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 Home > Glossary

Glossary
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Abrasion Resistance The ability to resist wear from the continuous rubbing of the fabric against another surface. Garments made from fabrics that possess both high breaking strength and abrasion resistance can be worn often and for a long period of time before signs of wear appear.
ABS A black thermosetting polymer with high impact strength.
Absorbency The ability of a fabric to take in moisture. Absorbency is a very important property, which affects many other characteristics such as skin comfort, static build-up, shrinkage, stain removal, water repellency and wrinkle recovery.
ACP Automatic Colt Pistol, a term used by Colt for cartridges used in Colt firearms.
Action The portion of the firearm where the round is loaded, fired, and unloaded
Akwadyne Akwadyne nylon, is the newest generation of performance fabrics utilizing thermoregulatory action to keep you dry and cool or warm -giving you the best of both worlds. Its unique properties give the wearer comfort and performance over a wide range of temperatures
Almite A coating used on aluminum handles similar to anodizing. Resistant to scratching and marring, it can also be tinted to any color for visual appeal.
Alumina Ceramic The compound used for Spyderco sharpening stones. It is a ceramic-bonding agent mixed with alumina particles (synthetic sapphires), shaped, then kiln fired at temperatures in excess of 3000 degrees F.
Ambidextrous Using both hands with equal ease. Pertaining to knives, it is a knife that is not solely designed for a left-or right-handed person but can be used with equal ease by both hands.
Angle Adjustment The ability to adjust the angle or cant that a holster is worn with, to suit ones preference
Annealing To soften metal by heating; especially, to soften copper and brass bullet jackets and brass cartridge case necks to prevent cracking from work hardening by repeated forming and resizing
Anodize An electrolytic process used to coat aluminum and other materials with a protective and often decorative film.
Anodized Aluminum Subjecting aluminum to electrolytic action which coats the aluminum with a protective and decorative film.
Antimony A metallic element mixed with lead to form a lead alloy for the purpose of hardening the lead. Most commercial manufactures use up to 3% to 6% antimony in their lead bullet cores
Anvil metallic point against which the explosive compound of a primer is driven into by the firing pin, striker, or hammer of a firearm to produce a detonation to ignite the gunpowder
Applique The carbon-fiber look outer layer of the carbon-fiber finish holsters. Made of a micro-fiber-nylon, it is impervious to chemicals and sunlight.
Automatic knife a knife with a folding or sliding blade that opens by means of spring pressure, commonly known as a switchblade. The blade is typically released by a button or other mechanism in the handle of the knife.
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Back Lock Locking system positioned on the spine of the handle that uses a rocker arm, which pivots in the center. A notch on one end of the arm connects with a notch on the blade's tang, locking the blade open.
Balisong/Butterfly A knife design believed to have originated in the UK, brought to the Philippines by English sailors, and was adopted and popularized in the Philippines. Often used in Filipino martial arts. The knife has two separate handle sections that rotate round the blade's pivots to create a handle and then rotate back covering and protecting the blade when closed.
Ball Bearing Lock A compressive lock wedging a stainless steel ball bearing between a fixed anvil and the blade tang. The ball is also utilized to detent the blade into the closed position.
Ballistic Coefficient The index of a bullet's ability to overcome resistance in flight relative to the performance of a standard bullet used to compute ballistic tables. Mathematically, the ratio of a bullet's weight to the product of the square of its diameter and its form factor
Ballistic Tip A unique rifle bullet designed by John Nosler that combines the qualities of the Nosler Solid Base bullet with a polycarbonate tip that resists deformation in the magazine or feed ramp of a rifle during recoil. These bullets have a higher ballistic coefficient than most other bullets of their equivalent size and weight due to the sharp, aerodynamic tip
Ballistics The science which studies the behavior of projectiles in motion. Interior Ballistics concerns itself with events inside a firearm from primer ignition through the projectile's departure from the muzzle; Exterior Ballistics deals with the motion of the projectile after it leaves the muzzle of the firearm to just before it hits the target. Terminal Ballistics deals with the bullet when it hits and enters the target.
Barrel Length The length of a handgun barrel is often used to help fit a weapon to a holster. For a semi-automatic pistol, it the length from the muzzle (front end of barrel) to the rear of the chamber (where the cartridge sits). For a revolver, it is from the muzzle to the front of the cylinder.
Batch Refers to a knife model that is made in small numbers. If the model is received well another batch or more may be produced.
Belt Loop The belt mounted platform that many holsters are attached to. This allows you to thread the belt through the belt loop and wear the holster.
Belt Slot The slots in a belt loop through which the belt is threaded.
Belt Slot Tab The adjustable tab in our carbon-fiber holster belt loops. This tab allows the slot to be adjusted for an exact fit with any width belt.
Bench Rest A solid support, usually a bench, for a firearm, eliminating human error and therefore testing the firearm and ammunition. Also a type of competition shooting emphasizing extreme accuracy
Bi-Directional Texturing A texture molded into an FRN handle, which is a series of graduating, sized forward and backward steps that radiate outward from the center of the handle. This texture provides resistance to slipping and sliding when gripped in the hand.
Bite Me Bite Valve After market bite valve manufactured for BlackHawk by TFO. One of most popular in recreational industry.
Blowback Action A system where the pressure and energy from the cartridge discharge pushing rearward against the empty cartridge case is used to operate the unloading and loading cycle of a semi-automatic or automatic firearm
Bolster A piece of metal, generally nickel silver or stainless steel, that is located at one or both ends of a folding knife handle.
Bolt That part of a rifle or shotgun which houses the striker and the case extractor mechanism and rotates to lock the cartridge or shell in the firearm's chamber
Bolt Action The two main types of bolt action are the turn bolt and straight pull. The bolt action is manually operated by means of a steel rod or handle-like assembly that contains the means to lock a cartridge into the barrel or chamber (located at the rear of the chamber into which the cartridge or propellant is inserted), the firing pin, and the mechanism to extract and eject the spent cartridge case
Boltaron A recycled ABS/acrylic PVS extruded alloy sheet material used for making sheaths. It has excellent impact strength and abrasion, chemical, and fire resistance properties.
Boltaron A recycled ABS/acrylic PVS extruded alloy sheet material used for making sheaths. It has excellent impact strength and abrasion, chemical, and fire resistance properties.
Boned Leather holsters were traditionally shaped and formed to a particular pistol with the joint end of a small bone. Modern leather or plastic tools have replaced animal bones, but the term is still used. This is still done by hand and is part of the craftsmanship of a really fine leather holster.
Bore The inside of a firearm's barrel. In rifled firearms the bore diameter is the original dimension of the barrel before the rifling grooves are cut or swaged
Bowie-Shape A blade with an upswept, curving tip that is double-edged near the point. It is named for Colonel James Bowie who made this shape famous in the 19th century American west.
Breech The rear portion of the barrel. The breech contains the chamber into which a cartridge is loaded
BTS The BlackHawk Tactical System (BTS) of affixing pouches and accessories to tactical gear is the most advanced MODULAR fastening method in the industry. Hook and loop fastener is on both inside sides of the closure flaps, and prevent the pouch from moving laterally. Once secured, they are practically impossible to tear off. This is the industry's most versatile, secure and light weight MODULAR attachment system. All BlackHawk pouches have the BTS System as standard equipment. All BlackHawk Vests have the BTS system
BTS Belt Loops The BlackHawk belt loops for duty and tactical belt accessories. These allow the placing and removal of accessories without having to slide the item all the way around the belt. These also lock securely onto a Velcro-lined belt.
Buckshot Large lead pellets ranging in size from .20 inches to .36 inches in diameter used in shotshells
Bullet Drop The normal fall from a bullet during its flight from the firearm to the target resultant from the influence of gravity
Bullet Jacket A skin wrapped around the lead core of a bullet to protect the core from barrel friction and to control the expansion of the bullet on impact
Bullet Jump The distance a bullet must travel from its place in the cartridge case to the initial engagement of the barrel's rifling.
Bullet Mushroom A bullet that has expanded upon impact to a mushroom-like shape
Butt Forward see Cant
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Cabretta Thin, fine leather made from the skin of hair sheep. It is used in gloves needing superior tactility and dexterity.
Caliber The size of the bullet that a weapon fires. For us, it is important in the size of the particular weapon, which affects what holster it fits, and the size of the magazine that goes in the pistol, which affects what mag pouch will fit.
Cant The angle at which a holster is carried on the body. Butt forward means that the grip of the weapon is tilted toward the front. Muzzle forward means that the grip of the weapon is tilted to the rear. Straight drop, or neutral cant means that the pistol is straight up and down on the waist.
Caping A term to describe the careful and detailed cutting and removing of the hide from a game animal for the purpose of taxidermy. More precisely it refers to removing the skin from the head, shoulders and neck.
Carbide A hard, sharp carbon/iron material used where a very hard material is needed such as in machining or drilling steel.
Carbon Fiber A woven composite of graphite fibers fused in an epoxy resin. This material provides light weight and high strength. This material also gives a three dimensional or hologram like appearance.
Carry Angle or Carry Mode see Rake
Cartridge A complete unit of assembled ammunition: case, propellant powder, primer, and bullet. Commonly applied only to rifle and pistol ammunition, but occasionally to shotshells
Centerfire (CF) A type of ammunition whose primer is centrally positioned in the base of the cartridge case and generally reloadable
Chamfered Grinding a secondary flat surface on a corner, creating a beveled edge. Commonly done to the edges of a knife's handle or the inside radius of a hole making a smoother contact spot for hand/fingers.
Chamude A soft and flexible synthetic leather with a suede surface texture which breaths like genuine leather. It is machine washable.
Charge The amount of powder loaded in a cartridge case, as "a charge of 23.5 grains of BL-C"
Choil A choil is a round cut out separating the cutting edge from the ricasso. It is also used to describe a cut out, molded or formed area where the handle and blade meet which positions/guards the index finger while gripping the opened knife.
Choke A constriction at the muzzle of a shotgun barrel, designed to control the spread, or dispersion, of the shot charge
Chris Reeve Style Integral Liner Lock Custom knifemaker Chris Reeve developed upon, then popularized the Walker Liner Lock in an integral form. An integral liner lock functions as a traditional liner lock with the exception that the liner is actually comprised of part of the handle scale.
Clarino A soft and flexible synthetic leather with a suede surface texture which breaths like genuine leather. It is machine washable. Similar to Clarino
Clip A device which holds ammunition to be charged into a magazine. Clips may be inserted into the firearm and remain there during firing, as with the M1 Garand, or may be used only to aid in charging the magazine, as with the 1903 Springfield, M14, or M16s. This later type is referred to as a "stripper clip", while the former is called a "charger clip."
CLIPIT Spyderco's trademarked term for their line of folding knives which feature a pocket clip.
Clip-Point Blade A blade, ground on the top (spine) in an angled or sweeping line downward. The underside (where the sharpened edge is) is ground upward. The two angles meet at the tip and where the angles meet determines the depth of the blade's belly.
Cocobolo Hardwood from the Cocobolo tree, ranging in color from bright orange to deep red and dark purple. Its grain and fine texture are relatively easy to work, polishes to a high sheen and is popular as an inlay or embellishment on knife handles.
Column The way that cartridges are held in a magazine. See Single Column and Double Column
Combat Grip The grip on the butt of a pistol that you want to have when you are shooting the weapon. If you cannot establish a full grip when you draw the pistol, you have to adjust your grip as you raise the pistol. Under stress, this is difficult to do and may cause you to drop the weapon or not be able to hit the target. All of our holsters are made to allow a full grip from start to finish.
CombinationEdge Blade that is partially serrated, partially plainedge.
Compensator A device fitted to the muzzle of a firearm to reduce recoil or muzzle rotation. Usually applied to such devices when fitted to a handgun. Also see muzzle brake
Compression Lock A Compression Lock uses a small piece of metal that is inserted, from the side, in between the blade tang and the stop pin (or anvil pin).
Concealex A thermoplastic developed for a knife as well as the firearms industry. This material is thin, and resistant to chemicals, and other solvents. The material is flexible, and has shape retention which can also be blended to make various colors and texture patterns.
Contour Stitched Contour stitching is when the stitching on a leather holster closely follows the outline of the pistol. This helps in both fit and appearance and is one of the marks of a high quality leather holster.
Cordura Cordura is a certified fabric from INVISTA. It is used in a wide range of products from luggage and backpacks to boots, to military wear and performance apparel. It is long lasting, resistant to abrasions, tears and scuffs. Spyderco utilizes this product on our SpyderPacs.
Core The central portion of a jacketed bullet
Cowhide One of the most durable garment leathers, providing the best value. This leather type can be made in all weights and textures. New ways of finishing cowhide produce a sensual softness and suppleness. Cowhide is available in a wide range of shades and textures.
Cross Draw Positioning the holster on the waist opposite your normal gun side. This requires you to reach across the body to draw the pistol. Cross draw.
Cuff The cuff is the part of the glove extending beyond the palm that covers the wrist and part of the forearm
Cup or C.U.P. Abbreviation for "Copper Units of Pressure". This relates to the pressure measured in a copper crusher testing system. There is no direct correlation between CUPS and pressure expressed in pounds per square inch (PSI), and no conversion factor to extrapolate one from the other.
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Dagger / Double Edge A double edge blade has been sharpened on both sides which leads to a sharpened point.
Damascus Two types of steel that are folded repeatedly during the forging process to produce very attractive and expensive steel. This new steel retains the properties of the two parent steels.
David Boye Dent Custom knifemaker David Boye removed a small arc or dent of metal from the lock bar lever of his knives. This removed piece lessened the possibility of gripping the handle hard enough to depress the lock and accidentally unlock the blade while using the knife.
Detent 1. A minute divot or dimple machined into the blade tang. A ball bearing drops into the detent hole when the knife is in the closed position, holding the knife blade closed inside the handle. 2. A small button or protrusion that sticks slightly into the trigger guard of a pistol and allows a certain amount of retention on the pistol within the holster.
Diamond Coating The mechanical entrapment of diamond crystals into a metal substrate. This process operates by depositing metal, layer by layer, from a plating solution until enough metal is built up around the diamond crystals to hold them in place.
Diamond-Like Coating (DLC) a non-reflective, black tungsten coating that is applied to knife blades and other surfaces to provide superior corrosion resistance. The permanent bonding of the DLC coating and its high hardness also increase wear resistance.
Double Column/Stack When the cartridges in a magazine are held in a staggered or side-by-side column or stack, as in a wider high-capacity magazine. This makes for a wider magazine, requiring a wider bodied mag pouch. The magazine narrows at the top, so that only one cartridge feeds out of the top of the magazine.
Double Flat-ground A blade that is ground flat on both sides of the blade, tapering to an edge with no radius.
Double Needle Machine Trim Tape Strength/Quality/Cosmetics
Dram Equivalent In shotshells, a term used to indicate that a charge of smokeless powder produces the same velocity as a given number of drams of black powder. One dram equals 27.3 grains
Drift Slight deviation from a projectile's initial flight course caused by its rotation
Drop or Drop-Leg Holster see Tactical Holster
Drop Point Blade A drop point blade has a tip which lowers slightly to the tip of the blade. Along with the Clip Point blade this blade also usually features a larger belly on the blade for better slicing abilities.
Drum Dyed When leather hides are placed in a huge barrel shaped drum and tumbled for 24 to 48 hours with the leather dye in the drum. This action forces the dye into the leather completely. This is one of the marks of a really good leather holster versus most holsters which are merely dipped in the dye (dip dyed) or brushed or sprayed with dye.
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EDC An acronym for Everyday Carry meaning a knife that is carried and used daily.
Ejection Ram Also called the knock-out punch or K.O. rod; this is the steel rod placed in the top of a reloading press type of bullet swage die which can be struck with a mallet to eject the bullet or seated core. It is used to press on the internal punch, although in some die designs it can be made an extension of the internal punch. It is not used in self-ejecting press systems
Elasticity The ability to increase in length under tension and then return to the original length when released.
Elevation Vertical sight adjustment to bring the point of aim up or down to the point of impact
Embellishment Term used to describe personalized engraving or additional ornamentation added to a knife after it is manufactured.
EMT Acronym for Emergency Medical Technician.
Ergonomics The applied science of equipment design intended to maximize productivity by reducing operator fatigue, safety and discomfort. Knives which are designed to be comfortable and less fatiguing to use are labeled "ergonomic."
Eye Relief The distance the eye must be held from the rear (ocular) lens or eyepiece of a telescope in order to obtain a full field of view
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False edge a sharpened edge on the back (spine) side of the knife, normally near the point. If unsharpened, it is called a swedge.
Far Zero The second point at which the bullet path crosses the line of sight. This is the commonly referred to "zero" for a given firearm, at which the point of aim and point of impact coincide
Fiberglass Reinforced Nylon (FRN) A nylon polymer mixed with glass fiber that is then injected into a mold for making lightweight knife handles.
Finger Choil A purposeful and specific area/curve cut out between the blade and handle. It creates a grip position point closer to the cutting edge for better control while cutting.
Firing Pin (striker) That part of a firearm which the trigger/sear mechanism releases to strick the primer of a cartridge and detonate it. More accurately termed a striker in most bolt action rifles
Flat Point A round nose variation used in rifles with tubular magazines
Flat-Grind (Full) A knife's edge that tapers from the cutting edge all the way to the blade's spine that is ground completely flat without a radius.
Flat-Saber Grind A knife's edge, ground completely flat without a radius that tapers from the cutting edge to a grind line down the center of the blade. Unlike a Full Flat Grind, which tapers from the cutting edge all the way to the blade's spine the Flat Saber only is flat ground just to the grind line.
Foot-Pound (ft.-lb.) A unit of work; the energy required to lift one pound one foot.
Forcing Cone The section of the revolver barrel at bullet diameter where the rifling starts at an angle and continues until the angled riflings stop at bore diameter.
Fourchette The piece of leather sewn between the fingers on some kinds of gloves. (also known as the sidewall or gusset)
FPS (fps) Feet per second, a measure of velocity in the English system. Also feet/sec., ft./sec., or fs
Frame Lock A folding knife locking mechanism similar to a liner lock, but constructed as an integral part of one of the handle frame pieces. Its operation is identical to a liner lock, but because the lock bar is constructed of thicker material, it is typically stronger than a liner lock mechanism.
FRN (Fiberglass Reinforced Nylon Resin) A nylon polymer mixed with glass fiber which can be injection molded into a handle.
Full Flat-ground A flat grind leaves a flat surface, that flat surface if ground from edge to spine is considered a full-flat grind. If that flat surface goes from the edge to somewhere in the middle of the blade it would be considered a flat saber grind. Spyderco uses both types of flat-grinds. Full-flat is found on our C36 Military Model, flat-saber-grind can be found on our C11 Delica and C10 Enduras.
Full Grip see Combat Grip
Full Metal Jacket FMJ's have thick, tough jackets of nickel silver or copper clad steel and has the base open to the lead.
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G-10 An epoxy filled woven "E" glass composite reinforced with glass fiber that gives exceptional strength and resistance to fractures in extreme temperatures. It comes in a variety of colors. Most commonly seen is black.
Gas Operated In firearms, a gun system which utilizes a portion of the gases produced by the powder's combustion to cycle the action. The military M1, M14, and M16 are all examples of gas operated weapons
Gauge The Unit of measurement of the bore of a shotgun. The gauge is determined by the number of pure lead balls of that diameter that add up to one pound.
Gauntlet Cuff A glove cuff designed for extra protection for the forearm. Usually a 4 and one half cuff. Slides on and off easily and allows for maximum movement of forearm.
GMAK Gas Mask Adapter Kit- add on product that allows users to switch from our bite valve to a gas mask environment. Not approved for lethal environments.
Grain 1. The smallest unit of the British and U.S. system of weights. One pound avoirdupois equals 7,000 grains 2. The side of the leather that had the hair, i.e. the outside. Full grain has the original surface, whereas corrected grain has been abraded to make the leather smoother and more uniform. It is regarded for its soft, grainy texture and appearance.
Grip The hold on a pistol obtained by the shooters hand during the draw from the holster and during the shooting of the weapon.
Group The distribution of bullets on a target fired with a single aiming point and sight setting. Group size is expressed as the distance between centers of the farthest holes and is most easily determined by measuring the extreme spread from outside to outside and subtracting one bullet diameter
Gusset The piece of leather sewn between the fingers on some kinds of gloves. Also known as the sidewall or fourchette.
Gut Hook A sharpened "hook" which lies on the spine of a hunting knife blade. This design allows the hunter to field dress the animal without puncturing the animal's intestine.
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Half-Jacket A swaged lead bullet that has a jacket covering half the bullet with the remainder of the lead exposed
Hamaguri Grind (Also called Appleseed Grind or Moran Grind): is a convex grind.
Hand Boned See Boned
Handguard Protrusion/expansion on the knife's handle proximal to the blade keeping the hand safely positioned on the handle inhibiting sliding forward.
Hangfire An inordinate delay between the striking of the primer and powder ignition
Hawkbill Blade A blade shaped with a sharply curved hook, rather like a talon. The inside edge of the curve is where the sharpened cutting edge is located.
Hawktex Impregnated non-slip rubber compound affixed to sniper mats, shoulder straps, and vests if configuration allows. Will not slip when wet.
HBWC Hollow Base Wadcutter. A very accurate type of cylindrical lead target bullet with a hollow base which, when fired, expands to fill the bore, aiding in accuracy
High Ride Belt Loop a belt loop on a holster that allows the holster to ride fairly high on the side, for better concealment.
HIPORA A waterproof film with polyurethane coating. Numerous micro pores are placed all over the polyurethane coating which shut out water from the outside, yet allow the moisture or warm steam from the body to exit. Glove liners made with HIPORA are waterproof, windproof and breathable all at the same time and will keep hands dry and comfortable.
Hollow Point (HP) A type of bullet having an opening in the nose. Hollow points may be of either a hunting, or target style. Contrary to popular opinion, hollow point are not always designed to expand on impact. Match grade hollow point target bullets, for example, rarely exhibit any expansion.
Hollow-ground Edge that is ground with a radius leaving a concave shape above the cutting surface.
Hook Blade Hook Blade - A hook blade curves with the sharpened area on the concave side.
Hot-Cor The registered trademark for Speer's exclusive process of manufacturing flat-base rifle bullets. A molten core is poured into a clinically clean jacket and then the bullet is immediately swaged to shape, with a resulting tight bond between core and jacket
HydraStorm Compatible This simply means that any BlackHawk product with this designation can incorporate a HydraStorm Hydration System. Most items with this designation have an internal sleeve that allows a HydraStorm Hydration System to be placed inside. There is also a routing system for the drinking tube.
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Indexing "Locating" mark, also used for controlled rotation of the open knife, while gripped in the palm, from one hand-hold to another, e.g., rotating from a forward grip to a reverse grip.
Integral Pocket Clip Pocket clip that is molded as part of (integral to) the handle rather than a separate component attached with screws. Found on Spyderco model C17 the Catcherman.
IVS Microban is an antibacterial protection technology that can be durably incorporated into plastic, textile, rubber and other materials to inhibit the growth of bacteria, mold and yeast that cause unpleasant odors, stains, food poisoning and allergies.
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Jacket Slot Belt Loop This refers to a type of belt loop, usually used on a duty holster that drops the holster down so that the grip of the pistol is even with the belt. It also sets the pistol far enough from the waist so that a jacket can go down between the pistol and the waist line. Hence the term.
JHC Jacketed Hollow Cavity. A line of expanding handgun bullets designed by Sierra. JHCs are distinguished by having an internal cavity larger than the opening at the meplat
JHP Jacketed Hollow Point. A type of jacketed bullet with a hollow space in the tip
Jigged Bone Derived from deceased animals, generally the chin bone of a cow. The bone is generally dyed and surface texture is obtained by cutting grooves into the bone.
JTC Jacketed Truncated Cone. A type of jacketed, flat point bullet as opposed to round nose (usually a pistol bullet)
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Kevlar KEVLAR is one of the most important manmade organic fibers ever developed. It is 5 times stronger than steel on an equal weight basis, yet, at the same time, is lightweight, flexible and comfortable. Fibers of KEVLAR consist of long molecular chains produced from poly-paraphenylene terephthalamide. The chains are highly oriented with strong interchain bonding which result in a unique combination of properties
Kick The unsharpened portion along the underside of the knife blade where the edge begins. Keeps the blade "kicked out" so the edge does not hit the back spacer.
Kinetic Opener A horn or protuberance on the top portion of a knife blade by which the blade may be opened when leveraged against something solid, i.e. an opponent's body. Similar to the opening devices found on straight razors.
Kissing zippers Protective cover over zippers to prevent dirt and abrasion
Kraton A rubbery thermoplastic polymer used as a flexible inlay on knife handles for enhanced grip.
Kydex a thin thermoplastic material that is resistant to chemicals, solvents and other substances. When heat formed, it retains its shape even in extreme conditions and therefore makes an ideal material for knife sheaths
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Lanyard Hole A hole placed in the end of a knife handle opposite the blade. Originally used by sailors who would place a cord through such a hole in their knife to keep from losing it overboard. MBC: An acronym for Martial Blade Craft.
Leather A hide or skin that has been preserved by a chemical process called tanning. Leather is the most ancient form of clothing known to man and only certain types are adaptable for gloves.
Left/Right-Hand Carry Knife clip that is manufactured to affix to either side the knife positioning the folder for use by left- and right-handed people.
LEO Acronym for Law Enforcement Officer.
Level 1/Level 2/Level 3 This refers to the levels of retention in a holster. Level 1 is a single method of retention, Level 2 is two methods and Level 3 is three methods. Our Standard carbon-fiber holster is a Level 1, as it has the pressure adjustable detent holding the pistol in. The SERPA holster is a Level 2, since it also adds the SERPA active retention feature to the detent.
Line Of Sight (LOS) The straight line through the sights of a firearm to the aiming point
LinerLock Locking system developed by custom knifemaker Michael Walker. The blade of a knife is locked open by a leaf-like spring that butts up against the tang of the blade.
Lubricant Any substance used to reduce friction. Specific types are used for firearm mechanisms, cast bullets, or case resizing
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M-3 or M-6 Light One of various weapon mounted lights that attach to the weapon by means of a Picatinny Rail. Also, see Picatinny Rail.
Mag or Magazine Pouch The carrier that allows you to carry a spare magazine for the pistol on your person
Magazine An ammunition reservoir from which cartridges are fed into a firearms chamber. Magazines may be integral, as in the 1903 Springfield, or may be detachable, as in M14 and M16 series of weapons. Although the terms are frequently used interchangeably, a clip and a magazine are not the same thing
Magnum A cartridge or firearm of greater power and capacity than earlier standards in the same caliber
Martial Blade Craft (MBC) MBC is the practice of combative arts for self-protection, physical conditioning and control and coordination of the body. MBC's ultimate goal is to train professionals to "stop the bad guy from hurting innocents."
Maximum Ordinate (Max Ord) (Maximum Ordinate) or Mid-Range trajectory. The point at which the bullet reaches its greatest vertical distance above the line of sight. Usually occurring between 50% to 60% downrange
Micarta A composite of linen or paper fabric in an epoxy resin used as a handle material. It is incredibly lightweight, durable and visually appealing. It can be bead blasted or polished, changing its appearance.
Middle-Finger Release When the retention method used by a holster requires the user to release it using their middle finger, during the draw. This makes the user draw the weapon from the holster with the ring and little fingers, the weakest fingers on the hand.
Milspec A contraction of the term military specification the rigorous standards of equipment performance and construction specified by the armed forces and required for adoption of a specific piece of equipment.
Minute Of Angle (MOA) Minute of angle (MOA) refers loosely by shooters as an inch at 100 yards. It is more accurately, the distance of a line that is made from point A to point B of an angle of one minute of one degree at a distance of 100 yards.
Misfire A cartridge which fails to fire after its primer is struck
Modified Leaf Pattern Unlike a traditionally leaf-shaped blades, Spyderco offers several models in this basic blade shape but with variations such a distinctly pointed tips, spine cusps and swedge grinds.
Muzzle The end of the barrel
Muzzle Blast The release of gas from the muzzle following the bullet's departure from the barrel. It always produces noise and is often accompanied by light called muzzle flash
Muzzle Energy (ME) Foot pounds of energy of a projectile at the muzzle of a firearm
Muzzle Forward see Cant
Muzzle pressure Gas pressure in the barrel at the muzzle at the instant the bullet leaves the muzzle
Muzzle Velocity (MV) The speed of a projectile at the muzzle of a firearm
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Nalgene Compatible Fill Port The design of fill ports starting in 2005. It is the same design as a Nalgene bottle. This makes the fill port compatible with aftermarket filtration systems.
Neck knife A knife specifically designed to be carried inverted in a sheath worn on a chain or cord around the neck
Neoprene A synthetic rubber made by the polymerization of chloroprene that has superior resistance to oils and chemicals and is widely used for special-purpose clothing (as gloves and wet suits).
Nesting Hollowing out a section in G-10 or other handle material on the inside of the handle where the lock and or liner is then inset/inlayed and fitted into the hollow section. Nesting increases strength and creates a thinner overall profile to the knife.
NOMEX by DuPont: This is an extraordinary fiber with a combination of high-performance heat and flame resistant properties and moderate cut resistance. NOMEX has outstanding high-temperature resistance and low thermal conductivity. It will not burn, melt, or support combustion. It will not decompose until exposed to temperatures exceeding 800-900F. When exposed to intense heat, the fibers carbonize and thicken, increasing the protective barrier between the skin and heat source to minimize burn injury. This protective barrier stays supple and flexible until it cools, giving the wearer valuable extra seconds of protection to escape. While KEVLAR is about 40% more cut resistant, NOMEX is more cut resistant than leather and equal weight cotton. NOMEX is more commonly used in heat/flame resistant garments than KEVLAR because of its superior textile characteristics. NOMEX garments are more comfortable to wear than those made of Kevlar or other heat/flame resistant fabrics and have superior feel and dexterity.
Non-corrosive (Primer) Primers made without potassium chlorate, a chemical which when oxidized forms a water-attracting salt which induces bore rusting. American primers for sporting ammunition have been almost entirely noncorrosive since the 1930s. The U.S. military did not decide to convert all small arms ammunition to noncorrosive priming until 1949 and total conversion was not achieved until several years later.
non-mercuric (Primer) A priming mixture containing no mercury compounds.
Nylon Generic name for all polymers having recurring amide groups in the molecular backbone. Various types of nylon are described by numbers that relate to the number of carbon atoms in the various reactants. Effect of heat: Sticks at 445F, Melts at 480F, Yellows slightly at 300F when held for 5 hours. The most extensively used type of nylon in gloves is Nylon 6/6.
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O.A.L. (OAL) Over All Length
Out-the-front A type of automatic knife with a blade that slides longitudinally in and out of the handle, usually under spring pressure.
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Paddle A mounting platform for a holster that goes inside the waistband of a skirt or pants. This allows the holster to be placed or removed quickly.
Para Cord Sleeve The outer nylon sleeve of Para Cord. Spyderco uses the sleeve to cover the ball chain attached to our neck sheaths thus reducing noise during carry as well as possible pinching from the chain.
Parallax The condition which exists when the reticle of a scope does not lie exactly on the image plane. When this optical error exists, changes of eye position will move the position of the reticle relative to the object sighted.
Parang a Southeast Asian jungle knife. Although this term applies to a variety of different styles of knifes it generally describes a leaf-shaped or angular blade profile.
Pattern The way a shotgun places its shot load. Generally measured as the percentage of pellets that strike in a 30" circle at 40 yards. Has been jokingly used to describe a very poor rifle group
Photon II Quarter-sized flashlight that uses photon technology, an LED bulb emitting incredibly bright full spectrum light with a Lithium long-life battery.
Picatinny Rail A Weaver rail, modified by the governments Picatinny Arsenal, which is usually found on a rifle and more recently on pistols. This metal rail, which has a dovetail design with slots, allows accessories such as sights, laser aiming devices and lights to mount to a weapon.
Pigskin A durable leather. When tanned on the suede side, it produces luxurious lightweight and tight suede. When tanned on the grain side, it produces a durable Nappa. New tanning advances have yielded wonderful textures and gems of color, adding to pigskinss appeal and versatility. Polyethylene (PE): A family of resins prepared from the polymerization of ethylene gas using a variety of catalysts. Cured during or after molding they become true thermosets with good tensile strength, electrical properties and impact strength over a wide range of temperatures. Glass fiber reinforced polyethylene can be processed by injection molding, rotational molding, and blow moldings.
Pinky Shelf An angled protrusion at the distal-end of the knife handle where the pinky sits. This angled portion of the handle offers a leveraging spot for additional control and coordination over the knife while in the hand.
PlainEdge A sharpened knife blade with no serrations or teeth. Sometimes called a smooth blade.
Plunge Lock a high-strength locking mechanism for folding knives that consists of a spring-loaded button or plunger that fits into a semi-circular cutout in the blade tang to lock the blade in the open position. In automatic knives, the plunge lock often acts as both the release button and the blade lock.
Point Of Aim That point with which a firearm's sights are aligned to the bullet's path.
Point Of Impact: That point which a bullet strikes; usually considered in relation to Point Of Aim
Polypropylene (PP): A thermoplastic resin used as a fiber reinforcement made by polymerizing propylene. Its density (approximately 0.90) is among the lowest of all plastics. Polypropylenes can be modified to gain improved properties by compounding with fillers, e.g. glass fibers, by blending with synthetic elastomers, and by copolymerizing with small amounts of other monomers. Glass reinforced polypropylene can be processed by injection molding, continuous lamination and rotational molding. Also known as POLYPROPENE.
Polyurethane (PU) Resins A family of resins produced by reacting a diisocyanate with an organic compound containing two or more active hydrogen atoms to form polymers having free isocyanate groups. These groups, under the influence of heat or certain catalysts, will in turn react with each other, or with a compound containing an active hydrogen, such as water or a glycol, to form a thermosetting material. Thermoplastic polyurethanes are also available as elastomeric or rigid materials readily accepting a variety of reinforcements such as glass or carbon fiber. The terms urethane and polyurethane are used interchangeably.
Pommel The knob or expansion found on the of end a sword or knife.
Powder Charge The amount of powder loaded into a case. (Also called a load)
Pressure Force per unit area, measured in interior ballistics terms of pounds per square inch
Pressure-Velocity Ratio Numerical comparison of velocity to pressure in a specific cartridge with given bullet and powder
Primer The small cup containing an explosive compound which is detonated to ignite the powder in centerfire metallic ammunition. Also, caps to ignite charges in muzzle loading arms
Prylon a proprietary blend of injection-molded nylon developed by Blade-Tech Industries. Prylon is impervious to temperature extremes and is therefore an ideal material for hard-use knife sheaths.
PSI Pounds Per Square Inch. The amount of force, in pounds, per unit area, in square inches, where the force F is understood to be acting perpendicular, at right angles, to the surface area A: pressure = P = F/A
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Quadralink An interwoven layer system of Zylon containing thousands of micro pockets that help distribute impact and increase stopping power
Quillion A handguard protruding from both sides of the handle (where the handle and blade meet), which stops the hand from slipping up onto the blade.
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Rail see Picatinny Rail
Rake See Cant
Range The horizontal distance to an intended target.
Receiver That portion of a firearm which holds the barrel and houses the bolt and firing mechanism
Recoil The rearward motion or "kick" or a gun on firing. Recoil in shooting is the practical effect of Newton's Third Law of Motion: for every action there is an opposite and equal reaction
Resiliency The ability of a material to spring back to shape after being creased, twisted or distorted. It is closely connected with wrinkle recovery. An example of good resiliency is polyester. Sheepskin: Under the classifications of cabretta, capeskin and suede is taken from the hardy animals native cold and high altitude climates.
Reticle The system of crosshairs, fine lines, or dots in the focus of a telescope, used for aiming
Reverse "S" Blade Blade shape resembling a backward S with the tip curving downward. The deep belly (thickest part of the blade) curves in the same direction as the tip.
Rifling The spiral grooves in the bore of a rifled firearm. The rotation they impart to a projectile stabilizes it in flight.
Rimfire (RF) A type of cartridge in which the priming compound is spun into the rim. Not reloadable (i.e., .22 ling rifle)
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S30V A state-of-the-art high-carbon stainless steel developed specifically for the cutlery industry. Technically known as CPM S30V, it is produced by particle metallurgy to yield an exceptionally tough stainless steel for hard field use. S30V is considerably more expensive that standard steels.
Save and Serve Blanket term used to describe knife users who are EMTs, LEOs, Military Personnel -- anyone who saves and serves.
Scale A knife handle made of scales or slabs of material that are riveted, screwed or bonded together.
Scimitar Blade Scimitar - A scimitar blade curves with the sharpened area on the convex side.
Selective Fire The ability to change a firearms mode of operation from semiautomatic to automatic fire.
Semi-Automatic A type of firearm which, by pulling the trigger, utilizes the energy of recoil, or the powder gases, together with a heavy counter-balanced bolt and strong bolt spring, to eject the fire case, load a fresh cartridge from magazine into chamber, and close the breech ready to fire another round. The trigger must be pulled for each shot
Sermollan A rubberized plastic used on kitchen knife handles that offers a secure grip and resistance to bacteria.
Sheepfoot Blade A blade with a round, blunt tip that has no point. The design inhibits accidental stabbing while working in emergency situations, around livestock and inflatable boats.
Shell A shotgun shell, consisting of the case, primer, powder charge, wad, and projectiles (shot pellets or lead slug). Also commonly called a shotshell (if loaded with shot pellets). Also used as a slang or informal term for any type of live cartridge, e.g., a box of .30-30 shells
Shirt Shield The cut down portion of the front of our carbon-fiber holsters. This allows you to clear the weapon from the holster quicker and also allows you to re-holster easier.
Side hilt a guard that extends from the side of the handle of a knife. This unique feature is characteristic of the designs of close-combat trainer Duane Dieter.
Sidewall Narrow panel running down index finger and/or little finger side of glove for fuller fit and rugged look.
Sight Aperture Round opening in the rear sight.
Sight Radius The distance between front and rear iron sights
Sight Track A raised portion of the inner surface of a holster which allows the use of high-profile front sights without snagging or dragging on the body of the holster.
Silent Zipper Pulls The BlackHawk Silent Zipper Pulls are designed and implemented on items that have zipper closures and need additional grip or leverage to open and close. The long cord with our Gripper tab provide an excellent positive grip when wet, cold or just plain tired. The angling of the cord on the zipper slider allows easier pulling to open and close the zipper on any item.
Single Column/Stack When the cartridges in a magazine are held in a single row or stack. This makes for a narrower magazine, requiring a thinner bodied mag pouch.
Slip Joint Non Locking Blade -- a blade having a spring acting against it, which provides some resistance to its opening and closing as it pivots within the handle.
Sniper Shoulder An internal flexible rib on the outside edge of the pad provides a secure anchor point for the buttstock of the rifle, preventing the drift that comes with automatic weapons fire. In sniping engagements, it provides an anti-slip surface for secure shot placement.
Spear Point Blade shape that has an equal amount of curve on the spine and the cutting edge. The two curves meet, coming together at the point. Designed for general-purpose cutting.
Spectra An ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene fiber made by Allied Signal. It is the strongest manmade fiber available. Spectra is 8-10 times stronger than steel, 40% stronger than aramid fiber (i.e. Kevlar) and stronger and lighter than virtually every other commercial high-modulus fiber. Spectra offers almost twice the cut resistance of Kevlar of the same weight. For more information on Spectra, please visit Honeywell/Allied Signals website at www.performancefibers.com/products/spectra
Speed Cut The raised inner portion of our Leather Inside-the-Pants Holster, which protects your shirt and body from the sharp edges of the side of the pistol that is worn against the body.
Spire Point A hunting bullet designed for longer range shooting
SpyderEdge Spyderco's two-step serration pattern of one large and two small serrations. This pattern increases the cutting edge by 24%.
Stainless Steel Steel that contains a minimum of 12-1/2-13% chromium, making it resistant (not stain-proof) to corrosion. The chromium oxide "CrO" creates a barrier to oxygen and moisture, preventing rust formation.
Standard Model Holster Carbon-fiber holster with the pressure adjustable detent for retention. It is available in both carbon-fiber appliqu and matte finish models
Striker hilt a protruding guard that can be used as a striking surface, a limited penetration utility or defensive tool, and a prying tool. Designed by close-combat trainer Duane Dieter.
Suede The hair side of the leather that has been buffed by an abrading machine to give a soft, burnished effect.
Swedge (non-sharpened) Also called a false edge, it is a ground edge on the back of the blade's spine, that is chamfered, or non-sharpened. It removes weight from the blade and can change the blade's balance and penetration performance and appearance.
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Tactical Holster A holster that drops the pistol down below the normal position, by means of a drop strap or straps and a platform that is worn on the thigh. Also called a thigh holster or a drop or drop-leg holster.
Tang The portion of the blade where it connects to the handle.
Tanto A blade shape based on the traditional Japanese knife of this name. Its distinguishing feature is an angled, faceted, armor-piercing point.
Tek-Lok Detachable polymer clip mounted onto some of Spyderco's sheaths which can be situated to carry the knife in five different carry positions: vertical, inverted, cross-draw, small of back or horizontal position.
Tension Screw The adjustable tensioning device on our holsters that allows the user to adjust the amount of retention on the weapon. Whether it adjusts how hard the detent grabs the trigger guard in the carbon-fiber holsters or how much drag it puts on the pistol in our leather holsters, it gives the user a degree of control over the amount of retention.
Thigh Holster See Tactical Holster
Thumb Break A retention method for a holster which uses a strap across the back of the pistol. This strap typically runs from the outer side of the holster and fastens to the side of the holster worn against the body. It attaches to the body side with a snap mounted to a small raised thumb break on the body side of the holster. This is released with the thumb, during the drawing of the pistol, hence the name.
Time Of Flight (TOF) The time it takes a projectile to cover a given distance
Tip-Up/Tip-Down Refers to which direction the folded knife if positioned by its pocket clip. When closed and clipped in a pocket, whichever direction (up or down) the blade's tip sits defines if it is termed tip-up or tip-down.
Titanium A non-ferrous metal used for its high tensile strength, light weight and corrosion resistance. Can be colored through an electronic process.
Total Metal Jacket TMJ's have thick, tough jackets and has the base closed to the lead
Trailing Belt Slot A belt slot which trails out behind the body of the holster. This pulls the grip of the weapon into the body, increasing the ability to conceal the weapon.
Trailing Point Blade A trailing point blade is designed with a larger than average belly best used for slicing. The blades point is generally higher than the spine of each blade so that the point does not create a hindrance while in use.
Trainer A red-handled non-sharpened knife used for training and practice purposes.
Trajectory The flight path of a projectile
Trigger Guard The part of a pistol that protects the trigger from accidental activation.
TRS Tube routing system prevents kinks in hydration lines
Tungsten Carbide A metal composed of powdered carbide of tungsten cemented (fused) together under heat with cobalt. The hardest man made metal; used in some pistol case resizing dies - and in all the bullet drawing and swaging dies for making Hornady bullets
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Velocity The speed of a projectile expressed as distance per unit time
Volcano Grip Our trademarked name for the waffle texture found in our FRN handled lightweight knives. The continuous pattern of small squares offer better hand grip while cutting.
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Wad A disc of paper, felt, cork, plastic or other material used primarily in shotshells to separate powder from shot. Can be over-powder, filler or a combination of these. Speer shot capsules for handguns feature a wad to seal the bore.
Wharncliffe A blade design in which the point of the knife is dropped to a straight cutting edge.
Wickability The ability of a fiber to transport moisture away from the skin.
Wind Deflection The lateral deflection of a bullet caused by cross wind
Windage Horizontal (lateral) sight adjustment
Wingwalk an adhesive tape with an abrasive texture similar to sandpaper. Traditionally used to provide secure footing for aircraft mechanics on the wings of military aircraft, it has also been used for years by special operations personnel to accessorize their weapons and gear. Applied to strategic points on a piece of equipment, it ensures a secure grip under the most demanding field conditions.
Wood Epoxy Laminate This is an impregnated wood laminate, which is extremely hard and machines similar to Corian, aluminum and Micarta.
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X-200 Light a SureFire brand weapon mounted light, similar to the M-3 and M-6 defined earlier. It also mounts to a Picatinny Rail.
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Y-Harness our unique patent-pending harness for our new tactical holsters and leg platforms. It has swiveling attachment points to allow it to move with the wearer and not bind up. This not only spreads the weight of the rig across more of the waist, but allows the user to quickly disconnect the harness, if needed.
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Zero In shooting, the sight setting at which point of impact and point of aim coincide at a given range
Z-Shield An advanced Honeywell fiber shield containing Zylon
Zylon Zylon is a synthetic fiber - the strongest man-made fiber in the world and twice as strong as Kevlar, which is 5 times stronger than steel. Flame resistance, it will burn only when exposed to atmospheric conditions consisting of at least 68% oxygen, a state that is not naturally encountered in Earth's atmosphere
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