So why a gun article in the RELENTLESS KNIVES  Newsletter!
Well, Maj Humphrey has found a really cool gun, that is perfect  for situations
where  supplies are limited. Those are the places were Relentless knives and
sheaths are at their best . The x2M Mag pouch sheath carries two rifle
Magazines, or survival supplies, as well as your knife in one easy to carry
and attach package.. This rifle and others made by the same company are
along the same lines of versatility.                        

Put a Little “Sport Utility” in Your Rifle!

     After a lot of research and price shopping, I finally broke down and
purchased a Kel Tec SU 16B rifle in 5.56 (.223) caliber.  Some critics have
expressed a dislike for this rifle saying it is a toy or a cheap knockoff of
the popular M4 series rifles.  After purchasing this rifle and shooting
several hundred rounds through it, I can honestly say it is a great rifle
for the price.  The design team at Keel Tec wanted a rifle that does not fall
into the “assault rifle” category, yet fires the popular .223 cal round and
folds in half for easy transport and storage.  The rifle is listed as their
“sport utility” rifle due to its many features and characteristics that make
it a truly unique rifle.  The SU 16 series rifles fold in half (the SU 16C
model can even fire when folded, the others can not), can store spare
magazines in the butt stock (two ten round magazines are included, plus a
single M16 type 30 round magazine will also fit).  The rifle accepts
standard M16 magazines and features a built in weaver mount on top of the
receiver to mount different scopes, sights, etc.  Every model except for the
“A” model also feature standard M16 front sight posts (which means you can
exchange them for after market M16 posts).  Plus the rifle’s forfend comes
apart to form a bi pod to aid in distance shooting.

First Impressions

     I was concerned over the amount of plastic used in the rifle.  After
handling the rifle in the woods and on the range I am confident it is no
toy.  People feel the same way with Glock pistols and they have proven their                          
durability throughout the years.  The rifle is very light and the ability to
fold in half really makes it easy to carry and transport in vehicles,
backpacks, etc.  Another great feature of the SU 16 is the firing system. 
Keel Tec designed a cross between an AK47 and a M16 firing system.  The bolt
assembly resembles an M16, and even accepts some M16 replacement parts (like
the extractor assembly).  The gas chamber and spring assembly is modeled
after the AK47 design which means there is not the carbon buildup in the
bolt like you find in a standard M16 type rifle.  This means less fowling
and a reliable firing assembly with minimal maintenance.  I liked the
standard M16 type sights, but decided to mount a Leapers Accushot M168 scope
on the integral weaver mount to increase my long range shooting.  The
combined package is still compact and fired very well.

Test Firing

     A rifle is only as good as it fires, and the SU 16B has not let me down
in over 200 rounds.  I have heard of some of these rifles having problems
with failures to feed and/or extract, but my Keel Tec has performed
flawlessly with the two included 10 round magazines as well as two different
brands of M16 30 round magazines.  The bottom line with this rifle is it is
truly fun to shoot!  There is minimal to no recoil, the rifle is easy to
handle and light weight so you do not mind carrying it in the woods.  The
plastic parts held up fine in wooded as well as below freezing conditions
and the blued finish on the barrel has held up without a scratch.  The                            
integral bi pod is effective and it allows for rapid barrel cooling if you
are firing a lot of rounds.  The rifle also includes a cross bolt safety so
you can maintain the rifle in a “safe” mode between firing.
Dislikes

     There are very few things that I would improve on the SU 16B.  I would
like to see included sling attachment points to aid in carrying.  Keel Tec
does offer a sling kit as an added accessory.  I would also like to see a
standard M16 style rear peep site for the rifle.  The included site is
adjustable, but only with a slotted screwdriver.  Plus, an M16 style peep
sight would have a smaller diameter which would tighten your shot groups.

Overall

     Keel Tec offers the outdoors men a versatile rifle at a great price.  The
SU 16 series rifles are packed with features and are considerably less
expensive than the civilian M16 rifles.  Plus the SU 16 does not fall into
any “assault weapon” law which should make it legal everywhere (of course
check your local laws first, especially for the SU 16C carbine model).  This
rifle, combined with a good tactical knife, will give you the equipment to
survive wherever your adventures take you.

Ian reports that the mask was to block the cold winter air, and not meant to hide his mug.


                                                                                                                     

Military Knife, and Gear Testing

Questions from our customers

I have  questions for ya. I read a lot about knife steel metallurgy and many sources have said that 5160 is the lowest quality acceptable knife grade high carbon steel, tough but there are better choices. My question is do you use it because its inexpensive and/or easy to work with or do you believe that it is tougher than say 1095 or maybe a rare ball bearing high carbon like 52100 ???                                              

Always keep in mind that your  intended use has lots to do with the knife 
you choose to do the job. We are doing our best to make knives that do as many jobs as possible, and are having great success.  But discretion is required.. Relentless knives are completely handmade, and, for a predetermined purpose.
The story on 5160 is this.
I make knives specifically with the military in mind. This means that the knives are used to cut things, but are also used, and abused for a wide range of other tasks....
Crowbarring open an armored vehicle lid or door is not uncommon, as well as digging holes, anchoring ropes etc etc.
So, yes there are many other available knife steels and configurations, and I have worked with too many to remember all. But, 5160 has a special quality that makes it in my opinion better than many for this type of knife.
It is super tough, and very hard to break when tempered correctly, and even better, when forged,triple thermo cycled, and quenched, it has edge holding ability far exceeding many and approaching s30V steel.
It is also not expensive as other steels in the raw, and for soldiers, who don't make much money, it is still affordable.
There are a few more quality's also.
As for other steels, 5160 replaced 1095 in car springs.....LOL why.  because it is tougher, and easier to heat treat.. Next, steels like D2, A2 and more,  are expensive, and tough with increased edge holding ability,, but not nearly as tough as 5160 when used for heavy chopping etc. 5160,also resharpens easily compared with many.. The increased edge holding ability, must be balanced with the notion of....under extreme conditions, are you better off with half of a really sharp knife, or all of a knife that needs sharpened more often. 

And, can a soldier afford to buy it, and, can I afford to make make it by hand....LOL
By the way, I recommend steeling rather than stoning a knife to keep it sharp.
So that's about it, I will make you any kind of knife you want,
out of any kind of steel. But, for military use I suggest either 5160 or...CPM s30V which has all the quality's of 5160, with 10x edge holding ability, stainless, and of course higher price.