What 5.11 Tactical means and the history of the brand
5.11 Tactical is an American brand whose name comes from the Yosemite Decimal System climbing difficulty scale: level 5.11 indicates a high level of route difficulty. The origins of the brand are connected with climber Royal Robbins, who in the 1960s developed durable trousers for difficult ascents — they became the basis of the future 5.11 line.
In the late 1990s, 5.11 trousers became widespread at the FBI Academy, after which the brand was acquired by entrepreneur Dan Costa and relaunched in 2003 as 5.11 Tactical. The company focused on tactical equipment for military and law enforcement personnel and over time expanded its assortment to clothing, gear and knives, including folding models for everyday carry (EDC).
5.11 Tactical knives: folding, fixed and EDC tools
5.11 Tactical produces folding and fixed knives, as well as compact EDC tools aimed at military, law enforcement and everyday use. The range includes models with blades made of stainless steels, including AUS-8 and CPM S30V. Handles are made from G10, FRN and aluminum.
Folding knives are affordable and make up the larger part of the assortment. These are models with liner lock, a pocket clip and one-handed opening (for example, the LMC, ARK, XPRT Folder series). Fixed knives are also produced. Knife development is carried out with the participation of designers (for example, Mike Vellekamp), and production is aimed at the mass market with manufacturing at different sites, including the USA and Asian production lines.
