SWAT March 2008
Strider's DB:
A Crowbar with an Edge
By Erick Gelhaus
From time to time, circumstances
arise that result in
a solid piece of gear being
developed. In the mid-1990s, a California offi
cer—whose jurisdiction included
three interstates, an international airport,
major truck stops and a rail line—
identifi ed the need for a new tool. This
tool needed to be capable of prying and
impromptu breaching, yet functional as
an edged weapon.
The officer’s search warrant gear had
a Strider WB fixed-blade knife on it. The
shape was close to what he wanted, but
the WB was too big for uniformed carry.
The dimensions of the trauma plate
pocket were used as a guide for size.
Knowing exactly what he wanted, he
designed a new tool that would meet the
above criteria.
