Kramer Custom Knives

Posted on June 3, 2013 by Randall

I met Eric Kramer in his Kramer Custom Knives booth at Blade Show 2013 and immediately I liked him.  He is, ahem, a younger guy and active duty U.S. Coast Guard.  Sometimes, I don’t just want to see a knife, I want to see what is in the mind of the man who makes it.  In Eric, I found a thoughtful tactician as a knife maker.

Eric high-hollow grinds beefy 3/16th” S35VN blade stock into shape.  The premium S35VN has a small amount (.5%) of niobium, which gives the stainless steel much-increased toughness and edge holding abilities over S30V, current darling of the knife making world.  Textured G10 handle scales are bolted to the knives with Allen head bolts.

Naturally, Eric makes the custom kydex sheaths for his knives, which mount with tough IWB loops or MALICE clips.  Wilde Built Tactical, an LEO-owned and operated company in San Diego, builds the high quality nylon sheaths for Eric’s blades.  Eric could not say enough good Continue reading →

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Trip to the 2013 Blade Show

Posted on June 1, 2013 by Randall

For the last day and a half, I got to leave my DNA and fingerprints on an evidence room’s inventory of tactical knives at the 2013 Blade Show.  For a knife enthusiast, this is a much more enjoyable time than SHOT Show, where the edged tools’ manufacturers and makers get lost in the retail maelstrom.  The fun here was more in focus.

I saw wayyy more knives than I could write about, but I think I picked out some interesting ones and hammered the shutter button on them.  Please be patient and I will get the articles scribed as soon as I can.  Below is a prototype I was able to handle from a newer company.

Randall

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Blade Show & International Cutlery Fair 2013

Posted on May 30, 2013 by Randall

I’m headed over one state to the 32nd Annual Blade Show & International Cutlery Fair at the Cobb Galleria in Atlanta.  As you may have read, I like sharp thingies.  I’ll keep my eye out for anything new from the Law Enforcement/SWAT/Military point of view.  There will certainly be some products to see.  Be safe.

Randall

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Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 380 Laser Batteries

Posted on May 24, 2013 by Randall

The Insight laser on my Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 380 fizzled out.  I have had the gun for several years now.  I function check the laser periodically, like most of my gear, since the Bodyguard is my often carried back-up gun on duty.  I turned the laser on and it produced a weak light.  Then it shut down entirely.  No problem.  Or so I thought.

I fetched my original S&W box and owner’s manual.  There is a tiny Allen wrench in the blue box.  I mean it is super small hex key.  It is nothing you would normally have on your workbench.  The key is specific to adjusting, and also removing, the Insight laser in the receiver of this gun.

After consulting the manual, I unloaded the firearm, field stripped it, and attacked the laser assembly.  There is a small set screw that holds the laser body down in the forward portion of the receiver.  The screw does not come out, which is nice since you will not lose it.  Run the screw out with the Allen wrench.  When it is sticking up a bit, use the firearm’s takedown lever to Continue reading →

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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 Coating for Corrosion Resistance
  • Desert Tan or Black G-10 Handle Scales
  • Pommel with Lanyard Hole
  • Automatic Opening or Assisted Opening
  • Plunge Lock and Safety Switch
  • Three-Position Pocket Clip Continue reading →
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Combat Flip Flops Vs. K9 Malinois

Posted on May 21, 2013 by Randall

In case you haven’t heard of Combat Flip Flops, here is something from their website:

“The journey began with the 75th Ranger Regiment. Lee and Griff made their first trip to Afghanistan in the Winter of 2003.  After several deployments and reality of a growing families, they separated from the military in 2006 and continued to support troops through other avenues. In 2010, Griff returned to Afghanistan to assist the growing Afghan National Army.  On that trip, he toured an Afghan-owned boot manufacturing plant and saw where a factory worker punched a flip flop thong through a combat boot sole.  The idea was born.

“We started Combat Flip Flops with the mission of supporting a growing Afghan economy. Our goal to manufacture in Afghanistan is anchored in the belief that a strong economy will sustain the gains made over the last decade.

“As international forces withdraw in 2014, the mature Afghan National Army and Police are taking the lead.  Afghans are making the best financial decisions to sustain the army and police created alongside coalition forces. Footwear manufacturers in Kabul depend heavily on military contracts, so 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 and jumped up and down.  My eyes bugged.

The guy showed me how to fold it up and open it again.  Not too difficult.  It made for a fairly compact package–I can only compare it to the beastly “portable ladders” we have on my TAC unit.  They are heavy and irritable.

I hefted the miracle height-maker once more.  The salesman lamented, “If it only had less titanium…”  Whuck?  I asked him, So this whole thing is titanium?  He said,  “Yup.”  OMG, what’s it cost?  He looked ill.  “Ten thousand dollars.”  Holy Budget Busters, Batman!

Alright, so a municipal agency is out of this horse race.  But for the big boys deploying outside of CONUS, I can see some purchases.  I told this story to a fellow sergeant at work who has had his share of military uniformed time he can’t talk about.  He said every ounce matters in the Teams.

I know advanced technology comes with a price tag.  My experience is that the cost falls with time.  And I got to hold a ten thousand dollar ladder.  How cool is that!

Randall

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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 1.90 lbs. without the sheath and 2.25 lbs. with the sheath.

MSRP on this bad boy is $285.00, so expect to find it for 40-50% lower than that.  I’m jazzed that it is Made in Portland, Oregon.

Randall

 

Posted in Knives, SOFIC, SWAT | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Polaris Defense Shows Off Non-Pneumatic Tires for ATV

Posted on May 16, 2013 by Randall

We were walking by the Polaris Defense booth at the SOFIC Show and saw some rebar sticking out of an ATV tire.  Upon closer inspection, the tires were a see-though honeycomb design between the rim and tread that supported the weight of the vehicle.  Polaris calls the tires the NPT for non-pneumatic tire.  They aren’t run-flat, they are never-flat.

The implications of this type of airless design are vast.  Polaris Defense acquired Resilient Technologies, LL, who had been researching and constructing never-flat tires for several years.  According to Polaris, “The NPT is composed of a central polymeric web surrounded by a rubber tread band which allows continuous operation, even if up to 30 percent of the web is damaged.”

“We have tested our NPTs over 5,000 miles with a .50 caliber bullet hole and the performance exceeded expectations.  This capability gives 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 interest, though.  I did get a few pictures.  Some items could be photoed by Press with the specific permission of the vendor and barring any image containing attendees.  I will share what I found out in the next week or so.

Randall

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New CopDots Technology Aids Law Enforcement

Posted on May 13, 2013 by Randall

CopDots™ is a unique method for marking personal property to deter theft and identify stolen items.  Using an applicator pen, the owner marks a piece of property with tiny microdots the size of a grain of sand.  The dots are laser etched with a personal identification number (PIN) that is registered to the owner.  The PIN’s are stored in a secure international database, which is only accessible to law enforcement.

The microdots are affixed with a special adhesive.  The adhesive fluoresces under UV light.  A 30X magnification is required to read the serial number.  As an owner applied number, the PIN can be entered into NCIC/FCIC for later recovery of the stolen property and possible prosecution of the perpetrator(s).  CopDots likens it to DNA information.

CopDots can be discreetly attached to items that normally would be devalued by the addition of identifying features.  These would include works of art, rare books, coins, jewelry, and similar property.

Palm Bay, Fl Police Department has fostered a community relationship with CopDots’ company to Continue reading →

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Mil-Spec Monkey Hoodie RAW

Posted on May 12, 2013 by Randall

Not working it for the camera.

The weather was a bit cool last week when I was in NYC.  I wanted to take something warm to wear that would extend below my waist and cover up the Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 380 and holster I had stashed in my right front pants pocket.  I bought a Mil-Spec Monkey Hoodie RAW last November and it was just right for the trip.

I met The Monkey a few years back at SHOT Show after I had contracted him to make morale patches for BlueSheepdog, and then more for ThinBlueFlorida.  We were very satisfied with his professionalism and his products.  I didn’t get to talk to him this year, but I was impressed with the size of his entourage.

On his website store, I saw this Hoodie.  I liked the design, that it was Made in the USA with quality materials, and carried a low price:  $44.00!  I sent him more of my money.

MSM said the Hoodie runs in the “fitted, athletic look” for sizing.  I wanted it to wear a little loose for concealed carry, both IWB and pocket, so I chose an Continue reading →

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Video of the Shoot Out at a Miami-Dade Narcotics Raid

Posted on May 11, 2013 by Randall

Chilling video of an ambush at a Miami-Dade Police drug raid last July was released Thursday.  Thankfully, the officers prevailed.  Suspect Gerardo Delgado died.  Det. John Saavedra was shot three times, below his ballistic vest, but survived.  Eighty pounds of marijuana and $90,000.00 were found in the house.

Homeowner Luis Estevanell, who is the other suspect seen in the video, was charged with Possession of Cocaine, Trafficking in Marijuana, and Second-Degree Murder.

Situational awareness can save your Applewood Smoked Bacon.  Don’t pass things you haven’t cleared (when humanly possible).  Take decisive action (when necessary).  Stay frosty.

Randall

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Looking for some NYC advice…

Posted on May 7, 2013 by Randall

Hypothetically speaking, if I was in New York City for a few days (which I am), would I be in trouble if I showed up at La Guardia to check my firearm in luggage and had Speer Gold Dot hollow points in a manufacture’s container?

My cousin, who is a Jersey cop, said they got a bulletin telling their guys not to carry hi-cap mags with hollow point bullets into the City, because NYC changed the laws in February to make these mags and bullets illegal with no provisions for LEOSA carry.  I can’t seem to find anything on this online.

Of course this is a purely an intellectual exercise, but I would be curious if anyone knows if the Port Authority Police would try to arrest me at LGA with the aforementioned bad bullets. Maybe someone would have an answer before my flight departs tomorrow!

Randall

Update:  The Port Authority Officer was nice and checked me through without an issue.  I went back and reviewed the LEOSA amendments from 2010, so I felt sure about the HP bullets.  I had two six round mags, so the NY SAFE Act restricting mag capacity to seven wasn’t a concern to me.  I had thought about just giving my ammo to my cousin, but Nah! I was legal.  If I had gotten arrested, it would have just made for another article…

Posted in Concealed Carry, Florida Companies, Misc. | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

Search Incident to Arrest? Not for Cell Phones.

Posted on May 3, 2013 by Randall

You may have heard yesterday that the Florida Supreme Court ruled a police search of a cell phone incident to arrest violates a person’s right to privacy and is therefore illegal.  In Smallwood vs. State (No. SC-11-1130), justices decided 5-2 to eliminate the practice.

In reference to Smallwood vs State, Cedric Tyrone Smallwood was arrested by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office for a convenience store robbery.  Ofc. Ike Brown looked in Smallwood’s cell phone in a search incident to Smallwood’s arrest. Seeing possibly incriminating photographs of Smallwood with a handgun and what looked like the stolen money, packaged as described by the victim clerk, JSO investigators applied for and received a search warrant for the contents of the cell phone.  The photographs obtained via the legal search warrant were shown at trial.

“OFC BROWN: I looked in the phone for two reasons. One, to see if it was the same one he had been calling me from, and to see if, in fact, did he have any pictures or anything that might be evidence to the crime.
PROSECUTOR: In your training and experience with…the Sheriff’s Office, is it unusual for a suspect, any suspect, to take photos or have videos of them that Continue reading →

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