Blog

The 6 Most Common Lock Picks (And 2 You Shouldn't Be Caught Without)
The world of lock-picking is complex. For the novice hoping to jump in, figuring out where to begin can be a daunting task. Let us make it a bit easier for you with this handy and simple guide to the 6 most common lock picks! Among them are the two most popular tools that no lock picking enthusiast should ever be caught without. First Things First: Get Thyself a Tension Wrench. This one is so essential it's not even part of the actual list. If you hope to use any... Read more...
The Best Super-Slim EDC Items for Your Wallet
Disclaimer: All recommendations and links listed here are for reference only. TIHK products are intended for use in accordance with all local, state, and federal laws. Improper or illegal use of TIHK products or other products obtained through links provided here is not endorsed or encouraged. Use of all products is at your own personal risk and discretion. When it comes to everyday carry, your real estate is precious and limited. Make the most of your wallet space, with very little added bulk, with these 5 super-slim EDC items. Readyman... Read more...
Blunt Force Weapons: Small Tool, Huge Impact
Searching for the ideal self-defense item for everyday carry can be daunting. A handgun isn't always ideal, not to mention requiring extra training and certification to conceal. Pepper spray is all too easy to fumble and requires frequent testing to make sure it's in working condition. For a lightweight, easily concealable, highly effective self defense weapon, why not try a blunt-force tool? Blunt-force tools are intended to enhance self-defense tactics by strengthening the force of a punch. They also often concentrate the impact into a smaller area to increase damage... Read more...
Self Defense for Urban Survival
While physical fitness is helpful for general health and well-being, in a survival situation your fitness level becomes a matter of life and death. Making targeted decisions about the types of training you do will give you the advantage when the pressure is on and increase your overall odds of survival. The key to choosing the right kind of self defense training is to choose efficient programs that promote a balance between strength, power, endurance, and mobility. Read on for a few of our favorite methods and choose the one... Read more...
Don't Underestimate the Paracord Bracelet
It’s a simple little piece of gear, so it’s easy to overlook the value in a paracord bracelet. The intricate braiding brings to mind something a pair of BFFs might fashion at summer camp rather than a serious survival tool. But don’t let looks fool you: a paracord bracelet can be a lifesaver. Paracord 101 The strong yet compact nylon rope is used in the suspension lines of parachutes, from whence comes the name paracord, but it is widely used for other purposes, especially survival gear. The most commonly used... Read more...
Why You Need a Handcuff Trainer
Case Study Lars was an avid traveler: he embraced the challenge and excitement of traveling alone, usually with little more than the clothes he was wearing and a small backpack. In spite of his few possessions, he considered himself pretty well prepared. He carried a small handcuff key in his back pocket along with a good pocket knife. He got pretty chummy with a fellow drifter he befriended in a hostel in Central America. Unfortunately, he let down his guard after a few drinks one night and let it slip... Read more...
When Can You Legally Be Handcuffed?
When Can You Be Legally Handcuffed? Ask the average law-abiding American citizen when they can be placed in handcuffs legally and you’ll probably be met with a blank stare, followed by “uh, when you break the law?” Naturally, it isn’t always as black-and-white as that.   When you decide to keep a handcuff key on your person for a SHTF event, the possibility of societal collapse, and everyday preparedness, it’s essential that you know your rights. The following are situations in which you can be legally handcuffed by law enforcement.... Read more...
Why Travelers Should Carry Handcuff Keys
This is a guest post by John V Cain. John writes about the vagabonding lifestyle at VINJABOND. Why Travelers Should Carry Handcuff Keys A covertly equipped handcuff key for a foreigner abroad is the smallest part of their gear but potentially the most important. Gear to survive or endure dangerous and hazardous scenarios is valuable but gear to avoid them is invaluable. -John V Cain, founder of VINJABOND. Specialized handcuff keys and other escape tools have been a part of my everyday carry equipment for my professional life for years... Read more...
Why Carry a Handcuff Key? Case Study #1
It’s true that, aside from law enforcement and military personnel, the individuals you are most likely to find in possession of a handcuff key are the bad guys. But beware of drawing fallacious conclusions: possession of a handcuff key does not a criminal make. It simply follows that those who are most likely to desire a secret way of escape are those who have something they feel the need to escape from: i.e. jail time. Because of this notion, we often receive earnest questioning from people who wonder why in... Read more...
How to Escape Disposable Restraints
Disposable restraints as used by bad guys most often take the form of zip ties that you can buy at your local hardware store. At first escape seems daunting- how do you pick a non-existent lock? But rest assured, with a little practice and resourcefulness, there are several ways to escape unlawful restraint via zip tie. The effectiveness of these tactics will depend on the material type (these tactics are much less likely to be effective on the plastic cuffs used by law enforcement, nor should you try to) as... Read more...
All About Disposable Restraints
All About Disposable Restraints As many of our loyal customers have pointed out to us, a handcuff key will be of little use if you find yourself tied up in disposable restraints. Read on to learn all about disposable restraints, the circumstances in which they are often used, and some tips for escaping unlawful detainment. What are They? A disposable restraint can be an extremely effective tactic, yet as simple as a single zip tie. Zip ties come in different units of “tensile strength”, which is the maximum stress they... Read more...
About Universal Handcuff Keys
If you are familiar with today’s standard-issue handcuffs, you know that most models, even across different brands, can be opened with a universal key. A universal handcuff key at first seems like a very counter-intuitive concept, placing law enforcement at a tactical disadvantage. But consider which scenario is really of a greater disadvantage- one in which the cuffs being used to secure a suspect can be opened by a universal key, or one in which the cuffs can only be opened by a single unique key, easily misplaced or lost?... Read more...