Matthew Axelson Tribute Knives | The Axe Hammer

Operation Red Wings – June 28, 2005 – Never Forget My first impressions of the Matt Axelson Tribute Knives when I unwrapped them was, “Holy crap! These are no joke; they’re heavy and strong, bad-ass weapons.” The combat version is clearly not meant to be kept in its sheath; it’s meant to be abused. Pictures […]

An Essential Survival Tool: The Knife

Survival is a state of mind. If a man does not let himself become defeated, he will survive. In order to prepare a plan to survive any type of catastrophe, you need to become aware of just what is needed to survive. For this article, I’m going to use some images from the movie “Rambo: First Blood.” I […]

Kershaw Knives Rove | First Impressions

Another day, another chance to review whats new in products that matter to you.  Today I’m opening up a blade from Kershaw, the Rove.  It wasn’t too long ago I reviewed another Kershaw knife, the Westin.  I mention this because I can immediately spot a few similarities and given how highly I think of the Westin, […]

Which Multi-Tool is best? Gerber MP600 vs. Leatherman Kick

Like most large competing brands there are supports on each side of the aisle.  Why one person favors one brand over another is not always so black and white.  Not only is there functionality of a product, but there is also a good deal of emotional points that support a person’s preference and opinion on […]

SERE Survival: Sharpening your cutting tools in the field

“Ops are pushed 1 hour, remain on station.” My PRC-152 spit this information out matter-of-factly as wind and freezing rain pelted me and my crew of Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) members on the top of a mountain. These TACP’s were going through a Combat Survival and Evasion course and I was their instructor. They […]

Everyday Carry: International Travel

I recently had to travel to Alberta Canada for a business trip and wanted to ensure I had a minimal set of tools to effect my survival – just in case. Knowing I was going to have to deal with airport security and customs, I needed to choose gear that would pass their security scans and […]

Survival Knife, Gear Review: Looking for a Versatile Tool

A survival knife is a tool and not a fashion statement but for any guys out there that have been in a survival situation or a school environment as in a training course, you’d know that. So it becomes a case of practicality over all else While I’m admittedly no expert on knives, I know […]

Emerson Knives Mini CQC-15

Throughout the history of mankind, a sharp knife has been a necessary survival tool. Since the earliest man sharpened a fragment of rock into a crude blade, the knife has been arguably man’s greatest invention (aside from capturing fire, or maybe soap). So when the time came for me to select a knife I would […]

Watch: An Inside Look at Emerson Knives

For those of you that follow me know that I have done quite a few knife reviews for the Loadout Room. In order to get accurate information into your hands requires me to carry the knives and actually use them. When I’m not testing and evaluating a knife more often than not I’ve got an […]

SOG Powerplay Multi-Tool: Review

Our readers know that The Loadout Room writers are big fans of SOG Specialty Knives & Tools. We’re constantly using their knives, tomahawks and multi-tools in the field and reviewing their products. Many of us have carried their equipment while serving in the military as well. I was one of the few that had not. […]

Women’s Cirrus Pant by 5.11 Tactical – Crazy Hot?

The Women’s Cirrus Pant by 5.11 Tactical claims a “a flattering fit and great flexibility for everyday wear”. But women’s pants can be tricky. Can 5.11 pull off the delicate balance of fit & function? Sometimes, my husband Erik thinks I’m crazy. I think it’s normal. For him to think I’m crazy, I mean. Just […]

Spartan Blades CQB Tool | A force multiplier

If necessity is the mother of invention, then experience is the grandpappy of refinement.  Ever since the advent of the firearm, soldiers have carried edged weapons as a backup.  From Pirates to Hessians to Rangers, fighters know the value of good steel.  Far from another Rambo or Crocodile Dundee monstrosity, the Spartan Blades CQB tool is a […]