BLITZ Mini Tactical Pocket Knife | Straight Edge Edition – Notable crowdfunding campaign

CROWDFUNDING NEWS – A knife is included in the EDC kit of many of us because knives seem to come in handy on a regular basis.  And the best knife to have is one that you actually have on hand, so sometimes, smaller is better. Have a look at Bomber and Company’s latest in the small folding knife category, their BLITZ Mini Tactical Pocket Knife | Straight Edge Edition.

What is it?

The Bomber and Company BLITZ Mini Tactical Pocket Knife | Straight Edge Edition is a pocket-sized, folding knife with a straight blade edge, tanto-point tip, and a tactical black look and feel.

Why do I like it?

Bomber and Company incorporated the feedback from three previously successful Kickstarter campaigns—1,000 surveys from 22,000 original backers and over 10,000 data points—into their latest knife design duo.  The first was their B-2 BLITZ, which had a serrated blade edge, and this latest version is virtually identical, but with a straight blade edge.  And like its previous near-twin, it looks way tough and aggressive.  Made of 440 Carbon Black Stainless Steel, it is highly durable and corrosion resistant and it looks aggressive and tough.  Although they kept it short enough to still fit into the small coin pocket in a pair of jeans, it is wide to help improve the user’s ability to grip it.  It also has a perforated, locking blade, an oversized thumb grip, and a lanyard hole.

Where can I find more info?

The Bomber and Company BLITZ Mini Tactical Pocket Knife | Straight Edge Edition campaign ends in just 6 days on April 11, 2019, and has already far surpassed its funding goal of $5,000. Pledge packages start at $50 for a single BLITZ Mini Tactial Pocket Knife and increase from there depending on the options selected.  After the end of the campaign period, rewards are expected to start shipping in June 2019. Visit the Bomber and Company BLITZ Mini Tactical Pocket Knife | Straight Edge Edition campaign site for more information or to become a backer.

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BLITZ Mini Tactical Pocket Knife | Straight Edge Edition – Notable crowdfunding campaign originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on April 5, 2019 at 8:00 am.

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Tactical Urban Carry System – Notable crowdfunding campaign

CROWDFUNDING NEWS – Companies are making bag and packs increasingly durable, versatile, and feature-loaded these days.  Plus, the military look is in.  Have a look at the Tactical Urban Carry System, currently in a Kickstarter campaign from AMABILIS.

What is it?

The Tactical Urban Carry System from AMABILIS consists of a backpack and a tote bag, both of which are military-influenced in style and appear to be made from durable materials and to be packed with features geared toward urban/commuter users.

Why do I like it?

First off, I like the style.  I dig the appearance of the “tacticool”-styled bags and packs.  As mentioned above, the system consists of a backpack and tote bag, both of which are made from “Military Grade Waterproof Tarpaulin,” main exterior and “SuperFabric Ceramic Armor Plates for Maximum Durability” along the bottom, and are “Fully Lined w/High-Viz Waterproof Nylon,” and include Velcro fields with laser-cut MOLLE webbing on the exterior to mount morale patches or other accessories. The flagship bag in the system is the UR-2 (short for Urban Responder) Rucksack, which features a “GI duffle” style top closure, a waterproof dry bag collar, quick-access lockable laptop compartment, a removable modular Velcro organization board and lots of other features.  The Tactical Tote features a magnetic top closure, interior organization pockets including a laptop compartment, a heavy-duty shoulder strap and many more features.

Where can I find more info?

The Tactical Urban Carry System campaign ends in just a few weeks on April 17, 2019, and has already surpassed its funding goal of $25,000. Pledge packages start at about $79 for a single Tactical Tote and increase from there depending on the options selected.  After the end of the campaign period, rewards are expected to start shipping in August 2019. Visit the Tactical Urban Carry System campaign site for more information or to become a backer.

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Tactical Urban Carry System – Notable crowdfunding campaign originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on April 2, 2019 at 10:00 am.

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Artisan Revere Super Steel Chef’s Knife review

REVIEW – Sometimes I get to review products that just feel like magic right out of the box. The Artisan Revere Super Steel Chef’s Knife which is currently seeking funding on Kickstarter is one of those cases. These guys set out to make the perfect chef’s knife, and I think that they may have accomplished that. To the review!

What is it?

It’s a chef’s knife made in the USA.

What’s in the box?

My sample came with the knife and a leather sheath. Additional package options are available with the Kickstarter campaign.

Hardware specs

8.6″ blade, 13.6″ overall length
15 degree cutting angle with a 50/50 bevel
160 grams total weight
Elmax “Super Steel” Construction
Richlite composite handle with G10 liners

Design and features

I’ve recently been working on educating myself on the finer points of what makes a good chef’s knife. It’s a complicated subject full of terms like “steel composition” and “blade geometry.” Here’s what you need to know: the Artisan Revere Super Steel Chef’s Knife is an amazing piece of work.

My sample knife came with a custom leather sheath. It’s just gorgeous. Seriously. Just look at it. You just want to show it off.

The knife is handcrafted in the USA, with industrial-strength Elmax steel from Sweden. The goal was to produce a knife that’s thin and nimble like Asian chef’s knives, yet has the durability for heavy commercial use. Check out how the steel composition is proudly imprinted on the opposite face of the blade.

But there’s more than just good steel going on in the finished product. The folks at Artisan Revere paid close attention to the blade ergonomics and finishing to make sure it would be comfortable & durable for all day use. Check out the contoured handle.

That handle is made from a recycled wood & resin composite that’s made to take a beating. See that little design in the rivet? Details like that speak to craftsmanship in the final product.

The handle is sealed with G10 liners sandwiched between the steel and the handle to prevent moisture from getting into the crevasses. That’s a big deal if you’re making an investment in a good knife.

And check out the hand finishing in the bolster. There are no sharp edges and a bit of a scoop out for your finger. That means that it’s comfortable to use in a pinch grip, or a “pistol” grip as I show in the pictures below.

The spine has also been gently rounded with no harsh edges. While this may not seem like a big detail, it means a lot when you’re murdering large quantities of proteins or produce for an extended period of time. Little things like this show that these guys are thinking about both the home cook and the professional chef in the design.

When you put it to work, you’ll quickly appreciate how all of this comes together. It feels like a natural extension of your hand, with a super-thin blade that can tackle the most delicate tasks with incredible agility. Here I am breaking down apple slices that are nearly transparent. I could get them thinner with a bit of practice.

Turning to some denser root vegetables, I blasted through a carrot like it was wasn’t even there. The knife just feels amazing, gliding through the vegetable like paper.

For some finer work I attacked a pepper I was dicing for dinner. The thin, nimble blade makes short work of carefully removing the cheeks from the core.

And dicing? Please. I had this pepper broken down from start to finish in about 90 seconds. The balance is perfect, giving you a ton of confidence in handling both finer tasks and bigger slicing/chopping work.

The overall blade length is 8.6″, which is slightly longer than your typical chef’s knife. I prefer a longer knife personally for the leverage (my favorite is a 10″ model), but it can get clunky when it comes to little projects. I think the folks at Artisan Revere have hit the perfect combination here. In addition to vegetable prep, I used the knife to trim up about 10 pounds of chicken today for a large event. I never looked to grab another knife for any of the work from start to finish. And I did not want to. It just feels good to use, and had me looking for more stuff to cut up even after spending hours in the kitchen.

What I like

  • Excellent ergonomics.
  • Nimble, agile handling.
  • Excellent construction and attention to detail.
  • Durable enough that you don’t need to baby it.

What needs to be improved

  • Nothing to be found yet.

Final thoughts

The Artisan Revere Super Steel Chef’s Knife is not cheap. You’re looking at a minimum $259 investment if you act quickly on their Kickstarter campaign, which has met it’s initial goal and is filling up fast. But if you’re looking to upgrade your kitchen arsenal, I have no qualms about recommending this knife. From steel composition to finished design, these guys are making a product well worth your consideration without cutting any corners.

Artisan Revere has posted a ton of information on their Kickstarter page about their process from sourcing the materials to final design & construction. Take a wander over to the page for more information by following the link below. But don’t wait too long… the Kickstarter ends on April 18!

Price: Kickstarter packages start at $259.00. Lower buy-in options are available for a custom leather sheath and knife sharpener, while higher packages are available for multiple knives and accessories.
Where to buy: Go here to get in on the Kickstarter program!
Source: The sample of this product was provided by Artisan Revere.

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Artisan Revere Super Steel Chef’s Knife review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on April 1, 2019 at 9:00 am.

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CUBEPACKS | Packing Cubes That Transform Into Packs – Notable crowdfunding campaign

CROWDFUNDING NEWS – Packing cubes are some of my most vital travel gear—they allow me to pack a lot more than without them.  But sometimes I think it would be nice to have a smaller day pack to use once I get to my destination, rather than hauling me travel backpack around.  Cubepacks bridge that gap.  Let’s take a look!

What is it?

Cubepacks are compression packing cubes that transform into packs once you arrive at your destination.

Why do I like it?

I’m a huge fan of multi-purpose gear, especially for travel.  Cubepacks compression packing cubes help you pack more clothing or other gear into a smaller space while you are traveling to your destination.  But once you arrive, they don’t have to just sit in your travel bag—they can transform into packs that you can use as day packs.  They are available in three sizes: Backpack, Should Pack, and Hip Pack, each feature YKK zippers with dual pulls, a carry handle, concealable shoulder straps, and exterior organizational pockets.

Where do I find more info?

The CUBEPACKS | Packing Cubes that Transform into Packs campaign ends April 23, 2019 and has already surpassed its funding goal of $10,000. Pledge packages start at $29 for a single Size Small Cubepack and increase from there depending on the options selected.  After the end of the campaign period, rewards are expected to start shipping in September 2019. Visit the CUBEPACKS | Packing Cubes that Transform into Packs campaign site for more information or to become a backer.

 

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CUBEPACKS | Packing Cubes That Transform Into Packs – Notable crowdfunding campaign originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on April 1, 2019 at 8:00 am.

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Edge of Belgravia Stingray frying pan review

REVIEW – The award-winning designers at Edge of Belgravia are at it again. But this time we’re not looking at knives… we’re looking at cookware! The Stingray nonstick pan is kicking off a new kickstarter campaign this week. I got a pre-launch sample to see if it’s more than just sharp looks. How did it perform in the kitchen? Let’s cook!

What is it

It’s a nonstick frying pan.

Hardware specs

  • 19.25″ long by 12.25″ wide by 2.5″ deep.
  • 2 pounds, 14 ounces.
  • Aircraft grade aluminum construction.
  • New ILAG nonstick surface.
  • FDA tested non-toxic and PFOA free.
  • Induction range compatible.
  • Oven safe to 480 degrees fahrenheit.

Design and features

I reviewed the Edge of Belgravia Gallatine knife set and Black Diamond knife block last year, and loved the combination of avant-garde design and performance. They’re still my day-to-day weapons of choice. The Stingray is the company’s first foray into other cooking products, carrying through their unique design language in a frying pan design.

The hexagonal design of the Stingray just looks incredible. The “Stingray” moniker comes from the unique shape coupled with the contoured handle, that vaguely resembles the sea beastie that we all know and love.

But there’s more than pretty looks behind the design of this pan. Heavy-duty aluminum is the primary material. It’s got the stability and thickness of cast iron, but weighs in at just under three pounds. A diffuser on the base promotes even heating and is compatible with induction cooktops.

The handle has a nice contoured grip that makes for comfortable maneuvering when put to task. Notice that the angle of the handle keeps your knuckles from brushing against the stove top, and the 9″ length gives you plenty of room to keep your digits safe from the heat.

A pair of bolts connect the handle to the pan, and there’s no wiggle to be found in the grip. The construction is rock-solid.

To put the pan to the test, I decided that stir-fry was the way to go. The thick walls of the pan do a great job of absorbing & retaining heat, which is essential for stir-fry. I started with browning some chicken. The hexagonal shape is perfect for that fancy flipping maneuver that makes your guests say “oooh!” I was also able to get a nice sear on the chicken. Check out the action shot below.

The pan is coated with a new nonstick formula that is reportedly provides better durability and will last longer than traditional nonstick coatings. After browning my chicken, I was able to get nice even searing on the veggies with just a touch of cooking oil for flavor.

With a 2.5″ pan depth, this pan is great for both frying and simmering tasks. I added all my ingredients back in the pan along with a sauce to simmer for a few minutes. There’s 1.5 pounds of chicken in there, a whole bunch of vegetables, and a cup of the sauce liquid. I’ve got a meal for 6 in one pan.

Once the cooking is complete, that hexagonal shape is ideal for pouring out your masterpiece. Check out how the corners help me control things when I am pouring out the contents of the pan. I have a LOT of stuff in there, and nothing is leaking out onto my counter.

The finished product, ready to serve:

I’m liking the way the pan retains a consistent heat without the heft of a cast iron skillet. Check out the close-up. We’ve got some nice searing going on.

We’ll have to see how the nonstick surface holds up to long-term use, but I am pretty impressed with what I am seeing so far. It looks pretty tough in my brief test under higher heat, and cleans up well, and leaves no marks or residue on the pan. Edge of Belgravia states that the pan can handle up to 480 degrees in the oven, a temperature that will destroy many nonstick surfaces. We’ll see how that lasts in extended testing.

There are a few things I did find in my testing that you should be aware of. That abrupt vertical angle on the sidewalls is great for simmering and pouring out liquids, but I haven’t tested it on dispensing large flat items (like omelets) yet. I think it should do the job well. The handle can also get warm at higher heats, closer to the contact point with the pan. It does stay cool at the far end of the handle. I think a matching lid for this piece would also be an excellent addition. I used a round lid to steam some broccoli for this dish, but the mismatching shape does cause liquids to condense and dribble down the sides. Maybe we will see that in the future.

What I like

  • Hefty, yet well balanced for handling
  • Great handle design
  • Durable, with an excellent nonstick surface
  • Hexagon shape aids with flipping and pouring

What needs to be improved

  • Handle can get warm neat the contact point with the pan at higher heats.
  • Would like to see a matching lid for steaming and simmering.

Final thoughts

I’m really liking this pan, and have used it several times already for routine cooking tasks. It does a great job of retaining heat and even heat distribution, even on my old glass cooktop. It’s very maneuverable compared to cast iron, and that lighter weight combined with a great handle design makes for confident cooking. The nonstick surface looks to be a winner, too.

The Edge of Belgravia Stingray Kickstarter fires up this week. The pan will be offered in 8″, 10″ and 12″ sizes with a starting pledge of about $60 for the 8″ model. You can choose from a variety of packages and combinations from there. The Kickstarter ends on April 30, with a planned delivery date of November 2019. Check out the link below to learn more!

Price: Starting pledge of about $60 US.
Where to buy: Go to the Edge of Belgravia Kickstarter page.
Source: The sample of this product was provided by Edge of Belgravia.

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Edge of Belgravia Stingray frying pan review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on March 28, 2019 at 3:00 pm.

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