Shomer-Tec stands out for its unusual catalog. The company promotes itself as a source for law enforcement and military gear, but also leans into spy tools and revenge gadgets. That pitch alone led me to a conversation with Jeff from Shomer-Tec about their lineup.
The Shomer-Tec Way
A search for a compact escape-and-evasion kit brought me to their site, where I found gear for police, the military, and anyone interested in lockpicking, security, or survival. I’ve tested several of their products, especially stash and travel items. Spending months abroad each year, often in places where trouble is more likely than not. I need gear that hides in plain sight. Shomer-Tec delivers exactly that.
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Beyond covert storage and escape tools, their catalog includes survival gear for both urban and wilderness use. Whether you’re planning for emergencies in the city or bracing for the backcountry, Shomer-Tec offers options that fit the bill!
Shomer-Tec Escape Stick
Shomer‑Tec’s Escape Stick packs a surprising amount of utility into a tiny frame. Built as a covert escape tool, it handles restraints ranging from handcuffs—even double‑locked—to zip ties, duct tape, rope, and cords.
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The stick carries three key components. First, a rod saw capable of cutting metal, plastic, wood, and fibrous material. Second, a handcuff key integrated into that rod saw, using the saw itself as the handle. Third, a toothed saw that doubles as a shim pick for zip ties. All of these ride inside a rubber sheath that hides the tools from view while keeping them accessible in seconds.
Its low‑profile design makes concealment easy. At just 3 inches long, less than half an inch wide, and weighing only 0.15 ounces, the Escape Stick disappears into pockets, pouches, or Shomer‑Tec’s Escape Travel Belt. Despite its size, it offers serious capability for undercover professionals, travelers in hostile regions, or anyone who may face unlawful restraint. Made in the USA.
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MSRP: $25
Test It
I was successful the first time I bound myself up with duct tape. It took some creative movements. However, once it began to puncture the fibrous material, it didn’t take long to break free.
Covert Coffee Stash
For travelers who want a discreet backup plan, Covert Coffee offers a clever way to hide small valuables in plain sight. A disposable cup filled with coffee in a car’s holder rarely draws attention. Few people would bother lifting the lid, let alone dip their fingers inside.
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The device sits submerged at the bottom of a standard disposable coffee cup or thermos. Its design prevents floating or shifting, keeping it locked in place under the liquid. Built from food‑grade plastic, it’s watertight, reusable, and sized to fit most major brands’ cups from 8 to 20 ounces—including Starbucks®.
The interior dimensions are 1.75 x 1.75 inches. It weighs only 1.6 ounces and comes in black. Made in the USA. Shomer-Tec does not include a cup of coffee.
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MSRP: $12
It Works
I was lucky to find a branded, plastic cup that looked the part. I tested it on the hotel housekeeper. Pro hack: Use a Post-it note and write “don’t throw away.” This cup blends into the background and would deter any hotel or home burglar. Stuff your small valuables inside the waterproof chamber. Great job, Shomer-Tec!
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Fire Buttons
These low-profile last-resort fire-lighting items can replace existing buttons on your clothing. This way, they’re always with you and take up no additional space or weight. These were originally developed by Shomer-Tec for special ops military personnel to use during escape-and-evasion situations. They can also be valuable survival items for anyone who could face an unexpected survival situation in the wilderness.
Two versions are offered: ferrocerium and magnesium. Ferrocerium is a synthetic pyrophoric alloy that produces hot sparks that can reach temperatures of 5,400 degrees (F) when striking with a hard object. Magnesium shavings serve as a highly efficient accelerant and super-hot tinder. Fire is produced by scraping shavings off the magnesium button, then striking the ferrocerium button to produce a shower of sparks that can ignite the magnesium shavings in order to set fire to kindling material.
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The standard button size is 0.75 inch in diameter and 0.156 inch thick. Weight is 0.1 ounce for the magnesium and 0.2 ounce for the ferrocerium. Each button is sold separately and made in the USA.
MSRP: $16
Shomer-Tec Conclusion
Shomer‑Tec continues to carve out a niche with gear built for discretion, survival, and escape. From covert storage to last‑ditch fire starters, their catalog blends innovation with practicality. For travelers, professionals, or anyone who values preparedness, these tools prove that sometimes the smallest items can make the biggest difference.
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