Featured Real Life Lightsaber: EMPI TEC Torch Dave Merrill May 25, 2015 Join the Conversation At RECOIL, we review every product fairly and without bias. Making a purchase through one of our links may earn us a small commission, and helps support independent gun reviews. Learn More Walking the aisles at the Border Tech Expo something immediately caught my eye. I don't know if it was due to the shiny surface, sharp spikes on the end or maybe even its phallic shape (okay, not the last one). As I approached the table, I was expecting a BudK-esque flashlight or other such nonsense. But no, it wasn't one of those at all. It was much better. What's not to like about directed thermite? What you're looking at is the TEC (Thermal Erosion Cutter) Torch by EMPI (Energetic Materials & Products Incorporated). It's a breaching tool, and one that can make quick work in some situations where other tools fall flat. As you probably deduced from the name (and well, the first picture showing a saber of fire) it uses heat to cut. A lot of heat. Using heat to breach isn't exactly brand new but it's usually a cumbersome process. When space and time is limited, the TEC Torch is an easy button. Simply put, it's a handheld directional thermite device that can scorch its way through a lot of material in a short period of time. There were two different cartridges on display. One was for cutting through commonly found items like padlocks and rebar, and the other is for hole punching. Here's a closer look at the business ends: On the left is the cutter, and on the right is what I'll call the, ‘helluva hole puncher'. The spikes aren't just there for show either, they ensure proper alignment with whatever the hell you're about to melt with 4,000 degrees of fury. Also on display was a number of items they've cut with the TEC Torch, just to give you some ideas You might be thinking, just as I did, ‘Well okay, why not just use bolt cutters on the locks?' Bolt cutters can be awkward to use in confined spaces, have to be carried, and can take quite a bit of force. Furthermore, some padlock configurations make it all but impossible to suitably reach the shackle. As you can see from the pictures, the TEC Torch is about the size of an old school D-Cell Maglite (1.5″ diameter and ~1ft long) when fully assembled and can be transported broken down. To use the TEC Torch, you first select the appropriate cartridge and insert it into the handle. Place the spikes on what you're going to obliterate. There is a safety on the bottom of the handle that needs to be disengaged, and then you push forward on the flashlight-type slider switch. Pushing forward to fire is important so you don't inadvertently pull it off the target. Each handle can be used up to 100 times before it needs to be replaced. But there's more. Each cartridge can also be wired for remote detonation. That way the breacher can configure multiple charges all to fire at the same time. Now, we couldn't just leave without seeing it in action, right? EMPI was on hand during the range portion with rebar and steel plate to slash fire though. When it goes off, it sounds like a rocket motor–because it virtually is. It was interesting to see the fiery output start wide as it begins the cut, only to narrow and finally join as the rebar is worked through. It cut, and it cut fast. It has to, as the complete charge only lasts about a second. Punching a hole through a plate was of similar speed. After about a second, a 3/8″ hole appears through plates up to 1/2″ thick. While you aren't going to be able to make a constant cut like a plasma torch, you will have the ability to scoot through a bore camera. While it can't be used universally EMPI does list several roles the TEC Torch can hold: Breaching! Rescue – facility entry EOD – UXO Neutralization Salvage Deepwater Diver exploration or EOD System or Device Thermal Destruction Tactical Operations Personally, I want to see what it would do when stabbed into a bad guy and set off (hey, director of Expendables III–take notes!). For more information, visit EMPI's webpage here. For fun, here's one more picture where I caught the cut rebar as it was falling: Why you can trust RECOIL Since our founding in 2012, RECOIL remains the premier firearms lifestyle publication for the modern shooting enthusiast. We deliver cutting-edge coverage of guns, gear, accessories and technology. We go beyond basic reviews, providing no B.S. buyer’s guides, hands-on testing and expert analysis on everything from firearms and survival equipment to watches and vehicles. Our reviewers are the backbone of our operation and come from diverse shooting backgrounds: Former law enforcement, military veterans, competitive shooters, seasoned hunters and plain old firearms enthusiasts. Furthermore, we’re not just gun experts, but dedicated journalists who adhere to the strictest standards of our profession. At RECOIL, editorial independence is the foundation of everything we publish and the cornerstone of reader trust. Our editors, writers and content creators make all editorial decisions independently, free from outside influence. That boils down to: advertisers don’t dictate our coverage, the outcomes of our reviews or what we recommend in our buyer’s guides. First and always, our commitment is to our audience—ensuring every review and article is accurate, unbiased, and driven by real-world experience. Whether you’re selecting your next firearm, upgrading your gear, or exploring the latest innovations in the shooting world, RECOIL provides the trusted insights you need to make informed decisions. Learn more about our Editorial Standards and how we review products. NEXT STEP: Download Your Free Target Pack from RECOILFor years, RECOIL magazine has treated its readers to a full-size (sometimes full color!) shooting target tucked into each big issue. Now we've compiled over 50 of our most popular targets into this one digital PDF download. From handgun drills to AR-15 practice, these 50+ targets have you covered. Print off as many as you like (ammo not included). Get your pack of 50 Print-at-Home targets when you subscribe to the RECOIL email newsletter. We'll send you weekly updates on guns, gear, industry news, and special offers from leading manufacturers - your guide to the firearms lifestyle.You want this. Trust Us.