Schrade SCHF14 Fixed Blade Knife

Posted on June 25, 2013 by Randall

This striking knife from Schrade (Taylor Brands) is their SCHF14.  When I saw it at Blade Show, I joked to the rep that SCHF must stand for, I dunno, “Sh*t Can Hit the Fan?”  His face told me he was not amused.  Yeah, but I was.

One of my first SWAT knives was a Navy Mk3 knife that weighed at lease 14 ounces with its plastic sheath.  It was a beast and guys quickly shed it from their belts for more manageable cutters.  I think the trend toward smaller blades has continued and this Schrade SCHF14 looked like one I would hang from some tactical nylon.

The thing I really liked about this knife is the blackened stonewash of its 8Cr13 blade.  The look reminds me of a working patina on Continue reading →

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Yesterday

Posted on June 22, 2013 by Randall

Yesterday, my shift responded to what was dispatched as an attempted kidnapping.  A small boy was in the restroom of a supermarket when a male grabbed the boy and made a lewd comment.  The boy fled the restroom.  Because no one in the store was immediately notified and police were told about the incident over 30 minutes later, the suspect was long gone.

Yesterday, when I got home at 2300, I heard about the little girl abducted in Jacksonville. We found out this morning that Cherish Lilly Perrywinkle was murdered by sexual offender Donald James Smith.  Heartbreaking.

Yesterday’s events reminded me why I was a protective, paranoid parent when my kids were little.  Evil will take advantage of our innocence and inattention.

Yesterday, two mothers thought they had all the time in the world with their youngsters. One was wrong.

Randall

 

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Surviving to Twenty-Five Part Three

Posted on June 21, 2013 by Randall

I have spent uncounted hours over the decades, consoling and counseling co-workers with marital troubles.  Why did people come to me? Because I am very happily into Year Nine of my third marriage.  Although it’s none of your goddamn business, I have unfortunately suffered through some of the worst divorce drama that any of my three different lawyers said they had yet encountered.  Yay, I win a prize.

The demands of our work place can induce all manner of strife in our wedded relations.  Shift work, Type A attitudes (yes, us), temptations, and general disillusionment with society can drive a wedge between a cop and his or her spouse.  Once, I remember looking at our K9 plaque on the wall–the one with all the dog and handlers names–the divorce rate was horrendous, with 90% of the guys having at least one divorce.  The winner was five.  He said he was a serial monogamist.

Prequel:  End one relationship before beginning another.  Nothing fuels the rocket of drama faster than allegations of cheating.  If you are having marriage problems, see them to a conclusion, then start again.  Okay, on to divorce…

Lesson One:  Protect yourself.  Divorce is a cruel battleground.  Your enemy will give you no quarter.  This is especially true if kids or substantial assets are involved.  Quickly find a good attorney and heed his/her advice.  A good attorney?  I’d recommend my second ex-wife’s.  She clobbered my inept shyster…and me.  A divorce is a complicated legal matter for Continue reading →

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Zero Motorcycles 2013 Electric Police Models

Posted on June 18, 2013 by Randall

Zero Motorcycles of Santa Cruz, CA has introduced police-specific 2013 electric motorcycles for street and on/off road patrol uses.  This follows two years of testing with local California law enforcement agencies and the London, England police.

I don’t know why I think these electric motorcycles are cool, but I do.  I got to train on some of our big Kawasaki KZ1000’s back in the day, but I’m not a rider and I was never able to go to police motorcycle operator’s school.  Something about not having sidecars for the dog.  Still…

Electric cars for policemen are not currently on my wish list.  When a neighboring jurisdiction got Prius’s for their homicide detectives, we snickered and got F/U’s in return.  Sorry, dudes.  The technology and cost are not quite in line with government purchases and patrol needs.

A salesman once brought over a few Segways with which to mess around–pavement versions and another for off pavement forays.  I think a Segway is a blast to drive, but not while wearing the blue uniform for me, thanks.

Some of the benefits of their electric police motorcycle that are touted by Zero:

  • Maintenance-free powertrain
  • Life of motorcycle power pack
  • Top speed of 95 MPH
  • Maximum 132 miles range on a charge
  • Regenerative braking Continue reading →
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An Officer Down

Posted on June 13, 2013 by Randall

Twenty years ago today, I responded to locate a missing police officer in a neighboring town.  He went to a possible prowler call, but was no longer answering his radio.  I knew the young man.  I had backed him up frequently since his agency had only one officer on duty during the Midnight watch.  We shared some arrests, a bit of chewing tobacco, and some laughs in a few short years.

My K9 partner found the missing officer within minutes of our arrival, but he had been shot by the suspect and had already bled to death.  I was in shock.  But I did my job.  I tracked south and cleared the wooded area east of the buildings.  I remember coordinating the search for the suspect with fellow K9 units and air support.  I briefed our tactical team and eventually took our originating agency report.

Who knew from CISM back then.  The police officers from his agency were recalled from off duty in the middle of the night and I told them what had happened to their co-worker.  It was one of the hardest things I have ever had to do.

The suspect was identified and arrested.  Later, I would stare at him when Continue reading →

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Colonial Knives Tat Cutter–TSA Compliant?

Posted on June 12, 2013 by Randall

At the Blade Show 2013, I had a chance to trade ideas with Steve Paolantonio, the owner of the Colonial Knife Company.  There was a banner at the back of the booth proclaiming:  “Colonial Knives Tat Cutter–TSA Compliant.”  Or words to that effect.  I was curious, since I had just flown in sans sharp objects.

Mr. Paolantonio showed me the little rescue hook.  He said the marketing of the cutter was purely by accident.  Paolantonio said he loves the outdoors and is a rock climber.  To save on weight, he disassembled a Colonial Rescue Hook Auto Tool and hung the steel cutting portion on some ball chain around his neck for clambering about on the vertical faces.

During a sales meeting with a distributor, Paolantonio confessed that the rep was ordering catalog items, when she saw the jewelry on his neck.  She said, “…and I’ll order some of those, too.”  He was puzzled, until he realized she meant the rescue hook he was wearing.  Thus, the Tat Cutter became one of Colonial’s products.

Mr. Paolantonio gave me a Tat Cutter and said to “take it in your carry on when you fly out.”  He stated he had flown with his on a key ring for years and had never had it confiscated at TSA.  You’re on, I said.  (Legal disclaimer:  I am not Continue reading →

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Mission Knives CSP

Posted on June 8, 2013 by Randall

Who better to show prototypes for the Mission Knives CSP (Chance Sanders Professional) than Chance Sanders himself.  Chance is a former DOE SWAT/Marine Corps guy that now specializes in urban and wilderness survival training.  He has joined with Mission knives to produce the CSP.

In designing the knife, Chance said he wanted a strong all around blade for either the city dweller or outdoorsman who wants utility and fighting potential in their knife.  The CSP is made from A2 tool steel that is hardened to 58 on the Rockwell C scale, then black oxide coated.  Contoured G-10 scales are bolted on.  The blade length is 5″.  A MOLLE-compatible Kydex sheath comes with it.  MSRP is $199.00.  The CSP, like all Mission Knives, is Made in the USA.

Of specific concern to Chance, the tip of the knife is differentially ground to produce a steeper edge on the primary bevel for the first 1 1/2″ from the point.  This leaves a lot of steel up front, so that breaking off the tip is nearly impossible, unless you put the CSP in a vise and hit it with a sledge hammer (don’t do that).

Chance has a survival video out on Amazon.com called Surviving Civil Unrest.

Randall

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Ontario Knife Company Wyvern Crash Axe

Posted on June 6, 2013 by Randall

A Wyvern is a two-legged winged mythical beast resembling a dragon.  Wings and claws seem especially appropriate for this U.S.A.F.-inspired tool.

New for 2013 is a military grade axe from the Ontario Knife Company called the Wyvern Crash Axe.  Robb Cass, OKS’s Director of Special Projects, told me that U.S.A.F. Pararescue Jumpers wanted an aircraft breaching and rescue tool for their load-out.  OKC came up with this variation on their SPAX axe that has a couple of tricks up its sleeve.

Okay, we get the curved axe face for cutting.  On the backside of that is a pick for punching holes.  Once an aircraft skin is pierced, the other end of the tool is used like a can opener to scissor through and pry up the aluminum and rivets.

I included the Wyvern in my Blade Show 2013 coverage because, though my Team will likely never tear up an airplane, this axe has possibilities as a rescue tool and as a good general piece of equipment when you are looking for that special tool for the job.  Maybe your Team has responsibilities on the tarmac.  My jurisdiction in airport adjacent.

The Wyvern is made of 5160 carbon spring steel.  It is 18.9″ in overall length and finished in a black epoxy powder coat.  The scales are canvas Micarta.  A nylon sheath is included.  This Made in the USA axe can be found for under $300.00.

Randall

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Fox Knives FX-599 Ultimate Karambit

Posted on June 5, 2013 by Randall

I love karambits.  Their extreme CQB capabilities are powerful when wielded with a knowing hand and mind.  In a clench, karambits’ fight stopping potential is off the charts.  I have a problem, though.  Most karambits don’t fit my hand.  I have small to medium mitts.  I loved the Emerson Combat Karambit I carried for a while, but in the end it was too large in the handle for me.

I met the frenetic Lad Mandiola, Development Manager for TheUltimateKnife.com, hucking his wares at the Fox Knives booth Blade Show 2013 booth.  He was on fire–snapping open his orange karambit trainer and talking at 1.6093 kilometers in a sixtieth of an hour.  He said he was, “Billy Mays without the cocaine!”  Wow.

Lad said he came up with the break-through idea of scaling down the Fox Knives 470/480 series of karambits into a smaller package that would still fit the hands of most users.  Hmmmm.  He demonstrated how Continue reading →

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BladeArt.com Sells Black Site’s Carbon Fiber Chopsticks!

Posted on June 3, 2013 by Randall

Who doesn’t need a chopstick that can withstand 500 degree Fahrenheit temps and about 1.8 million PSI of tensile stresses?  We are talkin’ about eating Pho in the most dangerous places, safely!  I saw these in BladeArt.com‘s showcase.  Black Site‘s weapons-grade chopsticks come with a baked-on food safe proprietary coating.  They are made from 100% solid carbon fiber that is Made and CNC Machined in the USA.

The Hybrid are Black Site’s round cross-section chopsticks that measure 9″ long and taper from 0.3″ to 0.1″ for the last 4.5″ of the stick.  These are $75.00.  Fancy quadrangle (square at the large end) chopsticks are The MIB, which retail for $125.00.  The MIB’s are of the same proportions as The Hybrid.

Bring on the Wasabi, Sriracha, and Ninjas!

Randall

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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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