Category Archives: SOFIC

New Gerber Propel Downrange Folding Knives

Posted on May 23, 2013 by Randall

Missing from SOFIC this year were many of the knife manufacturers I normally visit.  I think Gerber Legendary Blades was the only maker I saw at the show. After he showed me the Downrange Tomahawk, the Gerber Rep said they had new folders for 2013.  The Gerber Propel knives have 3.5″ blades and G-10 scales.  With overall lengths of 8.52″ and weights at 4.28 oz’s, the Propels are solid tools.  There are versions in black or tan G-10.  You can also choose between an assisted opening model or a full automatic model. Designed and Built in Portland, OR S30V Blade Steel or 420HC Tanto Style Partially Serrated Blade Black Oxide … Continue reading →

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Atlas Devices Lightweight Tactical Ladder

Posted on May 20, 2013 by Randall

Cool looking ladder.  The Atlas Devices vendor was busy showing it to a guy in khaki pants and a polo shirt.  His name badge read only USSOCOM.  No name.  No branch.  No unit.  A real Operator.  With a U.S. government line of credit. I wanted to see the ladder, but the free market kinda had the floor.  I came back to Atlas’ SOFIC booth an hour later.  My audience was granted at that point. This lightweight tactical ladder articulated out to 10′.  It weighed a mere 12 lbs.  It was obviously strong, as the vendor extended it fully, propped each end onto a Pelican case, then stood in its middle … Continue reading →

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New Gerber Downrange Tomahawk

Posted on May 18, 2013 by Randall

New for 2013, Gerber’s Made in the USA Downrange Tomahawk.  I took a couple of quick photos of the Tomahawk and their new Rescue Axe at SOFIC.  The Downrange Tomahawk sports an axe face with a hammer head at its rear.  The handle is full tang and has a pry bar at the lower end.  Finger grooves in the head of the axe allow the user to get leverage to force the pry bar into jambs and seams. The steel for the Downrange Tomahawk is 420HC.  It is blackened with KG Gun Kote.  Desert Tan G-10 handle scales are bolted on.  The Tomahawk is 19.27″ overall and weighs in at … Continue reading →

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Special Operations Forces Industry Conference 2013

Posted on May 14, 2013 by Randall

BlueSheepdog Richard and I just got back from the Special Operations Forces Industry Conference (SOFIC) in Tampa.  The conference has a show floor that we attend every year.  This year it was again awash in stealth plane and helicopter mock-ups, mini-guns, tents, rigid inflatable boats, off road vehicles, combat information systems, and sat-com dishes. General photos of the show floor are prohibited to protect the identities of the many Spec Ops personnel in attendance.  I really wanted to get some pictures of all the cool cutting edge hardware, but I respect the operational security of the event. I got to check out some interesting equipment that may be of LE … Continue reading →

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Futuristic Plate Frame from S&S Precision

Posted on July 12, 2012 by Randall

At the SOFIC Show, S&S Precision had their new Plate Frame on display.  It is eye-catching in its high technology look and design.  The Plate Frame itself is a thermally molded polymer that snaps on to the ballistic armor.  The Frame is skeletonized to reduce weight.  Its lattice also provide multiple mounting points. The Plate Frame is manufactured to fit on specific brand and models of armor plates, but S&S Precision plans to provide frames sized for all popular types of armor..  The plates themselves must be environmentally sealed, especially if used in a maritime context, since the frame does not enclose the plate. The harness system of the Plate … Continue reading →

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S & S Precision’s Holster Extender

Posted on June 1, 2012 by Randall

S & S Precision is a product development and manufacturing company in Virginia Beach, VA.  I saw this on their show table at SOFIC.  It is a Holster Extender made for Safariland  patterned holsters utilizing the ALS system.  The actual extender is the aluminum-colored plate you see between the tan holster and black belt loop attachment above. The extender is a simple sliding aluminum base with a large button on the front to let the holster drop into detents at 1.5″ and 3″ below the hip-riding holster position.  The aluminum extender is protected by a special ceramic coating that also subdues the finish.

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ArmorWorks New MOLLE Solution

Posted on May 29, 2012 by Randall

ArmorWorks is a Chandler, AZ company that makes high-tech military armor protection.  While they can up-armor your HMMWV or UH-60 Blackhawk, ArmorWorks also makes personal protective rifle plates and accessories for the soldier. At the SOFIC Show, I met ArmorWorks associate director Alex Gallo.  He showed me some of his company’s latest Modular Plate Carriers, which incorporated an interesting feature:  an alternative to the standard nylon gear mounting system ArmorWorks calls their MOLLE Solution. Gallo explained that common MOdular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment attachments are rows of nylon or canvas-type material sewn in strips across the garment.  The nylon and stitching has limited durability, as abrasion and the weight of the … Continue reading →

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Revision Desert Locust Goggles for Riot Control

Posted on May 23, 2012 by Randall

I had an opportunity to speak with Revision Military sales manager Sean Carey at the Special Operations Forces Industry Conference.  I had previously posted an article about their new Batlskin Modular Head Protection.  Our conversation turned to the upcoming Republican National Convention that will descend upon Tampa in August and Revision’s participation. Sean had a few things to add about his company’s role in crowd control.  He showed us a pair of the Revision Desert Locust Goggles, which he said provide not only ballistic protection, but eye protection against liquids.  Protesters at these large scale events will often try to disrupt police lines and generally antagonize officers by throwing containers … Continue reading →

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Special Operations Forces Industry Conference 2012

Posted on May 22, 2012 by Randall

I just got back from the Special Operations Forces Industry Conference in Tampa, FL.  This was the second year we attended the Exhibit Hall.  There is some cross-over from military operations to police services, especially in the SWAT arena.  Funding for military experimentation often leads to technological developments that trickle down into law enforcement.  While I doubt our TAC van will be sporting a Dillon Aero Titanium Gatling Gun anytime soon, I am always interested in seeing new products for the Warfighter.  You never know when some of these things will be the latest rage for those of us defending the streets. I was particularly pleased to speak to a … Continue reading →

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