ANV K01 Kitchen Knife

Enforce Tac and IWA 2025

Like every year we can’t wait to give a little insight on all the new and upcoming items that were presented at the Nuremberg fairgrounds during Enforce Tac and IWA 2025. For reference you can check last years summary as well.

Please remember that most products are prototypes. So there still might be changes. And it could take a significant amount of time until they are released – some might not get released at all.

The focus of Enforce Tac and IWA 2025 was “Made in Europe” or in other words “European production”. While it’s still an international fair, European brands that also craft their goods in Europe were emphasized. Many companies have different items made in different regions but you could clearly tell that more and more is sourced and built in Europe. Not only are existing brands moving their production back to Europe, there are also some European newcomers to be seen in the market.

Acta Non Verba – ANV

There were several new knives to be seen at the ANV booth. First we could lay our hands on the M41 Grifus for the first time. It’s a fixed knife out of the military line with a bowie blade. This should work in every situation a tactical knife can encounter.

Folders now got more options. There are BB versions of several models that were already available. Also, there are more color options for handles to come. Especially people who are not into tactical models will like some of the bright new colors.

An old friend is coming back. While the M06 claw was only available in the non-metallic GRN version for a while, the booth had different variants of a metal M06, now called “M06M”. Different color choices and new steel complete the new appearance.

Most prominent was the ANV K01, the first kitchen knife by Acta Non Verba. It’s promising to be the centerpiece of every well equipped kitchen.

And, as always, there were some prototypes, we’re not allowed to talk about. But there might be more folders coming. Like an elegant solution to ever more restricting knife carry laws and maybe one that won’t fit into any restrictive law at all.

Helikon-Tex

The Helikon booth was packed full with lots of new items for their different lines.

This year Helikon is bringing back a new vintage camo, too. While last years pattern was duck hunter, this time it’s ERDL, also called “Leaf“. Lot’s of existing gear will be available in ERDL in the near future.

Speaking of patterns, Helikon-Tex showed many different flashy prints that resemble Hawaii-shirts but come with a little tactical twist. Like silhouettes of combat divers or Kalashnikow rifles hidden between the bright colors. They will be available on shirts and new, huge totes.

There’s a new pair of combat pants coming up. Combined with a new belt and suspender combination it gives you more options to choose from.

If you like the Windrunner jacket, you’ll like the idea that there is a pair of matching pants coming up. Same fabric, same versatility and built to be worn over your normal pants when the wind gets rough. More from the hiking department is a light waterproof jacket (lighter than the Squall) and an insulated skirt to be worn over hiking pants. There will be a small version of the Numbat civilian chest-rig, too. Same features, just a bit smaller.

Also new is a slick version of the guardian plate carrier which is lighter and can be easier worn under clothing.

And then my personal favorite which was already showcased 2024 but didn’t make a release, yet: The Swagman Scarf. It’s like a Swagman Roll but without insulation. So it’s thin enough to be worn as a scarf. But you can also use it as a windproof poncho or, hopefully, camo add-on.

Direct Action

Direct Action tends to add just improvements to their existing line and doesn’t release lots of different items per year. More like honing and refining.

One example of a refined item is the upgraded Spitfire plate carrier which will now be available with quick release buckles. Another upgrade and a great example of listening to your users is the fact that some belts will be available with either side of velcro. So whatever your other belt has – hook or loop – you will be able to connect them.

New this year is a very minimalistic backpack that’s lightweight and could be rolled up and stored. It doesn’t go in a dedicated stuff sack or pocket but still, it’s easy to carry when not in use. Nevertheless it’s not just a gym bag but a fully functional backpack.

Speaking of bags: There’s also a dedicated backpack for mortar shells and a huge rolling trolly that works as a deployment bag.

Also new is a canteen pouch and a bandolier for 40mm grenades.

The most uncommon new item is a signaling cloth. You can carry it rolled up in a tiny pouch because it’s very thin and lightweight fabric. One side is camo, the other is reversible signal yellow or signal orange. It’s sewn like a bag so you can also use it for foraging or as an extra layer for a sleeping system. You can also wrap yourself in it to get a bit of protection from the elements. Don’t expect it to be a tough outdoor multi use item because it’s too lightweight for that. But still, it’s an option that might just bring that extra push you might need.

Master of Gloves

Master of Gloves didn’t bring many new items, too. Most interesting was a flame resistant version of the “second skin” model. Stay tuned for an introductory post about this great brand which just recently made it into the Perunika portfolio of gloves.

Clawgear

There’s a whole new line of clothes from Clawgear coming which was especially designed to fit female anatomy, focussing on a different cut accommodating for wider hips and rounded torso. While many brands started to have their own “women lines” they are often more civilian-focused and come in bright or “cute” colors. Clawgear, however, will now start offering gear that meets the demands of all tactical professionals.

Another new addition is Clawgears first plate carrier so that you can have your whole outfit from a single brand.

PhantomLeaf

Before you ask: There was no new camo pattern or new color way of PhantomLeaf to be seen. They showed their new Boiga line which is still fascinating enough. Not only does it have WASP II camo patterns but the whole fabric is “crushed” which you could describe as “wrinkly”. So the fabric itself helps with creating 3d shapes and thus breaking up the silhouette even more.

Most interesting was a “dry suit”, meaning a scuba suit you can stay dry inside. The whole suit, although a mockup, was in PhantomLeaf WASP II Z1b.

Dnipro TQ

Hopefully you already know the Dnipro Tourniquet which was developed and is made in Ukraine during the war. If you follow tactical magazines you might already know that this tourniquet usually gets top reviews. At Enforce Tac the company behind this tourniquet not only showcased the upcoming generation 2 of their tourniquet. They also had two walls full of medical bags and pouches. There was everything you could wish for from a big hip bag over new rip-off-ifaks, tourniquet holders and more specialized gear. Like drop-leg rigs for medical gear or ankle holsters.

The items were not only extremely well made but you could easily tell that the designs are really sophisticated and well thought out.

Most products focused the tactical market but there were also pouches clearly made for civilians. Not only because of their bright red color but also because of how the loops on the inside will fit first aid items more often used by civilians.

Berghaus

Like every year Berghaus focused on refining their already existing bags. Like adding a new pocket behind the back panel for easier attachment of a hydration bladder. Or replacing some nylon mounting points with hypalon.

But they also showed two completely new bags at Enforce Tac and IWA 2025. Both are duffle bags that can be worn like a backpack. Most interesting is that the whole bag including zipper is waterproof. They not only withstand heavy rain, they are made to be submerged for extended times. They even come with a vent to control buoyancy. For now they are “only” tested for 1m depth but the plan is to go deeper.

Tasmanian Tiger

This years new items at Enforce Tac and IWA 2025 from Tasmanian Tiger were mostly focused on Medic gear. There are several new backpacks from a small 18 liter version over 38 to 57 liters of medical gear. The latter is more focused on use in field hospitals. Like the new medic container which can be closed for easy transport and opened to have access to an enormous amount of gear. Regarding smaller items there will be new IFAKs and pouches to complement the new backpacks – also with the focus on medical gear.

Another focus was Tegris. The extremely tough and lightweight material is used to improve existing items and for new items like battle belts or plate carriers.

Templars Gear

Templars Gear takes into account real combat experience and feedback from soldiers in Ukraine. Not just special forces but also regular troops. So it’s not only “high speed low drag” gear with a minimalist approach but also high capacity pouches with protective flaps for extended trench warfare.

Resulting from Ukraine war feedback they improved their medical gear. It now has a curv panel and is bigger and roomier. Also there are new zippers and an attached scissor pouch.

The “freemason” modular placard for plate carriers has curv inserts for mags. So they are stiffer and easier to handle.

Their magazine pouches now also have improved inserts. It’s easier to put back empty magazine so you don’t have to use a dump pouch. They also have an extra “odd” row of laser cut slits so you have more freedom when adding extra pouches (like pistol magazine pouches) on top.

A huge change is that most of their gear is now available in orange, too. So EMTs and other civilians which need protection and organization but mustn’t be confused with combattants can now have a full set of Templars Gear as well.

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