Tyrant Design TDC 002 Folding Knife, by Thomas Christianson

The Tyrant Design T.D.C. 002 Folding Knife has a 2.75-inch Tanto blade that is 0.13 inches thick at the broadest part of the spine. It has a black nitride finish and is made of D2 steel. The blade opens smoothly around a ball bearing pivot point using nicely textured thumb studs. It is secured in the open position by a liner lock. Jimping on the spine of the blade gives better control during delicate cuts. The grip of the handles is enhanced by textured EPDM rubber panels with a decorative chevron pattern. Chevrons on the accent spacer on the back …


TriStar KR22, by Thomas Christianson

The TriStar KR22 rifle has many excellent features. It is well-balanced and feeds smoothly. The synthetic stock is nicely weather resistant. It comes with two magazines. The comb can be adjusted for height, making it easy to get a good cheek weld while using optics. The receiver includes an integrated Picatinny rail. The stock comes with sling studs installed. The barrel is threaded to accept muzzle devices. The magazine-well accepts Ruger BX-series magazines. For me, the KR22 functioned most effectively with a red dot sight. To be useful for pest control, a rifle should be capable of consistently shooting two-inch …


FrogLube Gun Care Products, by Thomas Christianson

I recently tested a number of FrogLube products for effectiveness for firearms cleaning, lubrication, and corrosion resistance. I tested FrogLube Lubricant-Protectant and FrogLube Extreme Lubricant and Preservative for corrosion resistance. I tested FrogLube Super Degreaser and FrogLube Solvent for cleaning. I tested FrogLube Extreme Lubricant and Preservative for its effectiveness as a lubricant. My standard gun care products are kerosene for cleaning and Breakfree CLP for lubrication and corrosion resistance. I found the performance of FrogLube products to be roughly comparable to my standards under temperate conditions. In my limited testing, I felt that FrogLube Extreme Lubricant and Preservative was …


The Go-Kot, by Thomas Cristianson

Handmade in the USA, the Go-Kot was designed by scoutmasters in 1978 in order to provide better cots for their scouts. The Go-Kot is compact. When packed in its 28 x 8 x 3 inch carrying bag, the Go-Kot takes up less room in a trunk or cargo compartment than the typical camping cot. The Go-Kot is rugged. It is constructed of heavy-duty nylon fabric, an aircraft-grade aluminum frame, and spring-steel legs. The Go-Kot is easy to assemble and disassemble. It takes about a minute to take it out of the carrying bag and set up. It takes about another …


Benelli M4 Tactical Shotgun, by Thomas Christianson

The Benelli M4 is the civilian version of the M1014 semi-automatic combat shotgun that was developed for the United States military in 1998 and taken into service in 1999. The M4 or the M1014 is now used by military or law enforcement agencies in Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Georgia, Ireland, Libya, Malaysia, Portugal, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, and the United States, among others. Its unique “auto-regulating gas operated” (ARGO) system uses an elegantly simple arrangement of two pistons that push directly against the bolt. The system allows the shotgun to be used with intermixed rounds of different …


Minuteman Titan Rocket Stove, by Thomas Christianson

The Minuteman Titan Rocket Stove has a shell around the body of the stove that is filled with ceramic fiber insulation. This ensures that a large portion of the heat produced by the stove goes up the chimney to cook whatever is on the grate instead of being randomly dissipated in all directions. Once the stove is hot, this feature greatly accelerates its cooking speed in comparison with a similar uninsulated stove. With a weight of 35 pounds, the Titan is best suited for use at a fixed location or in conjunction with wheeled transport. The Titan is fairly expensive. …


Diamond “Strike-A-Fire” Fire Starters, by Thomas Christianson

Each Diamond “Strike-A-Fire” Fire Starter (SAF stick) is kind of like a giant match which is 5.75 inches long, 1.13 inches wide, and 0.25 inches thick. The shaft of a SAF stick seems to be made out of some sort of pressed wood that is impregnated with a waxy substance. When the match-like head of a SAF stick is struck on the striking strip on the box, it ignites the SAF stick which then burns for approximately 12 minutes. In the process, the SAF stick creates enough heat to effectively ignite most types of kindling. [JWR Adds: The SAF sticks …


Silky KatanaBoy Professional 700, by Thomas Christianson

Chainsaws are wonderful tools for wood cutting. But chainsaws are not perfect. Chainsaws are heavy. Chainsaws are noisy. Chainsaws require supplies of fuel and bar oil. These limitations can be problematic during field use. The Silky KatanaBoy Professional 700 presents an outstanding manual alternative to chainsaws for cutting trees and branches up to 14 inches in diameter. The saw is light and compact, weighing just four pounds and folding to a length of 33 inches. It creates so little noise that hearing protection is not required. It requires no supplies except the muscles of its user. And it uses those …


A Counterfeit “Benchmade Barrage”, by Thomas Christianson

A Cautionary Tale “If something seems too good to be true, then it probably is.” (Modern Proverbial Warning, circa late 20th century). “For fools rush in where angels fear to tread.” (Alexander Pope, circa 1711). One day, when the battery was running low in my scam detector and my gullibility meter was running high, I ordered a new “Benchmade Knives Barrage 583SBK limited edition white” on eBay. The knife eventually proved itself to be a counterfeit. In fact, after examining the postings for other “Benchmade” knives offered for sale on eBay, I have come to the conclusion that most of …


Mantis TitanX 702, by Thomas Christianson

The new Mantis TitanX provides a training pistol that is compatible with both motion-based and laser-based training systems. The MantisX motion-based training system is freely available for iPhone, Android and Kindle devices. It is a sophisticated app that provides an extensive collection of drills and courses. The TitanX pistol is also compatible with the Mantis Laser Academy Kit, which cost $159 at mantisx.com at the time of this writing. As a dry-fire training aid, the TitanX does not expend ammo, can be safely used at home, and provides immediate feedback. In this way, it improves marksmanship while saving both money …


Demko Shark-Cub Knife, by Thomas Christianson

The Demko Shark-Cub AUS10A Slicer Shark is a great knife for everyday carry (EDC). Its 2.5 inch drop-point, saber-ground blade is 0.13 inches thick at the spine and has a stonewashed finish. Deep jimping along a longer-than-average segment near the base of the spine of the blade provides extra control during delicate cuts. A thumb notch makes ambidextrous one-handed deployment simple, while presenting a thinner profile than thumb studs. The glass reinforced nylon (GRN) handle has a canvas-micarta-like finish with contours that fit the index and middle fingers. The scales are reinforced by a steel liner that extends half of …


Fiocchi CovertX 9mm Ammo, by Thomas Christianson

Fiocchi has released a new ammo designed specifically for use in concealed carry handguns. It features an advanced bullet design consisting of a lead-alloy core with pre-cut serrations and a heavy copper jacket that is tuned for controlled expansion across a wide velocity range. It also utilizes a unique powder formulation designed for reduced muzzle flip, low flash signature, and lower recoil in compact and micro-compact handguns. The nickel-plated brass cases resist corrosion and enhance reliable feeding and extraction. The new “CovertX” ammo is currently available in .380 Auto, 9mm Luger, .45 ACP, .38 Special +P, and .357 Magnum. I …


A Knife, A Clip, and a Counterfeit, by Thomas Christianson

The Knife The Kershaw Leek 1660 OL is an outstanding knife for everyday carry (EDC). It has a shaving-sharp, three-inch, hollow-ground, drop-point blade made out of 14C28N stainless steel with a four-inch, anodized-aluminum handle. The spine of the blade is 0.09 inches thick at its widest point. The assisted opening mechanism accelerates the blade decisively into engagement with the liner lock with a satisfying snap when the flipper is activated. A tip lock secures the blade whenever it is important to ensure against accidental opening. The knife is made in the USA, and was on sale for $99.99 at the …


Benjamin M600 Airbow, by Thomas Christianson

The Benjamin M600 Airbow is an outstanding development in the world of archery. It is powerful, accurate, and easy to use. Using pre-charged pneumatic power, it delivers arrows downrange at up to 600 feet per second with 300 foot pounds of energy. With a weight of 6.8 pounds and a length of 33 inches, the M600 delivers these features in a reasonably light and compact package. The M600 is made in the USA with globally sourced components. At the time of this writing, it cost $829.90 at benjaminairguns.com.


LifeStraw Go 22 Ounce Water Bottle, by Thomas Christianson

By combining water purification and storage, the LifeStraw 22 Ounce Water Bottle provides a simple, convenient and practical solution for providing potable water in the field. With the LifeStraw Go, safe, pleasant-tasting drinking water is close at hand. The specific model that I tested is no longer available at LifeStraw.com. A slightly different but similar model cost $32.71 at the time of this writing. Or, if you are fast enough, you might be able to still get the discontinued model at rei.com for $25.73. Replacement filters cost $24.95 at LifeStraw.com. Lifestraw products are manufactured in South Korea, the United States, …