Category: Featured

Light Review: Streamlight Sidewinder Stalk

24 September, 2026

In this detailed review of the Streamlight Sidewinder Stalk, find out why this multi-fuel light might be your EDC / Prepping saviour, and favourite illumination companion. Join me in this Streamlight Sidewinder Stalk Review for all the details.

Designed to minimise the number of lights an operator must carry, the low-profile Sidewinder Stalk not only has a flexible gooseneck stalk to aim the beam, but features Multi-Fuel capability allowing it to accept more than one battery type.

The Stalk does it all, incorporating white, IR, red, blue, and green LEDs – all located in its head that is mounted on a flexible stalk, providing complete beam manoeuvrability – each with low, medium, high, and strobe modes along with an additional IR/IFF beacon. A separate Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) switch lets you use both the main light and IFF when needed. Operation is simple with rotating tactical switch allowing quick mode changes even with gloves. The robust military standard polymer housing is IPX7 certified, water resistant and shockproof. All of this and multiple mounting options too.

The Stalk joins the other Sidewinder models.

What is in the box?:
Streamlight offer the Stalk, and many other lights / flashlights in two types of packaging, a full retail package, that uses a lot of plastic for a better presentation, and a plain cardboard box version. Both are show here so you can see the difference.
Both the coyote and black versions are the Arc Rail mount kits. These include the Stalk, an AA alkaline, a CR123 battery, the Arc rail adapter plus velcro helmet mount adapter, the instructions and a couple of stickers.

A good look round the Sidewinder Stalk – Things to look out for here are:
As the Stalk is packed full of design details, I’ve had to split this into two galleries. In this first one it’s more of a general look around before we really dive into the finer details. Note the multi-fuel capability with the include AA and CR123 cells.

Taking a more detailed look at the controls and operation:
Here we are zooming right in on the functional aspects of the Stalk. Starting with the ‘stalk’ part, the flexible gooseneck, allowing the easy adjustment and alignment of the light head.
A four-position rotating control dial / switch sits just behind the power button. Between the battery door and the rotary control dial is the protected IFF switch. This has a metal cover clipped over it to ensure there isn’t an accidental activation. Pulling this metal cover down allows the IFF switch to be moved in either direction to activate the infra-red strobe.
Securing the battery door is a wire clip. Flipping this clip away from the battery door allows it to swing open, revealing the negative contact spring and metal pads that complete the connection to the main body. Looking inside the tube shows the sliding-plunger positive contact, which accommodates the different cell lengths.

Taking a more detailed look at the mount:
The review versions of the Stalk are those that include the Arc rail mount. The Stalk, as standard, comes fitted with the Sidewinder steel clip mount. This standard clip allows belt, MOLLE, or helmet mounting via the Sidewinder helmet mount (14055).
Swapping the standard clip to the ARC rail is a simple job, only requiring a single screw to be taken out and refitted. Also included is a velcro backed ARC rail adapter that can be used on any headwear with velcro pads.

Streamlight Sidewinder Stalk Review – The beam

One head, five beams colours, white, blue, green, red and infra-red the last of which I can’t photograph so you’ll see the four others in the gallery. The bobbly looking beam diffuser does create noticeable artifacts at the edge of the beam, especially visible on the white beam on its lowest output (as shown here).

Please be careful not to judge tint based on images you see on a computer screen. Unless properly calibrated, the screen itself will change the perceived tint.

The indoor beamshot is intended to give an idea of the beam shape/quality rather than tint. All beamshots are taken using daylight white balance. The woodwork (stairs and skirting) are painted Farrow & Ball “Off-White”, and the walls are a light sandy colour called ‘String’ again by Farrow & Ball. I don’t actually have a ‘white wall’ in the house to use for this, and my wife won’t have one!

Batteries and output:

The multi-fuel Sidewinder Stalk runs on CR123 or AA Alkaline, or AA Lithium. And unofficially I’ve also run it on AA NiMh, AAA Alkaline, AAA Lithium and AAA NiMh!!!

Please note, all quoted lumen figures are from a DIY integrating sphere, and according to ANSI standards. Although every effort is made to give as accurate a result as possible, they should be taken as an estimate only. The results can be used to compare outputs in this review and others I have published.

For full details of the tests and measurements carried out and an explanation of the results, see the page – Light Testing Information.

* Beacon and Strobe output measurements are only estimates as the brief flashes make it difficult to capture the actual output value.

There is parasitic drain, which is significant (though nowhere near the worst I’ve come across). As shown in the table, either cell type would be fully depleted after two years. But, critically, the parasitic drain current increases as cell voltage decreases, so this drain accelerates and won’t take two years to drain the cells, more likely around half that.
So what is a usable amount the remaining charge? Even 50% is not ideal, and that is where you would be after six months on standby.
The bottom line here is as long as you are regularly using the Stalk, its fine to leave the battery in it. If you are not going to use it for a week or more, take the cell out.

When comparing the runtime from AA and CR123, there is a clear winner. CR123 will give you significantly more output and runtime. Being able to run from CR123 or AA or even unofficially AAA makes this a super flexible light.

The Streamlight Sidewinder Stalk in use
I first experienced Streamlight’s multi-fuel capabilities in the Sidewinder Compact II, and while understanding the disadvantages of a control circuit that has to deal with all the different input voltages (which leads to the higher than ideal parasitic drain), the huge advantage it gives you is ‘cell harvesting’ from whatever you have to hand. This is a true headline feature, as you might go out stocked with CR123s, but if pushed, you will be able to find AA or AAA cells to use. As a single cell light, it doesn’t matter about finding matched cells, as you only use one at a time.
This gives you great confidence in the Stalk being able to keep running when others won’t have a suitable battery to use.

Most of my testing has been with the Stalk hand-held, mainly so I could get more time using it. It is very lightweight and with CR123 can be easily used even clipped onto a baseball cap. I’ve had the colour output almost exclusively on red for night time use when the lowest white output level is too bright, and in terms of output I’ve also almost mainly used it on the default low level. In general use, the low white and low red levels cover 99% of my daily needs. Consider that runtime graph with the output set to maximum, so if only using a lower level, your runtime increases enormously.

It isn’t always an option to use a head torch, depending on headwear. Yes, the stalk is designed to work with helmets, at which point it is a headlamp, but it’s also a practical task light. Anyone working with their hands to do something physical will know a fixed torch is not that useful; do you want to be biting on the tailcap to hold it in your mouth? Or placing it on a surface hoping to won’t roll away or move at the wrong time? A light that has an articulating or moveable head transforms its usefulness. Place or fix the light and aim the beam just where you need it.

All bendable gooseneck extensions have a bit of backlash, that is they ‘recover’ slightly from where you position them. This is just a characteristic so you learn how much to over adjust so it springs back to where you want it.

In the original Sidewinder, Streamlight managed one of the lowest parasitic drain figures I’ve ever measured, 0.2uA, which is negligible as the cell’s own internal losses are more than this. The Stalk’s superbly useful multi-fuel capability is a real challenge for the driver circuit having such different input voltages, so as a trade-off for the ability to use CR123, AA and even AAA may be worth this extra drain. Cracking open the battery door when putting it away stops this, as long as you remember.

Streamlight’s Sidewinder collection is rounded off nicely with the addition of the Stalk, and it may be worth adding to your own lighting line up, even if only for the multi-fuel capability.

Streamlight Sidewinder Stalk Review Summary
The views expressed in this summary table are from the point of view of the reviewer’s personal use. I am not a member of the armed forces and cannot comment on its use beyond that covered in the review.

Something that might be a ‘pro’ for one user can be a ‘con’ for another, so the comments are categorised based on my requirements. You should consider all points and if they could be beneficial to you.

_______________________________________________
What doesn’t work so well for me
_______________________________________________
Beam diffuser produces a lot of artifacts.
Parasitic drain quite high.

_______________________________________________
Things I like
_______________________________________________
Multi-fuel capable – CR123, AA and even AAA.
Five light colours in one – White, Red, Green Blue and IR.
Flexible gooseneck head adjustment.
Tactile Rotary selector switch.
Swappable mount types.
Ambidextrous mounting.
Black or Coyote options.
IFF strobe protected safety switch.
No detectable PWM.
Lightweight.

Streamlight Sidewinder Stalk Review Videos

Starting with a short format sixty second review:

Onto a full video review covering many more details:

 
Discussing the Review:
Something new – will it work? A Tactical Reviews Subreddit.
TacticalReviewsChat on Reddit
Please visit there and start/join the conversation.

Gear Review: MetMo Fractal Vise (Vice)

6 September, 2026

Get ready for the most detailed review of the MetMo Fractal Vise (Vice) you will ever find! It is impossible to do justice to the ‘ultimate in clamping flexibility’ without showing everything I’ve included in this MetMo Fractal Vise Review.

Don’t Panic – Even if you are someone that might say ‘TLDR’ there are plenty of pictures to look at too, so even if you just browse the galleries you’ll see what it is all about.

The MetMo Fractal Vise, invented in 1913 and refined in 2025. Six independent movements allow you to perfect your clamping game.

Inspired by a historic patent, this overengineered desktop vice features reversible interchangeable jaws, modular accessories, and a clampingly clever design. Built for the makers who think outside the box — and like to clamp it too.

Find out if it could be the ideal companion for your ‘making’ lifestyle and join me in this MetMo Fractal Vise Review for all the details.

Just before we get started, you may notice I’m using ‘Vise’ and ‘Vice’ interchangeably. Though MetMo is a UK based company, it has adopted the US-English word ‘Vise’ instead of the British-English word ‘Vice’, for this clamping tool. The choice was for a more international stance on the naming of this amazingly engineered fractal vice (there I go again); MetMo’s Fractal Vise.

What’s in the Fractal Vise box?:

Just before we break into the first of the many boxes for the core part of this system, this is the full set of boxed components including the fractal vice, all the optional jaws and the desk clamp mount with quick release.

Unexpectedly slim but satisfyingly heavy, the Fractal Vise’s box was a surprise. I genuinely had not expected this one to contain the vice.

Lifting off the lid there is an instruction card, under which the components are laid out.

Celebrating the pure engineering, it is entirely fitting that the Fractal Vise comes partly disassembled. The base consisting of the handle, screw, guide rods, slide and jaw mounting holes. Then next to this, the two sets of fractal jaws, plus a box’o’bits with Allen and Torx wrenches, spare grub screws, and the jaw mounting bolts.

A good look round the Core element, the Fractal Vice – Things to look out for here are:

Now it’s time to really take in everything about each of the main parts. Starting with the base we can pick up on those brass highlights; the caps on the handle, as well as the main screw bushing.
The gleaming screw thread sitting between the substantial guide rods. For the front jaw there is one usable mounting point as the other holes have the guide rod retaining grub screws. The base then has four possible mounting positions for the rear jaw.
Underneath the base is a plate with inset rubber pad (more on that later).
And now the magic that is the Fractal jaws themselves. Remember to watch the review videos as well to see these in motion. Here we can just admire the mechanism and see the extreme position the jaws can move to, as well as anywhere in between. As a last step the jaws are shown being fitted.

A good look round the Fractal Jaw Options – Things to look out for here are:

Jaws – not the shark, or even a Bond villain, but a variety of optional jaws for the Fractal vice to take its versatility to yet another level. The standard vice has plain stainless steel jaws. The clamping surface is smooth so generally safe to use for most work pieces, but you might then want to use masking tape or something else to protect the work piece.
But given the range of jaws MetMo offer, you need not worry. The three additional fractal jaw types are a black nylon jaw, a brass jaw, and a rubber lined steel jaw. Each of these lets you match the jaw to the work piece.
Fitting the fractal jaws is a simple process of removing a pin bolt and swapping the jaw before replacing the pin bolt. You can mix and match or keep them all the same.

A good look round the Parallel Soft Jaws – Things to look out for here are:

Jaws II – no, not a movie sequel, but the MetMo Parallel Soft jaws for the fractal vice. Although fitting these jaws means the vice is no longer ‘fractal’. ‘Soft’ is all relative; typically brass jaws or tools are used to prevent marring of harder metals when clamping or working them, so these precision parallel jaws to add to your clamping capabilities. Do not overlook the fact that you can use a flat jaw with a fractal jaw if the job is made easier or more stable by doing so.

A good look round the Desk Clamp – Things to look out for here are:

MetMo’s Fractal Vise can be used on its own on your desktop. It can be clamped in a larger vice to provide the precise clamping the bigger vice doesn’t have. MetMo also make a workstation base that the vice can be fitted to.
The natural progression from desktop use is to have a table mount, and that is exactly what this is; the MetMo Fractal Vise table mount. Not just any mount, but a ball head mount allowing you to angle and twist the vice to the best position for you. Constant readjustments are simple and easy as you work on the task at hand.

A good look round the Quick Release Mount – Things to look out for here are:

You could argue that this is simply essential and not optional; OK, you ‘can’ fit the vice directly to the Desk clamp mount using four bolts. You can then disassemble this and use the vice separately, and reattach it to the desk clamp when needed. But with the Quick Release Mount, this is achieved with a couple of twists of the knurled adjuster; locking the fractal vise in place securely, or releasing it to use elsewhere. It is really one of those ‘why wouldn’t you’ accessories. Solid construction, and using brass, non-marring jaws, to grip the base of the fractal vice.

A good look round Everything Assembled – Things to look out for here are:

Bringing everything together with the Quick Release Mount fixed to the ball head on the Desk Clamp, and the Fractal Vise secured to this. It’s ready to deploy into action; a sight to behold and admire before putting it to work.

What is it like to use?
I must admit that somehow I expected the MetMo Fractal Vise to be a bit larger, but you then as you handle the vice, you immediately realise MetMo got the size of it just right. The Fractal Vise is pocket sized, but satisfyingly heavy and solid. A real jewel of a tool, in fact the EDC term ‘Pocket Jewellery’ would be appropriate for this superbly engineered vice. It’s size actually increases its versatility, allowing it to be used in different ways and keeping things compact for fine craft work and model making.

My experience of the fractal jaws is that these need a little encouragement to settle fully into place. The pressure the work piece places on the jaw surfaces can mean they don’t turn and accommodate the shape of the work piece straight away, so might appear not to adjust themselves as effortlessly as you see in the marketing videos. However this is easily overcome by gently tapping the work piece into each set of jaws as you tighten the vice, and while doing this the jaws do accommodate perfectly.

Do NOT be tempted to put any oil on the fractal jaws; doing so would capture dust and filings and gum up the motion of the jaws. They need to stay ‘dry’ and reasonably clean. You can easily disassemble the entire jaw and use an ultrasonic bath to give them a deep clean from time to time.

This gallery shows a variety of different objects in the jaws. The jaws are fitted ‘conventionally’ – gripping inwards, but remember to check the video which includes the jaws configured to grip outwards fitting inside the work piece to be gripped.

With the MetMo Fractal Vise’s special trick being the fractal jaws, that is the focus here. The parallel jaws allow the Fractal Vise’s base to be used as a conventional soft-jaw precision vice and you know what parallel jaws look like so have not been included. Each and every image here has the fractal jaws in a different position as they will be for every object you hold with them.

When you see the summary below, I’ve included a slight negative on the standard jaws being stainless steel, so I will explain myself. Being a compact precision vice, I would not use it to apply a clamping force that would need the steel jaws. Just like the only parallel jaws available come with ‘soft’ brass faces, brass is still a metal and is not actually soft in a way that would wear out. So if I were to be ultra-critical, I would say the standard jaw should be brass. Of course the Stainless steel jaw, when used on the full stainless Fractal Vise looks clean as a single material colour and finish apart from the brass handle ends and screw bushing. It isn’t a product or design error, but I find the steel jaws to be redundant.

As I write this I’ve opted to keep the rubber lined jaws as my ‘standard’. Time will tell if I switch to the nylon or brass longer term, but those steel ones are unlikely to get used again.

Like all specialist quality tools, the MetMo Fractal Vise is not cheap; what it is is an investment in your crafting experience, and the quality of tools you are using. The MetMo Fractal Vice is Engineering Heritage! This is a tool to pass down the generations.

MetMo Fractal Vise Review Summary

The views expressed in this summary table are from the point of view of the reviewer’s personal use. I am not a member of the armed forces and cannot comment on its use beyond a cutting tool or field/hunting knife.

Something that might be a ‘pro’ for one user can be a ‘con’ for another, so the comments are categorised based on my requirements. You should consider all points and if they could be beneficial to you.

_______________________________________________
What doesn’t work so well for me
_______________________________________________
Standard Jaws being steel.

_______________________________________________
Things I like
_______________________________________________
More compact than expected.
Multiple Fractal Jaw options (Brass, Nylon, Steel, Rubber lined).
Parallel Jaws also available (Brass faced).
The entire system can be fully user-disassembled.
Reversible jaws for internal clamping.
Impeccable Engineering fit and finish.
Clamp any shape that fits between or over the jaws.
Desk Clamp with locking ball head mount.
Quick Release Mount.
Precision made for precision use.
Possibly the most versatile vice you can buy.

MetMo Fractal Vise Review Videos

Starting with a short format sixty second review:

Onto a full video review covering many more details:

 
Discussing the Review:
Something new – will it work? A Tactical Reviews Subreddit.
TacticalReviewsChat on Reddit
Please visit there and start/join the conversation.

Knife Review: Spartan Blades Soter

21 February, 2026

In this detailed review of the Spartan Blades Soter find out why this knife might just be your EDC saviour and favourite daily companion. Join me in this Spartan Blades Soter Review for all the details.

Named after Soter, the Greek “protector” and provider of salvation, the Spartan Blades Soter Folding Knife, designed by Curtis Iovito, uses Spartan Blades exclusive RaceLock. The RaceLock is a spine-mounted locking mechanism engineered for fast, smooth, one-handed deployment and a rock-solid lockup, providing safety and reliability when you need it most.

Soter is designed for everyday carry, readiness, and utility, the Soter features a 3.25-inch CPM S35VN steel harpoon point blade, delivering the reliability and performance you expect from Spartan Blades.

What’s in the box?:
A simple presentation with a cardboard box, and inside, the knife with a sticker in a bubble wrap bag.

A good look round the folded Soter – Things to look out for here are:
Starting with the Soter folded, there is a lot to see. This is the Carbon Fibre version of the Soter, and unusually the main flats on the handles have been left with the semi-gloss top layer giving the handles a sheen that contrasts with the machined, bevelled and shaped edges. Even folded, the pronounced hump at the thumb studs and visible swedge hint at the purposeful blade shape lurking within. Almost steampunk style, the RaceLock immediately adds interest. Distinctively Spartan Blades, the monolithic pocket clip is machined from a solid piece and fitted with concealed screws. A matching blanking plate covers the mounting point if you swap the side the clip is fitted (but you would need to take the knife apart to do this). The pivot bolts, handle screws, pocket clip, thumb studs and RaceLock lever are all in a matching finish.
Slim steel liners provide support just around the RaceLock mechanism, but are kept to a minimum.

A good look round the open Soter – Things to look out for here are:
Opening the blade you can watch the RaceLock coil spring compress as the lock pin slides through its guide block; at the same time the lock button moves backwards. With the blade fully open and the lock engaged, the spring can bee seen fully extended again.
Now, with the blade open, we see the ergonomic sweep of the handle towards the narrow harpoon-point blade. Just behind the thumb stud hump, there is jimping in both the blade and handle giving you the ability to exert significant forward pressure.
Even without the logo, the blade shape has to be a Spartan Blades blade; slim, pointy, with harpoon point, and the very matt finish. A large radius sharpening choil full exposes the heel of the cutting edge for sharpening, but also reduces the chance of hanging-up on deep cuts.

The Blade and Handle – Detailed Measurements:
For full details of the tests and measurements carried out and an explanation of the results, see the page – Knife Technical Testing – How It’s Done.

The blade is made from S35VN steel.

The Factory edge up close:

Followers of Tactical Reviews will know my views on factory edges, but to recap:

Anyone using a knife will need to sharpen it. That first factory edge is just like the first tank of fuel that a new car comes with (or first charge of the battery).
A good factory edge is a ‘nice to have’ but not a ‘make or break’ for a good knife, as you will be putting your own edge onto it soon enough.
The factory edge does however indicate the care a knife maker has put into the final finish.
It is for this reason Tactical Reviews measures factory edge sharpness and specifications, and includes this information in the detailed technical testing.

As a further look at the factory edge, this section has been added to include some high magnification photos of the factory edges.

This edge is a 52 degree inclusive and average BESS of 250, but actually cuts much much better than those numbers would suggest. I was going to re-profile to 17.5 DPS but found I didn’t have to. A nice eager edge.

Spartan Blades Soter Review – What is it like to use?
Before I even took this knife out of the box, Spartan Blades were in touch about the smallest first production run issue I’ve come across. Amazing customer service offering to replace / refund the knife. And that first production run issue?; it was if you slammed the blade shut, the cutting edge might contact a small screw in the RaceLock. I’ve come across plenty of knives that the cutting edge can knock inside the handle, and never before an offer from the maker to rectify. Spartan Blades proving how honourable they are and how important it is to them to get it 100% right for their customers.
I did not want to take up this offer, and in normal use I’ve not encountered this potential issue, but I’d like to thank Spartan Blades for their honesty and immediate offer of action.

Compared to other Spartan Blades folders I’ve handled and used, the Soter is a much slimmer knife, both folded and open. The curve of the handle encloses most of the blade making it nicely compact while still having a very useful length of blade and handle.

In my XL glove size hands, the handle is plenty long enough, and the thumb stud hump on the blade provides a very comfortable thumb ramp for powerful forward pressure. I’ll admit I love a harpoon blade, so the Soter scores many style points for me on that, and the dip in the blade spine that creates the high harpoon shape, happens to give you the ideal position to put your thumb to apply pressure directly behind the cutting edge. The last couple of photos are for a two handed close, with my thumb being used to unlock the blade; this style requires the other hand to close the blade as otherwise you would be swinging the blade into your fingers. One-handed-close is easy with a different grip to keep the blade path clear, and using your first finger to pull back the RaceLock button.

I’m in two minds about the pocket clip. I really like the fact it is machined from a single piece and has concealed screws; this looks really refined and strong. But those concealed screws mean to swap sides is a major job as you have to disassemble the entire knife to access those screws. I’ve also found the clip a bit stiff and harsh with the contact point a bit sharp. That in itself is both a pro and con as it will stay put on your pocket, but be harder to put on and off.

While testing I never seemed to have my camera with me so the variety of jobs it took in its stride is not represented here, but in all cases that eager factory edge breezed through everything with ease.

This carbon fibre version is unusual with the flats of the handle left in the semi-gloss stock finish. As the light reflects from this is gives and interesting two-tone effect, and combines well with the slightly stiff pocket clip, as any other texture might drag too much under the clip.

Of all locks of this type I’ve used, Spartan Blades RaceLock has the most comfortable lock buttons to operate, and I like that steampunk styling with the visible spring and guide rod. Purposeful and full of Spartan Blades spirit, the Soter will certainly look after you.

Spartan Blades Soter Review Summary

The views expressed in this summary table are from the point of view of the reviewer’s personal use. I am not a member of the armed forces and cannot comment on its use beyond a cutting tool or field/hunting knife.

Something that might be a ‘pro’ for one user can be a ‘con’ for another, so the comments are categorised based on my requirements. You should consider all points and if they could be beneficial to you.

_______________________________________________
What doesn’t work so well for me
_______________________________________________
Stiff pocket clip.
Full disassembly needed to swap pocket clip to left handed.
I’d prefer a deep carry pocket clip.
Thumbstuds are slightly long and sharp.

_______________________________________________
Things I like
_______________________________________________
The RaceLock’s steampunk styling.
Very comfortable lock release button.
Narrow harpoon blade.
Excellent thumb ramp.
Very secure pocket clip.
Multiple grip positions for power cuts.
Effective grip provided by handle profiling.
Super smooth operation.
Fully unified and matching hardware.
Excellent fit and finish.
Spartan Blades customer service.

Spartan Blades Soter Review Videos

Starting with a short format sixty second review:

Onto a full video review covering many more details:

 
Discussing the Review:
Something new – will it work? A Tactical Reviews Subreddit.
TacticalReviewsChat on Reddit
Please visit there and start/join the conversation.

Light Review: Fenix PD36 TAC

6 February, 2022

In this review of the Fenix PD36 TAC, I’m going to be taking a detailed look at the details, comparing its performance to the specifications, checking out the beam and how usable it is. The review includes video content as well as photo galleries and technical testing results.
Join me in this look over the Fenix PD36 TAC Flashlight / Torch, a light built around the increasingly common larger 21700 cell (compared to the typical 18650 previously used). This has a specialised tail-cap with physical lockout, dedicated ‘Tactical’ setting, and a normal ‘duty’ multi-mode setting.
Let’s get to really know the Fenix PD36 TAC!

Video Overview

Starting out with the video overview of the PD36 TAC.

What is in the box?:

Unpacking the PD36 TAC and its accessories.

Taking a more detailed look at the holster:

Before moving onto the PD36 TAC itself, this is a run round the supplied belt holster.

A good look round the PD36 TAC – Things to look out for here are:
In the gallery are details of the design, the clip, bezel, contacts, threads, battery, and more…

The beam

Please be careful not to judge tint based on images you see on a computer screen. Unless properly calibrated, the screen itself will change the perceived tint.

The indoor beamshot is intended to give an idea of the beam shape/quality rather than tint. All beamshots are taken using daylight white balance. The woodwork (stairs and skirting) are painted Farrow & Ball “Off-White”, and the walls are a light sandy colour called ‘String’ again by Farrow & Ball. I don’t actually have a ‘white wall’ in the house to use for this, and my wife won’t have one!

Below are the indoor and outdoor beamshots giving you an idea of throw and spill. The PD36 TAC has a great balanced beam with great area lighting.

Batteries and output:

The PD36 TAC runs on the supplied 21700 USB-C rechargeable cell.

Please note, all quoted lumen figures are from a DIY integrating sphere, and according to ANSI standards. Although every effort is made to give as accurate a result as possible, they should be taken as an estimate only. The results can be used to compare outputs in this review and others I have published.

Measured output is a great match for the specifications.

For the runtime graphs, I have included runs for Turbo and Tactical, which have different starting outputs. Also included is a graph of the first six minutes to better show the difference between Turbo and Tactical modes.

The PD36 TAC in use
The general change towards using 21700 cells is great for two reasons; better runtime/output and a comfortable size to hold. If you were completely unaware of the reason the battery tube was larger than previous generations that run on 18650, you would just be thinking the PD36 TAC is nice and comfortable to hold. The fact that it now houses a 21700 cell with that 5000mAh capacity is a further bonus to the comfort in the hand. Win win at this point.

With that greater capacity of the 21700 cell, this compact tactical light can pump out a huge 3000lm. Go back and look at the runtime graphs to see how impressively the PD36 TAC keeps its output going. The output limitation is more down to thermal capacity for longer runs.

This is the first of this style of Fenix tactical tail-cap I have been able to try. It has three functional modes. One is a simple and solid physical lockout. Line the selector ring up with the padlock, and the button does not move.

The selector ring certainly feels secure enough in its positioning that you won’t be accidentally going between locked and unlocked by accident. You pre-select the type of use you want and leave it there. Bear in mind, you can also use this to lock the PD36 TAC on. If you first turn it on to a mode you want and then rotate the selector ring to the padlock, you can’t turn it off again.

Being designed as a ‘Tactical’ light, most users will likely keep it in ‘Tactical’ mode – instant 2000lm output with momentary or latched action. Half press the tail-switch for momentary output, complete the press to latch it on (or just go for the full press to start with). Holding the switch fully in for about 1s and you enter strobe mode.

Move the selector round to the ‘Duty’ mode and you have access to five different output levels. Starting on ‘eco’ the first time you use it, but after that the last used level is remembered. Changing modes requires a half press – this can either be a half press from off and then cycle through modes before latching on, or a half press after turning the PD36 TAC on with a full press, the half presses then cycling through modes. Personally I would have preferred an automatic reset to eco after a few seconds being off as after not using it for a period of time, you won’t know if you had eco or turbo set, and this could be quite a shock.

The Fenix PD36 TAC is a purposeful lighting tool, and can instantly be reconfigured as either a dedicated ‘Tactical’ light or into a multi-mode ‘Duty’ light to fit with your needs.

Review Summary
The views expressed in this summary table are from the point of view of the reviewer’s personal use. I am not a member of the armed forces and cannot comment on its use beyond that covered in the review.

Something that might be a ‘pro’ for one user can be a ‘con’ for another, so the comments are categorised based on my requirements. You should consider all points and if they could be beneficial to you.

_______________________________________________
What doesn’t work so well for me
_______________________________________________
‘Duty’ mode last used level remembered (so could be on eco or turbo).
Tail-switch has a relatively stiff action.
No grip ring provided.

_______________________________________________
Things I like
_______________________________________________
Great area lighting beam profile.
Nearly 3000lm from a compact light.
Three function tail-cap selector ring.
Dedicated ‘Tactical’ mode.
Proper physical lockout.
Uses a large capacity 21700 cell.
Supplied cell has built-in USB-C charging.
Very usable holster supplied.

Knife Review: Spyderco Respect – an American Bowie

31 January, 2022

With the Spyderco Respect, Sal Glesser is paying tribute to the traditional American Bowie knife. The design of the Respect dates back decades, but Sal didn’t have the opportunity to make it a reality until a couple of years ago. In this review I’m very excited to have the opportunity to take a very detailed look over this mighty bowie, and see how it really is to use.

Video Overview

In this video of the Respect, I’ll show you how it arrives, how it compares to some other well known bowie knives, and run through the Tactical Reviews technical specification measurements.
This is some of the pre-use processes I go through for a new test sample before I can put a knife through its paces, so doesn’t include the in-use aspects beyond first impressions.

A few more details:

What’s in the box?:
Or should I say bag? – This is the unpacking of the Respect, and differs from the typical Spyderco as it does not come in a box.

A good look round the Respect’s sheath – Things to look out for here are:
Starting with the leather sheath that comes with the Respect. Simple and functional with a classic strap and stud fastening.

A good look round the Respect – Things to look out for here are:
A mighty blade, and a superb level of fit and finish. Take in the detailed close-ups and enjoy.

A good look round the Respect’s handle – Things to look out for here are:
A fully concealed, full tang, with the two G10 slabs secured with four bolts.

The Blade and Handle – Detailed Measurements:
For full details of the tests and measurements carried out and an explanation of the results, see the page – Knife Technical Testing – How It’s Done.

The blade is made from CPM 154 steel.

The Factory edge up close – NEW FOR 2022!:

Followers of Tactical Reviews will know my views on factory edges, but to recap:

Anyone using a knife will need to sharpen it. That first factory edge is just like the first tank of fuel that a new car comes with (or first charge of the battery).
A good factory edge is a ‘nice to have’ but not a ‘make or break’ for a good knife, as you will be putting your own edge onto it soon enough.
The factory edge does however indicate the care a knife maker has put into the final finish.
It is for this reason Tactical Reviews measures factory edge sharpness and specifications, and includes this information in the detailed technical testing.

As a further look at the factory edge, this section has been added to include some high magnification photos of the factory edges.

The Respect’s factory edge shows an aggressive micro-serration, and slices well beyond the sharpness measurements might indicate in the technical testing table.

What is it like to use?

It’s a mighty blade! So the first impression is that this is a big knife, big blade and big handle. I take XL size gloves, so you can see here the handle is generously sized, perfectly big enough to use with heavy gloves on and stay comfortable.
The large choil easily allowing a finger to be placed for a choked up hold when carrying out finer cutting tasks.
A deep hook at the butt means even if you have a bit of grip slippage, the hook will stop you losing grip. That hook also allows for a low grip for greater leverage in heavy chopping.

Staying on the subject of grip, though the handle scales are relatively smooth, the four bolt holes actually (intentionally or not) give a lot of extra purchase. The holes have a sharp edge to them so when gripping your hands press into them and grab.

CPM 154 – oh yes, one of my all time favourites and this knife is one big piece of CPM 154. I have to drop in another name here, Leatherman, and the reason being that in Leatherman pliers with replaceable wire cutters, the cutter is made of CPM 154, chosen as the idea tool steel to cut hardened steel wire! And here it is as the blade steel used for the Respect – Yes! (Ok a bit of steel bias there, but I like it.)

This knife has a spine measuring 7.5mm, which is massive! Yet with a full flat grind 38mm long, the blade geometry is still a strong slicer – it does ultimately still need to part the material past that 7.5mm spine, but for such a strong blade it is still impressively good at slicing.

As a chopper it is very capable. In the photos below all the wood is well seasoned, even the small branch shown. In dry timber the blade can bind a bit when cutting in deep, but once you get a few relief cuts in the wood chips fly! Grip is perfectly secure when chopping and the grip hook definitely helps.
There is a also a photo of a single chop into an industrial cardboard tube (5mm dense card walls) which it went through with ease.

The Respect is not for the faint hearted; when you carry this knife, you mean to carry a knife. It is imposing, impressive and a powerful cutter.

Review Summary

The views expressed in this summary table are from the point of view of the reviewer’s personal use. I am not a member of the armed forces and cannot comment on its use beyond a cutting tool or field/hunting knife.

Something that might be a ‘pro’ for one user can be a ‘con’ for another, so the comments are categorised based on my requirements. You should consider all points and if they could be beneficial to you.

_______________________________________________
What doesn’t work so well for me
_______________________________________________
Needing to choke-up on the blade for fine work.
Belt loop position makes the knife ride high.
The blade spine is almost too thick.

_______________________________________________
Things I like
_______________________________________________
Large choil makes sharpening to the very heel easy.
Comfortable handle, large enough to wear heavy gloves.
Traditional look in modern high performance materials.
Quality leather sheath.
CPM 154 steel.
Full Flat grind.
A really ‘purposeful’ design with presence.

 
Discussing the Review:
The ideal place to discuss this review is on the Tactical Reviews Facebook Page
Please visit there and start/join the conversation.

As well as the Tactical Reviews Facebook Page, please consider visiting one of the following to start/join in any discussion.

BladeForums – Knife Reviews (US based Forum for Knife Discussion)

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Classic Knife Review: Spyderco Police and Military Models

10 January, 2022

We all know them, we might not all have them. These two Spyderco classics (Police and Military) have stood the test of time and use, and are still current models – for good reason.
I refer to them as ‘Classics’ and Spyderco calls the Police model a ‘Signature’ model and the Military a ‘USA Made’ and/or ‘Save and Serve’ model. Both really qualify as a classic in my opinion and are worthy of being in your pocket.

Video Overview

This video is a detailed look at the Police and Military Models, from handling to technical measurements. Hopefully something for everyone and you should have a better idea if you should also pick up one or both.

A good look round the Police Model – Things to look out for here are:
Being of full stainless steel construction, and having brushed steel handles, to ensure you get it in new condition, the handle scales come with protectors fitted that you need to peel off.
The Police model has drilled and tapped holes in all four possible clip positions, so you can decide the very best clip position for your needs (personally I changed this to tip-up and right handed).
Being a long standing model it unsurprisingly uses a back lock.
With a rivet type of blade pivot, there is no adjustment or user servicing possible. The pivot rivet finishing is excellent and completely invisible.
This example is the part serrated version, but it also comes in a fully serrated or full plain edge blade.

A good look round the Military Model – Things to look out for here are:
Immediately unmistakably Spyderco, with the G10 handle scales, pocket clip and opening hole, the Military is a good sized folder.
Unlike the Police model, the Military can be taken apart, with the G10 handle scales bolted together and a pivot bolt. Also unlike the Police model, the Military has only the one clip position (tip-down right handed).
Recessed into the G10 handles are minimal steel liners and the Military uses a liner lock. Just to drive home that point about ‘minimal’ steel liners, this is what allows for the light weight yet still strong construction. The liner on the non-lock side just goes from handle bolt to handle bolt to the pivot (supporting the stop pin as well). The other partial liner is larger as it includes the lock bar.

The Blade and Handle – Detailed Measurements:
For full details of the tests and measurements carried out and an explanation of the results, see the page – Knife Technical Testing – How It’s Done.

An extra detail not in this table is the edge angle of the serration on the Police Model. One of the reasons the Spyderco serrations cut so well is that they are chisel grind (so only one side is sharpened) making the edge angle very fine – in this case just 17 degrees total inclusive edge angle (0 degrees one side and 17 the other).

The Factory edge up close – NEW FOR 2022!:

Followers of Tactical Reviews will know my views on factory edges, but to recap:

Anyone using a knife will need to sharpen it. That first factory edge is just like the first tank of fuel that a new car comes with (or first charge of the battery).
A good factory edge is a ‘nice to have’ but not a ‘make or break’ for a good knife, as you will be putting your own edge onto it soon enough.
The factory edge does however indicate the care a knife maker has put into the final finish.
It is for this reason Tactical Reviews measures factory edge sharpness and specifications, and includes this information in the detailed technical testing.

As a further look at the factory edge, this section has been added to include some high magnification photos of the factory edges.

In this case the serrated part of the Police model (the plain edge part was sharpened before the imaging device was ready) and the edge of the Military model.

These two edges are outstanding and will the standard by which others are judged!

What is it like to use?

Before going further with using them, a quick side by side (and one on top of the other) size and form-factor comparison.

Moving onto the two knives in the hand, and despite being very similar in size, they do feel very different when you hold them. The G10 handles of the Military make for a different weight distribution plus fill the hand more. Of the two, the Military is definitely the more comfortable and easy to have a very secure grip of. Conversely though this makes it harder to carry, taking up more pocket space. The Police model is very slim and even at the size it is, slips into your pocket so easily.

In terms of carry, the Police model also gives you all four possible clip positions (or five if you count – ‘no clip’) so there isn’t any limitation of the clip position. Although that said, this current version is missing a lanyard hole if you wanted one of these.
For my own purposes, I have moved the clip from the factory position to tip-up and right handed.

Of course for edge maintenance, especially considering the serrated edge on the Police model, the Spyderco Tri-Angle Sharp Maker (also pictured above) is ideal and easy to use.

Both the Police and Military models do have a very pointy blade tip, the Police being the slightly pointier of the two. It makes them very aggressive at penetrating, and for anyone more used to a drop point or other less eager blade tip might find them unwieldy or difficult to control. You certainly need to use great care where depth of cut matters, and the long blade can make this control all the more difficult. You will get used to it, but it does need care and consideration when wielding these super capable blades.

Review Summary

The views expressed in this summary table are from the point of view of the reviewer’s personal use. I am not a member of the armed forces and cannot comment on its use beyond a cutting tool or field/hunting knife.

Something that might be a ‘pro’ for one user can be a ‘con’ for another, so the comments are categorised based on my requirements. You should consider all points and if they could be beneficial to you.

_______________________________________________
What doesn’t work so well for me
_______________________________________________
Military –
single clip position.
clip/G10 abrasive on pocket edge.

Police –
no lanyard hole.
slippery when wet.

_______________________________________________
Things I like
_______________________________________________
Military –
Very light for its size.
Very ‘eager’ blade (full flat grind and sharp point).
Liner lock makes for very smooth opening.
G10 handles have excellent grip.
Spyderco high quality fit and finish
One of the best factory edges I have ever seen!

Police –
Slim design makes it easy to carry.
Pocket clip has four possible positions.
Spyderco serrations incredibly sharp.
Three options for blade (plain, serrated, part-serrated).

Hope to see you at IWA 2022 soon!

 
Discussing the Review:
The ideal place to discuss this review is on the Tactical Reviews Facebook Page
Please visit there and start/join the conversation.

As well as the Tactical Reviews Facebook Page, please consider visiting one of the following to start/join in any discussion.

BladeForums – Knife Reviews (US based Forum for Knife Discussion)

CandlePowerForums – Knife Reviews Section (Largest and Friendliest Flashlight Community Forum)

Light Review: Cyansky H3 and H5 (built-in Red/Green Filter)

26 October, 2021

Cyansky have come up with a novel way to solve the problem of having multiple colours of light in a single device without many of the compromises multi-LED or LED swapping lights might have. Most people will have come across, or used, colour filters to change the output of a white beam, but these are easily forgotten or lost. In the Cyansky H3 and H5 hunting models, glass filters are completely contained within the head of the light and the patented mechanism lets you drop a red or green filter in front of the XHP35 HI LED with a simple twist of the control ring – nothing else needed. The H3 and H5 use the increasingly popular 21700 cell to provide more power and runtime, but can run on an 18650 or 2 CR123s for added versatility.
Join me in the detailed examination of these two hunting lights and see how they perform.

Video Overview

Starting with a look over these light in a short video.

This is what arrived from Cyansky –

A good look round the H3 – Things to look out for here are:
As you may have already seen in the video, first up are the contents of the box. The H3 has a belt hanger (rather than full holster) providing a head-up belt carry option. Moving round the H3 and we get onto the mode switch and filter control ring at the base of the head. The tail-switch is semi-recessed, so allowing for tail standing, but with cutouts to ease access to the switch. The stainless bezel ring is wide and well finished. And then a first look at one of the filters.
The H3 comes with a 21700 with built-in USB-C charging. As it arrives there is a plastic insulator to prevent accidental discharge in the light.

A good look round the H5 – Things to look out for here are:
With the H5, the details are the same as for the H3, so I won’t repeat them, the difference is in the much larger head and reflector to give extra beam range.
One small observation which doesn’t affect function at all is that the mode switch has room to move about and twist, so might look a little ‘off’. This doesn’t affect function at all, and is only mentioned in case you see the button looking slightly twisted (this is the same for both models).

The Remote Switch and scope mount:
The supplied remote switch replaces the tail-cap of either the H3 or H5. The remote switches are in a rail-mount unit, and you have a momentary only switch, plus a forward clicky latching switch much like the original tail switch.
The scope mount is basic and easy to use, but I would not use it for heavy duty setups. For smaller calibers and for quick tool-less mounting it works well, and has enough stand off for the H3 or H5.

The Cyansky special feature – built-in colour filters:
Now for a set of images to just show the built-in filter change. I’ve used the H3 here as with the smaller head it is easier to see the filter better than with the H5. First no filter – with the filter holder just having a little bit of extra reflector round the base of the LED. Then part of the way to dropping a filter in place (this is NOT how you use it, just showing the filter holder disk rotating). Finally with the red and green glass filters shown in place over the LED.

The beam

Please be careful not to judge tint based on images you see on a computer screen. Unless properly calibrated, the screen itself will change the perceived tint.

The indoor beamshot is intended to give an idea of the beam shape/quality rather than tint. All beamshots are taken using daylight white balance. The woodwork (stairs and skirting) are painted Farrow & Ball “Off-White”, and the walls are a light sandy colour called ‘String’ again by Farrow & Ball. I don’t actually have a ‘white wall’ in the house to use for this, and my wife won’t have one!

Stepping through these beamshots we have the H3 white beam, then H5 white beam, and as you go through the gallery it is H3 then H5 to show a direct comparison on each colour indoors and out.

Batteries and output:

The two models runs on 21700 cells. Logging the built-in USB-C charging gives these traces for the cell provided with each light.

Please note, all quoted lumen figures are from a DIY integrating sphere, and according to ANSI standards. Although every effort is made to give as accurate a result as possible, they should be taken as an estimate only. The results can be used to compare outputs in this review and others I have published.

The Output table also includes the manufacturer specified lumens for comparison.

For the runtime trace, only the highest and lowest output colours were used (white and red) and all traces were run on maximum power.

The H3 and H5 in use

The first aspect to mention is how the H3 and H5 themselves compare. Actually this photo doesn’t show it accurately, but from the control ring to tail-cap, the H3 and H5 are identical. Not a surprise as they run on the same cell, have the some output specifications (apart from beam range), and have the same controls. So when holding them, they are the same for grip and controls.

With the larger head, and larger reflector, the H5 does have the edge in overall output, and it focuses the beam more for a longer reach. This gallery shows some longer distant photos on a golf course driving range. The H3 and H5 beams compared directly. The focus of the H5 is clearly visible at these longer ranges.

Using a zoom rifle scope this gallery has a set of images at the same exposure to show the gain in distance the H5 has over the H3. The magnification is set to 8x in this first gallery.
Important to note is that the distance markers the scope is aimed at are 250 yards, and that the H3 is still usable on white output, but struggles a bit at this range on the coloured output.
Also bear in mind that I am using a .22lr on this course, so 250 yards it beyond the limit I would take a shot.

Now taking the scope to 16x magnification. Although all the images here are the same exposure, I have had to use a longer exposure than for the 8x magnification. At this range and magnification the H3 was pushed too far. the H5 was still working well.
This was to test the limits for range and scope magnification. (At 32x magnification I could not get any photos to come out.)

All of the above proves the H3 and H5 work well on or off a rifle, and the coloured output filters, being built-in, are so convenient, allowing for changes of output colour with nothing but a turn of the control ring.
Although I normally use dedicated coloured lights (so the LED is red or green) due to being most efficient and having the best quality of beam, it means I need to carry entire replacement lights to change colour. There are also LED swapping lights on the market but these compromise the thermal path as the heat sink has to move. With the H3 and H5, the single LED has an optimal thermal path for heat sinking.
Using filters on any light does reduce efficiency as you are ‘wasting’ up to 93% of the actual output (in the case of the red 1306lm down to 94lm). This is the cost of the convenience of instant access to red green or white light.

As long as you have a suitable rail to mount the remote switch on, this switch works really well. By including both a dedicated momentary switch, and a latching forward-clicky switch that gives you momentary and permanent on options, you have all you might want. If you don’t have a rail in the right place, this switch won’t really work for you, so consider this before choosing.

If you normally use a dedicated coloured light, then do you switch to the H3 and H5? – if you ever have a need to change between red, white, and green, then the all-in-one solution these Cyansky lights give you allows you to stop carrying additional separate lights.
If you use, or would consider using colour filters, then the H3 and H5 are no-brainers. Why would you want external filters you can lose, that are often a plastic filter material, when you can have self-contained selectable glass filters?

Review Summary
The views expressed in this summary table are from the point of view of the reviewer’s personal use. I am not a member of the armed forces and cannot comment on its use beyond that covered in the review.

Something that might be a ‘pro’ for one user can be a ‘con’ for another, so the comments are categorised based on my requirements. You should consider all points and if they could be beneficial to you.

_______________________________________________
What doesn’t work so well for me
_______________________________________________
Using filters is not efficient compared to dedicated coloured lights.
The mode button can look a little twisted as it has a little too much room to move.
Basic belt hanger provided.

_______________________________________________
Things I like
_______________________________________________
Glass filters are used.
Simple turn of the control ring to change filter colour.
21700 power (plus can use 18650 or CR123 if needed).
Supplied 21700 is USB-C chargeable.
Good choice of beam pattern between the H3 and longer reaching H5.

You can find the Official Cyansky Store Here, if you would like to get hold of these lights. (I have no affiliation and get no reward for you buying from this link).

Knife Review: Extrema Ratio T4000 C

5 August, 2021

Included in this review of the Extrema Ratio T4000 C, a compact classic Tanto with Extrema Ratio’s tactical sheath and handle, are a video with an overview and detailed measurements, galleries of the packaging, sheath, and knife, plus insights into how it is to use.

Let’s take a closer look.

The video tour of the T4000 C:
In case you haven’t seen the video overview and vital statistics of the T4000 C on Tactical Review’s youtube channel, here it is. This video covers a quick tour of the knife and sheath and a detailed technical measurements section.

A few more details:

What’s in the box?:
For the T4000 C, it ‘just fits’ into the box. The usual Extrema Ratio high quality two-part box is used.

A good look round the T4000 C’s Sheath – Things to look out for here are:
Even though ‘Compact’ the sheath manages to fit in a lot of features and details. Solidly constructed and made to fit the compact knife perfectly. On the back is a set of PALS/MOLLE webbing and strap, with the front also having webbing for mounting a small pouch or other item. A gap in the welt at the base of the sheath allows for free flowing drainage. To comfortably accommodate the thick blade stock the welt is similarly sized.
A strong double press-stud retaining strap wraps the handle and keeps the knife securely in place. you can adjust the position of the retaining strap as it is held in place with a Velcro adjusting system. There is an anti-catch smooth plastic insert backing the sheath to prevent wear and damage to the back of the sheath when sheathing the knife.
With there not being a specific belt loop, using the MOLLE strap, you can make your own belt loop to fit the size of the belt.

The T4000 C knife itself:
From the first view of the satin blade emerging you get drawn into admiring the knife. The beautifully executed fuller on each side of the blade enhances the lines. Extrema Ratio’s distinctive grip design provides an index finger groove to give a strong grip. A single bolt holds the rubber grip in place on the full tang, that extends through to a striker and lanyard hole. Sharpening choils – what is your take? – well the T4000 C does not have one, so the sharp edge stops just short of the plunge line. Also note a front lanyard hole, allowing you to fit a cord to both the front or rear of the handle.
Being the compact model, the handle length sits just within the hand (I take XL size gloves).

The Blade and Handle – Detailed Measurements:
For full details of the tests and measurements carried out and an explanation of the results, see the page – Knife Technical Testing – How It’s Done.

There is a lot to take in here. These measurements are shown in the video.

What is it like to use?

It’s a tanto – nice – I always like a tanto. There is a practicality of having an almost chisel-like tip and what I refer to as the secondary point (where the tip and main edge meet) for various cuts instead of using the actual tip of the knife.
The elegant lines are simply a pleasure to look at as well as to use, and being the compact knife class from Extrema Ratio this is a really useful day to day blade. Something you are more likely to pick up and use, as it is very practical.

I knew after measuring the factor edge I would want to re-profile the edge bevel, 25DPS is too wide/heavy for a small knife, even 20DPS would be more than I want. But before doing this, with the sharpness measuring a respectable 281 BESS average I wanted to see how it fared. It would not shave arm hair with this edge, however…

Factory edge put to some minor fire prep tasks. The wood here is fully seasoned so much harder than any green wood. Kindling and feather sticks, perfectly good with these little pieces of wood, using the edge out of the box.

After a bit of use, it was time to change the edge bevel to 17DPS and bring that cutting edge a bit closer to the plunge line. As always, putting your own edge on a knife makes all the difference, and now it sings along shaving and slicing ferociously.

Extrema Ratio are good at Tantos, and this is one of their best. The thinned down blade thickness with full flat grind give it great slicing power, yet the blade still starts at 4.1mm at the spine, so is plenty strong for heavy use. Go back and look at the blade in the video as the light plays off it and you really appreciate the qualities of the T4000 C.

Review Summary

The views expressed in this summary table are from the point of view of the reviewer’s personal use. I am not a member of the armed forces and cannot comment on its use beyond a cutting tool or field/hunting knife.

Something that might be a ‘pro’ for one user can be a ‘con’ for another, so the comments are categorised based on my requirements. You should consider all points and if they could be beneficial to you.

I’m trying something slightly different and starting with what doesn’t work so well, so I can finish on a more positive note

_______________________________________________
What doesn’t work so well for me
_______________________________________________
No sharpening choil – personal preference.
Retaining strap is a bit bulky for a compact knife.
Factory edge usable but a bit ‘heavy’.

_______________________________________________
Things I like
_______________________________________________
Build quality and finish.
Practical well designed sheath.
‘Handy’ size being a ‘C’ Compact model.
Very comfortable grip.
Front and rear lanyard points.
Elegant blade profile with fullers.
Reliable steel choice.

 
Discussing the Review:
The ideal place to discuss this review is on the Tactical Reviews Facebook Page
Please visit there and start/join the conversation.

As well as the Tactical Reviews Facebook Page, please consider visiting one of the following to start/join in any discussion.

BladeForums – Knife Reviews (US based Forum for Knife Discussion)

CandlePowerForums – Knife Reviews Section (Largest and Friendliest Flashlight Community Forum)

Tactical Briefcase Face-Off Part 4: The Results

4 July, 2021

Part 4 of the Tactical Briefcase Face-Off is all about the results! All three Tactical Briefcases in the Tactical Briefcase Face-Off series came from Military 1st who I’ve been buying from for many years.
This series of reviews was originally planned to be a single group review, but has evolved into something much larger as I used each of them for EDC, lived with them, got to know them well, and more and more needed to be shown. In parts 1-3, each of the three Tactical Briefcases (First Tactical Executive Briefcase, Hazard 4 Ditch Bail Out Bag and Condor Metropolis Briefcase) has been shown in detail, and now in Part 4, it all comes together to explain how I got on with each one and their strengths and weaknesses.

Part 1, featuring the First Tactical Executive Briefcase can be seen here.
Part 2, featuring the Hazard 4 Ditch Bail Out Bag can be seen here.
Part 3, featuring the Condor Metropolis Briefcase can be seen here.

The video tour of all three Tactical Briefcases:
In case you haven’t seen the video overview on Tactical Review’s youtube channel, here it is. This video covers all three of the bags.

Part 1 – The First Tactical Executive Briefcase:
The story of this Tactical Briefcase Face-Off series of tests starts with the bag in Part 1, the First Tactical Executive Briefcase.
These briefcases all have to follow in the footsteps of my established 20l EDC backpack. Over the years, this 20l class of backpack has fitted in nicely with my EDC needs, and the most recent of these being the Wisport Sparrow 20 (also reviewed here).

Taking this as my optimum starting point, all the Tactical Briefcases would need to measure up in terms of capacity, storage and function.
We all carry a variety of gear, and I just went with what I actually do EDC rather then contriving a test. Laying it all out ready to move over to the First Tactical bag, this is what I currently carry, and I’m not even going into the contents of the two organiser pouches in there.

So it’s all moved over, and there is room to spare, an easy and straightforward bag move; immediately feeling comfortable and reassured the bag will stand up to use.

Then I EDCed this bag for two weeks before considering a swap to the next.
At this stage where I didn’t have any comparison of using the other bags, I could only consider the first impressions of this one on its own. Sturdy and comfortable would be the words that come to mind. The well padded strap made carrying it very easy despite now having only a single strap compared to a backpack with two. The strap is also super stable, and doesn’t slip off the shoulder thanks to the rubberised grip-strips on the strap pad. On the floor it is nice and stable in the upright position, and the double-zipped top flap makes for very easy access to the main compartment, just make sure you put the most needed items near the front of the compartment.
The well made handles also add to the sturdy feel of the bag and when carrying with the handles they feel very strong. I keep a 10″ tablet in the laptop section rather than a laptop, and this only needs one side of the padded section, easily accessible with the twin zip.
With all the compartments using zip closures, noise levels are low when getting bits and pieces out, although when carrying it is prone to a bit of strap buckle squeaking from the swivels.
A strong start to the face-off series.

Part 2 – The Hazard 4 Ditch Bail Out Bag:
Hazard 4, oh Hazard 4, I do like Hazard 4 quality, so wanted this to be my favourite. I always try not to allow any bias into my assessment of gear, so had to have strong words with myself on how I was going to view this one.
Of the three, the Hazard 4 was the only one not to come with a shoulder strap. I understand why, but actually don’t think it is right that it doesn’t, considering the price point. There isn’t much choice in matching shoulder straps, really only two, the one on test, and a version with additional stabilisation strap that clips onto another loop on the bag. As a separate item, the strap is however of a quality that justifies it being an item itself, and not something made to fit within the overall pricing.
The use of a different fabric on the bottom that is waterproof and wipeable is a great touch and gives the impression this bag will definitely go on and on.

On swap-over day; laying out everything ready to move it over.

Slightly surprisingly, it was a bit more of a challenge to fit everything in, with the bag developing a bulge on the admin panel side. This, combined with the padded laptop compartment on the opposite side being quite rigid and stiff, gave the bag an imbalance and it seems to want to topple over rather than sit upright. This tendency continued throughout the fortnight it was in the EDC rotation, and was somewhat annoying. It was as if the laptop section was a bit too big for the side of the bag, which also impacts on the carrying capacity.

Reliability was never in question, and the strap made it comfortable to carry. Both because the contents seemed to fill it more, and the lack of capacity to take any top-up EDC items, made it appear smaller than the First Tactical bag. This was also noticeable while carrying it; I did not knock into door frames or walls with it (as much), so carry was easier, and more streamlined.
With the admin panel being the whole side, instead of a couple of smaller pockets, it was not as easy or convenient taking out a few bits a pieces. It would be more suited to a kit of items where you need to see them all at once to pick the one you want.
The main compartment however was very usable, with the internal end pockets, pockets on one side and a versatile webbing panel on the other. Access is quick and easy with the lightweight double-zip flap top.

Part 3 – The Condor Metropolis Briefcase:
And the transfer day for the last bag in this series after two weeks with the Hazard 4 – the Condor Metropolis Briefcase. A quick pre-transfer comparison, with the Condor looking like it might be quite similar in capacity to the Hazard 4.

Ready to start packing everything away to get it to all fit in the right way for my regular needs. By this stage I was finding that it is quite a challenge to keep reorganising gear you use all the time after having just got more or less used to where it was in the previous bag. The different pouches, pockets, sections make you rethink where things need to go.

The Condor had no issues accommodating everything without bulges or struggling at all and it is sits upright happily on the floor. The sharp eyed might have spotted in the bag contents there is a large admin pouch in coyote, and this is a Condor too.
In this bag, more Velcro closures are used than the previous two. When in the workplace, ripping these open does make quite a bit of noise and attracts attention. Velcro also has the tendency that once you take one thing out, if the flap falls closed by itself, you then have to rip it open yet again to get item two out. One of the front pockets does have a zip for part of its compartment, but then Velcro for the other part, and the second front pocket is fully Velcro.
Access to the main compartment in this bag is via a single zip requiring you to ‘dig’ a bit more to find things as the compartment is not as openly presented as those with a double-zip flap opening.
The main compartment having only two mesh pockets is simple in structure. Mesh pockets don’t provide much protection for what is in them, or what is on the main compartment, but the mesh does mean it is really easy to see what is in which pocket without a rummage. It really depends on what you carry for how well they suit your needs. In my case I have several items that partially poke through the mesh if I’m not careful.
For the first time in this series, I noticed some discomfort with the shoulder strap, but remember I do have this loaded up and the pouches I carry contain many tools, so can be pushing 10kg. With a slightly lighter load this would not be an issue.

And I was wrong:

After using all three bags, I was convinced that there was a big difference in their empty weight. I was clearly wrong, with this quick gallery of using luggage scales to weigh all of them. So it was purely an impression based on structure, build and materials. (These are in the same order as the previous parts, so it is the Condor that is a touch lighter.)

Review Summary
And here we are now, where having used each of these three bags for a minimum of two weeks EDC, and looked at them in detail, I can come to a conclusion. The conclusion I can come to is only for my own EDC, as our choice of EDC is entirely personal.
On the way to reaching this point I hope to have given you enough information to find one that would suit your needs, with the video tour, individual detailed feature reviews, and the comments and impressions I’ve described earlier in this part of the face-off.

The views expressed in this summary table are from the point of view of the reviewer’s personal use. I am not a member of the armed forces and cannot comment on its use beyond that covered in the review.

Something that might be a ‘pro’ for one user can be a ‘con’ for another, so the comments are categorised based on my requirements. You should consider all points and if they could be beneficial to you.

_______________________________________________
What doesn’t work so well for me
_______________________________________________
First Tactical – Can seem a bit big.
First Tactical – Strap squeaks a little when walking if heavily loaded.
Hazard 4 – A bit unbalanced and tending to topple over on the floor.
Hazard 4 – Strap needs to be purchased separately.
Condor – Main compartment access restricted by single zip opening.
Condor – Strap has less padding so is not as comfortable with heavy load.

_______________________________________________
Things I like
_______________________________________________
First Tactical – Easily has room for additional top-up items.
First Tactical – The most comfortable and stable strap.
First Tactical – Comprehensive pockets, pouches, all with easy access.
Hazard 4 – Super build quality (the others are great, but I’d put this ahead on build).
Hazard 4 – Lots of versatile webbing.
Hazard 4 – Large admin panel packed with features.
Condor – Great all-rounder with simplified main compartment.
Condor – Concealed compartment (easily accessed by pulling the front D-loop).
Condor – Drainage holes in elasticated end pockets in case of leaks.

In short, all of these Tactical Briefcases stand on their own merits. If I had purchased any one of them on its own, it would have done the job, and I would have been happy. You won’t go wrong with any of them, but if you have any specific requirements, take a look back over the details to see which would be the better fit.

For my uses, and the gear I EDC, one of them was a better fit, and is currently serving as my EDC bag…

10 Years of Reviewing, Testing and Innovating.

29 June, 2021

This milestone sneaked up on me, and it is now 10 years ago that I published my first review – from then on it just kept evolving.

It started when I found online discussion forums and I became an avid reader of online reviews and active participant in forum threads – but there was something slightly lacking…

As a photographer, engineer, outdoorsman and perhaps most importantly an enthusiast, I felt I might have something extra to offer and decided to give it a go and see how I got on. The more work I did, the more I was drawn into trying to better understand the tools and gear I love, and share all of that with others in the most factual and well illustrated way possible. I’ve always worked to introduce new ideas and new tests, many of which have been adopted by other reviewers as part of a standard ‘review formula’.

In 10 years I’ve built up a considerable body of work and experience, and many valued friendships and relationships. Hopefully there is still a lot more to come, with improvements and innovations along the way.

What you might not realise (as a reader) is that all of this (photos and photo editing, technical tests, graphic design, web design, website hosting and management, video and video editing, social media, writing and many more things needed to keep it all running) is done by one person. One person with a full time job in I.T.

I often call reviewing my ‘Hobby Job’, taken as seriously as a paid job, but something that costs quite a bit to keep going, and is a lot to fit around the demands of normal life. ‘Enthusiast’, or is that ‘Crazy Person’?

Thanks to everyone that has supported me so far, in both believing in me, and in taking the time to look at the reviews – Subwoofer (aka Richard)