Maxx Gear

Fenix Light E01 Nichia Keychain Flashlight 21hrs 10lumens

2008-07-26T07:04:00.000-07:00

Not long ago Fenix came out with a new AAA flashlight the E01.
So what’s so big with it? It’s AAA, 10 Lumens, Only 15usd!!! And a regulated output for 11hrs (sun mode +10hrs moon mode)
7,1cm high, 1,4 in diameter, 14grams of weight, 5colours, I had to try one…no two! (a OD and a black one)
Have the OD one attached on my keychain since 2 months ago when I got it and I’m amazed by the quality of the anodizing, the good power (10lm are enough for daily use) and weight (not to mention I never recharged the battery ever since I put it in…)
For 10€ or 15usd as you like I can only suggest it, it has been talked a lot on Candelpwerforums, edc forums and so on that my review is short, only to introduce it to the readers.

http://www.fenixlight.com/viewnproduct.asp?id=25
https://www.fenix-store.com/product_info.php?cPath=22_69_49&products_id=443

WENGER Swiss Army model 70 standard issue Knife

2008-07-26T06:54:00.000-07:00

Along with Victorinox Wneger produces this standard issue knife, given to soldiers in the swiss army.
Is measures 91mm closed, all tools\blade are stainless, the handle is elox\alox (anodized aluminium)
It has 8 funcions:
Blade
Can \ bottle openers
Wire stripper\bender
2 screwdrivers
Awl
Lanyard ring

This is currently my “user”edc I’ve been carrying for the past 2 weeks or so and it gives me the feeling I’m carrying something reliable and well built, that deserves to be carried by the army.
The alox handles give you a great feeling too, I can only suggest it
i'll soon write about the Vic counterpart as soon as I put my hands on one! stay tuned!
21€ in Germany
http://www.wenger.ch/scripts/Modules/Products/listOne.aspx?idProducts=89&idn=80

Victorinox Swiss Army Knife SAK Alpineer

2008-07-26T06:49:00.000-07:00

The Alpineer is one of Victorinox big folders, it measures 111mm closet with a 80mm long stainless blade.
Unlike the small ones the 111mm have locking blades, the release button is on the side, the lock holds the blade with an internal pin, it is very strong for me.
This one is very basic, I wanted one to go with another SAK so I don’t need many tools, this one has:
Locking blade
Corkscrew
Tick and tweezers
Lanyard hole.
paid mine 15€

Fenix Civictor V1 Flashlight 1W LED AA

2008-04-22T13:53:00.000-07:00

This is a hard to find early Fenix
Got it on ebay for little money, it is really well made, gives out a great output of almost 40 lumens and has a good runtime

Uses 1-Watt Luxeon (III) LED with a life of 100,000 hours
Brightness 37 Lumens
Uses one 1.5V AA battery
4 hour working time (2-hour peak brightness)
8.28 cm long, 2 cm wide
Made of anodized aluminum
38-gram weight (excluding batteries)
Waterproof
Toughened glass lens
Twist switch
Capable of standing up securely on a flat surface to serve as a candle
Accessories included: lanyard, holster, extra o-ring
Note: The input voltage is 0.9V-1.5V.

Fenix L0D Luxeon III Flashlight LED AAA

2008-04-22T13:50:00.000-07:00

This is the Fenix original L0D it is a small flashlight powered by one inexpensive AAA battery, uses either alkaline or NIMH rechargeables
It uses a lifetime LUXEON III led that gives out 30 Lumens light, mine has a warm\yellowish tint
Mine is natural HAIII and is doing well on my keychain

Features of Fenix L0D
Utilizes a Luxeon III LED
Five output types: 12 Lumens 5,5 Lumens (?) 30 Lumens (1hrs) -> Strobe -> SOS
Uses one 1.5V AAA battery, inexpensive and widely available
7.35cm (Length) x 1.4cm (Diameter)
Input voltage: 0.8V~3.3V
Made of aircraft grade aluminum Durable Type III hard anodized finish
14.5-gram weight (excluding batteries)
Waterproof to IPX-8 Standard
Toughened ultra clear glass lens with AR coating
Smooth reflector
Reliable twist switch
Capable of standing up securely on a flat surface to serve as a candle
Patented
www.fenixlight.com

Fenix E1 Flashlight Nichia LED AAA

2008-04-22T13:36:00.000-07:00

The Fenix E1 is a small flashlight powered by one inexpensive AAA battery, uses either alkaline or NIMH rechargeables
It uses a lifetime NICHIA led (square one) that gives out 12 Lumens light for about 3 very good hours, it has a slight purple tint as other nichia lights
Been carrying one for EDC on rotation with others and changed battery 2 times in one year, mine is black and some anodizing came off as on my keychain is tosses on the other goodies, not bad actually, it’s better than other lights anodizing.

Uses Nichia Power LED with a life of 100,000 hours
Current regulation
Constant brightness: 12 Lumens
Uses one 1.5V AAA battery, inexpensive and widely available
3-hour working time
7.25cm (L) x 1.4cm (D)
Made of aircraft grade aluminum
Hard anodized finish, highly durable
13-gram weight (excluding batteries)
Water-resistant (dunkable)
Toughened ultra clear glass lens with AR coating
Twist switchCapable of standing up securely on a flat surface to serve as a candle
Colour: Black / Natural
http://www.fenixlight.com/flashlight/fenixE1.htm

ANZA Knives "Regular Bastard II" Custom File Knife

2008-04-09T05:43:00.000-07:00

Anza Knives are made from used USA made files that are annealed, cold ground and polished.
This one is a 2008 first model, it’s made from a high carbon Nicholson USA Flat Bastard file.

Overall it measures a around 7” or 17,7cm, the cutting edge is around 6,5\7cm.
It’s full tang with a ANZA USA “08” acid stamp on the spine and BASTARD made in USA on the scaping pommel, the finger dip is finger sized.
Handles are made from laminated plastic impregnated oak wood (DYMONDWOOD), clad to the tang with a special process, looks awesome for me, like micarta and fine handle materials, great feeling
The sheath is made of tan cowhide with a belt loop, strong and tight fitting.

I’m impressed with the built quality and crazy sharpness of the knife, the edge it thin more than a razor and should take and hold a very good edge, grind is high and thus easy to resharpen
Charlie Davis made a great work here, will buy more of his creations and maybe get a small custom knife made :-)
This one will rotate with the Moras and other 3\4” knives I have when going out, won’t fear to use it, gives an awesome feeling in the hand.
45USD on ebay
http://www.anzaknives.com/
Maxx

Camillus Blades NEW Black Blaze ROBO 440 Spain model 715 - Knife

2008-04-09T05:26:00.000-07:00

Camillus Cutlery closed their doors in 2007
By the end of 2007 and the beginning of 2008 New ROBO knives saw the market light.

This is the new model of the BLAZE designed by D. Ralph, it is very similar to the previous one, the blade is no longer AUS8 but 440C, made in Spain instead of Taiwan, the handle, clip and parts seem to be the same of the old line.

Specifications of this one:
Camillus Blades USA
Blaze assisted Opening model 715
Blade: black coated plain edge 400C made in Spain 3” long
(blade stamp: Camillus Blades USA, assisted opening, Spain pat pend, Blaze 3.00 400, Darrel Ralph Design)
Handle: black zytel with SS liners and spring, 3,75” long
Silver SS clip (reversible) and parts, lanyard hole

I always wanted a plain edge and black BLAZE, now I got one and I’m happy with it, quite sharp and should hold a good edge, not as good as the AUS8 maybe

Short review J post comments if you want to know more!

30€ on eBay, get one before they’re gone, it’s a nice EDC, I’ve been EDC’ing my original Blaze Silver PS for more than a year

Maxx

Frosts MORA 780 Triflex swedish knife

2008-03-26T15:09:00.000-07:00

Mora Knives are famous around the world as these are made in Sweden, are sharp, great quality for the price of 10USD or 13€ imported here in Italy.
I got a 780 Triflex in my BB order (see link) to try these knives as I often read of their quality and utility as camping knives, I am impressed with the quality of this one, Swedish steel is great.

The triflex steel is best described as a material between laminated steel and plain carbon steel hardened to HRC 59-60 with a softer surface that improves the tensile strength considerably.Though it will not allow bending as laminated steel.
It is a bit less sharp than the 740, may be just mine.

It has a 4in\10cm long blade, the handle is Black plastic with a Frosts stamp, tang is 50%, has a lanyard hole.
The sheath is good quality but horrible, it is made of plastic and does in fact protect the blade but not the knife which may fall off easily, the belt “loop” is crap, put a carabiner through the hole as I do and it’s OK, has a water drain hole.
Will replace the sheath with a better one when I find it
11,98$+SH
http://www.bensbackwoods.com/servlet/Detail?no=60

Frosts MORA 740 O.D. Carbon Steel swedish knife

2008-03-26T14:59:00.000-07:00

Mora Knives are famous around the world as these are made in Sweden, are sharp, great quality for the price of 10USD or 13€ imported here in Italy.
I got a 740 Carbon OD in my BB order (see link) to try these knives as I often read of their quality and utility as camping knives, I am impressed with the quality of this one, Swedish carbon steel is great. Is scary razor sharp and scandi grind traditionally.

This one has a Swedish Carbon 4in\10cm long blade, hardened to 59hrc, the handle is OD plastic with a Frosts stamp, tang is 50%, has a lanyard hole.
The sheath is good quality but horrible, it is made of plastic and does in fact protect the blade but not the knife which may fall off easily, the belt “loop” is crap, put a carabiner through the hole as I do and it’s OK, has a water drain hole.
Will replace the sheath with a better one when I find it
11,98$+SH
http://www.bensbackwoods.com/servlet/Detail?no=297

Space Blanket Heavy Duty Made in USA 5' x 7' O.D.

2008-03-25T15:49:00.000-07:00

Got this Space Blanket to use it as tent\A frame shelter when camping, I like to go bike-camping and needed a light and rugged tent\shelter that does not cost much too
When I was making a Camping order at Ben’s Backwoods noticed it and bought 1 for me and 1 for a friend for 11,98+SH in Olive Drab.
It is Olive on one side and aluminum Silver on the other to be used as an emergency thermal space blanket, it is 60x84in, 2,5x1,6m more or less, has 4 grommets to be used as a tent\A frame shelter or tarp.

11,98USD
http://www.bensbackwoods.com/servlet/Detail?no=310

Light My Fire Spork O.D. Green camping canteen

2008-03-25T15:38:00.000-07:00

Light My fire Spork
This tool is a SPoon-fORK-knife combo made of rugged polycarbonate
It is heat resistant, ypu can put it into boiling water, it is easy washed and is extremely durable
Weights less than 10 grams and is 17cm long

Paid 2,49$
http://www.bensbackwoods.com/servlet/Detail?no=177
http://www.light-my-fire.com/default.asp?ID=230&pID=147

SPYDERCO knife Centofante 4 VG-10

2008-02-25T11:03:00.000-08:00

Well I've been wanting to try a wharncliffe blade for a while, I think these are easier to sharpen than spear or drop point blades as you don't have to curve the blade on the sharpenong stone.

I thought to start with the right foot, got myself a new SPYDERCO Centofante 4, designed by the famous designer Frank Centofante.

Closed it measures 11 cm, the handle is black FRN with a mirror PALLADIUM spyder embellisement

The blade is a 75mm long wharni made of VG-10 super steel marked SEKI Japan, seki and Spyderco shaving sharp,2 mm thick with a laser engraved "spyder"

the clip is black and has a spyder too!

this one has only 1 liner and is lockback.

great quality knife with a super blade, grat design and a hot price

50€ off eBay

http://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details.php?product=201

Case XX Camo Caliber Knife

2008-02-25T10:28:00.000-08:00

A few days ago I finally recived 2 Case XX Caliber Camo knives.

these measure 76mm closed

47 mm long blades made of Tru-Sharp Surgical stainless steel

both came shaving sharp with a lightly rough sharpening

Camo Zytel handles, both have a different pattern

Very light knives, have attached a lanyard and a carabiner on one, it currently hangs from a belt oop in my back pants pocket, discreet carry.

Great daily\EDC utility knife to be used when you do not want to take a bigger knife out or ruin your preciuous ones, currently aside of my spyderco centofante 4 or foliage delica 4, making a GREAT couple

oh almost forgot...lockback.

http://www.casexx.com/DisplayDetailPage.asp?ProductCode=662

20usd for 2 on eBay

Peter Atwood Prybaby tool

2008-02-08T05:59:00.000-08:00

The prybaby is a keychain item created by the american tool maker Peter Atwood.

It's primary use as its name indicates is to pry things, mine is made of CMP154cm stainless cutlery steel.

The prybaby can lift a lot of weight before suffering any deformation, you can open doors with it!Besides prying things the tool comes with a bottle opener,a scredriver tip on the other end and a wire stripper\v notch.

The tip of the tool can be used to remove nails, scrap paint, etc.

The number of real uses for a prybaby depends on the user, the longer you have it the more uses you will find, Peter said it and I can only say i'ts true!

now it has been discontinued and a G2 is available.

http://www.atwoodknives.com/home/index.php

DealExtreme 2,98$ LED keychains 4pack

2008-02-08T05:43:00.000-08:00

These LED keychains are not the usual ones you see, NO these are "ice cubes" or "chocolate" keychain lights.

They come in 4 packs for 2,98$ shipped

they measure about a square inch (2,5x2,5cm) and feature a 20000mcd led emitter powered by 2 2016Li batteries that are included and should last like 5hrs.

unfortunately the power switch is only temporary not permanent.

power should be around 10 lumens or so like the other ones I reviewed, not bad actually

nice addition to your keychain, camping kit as emergency lights, backup lights, gifts etc...

http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.10686

CRKT Koji Hara ICHI pocket Knife

2008-02-08T05:27:00.000-08:00

A few days ago i (finally) received after 2 moths of wait my all black CRKT Koji Hara ICHI knife, wich means "one" in japanese.

It measures:
Cutting Edge: 2.50” (6.4 cm)
Thickness: 0.096” (0.245 cm)
Steel: 420J2, 52-55 HRC , black TiNi coated
Closed: Handle length: 3.25” (8.3 cm)
Open: Overall length: 5.625” (14.3 cm)
Weight: 1.9 oz. (54 g) nothing :-)

This small knife is really great, i love it, it features the patented OutBurst assisted opening technology wich makes it open VERY FAST, the spring can be disabled so you can open it like a normal folder, uses a elliptical thumb ramp wich is very nice.

The blade is very tippy making it a nice utility cutter, I use mine as a backup for my main folder wich isn't small and taking it out in the public may rise eyebrows, it comes very sharp.
It's nice to have a smaller blade for daily cutting tasks.
the handle is made of "air stepped" zytel and kraton G, very grippy.
lastly the liners are thick and 420j2 steel like the blade and the clip.
it has no lanyard hole.

Bought it for 21€ from ebay, great price for the quality, I suggest it
morre info:
http://www.crkt.com/kojiichi.html

DealExtreme 22000 4,68$ LED keychains 10 pack

2008-01-20T05:37:00.000-08:00

A couple of months ago i bought a 10 pack of DX's 5mm 22000 mcd led keychains for 4,68$

9 of ten still work, there's one in each of my 3 Survival Kits, gave 2-3 as gifts to some friends

These are rated 22000mcd (micro candels) and seem to be the most powerful out there, thay light what ever you want without effort, they got a great spill, very bright, color ranges form icy white to white

they use 2x2016 lithium batteries wich should last 5+ hours (used 2 for 3hrs without problems and they still go on so 5hrs are possible)

i really suggest to keep them either on a keychain, zipper pull, survival kit,bag, backpack

because you always need light!

"get out of the dark!"

Maxx

4,68$ for 10 that's 0,47 USD each...

http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.1253

Tactical MOLLE Go-Bag transformers sling backpack

2008-01-10T04:04:00.000-08:00

Tactical MOLLE Go-Bag sling backpack

This morning I received my brand new backpack for my “job” as a volunteer at the Civil Defense
I’t a “Tactical Go Bag Hydration MOLLE Shoulder Pack BG-21-BK” I got from the ebay seller airsoftshooting, this is a Chinese seller that is specialized in airsoft and military like gear, bought 2-3 times form them already and I am very happy.

The bag is 50cm high,the internal pocket is a 15x15cm tube and contain a water bladder pocket in wich I inserted a cardboard piece to keep the pag upright, keep my COMBAT SURVIVAL KIT and other items in the main pocket, this one is dual pull zippered and has a top Velcro closure

Outside there a 3 small pockets where I keep my GPS and gps bag, you could put small items there.
There are 4 flat hidden pocket outside that are covered with MOLLE pals, put a drop pouch (31-BK) form ehobby too, to keep a water bottle.

To put the bag on there is a padded shoulder strap with a few small molle attachments.

There are drain holes under each pocket and one inside, there are 2 carrying handles one on top one on the bottom, this one with Velcro.

Cannot wait to test my new bag!

Costs 31USD shipped, write BG21 in the search section of eBay, take a look on the gear they have, cheap and for me worth more than it costs.

More pics and a EDC forums review will follow…

Maxx Gear

Fixed Blade OLIVETTO 899, Italy

2008-01-09T02:25:00.001-08:00

Yesterday I received my (now) Biggest fixed blade knife
it's a OLITETTO 899 , a Ka-Bar style marine fighting knife , made in Maniago Itlay
it's made of 440C steel that has been hardened to 54HRC and then blackened (will ask the manufactutrer how and then modify the post) it's pretty sharp out of the box, 7" long blade

the handle is kraton rubber shaped like Ontario's SP1, big but comfortable, allows different grips, either short and precise or long for chopping

the sheath is quite cheap and simple, it's a rectangle of nylon\cordura with thermoplastic spacer and internal blade guide, has top and bottom lanyards, belt loop is on the top, snap closure on top
the blacking of the blade is nice, didn't like at the beginning, seems durable and well made, blade should be a joy to sharpen as it is only 54hrc, when i get a new sheath i'll add a Lansky Pocket Sharpener to it.

Qality made in Italy

infos will follow, review nont finished yet, will try it soon

40-50€ on the manufacturer site
http://www.olivetto.com/bin/x.cgi/it_eur/default/default/defult/71620-8714241192
sport knives, fighting, 899

Just opened!

2008-01-07T11:16:00.001-08:00

HEY folks!

Maxx Gear has just opened their doors!

during the nexx hours\days i will review a lot of gear I use, this will include EDC gear, outdoor gear, knives, flashlights and gear related items

enjoy...
Maxx