KA-BAR TDI

I picked up the KA-BAR TDI Small Straight edge blade about 2 weeks ago. It has been in my EDC since then. It is recommended to wear on your off hand if you are CCW. As I have not gotten my LTC I wear this on my strong side, seated on my belt above my rear pocket. It feels comfortable there and does not pinch while seated or driving. The knife does not print unless you wear tight clothing. Regular fit shirts and sweaters keep this well made knife concealed.

The knife came with a Kydex sheath and a belt clip, along with a Torx wrench to adjust the clip to the sheath. I ordered mine from tomarskabars.com

I do not use the knife for general purposes, i.e. - cutting open boxes, cutting string.
It stays on my belt, hidden by my untucked shirt. This knife was made to help in weapon retention and as an emergency tool for Law Enforcement, Military personnel and armed citizens. I will make note that the only knife that anyone sees me use is my Victorinox.  

Waving knifes around, even to show them off to coworkers or friends is strongly advised against. If they need something longer then the blade on my Victorinox Manager they can look elsewhere.

Back to the knife. It is most commonly carried on your weak side to retain your handgun. Holding the knife in a reverse grip from your weak side hand and sweeping it to your strong hand side you can see how natural the curve of the blade moves in an arc.I really love the coating that covers the blade. It is thick and looks like it will last a very long time. The knife feels good in the sheath and you can shake the knife sheath upside-down without it coming loose.

Thankfully the knife has not had to leave my side for it's made purpose. I did test the sharpness of the blade out of the box and it cut a piece of paper like it was hot butter. The knife comes in a serrated edge, and in a longer version. You can also pick up a ankle sheath if that is how you kick it.

TDI stands for Tactical Defense Institute. John Benner designed the knife and offers an array of classes you may be interested in.

TAD Merino Wool Watch Cap

Hello everyone, welcome to GSGTK. I will be trying to do about one review a week on different EDC items that I use and hope you find the information informative.

This week I will be focusing on the Triple Aught Design's Merino Watch Cap. I have been in the process of using this item all week and glad to have gotten it in the mail over the weekend. TAD has been known for it's superior gear selection made for anyone who traverses the urban streets, dense jungle or vast desert.

Sometimes with TAD a certain color or size may not be available, so I suggest ordering what you want as soon as you see it. I had really wanted a watch cap in the traditional black or my favorite color gray. I had not decided which color I like and by the next day they were out of black and gray.I contacted their Customer Service via email to confirm (and hope) they may have overlooked a watch cap or two. I was told that only ME Brown and OD Green were available by the polite and helpful customer service person (thank you Stacy).

I went and ordered both colors knowing the wife would snatch one of them from me. A confirmation email with tracking number was confirmed via email and a few days later I get my gear. It has been cold up here in Boston. I work about 50 feet from the ocean and feel the full effects of the 18 - 32 degree weather. The cap fits well (my hat size being 7/34ths) and does not stretch to where cold air may seep through. The quality of the Merino wool does not cause me to scratch my head. Anyone who wears wool knows what I speak of. The stitching is well done and seems that it will last my rough treatments of my gear for a very, very long time.

I took pictures of the two caps; unfolded, folded, showing the stitching along the label and inside the cap. I really like the design of it and hope the wife doesn't find them anytime soon.

If you are looking for a warm, light weight in terms of material heaviness versus warmth grab one for the winter months. I plan to keep the OD green one in my Go Bag so I am never with out one. These caps offer Thermal control, fire safety in terms of being naturally flame retardant and having the ability to resist stains and odor build up.

Be well and remember, knowledge is the best tool in your EDC.

- Gray