The Griffin Pocket Tool (GPT) is one of the most recognizable brands of pry bar based EDC pocket tools. Now they are introducing a new tool that departs from the GPT form factor in a subtle but meaningful way. The new Griffin Adventure Tool (GAT) takes the popular GPT form and integrates a low-profile carabiner-style gate.
The carabiner gate adds a lot of flexibility in how the GAT may be carried. It will still work as a pocket tool but now it can also be clipped to your pack or key ring. It also retains many of the features that makes the original GPT so handy like a ruler, bit driver, pry tool, #2 Phillips driver, and 8-10mm hex wrenches. It is available in stainless or titanium.
The GAT was recently launched on Kickstarter and was fully funded within 30 minutes. It reached more than 3.5 times its goal in 24 hours. As of the time of this writing, the campaign has 28 days remaining and the funding goal has been quadrupled.
Resolute Tools is a new company that seeks to bring the aerospace design and manufacturing experience of Resolute Aerospace to EDC tools. That begs the question… what happens when aerospace meets EDC? Intricate machining, function-first design, and material science happen. The X-1 happens.
Overview
The X-1 is a retractable EDC utility knife with a Grade 5 Titanium (6Al-4V) housing with an aluminum-bronze blade slider. It makes use of standard disposable utility blades and offers tool-less blade replacement. It weighs in at just .445 ounce with a blade and is only .125″ thick.
Observations from Use
Have you ever held something in your hand and you could just feel that it was something that was very, very fine? That is the impression that the X-1 gives when you hold it. It feels like something you should be proud to own – like something special.
Minimalism is fine but it seems like Resolute Tools really only looked at minimalism as a starting point. Then, they set about stripping away every extra sliver of material or pretense until they had something beyond minimalist. There are only two monolithic parts (three if you count the blade) which themselves have been reduced to their most simple, lightweight forms.
The attention to detail goes deeper than just the design and extends into the materials. The 6Al-4V titanium material for the housing was chosen for its elastic properties making it well suited for use as an integral spring to tension the detent on the slider. The slider itself makes use of an aluminum bronze bearing alloy that has a low coefficient of friction. It feels almost oily (in a good way) as it slides within the titanium housing.
That minimalism does come at a price. Many similar EDC utility knives have a larger blade carrier that slides inside a much larger housing. This serves to prevent the blade from rubbing on the housing. The X-1 has a much more minimal blade carrier and, unfortunately, it allows the blade to rub against the housing to some extent which will prematurely dull the blade. When I pointed out the dulling issue, Resolute Tools told me this was an intentional design decision to keep the X-1 as small as possible while still retaining the functionality necessary to cut tape on Amazon boxes or other EDC tasks. They also tell me that carbide utility blades will resist dulling better than the typical carbon steel blades. I can confirm that while some dulling does happen pretty much immediately, a working edge capable of opening packages and the like is retained for quite a while.
I would like to describe the experience of carrying the X-1 but there is really nothing to describe. It’s like carrying nothing at all. It’s so thin and so light that you’ll never know its in your pocket. I like carrying it in my jeans coin pocket. The clip is integral to the housing and well designed. It retains the X-1 well and slides onto the pocket easily. It is a joy to carry.
Using the X-1 is just as nice as carrying it. It rests in the hand easily. It opens and closes easily with a satisfying detent action when the blade carrier reaches its limits. You can feel solid stops at both ends of the blade’s travel with a gentle thud as the blade carrier detent drops into place. Every corner is broken to make it feel soft in the hand. Like I said earlier, it feels like something special.
Wrap Up
If the X-1 is what Resolute Tools comes up with for their first entry into the EDC tools market, I can’t wait to see what they’ll do next.
The Resolute X-1 is in its final days on Kickstarter. It on pace to exceed 5 times it’s original funding goal and Resolute Tools is already making them. You can find out more at their campaign page: Resolute X-1 on Kickstarter
Lynx Defense has opened pre-orders for their newest bag, the Concord. This will be their largest range bag, boasting enough space to carry and support multiple pistols.
The Concord is 20″ x 12″ x 10.5″. It is made from 500D Cordura and Magnatuff material throughout. The bag uses metal hardware to attach the shoulder sling.
This bag has a host of pockets and inserts that will allow the shooter to customize the bag to suit their needs. As with all Lynx Defense bags, this one is made in North Carolina, USA. Look for more detail soon.
OC Tactical has made two updates to their facemasks. First, they are now including a disposable PM2.5 filter insert with each mask in addition to the included disposable fiber filter insert. This addition comes with a very slight price increase ($7.00, up from $6.25). Second, the mask is now available in Multicam in addition to the previously available Tiger Stripe and Desert Tiger Stripe options.
I purchased a number of these when they were initially available and I am very pleased with them. The ear bands in particular are extremely comfortable and the ability to insert disposable filter media is a nice feature. I also find them to be quite affordable.
It looks like William Foster has some updated gear (but the same briefcase)! Is the proper way to wear a tie with a chest rig under or over the chest rig?
The new Falling Down Morale Patch is 3″ tall and is made from thick PVC with hook backing.
