Gerber LMF II Infantry - Desert - with Sheath

The tang is the part of the knife where the blade stops and the handle starts. There are many different terms used to describe what kind of tang a knife has, because the strength and other characteristics of the knife depend on the tang format.

A full tang knife has a tang that goes the length of the handle at full width, and you can see the tang spine itself because the handle slabs are afixed to each side. This is the strongest tang format.

To save weight, the maker can taper the tang so it gets thinner as it goes back into the handle; this is appropriately enough called a tapered tang.

If the tang disappears into the handle itself, it's called a hidden tang.

If the tang thins out considerably once it goes into the handle, it's called a stick tang.

Butt Cap / Pommel: The pommel refers to the end of the handle of a knife. Many knives have a metal cap over the pommel, called a butt cap. Often the pommel is interesting because of a decoration; however, there are different forms of working pommels.

A method for carrying a knife, tool, light, etc., on your belt, pack or anywhere a strap is. Sheaths are made of ballistic nylon, leather, kydex and various other materials. Sheaths usually come with a Velcro or snap closure.

Molle Carrying System: Stands for Modular Lightweight Load Carrying Equipment. A load-carrying system that's modular, durable, comfortable, and fully integrated.

It consists of a butt pack, a main ruck with sustainment pouches and sleeping bag compartment attached to an external frame.

There is also a patrol pack, which can be used separately or combined with the main ruck for added load carrying capability. MOLLE can be configured in several different variations to fit the load handling needs of the mission.

A connecting device on the vest is designed so that the external frame of the main ruck attaches to the waist belt of the vest to transfer the load from the shoulders and back to the hips where it can be carried much easier with less fatigue.