You may always say it will only happen to the other guy…and then it happens to you. An abductor taking you away and locking you up against your will is an absolute nightmare. But when you have the Grim Workshop SERE Kit in your possession, the odds of escaping go way up!
This compact kit contains loads of tools to pick locks, open handcuffs, sever bindings, and bypass door locks. I was a bit skeptical of its effectiveness due to the amount of gear within its small footprint. However, I quickly changed my mind as soon as I put the kit’s components into action.
Initial inspection
The entire assembly of components came packed within a slim steel case. It featured a sliding lid and sturdy construction throughout its small footprint. At first glance, you would assume it’s similar to the obligatory “Altoid” canister that is used for homemade mini survival kits. However, this steel canister was so much tougher.
Inside the steel tin was a sealed packet of folded paperwork. The three individual packets were titled “How to Bypass a Lock”, “Escape and Evasion Skills”, and “How to Pick a Lock.” Four credit card-sized components were positioned underneath the paperwork. Two featured lock-picking tools. Grim Workshop’s designers shaped one component into a bypass tool and loaded the last one with mini escape gear.
With all these practical goodies at my fingertips, I was ready to dive right in.
Examining durability and ease-of-use
What was noticeable immediately was the rigidity of the four cards. What I suspected would be flimsy metal tools (in order for them all to fit in such a compact tin) turned out to be wrong. The three gear cards and the bypass card were all solid when examined. They felt like tools, not novelties, and when your very life may depend upon these tools performing, that’s exactly what you need.
Grim Workshop’s ingenious card design allows for the removal and replacement of all tools thanks to its magnetic retention system. I tested this numerous times as I selected and removed various tools. Then, they were all replaced within their original locations and held firmly within their holder. It prevents loss of the tools, as well as keeping everything organized in its place for quick muscle memory access when time matters.
Putting it to use
I haven’t mastered complex lock-picking techniques, mind you, but I did dabble in them a bit in the past. I used the picks against a deadbolt door lock. Though my skills were lacking to quickly bypass the lock, I did get a good feel of the tools, and they didn’t disappoint.
Though they may appear thin and fragile, they first withstood me forcibly removing them from their card (I since learned the trick of bending back the card frame for easy removal) and second, they held up to my repeated jabbing and turning of the picks within the solid deadbolt.
To be honest, the lock didn’t open, but that wasn’t a reflection on the tools but rather my own lack of proper lock-picking skills. I have no doubt that with enough practice, I would use the tools to do their job and bypass the lock.
Concealability for daily carry
The major benefit this kit has over many others on the market is its extreme concealability. As mentioned, it is about the size (if not smaller) than an Altoid tin canister. As such, it can fit easily in your front, back, or jacket pocket without fail. This kit can go everywhere you do, which is vitally important if you’re abducted.
Additionally, the individual cards are easily removable from the tin. They are transferable to your wallet for even greater carryability and assurance that they will always be nearby.
Final thoughts
This kit, without a doubt, packs an amazing number of useful tools in a small package. This is where the SERE Kit excels and exceeds many other kits on the market today. It covers a wide range of circumstances, from lock-picking to binding cutters to escape keys against handcuffs. It’s both well-rounded and constructed to work.
I noticed nothing novelty-like about any of the cards or tools included in the kit. Just saying you have the ability to escape means nothing if it doesn’t work when it counts. I’m confident this kit will give you a definite edge to escape your situation and allow you to get to safety.
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