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TOPS Knives Machete .230

By on March 1, 2012 in Knives, Survival

Those of you who have been reading JTT for a while will know that I am a big fan of machetes as general purpose outdoors tools. In my corner of the world a good machete can nearly replace a hatchet and fixed blade knife for most camp chores. This is even true for places that aren’t what you typically picture when you think of machete country.

TOPS Knives just introduced a new machete option that has all the hallmarks of a great tool – the Machete .230. The new machete is a collaboration between TOPS Knives and Joe Flowers who knows more than a thing or two about machetes, the outdoors, and survival skills. Joe is somewhat of a machete apologist and much of my own appreciation for them as a tool, even in North American forests, comes from his influence.

The Machete .230 has several features that set it apart from other high end machetes. One of the most interesting features to me is that this machete is 100% made in the USA. This is extremely uncommon among machetes. Typically, the best quality machetes come out of South America which is no surprise given their prominence there.

The handle also sets the Machete .230 apart. It features micarta handle slabs and a distinct long shape. Micarta is tough stuff that is more than capable of standing up to abuse in the woods. The long handle shape allows the user to choke up on the blade for maximum control for tasks like notching or the user can slide lower on the grip to maximize chopping power. In addition to the handle that allows choking up, the ability of this machete to do detail work is enhanced by the fact that the sharpened edge comes much closer to the handle on the Machete .230 than a typical machete. In skilled hands, this machete can do anything from fine work like creating deadfalls to rough work like splitting wood for a fire.

The handle also features an interesting set of 3 lanyard holes that allows for some unique lanyard configurations. A lanyard is often a good idea on a machete, especially when working around other people. Large sharp knives flying through the air unexpectedly in the presence of polite company is rarely a good thing.

The Machete .230 has a 15 3/4″ long, 1/8″ thick 1095 steel blade. 1095 is a classic machete steel (and an all around great cutlery steel). The much loved US military issue machetes that are manufactured by Ontario Knife Company have long proven 1095’s suitability as a machete steel.

Very few machetes come with serviceable sheaths. The Machete .230 comes with what looks like a more than decent sheath. The sheath offers full coverage for the blade, can be belt worn, and has two pouches so that you can add sharpeners or survival kit items.

The Machete .230 from TOPS Knives is one of the slickest machetes that I have seen in quite some time. I hope to be able to spend some quality time with one soon. Check out the Machete .230 on TOPSKnives.com.

Echo Niner Camera Strap

By on February 29, 2012 in EDC, Tactical Gear

Last time I checked cameras still cost a whole mess of money. For some, their camera is also their livelihood. So why would anyone trust just any old camera strap to keep your camera around your neck? You shouldn’t.

Echo Niner (E9) makes what they call the E9 Camera Strap. If you spend much time around rifles and tactical gear you will recognize many of the materials used in these Camera Straps. They use 1.25″ heavy nylon sling webbing and then line it with rubberized grip enhancing material. There are 2 side release buckles that can be used to release the Camera Strap quickly or to create a shorter hand strap configuration. The E9 Camera Strap can be easily adjusted on the fly by just pulling the strap tail and the attachment points are constructed from MilSpec 5-50 Parachute Cord.

The E9 Camera Strap is built to withstand the rigors of combat photography. It can certainly stand up to a weekend warrior’s family trip to the zoo. Check out the E9 Camera Strap on ENiner.com.

New Minuteman MKII Custom Configurations from UW Gear

By on February 28, 2012 in Guns, Tactical Gear

UW Gear is making some changes to their Minuteman MKII Chest Rigs based on customer feedback, their own experiences, and drive to improve.

The base configuration of the Minuteman MKII has been changed from a 4 magazine set up, to a 3 magazine set up. This change obviously decreases the magazine capacity of the rig by one, but it makes the rig far more trim and compact. This is an especially welcome change for the AK version of the Minuteman MKII. The closer AK-47 mags are to your center line, the easier it is to manipulate the length and distinct curve of the magazines. More than anything else, this change is meant to increase comfort and better fit with the philosophy of simplicity that UW Gear preaches. The 4 mag version will still be available by request.

UW GEAR AK Minuteman MKII in PenCott Badlands

UW Gear is also allowing you to choose the final configuration of your chest rig based on your unique requirements. The amount of MOLLE webbing that is found on each side of the Minuteman MKII can be customized to fit your needs. You can choose 3, 2, or 0 columns of MOLLE webbing. If you need the slickest, trimmest, most compact chest rig that you can get, you can choose to have no MOLLE webbing at all. If you need the ability to mount a typical IFAK pouch, then the 3 column set up will work perfectly. If you just need the ability to mount a couple of compact pouches, then the 2 column rig is just what you need. These are the types of options that you can typically only find at a custom maker and are a big reason why I prefer to shop with smaller makers when I can.

Check out the AK Minuteman MKII and the AR Minuteman MKII on UWGear.com.

Stay tuned for a full review of the Minuteman MKII Chest Rig.

New AK Sling Adapters and Dual Mode Sling

By on February 27, 2012 in Guns, Tactical Gear

Echo Nine Three just expanded their line of first rate AK sling adapters and they have also introduced a clever new sling to go with the adapters.

When it comes to single point slings, the best place that they can be attached to the rifle is right at the rear of the receiver. This will maximize mobility while still allowing the rifle to hang in a muzzle down configuration. This also happens to be a great place to mount your rear sling attachment point for a 2 point sling for basically the same reason – maximum mobility.

Top, Left to Right: V1, V2, V3, V4 Bottom, Left to Right: V5, V5/AMD, V5/MU, V6

There are 4 new sling adapters: V5, V5/AMD, V5/MU, and V6. Each one is designed to work on a different rifle. The V5 is an ambidextrous sling adapter that will work with most underfolders with stamped receivers as well as with AK pistols. The V5/AMD and V5/MU are similar except they are designed to work with AMD rifles or Milled/Yugoslavian rifles respectively. The V6 is reversible and is designed to work with AKs that have milled receivers with fixed stocks. There are enough configurations to cover the vast majority of the AKs that are readily available.

Echo Nine Three Dual Mode Sling (DMS)

The new DMS (Dual Mode Sling) is one of the most clever convertible slings that I have seen in terms of how it transitions from 2 to 1 point configuration. Each end of the sling has an HK style snap hook sewn into place. There is a short lead section just behind the rear sling attachment point that is attached to a unique piece of custom hardware. This custom hardware is the key to the function of the DMS. It is basically a large metal “loop” that you can quickly clip the front attachment point to in order to transition to 1 point mode. It is unique because it is polygonal in shape which allows the sling parts to “lock” into place and lay flat on the wearer’s chest without bunching or rolling.

I have been working with the V1, V2, and V3 sling adapters for some time now and I can say that they are the best rear sling attachment options that are available on the AK. They work exceedingly well and given their simplicity, I have no doubt that these new adapters will work equally as well. The new DMS also looks like a winner. The custom hardware that is used really sets this sling apart.

The Echo93 sling mounts are available from Brownells. You can check out Echo93.com and the Echo Nine Three Facebook page for information.

Stay tuned to JTT for reviews of the V1, V2, and V3 sling adapters and a review of the Dual Mode Sling.

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