Black and gunmetal colorways have long been used by makers of military and everyday carry gear, chosen for their ability to bestow an item with a decidedly tactical and aggressive aesthetic. From the murdered-out gear used on Spec-Ops night missions to traditional gunmetal constructions, these colors evoke a sense of seriousness while simultaneously boasting an unmistakable tactical flair. To demonstrate this point, we’ve hand-selected an array of black and gunmetal items for this week’s everyday carry spread that we’ve dubbed “Mission Ready.”
Inventery Bolt Action Pen V.02
For something that can take a bit more of a beating than your standard ballpoint, you should invest in a rugged bolt action pen — and Inventery makes a great one. The second generation of the brand’s flagship writing utensil is precision-machined from solid bar stock and boasts incredibly smooth action thanks to its chamfered bolt track. Available in a trio of sizes and finishes, along with your choice of gold or silver hardware, there’s an Inventery Bolt Action Pen for every loadout.
Dango M1 Maverick Rail Wallet
Like a standard pen, your ordinary leather wallet isn’t going to hold up too well when you’re battling the elements and making your way over rough terrain. That’s why we recommend the M1 Maverick Rail Wallet from Dango. CNC-machined from 6061 aerospace grade aluminum, the wallet features two distinct sides with different features. One end has an RFID-blocking card compartment and a silicone band for cash, while the other boasts a unique open ID display for quick and convenient scanning. Best of all, the wallet features a patent-pending rail system that makes removing cards a breeze.
Toor Knives XT1 Alpha
Marking boutique knife brand Toor’s tenth folding knife design, the XT1 Alpha is an incredibly robust, tactically-inspired everyday carry knife that’s crafted from a spare-no-expense materials selection. Designed to handle typical military and tactical tasks while remaining fully pocketable, the Xt1 Alpha features a 6AL-4V titanium handle mated to a 3.25” CPM S35VN blade. The handle also sports a full-size frame locking mechanism that’s backed by a hardened steel lockbar insert to prevent overtravel. In addition to bronze phosphorus washers, this top-shelf folder also boasts a 6AL-4V titanium pocket clip and hardware. Best of all, each knife is also made by hand in San Deigo, California.
MTM Grey Predator II Watch
Watches have been on the wrists of soldiers dating back to the trench watches of WWI, and they remain a critical piece of kit. And if you’re looking for something that’s tailor-made to get handle the toughest situations, you can’t go wrong with MTM’s Grey Predator II. The Spec Ops watch’s chronograph offers precision quartz timing down to 1/10th of a second, while the knurled crown and pushers all screw down to optimize the 200m water resistance. The 44.5mm case is crafted from lightweight titanium and fitted with a ratcheted timing bezel and an AR- and UV-coated sapphire crystal, while the hands boast tritium gas tube illumination that never needs to be charged.
