RUBY SHORTCUT
Don Cowles’ new factory production Ruby Shortcut knife is as close to custom as it gets without being handcrafted. Each finished product is inspected and hand-tuned by Don Cowles himself! The looker has a 2-3/4-inch blade of 10Cr17 stainless steel hardened to Rc 56. Overall length is a stout 5-5/8 inches. Scales are natural bone over a tapered tang with brass pins and the dovetailed bolsters are of 416 stainless. And the good looks keep on coming—there is a Ruby in 14K gold stationed in the ricasso! To round out the $99 package the Ruby comes with a hand-stitched, waxed cowhide, clip pocket sheath lined with pigskin. For more information visit www.cowlesknives.com

CRUCIBLE II FOLDER
The original Crucible from the MOD (Masters Of Defense) series has seen action by armed professionals all over the world. For 2008, BlackHawk Blades decided to bring the popular Kelly McCann design to market at a more affordable price. This high-performance folding knife features a stout, flush-ground liner-lock mechanism, textured G-10 handle slabs, and a distinctive handle shape that provides a superior grip and hand protection. Its broad spear point blade is ground from AUS 8A stainless steel and features a non-reflective black Teflon coating. Available with either a plain or partially serrated edge, the Crucible II also features a four-position clip that supports all possible carry positions and Phillips-head clip and pivot screws for easy user maintenance. For more information visit www.blackhawk.com.

BENCHMADE ACTIVATOR
The Snody-designed 210-82 Activator from Benchmade is a Gold Class Limited Edition (75-piece) fixed blade that couples wild looks with all-out functionality. From the hand-buffed Paua Shell handle to the polished etched Gator Damascus bolsters, users can tell that this new Benchmade has instant classic written all over it. With an overall length of 5-1/2 inches, the 210-82 will be at home as a hunter or an EDC blade. The drop-point utility blade is of Scotch Brite CPM-M4 steel and comes with a fine leather sheath with Ray skin detail. Other limited-production Snody Activators available are the 210-81 and 210-83. For more information on all of these great knives visit www.benchmade.com.

TRUE NORTH KISHIN SAMARAI
True North’s Greg Lightfoot-designed Kishin packs 3-3/8 inches of razor-sharp Alabama forge Damascus into an overall 7-1/2-inch masterpiece. The Kishin has a hollow ground blade, a full tang python snakeskin handle with Japanese cord wrap by Kirby Lambert and a fierce looking skullcrusher. To top off the TNK beast is a sharkskin-covered Kydex sheath with paracord. Total weight including the sheath is 4.9 ounces. True North guarantees the Kishin Samurai against flaws in the craftsmanship. For more information visit www.truenorthknives.com.

PANTS BELT WITH A BIG SECRET
Just when you thought you’ve seen it all, along comes a 1-1/2-inch wide by 33-inch long sword that doubles as a fashion accessory. At first glance the RazorSword looks like a belt. In seconds, that belt unfurls into a devastating battle-ready blade. It has to be seen to be believed and you can do just that at RazorRazor.com. Click on “video demonstrations” and you’ll see the new RazorSword in action being wielded by a beautiful—and topless—model. After seeing the clips you’ll gain a better understanding of the company motto: “Never Feel Naked…Never!” A former Military and CIA operative called the new RazorSword system “a great invention, well designed and feels completely safe. It’s there for protection, and otherwise not cumbersome or visible as would be a typical sword, cane, or shotgun.” For more information visit www.beltswords.com