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Tactical Innovations Engineering Kydex

Kydex sheaths and holsters have been with us for several years now and for the most part they are similar from one maker to another. Tactical Innovations Engineering’s (TIE) kydex work looks different than most kydex on the market because it is different.

One of the most striking things that you notice about TIE’s kydex is that there are often two different colors of kydex layered over each other. This makes the sheath very visually striking. All of TIE’s kydex designs offer “level 2” retention. Much like a level 2 holster, there is active retention that must be unlocked before the knife can be removed from the sheath. The retention is achieved with an easy to manipulate tab that Kevin, the proprietor of TIE, calls the TIE Lock. It is a very clever design.

TIE has been making kydex for 2 years and they just recently started a new website – TIETactical.com.

Spyderco Dragonfly2 Salt

Spyderco’s newest addition to their Salt line is the Dragonfly2 Salt. The Salt line consists of several Spyderco classics and some knives unique to the Salt line, all of which make use of a “rust proof” steel called H-1. The rust proof properties of H-1 come from its extremely low carbon content and it makes these knives ideal for extreme environments like saltwater.

The rust resistant properties of the Dragonfly2 make it very resistant to the problems that come from a lack of maintenance. That, coupled with the compact size, make the Dragonfly2 a great choice for a knife that will be kept in a small survival kit, car kit, or any other kind of kit that will be carried often, used once in a while, and maintained infrequently.

The Dragonfly2 is one of my favorite small knife designs. It isn’t the smallest design on the market but it very compact without sacrificing ergonomics. It is very ergonomic, much like most Spyderco designs. Features like fine jimping on the finger choil and thumb ramp help lock the Dragonfly2 in your hand (a very nice thing for a knife that may be used around water).

You can read more about the new Spyderco Dragonfly2 Salt at Spyderco’s website.

MOLLE Visor Panel from Zulu Nylon Gear

When ever Zulu Nylon Gear (ZNG) turns out something new, I take note. Joel, the owner/operator of ZNG, always puts a really interesting spin on his designs. The new MOLLE Visor Panel is no exception. There have certainly been other MOLLE panels made to fit on sun visors but, as usual, the one from ZNG is loaded with features that make it unique and functional.

The ZNG MOLLE Visor Panel features a MOLLE panel on one side. This panel is 3 rows tall by 8 columns wide. This is tall enough and wide enough to fit most pouches on the market. Top and bottom row of MOLLE webbing is made from color matched elastic! This allows the user to easily store things like chem lights or pens. There is hook and loop material sewn between the MOLLE webbing rows that allows the user to affix hook and loop backed pouches or patches. That is three different ways to stow gear on the same the MOLLE panel.

If that doesn’t offer enough storage and organization potential for you, then you are in luck. The opposite side of the panel features slash pockets that would be perfect for storing maps, notebooks, a parking garage ticket, or anything else that you can fit. There is also another set of elastic loops that are suitable for storing a flashlight.

Both sides of the MOLLE Visor Panel are accessible because it actually wraps around the sun visor. I guess that if you like to check yourself out in the mirror often this may not be for you. If you aren’t worried about the mirror, this design is really efficient. It expands your storage and organization potential and allows you to store things that other panels might not accommodate.

It adjusts to a wide variety of visors via adjustable hook and loop straps. This would also make it fairly easy to take in and out of the vehicle if you are concerned with theft.

Zulu Nylon Gear continues to impress.

New Products from Mountain Ridge Gear

Mountain Ridge Gear (MRG) has rolled out a ton of cool stuff since I last wrote about them. I’ll highlight a few of them here.

TMP-W Extreme

TMP-W MOLLE

The most notable of the new crop are the 2 new versions of the Tactical Man Purse – Wide (TMP-W) which I previously reviewed. The TMP-W is one of the most impeccably made pieces of nylon gear that I have laid my hands on to date and I have no doubt that these new versions are going to be just as bomb-proof. Both new versions appear identical to the original TMP-W on the outside. It is the inside that sets them apart. The TMP-W Extreme has an interior that is completely covered with hook and loop material which offers the user nearly endless ways to quickly and easily organize the bag. The TMP-W MOLLE has an interior that is lined with MOLLE webbing which also allows a high degree of customization – especially if you already own a stash of MOLLE pouches like I am sure most of you do. The TMP-W has also seen some improvements in the form of available A-TACS camo and a new rubberized bottom panel.

Backpack Straps for the TMP

MRG also has a slick new set of backpack straps for the Tactical Man Purse. They attach to the carry handle of the TMP and allow the weight to be distributed between both shoulders instead of one like you would have with the standard shoulder strap. They also allow easy access to the TMP by simply taking one arm out of the strap and pulling the bag around to your side. These would be ideal to keep packed away inside the bag until you need them. They wouldn’t be my first choice for an overnight trip but they would sure beat having to carry a heavy bag on the single shoulder strap over long distances. This is a very clever idea.

Other new items include the extremely handy Quick Sac organizers in a variety of functional fabrics and the Hanging Pockets which will also work in your Kifaru bags.

Boker Plus CLB MICROCOM

Knife users everywhere should be thankful that the Boker Plus brand has given Chad Los Banos (CLB) a venue to show his knife design prowess. The collaboration of CLB and Boker Plus has resulted in several excellent high value knives, and the new MICROCOM seems to be more of the same.

CLB has stated that the MICROCOM is an homage to Fred Perrin. It is very easy to see the influence. Like many Perrin designs, the MICROCOM features compact dimensions, a chisel ground edge, and a deep finger groove to maximize retention. The Perrin influence is certainly visible if you read between the lines, but even a cursory glance leaves little doubt that this is a CLB design.

The MICROCOM is ground from 440C steel. It features a compact 2″ blade and a 4″ overall length. The scales are skeletonized G10 with a checkered texture. It comes with a Kydex sheath that is set up for neck carry but could easily be adapted to other methods of carry.

This would make a phenomenal EDC fixed blade and last ditch defensive tool. The price is excellent considering all of the the features. I have seen these at various sellers for around $20.

You can read more about the MICROCOM and other CLB designs at the Boker website.

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