. The only thing missing is RFID blocking capability. If you are interested in picking one up, head over to the Magpul website and choose between four colors – black, FDE, stealth gray, and olive drab green. MSRP is $24.95.

The full review of the Magpul Daka Wallet

Zero Tolerance 0350

The ZT 0350TS is not nearly as large and bulky as the 0300 series, but it has that familiar feeling to me. I have heard from some people that they believe the 0350 to be rather large for every day carry. I have larger than average hands so the physical size difference between the 0300 and the 0350 is not lost on me.

The ZT 0350 is an assisted-opening, folding knife that has a liner lock and a 3 ¼” blade. ZT calls the assisted-opening “Speedsafe” and it can be actuated by hitting the “flipper” with your finger, or using the two blade stops on the spine of the blade, with your thumb. The spring assist deploys the blade quickly, with almost zero effort and the blade locks in place with a very detectible “click”. Even though this knife is ambidextrous, if you are a left-handed person, the blade stop on the left side of the knife does come down lower to the micarta, due to the liner lock. This may pose a problem if you use the blade stop as the primary way to open the knife. You can mitigate this issue by using the “flipper” with your index finger.

The full review of the Zero Tolerance 0350

Kershaw Decimus

Based on Rick Hinderer’s Maximus blade, Kershaw has created the Decimus; a single-edge spear point folder with the classic BlackWash™ finish. The blade is presented quickly via the flipper with SpeedSafe® assisted opening. The flipper is mirrored by a symmetrical protrusion, providing a short cross guard for finger safety and giving this EDC blade the appearance of a tiny sword.

The steel handle is stonewashed with a glass filled overlay inspired by the custom zigzag pattern of the original Maximus. Open construction and steel tube spacers, a reversible pocket clip, and frame lock round out the top features. As an additional detail, the handle also has a Hinderer-style filler tab with a stonewashed finish. Kershaw has found its market with those who need a functional blade that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. Affordable at $52.49, it seems to be a solid folder at a good price. Gladiators weren’t exactly the high class of Rome, but they were effective with their weapons.

Watch the video review of the Kershaw Decimus

Emerson Knives CQC-7BW Flipper

I’ve been a long time fan of Emerson Knives and own several of them. The one model I never had my hands on was their CQC-7BW Flipper models. I went with the CQC-7 for a few reasons; first, it’s a proven blade design that was originally developed with input from the SEAL Teams. Second, the size of the knife is damn near perfect for EDC. The third and final reason, well it just works! Don’t fix it if it ain’t broke.

When I’m evaluating a knife for daily carry, the blade to handle ratio is very important to me. Ideally, I prefer the overall length to be around 7.5″, with a 3 to 3.5″ blade. That gives me plenty of handle surface area to maintain a positive grip in almost any condition. Couple that with the G10 scales Emerson uses on their knives and you got yourself a bomb proof knife.

The full review of the CQC-7BW Flipper

NFW Watch Company Regulator

The NFW Regulator. One of my favorites. Impact forged 44mm stainless steel case and Gunmetal Gray Ionic Plated. Rated to 200 Meters with a hardened mineral crystal. Under the hood is a rugged Citizen Precision Quartz movement. For the price, you really cannot go wrong with this timepiece.

Get yours today

Gerber Outrigger: Designed to be your reliable daily carry knife

In the past several years, Gerber has seemed to redefine themselves with a growing line of products. This is a good thing for consumers that enjoy different products for a wide variety of uses. The Gerber Outrigger is a line of folding knives that are available in various sizes and styles.

Under review is the Fine Edge Outrigger, which is the regular size knife of the product line. This knife is right in line with the quality you would expect from a company like Gerber. If there is one quality I can easily attest to, it’s the sharpness of the blade right out of the package. Within minutes of handling, and because of my carelessness, I was able to surgically remove a healthy portion of flesh from the top of my finger. It only happens once, they say.

While on the subject of the blade, it’s important to note the high quality stainless steel, in this case, the Outrigger is made of 7Cr17Mov Stainless Steel. You’ll have no problems worrying about the sharpness and it’s very easy to sharpen after heavy use. The blade retains its edge for a very decent amount of use.

With a blade length of 3”, closed length of 4”, and overall length of 7”, the Outrigger is what you’d expect from a regular sized product. The drop point blade comes to a fine point, but with a shorter distance than normal from the spine to the blade. The aluminum handle is surrounded with a SoftGrip Overmold that helps to keep a firm grip during excessive use.

The Outrigger line of knives all feature Assisted Opening 2.0, which opens very quickly. I had a few issues with getting the blade to open, as it was very stiff and even with the thumb studs, it wanted to resist as I opened it. Overall, this is another great product from Gerber, but it’s also available with a serrated edge, a Mini, and an XL model.

Pick yours up from Gerber now for $49.

Author – Rodney Pointer is a former Army Infantryman. After graduating from Airborne School, he was ruthlessly assigned to Fort Polk, Louisiana to live out his days as a dirty leg. He served with the 2nd BN, 30th Infantry of the 4th Brigade, 10th Mountain Division. Following his deployment to Afghanistan, he received a Bachelor’s degree in Intelligence Operations. He currently works as a nuclear security contractor.

Kershaw Vedder Folding Knife: Distinctive looks and top function

I have to admit, my collection of knives has easily doubled in the past year. I never really carried a knife on my person when I was out and about, but that changed after I got my hands on an excellent Kershaw product. I wrote about the Kershaw Link not too long ago and I believe it was that knife that really triggered the fever.

Fortunately for me, I’ve found myself with another great folding knife, which is the Kershaw Vedder. The Vedder has all the features that I loved about the Link, but it is of a slightly better design in my opinion. It’s lighter, shorter, and holds a better edge. Although it’s not made in the USA, the quality has so far appeared to be in line with what you would expect from a brand like Kershaw.

To start, the Vedder is made of 8Cr13MoV, which is a Chinese steel on par with 420HC when it comes to keeping a good edge. Through heavy use, the blade on the Vedder has retained its edge longer than the Link, and most other knives in my collection for that matter. However, it has been just as easy to sharpen, if not easier. The blade on the Vedder has a titanium carbo-nitride coating for extra corrosion resistance.

The pocket clip on the Vedder is left-right reversible, but it seats much deeper than the Link. I enjoy carrying this knife because of how easy it conceals in my pocket for EDC use. A solid lanyard hole is cut into the handle to help with retention.

The soft matte grey steel handle on the Vedder also features a titanium carbo-nitride coating with a 3D-machined G-10 overlay. The overlay offers a good grip without being too rough. The blade also includes the SpeedSafe® design with a solid flipper that snaps it into a locked position very quickly.

The frame lock is very strong and requires a little more pressure than I’m used to with liner locks, but I appreciate the durability and quality of the steel frame. Unlike some liner locks, I don’t have to worry about the Vedder closing up on me during heavy use.

The Vedder weighs 4.6oz. The blade length is 3.25in, with a closed length of 4.25in and overall open length of 7.5in. The Vedder has a very distinctive look and functions flawlessly, which makes it one of my recommended knives for EDC use. You can pick yours up from Kershaw for $59.99.

Author- Rodney Pointer is a former Army Infantryman. After graduating from Airborne School, he was ruthlessly assigned to Fort Polk, Louisiana to live out his days as a dirty leg. He served with the 2nd BN, 30th Infantry of the 4th Brigade, 10th Mountain Division. Following his deployment to Afghanistan, he received a Bachelor’s degree in Intelligence Operations. He currently works as a nuclear security contractor.

Spyderco Para 3 | A worthy compact EDC knife

One of the most popular and recognizable knives from Spyderco is their Para Military 2. Nearly a decade has passed since its first release, but the PM2 remains as popular as ever. It is because of its popularity that Spyderco released their Para 3, a new but reminiscent variant of the PM2 and the Military model before it. The Para 3 is almost exactly a year old now. It was one of the best selling knives of 2017 but has also received mixed reviews from its users. I may be late to the party, but here are my thoughts and review on the knife.

Specifications

Overall Length: 7.24″ (184 mm)
Blade Length: 2.95″ (75 mm)
Edge Length: 2.62″ (67 mm)
Closed Length: 4.29″ (109 mm)
Blade Thickness: 0.145″ (3.8 mm)
Weight: 3.4 oz (96 g)
Steel: CPM S30V
Handle: G-10
Grind: Full-Flat
Lock Type: Compression
Tip Carry Position: Tip-Up/Down
Clip Position: Ambi
Origin: United States

(Courtesy of Spyderco)

My thoughts and review

The Para 3 doesn’t have any glaring issues, but a few features immediately attract my attention. It’s fairly lightweight (3.4 oz), has a quality G-10 handle, and features the Spyderco-patented compression lock. The compression lock is located on the spine of the handle and is kept out of the way from your fingers as you work. The standard Para 3 comes in CPM S30V steel; though not the best steel, has all the ideal qualities for a folder. If you don’t have a knife with S30V, don’t shy away from it. If you already do and are interested in the Para 3, it is also available in S110V and Cru-Wear. The quality of a knife can’t be judged based on steel choice alone, but in Spyderco’s case, their ardent fans claim these superior knife steels live up to the hype.

Addressing insecurities: How much does size actually matter?

From one owner’s approval to another’s disappointment, the Para 3 was designed to be a compact version of the PM2 rather than an actual successor.The Para 3 isn’t an incredibly small knife; it’s just slightly smaller than others. Based on my personal use, I appreciate the ergonomic design of the knife, but I will say that the finger groove directly adjacent to the compression lock feels a little too thin for my liking. I don’t mind the overall length of the knife or blade itself, but the width of this finger groove on the handle isn’t ideal. Just in case you’re wondering, I have average size hands so that medium-sized gloves run tight and large gloves run loose across all manufacturers.

Some people might have to worry about blade-length restrictions because of their location or occupation. Some localities or institutions have specific laws while others have a more tacit restriction. If you happen to live in one of these areas, the blade length on the Para 3 has a listed measurement of 2.95,” and its edge is 2.62” (courtesy of Spyderco). I went ahead and used measuring tape to check the edge for myself out of curiosity, and it was just a hair shy of 2.7”.

Versatility

Despite its minor drawbacks, I do appreciate the size of the Para 3. It isn’t the lightest, shortest, or even the most compact, but the Para 3 offers one of the best combinations of features that makes it a practical pocketknife. The folder is convenient to carry regardless of your clothing. The knife carries comfortably in gym shorts with an elastic waistband or even skinny jeans (I mean—I’d think so). With the surplus of knife models available on the market, there are indubitably more compact options out there, but the Para 3‘s combination of features is ideal for an EDC knife across most wardrobe choices. The Para 3 carries the essence of a true pocketknife and neither the blade nor handle feels undersized to perform its job.

If I were to nitpick…

I have stated in my review of the Spyderco Manix 2 that it is one of the best EDC knives on the market because of its ergonomics, especially the intricate details in the handle design. It may be unfair to compare the compact Para 3 to the burly Manix 2, two folders built for two different purposes, but there is one area where the Manix 2 excels in its design while the Para 3 falls just a little short, its choil.

A quick word about knife choils, it is not essential. What I like about a good choil is how well I can “choke up” on a blade for better control, but what I appreciate just as much is a blade’s edge that comes down as close to the handle as possible. Both of these features serve the same exact purpose so I’m mostly indifferent, but I do prefer a well-designed choil.

The choil on the Para 3 isn’t well-designed, it’s just there to be there. The choil is a little flat and not as concave as other knives I own; this ties back to the possible size issue some users might have with the knife. As I mentioned earlier, if the Para 3 were to have a slightly wider handle or even just a little more jimping on the choil rather than the miniscule amount that is on there, I probably would not have been bothered by the choil at all. Though the choil felt weird at first, I grew used to it after a few days. Again, I’m nit-picking here, but if you have thick fingers then I would check the knife out in person before making a purchase online.

The verdict

The good
-Compact and lightweight design that doesn’t compromise practicality
-Compression lock is a great locking mechanism
-Comfortable to carry regardless of clothing

The bad
-Handle might be too small for some

The Para 3 is a worthy adaptation of the Para Military 2. The handle might run a little too small for some people’s liking, but the practicality of the knife isn’t compromised for the sake of being a compact design. Though smaller in size, this is another knife that lives up Spyderco’s reputation. At the time of writing this review, the Para 3 has an MSRP of $199.95, but you can find it significantly cheaper from other retailers.

We enjoy hearing from our readers. If you have any experience with other Spyderco knives, let us know what you think!

Canada Border Services Agency Seizing One-Handed Opening Pocket Knives

Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has sent shock waves through the knife community after it announced that its interpretation of a ‘prohibited weapon’ had changed to include most everyday folding pocket knives.

The organization points to a November ruling by the Canadian International Trade Tribunal(CITT) which denied an appeal (AP-2017-012) to reclaim an imported shipment of seized Kershaw Skyline knives. The tribunal determined that the knives were outlawed because they could be ‘wrist-flicked’ after minimum manipulation to partially open the blade.

According to Section 81(1) of Canada’s Criminal Code a pocket knife is a prohibited weapon when it “has a blade that opens automatically by gravity or centrifugal force or by hand pressure applied to a button, spring or other device in or attached to the handle of the knife.” The scope of Canadian enforcement originally targeted automatic knives and balisongs. But, in 2015 the CBSA began seizing flipper knives after a similar CITT ruling.

Continue reading on Knife News

*Photo courtesy of Knife News

Gerber Instant | When Trouble Calls Be Ready!

Gerber Instant assisted opening knife | When Trouble Calls Be Ready!

Gerber Knives have been around since the early 90’s and have a proven track record. I personally carried a Gerber folding knife during my enlisted years in the Marine Corps. The knife was always there and never failed me. I used it for everything from opening up that favorite MRE to prying open ammunition crates. Since then there have been quite a few new knife companies come into the industry. There for a while, I personally felt that Gerber Knives had fallen behind in quality and craftsmanship of their tools. As of recently though they have been putting out an impressive line of knives targeted towards the military and law enforcement. One of those knives is the Gerber Instant.

Before I decided to purchase this specific blade I did my homework to be sure the knife would work for what I wanted and that it met my specifications. There didn’t seem to be a whole lot of Youtube video reviews (that I approved of), so I searched other blogs and gear sites that I frequent. One of the companies that I follow is STS (Survival Tactical Systems). STS is owned by a former MARSOC Marine and he also endorses Gerber Gear. I figured that if he was putting his name out there to endorse their products that I couldn’t go wrong with picking up one of Gerber’s new offerings; specifically the Gerber Instant.

Another guy who’s opinion I respect is also a former Marine and former 10 year CIA Operative (Drew Dwyer over at SOFREP). During his tenure within the CIA, Gerber provided him with a few tools with the idea of giving them direct feedback from the clandestine world. Now that he is out of the CIA he still trusts and uses Gerber knives. His personal favorite and one he carries most of the time is the Gerber Instant.

The Gerber Instant offers some features that I really like.

partially serrated blade. Over the past year, I’ve become more fond of a partially serrated blade for EDC purposes. As a civilian chances are more likely that I will roll up on an accident and need those serrations to cut through seat belts or clothing.
The blade profile of the Gerber Instant makes it extremely easy to hone and sharpen with a standard fine sharpening stone.
The assisted opening makes opening this knife with a single hand easy (even if you’re wearing gloves). Some have claimed that the knife opens when carried in the pocket, but I have not had that issue at all and I’ve been carrying this blade daily for a few weeks.
The lock they use on this knife is whats called a plunge lock that locks into a small cut out in the blade. I’ve had no issues with the lock disengaging during use.
The handle scales have full stainless steel inserts which provide additional strength.
The price point. The Gerber Instant can be found on Amazon for around $34.

Gerber Instant Specifications (courtesy of gerbergear.com)

Blade Length: 3.18″
Closed Length: 4.57″
Overall Length: 7.75″
Weight: 4.01 oz.
Steel Type: 7Cr17Mo