An Cosantóir

www.military.ie the defence forces magazine | 39 benChmade safety Cutter resCue tooL (9-hook) price: €21.00 The manufacturer says... This new safety cutter has the ability to cut up to 1/2" diameter of rope and features a retractable safety blade cover. A carabiner clip and bottle opener completes the package. Grivory® handle material - Premium stainless steel blade - Carabi- neer clip and bottle opener. Specifications: Blade Length: 0.00", Blade Thickness: 0.055", Handle Thickness: 0.522", Blade Material: Premium Stainless Steel, Weight: 0.80oz, Pocket Clip: Carabiner, Lock Mechanism: Retractable Blade Cover, Overall Length: 5.19" and Closed Length: 0.00" Our reviewer Cpl John Foley (DFTC Fire Station) says… As a member of the Fire Service, I was given this cutter to evaluate. I used it on one exercise and passed it around the crews for their expert opinions too. As regards sharpness it's well up there with the best. It works well at its specific task but there is only so many belts to be cut in any one day, so we set about finding other functions while avoiding metal. It copes well with mate- rials such as clothing, light tie down straps, canvas covers and heavy cardboard. Its size and shape makes it easy to hold and take out of your pocket while wearing heavy gloves. Fire uniforms have loops stitched to the inside of the pockets and the cutter can be at- tached via a lanyard and carabineer clip which is a useful idea to prevent loss at a busy rescue scene. Another feature of the cutter was a bottle opener incorporated in the handle. I would consider the knife disposable as no spare blades supplied and it is required to be returned to the manufacturer for sharpening. Blade Sharpness 9 – Durability 5 – Safety 9 - Ease of use 8 – Value 8 - Molle attachment 8 – Grip 8 - Bootle Opener 6 gear revieW Sponsored by Team Alpha.ie this month team- alpha is offering a princeton tec "charge MplS" light (worth €89.75) www.team-alpha.ie For a chance to win this month's prize answer the following question: What colour LED does the Princeton Tec Charge MPLS 'Black' model have? Answer along with your name & address to An Cosantóir's address or by email to subs@military.ie by the 20th August 2014. Winner will be the first correct entry drawn. Last month's winner was: Michael Bookle, DFVBW, Curragh Camp benChmade safety Cutter eod attaChment (resCue tooL) price: €17.00 The manufacturer says... BenchMade Rescue Tool with seatbelt cutter and extended length for better reach and leverage, Cut quickly and reliably in an emergency situation. This model features an Explo- sive Ordinance Disposal attachment. Hook & No Sheath/ Designed to attach to robot arms for Explosive Ordinance Disposal professionals. Specifications: Blade Length: 0.50", Blade Thickness: 0.115", Handle Thickness: 0.114", Blade Ma- terial: 440C Stainless Steel, Blade Hardness: 58-60HRC, Blade Style: Hook and Weight: 1.50oz. Our reviewer Lt Cmdr Tony O'Regan (Naval Diving Section) says… I used this knife while on Diving Exercises. Although the knife is not specifically designed in a diving capacity, it does have its positives, for instance the seat belt cutter aspect of the knife would be extremely handy when diving to perform rescues or recoveries from a car. What let it down for me was its grip, which didn't suit a user that has to wear gloves. I can see how use- ful the knife would be on dry land as its blade is particularly strong and seems very durable. I would recommend this knife, but be sure as to its purpose before purchasing. Blade Sharpness 8 – Durability 8 – Safety 5 - Ease of use 5 – Value 5

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