Cold Steel Kobun

Submitted by MC Lordsson

I have used many different types, but found my favorite to be a Cold Steel Kobun. I would also like to recommend an M8. KBAR makes good knives as well which are combat tested better than any other manufacturer.

The Kobun by Cold Steel really fits most of my needs for a Combat/Utility knife. There is really only one thing wrong with it and that's the finish which is a bright, polished steel finish. As with any combat knife though, I would powder coat it after sharpening and before taking it with me anywhere. This tends to eliminate any rust, contamination, scratching, etc., and also takes care of any light reflection. Otherwise, this is a very light, very easy to handle blade with excellent killing properties.  It has held up to some serious abuse through the years and I have yet to replace it.

Many call me a minimalist when it comes to knives because I prefer knife with no features other than a good blade and a great grip. I also prefer a Tanto. This may not be your type of knife, but for the work I've done, and continue to do, there has yet to be a good replacement.

Check out the Kobun here

DMT Diafold tactical sharpener

Submitted by Matt

Another product I constantly use for keepin knives sharp is the Diafold by DMT. It is a diamond impregnated steel mesh mounted to a plastic plate. It has handles that fold around it like a butterfly knife. Comes in multiple grits. Weights about 1.5 oz. Very handy and effective, lasts a very long time. I've always used mine dry, and get around 10 years of use out of them. They are handy enough to carry in a pocket or tuck into a tool pouch etc. I use the blue, medium grit for sharpening everything.

ED -- Matt, funny you should bring up DMT.  My first sharpener was a 6" DMT bench whetstone (blue, med. grit.)  Unfortunately as soon as my mother found out about it she decided it was just the thing for her kitchen knives so I always ended having to wait in line behind her.

In addition to the standard rectangular stone, DMT offers Diafolds for serrated blades, fishooks, pruners and shears, and chainsaw chain as well as double sided stones (combination grits.)

Check out the Diafold sharpener here.

Goncz Hi Tech Tactical Lights

Submitted by Oz

There is another American-made flashlight that rivals Surefire (I own one of each), both from Goncz Hi-Tech.

The Goncz is smaller and lighter in weight, but has very similar output characteristics, is made of similar aircraft-alloy aluminum, has a similar array of accessories, and generally stacks up pretty well. It is also a lot cheaper...

ED -- Oz, In looking over the Goncz website, I assume you're refering to either the "M" series tactical lights, or the E-1 lithium LED light, as the remainder of their line is rather large (10+ inches.)  All of these lights use either 6v or 9v lithium batteries, and burn times range from 20 to 120 depending on model and output setting.

Check out the Goncz lights here