Undoubtedly, readers of LawOfficer.Com are familiar with BLACKHAWK! products. Readers may not, however, be aware of the history behind the company nor the diverse product lines offered. I had the unique opportunity to go behind the scenes and learn about the company by attending a writers' conference hosted at their Norfolk, Virginia headquarters October 21-23, 2008. A total of sixteen writers from various law enforcement and military publications attended the conference, including a representative from the National Tactical Officers' Association and a publisher of a magazine from Germany.
BLACKHAWK! was founded in 1993 by former U.S. Navy SEAL Mike Noell. Mike began the company in his garage, initially manufacturing only ballistic nylon gear and packs. Since then, BLACKHAWK! has grown from its humble beginnings into a multi-million dollar company which manufactures a variety of equipment for civilian outdoorsmen, law enforcement, and all branches of the U.S. military, as well as allied foreign special operations forces. In 2003, Mike formed BLACKHAWK! Products Group, a conglomeration of manufacturers of tactical equipment wholly owned by BLACKHAWK! Throughout the evolution of the company, Mike has developed in his employees the mantra, "Lighter, faster, and better." He emphatically stated, "Our number one mission is to make the best equipment for our customers and we will not sacrifice quality." It is BLACKHAWK!'s official motto that really speaks volumes about the philosophy of the company: "Honor as a way of life." The majority of employees are former military (Navy SEALS, Army Special Forces) or civilian law enforcement personnel.
The conference began with an overview of the company. Each of the "category managers" was introduced, and they provided a brief biographical background. To a person, each of the category managers is an expert in their respective field. They are also exceptionally personable and helpful. It is readily apparent that Mike Noell has established a team of consummate professionals who share his mission, vision, and values. They are committed to a common goal (developing and manufacturing the absolute best products possible), support of one another, professional excellence, and being leaders in their respective fields.
The group of writers was divided into two equal groups, and a staff member of BLACKHAWK! was assigned as an escort to each group. Over the course of three days, each group attended a variety of presentations conducted by the category managers. Questions were enthusiastically encouraged, and the presentations frequently turned into group discussions. Presentations included not only PowerPoint and visual aids, but very interactive hands-on participation. Discussions included not only how the different products are developed and manufactured, but also why certain materials are used (or not used, as the case may be), and the capabilities as well as limitations of the equipment.
Tactical gear
My group began with a course on tactical nylon gear, presented by Tom O'Sullivan, who spent 20 years in the U.S. Army. Tom educated us regarding the types of nylon, their respective properties, the extensive research and development that goes into the design and manufacturing of all BLACKHAWK! gear, and we were shown the broad product line in this category. The offerings include hydration systems, gear bags, thigh rigs, load bearing vests, M.O.L.L.E. and S.T.R.I.K.E. gear, and a host of other related offerings. BLACKHAWK! proudly displays their combat gear that was actually worn by Prince Harry while serving in the British Army in Afghanistan.
Vaughn Baker gave an outstanding presentation and practical demonstration on flashlights. He gave a scientific explanation of how light works and how our eyes function in different light environments. He provided an explanation of lumens in simple-to-understand terms. One of the best portions of the class was when we walked to the nearby Norfolk Police Training Facility and utilized their Simunitions training building. Having previously explained the tactical use of flashlights, Vaughn demonstrated to each of us the proper way to use light to our advantage, and to the disadvantage of a hidden adversary in a low/no-light environment. By using the light in a strobe mode, changing the rhythm, angle, and duration, it was virtually impossible for the suspect to determine the location of the role-playing officer as a search for the suspect was conducted.
Nationally renowned knife expert Mike Janich provided a historical perspective on the evolution of bladed weapons. Mike has made the study of knives and martial arts a lifelong passion. He has interviewed doctors, medical examiners/coroners, EMTs and paramedics, and stabbing victims as well as individuals who have stabbed others. He provided graphic photos of the injuries inflicted by edged weapons and pounded home the lethal capabilities of knives. He also spoke to their utility as rescue tools. Mike described the different components in the production of high-quality knives and the importance of a solid knowledge and exploitation of metallurgy. Mike explained the differences between knives manufactured under the "Masters of Defense" (M.O.D.) and BLACKAWK! Blades.
Door breaching
Marty Wozniak, category manager of the Dynamic Entry product line, provided a great course on mechanical breaching equipment. Marty, a former police officer and undercover narcotics detective, founded Dynamic Entry in North Carolina in 1999. He drew upon his years of experience ramming doors on search warrants to develop what is considered by many in the SWAT and military breaching community as the best mechanical breaching tools in the world. He pioneered the use of electrically non-conductive battering rams and pry tools. In 2005, Dynamic Entry became yet another of the many facets of BLACKHAWK! Products Group. Marty and his employees continue to improve upon their time-proven designs and to develop new tools that are lighter, stronger, and more efficient. They developed a tactical backpack that holds their own bolt cutters, Halligan tool, and "ThunderMaul." Other recent offerings include the "Small Pry" (a multi-function pry-bar with a cutting edge), Special Operations Entry Ram , and a Mini Break-N-Rake tool (scaled down version of the full-size original, suited for confined space environments or vehicles). Following classroom instruction, each of us was allowed to put our newly-acquired knowledge of breaching techniques to the test by using Dynamic Entry breaching tools to manually breach multiple breaching practice doors. Marty was able to take a few people (of all different ages and physical builds) who had never "rammed a door" and make them quite proficient in a very short time. Even those who had real-world experience benefitted by being shown tactically sound and efficient techniques.
Holsters
Chuck Buis, a veteran of the DeKalb County, Georgia Sheriff's Department, and a former manager of Uncle Mike's of Oregon, is the category manager of the holsters and duty gear product line. He has vast experience in what works and what doesn't when it comes to carrying a pistol in both uniform and concealed manner. Chuck talked about the differences in composite materials and about BLACKHAWK!'s proprietary carbon fiber blend and injection molding process, which combine to provide the greatest levels of strength and durability. Seeking the best experts in the field, BLACKHAWK! found and bought Delta Design Group in Boise, Idaho, and Jungst Scientific in Bozeman, Montana. This is just another example of BLACKHAWK! conducting market research, identifying the absolute best, and acquiring the best materials and expertise to manufacture the best product for their end user. Chuck explained the development of the SERPA line of holsters, and showed us the newest TASER X-26 holster. I am confident that this will rapidly become a best-seller.
The latest acquisition by BLACKHAWK! is Knoxx Recoil Reduction Stocks. Gary Cauble is the former owner of this company, and Gary now works as the category manager for this product line, which includes stocks, slings, and swivels. Initially, the Knoxx recoil reduction stocks were designed to reduce perceived felt recoil in 12-gauge shotguns. Nowadays, an entire recoil-reduction stock assembly (Axiom V/S Rifle Stock ) for a variety of centerfire rifles is offered. We had the opportunity to shoot a .300 Magnum rifle, and even its substantial recoil was significantly reduced by this system. Since the Remington 870 shotgun is so prevalent in American police cars, I took a keen interest in this particular system. I can tell you from personal experience, having fired a standard-stock shotgun and immediately thereafter one with the Knoxx stock, there is definitely a noticeable difference. This would make for strong consideration by firearms instructors and police administrators who want to provide their officers with a more pleasant and mildly-recoiling weapon system.
Suffice to say, all of the writers in attendance were duly impressed with the knowledge, expertise, and professionalism demonstrated by each and every member of the BLACKHAWK! staff.
