Press Release - DPx Gear Introduces the DPx HIT Cutter: The Carabiner-Carry Knife that Never Needs a Sheath

Press Release - DPx Gear Introduces the DPx HIT Cutter: The Carabiner-Carry Knife that Never Needs a Sheath

July 28, 2014

DPx Gear® Introduces the DPx H•I•T™ Cutter

The Carabiner –Carry Knife that Never Needs a Sheath

San Diego, California – July 28, 2014 – Robert Young Pelton, founder of DPx Gear, Inc., innovates again with a new design that eliminates the sheath for a hard use fixed blade knife. The new DPx HIT Cutter is the first knife in the new DPx HIT (Handle Inversion Tool) line of knives that all feature an integrated pivoting blade guard and handle. This patent pending concept is called DPx Centric™. Pelton tested the DPx HIT on his recent trip into the violent world of South Sudan, where he was to be the first to document the South Sudanese White Army in combat.

DPx HIT on Pack in Sudan The HIT Cutter Easily Clips on to Gear in South Sudan

The 5.5 inch long, 0.19-inch thick martensitic steel knife has a wicked two-inch edge yet weighs less than three ounces. The carabiner mount and one finger control is intended for emergency responders, climbers, rafters, divers and any other application where an easily accessible, exact control hard use cutting tool is necessary. The knife is made from CPM S35VN stainless American steel hardened to 61 Rockwell scale to maintain its cutting edge under abuse.

The locking blade guard means there is no need for a bulky or heavy sheath. It can be carried on a pack, belt loop or lanyard with confidence. A forward push of a finger against the thumb stud releases the guard which, with minimal assistance, snaps back smoothly to become the handle. When not in use, the guard snaps back and locks automatically due to the clever spring-action DPx Centric design.

The DPx HIT Cutter knife manufacturer’s suggested retail price is $187.50. For additional information and a video of the DPx Centric in action visit www.dpxgear.com/hit-cutter.

Product Specifications

SKU: DPHTX001
UPC: 857171003398
Blade Steel & Finish: Stonewashed CPM S35VN
Blade Temper: 61 HRC
Blade Length: 2.00” (51 mm)
Blade Thickness: 0.19” (5 mm)
Overall Length: 5.50” (140 mm)
Weight: 2.88 oz. (82 g)
Country of Origin: U.S.A.
Patents: http://www.dpxgear.com/patents

High-resolution images and any additional information can be obtained by contacting the media contact listed below.

About DPx Gear

Founded in 2008, DPx Gear, Inc. designs, tests and builds hard use equipment for Special Operations, expedition members, law enforcement, and demanding customers. Learn more at www.dpxgear.com. DPx Gear currently manufactures over 50 products and holds 17 patents.

Media Contact:

Media Manager

info@dpxgear.com

2321 Kettner Blvd.

San Diego, CA 92101

+1 619 780 2601

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VICE Magazine Saving South Sudan Documentary Parts 2 & 3

VICE Magazine Saving South Sudan Documentary Parts 2 & 3

May 14, 2014

The final parts of the 45 minute documentary using footage from DPx Gear founder Robert Young Pelton's trip to South Sudan is now posted on the VICE website.

“Saving South Sudan” is a very special and timely project that uses the entire contents of VICE’s 50,000-word print magazine, an online event at VICE.com, and a three-part documentary series. Taking a multi-platform approach, VICE tells the story of how the world’s newest sovereign country descended into its third civil war in a century.

While the magazine has published innumerable issues devoted to single topics and themes—from art to humor to war crimes in Syria—this is the first time all of its 130 pages have been filled by just two contributors: author and filmmaker Robert Young Pelton and photographer and filmmaker Tim Freccia.

You can view Part 2 here, view Part 3 here, and read the entire issue here.

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VICE Magazine Saving South Sudan Documentary Part 1

VICE Magazine Saving South Sudan Documentary Part 1

May 12, 2014

Part one of the three-part, 45 minute documentary using footage from DPx Gear founder Robert Young Pelton's trip to South Sudan is now posted on the VICE website.

“Saving South Sudan” is a very special and timely project that uses the entire contents of VICE’s 50,000-word print magazine, an online event at VICE.com, and a three-part documentary series. Taking a multi-platform approach, VICE tells the story of how the world’s newest sovereign country descended into its third civil war in a century.

While the magazine has published innumerable issues devoted to single topics and themes—from art to humor to war crimes in Syria—this is the first time all of its 130 pages have been filled by just two contributors: author and filmmaker Robert Young Pelton and photographer and filmmaker Tim Freccia.

You can view the documentary here and read the entire issue here.

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Saving South Sudan: A Landmark Multimedia Event on VICE.COM

Saving South Sudan: A Landmark Multimedia Event on VICE.COM

May 09, 2014

VICE announces a major multimedia event: “Saving South Sudan—The Inside Story on How the World’s Newest Nation Fell Apart,” by Robert Young Pelton, Tim Freccia, and the VICE staff.

VICE-April-2014-Cover

 

“Saving South Sudan” is a very special and timely project that uses the entire contents of VICE’s 50,000-word print magazine, an online event at VICE.com, and a three-part documentary series. Taking a multi-platform approach, VICE tells the story of how the world’s newest sovereign country descended into its third civil war in a century.

While the magazine has published innumerable issues devoted to single topics and themes—from art to humor to war crimes in Syria—this is the first time all of its 130 pages have been filled by just two contributors: author and filmmaker Robert Young Pelton and photographer and filmmaker Tim Freccia.

Pelton and Freccia in SudanPelton and Freccia in Sudan

The idea originated with Pelton, who in early January pitched VICE a long-form story about traveling to South Sudan with Machot Lat Thiep, 32, a former Lost Boy and current manager of a Seattle Costco. Machot had returned to his homeland a year earlier to help put together a new constitution. It had been a jubilant and triumphant trip for the former child solider.

Pelton’s ultimate goal was to find South Sudan’s former vice president, Riek Machar. Machar had been fired from the government led by President Salva Kiir, and on December 15, 2013, the Nuer leader had found himself the target of an assassination. An onslaught resulted in the destruction of his home and the massacre of his advisers. Since then, Machar has been hiding out at a secret bush camp as thousands of Kiir’s men have tried to hunt him down.

This time around, Machot viewed returning to his homeland as an attempt to help pull South Sudan out of yet another dive into a seemingly never-ending cycle of war and starvation. For Pelton and Freccia, it was a chance to get on the ground and document the conflict, which has turned the three-year-old country into the world’s latest failed state.

RYPinsudanriversmallMachot would serve as an avatar for the readers and a touchstone for the emotional impact of war. He would deliver an insider’s point of view to ensure that the history of the region was appropriately taken into context.

The journey was not easy. The team almost had to give up and return home after weeks of being stalled in Nairobi, Kenya, unable to find a pilot foolhardy enough to fly them into the middle of the violent war. Then, once in South Sudan, the lack of vehicles and fuel meant they had to haggle and negotiate their way across the land to link up with Machar. After they secured the interview and lived with him at his secret bush camp, Machar granted them permission to witness and record his rebellion firsthand, hiring an escort to take them north to the front lines in Malakal, on the White Nile.

Robert Pelton tests the DPx HIT Cutter prototype while on his journey in Sudan Robert Pelton tests the DPx HIT Cutter prototype while on his journey in Sudan

In Malakal, Freccia and Pelton exclusively experienced and documented widespread rape, murder, and looting by the “White Army”—a fearsome, makeshift force of Nuer cattle farmers historically commanded by tribal prophets.

Before Pelton and Freccia’s unprecedented access, the White Army had largely been something of a myth, a frightening apparition that until then had never been filmed in action.

VICE’s approach to the story of South Sudan is vast—historically, thematically, and emotionally. The multimedia event delves deep into the history of colonialism, covers misguided Western interference, and revolves around a profile of rebel leader Machar and a Lost Boy’s attempt to save his country. As Machar plots and coordinates his rebellion from his bush camp, Lost Boy Machot wanders inside one of the most dangerous, dysfunctional countries in the world.

“Saving South Sudan” is a terrific, sobering work that no one on Earth but Pelton and Freccia could have produced. Pelton, 58, is the author of the best-selling, one-of-a-kind travel guide The World’s

The DPx HEST Original The DPx HEST Original

Most Dangerous Places (now in its fifth edition). He interviewed “American Taliban” John Walker Lindh, was kidnapped by right-wing death squads in Colombia (whom he photographed), and lived with an elusive retired Special Forces colonel training Karen rebels deep inside the jungles of Burma. Like many journalists, Freccia, 50, was inspired by Pelton’s endeavors, and he has made it his life’s work to document conflict and crisis across Africa and elsewhere. His photos provide a stark, riveting, and sometimes horrific look at the realities of life in South Sudan.

The VICE team worked feverishly to release this important project just as the world is turning its attention to what may be Africa’s newest and most disturbing humanitarian catastrophe.

You can read, watch, and experience “Saving South Sudan” on VICE.com now.

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Press Release - Saving South Sudan: RYP Writes Entire Issue of VICE Magazine

Press Release - Saving South Sudan: RYP Writes Entire Issue of VICE Magazine

April 28, 2014


SAVING SOUTH SUDAN

Adventurer & DPx Gear® Founder Robert Young Pelton Becomes the First Outsider to Ride Along with South Sudan’s White Army in Combat, Finds Rebel Leader Dr. Riek Machar and Documents Experiences as Sole Author of Latest Issue of VICE® Magazine

San Diego, California – April 28, 2014 – Adventurer, Author, and Founder of DPx Gear, Robert Young Pelton has penned the entire 50,000-word, 130-page April issue of VICE magazine about he and photographer/filmmaker Tim Freccia’s recent experience hunting down rebel leader Dr. Riek Machar in South Sudan and riding along with the White Army in combat. When VICE Editor-in-Chief, Rocco Castoro, learned of Pelton and Freccia’s plans, he seized upon the opportunity to devote an issue to the adventure. Although VICE, a cutting-edge lifestyle magazine, has done single topic issues they have never dedicated an entire issue to the work of one person. VICE-April-2014-Cover

Returning with exclusive interviews and footage, Pelton and the VICE creative team set about writing, editing and getting the publication to press. The printed magazine will be available staring Monday April 28, 2014 followed by an online version and a 45-minute documentary of the trip. The electronic article and documentary will be posted at http://www.vice.com.

About Robert Young Pelton

Robert Young Pelton, 58, is an explorer, author, and adventurer known for his coverage of conflict in Somalia, Colombia, Afghanistan, Iraq, Sudan, Chechnya, Philippines and many other regions. He is author of the New York Times best selling book, The World’s Most Dangerous Places; Licensed to Kill: Hired Guns in the War on Terror; Come Back Alive; Raven and the upcoming Finding Kony. He has written numerous articles and been profiled in National Geographic, Foreign Policy, BusinessWeek, and Outside magazine and is a regular guest on FOX News. Learn more at www.comebackalive.com.

About DPx Gear

Founded in 2008, DPx Gear, Inc. designs, tests and builds hard use equipment for special operations, expeditions and law enforcement. Learn more at www.dpxgear.com.

 

Contact:

Media Manager

info@dpxgear.com

2321 Kettner Blvd

San Diego, CA 92101

+1 619 780 2601

 

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DPx HEST/F Triple Black Makes Cover of BLADE's Best Factory Knives eBook

DPx HEST/F Triple Black Makes Cover of BLADE's Best Factory Knives eBook

April 01, 2014 1 Comment

In February 2014 BLADE Magazine released their eBook: BLADE's Best Factory Knives: The Best Factory Knives of BLADE's First 40 Years and the DPx HEST/F Triple Black Special Edition ("T3") knife is featured on the cover. The eBook is a three-part series recognizing the top 40 factory knives from 1973-2013. The DPx HEST/F Triple Black Special Edition was named as one of the top knives of 2013 by BLADE Magazine, an accolade DPx Gear is quite proud of considering DPx Gear's short tenure in the industry at the time of the award (about 2 years). The same knife also won BLADE show's Most Innovative Imported Design award in 2012. In April 2014 DPx Gear released its production version of the DPx HEST/F Triple Black with revised hardware to eliminate the need for an expensive tool and availability in four different configurations: right-handed, left-handed, plain edge and serrated edge.

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DPx Gear Introduces the DPx H•I•T: The Carabiner-Carry Knife That Never Needs a Sheath

DPx Gear Introduces the DPx H•I•T: The Carabiner-Carry Knife That Never Needs a Sheath

March 03, 2014

A tough fixed blade survival knife with revolutionary blade guard that converts to handle.

DPx HIT on Pack in Sudan

 

At SHOT Show 2014, DPx Gear introduced a survival knife line called the DPx HIT (Handle Inversion Tool) with an integral pivoting blade guard that forms the handle.  This patent pending concept is called DPx Centric and will part of new line of knives starting with an action-oriented "DPx Hit Cutter” and followed shortly thereafter by the "DPx HIT Skinner". The DPx Centric system uses a rugged carabiner and an innovated rotating, locking patent pending edge protector. That means there is no need for a bulky or heavy sheath since the blade edge is revealed with a flick of a finger as the guard smoothly becomes the handle.   When not in use the guard snaps back and locks due to the clever DPx Centric design created by Robert Young Pelton.

The DPx Centric function is demonstrated in a YouTube video that can be viewed here.

The DPx HIT is constructed of martensitic CPM S35-VN  heat treated steel from Crucible Industries and is manufactured by White River Knives based in Coopersville, Michigan.  MSRP will be around $187.50 and the DPx HIT will be sold with a soft leather embossed pouch.

The DPx HIT is a patent-pending idea that adds to the dozen patents or so held by DPx Gear founder Robert Young Pelton. Pelton is better known for his ability to  survive kidnapping, plane crashes, car accidents and over two dozen war zones. His exploits as an explorer, TV host, survival expert, best-selling author and filmmaker have taught him what works in the real world. Pelton was encouraged by ESEE co-owner Jeff Randall to design a survival knife for a decade until finally in 2008 Pelton launched the DPx (Dangerous Places, in extremis) HEST (Hostile Environment Survival Tool) Original. The knife was a success and Pelton never looked back.  DPx Gear now makes over a dozen unique knife designs.

The DPx HIT Cutter Specifications*:

Overall Length: 5.50"
Blade Thickness:  0.19"
Weight:  2.88oz
Blade Length:  2.00"
Blade Steel:  CPM S35-VN
Temper:  61 HRC

The DPx HIT Skinner Specifications*:

Overall Length: 6.43"
Blade Thickness:  0.19"
Weight:  3.40oz
Blade Length:  2.50"
Blade Steel:  CPM S35-VN
Temper:  61 HRC

 

*specifications subject to change

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DPx Gear Takes Intellectual Property Seriously

DPx Gear Takes Intellectual Property Seriously

February 05, 2014 1 Comment

Like many other popular knife designers and manufacturers, DPx Gear has been victim to an onslaught of overseas "copy cats". Our trademarks and patented designs have been used without permission on low quality, low price knives. We make a significant investment in protecting our intellectual property and will prosecute any infringers to the fullest extent of the law.  To that end, we have added a new page to our website featuring some examples of counterfeit DPx products which includes links to public notice of our patents as well as links to current patent and trademark infringement law.

The majority of the infringers are located in China and the infringing products are posted for sale on websites such as Alibaba.com, dhgate.com and eBay in large quantities. The most commonly copied product is our DPx HEST/F and the fake product typically has a masonic symbol on the scale. Some other variations we've seen include a version with the ESEE Knives Izula logo on one side of the blade with the DPx "circle" logo on the other side of the blade as well as a version with nylon sheath.

Counterfeit DPx Product Counterfeit DPx Product

The longer our product is out, the closer the infringing product may look to the actual product which may cause confusion to the consumer; especially if the consumer has never seen our product in person. We recommend only purchasing your DPx product from an authorized dealer. If you have any concerns about your product being a counterfeit or if you want to report a possible counterfeit product, we encourage you to contact DPx Gear directly at customerservice@dpxgear.com or +1 619 780 2600.

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DPx HEFT 4 Woodsman Featured in Active's Gear Guide

DPx HEFT 4 Woodsman Featured in Active's Gear Guide

December 01, 2013

The DPx HEFT 4 Woodsman is featured in Active Outdoor's Gear Guide and is recommended for the "mountain man".

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Bass Fishing Frenzy Tactical Blog Review of HEFT 4 Milspec

Bass Fishing Frenzy Tactical Blog Review of HEFT 4 Milspec

August 04, 2013

Here's a great review of the DPx HEFT 4 Milspec by the Bass Fishing Frenzy Tactical Blog. The review is copied below or can be found here.

The DPX gear HEFT 4 Assault

Hey guys, its Tag again, with another spectacular product coming your way! This time We're checking out the DPx Gear HEFT 4 Assault edition.  this knife can be found at http://www.dpxgear.com/dpx-heft-4-milspec.html

What DPx Calls the HEFT

 DPx Gear redefined the term “survival knife” with the DPx H•E•S•T. Now the Hostile Environment Field Tool takes our survival concept bigger, harder and longer.
The DPx HEST has a stouter, bolder, four inch brother in 0.19” thick patented German Lohmann Niolox 1.4153.03 stainless, high-performance blade steel sword-grind blade is machined from German Uddeholm Niolox® niobium-enhanced stainless tool steel tempered and cryo-hardened to 61 HRC. This “take to the fight” version delivers more punch in an open use environment or where the pry bar and concealed use of the HEST is not as critical.
This is a knife that is virtually indestructible even in the most demanding survival situations. Built to get you home alive, the DPx HEFT 4 is your ticket out of adversity. It's the last survival knife you'll buy and is a hard working blade that is ideal for military and rugged outdoor pursuits. Ideal for both the demands of bushcraft and wilderness survival use, the HEFT 4 Milspec also comes into play as a self defense weapon and edged tool.
Made to be hammered, abused, and stressed to its limits, the blade will stay razor sharp though extended use, requiring only minor strop. The ergonomic American G10 laminate handle scales with ergonomic grips conceal a cavity for fire starter, fishhooks, and other survival gear. The hollow handle gives the knife a forward balance point that makes cutting, chopping, and hacking less fatiguing.
The HEFT 4 Assault features a hollow handle and an innovative bottle opener/pry bar and lanyard hole all in a well thought out CORDURA sheath.

What the HEFT really is

The HEFT 4 is truly a great little blade, and one that, far surpasses ESEE, Rat and even the infallible BUSSE and Fallkniven blades for bushcraft.  It is not so often that I give a knife such high praise, but The HEFT 4 really deserves it.

Why it rocks

Simply:

Its Cheaper, has a Deep Belly, Nice gimping, great scales, and marvelous, feature packed blade and design

Complicatedly:

The HEFT rocks for so many reasons, but I'm going to just have to say the biggest ones.  First off, There's the price.  $175 for a super high end knife, isn't really bad at all.  I mean, sure theres way cheaper, like the Gerber LMF II and even the ESEE 4 and Laser strike, but they don't even come close to this knife.  Lets take the ESEE 4 for example, It's definitely cheaper at $150, but, what less do you get?  With the ESEE you dont get:
  • Wire cutter/stripper
  • Bottle opener
  • Handle storage
  • Skull crusher
  • Niolox Steel
  • Pry bar
  • Bit driver
  • and for all you snobs, Made in ITALY by Lionsteel:)

In just that list, you can tell that the knife has a lot of bang for your buck.  But, thats not all that you want to hear, because it sounds like a sales pitch.  so lets talk about the knife itself.

The blade:

The blade is a sword ground 4" Niolox hunk of steel that is super fancily cryo treated so that it has an absurd HRC of 61.  The steel, at first hearing of how hard it is, seems to be way off for a field knife, but clearly Robert young pelton must have slewn multitudes of unicorns and used their blood to quench the blade, because Ive found it to be absurdly easy to sharpen, and even better to hold an edge!
Also, on the blade is the Great wire stripper Gimping.  Its very Aggressive and employs itself to help your hand find purchase in a multitude of positions, and hey, it works great for stripping wire too!
The Sword grind with its Inch and a sixteenth bellly, works fantastically for all tasks in the bushcraft world.  It whittles like a champ, with your hand finding great purchase on the gimping, and on the other end of the spectrum, its very tough, and stands up well to batoning and use as a shovel and pry bar.  It also does great with other camp tasks, like cleaning fingers, cutting up dinner, and stirring up soup!  In my opinion, the HEFT is really one of my favorite bush knives... ever.

The Handle:

The HEFT 4, just as with its smaller companion knife the HEST II, has a very wonderful, made in America, G10 handle.  I usually prefer micarta, but the design of this G10 forces me to make an acception.  It is, smooth, and yet my hands never to seem to struggle to gain purchase.

Also, I love the fact that when you remove the handles, they're hollow, and can easily fit a firesteel and a pea lighter inside!  I sadly dont have pictures of this, but I assure you its great!  Also, the HEFT 4 has the bottle opener and hex driver in its handles as well.  While I really like this functionality, I would like it more if they gave me a set of bits to put in the sheath.

 The sheath:

So, obviously I like the knife, its really great.  But I hate to say, I despise the sheath and all that it is.  I hate nylon sheaths in the first place, as I just feel that theyre too bulky and annoying for any sort of useful carry.  Dont get me wrong though, the sheath is very well built and heavy duty.  It has a front storage pocket, which would be perfect for that bit kit I was talking about before.  But I really do dislike the sheath.  I think if I could have gotten it in Coyote or OD, I might have not disliked it as much, but its black.  I dont like black.  I think the knife would have been better suited with a kydex sheath, and a buyer choice for either horizontal or vertical carry, and then a small pouch as an add on, that could carry the bit kit.

Closing thoughts:

RYP and his team really outdid themselves on this one.  It seriously is durable, and well thought out.  Besides the Ugly sheath, I have zero complaints! and plus, you cannot beat this price: $180.  I think that anyone looking for a Bush knife should try this thing out before going with someone else, because its utterly bombproof.  
 
buy it here at: http://www.dpxgear.com/
ADDENDUM:I only call the knife the "best" because I love lots of features, especially when they work, even if It sacrifices some things.  So take this review with some salt, if you arent like that.
Disclaimer: ,I was given this by DPx gear.  I am in no way affiliated with them. Although sometimes I wish I was!

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Review of the Danger Tag by Tactiholics on YouTube

Review of the Danger Tag by Tactiholics on YouTube

July 09, 2013

Check out the latest review of DPx Gear's Danger Tag by Tactiholics on YouTube. See this handy little EDC cut through zip ties and duct tape. Perfect for carrying everyday in your wallet, car, or pocket. Buy yours for $5 here.

http://youtu.be/7kladb3oFcA

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Follow DPx Gear on Instagram!

Follow DPx Gear on Instagram!

July 02, 2013

 Follow dpxgear_lisa on Instagram

We'd like to invite you to follow Lisa Pelton, DPx Gear's COO on Instagram today at dpxgear_lisa. We’ll share behind-the-scenes photos from the DPx headquarters as well as plenty of photos of our various adventures. We may even squeeze in a giveaway or two just for our followers. Also be sure to tag your photos with #dpxgear, so we don’t miss any!!

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