An Cosantóir

www.military.ie the defence forces magazine | 33 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: how much is the Benchmade Mini Barrage Knife on the team-alpha website? Answer along with your name & address to An Cosantóir's address or by email to subs@military.ie by the 20th October 2014. Winner will be the first correct entry drawn. Last month's winner was: Lt Aoife Shanley, Kilkenny HatcH OperatOr SHOrty tactical GlOve PriCe: €65.50 Colour: Coyote The manufacturer says... Leather palm is sewn with abrasion heat-resistant Nomex® thread. Nomex®/ Kevlar® blend construction provides excellent protection. Patented Cut-Ring allows optional removal of the in- dex finger for trigger control, without unraveling the remaining edge. Elasticized wrist keeps the Operator Shorty taut. Our reviewer Pte David Smith (Tpt Coy, 2 Bde) says... I used the Hatch Operator Shorty Gloves Tactical Gloves on the recent Confidence Training Instruc- tors Course (CTI). They looked like good quality gloves from the star t, I found them to be light- weight with a double stitched heat and cut resis- tant nylon thread sewn through a water resistant goatskin leather with Kevlar construction. There is extra padding on the palm and knuckle area and they dissipitate heat from abseiling rope very easily. They still felt comfor table when soaked through and dried out quickly. I gave these gloves a tough time and so far they show very little signs of wear and tear. I would have no problem recom- mending these gloves for tough outdoors use and the only reservation I would have with them is the lack of a double stitch on the knuckle and wrist area. Durability 9 - Trigger Control 8 - Fit 9 - Value 7 - Protection 9 BencHmade Safety cutter reScue tOOl (7-HOOK) PriCe: €25.00 Colour: BlaCk The manufacturer says... Cut quickly and reliably in an emergency situation. All of our safety cutters are made along side our knives in the U.S.A. The larger handle of the 7 hook design works well with gloved hands and the coated handle allows for better grip. Specifications: 440C premium stainless steel (58-60HRC), Sheath color options: black, coyote and foliage green, Blade opening: 0.50" (12.67mm), Blade Material: 440C Stainless Steel, Blade Hardness: 58-61HRC, Blade Style: Rescue Hook/ Strap Cutter, Weight: 1.50oz, Pocket Clip: Soft Sheath, Lock Mechanism: Fixed, Overall Length: 4.30", Sheath Material: MOLLE® Compatible Soft Sheath (1.6oz). Our reviewer Sgt Alan Martin (No 3 Ops Wing) says... The Benchmade 7 Safety Cutter is an emergency tool for cutting belts, webbing, straps, and clothing etc. quickly and safely in emergency situa- tions. It is presented in a soft sheath with molle attachment, compatible with the standard issue battle vest or aircrew survival vest and can be fitted quickly and easily. The cutter is very easy to use and has outstand- ing cutting performance on belts/straps under little tension and gave a clean cut in one movement. For boot removal it took a little more work to get the cutter through the thick cuff padding at the top of the boot due to the size of the cutters opening but once down to thinner material one swipe finished it off. Despite being a capable cutter with good grip and ergonomic feel, it could be better and the lack of an attachment lanyard means one could potentially drop or lose it when you need it the most. The cost isn't too expensive considering Benchmade will pro- vide lifetime sharpening free only charging for P&P. This service will be required because with any blade / cutter this sharpness it will inevitably dull with time and use. Very capable item for the cost but if I was going to buy a Rescue Cutter I would prefer to spend a little more money and buy one with a better handle and a glass breaker. Durability 9 - Safety 8 - Blade Sharpness 9 - Value 8 - Molle attachment 9 - Grip 8

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