Thanks to ITS tactical I was able to get a crash course on basic lock picking and Sparrows was nice enough to get a starter set my way to play with. This "Tuxedo" set includes 6 tools and 6 tension wrenches with a bonus little case. I still have plenty to learn, but from what I know so far, lock picking is quite the interesting skill set combining technical knowledge with hand finesse dexterity. Although most pickers will have favored tools, the benefit of having a some sort of set becomes very apparent when working with lock variety. Lock sizes from smaller padlocks to common house locks can vary greatly so having the right size tool speeds up the process quite a bit and in tough cases it makes picking possible at all.

SKD TAC continues to bang out goodies on their PIG line with one of their latest being an assault sized hydration pouch. The approach is very streamlined and lightweight weighing only about 5 ounces with a compact shape. Offhand made to fit the Source WXP 2L Hydration Bladder, other similar sized/shaped hydration bladders will fit in just fine. Since not as wide as the norm, it allows mounting to a vest with plenty of room for other team gear pouches. A great feature is that wide elastic is integrated to help keep a full bladder more flat and even rather than a sad bottom heavy sack. No strap wrastling is required, the pouch just works. Thus the end result is nice and low profile; a great option for assaulters. Mesh is used on the bottom area offering superior drainage for any water spills or water ops rather than just a small grommet. Up top a single zipper is used for the opening. The size isn't large, but adequate, likely for a good balance of durability. If the zipper were to somehow blow out, the rest of the pouch should hold up fine and retain the bladder. Simple ports are on the upper sides to allow ambidextrous hydration tube routing. They are nice and simple with no velcro, yet angled in such a way to keep out most debris. On the back PALS webbing is laid out to accommodate 2 large and 2 short Malice clips (included) as the main mounting method. Of course users can use the webbing to get creative with other attachment options such as Grimlocs. The Source bladder is not included to let users pick whatever bladder they want to use, however SKD offers the WXP 2L amongst other solid options so you can buy both at once to keep shipping costs minimal. Seemingly simple at first glance, all the little good design details sum up to create a great all business design. Made in the USA.
http://www.skdtac.com/PIG_Hydration_Carrier_p/pig.503.htm

Tuff Writer has been keeping busy and offers yet another variant of their tactical pen design. It looks pretty similar at first, but I think they did some really great changes on this operator series to make it shine. It is closer to the EDC size, only being slightly longer and has a point more like the original Frontline series which is less sharp than the EDC variant. I dig the size as it short enough to allow for easier holding options whether it be a pocket or notebook while still being long enough to be a plausible self defense tool.

Here is a lil something for the EDC crowd. There are a lot of cool guy bottle openers out there, but Screwpop found a good way to integrate further functionality. The end holds a custom double sided screwdriver bit (Phillips #2/Flat Head #2) which in daily urban life is one of the most common used tools. I haven't had a chance to confirm, but the bit holding area is supposed to work as a 1/4” Hex Nut Driver as well. Chances are slim you'll use that part, however it is better than having some other crazy connection system that won't work for anything else. The bit is held in place by a spring loaded ball, which is sufficient for a hold. The bit grip will feel low to some, but it won't shake out and the bit can be manually pulled out without much hassle. Perhaps a magnet could be added for extra piece of mind, but appears it would be unnecessary at the end of the day and add to cost. The bit sizing is a little off compared to traditional 1/4" hex bits so the ones I tried from separate bit sets were too big and would only insert slightly in.

Those on the hunt to find a compact AR tool package may find interest in this tool from M34 Tactical. The ARMT (Assault Rifle Multi-tool) finds a balance of adding quite a few tool functionalities while still offering a nice grip that is uncommon in similar type tools. Offhand my favorite ability is being able to adjust the castle nut (that wacky ring securing the buffer tube) without it being a large tool. It won't be as easy as a armor's tool made just to rock castle nuts all day long, however the ARMT is a lot smaller.