Tools for a true escape

Escape and Evasion tools are designed to aid in the removal of restraints, assist in evading capture, open locks, navigate and be able to covertly signal your location. This all must be done in a very small package and in some cases hidden within other objects.

During WWII with a great number of Airmen being shot down behind enemy lines the advent of supplying Escape and Evasion tools began. More than just supplying them to AirMan to carry, they also began hiding aids inside everyday objects so they could be smuggled into POW camps. If you are interested in this as a subject the best book I have ever found is “Evasion & Escape Devices” by Phil Froom. It details the items produced by MI9, MIS-X and the SOE during WWII. Pocket handkerchief maps, button compasses, things hidden in cigarettes….. soooo many tiny compasses. It's a fantastic read

Use with Caution

hese tools are to be used for illegal detainment and to evade capture in life threatening situations. The improper use of these tools will get you a face full of pepper spray in the back of a squad car. For those of you who are deciding that you wish to follow in the footsteps of Houdini understand that being an Escape artist is a performance. Yes it can be dangerous but restraints are often manipulated. When Houdini would be challenged to remove a pair of handcuffs he would often say that one pair was not enough. He would then cover his arms with his restraints and place the challenge pair furter up his arm. Having large forearms, once Houdidni had removed his own collection of handcuffs he would just have to slide off the challenge pair from his larger forearm over his thinner wrist and hands. But he could also untie knots with his toes and traveled with a steamer trunk full of just keys. The guy was equipped with options, having options is the key to Escape and Evasion.

Why Choose Sparrows’ Escape and Evasion Gear?

All SPARROWS SERE tools have been developed with direct input from those within the military community and those that provide SERE training at the highest levels.