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Review: Vosteed Mink

By on July 10, 2024 in EDC, Knives, Outdoor Gear, Preparedness, Reviews

The Mink is Vosteed’s first fixed blade but, based on the attention to detail, you would think they have been making them for years. Let’s dive in.

Specs

Blade Length: 3.33″ | 83.90 mm

Overall Length: 7.13″ | 181.00 mm

Blade Width: 1.10″ | 27.92 mm

Blade Thickness: 0.118″ | 3.00 mm

Blade Material: Nitro-V

Blade Grind: Flat

Blade Style: Clip Point

Hardness: HRC 60±2

Handle Length: 3.82″ | 97.10 mm

Handle Width: 0.85″ | 21.63 mm

Handle Thickness: 0.46″ | 11.60 mm

Handle Material: Micarta

Weight: 5.12 oz | 145.10 g (Sheath included)

Carry Position: Adjustable Belt Clip

Knife Type: Fixed Blade

Sheath: Kydex

Designer: Yue

Observations from Use

I have been using the Mink as an EDC fixed blade and it excels in that role. Vosteed designed and sized this knife to be well suited to a number of roles from EDC to outdoors. The shallow clip point renders a splinter-pickingly sharp point. The thin blade stock and tall flat grind terminates at a very thin, slicey edge. The handle provides plenty of grip. It has everything you want from an all-around tool.

The pancake-style kydex sheath comes with a small Tek-lok-like clip that works well for basic belt carry or for attaching to a backpack strap. However, I swapped that clip almost immediately for a Ulti-clip Slim 3.3 which allowed me to clip the sheath into my pocket. This setup worked very well. I also tried the Mink in an older leather pocket sheath that I already own and found that to be a VERY comfortable way to carry this knife.

There are three very subtle design elements on the Mink that I think take it to another level and really showcase the attention to detail that went into this design. First, the handle features a choil that works as a guard but does nothing to hinder a variety of grips or impede the user from getting their grip right behind the edge. Second, there is a very slight swedge grind that makes the tip of this knife even more useful. Finally, the addition of a second section of jimping out near the tip of the knife helps give the user tremendous control of that useful tip. It’s very cool to see how Vosteed uses the ergonomics of this knife to enhance the cutting performance.

The use of Nitro-V steel is a great option here. It is plenty tough enough to support the aggressive cutting geometry on this knife, corrosion-resistant enough to shrug off any conditions this knife might find itself in, and also affordable enough to ensure that the Mink is a great value.

There is one thing I would change. I was a little annoyed with the width of the sheath. Vosteed designed a slim, EDC-friendly fixed blade but then saddled it with a wide sheath. I want to be clear, this sheath is not the throw-away garbage that many makers provide with their fixed-blades. It will work for most people. The sheath’s quality is great… it’s just wide. I would love to see them switch to a slimmer, fold-over style sheath for future runs of this knife.

Wrap Up

The Mink is a lot of things. It is an impressive performer with great cutting geometry and the ergonomics to help you get the most out of that cutting geometry. It is a flexible design that can fill various roles from EDC to outdoors. It is an incredible value for these materials and this level of attention to detail.

The Mink is so good that I am very excited to see what Vosteed’s next fixed blade release will be… a fixed blade in the Nightshade line, perhaps? We can dream.

Vosteed.com

Vosteed Store on Amazon.com

Review: Eberlestock Bando Bag XL

By on June 8, 2024 in EDC, Guns, Outdoor Gear, Reviews, Tactical Gear

I recently reviewed the Eberlestock Bando Bag after using it for several months. In that review, I mentioned that I liked it so much that I was looking forward to purchasing the newer Bando Bag XL and spending time with that. Well, I’m glad to say the new Bando Bag XL has been great. In fact, I think this is the one I would recommend for most people.

The Bando Bag XL has basically all the features of the original Bando Bag with the addition of a tourniquet holder (more on this later) and more room. Both of those additions make the XL more useful to me. The layout and organization features are similar otherwise. There is a front slot pocket with zipper closure, a main compartment with zipper closure that also includes an internal mesh organization pocket and two internal slot pockets, and finally the loop-lined quick-access compartment for carrying a firearm.

Every compartment in the Bando Bag XL is larger. The slot pocket can now fit a full size smart phone in a case which is a game changer because it frees up even more space in the main compartment. The main compartment is cavernous enough to carry my packable windshirt/light rain shell. The quick-access compartment can fit a full size handgun including some full size handguns with a light and RDS installed. Eberlestock sized and shaped this bag very well because, as much as it fits, it still does not look like an overly large bag. They nailed it.

The tourniquet (TQ) holder surprised me with how clever it is. It is located directly inside the main compartment and consists of a simple elastic loop affixed to the “top” flap. I have tested it with CATs and my preferred RMT with no issues. It should fit just about anything. The genius of this location is threefold. First, it is straightforward to access – just pull the main zipper. Second, when you lift the top flap, it naturally gets out of the way of everything else you have in the main compartment. Third and finally, the TQ acts like a structural rib that helps the main compartment hold its shape making the bag carry better with a TQ in place.

So, should you go with the Bando Bag or Bando XL? Both are hard to beat in terms of price, especially when they go on sale. The Bando Bag is more affordable and well-suited to carrying subcompact handguns. If your use case is limited to exercise or you will only be carrying something like a G43 or small-frame wheelgun, this could be good for you. However, I think most people would be better served just going with the Bando Bag XL. The size makes everything easier without being too big and the addition of the TQ holder is very handy.

These are currently on sale AND they have an additional coupon savings as of the time of this writing. The result is that they cost less than they did when I wrote the Bando Bag review and a lot less than I paid for both of mine (note: check all the color options, some cost less right now). Check them out: Bando Bag and Bando Bag XL on Amazon.com

Keep Training with Leukotape P

By on May 31, 2024 in Outdoor Gear, Preparedness, Reviews, Survival

Blisters suck. You are faced with quitting your training or a whole lot of pain the moment you start to feel that hotspot developing… unless you have a way to prevent it from becoming a blister in the first place. That’s how I use Leukotape P, to prevent blisters as soon as I can feel that one might be developing.

Leukotape is a thin fabric tape with low stretch and an incredible adhesive that sticks to skin, even sweaty skin, but also peels away fairly easily. It is best used on friction spots where a blister has not yet developed but where you can feel one coming. I also use it preventatively on known problem areas until that area fully heals and toughens.

The adhesive and the thinness of the tape is the real game-changer here – it lets me keep my runs, hikes, or other training going without the annoyance of moleskin coming loose in my boot. Moleskin is probably still a better treatment for areas that have already developed large blisters thanks to the gentler adhesive and additional padding… but I haven’t gotten a serious blister since I started using Leukotape.

Pro Tip: Don’t carry the whole roll around with you. Save your scraps of release paper (from stickers, receipts, return labels, etc.) and store pre-cut sections of Leukotape on those.

This stuff can be a little hard to find in some areas. I have a local drugstore with a better-than-average medical supply section that sometimes has it. Otherwise, I just buy it on Amazon. If you go that Amazon route, watch the pricing because it fluctuates heavily. I paid $7.99 a roll last week and there is usually some discount for buying in bulk. A single roll lasts a long time but I usually buy at least 3 at a time and end up giving this stuff away like candy.

Leukotape P on Amazon.com

Review: Kizer Drop Bear

By on May 26, 2024 in EDC, Knives, Outdoor Gear, Reviews

Some knives go down as all-time classics – knives that never get discontinued, that constantly have new versions being introduced, that never stop being recommended, and never go out of style. Kizer Knives has produced several of these types of knives like their Begleiter series, Sheepdog series, and more recently, the Drop Bear series. This review will take a look at the original Drop Bear version that started it all.

Specs

  • Model Number: V3619C1
  • Overall Length: 7.15″/182mm
  • Designer: Azo
  • Opener: Thumb Stud
  • Blade Style: Drop Point
  • Blade Length: 2.97″/76mm
  • Blade Thickness: 0.11″/2.8mm
  • Blade Material: 154CM
  • Handle Length: 4.17″/106mm
  • Handle Material: Aluminum
  • Pocket Clip: Tip-Up
  • Weight: 3.68oz./104g
  • Color: Black

Observations from Use

The Kizer Drop Bear is a great example of what can happen when a company gets the little things right. There are so many little touches that elevate this knife.

Comfortable, Nuetral Handle – The Drop Bear’s handle shape is comfortable in every way you might want to hold a knife. The ergonomics are subtle in that there are just some gentle curves but they get the job done well without forcing any one grip.

Unique and Useful Blade Shape – The blade shape is unique. At first glance, it looks like a Kephart-esque spear point with a reasonably tall flat grind but when you look closer you see that Kizer has dropped the point down below the midpoint of the blade. The result is something in between a sheepsfoot and a spear point. It’s a great all-around shape and something that I think really steals the show in this design. You get a knife with a tip that is easy to access while also having plenty of belly and a long straight edge for powerful cuts. Kizer also added a GREAT swedge grind to make the tip even more useful without sacrificing strength.

Jimping – Kizer clearly put a lot of thought into making the tip of this knife useable which is why it is so nice that they ran jimping all the way out to the swedge grind. That means you can rest your index finger out near the tip to control it in precise cuts. Details like this matter!

Action – I don’t think anyone gets better action from their crossbar locks than Kizer and that is impressive because this is the knife on which they introduced their version of the lock (Clutch Lock). It is end-user adjustable for tension meaning you can dial it in to your heart’s content but mine came snappy and soooo smooth, right out of the box.

The Drop Bear series is available in several variations now to suite any taste or budget. The version I have with 154CM steel and aluminum scale is the original but it now sits in the middle of the line with options for more high-end blade steel sitting above it in price. More recently, Kizer has also introduced new, more budget-oriented versions with Nitro-V blade steel making this a GREAT time to try something from the Drop Bear series.

Wrap Up

The Drop Bear may be relatively new to the scene but it is already a classic. It isn’t flashy but, if you go looking for them, the details abound. This knife is a true all-arounder that can slide into dress slacks, everyday jeans, or work pants thanks to impressive attention to detail, compact proportions, a strong lock, and a great blade shape.

See the whole Drop Bear series at KizerKnives.com

The Drop Bear series is also available on Amazon with frequent sale pricing: Kizer Drop Bear on Amazon.com

Review: Eberlestock Bando Bag

By on May 2, 2024 in EDC, Guns, Outdoor Gear, Preparedness, Reviews, Survival, Tactical Gear

I walk a lot, hike whenever I can, and run occasionally. I tell you this to justify the fact that I wear a fanny pack regularly… almost daily during some parts of the year. I even like doing it. Please don’t judge me. It is a convenient way for me to carry the items I want to have ready access to when I am outdoors and that includes a firearm.

It has been my experience that you can carry a firearm in almost any fanny pack but not all fanny packs are well suited to it. Access is the key. That is where my Eberlestock Bando Bag comes in. This fanny pack has a dedicated pocket that makes accessing a firearm quick and easy. I have been using it since December of last year.

There are other fanny packs that are suited to carrying vital self-defense items but what sets the Bando Bag apart is its appearance. It looks like any other sporty, outdoor-brand fanny pack and this is what I appreciate about it most. I don’t wear it into town but if I did, it would look like every other fanny pack you see in an outdoorsy area.

The Bando Bag features three compartments. The firearm compartment (5.5″ x 9.5″) is accessed via a full zipper. It can be “torn” open to allow full access by grabbing one of the zippers or hooking your thumb in the gap between the double zippers (my preferred method). It works well. This compartment will just barely fit a G19 (I usually use a G43 or small-frame wheelgun) but the new XL version fits full-sized handguns.

The second compartment is a very generous cargo compartment with organization. There are two small slip pockets and a large mesh zippered compartment with plenty of other loose space for larger items like phones. The third compartment is a zippered stash pocket on the front which is great for small items like chapstick or a lighter.

I have found the Bando Bag to be comfortable to wear and efficiently laid out to allow me to carry anything I would otherwise have knocking around in my pockets. Drawing from concealment is easy with practice. On top of all that, it is significantly less expensive than most similar bags. I like the first one I bought so much that I just ordered the new XL version to try.

Eberlestock.com

As of the time of this writing, the Bando Bag and Bando Bag XL are on sale for 20% off on Amazon (the regular size Bando Bag is less than $40!): Bando Bag and Bando Bag XL on Amazon.com

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