You don't need to be employed as a secret agent to appreciate the potential of this rugged version by Greg Lightfoot, a well-known custom knife designer. Manufactured by Timberline, the 700 Lightfoot LCP Combat Pen competes for top-of-the-line in self defense pens. Six inches long and a half inch in diameter, the 700 is a fairly heavy pen in normal terms, weighing 2.2 ounces including the cap and stainless steel pocket clip. Most of that weight is fluted aircraft-quality aluminum, built to poke holes in tender places. The self defense concept is simple and effective.

As a writing instrument, it's probably more pen than you'd use comfortably, but it does write and accepts a standard ball point cartridge. The writing point isn't meant to be the striking end of the pen, but either end works in a pinch. The rugged Lightfoot LCP Combat Pen shouldn't wear out or break no matter how it's used, but losing it is a real possibility. Heavy enough to sag forward in the pocket of a shirt, it may be too much tool for casual wear. Even with the hard anodized charcoal gray finish, this aluminum self defense stick could be more obvious than the manufacturer claims. Wearing it in the pants pocket like a pocket clip folding knife might work out better. Where knives no longer go, it's a handy pen to have around.

Find this Timberline Combat Pen:

• Click here to find this product at Amazon.com

Find this tactical pen on eBay:

New Timberline Defense Greg Lightfot Aluminum LE Pen US $69.00   Auction Ends: 7d 2h 59m Make it yours...

Russ Kommer, a professional hunting guide and knifemaker, created in this ax a transition tool for the niche between camping and wilderness living. If you camp, you find ways to get by; if you're staying awhile, you need tools that do more. In the realm of hand tools that means more steel, more size, and more weight. You wouldn't want to build a log cabin with this one hander, but you could knock out a survival shelter faster with this hatchet than you could with either tomahawk or knife.

A black leather belt sheath comes with the ax, for easy access around camp. The sheath is equally important when stowing this versatile tool in your gear, preventing any unfortunate holes in your other essential equipment.

Find this Russ Kommer Hatchet:

• Click here to find this knife at Amazon.com

The blade is a beautifully finished plain edge at 3.5 inches, crafted of bead blasted AUS-8 steel (which is made with added Vanadium, an element particularly resilient to corrosion).

It's got a convenient 4.62-inch handle, with a closed linerlock and a Vallotton/Ochs-designed assisted opener.

There's even a slide button on the handle to switch the assisted opening mechanism on and off, whatever your preference may be.

Other handle features include a black Zytec foundation, Kraton inserts, dual thumb studs, and a stainless pocket clip.

So as you can see, Timberline took a small knife and, together with durable design and functional features, made it a big deal. You'll think so too!

Find this Timberline Knife:

• Click here to find this knife on eBladeStore, a reputable vendor with a great return policy.

Find this knife on eBay:

Timberline TL1143 Knife Vallotton Ochs Kickstart Black US $48.95   Auction Ends: 10d 23h 46m Make it yours...

Timberline Vallotton large asst open US $30.00   0 Bid Auction Ends: 1d 3h 53m Make it yours...

Timberline Knives Vallotton US $.01   1 Bid Auction Ends: 3d 13h 21m Make it yours...