ALICE (All-purpose Lightweight Individual Carrying Equipment) - is always ready for action, carrying field loads, existence items and general camping needs. ALICE clips are used to fasten ALICE equipment and pouches to belts and rucksacks. Developed by the Army in the 60's and battle-proven in the jungles and swamps of Southeast Asia to the deserts of Kuwait and Iraq. Made according to military specifications and quality standards.

Aluminum - Just like titanium, aluminum is also a nonferrous metal. Commonly used as handles, aluminum gives the knife a solid feel, without the extra weight. The most common form of aluminum is T6-6061, a heat treatable grade, to T6-7075 one of the highest grades. The most common finishing process for aluminum is anodizing.

Anode - In a primary or secondary cell, the meal electrode that gives up electrons to the load circuit and dissolves into the electrolyte.

Anodization - An electrochemical process which adds color to titanium, which is especially conducive to this coloring process. Depending on the voltage used, colors can vary (high voltage = dark color, low voltage = light color).  A similar process is used for adding color and "coating" aluminum.

Automatic Movement (Self Winding) - This is a mechanical movement found generally in higher end watches.  These are precision made & "kinetically" powered "engines" inside a watch case.  The wearer of an automatic watch generates the "power" to run the watch from their moment by moment physical motions, hence the description "self-winding".  Some of the most recognizable automatic movements are "valjoux" and "ETA".  A carefully balanced construction of tiny gears, springs, counter weights, and usually utilizing a minimum of 17 jewels in key areas of pivoting wear.  For watch aficionados mechanical movements are considered one of the pre-requisites for watch ownership.

Balaclava - A balaclava (pronounced băl'ə-klä'və) is very different from the honey and walnut desert pastry called baklava (pronounced bä'klə-vä'). A balaclava is a warm woolen hood that covers the head and neck, worn especially by mountain climbers and skiers.

Ballistic Nylon - A heavy duty woven nylon fabric originally developed for use in bullet proof vests/body armour.  In tests conducted against nylon and leather, Ballistic scored highest. Leather scuffed at 25 cycles, nylon failed at 295 cycles, while Ballistic was only affected after 3000 cycles.  In tests conducted to measure tear resistance, nylon started tearing at 5 lbs., Cordura tore at 74lbs., and Ballistic held strong at 250 lbs.  While slightly heavier in weight than Cordura, the smooth texture, appearance and overall ruggedness of Ballistic nylon is preferred by many outdoor equipment manufacturers.

Bandoleer - A bandoleer is basically a belt with loops or pockets, typically used to carry ammunition. A broad leather belt formerly worn by soldiers over the right shoulder and across the breast under the left arm. Originally it was used for supporting the musket and twelve cases for charges, but later only as a cartridge belt.

BDU (Battle Dress Uniform) - The standard camouflage uniform that all soldiers wear.

Bead Blasting - A process by which steel, aluminum, and titanium are finished. Bead blasting is commonly found on tactical folders and fixed blades, for it provides a 100% subdued, non-glare finish.  Bead blast is different than "sand blasting", where the media used is not as abrasive as sand and acts more as a macroscopic "peening" process.

Black Ti, TiCN, Titanium Carbonitride, or BLK-Ti - A uniform, 1-3 micron thick ceramic coating which is applied during "physical vapor deposition process", on top of steels to provide a protective barrier.  With a surface hardness of about 92RC, TiCN coatings prevent rust, adds lubricity, increases wear, and can used to add color to blade for subdued finishes.  TiCN is not the same thing as TiN which is similar but about a 80RC.

Boron Carbide (B4C) - Is a black crystalline material of extreme hardness.  With a rating of 9.6 on the Moh's scales this material is the 3rd hardest substance known and almost as hard as a diamond.  Currently the latest ,state of the art coating found on various steel tools and knife blades.

Candelas (Candlepower) - Candlepower, also called Candelas, is not too helpful, as it’s just the magnitude of brightness at the point of the beam's maximum intensity. It is sometimes measured as the illumination level at certain distance away, with the unit of measure being foot-candles. So they usually shine a light 1 meter (for standardization) from the brightness measuring device and aim the light until the device registers a maximum. This causes some problems as it's not a perfect benchmark from which to compare lights.

Carbon Fiber - Composed of thin strands of carbon, tightly woven in a weave pattern, that are set in resin. It is a highly futuristic looking material with a definite "ahhhh" factor. Of all the lightweight synthetic handle materials, carbon fiber is perhaps the strongest. The main visual attraction of this material is the ability of the carbon strands to reflect light, making the weave pattern highly visible. Carbon fiber is also a labor-intensive material that can result in a rather pricey product.

Cathode - In a primary or secondary cell, the electrode that, in effect, oxidizes the anode or absorbs the electrons.

Cell - An electrochemical device composed of positive and negative plates, separator, and electrolyte, which is capable of storing electrical energy. When encased in a container and fitted with terminals, it is the basic building block of a battery.

Clinometer - A feature found on some compasses that allow the compass to measure vertical angles (such as the slope of a hill). A clinometer can also be used as a level.

Concealex ®  - See "kydex." Concealex is a the commercial name for another generation of thermoplastic. Distinguished by being available in a variety of colors, patterns, and differing texture from Kydex.

Cordura^® - The technical definition of Cordura^® is “an air-textured, high-tenacity nylon made only by DuPont.”  The real-world definition translates into some of your most used and abused products being lightweight, abrasion-resistant and durable.  Because Cordura^® is available in 160-denier (the lightest), 330-denier, 500-denier and 1000-denier versions, you’ll find this durable fiber in a variety of products in the outdoors and tactical equipment industry.

CQB (Close Quarters Battle) - The military acronym for shooting between buildings and rooms.

Datum - A datum is a surveyed line or point that ensures all maps within a series will correctly match when placed edge to edge.

Declination - The difference in degrees between magnetic north (the direction the magnetic needle on a compass points) and true or geographical north (the direction maps are printed toward).

DEET (N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) - a hazardous chemical when used in large amounts such as products that contain over 85% DEET. DEET free repellents are not nearly as effective.

Delrin^® - Refers refers to a class of acetal homopolymers from DuPont. They offer high tensile strength, impact resistance and stiffness, and outstanding fatigue endurance. They are resistant to moisture, gasoline, solvents, and many other neutral chemicals. They offer dimensional stability and good electrical insulating characteristics. Delrin is resilient and resists creep. It is also maintains natural lubricity at a wide end-use temperature range. The main property limitations are repeated use in steam or hot water, and exposure to strong acids or bases outside the pH range of 4-9.

Denier - A unit of measurement for the fineness of silk or nylon or rayon.

DODAAC (Department of Defense Activity Address Code) - The DODAAC is a unique six digit (alpha/numeric) code identifying your official parcel and/or freight addresses. You may have multiple DODAACs assigned to a single Unit Identification Code (UIC) because automated logistics systems, such as SPBS-R, ULLS-G, ULLS-A, SARSS-, requires a unique DODAAC. If you are unsure of your DODAAC, you can usually locate it on a shipping correspondence. It is comprised of six characters.

DWR - "Durable Water Repellant" coating applied to nylon fabric.  This polyurethane base micro coating causes water to bead and roll off fabrics.  A great enhancer to fabrics which are laminated with a "waterproof/breathable" layer.

Electrolyte - A chemical compound which, when fused or dissolved in certain solvents, usually water, will conduct an electric current. All electrolytes in the fused state or in solution give rise to ions which conduct the electric current.

EVA - Ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA) is a transparent thermoplastic elastomer. It remains flexible at low temperatures and resists cracking. Brand names include: Ultrathene® (Quantum), Elvax® (DuPont), Evalca® (Eval).

Family Radio Service (FRS) - The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) authorized Family Radio Service in 1996 as a short distance, unlicensed, two-way voice service for general purpose use. FRS radios offer 14 separate communications channels, and each channel can handle up to 38 separate conversations or "talk groups." Unlike ham radios or cell phones, FRS radios do not require users to have a license or third-party authorization. FRS radios are not connected to the public telephone network, so they cannot be used to make phone calls. However, unlike cellular phones, they incur no "air time" charges for either speaking or listening. You can use an FRS in the fifty United States and anywhere else regulated by the FCC. There are a few restrictions on its use in connection with emergency overrides and other federal regulations but these are typical of any radio communications equipment. FRS radios transmit signals at 1/2-watt power output, utilize a three kHz signal bandwidth (very adequate for clear voice communications) and provide automatic squelch control to reduce static and other unwanted RF noise. FRS radios transmit FM signals at 460 Mhz, which is in the Ultra High Frequency (UHF) portion of the radio spectrum.

Ferrules - Connectors on tent poles, usually at one end of each pole section where the pole diameter is smaller so that it fits into the regular-size hole of the other segment end.

Field of View - The size of the area that can be seen while looking through a pair of binoculars is referred to as the field of view. The angular field of view is indicated on the outside of the binocular, in degrees. The linear field of view refers to the area that can be observed at 1,000 yards, and is expressed in feet. Field of view is related to magnification, with greater magnification creating a smaller field of view, in general. A large field of view is especially desirable in situations where the object viewed is likely to move, or when the user is moving. You can use angular field to calculate the linear field by multiplying the angular field by 52.5. For example, if the angular field of a particular binocular is 8° then the linear field will be 420 feet, i.e. the product of 8 x 52.5.

Footprint - The outline of the tent floor, which indicates the amount of floor space available inside.

G-10 - A fiberglass based laminate. Layers of fiberglass cloth are soaked in resin and are compressed and baked. The resulting material is very hard, lightweight, and strong. Surface texture is added in the form of checkering. G-10 is an ideal material for tactical folders because of its ruggedness and lightweight. It is usually available in black.

Global Positioning System (GPS) - The NAVSTAR Global Positioning System (GPS) is a spaced-based radionavigation system developed and operated by the Department of Defense (DOD). NAVSTAR GPS provides two levels of service;

1. The Standard Positioning Service (SPS) is a positioning and timing service, which is available to all GPS users on a continuous, worldwide basis with no direct charge. SPS provides the capability to obtain horizontal positioning accuracy within 100 meters (95% probability) and vertical positioning accuracy within 140 meters (95% probability).

2. The Precise Positioning Service (PPS) is a highly accurate military positioning, velocity, and timing service which is provided on a continuous, worldwide basis to users authorized by DOD by use of Cryptography. PPS is made available to U.S. Federal and Allied Government (civil and military) users through special agreements with the DOD. Access and use of PPS has been granted to authorized U.S. Federal Agencies under individual Memorandums of Agreement (MOA) with the DOD. Each authorization to access and use the PPS was reviewed and granted by the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Command, Control, Communications, and Intelligence.

Graduations - The series of degree markings on the azimuth ring used for taking bearings.

KISS - This stands for Keep It Simple Stupid. We find this to be self explanatory and don't want to overcomplicate such an elegant acronym.

Kraton® - Is the commercial name for a type of "TPE"; the acronym for "Thermoplastic Elastomer".  Thermoplastic Elastomers are generally lower modulus, flexible materials that can be stretched repeatedly to at least twice their original length at room temperature and are able to return to their approximate original length when stress is released. Thermoset rubber materials have been available for a long time, but currently many families of injection-moldable thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) are replacing traditional rubbers.  Commonly found in many products today, such as knife handle inserts requiring a tough resilient material with a "grippy" or textured feel and a degree of give.  

Kydex® - A thermo-formed plastic, it is a mixture of PVC and Acrylic.  It is used in the manufacture of vehicle interiors, as well as the interior of jet fighter cockpits.  It is resistant to all but the most extreme temperatures and has a very long life expectancy, even when exposed to oils and solvents.  Kydex comes in various mixtures and thickness.  Easily formed and molded at around 315 degrees, this material has found its way into numerous applications for forming protective cases for a variety of equipment.

Lumens (Lumenous Intensity) - Lumens, also called Luminous Intensity, represents the total amount of photons emitted by a light source at any given time. Lumens is not the same as brightness, which is the maximum concentration of photons on a given location. Lumens is non-directional (unlike Candelas). (Summing this up over a surface gives total flux, but a point source has no area so you can't really calculate its intensity.)

Lux - Lux is the surface brightness per unit area (lumens/meter²). Lux measurements are taken only at the very center of the beam.

Memory Effect - A phenomenon in which a cell, operated in successive cycles to the same, but less than full depth of discharge, temporarily loses the remainder of its capacity at normal voltage levels (usually applies only to Ni-Cd cells).

Micarta - The most common form is linen micarta. Similar construction as G-10. The layers of linen cloths are soaked in a phenolic resin. The end product is a material that is lightweight, strong, as well as having a touch of class (thus dressier than G-10). Micarta has no surface texture, it is extremely smooth to the touch. It is a material that requires hand labor, which translates into a higher priced knife. Micarta is a relatively soft material that can be scratched if not treated properly.

Nylon / Polyamide - Nylon, comprising several grades of polyamides, is a general purpose material in wide use; it is tough and resistant and has good pressure ratings.

Piezoelectricity - Because some atomic lattice structures have as an essential unit (or "cell") a cubic or rhomboid cage made of atoms, and this cage holds a single semi-mobile ion which has several stable quantum position states inside the cell. The ion's post ion state can be caused to shift by either deforming the cage (applied strain) or by applying and electric field. The coupling between the central ion and the cage provides the basis for transformation of mechanical strain to internal electric field shifts and vice versa.

PMCS (Preventative Maintenance Checks and Services) - It's exactly what it sounds like. For example, you should check your car's fluids, mechanical parts, and electronic system once a week. You should service anything that needs to be repaired. This maintenance will help prevent a breakdown at a more inconvenient time.

Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) - PEEK is a high temperature resistant engineered thermoplastic. It has excellent chemical and fatigue resistance, and thermal stability. PEEK has superior chemical resistance, is inert to all common solvents and resists a wide range of organic and inorganic liquids. PEEK has a maximum continuous working temperature of 480°F and retains it's mechanical properties up to 570°F in steam or high-pressure applications.

Polyethylene (PE) - A semi-crystalline (typically around 50%), whitish, semi-opaque commodity thermoplastic that is soft, flexible and tough - even at low temperatures - with outstanding electrical properties but poor temperature resistance. It also has very good chemical resistance but is prone to environmental stress cracking; it has poor UV resistance (unless modified) and poor barrier properties, except to water.

Polypropylene (PP) - A thermoplastic material exhibiting excellent cold flow, bi-axial strength, and yield elongation properties. It is similar to PVC but can be used in exposed applications because of its resistance to UV, weathering, and ozone.

PTFE (Teflon) - A polymer consisting of recurring tetrafluoroethylene monomer units.  More commonly known as teflon and used as a micro porous laminate on various nylon fabrics for the unique characteristics of keeping water from soaking thru and letting water vapor or human perspiration out.

Scale - The distance between two points on a map as they relate to the distance between those two points on the earth.

Silicone Rubber - Silicones are polymers in which organics groups, such as methyl and phenyl groups are bonded to the silicone atoms in chains of inorganic siloxanes (-Si-O-Si-). Their properties include heat, cold and weather resistance, electrical insulation, release, water repellency and defoaming.

Stainless Steel - Stainless steel is chemical and corrosion resistant and can have relatively high pressure ratings.

Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR) - Good resistance to petroleum hydrocarbons and fuels. Widely used with most oils, hydraulic fluids, alcohol. Many compound variations are available for specific applications. Suggested operating temperature (-30° to 275° F).

Titanium - A nonferrous metal alloy, the most common form of titanium is 6AL/4V: 6% aluminum, 4% vanadium, and 90% pure titanium. This is a lightweight metal alloy that offers unsurpassed corrosion resistance of any metal, excellent strength to weight ratio, low co-efficient of expansion, and a non-magnetic signature.  It has a warm "grip you back" feel and can be finished either by anodizing or bead blasting. While heavier than aluminum, titanium is still a fraction of the weight of steel and offers none of the "weaknesses" found in aluminum or steel.  Today, titanium has diversified out of the aerospace industry and may be found frequently applied in the manufacturing of knives, tools, and in the latest outdoor equipment.

Tritium - Tritium (Hydrogen-3) is an isotope of hydrogen gas. It can be man-made, but it is also a naturally occurring substance that is produced by cosmic ray action and by the decay of natural radio nuclides in rocks and soil. It is a colorless, odorless gas, lighter than air. The half life of tritium is 12.28 years.  It is present in air and water all over the earth and is regularly ingested and breathed by everyone. All humans contain trace amounts of tritium and several other naturally occurring radioisotopes.  Many isotopes are stable and retain their structure indefinitely. However, some isotopes, including tritium, are not stable and are said to be radioactive. As the tritium nucleus decays it emits an electron, causing energy to be released in the form of beta radiation. A new nucleus is then formed with two protons and one neutron thereby becoming a form of non-radioactive helium. During this decay is where we "see" the glowing effect of tritium.  Tritium beta emissions are very weak. No other primary radiation is emitted. In fact, tritium emits the lowest level of beta radiation energy of all isotopes. The beta particles are easily stopped by thin layers of any solid material and are unable to penetrate our body’s skin. Since tritium gas cannot penetrate the skin, the radiation exposure is received through the lungs where it mixes with the body fluids. Tritium is not absorbed by the bone marrow or other body organs and instead is expelled from the body through urination in a very short period of time.

Vinyl - Vinyl exhibits good flexibility and chemical resistance; it is used in many medical and chemical applications.

Waterproof/Breathable Fabric - Nylon fabrics laminated with PTFE (teflon) has billions of pores per square inch, that's about 20,000 times smaller than a water droplet.  Water and wind can't penetrate the fabric's barrier. While water droplets from rain cannot get in, moisture vapor molecules can still escape, so your perspiration won't build up and make you cold and wet.

Waypoint - a waypoint is the location of a point on a desired course described by coordinates or a physical location.

Whipping - the process of using thin rope or cord to tie off the end of a larger braided rope in order to prevent fraying and unraveling.

Zytel® - Du Pont developed this thermoplastic material. Of all synthetic materials, Zytel® is the least expensive to produce, which explains the abundance of work knives that have this material. It is highly resistant to impact and abrasions. Zytel® has a slight surface texture, but knife companies using this material will add additional, more aggressive surface texture to augment this slight texture.