The new Beez Combat Systems EDC Belt is now available and it doesn’t look much like other EDC thanks to its unique design and materials. The belt combines the proven AustriAlpin Cobra buckle with a slick laser-cut laminate and webbing combination belt.
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BCS claims that these materials and this design, “provides the right amount of rigidity, proper belt width dimension and loop attachment area. This combined with the adjustment mechanisms creates an amazingly strong support.”
Valhalla Tactical has let the cat out of the bag on a very interesting new weapon mounted light switch that they are developing. The switch functions like a typical tailcap in that it can be depressed but it can also be activated from almost any direction like a joystick.
The following quote was taken from their Instagram feed where there is a lot of additional information and video of the new switch:
Reinventing remote tape switches!!?
Technically this is more of a clicky on steroid, but it was designed to function as a tape switches / pressure pads without their typical issues. Fundamentally, it works like a joy stick: no matter what direction you push, it will activate the light. So it has the same sensitivity and ease of use of a tape switch, but without the cable management headache.
It is also far more future proof then current tape switches. Most tape switches today can only handle around ~2 Amps of current; in fact many tail caps are only rated for 3 Amps. That translates to ~1,600 to maximum 2,000 lumen of light output – and they become the bottleneck when developing more powerful lights. Instead, this switch is rated for *10 Amps* and can easily handle 5,000+ lumen light heads in the future.
This switch is also ambi-friendly as you can activate it with both hands, regardless of which side you mount the light. Your thumb or arch naturally rest by the switch, and a very simple nudge from any direction will activate it.
Oh it is also FAR cheaper than the cost of replacement tail caps + remote tape switch.
It does, however, have the same drawback of a tape switch (and possibly more so due to the much higher sensitivity) – if you have not trained well, accidental activation can happen. So if you are airsoft ninja’ing, this switch might not be for you. Also just like pressure pads, you need to quarter-turn the tail cap to deactivate the switch for transportation. It could turn itself on inside a soft case, just like some pressure pads will.
So who is this for? We think if you want a simple, self-contained MLOK light that has all the benefit and ease of use of a pressure pad, this is for you. Also as a bedside gun or any high-stress situation where you NEED the light to turn on without thinking about it. I can’t tell you how many times we’ve seen people fumble and can’t find their clicky during simple trainings. Now substitute that with a home invasion. The time you spent finding your recessed clicky could mean life and death.
Four Oaks, NC – Lynx Defense will release its newest backpack product, The Policy, on January 6, 2022. The Policy is designed to conceal backpack carry sub guns discreetly and comfortably in nearly any backpack.
“At Lynx Defense, we are always working to provide products that fill a hole in the market and with the Policy, we feel we have created the ultimate gray man carry solution” said Michael Savage, founder and CEO of Lynx Defense. “The idea behind The Policy is that it’s your insurance policy for when everything goes wrong. The Policy allows you have your PCC or folding AR in your everyday backpack ready to go but concealed from everyone”.
The Policy is an everyday carry bag insert to help keep your PDW, folding brace AR, or other small backpack carryable weapon secure and in place. The Policy was designed to separate your gun from the rest of the contents of your backpack so you can quickly and easily get to it if you need to.
The concept of The Policy is extremely simple it allows you to carry your sub gun using your existing backpack to discreetly carry while still maintaining organization and keeping your gun within arms reach in the event you need it.
The Policy is made in North Carolina using durable materials to protect your gear while it is your backpack. We also utilize 1/2″ foam to keep your gun protected and away from the other contents of the bag. As with all of its products, Lynx Defense offers a lifetime manufacturer’s warranty on The Policy.For more information on The Policy and other Lynx Defense products, visit www.lynxdefense.com.
I carry a fixed blade knife daily – usually an Amtac Blades Northman or Magnus. Those knives can be a little out of place in some settings. This is why I like the idea of the Public Knife and I am always on the lookout for truly great small knives. I think I landed on one, maybe the best one, in the Civivi Knives Baby Banter.
Overview
The Baby Banter was designed by Ben Peterson of internet knife guy and all-around nice guy fame. It is made in China by Civivi with their typical attention to detail and excellent quality.
Blade Length: 2.4″ (61 mm)
Overall Length: 5.5″ (139.7 mm)
Closed Length: 3.1″ (78.7 mm)
Weight: 1.99 oz (56.48 g)
Blade Steel: Nitro V (59 – 61 HRC)
Blade Shape: Drop point
Blade Grind: Flat
Lock Type: Liner Lock
Pocket Clip: deep carry, right/left hand, tip up, stainless steel
Thumbstud: Titanium
Handle material: G10
Observations from Use
My time with this knife has been a lot of fun. I initially purchased the blue G-10 version and carried it for about 2 months. During that time, my 12-year-old frequently made it known that she wanted one just like it. So, I bought myself the purple version and put the blue one in her stocking for Christmas. So, its safe to say I, or we, love this knife.
I don’t want to get bogged down in all the knife nerd details so I will focus instead on what makes this knife a joy to use. One of the more important features in this vein is the finger choil. I typically do not like large choils except on a small knife like this because a well-executed finger choil can create a knife that is both very compact but still provide a full grip. The choil is key to making the Baby Banter small enough for 5th pocket carry and large enough to do real work.
Ben Peterson and Civivi obviously didn’t forget that knives are supposed to cut things because the little Nitro-V steel blade in the Baby Banter cuts like a laser. It has all three of the holy trinity of cutting attributes – thin blade stock, a tall primary grind, and it is thin behind the edge. These knives are laser-sharp out of the box and it is easy to keep them that way thanks to excellent cutting geometry.
The action on these little knives is excellent out of the box and only gets better with time. This shouldn’t come as a surprise if you have handled other Civivi knives. Civivi nailed the detent tension and ball bearing pivot on these, making them a joy to flick open.
The pocket clip is also excellent. It carries deep and offers great retention. It also has a very flat design that you barely notice when you are actually cutting.
Overall, the Baby Banter feels very good in my hand thanks to the well-designed choil. It is more hand-filling than you would ever expect from a knife this small. It is comfortable to use… but I could have been just a bit better. The butt of the knife is somewhat square and in some grips, this portion of the knife is against the palm of the user. This design is visually attractive and consistent with the design language of the larger We Knives Banter but a bit more gradual rounding here could make the knife more comfortable overall. In the end, this is a small nit-pick since the knife is very ergonomic as is.
Wrap Up
I’ll go out on a limb and say the Baby Banter is currently the best “little big knife” on the market.
It does a fine job of balancing quality with value, compact size with hand filling performance, and stylish design with ergonomics. It’s fun to fidget with, fun to cut with, and even fun to look at. At less than $60 shipped, this is a winner.
I received a Vulpes Training Mini Native Trainer for Christmas and I love it. It really captures my imagination and it is, frankly, just cool. Chances are, they make something that will capture your imagination as well or maybe something that you need to add to your training rotation.
Mini Native “Trainer”
Vulpes Training handmakes a variety of trainers for edged weapon training. These trainers have more realistic handling and weight than many other lighter trainers. They also make several items like their Native line (Micro, Mini, and Large) which are actually impact weapons. These items are hand cut and ground from 3/4″ thick polymer making them nearly indestructible.
If they don’t have what you are looking for, they may be able to work with you on a custom project. I find that they are actually surprisingly reasonably priced given the quality and handmade mature of these items.
