KA-BAR Becker BK2 Campanion Survival Knife Review

The KA-BAR Becker series knives are one of the most highly reviewed and sought after survival knives. There is a lot of criticism on the web about just about every knife on the market, but you wont find a lot of that with the KA-BAR Knives. The Becker BK2 Companion is the best survival knife for someone that does not want to carry a lot of weight, is on a budget, and wants full functionality.

Specifications

• Weight: 1.0 lb
• Blade Length: 5 1/4-inch
• Overall Length: 10 1/2-inch
• Shape: Drop Point
• Edge Angle: 20 Degrees
• Steel: 1095 Cro-Van
• Grind: Flat
• Handle Material: Grivory
• Knife Made in USA, Sheath Made in China

Light Weight and Effective

The Becker BK2 Campanion is the best survival knife for someone who wants to carry a light weight blade that has a ton of usability. The full tang, 1/4 inch thick, 5.25" blade is made of 1095 cro-van steel and is the right size for small batoning and chopping chores yet is easy to carry and light weight. The full flat grind of the blade allows it to baton like a champ even though that it is a bit inhibited by the blade size. You wont be batoning huge logs with this knife but it will easily split kindling and medium size logs. The Becker BK2 also excels at dressing game and any other campsite chores.

The Handle Specs

The handle is made of glass filled nylon or otherwise called Grivory, it has a steel pummel on the butt of the knife for any pounding or hammering applications. It has a single lanyard hole at the base which a para cord lanyard or other type of lanyard can be attached.

The Overall Feel

I am very satisfied with the quality of this knife. I’ve had Beckers before and I’ve had Ka-Bars before but this one is my favorite from both the brands. I have total confidence in this knife. It is currently the knife I rely on in my bug-out gear and I would wear it everyday if I had to. This knife is a beast for it’s size. It feels solid and hefty in the hand. To date it has performed flawlessly at any task from slicing to chopping and holds an edge extremely well. A MOLLE attachment would have been nice but you can easily modify the sheath or purchase an SDS MOLLE adaptor from a military surplus dealer.

To buy or get more information about the KA-BAR Becker BK2 Campanion Survival Knife, click the link below.

KA-BAR Becker Campanion Fixed 5.25" Carbon Steel Blade Hunting Knife

All Comments are Welcome and Appreciated.

Knife Review Video of the Week - Ka-Bar TDI Law Enforcement Knife

This week's Knife Review Video of the Week is: Ka-Bar TDI Law Enforcement Knife Demo

KA-BAR TDI Law Enforcement 2.31" Combat Black Serrated Edge Blade

History of KA-BAR

Founding:

What is now known as Ka-bar knives was founded in1897 as Tidioute Cutlery Company. Over the years, it would change names several times, being known as Union Razor Company, Union Cutlery Company, Ka-Bar Cutlery, Inc., and finally as KA-BAR Knives, Inc. The company has changed owners even more times than it has names, and has almost become extinct on more than one occasion. But just like their knives, Ka-bar is tough and has stood the test of time.

The Name:
Ka-bar branded knives were first sold in the 1920's. Where the name Ka-bar came from is not completely certain, but the accepted story is that a trapper wrote the company a letter describing how his gun jammed and he had to use his knife to kill a bear that was attacking him. In his poor English, "kill a bear" apparently looked like "k a bar".The name stuck and has become nearly legendary.


KA-BAR TDI Law Enforcement Knife

The KA-BAR TDI Law Enforcement Knife was designed by John Benner, founder of the Tactical Defense Institute. The TDI Law Enforcement Knife was designed to be used as a "last option" knife. In extreme close quarters encounters where a suspect is attempting to take an officer's handgun, or the officer cannot access the handgun, the TDI Knife is available. Designed as an "off hand" knife that can draws like a pistol, the reversible sheath can be worn on either the right or left side of the officer's pant belt.

The TDI Law Enforcement Knife was designed by an officer with officers in mind. Mr. Benner has trained thousands of law enforcement personnel since founding TDI in 1986. He has developed courses for raid tactics, tactical weapons instructor schools, defensive tactics and knife programs that are currently taught to law enforcement, military and civilian groups.



The KA-BAR TDI Knife is available in many different styles and/or colors. To buy or to get more
information, click the link directly below.

KA-BAR TDI Law Enforcement Knife

To buy or get more information about the KA-BAR TDI Law Enforcement 2.31" Combat Black Serrated Edge Blade Knife, click the link below.

KA-BAR TDI Law Enforcement 2.31" Combat Black Serrated Edge Blade




I will be posting a video which I've chosen as the "Knife Review Video of the Week" every Monday. If you have, or know of a knife review video which would be a good choice for "Knife Review Video of the Week" please send your requests to: swordofodinknifeblog@gmail.com



All Comments are Welcome and Appreciated.

Gerber Bear Grylls Ultimate Survival Knife

Gerber Bear Grylls Survival Series Ultimate Survival Knife

Bear Grylls is a British adventurer, writer and television personality most known for being in the series called Man Vs. Wild, which is all about a man being in the direst situations in the wild and what he has to do to survive it. This show has sparked the inner wild hearts of men all over the world; and today, a Bear Grylls knife is considered as a true sign that a man is truly wild at heart. If you are a fan of Bear as well and you want to get for yourself a Bear Grylls knife. As any fan knows, a survival knife is an essential part of any survival kit! Recently he has teamed up with Gerber to produce perhaps the coolest survival knife on the planet. It's currently available for pre-order and has everything you need to survive like Bear in the wild.

Features include:

• 4.75 inch half serrated blade
  
• Molded rubber grip and knurled striking surface butt cap
• Saw ground back blade
• Integrated fire starter with integrated diamond sharpener
• Key ground-air communication patch
• Emergency micro lanyard whistle

For more information or to buy the Gerber Bear Grylls Survival Series Ultimate Survival Knife, please click the link below.

Gerber Bear Grylls Ultimate Survival Knife 4.8" Combo Blade, Fire Starter, Diamond Sharpener, Nylon Sheath

More Sweet Survival Knives

If you can't wait, or just enjoy shopping for sweet survival knives, then here a few examples of models that you should get your hands on:

Gerber Gator. This is the knife that Bear stuck with for the entire season 2 of Man vs. Wild. This is because of all the knives that he had tried, this was the one that proved to be up to the task of truly being wild at heart. It has the patented Gator grip handles that assures the holder of the knife optimal grip for easier use. The handle is glass-filled nylon which has been chemically bonded, and the blade can withstand and cut through almost anything.

Buck Iceman. This was the Bear Grylls knife used in the Moab Desert and Alaska episode in season 1. This knife is very handy because it easily closes into the handle for easier storage. The blade is partially serrated stainless steel coated in oxide, and the grip is made up of black anodized aluminum steel.

If you truly want to be the adventurer that you feel you are deep down inside, then the perfect knife is surely one thing you must always have by your side. Take heed in Bear's experience and get yourself your very own Bear Grylls knife.

All Comments are Welcome and Appreciated.

Knife Review Video of the Week - Cold Steel Spartan

This week's Knife Review Video of the Week is: Cold Steel Spartan Knife Review.

Cold Steel Spartan Folding Kopis 4-1/2" Blade, Grivory Handles

Cold Steel Spartan Folding Kopis 4-1/2" Blade, Grivory Handles

Cold Steel Spartan Folding Kopis 4-1/2" Blade, Grivory Handles

If you are looking for the biggest, baddest pocket-able folding knife, you have come to the right place.

When I took my Cold Steel Spartan knife out of the package, I remembered thinking "holy crap! This thing is massive." And when I opened it up, I remembered thinking, "holy crap! This thing is scary!"

Cold Steel Spartan Folding Kopis 4-1/2" Blade, Grivory Handles

The blade is made of Japanese AUS 8A stainless steel with a bit of a dull gray finish. The blade is 4-1/2" long and 1-1/2" across it's belly. It is 4mm thick, or a little more than 1/8" thick for the non-metric minded folks (actually 0.157"). The blade is big and thick and sturdy. It tapers to a very sharp point that will push it's way through anything. As I've found with other Cold Steel knives, the blade is extremely sharp. You have to really be attentive when handling this knife to keep from accidentally cutting yourself.

A small rectangular thumb plate is screwed to the top of the blade to make it easy to open. Cold Steel claims you can catch this thumb plate on your pants pocket as you pull the knife out and easily snap the blade open during the extraction. You can flip this thumb plate and flick the knife sharply to pop the blade open, but it takes practice to perfect this. The blade is so big and heavy, you really have to flick your wrist sharply.

The handle is made of "Grivory" (Grivory is a glass-filled nylon similar to Zytel only even more rigid). It is textured nicely for comfortable handling, along with "irregular fluting" for a good feeling grip. It has steel liners inside and is very strong and solid feeling. The cutouts for your hand are really the high point of this grip, in my opinion. My not so dainty hand fits perfectly in the scooped out sections and the feeling of confidence with this grip is incredible. I can't imagine anything causing your hand to slip or move in this grip, whether you're pushing the knife into something or pulling it out.

Cold Steel Spartan Folding Kopis 4-1/2" Blade, Grivory Handles

For personal defense, this knife is awesome. I shudder to think what I could do to another living thing if I were forced to defend myself with this knife. Its sharpness and size would severely damage any adversary. In fact, any reasonably sane mugger would see my Spartan and probably apologize and give me their wallet.
Here's the deal for anyone living in a free state that "allows" its citizens to own what they please. Getting trapped in an office building with glitchy fire doors is far more likely to happen than needing a serious folder in the wilderness. Gone are the days when a sturdy axe was available on every floor, but with something like the Spartan you won't need one. Carrying a fixed blade with comparable strength is simply not possible for most, so for those who aren't all weepy about carrying a few extra OUNCES around, the Spartan might be the way to go.

For more information or to buy the Cold Steel Spartan, please click the link below.

Cold Steel Spartan Folding Kopis 4-1/2" Blade, Grivory Handles



I will be posting a video which I've chosen as the "Knife Review Video of the Week" every Monday. If you have, or know of a knife review video which would be a good choice for "Knife Review Video of the Week" please send your requests to: swordofodinknifeblog@gmail.com




All Comments are Welcome and Appreciated.

American Tomahawk VTAC Lagana Tomahawk Review

This video shows the LaGana Tactical being

run over by a truck without being damaged.

Upon seeing the American Tomahawk VTAC Lagana Tomahawk, I was immediately impressed. I have to say that this tool is 100% designed as a melee weapon.

The head, modeled after Peter Lagana's Vietnam Tomahawk (carried by select forces in the Vietnam War), is drop forged vs cast, and has 5 cutting edges: 2 on the blade and 3 on the spike. The nylon handle is pressed into the head and secured with a hex type bolt at the top. The blade edge is a full 3".. they are advertised at 2.75" but mine has a full 3" blade face. The spike is a little over 3/4" at its widest point.

The nylon handle is oval in shape to better fit the hand and has some raised cross hatching on it for grip, but overall feels a little bit slick to me. With gloves on it is much better, but I think in a bare hand that's a bit sweaty, it might be a bit slippery. I'm thinking about drilling a second hole about half way up the handle and securely wrapping it with 550 cord. The handle has a lanyard hole at the bottom as well.

The Lagana Tomahawk also comes with a well-made nylon sheath that is LBE, LBV, MOLLE, Belt, and Sling compatible.

*The American Tomahawk La Gana Tactical Tomahawk (VTAC) model is now officially issued to all Stryker vehicle teams currently deployed in Iraq. In 2001, the LaGana Tactical Tomahawk ("VTAC") was tested, approved and released for safety within the Multi-Utility-Digging-System (M.U.D.S.), the brainchild of Combat Development, Clothing and Individual Equipment. Later, in preparation for the invasion of Iraq, the VTAC was purchased by, and issued to, units using their own operational funds. Early access to the VTAC was the result of the MUDS program.

The VTAC was issued a National Military Stock Number and classified as "Class 9 rescue kit" as a result of the Rapid Fielding Initiative. Known as the "Modular Entry Tool Set," some Stryker units issued one to every Soldier.

After Action Reports have referenced the tomahawk's use in theatre, and list among the chores accomplished: Non-explosive dynamic entry Extraction/Extrication, obstacle removal, CQB--room clearing, lock/hasp removal, ventilating fuel drums, opening ammo crates, digging fighting positions, personal defensive tactics and I.E.D. salvage and rescue. The versatility of the tomahawk is only limited by your imagination.

Army Ranger units deployed in both Afghanistan and Iraq are also using the tomahawk.

The American Tomahawk Company's "VTAC" ("Vietnam Tactical Tomahawk") is in use by the US Army Stryker Brigade in Afghanistan, the 172nd SBCT Team based at Fort Wainwright, the 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division out of Fort Lewis, a Recon Platoon in the 2-183d CAV (116th IBCT)(OIF 2007-2008) and numerous other soldiers. The VTAC was issued a National Stock Number (4210-01-518-7244) and classified as a “Class 9 rescue kit” as a result of a program called the Rapid Fielding Initiative; it is also included within every Stryker vehicle as the “Modular Entry Tool set”. This design is enjoying something of a renaissance with US soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan. *

* From Wikipedia

For more information or to buy the American Tomahawk VTAC Lagana Tomahawk, click the link below.

American Tomahawk VTAC Lagana Tomahawk

All Comments are Welcome and Appreciated.

SOG Fusion Tactical Tomahawk Review

SOG Fusion Tactical Tomahawk

Sometimes, it’s all about value. Manufactured overseas and based on the Vietnam tomahawk, the SOG Fusion Tactical Tomahawk is an update of the battle ax optimized for breaching operations, excavation, obstacle removal and extraction. The no-frills 420 stainless-steel head is mounted to the fiberglass-reinforced nylon handle with heavy-duty bolts and a steel ferrule for stability. At a little less than 16 inches and 24 ounces, the Fusion ’hawk can get you through some tough spots without breaking the bank. Comes with a nylon sheath.

For more information or to buy the SOG Fusion Tactical Tomahawk, click the link below.

SOG Fusion Tactical Tomahawk





All Comments are Welcome and Appreciated.

Gamo Big Cat 1200 Air Rifle Review

Gamo Big Cat 1200 promotional video

Gamo Big Cat 1200

Gamo is the world leader in top quality performance air rifles and the Gamo Big Cat 1200 Air Rifle is no exception. The low cost and safety of air rifle and airgun shooting and the ability to set up safe outdoor shooting ranges with paper targets, cone pellet traps, moving target system, and rocker target, and knock-down squirrel target has led to the use of airguns for safety and training programs. They offer hours of fun sporting enjoyment and competitive shooting challenge.

The Gamo Big Cat 1200 is no toy. It's spring-piston powered, so it's a single shot that is cocked by a break-barrel mechanism that requires 30 pounds of force. The first time you cock it, you just know that it's gonna have some recoil, and it does, but nothing bad.

You might also guess that the muzzle velocity sizzles, and it does. In fact, the 1200 (.177 caliber only) gets its model number designation from its claimed muzzle velocity of 1200 feet per second.

Gamo claims 1000 fps with its conventional lead pellets and 1200 fps with its high-dollar PBA (Performance Ballistic Alloy) Raptor lead-free pellets.

I chronographed the Gamo ammo coming out the muzzle of the Big Cat, and there is some good news and some bad news. The bad news is that I couldn't get Gamo Big Cat 1200 to come close to 1000 fps with lead pellets; my average was 823 fps, and the best I ever achieved was 918 fps, which is plenty fast enough for most purposes, but nonetheless disappointing with respect to the advertising.

The GOOD news is that the lighter PBA pellets took off like rockets!

Raptor PBA .177 cal

I averaged 1230 fps in my tests, with several shots being north of 1300. My best reading was a scalding 1388 fps, considerably faster than a .38 special, a .45 automatic, or a 9 mm NATO round. This is one fast air gun.

When using lead pellets, the 1200 is a little bit louder than your average air rifle though not enough so to unduly alarm your next-door neighbors. But when you fire off a PBA pellet, you will distinctly hear the loud "crack!" of the projectile shattering the sound barrier (1125 fps) the instant it emerges from the gun. Big difference.


Aside from the rock solid build quality and the high velocity of the PBA pellets, the most attractive thing about this gun may be its price; Gamo's MSRP is a paltry $170. That's about half what I would expect to pay for other comparably equipped springers.


For more information or to buy the Gamo Big Cat 1200 Air Rifle, click the links below.

Gamo Big Cat 1200

Gamo Big Cat 1200 air rifle kit

Gamo Big Cat 1200 with Nitro Piston





All Comments are Welcome and Appreciated.

KA-BAR USMC Fighting Knife Review

Ka-Bar Knives USMC Fighting / Utility Knife w/ Leather Sheath

The KA-BAR is the famous fighting/utility knife used by United States Marines throughout World War II. It's a Big Knife... nearly 12" long with a 7" blade. World War II Marines used it not only for a combat weapon, but for pounding tent stakes, driving nails, opening ration cans, or even digging foxholes... it was one tough, reliable knife and for good reason: The original KA-BAR Company considered it their contribution to the war effort and made it tough enough to survive torturous testing beyond that required by the USMC. They drove it into 6" X 6" timbers and strained the blade back and forth at extreme angles to be sure it wouldn't break when our soldiers needed it. They constantly tested edge retention by cutting through all types of materials. They submitted the leather handles to severe atmospheric and corrosion tests to be sure they would hold up under all conditions of cold, heat or jungle rot. You've heard the multitude of military stories praising this amazing knife and how popular it was with the soldiers? Now you know why!

Except for a short run of commemoratives produced in the '70's, these amazing knives haven't been made since the end of World War II. In 1996, KA-BAR assets were purchased by Alcas corporation. The blueprints and tooling for the KA-BAR USMC Knife were resurrected and now they're back in production. They're a little bit of history you can be proud to own and carry in the field hunting.

These modern production KA-BAR knives are made to the same specifications as the original. Blades are high carbon 1095 steel tempered to HRC 56-58 so they'll hold an edge while maintaining tensile strength. Handles are shaped from oval, stacked leather segments for a comfortable, non-slip grip. Pommels are made from a powdered metal process and hand guards are carbon steel. All of the metal surfaces are finished in powder coat matte black to give corrosion protection and eliminate glare.

Just like the original WWII KA-BAR's, these have 7" blades and measure 11-7/8ths (Almost a foot) long. Each KA-BAR comes with a cowhide sheath like the originals. And, the sheath is embossed with the US Marine Corp Eagle and Globe crest.

For more information or to buy the Ka-Bar USMC Fighting / Utility Knife, click the link below.

Kabar Knives USMC Fighting / Utility Knife w/ Leather Sheath

Ka-Bar Knives USMC Fighting / Utility Knife w/ Leather Sheath

All Comments are Welcome and Appreciated.

Gamo Whisper Air Rifle Review and Accuracy Test

Gamo Whisper Air Rifle Review


Gamo Whisper Accuracy Test

The Gamo Whisper Air Rifle will change the way you think about hunting with airguns! Offering 1200fps with PBA or 1000fps with standard lead, your sure to be ready for the elements. The non-removable noise dampener reduce the noise up to 52%!

Features Gamo Whisper Air Rifle Single Shot - Spring piston Scope Ramp: 11 mm Scope: 3-9x40 Weight: 5.28 lbs Length: 43.5’’ Manual Trigger safety Trigger Pull: 3.74 lbs Cocking effort:30 lbs Barrel Lenght: 18 in Velocity: 1200 fps with PBA, 1000 fps with Lead Break Barrel: Single Cocking System Automatic Cocking Safety system Barrel: Fluted Polymer Bull barrel Non-removable noise dampener (with up to 52% reduction) Cocking Effort: 30 lbs Trigger: Second Stage adjustable Stock: Tough All Weather molded Synthetic Butt Plate: Ventilated rubber pad for recoil absorption Cheekpiece: Thin cheekpad molded on each side Checkering: Non-Slip texture design on grip and forearm Fiber optic front sight with sight guard Fiber optic adjustable rear sight

For more information or to buy the Gamo Whisper Air Rifle click the links below. Gamo Whisper Gamo Whisper Deluxe Gamo Whisper Royal Gamo Whisper VH Combo Gamo Whisper with Nitro Piston Gamo Whisper Royal with Nitro Piston Gamo Whisper Deluxe with Nitro Piston Gamo Whisper VH with Nitro Piston

All Comments are Welcome and Appreciated.