KNIVES INTERNATIONAL REVIEW # 2015 06 by KIR

N°6/69 2015

INTERNATIONAL KNIVES REVIEW

THE MAGAZINE OF EXCELLENCE IN KNIVES AND BLADES

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IN THIS ISSUE CRKT Cobia Wander Tactical Dimorphodon, Megalodon 1.0 Tryceratops and Lynx Oberland Imwoid Sepp Leatherman Mut Oed, Raptor, Oht and Rev

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KNIVES INTERNATIONAL REVIEW N. 6/69 - 2015

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Editorial Director Roberto Canali IN T

Managing Director Filippo Camperio

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Cover: CRKT Cobia

Chief Administrative Officer Silvia Cei

SUE CRKT Cobia Wan der Ta ctical Dimor phod on Tryc eratop , Megal odon s and Ober 1.0 land Lynx Imwoi d Se pp Leathe rman Mut Oed, Rapt or, Oh t and Rev

Editorial Staff Massimiliano Duca (redazione2@caffeditrice.it), Gianluigi Guiotto (coltelli@caffeditrice.it) Graphic Designers Jessica Licata, M-House Ed. di Luca Morselli Studio grafico Stefano Oriani English Version IT-wire srl (info@it-wire.com) Tommaso Rumici (zatodesign@gmail.com) Contributors Gianni Daffara, Alfredo Doricchi, Fabio Ferrari, Vincenzo Goffredo, Tommaso Rumici, Vincenzo Tumbiolo, Luigi “Sator” Tumolo, Giuseppe Vernocchi, Marco Dell’Acqua, Marta Cammilletti, Giorgio Alessandri, Francesco Pascoli, Francesco Pachì, Roberto Allara, Mauro Maggi International Advertising Luca Gallina +39 347 26 86 288 vendite3@caffeditrice.it Italian Advertising Paolo Maggiorelli +39 349 4 33 69 33 vendite1@caffeditrice.it Published by C.A.F.F. Editrice via Sabatelli, 1 - 20154 Milano tel. +39 02 34537504 fax +39 02 34537513 knives@caffeditrice.com www.caffeditrice.com Milan Court Registration Number n. 521 issued on 10/09/2001. Copyright by C.A.F.F. srl All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher. For permission requests, write to the publisher at the address above.

CRKT Cobia

Wander Tactical Dimorphodon, Megalodon 1.0, Tryceratops and Lynx

Oberland Imwoid Sepp

Leatherman Mut Oed, Raptor, Oht and Rev

FOLDER

SPRINGS AND STEEL The CRKT Cobia is an interesting EDC proposal. Completely made of metal and flat, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s very light with a soft design and the assisted opening Outburst system - which works flawlessly text and pictures by Giorgio Alessandri

1. Even if completely made of steel, the CRKT Cobia manages to be nice, avoiding to appear cheap. Credit has to be given to the designer as well as to the producer

he Cobia by Columbia River Knife and Tool is a small folder with an assisted opening system completely made of steel t h a t u p u n t i l t o d ay yo u n e v e r k n e w yo u h a d t o have in your pocket. The d e s i g n i s by k n i fe m a ke r Matthew Lerch, who already collaborated with C R K T c r e a t i n g E n t i c e r, A r g u s , M ox i e , E n d o r s e r folder s and the Synergist d agg e r. I n s p i t e o f o t h e r custom makers, the style of

the Lerch mass production is completely different from the one found on the hand crafted, even though a certain affinity is clearly v i s i b l e. We s u g g e s t yo u to visit his web site, that you'll find in the technical sheet, to better understand what we mean. The Cobia is found inside a strong little b ox o f r e cy cl e d c a r t o n . It contains also a little catalog, enough to properly protect the content and not wa s t e m o n e y o n u s e l e s s

things. Already at fir st sight I can say we will get along perfectly. The small CRKT is slim and light, it can be comfortably handled in spite of its dimensions, and the index finger can also be set on a forward position. Our main concern, before having it in our hands, was mainly on the assisted opening system. Generally speaking we are not great fans of this s y s t e m , e s p e c i a l ly wh e n ver y strong springs are in

2. The small clip is perfect when carrying it, using it as it won't bother the hand. The position is only one, and it's best not to remove it

FOLDER

3. The inclined opening pin makes the Outburst system action very swift. The push given by the spring is properly balanced

action, which tend to make small and slender knives m i s b e h av e. Fo r t u n a t e l y, this time the producer has perfectly balanced the elastic element of the Outbur st system - strong enough to always ensure the opening and nothing more. For the right-handed, a small push on the opening pin, which is inclined, is e n o u g h t o l e t t h e bl a d e set into its position. Left-handed, instead, don't be mislead. The small Torx which secures the pin doesn't make the s y s t e m reve r s i bl e. I f yo u tr y to put it on the other 6

side, the D joint makes it impossible to set it in the right way, making it totally useless. The Cobia handles a re m a d e o f 4 2 0 J 2 s t e e l , the wor st of the AISI 420 family for making blades, but perfect when looking fo r s t ro n g a n t i ox i d a n t capabilities. Both the producer and the designer deserve a plaudit. Deciding to use metal for the handle they risked to give life to a n ex p e c t e d a n d ch e ap product. Instead, the care put into its creation, quite astonishing for a Chinese product, and the streamlined stoops of the

scales offer an overall p l e a s a n t r e s u l t . Th e l e f t side of the handle is fur ther decorated with a gr id of grooves, whereas the right one is plain and i t ' s wh e r e t h e s p r i n g o f the frame-lock is car ved i n . T h e l o ck a p p e a r s t o b e s o l i d a n d s a fe fo r a n everyday use, it just misses a stop that could avoid the decay of the laminate after prolonged pushes in the closing action - cer tainly some caution here will h e l p t r e m e n d o u s l y. T h e Cobia is assembled with four screws: one is the pivot, that secures the stop

thickness and the bevels, the blade cuts very nicely. The clip is small, and built in the right scale. It is functional and with a pleasant design, and comfor table at the touch, as it is very difficult to feel it when holding the folder in the hand. The only position allowed is the tip down, the idea of getting rid of it is to be disregarded, as the lack of it would leave a whole - totally unaesthetic. The lanyard hole is missing. We w o u l d l i ke t h a n k M a x b l a ( w w w. m a x b l a d e . i t ) the sample given for shooting.

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Light and comfortable Only for right-handed

Producer: Columbia River Knife & Tool, www.crkt.com Model: Cobia Designer: Matthew Lerch www.lerchcustomknives.com Blade material: 1.4116 SS Handle material: 420J2 steel Length when open: 162 mm Blade length: 76 mm Blade thickness: 2.4 mm Weight: 70 g Lock type: frame lock

to d e for the

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pin by passing through the clip, and then there are two small Torx that secure the back spacer, that appears to be made of aluminum. There is a last screw that properly secures the clip. The blade is a drop point, with concave bevels and f l at c u t t i n g e d g e. The finishing is satin and the cutting edge is not straight, but it slightly creates a an "S". For those interested in sharpening the Cobia with a stone, this aesthetic decision will make things harder. The steel used has no relevant characteristics to be mentioned, still thanks to the

4. The left scale is adorned by a pattern of criss-crossed groves. The back spacer, held by two small screws, appears to be in aluminum

SPORTING KNIVES

Meet

WANDER TACTICAL The launch of a new knife brand is not something that happens everyday. Especially if it's an Italian name and handcrafted products. text by Tommaso Rumici, pictures by Coltelleria Collini

1. The protagonists of this review. From top to bottom: Dimorphodon, two versions of the Lynx, another Dimorphodon, and the Megalodon. Different hindrances mean different uses, carefully studied by the Wander Tactical team

2. The Dimorphodon is clearly designed to exer t the maximum cutting p owe r. S t i l l , i t c a r r i e s a index groove to enhance its versatility

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Strong Bulky

ith the great collaboration of Collini cutlery ( w w w. c o l t e l l e r i a c o l l i n i . it), the first that believed in this newly born Italian enterprise by adding the products in their catalog, we are glad to present you the first models by Wander Tactical. Behind the name “Wander Tactical” there is a small R&D center, totally dedicated to development and production of high quality knives for military, sur vival, prepper, hunter and hiker use. The team is composed by “Greymoose”, knifemaker and bowmaker, fly-fishing and target archery lover and by “Alex Wander”, knife designer, expert hiker and survivalist. Th e i r i n t e n t i s t o c re at e cutting tools, handmade, characterized by high quality and dependability in every

possible situation, even the most extreme. Nothing is left to faith. The production is completely handmade, but to obtain precise and consistent mechanical characteristics, the temper ing of all the k n ive s i s o u t s o u r c e d t o a company exper t in the thermic treatment of special steels, and certifies the D2 used reaches a range of hardness of 59/60Hrc. For the moment being, the thickness of all knives is of 5.5 millimeters. The blades are all Gun Kote finished, a type of protective coating ver y well known and appreciated within the weapon arena. This coating was originally developed for military and aerospace purposes, but soon found new uses in a variety of other areas where the protection of the metal is paramount. Its main characteristics are to very well resist to shocks a n d s o l ve n t s , m a k i n g i t

Producer: Wander Tactical www.wandertactical.com Model: Dimorphodon Blade material: AISI D2 Blade finishing: Dark earth; GunKote OD Handle material: black / green Loveless micarta Total length: 347 mm Blade length: 200 mm Blade thickness: 5.5 mm Weight: 514 g Sheath: Black / green Kydex

suitable even in the toughest operative scenarios. This coating, also has lubricating capabilities, which allows a decline in the damages caused by abrasion. Before reaching the shelves, each knife has to undergo different tests, in which the geometry of the knife and the materials couplings are verified and, in general, the conformity to the high standards the team has set.To prove the attention put into their production, each product of the new bor n Italian brand has a lifetime warranty. The names of the different models willingly recall the primal dimension 9

SPORTING KNIVES

3. Among all the models, the Magalodon 1.0 is certainly the more adaptable, ready to do a bit of everything even in unexpected situations. At the beginning we were doubtful for the decorations on the scales, but we had to change idea

on which Wander Tactical is strongly focused. Before introducing you the fir st models that are available for sale, we must make a premise: being handmade, the specifics you'll find in the products detail table are not to be taken as complete 10

or binding, but only pertinent to the samples of this review. Small variations in dimension, or changes in the materials different from the line, are common in this kind of production. Dimorphodon

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Versatile Nothing Producer: Wander Tactical www.wandertactical.com Model: Megalodon 1.0 Blade material: AISI D2 Blade finishing: Gun Kote earth Handle material: Black Loveless micarta Total length: 300 mm Blade length: 140 mm Blade thickness: 5.5 mm Weight: 454 g Sheath: Brown Kydex

4. The Megalodon 1.0, at the top, and the Dimorphodon, bottom, in their Kydex sheaths. Even these accessories are rigorously handmade and can be found in different colors

On the online version of the Magazine you can see a video here Please visit: http://www.caffeditrice.com/knives/2015-06/index.html

SPORTING KNIVES

5. The Lynx has two different sets of handles. The paracord one, for those looking for lightness and small hindrances, and the Loveless micarta which offer more comfort when working for a longer period of time

The Dimorphodon is the b i g g e s t o f t h e Wa n d e r Tactical family. With its 35 cm of length, is designed as a pure cutting tool. In the mind of its designers, this is the moder n evolution o f t h e cl a s s i c A m e r i c a n frontier knife. Nonetheless, t h e re ' s a fo r wa rd f i n g e r groove that allows a higher level of control for those tasks that requires it, even if it's not its main ambition. In this article, it carries a dark earth color and a green Gun 12

Kote OD coating. In the first case, it is matched with black loveless micarta scales, and in the second, with green ones. At the beginning, to be honest, we were a bit skeptical in regard to the scales textures, because in the sneak-peak pictures we had they looked too spiky. But, gladly we can say we made a mistake, because by handling them already the first time, they felt really comfortable. Of course, you can always request a more

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Light and easy to carry Nothing

Producer: Wander Tactical www.wandertactical.com Model: Lynx Blade material: AISI D2 Blade finishing: Gun Kote Titanium; Gun Kote OD Handle material: Loveless micarta, green paracord Length when open: 220 mm Blade length: 100 mm Blade thickness: 5.5 mm Weight: 280 g; 246 g Sheath: Dark gray / black leather Kydex; desert / black leather Kydex

or a less gripping solution, if you are inclined to wait a bit. The sheath, handmade Kydex, perfectly retains the knife, with no further use of lanyards or other add-ons which may slow down the extraction. Megalodon 1.0 The Megalodon is similar to the Dimorphodon, but is more balanced in its character istics: the idea b e h i n d i t i s t o c r e at e a

multi-purpose tool for sur vival and outdoor scenarios. Its geometr y is simpler and very efficient, as the creator s testify by going through a long period of development and testing. It offer s a strong cutting p o we r, a n d a t t h e s a m e time it is easier to car r y and versatile in respect of the previous one. Should we buy a Wander Tactical, this would be our first choice. I n t h i s a r t i cl e i s s h o w n

only in its brown version, but of course many are the variations. Lynx The small Lynx is designed for precision tasks, as hunting and bushcraft/ s u r v iva l , bu t wh e n t h e s i t u a t i o n s a s k s f o r, c a n handle more tough jobs. Shorter than the Megalodon, is not as versatile, but makes a step forward in terms of por tability, with reduced

6. The sheath for the Linx is composite, with a Kydex body and leather fasteners: a touch of novelty which does not impact the safety nor the confort 6

SPORTING KNIVES

wh e r e t h e c o m p a c t n e s s of the Kydex sheath is more appreciated. For our m o d e l i s d a rk g ray, w i t h a bl a ck l e at h e r f a s t e n e r, wh i ch s l i g h t ly i n c re a s e s the dimensions, offering the highest portability without giving up safety.

Tryceratops E x t re m e ly c o m p a c t a n d s t u r d y, t h e Tr y c e r a t o p s represents the ideal compromise when small hindrances are a must.

Let’s wrap it up At the end of this short overview, which we hope to be the first of many to come, we can only invite you to follow the guys at Wander Tactical in their adventure. The official site is www. wander tactical.com and

7. When we cannot carry a knife of normal dimensions, Wander Tactical suggests the Tryceratops. Even if it’s small, it’s extremly handy and carries a strong and sharp blade 8. A picture of the Tryceratops held in a hand, gives a better understanding of its dimensions. Even w i t h o u t t h e l i t t l e f i n ge r support, the grip is functional and comfortable

9. On the left, “Alex Wander” a n d D i n o “ G re y m o o s e ” , founders of Wander Tactical, inside their lab

it's still online the old blog wandertactical.wordpress. c o m . Yo u c a n a l s o f i n d them on Facebook, Twitter, I n s t a g r a m a n d Yo u Tu b e. Obviously, you'll find them on the Collini catalog, where, soon, new entr ies will be added.  SO

d i m e n s i o n s a n d we i g h t . The user will be able to choose to have it in the l i g h t e r va r i at i o n w i t h a paracord handle, or rely on the comfort of the Micarta Loveless scales, which we prefer. The Kydex sheath has a black leather belt fastener.

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Very compact Nothing

Producer: Wander Tactical www.wandertactical.com Model: Tryceratops Blade material: AISI D2 Blade finishing: Gun Kote Handle material: Loveless micarta Total length: 132 mm Blade length: 65 mm Blade thickness: 5.5 mm Weight: 176 g Sheath: dark gray / black leather Kydex

The available blade is o bv i o u s ly s m a l l , bu t t h e knife is comfortable, handy and incredibly sturdy: it's p e r fe c t fo r a c o n c e a l e d carry as well as a back-up blade. The price to pay is the lack of a suppor t for the little finger, but it's well compensated by the perfect grip for the other fingers. I t ' s p r o b ably t h e m o d e l 15

Design by Tommaso Rumici

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NOVITĂ&#x20AC; 2015

FIXED BLADE

Against trends After the titanium framelock of our previous issue of KIR, here's another new entry by the German Oberland. This time it's a compact fixed blade, that doesn't care about trends but does care about substance by Knives Staff

he Oberland Arms knife s e r i e s ke ep s g r ow i n g , aiming more and more to high quality standards. After the Titanium Sepp folder, Imwoid Sepp has recently made its debut. It's all in for compactness, agility and c u t t i n g c ap ab i l i t i e s . Th e blade is the result of the laws present in Germany, that allow to carry blades long less than 12 cm and with a single

cutting edge, exception made for the karambit and the pushdagger. The Imwoid Sepp is the perfect German EDC. The cutting edge is more than enough to front the biggest part of the tasks of a EDC, to be a back-up blade and to be used for personal defense.The shape of the blade is similar to the preceding folder, a drop point with a swedge, but more slender and streamlined. In

practice, things don't change much. It's very versatile and easy to sharpen, what else? The thickness of the steel is less than the one used for the military knives, but it's the result of a specific design request: As Oberland supplies its rifles to some of the world b e s t m i l i t a r y o p e rat ive branches, it wanted to have a knife suitable for operators looking for a compact cutting

1.The Oberland Arms Imwoid Sepp (bottom) is a little smaller than the foldre, its predecessor. The knife has been designed as a EDC for Germany, where blades under twelve centimeters are allowed to be carried, unless belonging to certain specific categories 2. Between the G10 scales and the tang, there is a orange G10 spacer. On the back of the blade there is a fine knurling which offer a comfortable support to the thumb

FIXED BLADE

3. By having some paracord passing through the hollow screws, you can create a very effective retention system. Even with an open hand, the Imwoid Sepp stays in place

choice positively influences the cutting capabilities - truly high - as well as the balance. Thanks to the bar ycenter b e i n g at t h e l eve l o f t h e index finger, the knife tends to remain in the palm of the hand while using it or during a change of hold. As for the folder, its production has been outsourced to Tecnocut of Maniago, owner of the Viper brand, that has great experience in the finishing of the AISI D2. Oberland blades always go through a vacuum tempering and a cryogenic treatment to reach a final hardness of 58-59 Hrc. It then follows an extremely resistant opaque black Pvd finishing, useful to avoid corrosion and glares. The branding is limited to the typical skull on the left side and to the name of the German company on the right one, followed by the serial number. The handle is in olive green G10, with a very light superficial pattern, which allows an extended use even without gloves. An index groove takes care of the safety of the grip.The shape is simple and comfortable, suitable to all kinds of holds. The thumb rests on the dorsal knurling, tool, to be used under real finer and more comfortable circumstances. The "sof a compared to the one used in experts" and the "at all costs the tactical-military cutlery, abuse fanatics" never have as it's not abrasive. Between been part of this equation. the scales and the tang, there On the practical side, this are orange G10 spacers, that

4.The knife is sold with a Kydex sheath with a multi-position fastener.The retention is perfect and does not need add-ons

you create a lateral fastener, similar to the one on the Extrema Ratio Ultramarine. The sheath is made of two layers of Kydex, held together by hollow rivets, that can act as anchoring points for the multipurpose fastener. A side is higher than the other, so to guide the blade when inserted in the sheath, thus increasing the safety. î ľ

create a nice contrast. The couplings are perfect, without steps between the layer s. The fastening is the same of the Titan Sepp, male-female screws, with an hex key head and crossed by hole. The latter offers an interesting possibility: by passing through both screws some paracord, and by tying or melting the extremities so to make them bigger than the hole,

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Extremely handy and sharp Rare to find in Italy

Producer: Oberland Arms, www.oberlandarms.com Model: Imwoid Sepp Designer: T. Rumici Blade material: AISI D2 Handle material: G10 Total length: 206 mm Blade length: 95 mm Blade thickness: 3.7 mm Weight: 155 g Sheath: Kydex

MULTI-TOOL

THE LEATHERMANS' SPECIALS Generic multipurpose tool aside, the American Leatherman produces also some models designed for specialized lines of work. They are less versatile, but clearly more performing for the area they are meant to be used in. Here you'll find the most interesting Text and pictures by Tommaso Rumici

1. A group photo of the multi-tools presented in this article. From left top, clock-wise: Leatherman Oht, Mut Eod, Rev and Raptor. Bottom right the author's Wave used in the comparison

2. The Mut EOD is designed for bomb disposal experts, as the tools included testify clearly. There is a strong cordura sheath, that can contain extra bits and already comes with a double wrench

hen you say Leatherman you m e a n Wave, t h e m o d e l w i t h t h e g re at e s t success and distribution. It's perfect for the everyday life and rich in functions suitable for many different situations. Yet, the yellow-black brand catalog is truly wider and

includes various solutions dedicated to those looking for lower weights and hindrances or specific functions, of almost no use in every day life, but crucial for certain professional uses. Every multi-tool, as per tradition, have a 25 years warranty, and is valid also here in Italy, thanks to the official importer (Cantale). The only commonality among all these tools that we are going to describe in the article, are the blades that are made of 420HC (High Carbon) stainless steel, a special formula created by the American Latrobe, which Leatherman believes suitable for their purpose.

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Sturdy and with warranty You cannot stay without them

Producer: Leatherman www.leatherman.com Distributor: Cantale, tel. 0131 88551, www.cantale.com Model: Mut Eod; Raptor; Oht; Rev Blade material: 420HC Handle material:steel Length when open: 192 mm; 207 mm; 170 mm; 156 mm Length when open (main blade): 78 mm; 60 mm; 60 mm; 65 mm Main blade thickness: 3.1 mm; 3 mm; 2.4 mm; 2.8 mm Weight: 315 g; 163 g; 274 g; 368 g; 170 g Lock type: liner lock; button; liner lock; simple spring Sheaths: cordura; polymers; cordura; NA

MULTI-TOOL

MUT EOD Th e L e at h e r m a n M U T i s destined to those who deals with firearms military personnel, police enforcement or shooters in firing ranges.The EOD version is even more specialized, designed specifically for bomb disposal exper ts, looses some of the original model functions, but adds

3. The functions of the Mut EOD have a one-hand ease of access, even with gloves. Exception made for t h e b ro n ze s c r ap e r t h a t eliminates carbon deposits, but you wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t need it in emergency situations, so the single indentation will have scarce relevance 4. In this detailed picture you can see the back of the tool, and all its functions are described in the article. Take a look at the bit when inserted - it limits the functionality of the sharp hook. The not too distance small lever, is a safeguard that avoids the opening of the handles.

some other which are very specific. The first difference is on the head of the plier: the central area has now a military-specs crimper, bigger than the one on the original version found behind the pivot. Even the wire cutter

is slightly different. It still c a r r i e s t wo 1 5 4 C M s t e e l replaceable bypassing cutting blades - a choice of steel that the company states will last three times longer compared to the 420, but the two flat areas dedicated to particular strong wires are missing. Unchanged are the two screw-on holes that allow to attach the Cleaning Rod/Brush Adapter. When closed, one hand is enough to extract the combo knife, the saw or the replaceable C4 punch, this accessor y replaces the firearm disassembly punch, which is part of the accessory kit you can buy. Since there is only one indentation for the opening, you'll need to use two hands to open the bronze scraper, designed to remove carbon that has deposited on firearms and made specifically of a softer material compared to steel. At the back end of the multitool, big clip aside, there is a protr uding tool that operates as hammer, sharp hook to cut FlexiCuffs, and is also useful to work on the AR15 bolt to solve an override malfunction. In its immediate vicinity, there is also a carabiner to quickly hook the tool on the belt or on accouterments, and can work as bottle opener too. Lastly, on the opposite half handle, there is the bit driver that can hold one of the three double inserts - two long and one short - that are

inside the body of the tool. Unlike the common MUT, the EOD version can be found only with the Black Oxide finishing: a black powderbased coating that protects the metal and reduces almost to nothing glares. What we can choose is the sheath: black or coyote tan. The sheath it comes in with is made of strong cordura, with a Velcro front closure and a backside MOLLE system for attachment. The inter nal c ap a c i t y a l l ow s t o s t o re the multi-tool and a set of extra bits (sold aside), There are also two snap webbing straps- one of which already holds a double wrench. The only thing that hasn't yet convinced us is the bit driver. Firstly, leaving the short bit in position you limit the functionality of the sharp hook, secondly, the retention is very strong, so much so, we had to use a plier to extract the bit. Probably, as often happens, the problem is destined to vanish after an initial running in period. If you are interested in this tool, think about running in the tool before taking it into the filed. L a s t l y, a v e r y p o s i t i v e characteristic is that, being this a tool destined to extensive tasks, every part that is keen to wear out, break or to be lost are all available as spare parts. RAPTOR Even if and with no doubt 25

MULTI-TOOL

5. With the Raptor, Leatherman addresses the emergency medic operators, both military and non. In respect to the classic emergency shears, this multi-tool offers an incredible robustness 6. When the Raptor is closed, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s possible to use the strap cutter, equipped with a liner lock. The rectangular hole is a oxygen tank wrench. Take a look at the tungsten carbide glass breaker

the Mut EOD is destined to a very peculiar user, the prize for the most specialized t o o l go e s t o t h e R ap t o r, which is a multi-tool, but it's not a plier but emergency shears. Designed for medics t h at wo rk i n e m e r g e n cy situations, often without knowing what they are going to face, these extraordinary folder shears offer all the practicality and robustness needed. With just one tool,

Leather man addresses at the same time military and non emergency operators. The structure is collapsible, to limit the hindrances when not used. It can be opened in a moment, and to close it back again, it's sufficient to press on the two triangular buttons, even when wearing gloves. You carry the Raptor by its metal clip or with the clever plastic holster, which carries a quick clip for belts.Working

7. The Raptor sheath can be set in to any position. Its shape allows to insert the multi-tool both in an open and closed position, offering the maximum operational flexibility 8. When inserted closed in the sheath, the Raptor has truly small hindrances. In this case, the retention is taken care of by the clip, that you can use also to carry it in yur pocket

9. The main characteristic of the Oht is the speed: just a twitch of the wrist and the head of the pliers appear in the front. All the other functions are accessible with a single hand and equipped with a liner lock

on a screw, it's possible to change the inclination of the holster up to 360 degrees and the side where it is carried. The shears can be inserted closed, locked by the clip, or open, in this case, retained by a plastic wing that needs to be moved with the thumb for the extraction. The shape recalls the typical trauma shears, with no point, but the Raptor clearly outclasses with its sturdiness. Behind the main blade, on which a ruler of 5 cm is engraved, we find a small ring cutter 28

useful when rings gets in the way of a proper blood circulation. When closed, the Leatherman shears sport a foldable sharp hook, with a liner lock, in which you can also find a oxygen tank wrench. Lastly, on one of the two glass-filled Nylon handles (reinforced with 60% of glass fibers), protrudes a ver y strong carbide glass breaker, the distance between the breaker and the hand that holds the tool is sufficient to avoid injuries when using it.

OHT The Oht is the Leatherman a n swe r t o a p l i e r e a s i ly operable with one hand. Actually, well run in Wave or Charge can be easily opened with one hand, and with some exercise even the other internal functions can be reached as well. Nonetheless, the Oht offers a unreachable quickness, even if the price to be paid is the dimension of the blades and the lack of the bit driver. The head of the pliers is always enclosed in the two halves of the handle,

10. To help us choose the right tool, the lateral panels of the Oht bare the drawings of the functions they contain

but, in spite of rotating them for less than 180 degrees as usual, a twitch of the wrist will be enough to see it coming out from the front while locking itself. To close it, you'll just have to press together the two buttons and see it slide in its place.To avoid unexpected openings, it's enough to turn on the lock. Similarly to what seen on the Mut, we can also find a 154CM replaceable wire cutters, this time suitable also for hard wires. Very handy is the spring, because when the

head of the plier is extracted, i t ke ep s i t o p e n . A l l t h e other tools are immediately reachable, they are black and with a liner lock. On field, a better environment for such pliers rather than the urban context, we can count on three blades: a plain one, a serrated one for ropes and another serrated for wood. There is the sharp emergency hook that works as a medium size flat screwdriver, oxygen tank wrench and strap cutter. To complete the set, there are two more screwdrivers,

a smaller one and a bigger one, a Phillips screwdriver and a bottle/can opener a single tool in the eyes of Leatherman. There is also a screw-in hole, a mystery for many, that is used to fix the rod to clean the barrel o f f i r e a r m s . To a l l o w a quick access to the various functions, the scales carry the drawings of the tools they enclose. The Oht does not have a clip, not even as an accessory, but this is due the fact it's designed for a military rather than urban 29

11. The assortment of tools on the Oht is really good, even more if we think of the bigger hindrances taken by the mechanism needed to let the head of the pliers slide outside 12. Light and with little hindrances, the Rev is the p e r fe c t c h o i c e fo r t h o s e looking for a multi-tool at a small price. The number of functions is limited, but the fundamental ones for a urban environment are all there, as the clip

use. In the packaging we find a (in our case, desert) cordura MOLLE sheath, well crafted and practical. The available colors of the lateral panels on the Black Oxide treated structure are black, tan and silver.

buy a Wave - we use it every day. We may want to have a back-up plier to keep in the car, or we might need to use it in places and situations where it can be easily lost, or simply because we don't need so many tools, and we prefer smaller hindrances and lightness. The Rev is the further simplified evolution o f t h e a l r e a d y l ow - c o s t Wingman, and in its respect, looses the scissors. So, we 13 have a strong plier, with an integrated double wire 1 3 . T h e p a c k a g e o p e n e r cutters. One of the metal fo u n d o n t h e R ev avo i d s handles contains a Phillips damages to the contents of s c r e w d r iv e r a n d a s l o t the packagings, penetrating screwdriver. The other hosts o n l y f o r t h e n e c e s s a r y a 420HC blade, that can be length. And among other opened when the handles are things, avoids the use of the closed and has a liner lock, main blade just like on the Wave. Inside we find a bottle/can opener, a wood/metal file that acts also as a slot screwdriver and ruler, and a package opener. REV This last function deserves If our article is focused on particular attention: it may mu l t i - t o o l s d e s i g n e d fo r seem useless, but it avoids specific needs, why should ruining the main blade for we enclose the new Rev? small tasks, moreover with Easy, even if being more its 7 mm of cutting edge, ve r s at i l e t h a n t h e o t h e r we do not endanger the models we have presented, contents of the packages by the Rev is the answer to penetrating too much on the specific requests, this time packaging. All the functions not for the destination of contained in the handles use, but rather for the price. have an opposing spring that, Th e re a re m a ny re a s o n s even if it won't block them, why we could decide not to will avoid a too easy closing. spend the money needed to After many years of carrying

14. As for the Wave, even the Rev has a blade accessible when the plier is closed, making it a good folder back-up

15. The three pliers lined up. From the left: Rev, Mut Eod, Oht. The head is similar and the robustness always at the top. The versatility of Mut EOD is reduced by the presence of big crimper as per military specs

We â&#x20AC;&#x2122;d l i k e t o t h a n k Scintilla knives shop www. coltelleriascintilla.com 15

for the samples given for the shooting

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t h e Wave, we f i n a l ly go t convinced that the clip (sold as an accessory) is practical. We therefore welcome the clip already mounted on the Rev, especially also because there is no sheath.

MAREMMANO A FOGLIA E RASOLINO TAGLIASIGARI

FIORENTINO

SENESE E MOZZETTA

MAREMMANO A FOGLIA E ZUAVA

Conaz Coltellerie dei F.lli Consigli & C. S.n.c. Head Office: Via Giordano Giordani, 20 Phone +39.055.846197 Fax +39.055.846603

Shop / showroom: Via Roma, 8 - 50038 Scarperia (Firenze) Italy Phone +39.055.8430270 www.consigliscarperia.com - info@consigliscarperia.com