The EDC Tool Roll is a feature on Jerking the Trigger in which we profile various everyday carry worthy tools. The tools shown aren’t multi-tools but rather real tools, that by virtue of their compact size, light weight, usefulness, or unique functionality, can find a place in any range kit, emergency kit, or everyday carry bag.
Feel free to comment on the tools that you carry so we can all learn! The discussion on these posts has been very valuable so far.
If you have been following The EDC Tool Roll for a while, you’ll know that I am a big fan of the Knipex Pliers Wrench. They might be my favorite tool. I’ve used the 5″ version as part of my EDC and range bag toolkit for years. Several months ago, I picked up the new 4″ version for testing as well. Since that time, the 86 04 100 Pliers Wrench has lived in my fifth pocket.
The new 4″ version is focused on the EDC market much like the 4″ version of the Cobra Pliers that Knipex rolled out earlier. They offer several key differences from their larger counterparts in addition to their smaller size. They lack the iconic red rubber grips on the handle which makes taking them in and out of a pocket easier. They also have slightly slimmer jaws and a sliding mechanism that does not require a button press to adjust the opening of the jaws. All of these changes are well-suited for a smaller overall tool meant to be easy to carry.
Speaking of adjusting the opening of the jaws… Like all other Pliers Wrench iterations, these things offer a massive range of adjustment allowing them to be used on larger fasteners than you might expect – up to a 3/4″ nut comfortably (or even just a bit larger if you push your luck).
Size and features aside, these are basically as functional as their larger counterparts. They offer a tight grip on the fastener that only gets tighter as you pull the tool through the arc of its motion. The faux ratcheting effect that makes these so darn handy is also intact making these a reasonable replacement for a ratchet set in some cases.
At this point, you may be wondering what you are giving up with this new smaller version. They definitely lack a bit of leverage compared to larger versions and the checkered handle, while grippy, is not as comfortable to use as the red rubber-dipped larger variants. For those reasons, I definitely prefer this in a pocket-carry role. If you are going to carry them in an EDC Bag or Range Bag, go with the 5″ version.
Where to Buy:
I don’t have a source for Knipex Tools locally (and probably never will) so I buy all of mine online, usually from Amazon: Knipex Pliers Wrench 86 04 100 on Amazon
The Northman’s spear point blade tapers to a very acute point, has a high flat grind, and a sharp 90 degree spine for striking a ferro rod. It features textured G-10 handle slabs. While the handle slabs are flat, the handle itself is heavily contoured featuring a deep first finger groove and a large punyo.
The knife is delivered as a package that includes the Northman knife, the Pocket FireSheath, a storage sheath, and an aluminum trainer version of the Northman that fits all the same sheaths.
Observations from Use
I want to start my observations with the Northman with some thoughts about the uniqueness of this knife because a lot of the rest of my thoughts will start from this foundation. The Northman is one of the most unique knives on the market in my opinion. I don’t mean from the standpoint of the design or the actual knife, though it is unique in that way. I mean it is unique in capability and the completeness of the entire package.
Belt version and Pocket version of FireSheath (Pocket version included)
There are other defensive or EDC or outdoor-oriented fixed blades on the market, but few that move so effortlessly through all three spaces. There are few (maybe none) knives that have so complete of a sheath eco-system available directly from the maker. I don’t know of another maker that includes a storage sheath that promotes mindfulness in preventing training accidents. The Northman is actually more than just the knife itself and it is unique. This sounds cliche but much of what I just mentioned is the key to what makes this knife truly useful.
I use my Northman a lot of different ways. This is made possible thanks to the variety of available sheaths and the useful blade shape. The knife’s compact dimensions and easy pocket-carry make it a fine EDC fixed blade. It is easy to carry and easy to access when using the included Pocket FireSheath. The useful point and long, slightly curved cutting edge is useful for a wide variety of mundane tasks.
The Northman works great in places a normal fixed blade wouldn’t like in a bee suit.Carpentry? Check!
The Pocket FireSheath is also excellent for outdoor use as it allows you to place the knife out of the way of a pack hip-belt and keeps it accessible while wearing a pack. While Amtac Blades offers a number of sheaths for this knife, the FireSheaths (Belt and Pocket) are particularly well-suited to outdoor use with their integrated ferro rod. Carrying a Northman in a FireSheath means you are never without a fire starter which I find handy.
As a support to a concealed handgun, I prefer to carry the Northman on my belt using the Belt FireSheath that I purchased seperately. The Northman manages to pack a lot of blade length into compact package and it is very comfortable to carry on the belt either near the wearer’s centerline or pushed out toward the non-dominant side hip.
Some words on the sheaths available for the Northman: There are 5 of them and all are completely ambidextrous meaning the knife can be inserted either way. All but the storage sheath (included) make use of Discreet Carry Concepts (DCC) clips which is a very good thing. This ecosystem of available sheaths does a lot to drive the usefulness of the Northman. The knife comes with the Pocket FireSheath – a sheath with a long DCC clip meant to sit the knife deep in your front pants pockets with the punyo exposed for an easy draw. The Belt FireSheath, Minimalist Belt Sheath, and Deep Concealment Sheath are all belt sheaths with various capabilities that can be purchased as accessories.
Northman shown with both versions of the FireSheath
The inclusion of a storage sheath is particularly interesting to me and I think it speaks to the fact that this knife is sold by a man, Bill Rapier, who trains people to use them. The training sheath gives you a place to store your live blade while training with the training drone. This is so clever. It requires purposeful action to prepare for training. The trainee must place the live blade into the storage sheath and then place the drone into their sheath before training can begin. This mindful action, like the safety on a gun, can help prevent training accidents.
The handle of the Northman works for me and my hands (medium or large glove size depending on brand). The handle is very compact and might feel a little cramped in a basic hammer grip for very large hands but, for me, this is the feeling of being locked into a handle. This handle, with its deep first finger groove and punyo, sort of grips you while you grip it. I find it especially comfortable in a reverse grip with the edge out. The handle does allow for a variety of grips despite the heavily contoured shape.
Shown with my hand for scale
The handle does allow you to get very close to the edge. Some users will love this for the fine control it allows and some will worry about it. As mentioned above, this grip locks you in. I have never had an issue with this even when striking hard surfaces with the drone.
Finally, because I know it will come up, this knife is not inexpensive at $450… but it is a good value. If you spend much time looking at knives, you’ll know that knives with premium stainless steel and textured G-10 handles aren’t cheap to begin with. You’ll also know that sheaths with centerline mounted DCC clips aren’t cheap. You’ll know that 1 to 1 replica aluminum training knives aren’t cheap. You’ll also know that sheaths like those described above with an integral ferro rod and training knives so precisely made that they fit the same sheath as the live blade aren’t just expensive, they are just about non-existent. There is value for money here.
Always up for adventure
Wrap Up
The Amtac Blades Northman reminds me of the venerable, long-serving AR-15. Follow me here. The AR-15 itself is useful because it is versatile and easy to live with much like the Northman. AR-15s become more specialized and useful in more specific roles thanks to a plethora of available optics and the ease of mounting them – much like the plethora of sheaths for the Northman.
What I am trying to say is the Northman has inherent usefulness built into the knife itself which is enhanced by the completeness of ecosystem that Amtac Blades has built around it. This is unique and useful in a way that I don’t think is matched anywhere else. This is a tremendous knife.
I’ve been carrying a bandana or handkerchief in my back pocket for years. They are such an indispensable item for me that I am tempted to put this in The EDC Tool Roll series. I can dry my hands when the restroom is out of paper towels, wipe my brow, blow my nose, keep sun off my neck, keep my phone’s screen dry when playing Pokemon Go with the kids in the rain, and so on.
I used to just buy whatever was hanging on a peg at the local big box store. Those cheap bandanas would shrink badly, bleed color when washed, and often they seemed to just flat refuse to absorb anything. Fortunately, a local clothing shop near me carries Hav-A-Hank brand and I was able to give them a try.
These are better than any bandana I’ve had before. First, they are made in the USA which you won’t find in any discount big box store. Second, the cotton they use is more crisp and absorbant which I really like. The size is great at 22″ square, they well for back pocket carry, and they do not seem to shrink as much as cheap bandanas. These are just better than anything else I have tried.
I am able to find them locally for $1.25 each. If you can’t find them locally, they can be found in bulk at retailers like Amazon: Hav-A-Hank on Amazon.com (affiliate link).
The EDC Tool Roll is a feature on Jerking the Trigger in which we profile various everyday carry worthy tools. The tools shown aren’t multi-tools but rather real tools, that by virtue of their compact size, light weight, usefulness, or unique functionality, can find a place in any range kit, emergency kit, or everyday carry bag.
Feel free to comment on the tools that you carry so we can all learn! The discussion on these posts has been very valuable so far.
This little bit driver/socket combination tool is sold under a variety of names like Alltrade and Powerbuilt. At $10-12, it also happens to be one of the biggest bargains in history of The EDC Tool Roll.
As far as I can tell, this tool has one of those crazy names meant more to maximize keywords more than roll off the tongue. So, I will refer to it as the Alltrade or just the ratchet.
The Alltrade doesn’t look that different from a standard 1/4″ drive, stubby ratchet unless you pay careful attention to the lever side which contains a surprise addition – a 1/4″ bit holder. That’s right. The Alltrade can accept 1/4″ sockets on one side and standard 1/4″ shank driver bits on the other.
It is reversible via a lever and sports a reasonably fine 72 tooth mechanism. The surface finish on the chrome vanadium steel, chrome, and knurling are also surprisingly well done for the price. It fits well in the hand and, more importantly for The EDC Tool Roll, fits well in a pocket-sized tool roll.
The Alltrade becomes even more useful if you carry it with a 1/4″ shank bit extension which you probably already have laying around. It really functions best as a driver if you can treat it more like a t-handle driver by using an extension. The amount of functionality that this tool packs into a small space and a small price is really impressive.
While this does fit in a pocket tool kit, it should be noted that it is a bit chunky and heavy compared to some options. Something like the VIM Tools or Prestacyle ratchets that we have covered in the past can do the same thing with less weight but they might not fill the hand as well as this Alltrade offering and they cost more. The bottom line here is that the Alltrade is a bargain and it is something I use a lot.
Where to Buy:
I don’t think you will find these locally. Alltrade/Powerbuilt seems to be one of those Amazon-only brands that proliferate that retail giant. SO, if you are interested, Amazon is probably your only option: Alltrade/Powerbuilt Ratchet & Driver
I’ve been wearing a Harry’s Holsters Singleton since April of 2020. When I first started wearing it, it was with the intention of completing a review. Sometime around 4 months in… I realized I was wearing it by choice. I have other holsters for the G-17 I carry in the Singleton but they have been gathering dust.
Overview
The Singleton is a compact kydex IWB holster that serves as a sort of modular base for building your ideal holster. At its core, it is a kydex body that is made of two sections held together with eyelets near the trigger guard only leaving the sight track essentially open to allow a variety of sighting options. It also comes with the excellent Discreet Carry Concepts Monoblock Clip for 1.5″ belts.
The Singleton can also accept a number of accessories that can be purchased a la carte. This includes a neoprene wedge kit and the Dark Wing. It is also compatible with most other quality wings if you want to source your own.
This holster is completely ambidextrous, allowing the user to easily swap the Monoblock clip to either side for left or right side use.
Observations from Use
I purchased my Singleton for a Glock 17 and added all the optional accessories. Harry’s Holsters also included a clever prototype wing for me to check out that I may write more about in a future article.
In my time with the Singleton, I have used it for both regular IWB and AIWB carry. I initially set it up with just the Monoblock Clip for use as an IWB holster just behind the point of my hip. I found it to be comfortable in this role in large part due to the very compact size.
After that experiment, I began experimenting with a configuration that would work for my preferred AIWB carry position. This involved testing both the prototype wing, the Dark Wing, and various wedge setups with the Harry’s Holsters wedge kit. I found that both wings worked well and that I preferred to use them with a wedge pad. I added thread-locker to the hardware and this configuration is how I’ve worn it since the end of May.
The holster body itself is very compact and clever in its construction. It provides full coverage for the handgun including protection for the magazine release. It is made of two halves that are only joined by the trigger guard like you might find in a “minimalist” style holster. If you know kydex, you know the trigger guard is typically where a holster interfaces with gun that it holds providing the retention. By joining the halves near the retention point, Harry’s Holsters has created a holster that can provide consistent retention and a near infinitely accommodating sight track that is still very compact. It also provides plenty of clearance for most optics. It’s a clever design that works.
The holster body is set up for the Monoblock Clip. It is easy to use, easy to don and doff, and will never come off your belt until you intend. This clip setup allows for quite a bit of cant adjustment (20 degrees) right at the clip and can even be carried without a belt. Discreet Carry Concepts clips are game changers.
The wedge kit that is offered as an option works well for me. It includes everything you need including two different sized wedges so you can tailor how the Singleton carries to your preference. Harry’s Holsters warns that the wedge kit may be too small for the full sized holsters but I found it to be perfect. If you are planning on using this holster for AIWB carry, I recommend it. You can probably skip it for IWB carry nearer to the hip.
The Dark Wing is a great holster wing. It does a great job of turning the butt of the gun in toward the wearer which I find to be a must-have for AIWB carry. If you want to source your own wing, the eyelet spacing is industry standard and will fit pretty much any wing worth having.
The Singleton conceals very well in a variety of carry methods and it exhibits very good quality – crisp molding, excellent blocking to ensure a smooth draw and positive retention, and well-finished edges. The retention level is set perfectly from Harry’s Holsters with no need to adjust.
If I could change something, I would ask Harry’s Holsters to lean even further into their compact design and reduce the flared portion of the holster that protects the wearer from the sights. This area seems like it could be much more compact which would further reduce the footprint of this already compact holster. The good news is they have already done this. The Singleton Gen 3 holster body reduces this area significantly.
Wrap Up
The Singleton is a compact holster that is designed with flexibility in mind. It’s affordable and is designed to accept a host of proven accessories that let the holster grow or adapt with you. It’s the holster I choose to wear.
