Years ago I took Michael DeBethencourt's Edged Weapons class and one thing I clearly remember him saying is, "I'm not training you how to be a knife fighter. I'm training you how to be a cop that can fight with a knife." BIG difference and I'm glad he focused on it. Given that most of us lose much of our fine motor control skills under severe stress, a knife that allows us to function simply and effectively is good. The Ka-Bar TDI (Tactical Defense Institute) knife was designed to be held and punched. It's that simple. Since we can all remember how to hit even under high stress, with a 2 to 3.5-inch blade sticking out of the side of our fist, every punch is a puncture and every slightly missed punch a potential slash/laceration to the bad guy. "Keep It Simple Stupid" applies and I like it.

Mod-U-Lok Light Holster from Night-Ops

Ever since a big name light manufacturing company came on the scene people have been making nylon pouches to hold flashlights. Nearly every one of them was specific to length of the flashlight and limiting in bezel size. Enter the Mod-U-Lok. From the minds at BlackHawk--where the Night-Ops team brainstormed with the Delta Design Group--to create a flashlight holster that will fit most standard "tactical" hand held lights, but without any concern for bezel size. If the bezel is too big to fit in the light bucket at the bottom of the Mod-U-Lok holster, simply turn it bezel up and lock it in. Additionally, the Mod-U-Lok holster provides a secure holster for your light, but one you can snatch the light out of quickly and without having to manipulate any security devices. Just grab it and do what you need to do. Every cop should have TWO of these on his (or her) belt with redundant flashlights. Two is one; one is none. Since approximately 80% of police shootings occur in low-light settings, doesn't it only make sense to have the ONE tool that will increase your chances of domination in that setting?

Baker Batshield

Given the advent of Active Shooter/Immediate Response training, I believe that the Baker Batshield is a revolution in portable soft bunker systems. In the carry bag it provides an easily portable double layer of Level III body armor. Withdrawn from the carry bag it provides an (approximately) three foot wide shield that is specifically designed to shoot over and move with to include making corners and doorways easier to navigate. In light of the potential conditions and threats that would exist in any Active Shooter/Immediate Response scenario, I consider the Batshield an excellent tool to be provided to patrol officers. Every patrol squad should have one of these shields available for every four officers assigned. The point man on every four-person entry team should have one available. Moreover, the Batshield can easily serve as potential protection from edged weapons if an officer needs to move within TASER deployment distance. The options for use are wide and limited only by the officer's imagination - but he has to have one to use!

Dexter Meadows' Spec-Ops Clip-On Knee Pads

I met Dexter Meadows at the 2006 SHOT Show. His kneepads had already been on the market and I liked them when I tested them back then. They are unique in that they provide the same (or better) protection to the wearer as other kneepads do, but they attached to the leg in a completely different fashion. Rather than having elastic bands that wrap around the leg--and have a nasty habit of riding down, turning, etc.--Dexter's kneepads fasten directly to the pants by way of strong clips that are reinforced and held in place by heavy duty rubber straps. Nothing wraps around the back of the leg. Not only does this make them more comfortable to wear in the long term, but it holds them securely in place so that they are in the right position to protect your knee when you need it. If you wear kneepads a lot, I highly recommend these.

Tac-Grips

When I attended the Blackwater Tactical Pistol Course I was surprised to see how much tread tape had been purchased, cut up and applied to Glock pistols. Having been offered the opportunity to shoot Glocks with and without the extra grip security offered by that tape, though, I quickly saw the benefit of having it. Silberbak Industries took that idea to the next step and manufactures such appliques precut to fit your weapon(s). This sandpaper-like adhesive material is easy to apply and can be removed without a great deal of effort. It does NOT come off so easily as to start to peel or flake just with normal day-to-day wear. I have Tac-Grips applied to my Glock 22, my 1911 and my Browning Hi-Power. If you're looking for something to make the front-strap on your pistol not quite so slick, Silberbak also manufactures finger-grip applications to fill that space and save you the trouble of having lines cut in by a gunsmith. At just a few bucks for sets of three, it's hard to beat the convenience and value of Tac-Grips.