Swiss Tech: Micro EDC Utility

If you're the kind of person people always look to to have the right tool they forgot, Swiss Tech makes some great new products for you.

The variety of tools Swiss+Tech manufactures in pocket sized or keyring portable designs is pretty impressive. Screwdrivers, scissors, flashlights and even pliers fold out of these micro multi tools to save the day.

The popular Swiss+Tech MIcro-Mstax 19-in-1 features 2 hex wrenches, 6 screwdrivers, pliers, wire cutter, wire stripper, wire crimper, hand drill, file, bottle opener, 2 rulers (mm & inch) and 2 ruler extensions.

Built out of stainless steel, the folding design clamps around your keyring and locks in place so it won't come open unintentionally. At less than 2" long, it's handy on the road or at home.

The Micro-Pro XL1100 is another unique tool that offers some of the most commonly used tools and adds a micro sized LED flashlight.

The durable and precision crafted 11-in-1 multi-tool includes pliers, wire cutter, wire stripper, sheet shear, #2 Phillips and #2 flat screwdrivers, #1 Phillips and #1 flat screwdrivers, ultra-bright Micro-Light, 1/4" rule markings and key ring, and weighs in at only 2.2 oz.

For even more utility in a larger package, the Swiss+Tech Pocket Multi-Tool 12-in-1 makes it easy to carry in your pocket, purse, or keep in your kitchen drawer. Precision crafted with solid stainless steel tools. Ribbed side-grip handles allow for comfort and stability. Comes with nylon carrying case for protection and can attach to belt.

If you're the minimalist, Swiss Tech's got you covered too. The lightest and most compact multi-use tool ever developed is the Swiss+Tech Utili-Key 6-in-1. It has a straight knife blade and a serrated cutting surface, a flat screwdriver, a Phillips screwdriver, a micro-sized screwdriver, and a bottle opener. Weighing in at an amazing 0.5 oz anyone can carry this on their standard keyring with no extra hassle.

The micro sized pocket tools from Swiss+Tech are great to keep in your pocket wherever you go and make the perfect gift for those you know need it. Check out the entire selection at uscav.com today.

SHOT Show 2012: Gerber De Facto

One of Gerber's newest knives is a short, fixed-blade dagger that was developed with input from Special Forces for close-quarter self defense. The double-edged blade is 4 inches long with serrations on both sides and is constructed with durable S30V steel. From blade to rubberized handle to pommel, the entire dagger is tan that blends well with MultiCam.

The De Facto also comes with a tan molded sheath with a locking mechanism. Check out the video below featuring Tim Kennedy.

The New Gerber DMF - Wicked Automatic

Gerber has recently introduced the successor to their popular 06 Auto, the DMF or dual multi-function knife. As it's name implies, this isn't your average pocket folder. It was built specifically to meet todays military requirements with features that are well thought out.

The DMF sports a matte black, 1/8 inch thick, S30V blade with nearly 3 inches of cutting surface - a third of which utilizes some very effective serrations. One of the biggest differences from the 0

6 Auto is the tanto point. Note the false back edge to the blade that will definitely aid in penetrating tasks.

The choil area (section between the serrated section of the blade and the handle) is about 1/2 inch long and notched so that you can really grip up on the blade for detailed cutting tasks.

When you're looking at an automatic knife, the deployment of the blade is what it's all about. The DMF's deployment system is truly ambidextrous featuring a sliding release that also functions as the locking mechanism. Gerber really put some thought into this. Take a look at the stair-stepping on this release. It will surely give you positive traction whether wet, muddy or even gloved.

For those of you familiar with Benchmade's Auto Axis lock, it seems that Gerber's design is just as rugged and reliable.

Some may find the deployment speed lacking, but the military found that a slower deployment system was less likely to jump out of someone's grip that some overzealous autos can tend to do. In another example of the thought put into this design, activating the safety seems like a natural movement once the blade is open. The safety's locking bar is located on the spine of the handle which also lends to it's ambidextrous operation. Just slide the heavily jimped safety bar toward the blade to prevent the sliders from accidentally releasing the blade in use.

This safety can also be deployed in the closed position to prevent unintentional opening, but seems unnecessary considering this isn't a traditional push-button auto. That means that you can cary this and not have to worry about disengaging a safety before you deploy the blade.

The handle on the DMF is made of two 1/8 inch G10 slabs that give positive traction in the hand. Underneath these slabs are two 1/16 inch steel liners that ad to the heft of this knife, but also the strength.

The DMF weighs in at just under 7 oz. Keep in mind that this isn't intended as an everyday pocket folder, so some extra weight is to be expected for such a hard use knife.

Some other things we noticed:

• Overall ergonomics of the handle are excellent for those with medium to large sized hands.
• Steel strike pommel. This can be effectively used as a pressure point device when you don't need the deadly force of the blade. An oversized lanyard hole allows you to tie a tether or wrist loop to when in an operational area where there is a high risk of loosing your blade.
• There is a large forefinger groove and slightly smaller middle finger groove, while the remaining section is left coarsely jimped. This design works equally well in a forward grip as well as a reverse grip.
• The pocket clip on this DMF is reversible but only provides for tip-up carry.
• Another nice touch is that the area under the pocket clip has been smoothed to prevent excess wear on your pocket that can normally occur with course G10 checkering.
• While in the pocket, the clip leaves about 3/4 of an inch of the handle exposed, giving plenty to grab onto to withdraw the knife. An ultra-deep pocket clip, like those found on some edc knives would be impractical for the DMF's tactical role.

Lastly, Gerber provides two carry methods for the DMF. For a traditional belt style you can use the included nylon sheath or opt for the blackened steel clip for pocket carry.

The new Gerber DMF is a value packed tactical auto that will serve you well on your next mission.

Get yours today at uscav.com.