Custom Gear Report

Well, the year is coming to an end, damn that went by quick, didn’t it?. Anyway, we think it might be fun to pose an openended question to our readers and see if we can kick up some interaction.

So here it is. We’d like to know what has been the best piece of gear you have used this year? Lets split it up into two categories, Tactical and/or EDC.

Leave a comment and let us know.

We’ve just been made aware of a new company, Exotac Inc. They describe themselves as “… a new outdoor gear company focused on designing and manufacturing extraordinary, high quality products.” Here is a bit of their history.

Exotac, Inc. is what happens when Engineers and guys-who-love-the-outdoors are combined. We are a privately held, family owned small business based out of Buford, Georgia. The company was started by a Purdue Engineering graduate with a passion for all things man and earth made. We combined some aluminum with a little dirt and the rest is history!

They are starting out with two products that will probably be of interest to our readers especially the EDC crowd and make great stocking stuffers.

The first is called the nanoSTRIKER™, a small ferrocerium fire starting tool made from Aluminum with a stainless steel cap and hardened steel striker. Small enough to attach to your key chain without adding much bulk but once assembled it looks like it is large enough to be able to be used comfortably.

The next product is the MATCHCAP™, a waterproof match case designed to carry all typed of matches from standard kitchen matches to strike anywhere matches to the longer weatherproof matches you find at camping stores. Another cool feature is that they have added striking surfaces for both types of matches.

Another thing I like, looking at their site, is that they offer all the little replacement bits like new o-rings, striker surfaces and even silicone o-ring lube, ha I said lube…

I’ve always been a fan of small gadgets and tools along with the whole EDC concept and being prepared for life’s daily hiccups. I carry a couple things in my pockets that I use on a daily basis to accomplish little tasks, might be a good article at a later date. As a hobby home shop metal worker I also appreciate quality design and craftsmanship.

About a year and a half ago I discovered the work of Peter Atwood of Atwood Knife and Tool. Peter designs and produces some pretty cool small pocket tools and blades. Over this time I’ve purchased 5 of his creations and have to say I am pretty happy with them. I carry two tools on my keychain. The “Atwrench with Tiki Grinds” and the “Nibble” and use them daily for opening boxes, prying, opening beer bottles etc. I also have a titanium “Bug out Bar”, “Keyton” and a titanium “Bermuda Triangle” I’ll save the details on these for a future review video.

In Peter’s own words:

I specialize in small pocket tools and key ring knives although I have made many folding knives and even a few larger fixed blades over the years. But my main love is for the small stuff. I’m constantly working on new designs for gadgets, prybars, small edged tools and unique hand tools.

Atwood has formed what I would call somewhat of a cult following. He produces his tools in batches then posts them on Planet Pocket Tool which is his blog. After that it is first come first served and things usually sell out within in minutes. Because of the limited supply and the high demand, his stuff is highly collectible.

The items are not exactly cheap, and some have remarked that they are overpriced for what they are, but when you consider the labor involved in grinding, deburring, heat treating and finishing each tool it’s pretty labor intensive. Add to that the supply and demand issue mentioned above and you can understand the price tag. As someone who does a little bit of hobby metal working, I certainly understand.

If you get a chance head on over to his websites and take a look at his work. I think you’ll be impressed.

Videos of Peter working in his shop and more photos after the read more.

Read more…