The MultiTasker Series 3 multi-tools are starting to arrive at retailers including our friends at TacStrike. The Series 3 has a handful of new features and upgrades versus the previously available Series 2X.
Features include:
CNC billet pliers (D2 tool steel) with replaceable wire cutters
The Tactical Handyman is a big fan of one of Ernest Emerson’s best contributions to the world of tactical knives (that is really saying something, considering he invented the tactical knife) – the Emerson Opener. The Emerson Opener, also known as the “Wave” opener, is a basically a hooked protrusion on the spine of a folding knife’s blade that allows the user to catch the blade on their pocket to open it as the knife is being removed from the pocket. It is a very handy way of opening your knife quickly with just one hand. Every knife should have one!
If your knife doesn’t have an Emerson Opener but it does have a thumb hole, I have good news. You can simply add a cable tie to the hole, trim the left over cable, and viola! You have a dirt cheap “Wave” opener.
Your new cable tie knife opener is easy to use. You can practice pressing it into the fabric of your pocket as you withdraw the knife. It should open the blade with little to no extra effort. The blade will basically deploy automatically with some practice.
If you need to remove your knife without deploying the blade, index the knife in your hand and twist it so the cable tie doesn’t catch your pocket as you remove it. This can actually take more practice than learning to deploy the blade.
There are many different sizes of cable ties available. I prefer smaller ones but larger ties make it easy to open the blade. A knife with a very curved spine will often require a larger cable tie to work well. It is very inexpensive to experiment with different sizes.
This isn’t a Tactical Handyman original. People have been doing this for years. Give it a try!
A real Emerson Opener can be seen on this Spyderco Delica and Endura.
The Emerson Opener catches the pocket…
And deploys the blade as the knife is drawn from the pocket.
The S.O. Tech MACTAC Pack is designed to convert from dual strap backpack carry to single strap backpack carry or briefcase carry. The straps can be be configured to support each of the three different carry methods by the user. The dual strap set up provides stability while the single strap and briefcase configurations allow you to pull the pack around in front of you for easy access to the contents.
The MACTAC Pack features a large 11” x 5.5” x 16” main compartment. There is a rear slash compartment with left and right side access that can be used for CCW. The front pocket is sized to fit a tablet computer. The front of the pack is covered with PALS webbing and there are carry handles on both sides and the top. The pockets are lined with loop Velcro for use with Velcro backed pouches.
S.O. Tech provides some background on the MACTAC Pack:
The Multiple Assault Counter-Terrorism Action Capability pack was designed with elements of LAPD and LASD actions in mind. Allowing carry of terrorism response gear in one kit. In response to the Mumbai Assault of 2008 where multiple civilian centers were targeted simultaneously, LAPD and LASD developed MACTAC to train and equip multiple teams around urban environments to engage attacking terrorists with rifles, plate carriers, and tactical systems deployed from the pack. This pack first carries assault gear, then converts to a satchel for easy draw of ammunition and grenades during the assault phase.
It looks like it could be a good EDC pack even if you aren’t part of a counter-terrorism unit. It is slated for release in June. Check out the MACTAC on SpecOpsTech.com.
I started JTT in part to shine a light on small businesses that are making really, really cool stuff – stuff like the ReVolt. Hardened Power Systems makes ridiculously rugged, portable battery back up systems in various sizes for a variety of applications. They are all pretty slick but I find myself drawn to the ReVolt. It represents a good compromise between size/weight and capacity.
The ReVolt is a NiMH battery bank that is contained in a case made from 1/8″ thick extruded aluminum with 1/2″ thick high density polyethylene end caps. The internal components are potted in epoxy which turns the entire ReVolt into a single solid mass and makes it completely waterproof. If water enters any of the outlets in the ReVolt, it cannot progress into the internal components.
You can charge the ReVolt via a normal electrical outlet with the included AC adapter in less than 3 hours. It can also be charged via your car’s cigarette lighter with an optional adapter or via a solar panel with an optional, custom built solar controller. You can check the charge at any time with the integrated voltmeter.
The battery bank provides 5 amp-hours (at 12 volts) of power, 12 amp-hours at 5 volts (USB), and 15 amp-hours at 4 volts (typical cell phone). To put that in perspective, it means you can charge your smart phone anywhere from 10-25 times depending on the phone. People have jump started lawn tractors and even cars (though there are potential issues with this) with the ReVolt.
All that power is delivered via a cigarette outlet. The ReVolt also comes with an adapter that lets you recharge your electronics via USB. This is a very versatile configuration since most rechargeable smart devices can be recharged via USB and you can even find items like fans and battery chargers that can be powered from USB.
Precision Gunsmithing offers a few modifications for the popular Surefire Fury that make it easier to hold on to and cheaper to feed. They machine a series of grooves around the circumference of the light so that o-rings can be retained in the grooves. This greatly improves the grip on an otherwise slick light.
They can also bore and polish the inside of the light to allow it to accept a rechargeable 18650 battery. In addition to the benefits that come along with being rechargeable, the 18650 gives 15-20% more runtime versus CR123A primary batteries.
These are some very simple and functional modifications for a great light.The o-ring groove service costs $42 for regular guys like me and $35 for LEO and Military members. The price includes shipping and o-rings. If this is your duty light, Precision Gunsmithing can complete the work in as little as 48 hours.
Precision Gunsmithing offers several other modifications for flashlights including machining for tritium locators and pocket clip installation. Check out PrecisionWorks.co.
