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Direct Action Dragon Egg MKII

Direct Action is showing off their new, updated version of the Dragon Egg Backpack – the Dragon Egg MKII.

Dragon Egg MKII - small

Direct Action gear’s ‘Dragon Egg®’ backpack has been one of the best sellers in the company’s so-called “Legacy Line”.  But never being ones to sit on their laurels, the company recently announced an upgraded version. That upgraded, MKII version is now available for sale in a variety of solid colors and can be purchased today through the company’s US and European / International online store.

The Dragon Egg MKII® is 25+ liter capacity backpack designed to fulfill the needs of an LE or military patrol pack, as well as serving the hunting, hiking or EDC user as well. The pack features two hydration bladder pockets – one in the main compartment and additional in the zipped back part. The rear pocket, thanks to a padded sleeve, can be used for safely carrying a multi-band radio, or a notebook, laptop or tablet PC (up to a 15’’ screen).

The MKII version also features redesigned side pockets that have been enlarged to better accommodate 1L Nalgene bottles. Another change to the side pockets is the removal of the zipper to expand them – they are now equipped with elastic for expansion.

Like all products in the Direct Action portfolio, the Dragon Egg MKII® is made from top-quality components – such as Cordura® fabrics, YKK® zippers, and Duraflex® buckles – and incorporates cutting-edge features like laser-cut PALS compatible panels. The Dragon Egg® also incorporates the patented Combat Vent System® – an innovative ventilation system that provides increased comfort for the user. Made of contoured foam pieces with multiple air channels encased in highly breathable  mesh fabric , the Combat Vent System® keeps the pack off the back.  This enhances air circulation preventing heat build-up and sweating, while the stiff foam ensures comfort and stability.

The Dragon Egg MKII® is available in Adaptive Green, Black, Coyote Brown, Olive Green, Shadow Grey – and is in stock and available to order now at Direct Action’s US / North America online store and at the Europe / International online store.

Comprehensive Fighting Systems ARK

I am not a knife fighting expert. I have just enough training to realize how little I know about the subject. However, that training has lead me to appreciate small knives with features that make them easy to retain – knives like the ARK or Active Response Karambit.

cfs ark

The ARK came about as a result of a collaboration between Chad McBroom of Comprehensive Fighting Systems and knife maker Dirk Pinkerton who is renown for his small knife designs that incorporate finger rings in the grip. Pinkerton knows how to get the most out of small knives like the ARK.

Unlike most karambits, the ARK’s finger ring is not positioned for the index finger. It is located lower on the knife’s grip so it can be accessed by the user’s middle finger. This is a key component to one of the ARK’s main design goals to allow the user to draw and manipulate a handgun while still holding the ARK. This knife is primarly targeted at law enforcement and this feature may not be useful to everyone. While you may not need to draw a sidearm while holding your knife, you will still appreciate the retention that the ring offers.

The ARK features a 2″ blade which keeps it legal in most jurisdictions. The overall length is a compact 5 11/16″ and it’s 1/8″ thick. The 154CM steel is chisel ground to create the hooked blade typical of karambits.

You can check out the ARK at Comprehensive Fighting Systems.

TOPS Knives TAC-Raze

Some knife historians will tell you that the first folding knives were friction folders made by the Romans. I’m sure those were decent knives but I can tell you that they didn’t have TOPS Knives’ differential heat treated 1095 steel blades and grippy G-10 scales with their Cryptic Cyber texture pattern. So… Sorry, Romans. This round goes to TOPS Knives.

tacraze (1)

The TAC-Raze friction folder from TOPS Knives has a lot going for it. As mentioned above, it sports a 1095 steel blade – a steel that TOPS works with extensively and knows how to maximize. It’s black G-10 handle scales feature TOPS Knives’ futuristic Cryptic Cyber texture pattern. The knife comes with a very nice belt sheath which is a huge plus as friction folder users will tell you that pocket carry isn’t always a great idea.

Friction folders, for those who may not know, have no locking mechanism which makes them a great choice in jurisdictions that prohibit locking knives. The knife blade has a tang protrusion that nests into the handle when the blade is open and is held in place by the user’s hand. The knife can not close as long as the knife is being held. This lack of locking mechanism along with their simplicity and a sense of nostalgia has lead to a recent resurgence in the popularity of friction folders.

Check out the TAC-Raze at TOPS Knives.

Knife Type Folding
Overall Length 7.63″
Blade Length 3.25″
Cutting Edge 2.88″
Closed Length 5.75
Blade Thickness 0.130″
Blade Steel 1095 RC 56-58
Blade Finish Tumble Finish
Handle Material Black G10
Handle Style Cryptic Cyber Scales
Knife Weight 2.7oz
Weight w/ Sheath 3.5oz
Sheath Included Yes
Sheath Material Brown Leather
Sheath Clip Belt Loop
Designer Leo Espinoza

 

F.O.R.K. It from TOPS Knives

Setting the table is a lot less complicated with the new F.O.R.K. It from TOPS Knives. It has everything you need to put food into your face all in one single tool.

TOPS Knives FORK IT

This 1095 steel tool features a spork end and a knife end so it has you covered from soup to steak. It also has a built in bottle opener to cover your hydration needs. The F.O.R.K. It comes with a kydex neck sheath that also serves as a handle when you are using the spork end.

Check out the F.O.R.K. It at TOPS Knives.

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