We are looking for Old School Gear Makers with Modern Kit
It seems like every time you open up a Tactical Related website all you see are the usual names – Blackhawk, Maxpedition, Surefire, Cold Steel, ect. Now, there is nothing wrong with those brands, I own tons of stuff from all of those companies.
But DVM has always been more like the red headed stepchild of the tactical world – you don’t see any pretty lightbox pictures of gear, nice edited videos or the standard 20,000 word articles about how great some belt buckle is like you see in the usual rags.
So in keeping with our independent spirit we are looking to review gear from the smaller less known gear makers out there. We feel that it would not only help get the names of some of the solid gear makers out in front of a larger audience but make DVM more interesting for you folks.
We are looking for folks who make everything from Nylon Gear, to Knives to Lights and Cool Gadgets. The guy who makes some cool gadget or kit and sells them on forums or runs a small specialized gear company from their home is who we are looking for.
But honestly I really don’t know the “who’s who” of the independent gear world so this is where we are going to ask for your help. I know there are lots of folks who make short runs of gear and sell them on forums [everything from lights to nylon gear to knives] and there are lots of smaller gear companies that are not really that known.
So if you know of [or you are] someone who makes interesting and solid kit then please send them our way or throw their name out in the comments and we will try out their stuff.
{ 50 comments… read them below or add one }
James I have a friend who owns Mil-Tac . everything from EOd Kits to survival kits ! Kifaru also is neglected by most rags and they have stellar gear ! If you want Contact Info on Mil-Tac PM me on fb brother!
swordpoint9(Quote This Comment)
countycomm.com is awesome, everything from micro grappling hooks, to bailout bags, to survival gear.
Brett(Quote This Comment)
The Volvo, or maybe IKEA, of the tactical gear world: http://www.snigeldesign.com/
taclounge(Quote This Comment)
Chris over at Down Range Gear makes some innovative quality gear.
http://www.downrangegear.com
Will and Dan at Tactical Revolution.
http://www.tactical-revolution.com
Greg Peters at Peter’s custom holsters.
http://www.peterscustomholsters.com
Ares Gear makes the best gun belt around.
http://www.aresgear.com
Brian(Quote This Comment)
Check out gearsoc.com. One of the guys who run it, Simpen makes some pretty neat tactical gear. There are also a bunch of other guys who make their own gear. Go head and register!
master(Quote This Comment)
+ 1 on Downrange Gear, + 2 on Ares Gear (wearing a Ranger Belt right now). There’s a couple of companies, including one listed above, that make their money off of ripping off others’ designs. I’m not going to list them, since it would just look like I’m trying to bash the competition. I’ve done a couple “beyond-one-off” custom gear projects, but I’ve I’ve refused any project that the customer wanted even close to a copy of the original piece of gear. In that respect, it’s all about being able to look yourself in the mirror and say that you made an honest buck today.
Dave(Quote This Comment)
I’d check out Fightandflight.com
Great gear and the owner is a cool guy. His EDC Bag is one of the best things I’ve ever spent money for. Highly recommendable.
[img]http://www.deathvalleymag.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/IMG_1346.JPG[/img]
Moe(Quote This Comment)
Original SOE is top of the line gear. And John Willis has the greatest goatee of all time.
Brian(Quote This Comment)
Don’t know about being “independent”, but SORD is a pretty good brand that we use quite often here down under when the issued crap starts falling apart.
Dev(Quote This Comment)
Maybe not very usefull in sandbox, but cool factor high as hell – I’m making custom whips, sjambok’s, belts etc stuff. Paracord usually. Send me mail James if you whanna some free probe. Why free? When my dude send me link to some shop, with paracord belt for ONLY 125$ I started to laugh.
T.
Tom H.(Quote This Comment)
KydexByParlusk.com
http://www.kydexbyparlusk.com/index.php
Small, independent, practical Kydex gear.
Ed(Quote This Comment)
US Grunt Gear.
Rob makes an incredible piece of kit. He also does custom work that rivals the price/time of most large manufacturers.
bob(Quote This Comment)
I’d check out Kitanica (http://www.kitanica.net/) very pricey, all USA-made. Also ds-tactical.org makes some pretty serious knives.
Jeanette K.(Quote This Comment)
How about 4sevens? They get some publicity, but are still kinda the underdog.
Richard(Quote This Comment)
I’ll second the vote for OSOE. John Willis builds great gear and keeps it real.
Eddie(Quote This Comment)
BIG +++ for CountyComm – Maratac and other brands, first rate stuff, the best EDC AA lights out there, loads of good stuff; some things are ‘sterile’ but the articles on the pages tell you who made them.
Slobyskya Rotchikokov(Quote This Comment)
I have to agree. CountyComm has some great stuff. And they pretty much have their shipping problems all ironed out. (They used to be horrible). They SatComm bags are amazing and have taken over for most of my bug out bags and such.
Eugene(Quote This Comment)
I see you mention Surefire.
If you want to review no-nonsense, ultra-rugged tactical flashlights on the Surefire level or above, I recommend Malkoff Devices. Unlike most of Surefire’s competitors which are made in china, MD is an Alabama small business owned and operated by the Malkoff family, and everything is made in the USA with a bombproof warranty and customer service.
Only problem is because of the mom-n-pop aspect they sometimes have trouble meeting demand!
jellydonut(Quote This Comment)
Another plug for Down Range Gear, Ares Gear, and Peters Custom Holsters.
Chris at DRG makes some very cool chest rig and plate carrier enhancements, such as upgraded straps, and little things like Velcro stabilizers that make it easy to use pouches with MALICE clips on loop-backed duty belts. He’s great to work with, and really cares about making sure that the end user is satisfied with his products.
I’m also wearing an Ares Gear Ranger Belt right now – it’s been my go-to belt for CCW for about three months now, and it’s awesome.
Peters Custom makes some exceptional holsters. I’ve been running a Hold Fast IWB for a few months now, and it’s by far my favorite for concealed carry (and I say this having tried Blade-Tech, Comp-Tac, and Raven Concealment).
Other small companies that are worth a look include OC Tactical and Jones Tactical.
Casey(Quote This Comment)
Equipped to survive by Doug Ritters from equipped.org offers the best stocked survival tins out there.
http://www.equipped.org
What he doesnt know about survival equipment isnt worth knowing.
Dutch(Quote This Comment)
Try Concealment Solutions. A one-man holster shop in Utah. He’s on Facebook.
Heavy G(Quote This Comment)
I make some pretty wicked ripcord bracelets. 2 basic styles; 1 with all cord fully intact and 1 with the inner threads stripped from the outer shell to make them look a little more compact. They close with a curved plastic buckle can all be untied to access 10-12 feet of cord. I can make nearly any color combination, including woodland, ACU and desert cammy.
Each one is hand made by me and guaranteed till the sun burns out. You ever need to pull yours apart to get out of a tight you just tell me the story and I’ll send you a new one (I’d appreciate it if you returned the buckle, but that’s not a requirement). I donate 10% of sales to the Wounded Warrior Project.
I’m in the process of moving right now. Soon as I get settled I’m gonna get a website up and running. Meantime, I’d be happy to send DVM a sample or 3.
[img]http://www.deathvalleymag.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/At The Central.jpg[/img]
Bama(Quote This Comment)
Im another one for OSOE. outstanding gear and john in a great guy
wilks(Quote This Comment)
Good high quality leather gear Pocket Concealment Systems. I have used Mike’s stuff for years and it is as solid as they come. http://pcsholsters.com/
If you are looking for a customizable data book for your rifle that is not full of stuff you do not need check out Impact Data Books. Tony is a former USMC Sniper and CQB instructor that has designed and puts these together himself. http://www.impactdatabooks.com/
Jack(Quote This Comment)
I’m with Crusader Weaponry. CrusaderWeaponry.com and we make Slipstream Weapons Lubricant. Best stuff on the planet for your guns. We also make some damn fine guns.
George Hill(Quote This Comment)
How about spartan blades. Great knifes made by guys how know what its like to operate in dangerous places.
http://www.spartanbladesusa.com/cart/
Kris(Quote This Comment)
Mike at http://www.octactical.com is a former Ranger, current leo that makes GREAT stuff at affordable prices.
gunslinger275(Quote This Comment)
Check out Combative Edge Knife Co. They are on my FB friends list. They have been featured on The Nutnfancy Project on youtube. Quality blades. Also I make Kydex,cargo-pocket organizers. I call them “Combat Pocket Protectors”. I use them on duty to keep some of the items off my “Batman” belt. Makes a much more comfortable ride in the cruiser during a 12hr shift.
C.H.A.O.S.conflictresolution(Quote This Comment)
I have been using Tyr Tactical products out of Peoria, Arizona, http://www.tyrtactical.com for a few months now. they make the lightest most modular tactical plate carriers and vests that I have ever seen or worn. The gear is made with a material they call PV and it is a bonded fabric of 500 denier nylon and 200 correctional kevlar. It is amazingly strong and durable and won’t tear. I also use their Brokos Battlebelt, it is a ballistic belt that is the most comfortable I’ve ever used. Their pouches are light and very well made. They have done some things with how the ballistics are set up in the framework of the carriers that further limits the backface signature that no one else has.
Lex Worthy(Quote This Comment)
Best fighting and fieldcraft knives you’ll find anywhere:
http://jeffcrownerknives.blogspot.com/
AE(Quote This Comment)
Hey James,
for nylon, I’d recommend that you check out the DIYtactical.com forum, basically where most of the “small names”, aspiring gear makers and some randoms hang out. OC Tactical, Downrange and Fight and Flight are regulars at the forum. There is even one dude who has some real cool designs, and he does them all by hand (as in, no machine!).
On the other hand, I’m really scared when people here mention OSOE and Tyr as “small home-based companies”… I only have 1,5m by 5m to work with as my “workshop”, while they probably have employees and warehouses.
To throw out a name not mentioned yet:
CDH-Tac Finland, that guy makes some mean looking backpacks, and he is the designer of the Zulu CAOS admin pouch.
Lasse(Quote This Comment)
http://www.turpin-knives.com/
Saw someone posted this guys link in the Knife Poll thread.
Justin W(Quote This Comment)
John Gonzalez does fantastic work.
http://www.dervishknives.com/
Ravination(Quote This Comment)
Lenslight…Aspherical lens for versatile beam (flood or throw), solid and US made.
Jeff M(Quote This Comment)
I’m with Swordpoint9, check out Kifaru: https://www.kifaru.net/militaryhome.html.
Small, independent, all US (Wheatridge, Colorado) made gear. Completely and totally bombproof stuff. Did I mention; incredible customer service? Kifaru has a small and deeply disturbed/committed group of followers, kind of like DVM! They just launched an “ultra-light” line of back packs that has me seriously thinking about selling all my Kifaru military stuff and switching over to the light side.
It is strange, Kifaru hardly ever gets any press. Most of their sales is through word-of-mouth.
Buckaroomedic(Quote This Comment)
Grand River Tactical makes great impact data book covers , rifle cases & all types of custom work
Todd(Quote This Comment)
Grand
http://www.grtgear.com/
Todd(Quote This Comment)
Man, a lot of great independents out there! Only prob is they’re INCREDIBLY FRIKKIN’ EXPENSIVE!!! That’s okay if you’re making $500/day working PSD for EODT in Asscrackistan but for the rank-and-file who just want something that’s not gonna disintegrate the first time out, that’s where the UBERBLACKHAWKS!!!!!! and the Maxpeditions come in, they make shit that’s “good enough” for the field but won’t leave your bank book lying on the ground in a fetal position bleeding anally (usually).
PogueMahone(Quote This Comment)
Kaluban Cloak are making some sweet kydex products and many are talking highly about them. They are now swamped with work but are getting things ironed out. Located in Socal north of SD. http://www.calsentllc.com/
Money(Quote This Comment)
While I agree with the sentiment of your comment . I being a self described GEAR WHORE! Have found , while I do own Mapedition /BLACKHAWK!!!!!!!!!!!!! certain gear, because if something works get the original . They do have some fine pieces ! That being said I have cycled through more gear and wasted enough money . I could have stayed drunk for a year .
In my experience Buy the best for your dollar /pound or at least what you like and will use ,otherwise it ends up at your yard sale for pennies. I really prefer US / English or German made kit depending on the specs/items ! That necessarily increases the cost but puts our 1`st world folks to work! Like if I see kit made in China instantly not buying, same with Bangladesh or Pakistan! Unless it’s a pointless souvenir from the country I visited!
The jist of this rant I guess is If you double , triple buy the similar items did you really save ? Just saying as one who has done it too much ,just a genetic flaw of mine!
HIT IT WITH YOUR PURSE!!
swordpoint9(Quote This Comment)
Stellar Kydex :
http://www.boatmancombat.com/
XF-7 by MD Labs. Best weapons lube I’ve tried. A buddy of mine makes it himself, and it’s legit. He primarily sells it through retailers, including Maxpedition. Here’s a link to it on a smaller site, scroll down a bit to see it:
http://www.mdtactical.com/accessories.htm
BearJew(Quote This Comment)
Dale Fricke makes some bombproof kydex holsters as well.
http://dalefrickeholsters.com/
BearJew(Quote This Comment)
D’oh, I forgot.
http://nightfox.pl/ – custom nylon gear, backpacks etc
High tech, high quality, and very very good prices.
Tom H(Quote This Comment)
BDS Tactical makes a solid LBE I used on last deployment
john(Quote This Comment)
check out http://www.jakam.com for custom laptops, the guy running the site is U.S. prior service and can customize to your liking, email him.
joe(Quote This Comment)
Check out 762tactical. Colin makes some great rigs and stands by his work.
http://762tactical.com/magento/
dan(Quote This Comment)
http://www.dropzonetactical.com/home.html
Brian Kroon at Drop Zone Tactical / Spike Camp makes great gear… not just in Canuck CADPAT – also in black, OD, US camo patterns, even international distress orange for SAR guys… it’s gear that can take a brutal pounding… I have 3 of his smocks, 2 of his fleeces, a Woobie type jacket called the Squeeze Me which is amazing cold weather survival gear (I know, I’m from the Allegheny Mountains) … many pouches… my travel med kit for last 10 years is one of his small bags /pouches. Can’t say enough about the guy, he has become a close friend over the years (since 1999). Great service … he’s got some ex-Paras working in the back too… cost might be a bit more than your made in Vietnam crap (or a really good deal depending on the exchange rate) but it’s stuff that will last a lifetime.
Rob Krott(Quote This Comment)
James:
SKT Industries is a little shop making kick-ass slings and other gear. I only use their stuff. They would be perfect for this.
Glen
Glen Tate(Quote This Comment)
Urban ert slings. Some of the best in the biz and made in the heart of Indiana.
http://www.urbanertslings.com/
Tgood(Quote This Comment)
http://www.savvysniper.com/
Ran across this company a couple of years ago. Best damn slings I have ever used!! They are practical and well made and don’t cost a shit load, and you can get them with all metal fixturing that is sand compatible instead of plastic.
walkingscout(Quote This Comment)