DIE HARD: THE ULTIMATE CHRISTMAS MOVIE (YEAH, WE SAID IT!)

"Come out to the coast, we’ll get together, grab some everyday carry from Gallantry…”

For whatever reason, the subject of whether or not John McTiernan’s 1988 Gallantry Man Action blockbuster classic Die Hard (watch the trailer HERE ), which follows NYPD detective John McClane (Bruce Willis) when he gets caught up in a terrorist takeover of a Nakatomi Plaza while visiting his estranged wife (the movie’s tagline is “Twelve terrorists. One cop. The odds are against John McClane... That’s just the way he likes it.”) in Los Angeles, has long since become an item of intensely hot debate. In fact, it is perhaps one of the most heated philosophical subjects in American history.

We could go on for a thousand pages as to why John McClane is such an awesome hero (i.e. Gallantry Man legend), but, for the purposes of this occasion, we’re primarily going to focus on our take as to whether or not Die Hard is, in fact, a Christmas movie.

At Gallantry, we say it is!

For starters, the movie’s screenwriter, Steven E. de Souza, has admitted as much, insisting that he was largely inspired by the movie’s source material, Roderick Thorpe’s 1979 Action-Thriller novel Nothing Lasts Forever, but also the 1954 holiday classic White Christmas. It’s why the entire movie takes place during the Christmas Eve portion of the Christmas holidays and really gets going at an office Christmas Party.

Look it. We appreciate that Bruce Willis may have said (watch it HERE ) that “Die Hard is not a Christmas movie. It’s a g*****n Bruce Willis movie!” during his 2018 Comedy Central Roast, but the facts are, well, the facts.

Die Hard has it all. Gunfire. Explosions. Endless smart-ass quips. However, we’re about to lay out some prime evidence as to why Die Hard is, in fact, a Christmas movie.

Grab the eggnog and the gingerbread cookies, y’all. It’s about to get Christmas-y AF.

Consider the scene wherein Argyle (De’voreaux White), McClane’s limo driver, picks McClane up from LAX at the beginning of the movie and proceeds to turn on Run-DMC’s “Christmas in Hollis” . When McClane asks him “Don’t you got any Christmas music?”, Argyle replies “This is Christmas music!” Honestly? He’s not wrong.

Watch the scene HERE .

“This week’s Dispatch is a SCORCHER, Hans!”

When Theo (Clarence Gilyard Jr.) warns his fellow goons that the fuzz is en route, he says “’Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house, not a creature was stirring except…for four assholes coming in the rear in standard two-by-two cover formation.” Watch the scene HERE ! Classic Christmas movie evidence in the building!

“It’s Christmas, Theo. It’s the time of miracles. So be of good cheer and call me when you hit the last lock.” – Hans Gruber (Alan Rickman)

Hans Gruber isn’t your typical thief. He’s a clever, suave, debonair antagonist (maybe the best ever) with wit to spare, a worthy adversary (he’d likely want to extract as much EDC from Gallantry as he could, albeit illegally) for our Gallantry Man legend protagonist. He also seems to be giddy about the fact that he’s attempting to steal millions in negotiable bearer bonds from Nakatomi Plaza on Christmas Eve. You see that! Even cosmopolitan thugs can’t help but get caught up with some Christmas cheer!

After McClain takes out one of Gruber’s henchmen, he sends the dead baddie back to Gruber with “Now I have a machine gun Ho ho ho” written on him (watch the scene HERE ).

Yeah. Sounds pretty Christmas-y to us, y’all!

“Look at all that Gallantry EDC from this week’s The Dispatch. It’s beautiful!”

When Theo finally does get the vault open, Gruber and his merry band of terrorists are overjoyed like a couple of little dudes finding their presents under their tree on Christmas morning. As if the “This is a Christmas movie!” symbolism couldn’t be more explicit, “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee” plays in the background before Theo smiles and says , “Merry Christmas!”

Your honor, how much more evidence do you need?

Oh yeah. Did we mention that the movie ends with John and Holly reconciling (hubba hubba, if you know what we mean) in the back of the limo while “Let it Snow” plays.

BOOM!

“Alright, John, listen. They want you to tell them where all the Gallantry EDC, especially those Dispatch jams, are. They know people are listening. They want the EDC or they're gonna kill me.”

“I am an exceptional everyday carry enthusiast, Mrs. McClane. And since I’m planning on hitting Gallantry’s warehouse next, you should be more polite.”

Good stuff. Alright. Enough with that. We’ve stated our case. Now it’s time for the main event. It’s time to get into some Die Hard-esque everyday carry, Gallantry-style.

WELCOME TO THE EDC PARTY, PAL!

As you well know by now, being a Gallantry Man is all about being prepared. You know who should’ve been more prepared before crawling into those really dark Nakatomi Plaza air ducts? That’s right. Our boy John McClane. Needless to say, this legend would’ve really been helped had he been packing a sweet everyday carry flashlight on him.

“I could’ve used that El Capitan Flashlight from Peak LED Solutions that Gallantry had in stock. Big time.”

THE EL CAPITAN FLASHLIGHT FROM PEAK LED SOLUTIONS

Constructed for professional adventurers, the water and shock-resistant El Capitan LED keychain flashlight will light the darkest paths of your journey with a simple twist. Equipped with industry-leading Quantum Tunneling Composite Technology, you’ll be able to adjust the lighting output from a soft glow to a blazing bright illumination and increase the battery longevity when the Cree XPG cool white LED is not on full blast. The stainless steel body with indestructible polycarbonate protective windows can hold three types of batteries, including a 14500 AA lithium-ion option. Appropriately adopting the name of the famous granite monolith, this American-made flashlight is ready for adventure.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Stainless steel construction
• Indestructible polycarbonate protective windows
• Water-resistant O-ring sealed openings
• Shock and water-resistant epoxy-sealed heads
• Compatible with standard alkaline AA (included), lithium AA, and rechargeable NiMH batteries
• Made in USA
• 3.72 oz.
• 4” L x 0.738” D (0.715” D head)

Available in Stainless Steel, Black, and Brass

El Capitan Flashlight

$79.95

[tab-section data-sc-active-background="#ffffff" data-sc-other-background="#ffffff" data-sc-color="#555555"][tab title="Details"] Constructed for professional adventurers, the water and shock-resistant El Capitan LED keychain flashlight will light the darkest paths of your journey with a simple twist. Equipped with industry-leading Quantum Tunneling Composite Technology, you’ll be able… read more

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El Capitan Flashlight

$59.95

[tab-section data-sc-active-background="#ffffff" data-sc-other-background="#ffffff" data-sc-color="#555555"][tab title="Details"] Constructed for professional adventurers, the water and shock-resistant El Capitan LED keychain flashlight will light the darkest paths of your journey with a simple twist. Equipped with industry-leading Quantum Tunneling Composite Technology, you’ll be able… read more

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El Capitan Flashlight

$74.95

[tab-section data-sc-active-background="#ffffff" data-sc-other-background="#ffffff" data-sc-color="#555555"][tab title="Details"] Constructed for professional adventurers, the water and shock-resistant El Capitan LED keychain flashlight will light the darkest paths of your journey with a simple twist. Equipped with industry-leading Quantum Tunneling Composite Technology, you’ll be able… read more

Translation missing: en.products.product.sold_out

To McClane’s great credit, he does have a standard Zippo lighter on his person (for that cig habit of his) in the movie. However, he didn’t get it from Gallantry, so off the bat it’s a less-than-ideal situation. If he had, we would’ve recommended he grabbed all of the following…

“What are you looking at? I’m getting my next two or three lighters from Gallantry! Don’t judge me!”

Hans Gruber may tell McClane (who’s partial to Roy Rogers, actually) that

“This time John Wayne does not walk off into the sunset with Grace Kelly” in Die Hard, but he was dead wrong. How badass would it have been if McClane had whipped out the Saloon Skull Zippo Lighter from Zippo?

Check it.

THE SALOON SKULL ZIPPO LIGHTER FROM ZIPPO

Zippo is the quintessential American lighter, the household name you automatically think of, because it stands for quality and is lifetime guaranteed by Zippo. The all-metal construction of each Zippo and windproof design means that you can use your lighter anywhere, any time. Zippos are refillable for a lifetime of enjoyment. This edition features a gunslinging skeleton, ready to duel. This design is featured on an emblem that is attached to a classic Street Chrome™ lighter.

Saloon Skull Zippo Lighter

$44.95

[tab-section data-sc-active-background="#ffffff" data-sc-other-background="#ffffff" data-sc-color="#555555"][tab title="Details"] Zippo is the quintessential American lighter, the household name you automatically think of, because it stands for quality and is lifetime guaranteed by Zippo.  The all-metal construction of each Zippo and windproof design mean you… read more

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You know what else would have been fresh? If McClane had whipped out this bad boy…

THE BLACK SLIM HIGH POLISH ZIPPO LIGHTER FROM ZIPPO

This edition is in a slimmer form factor with a high polish black finish.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Genuine Zippo windproof lighter with distinctive Zippo "click"
• All metal construction; windproof design works virtually anywhere
• Made in USA; Lifetime guarantee by Zippo
• Dimensions: 2.38" x 0.38" x 1.1"

Slim High Polish Zippo Lighter

$29.00

[tab-section data-sc-active-background="#ffffff" data-sc-other-background="#ffffff" data-sc-color="#555555"][tab title="Details"] Zippo is the quintessential American lighter, the household name you automatically think of, because it stands for quality and is lifetime guaranteed by Zippo.  The all-metal construction of each Zippo and windproof design mean you… read more

Translation missing: en.products.product.sold_out

Okay, you want to know what would have just been absolutely epic in Die Hard? You know when Gruber asks McClane “You know my name but who are you? Just another American who saw too many movies as a child? Another orphan of a bankrupt culture who thinks he's John Wayne? Rambo? Marshal Dillon?” Well, imagine if McClane had whipped out the killer Don’t Tread on Me Zippo Lighter from Zippo and said “PRETTY MUCH!”

THE DON’T TREAD ON ME ZIPPO LIGHTER FROM ZIPPO

This design uses the Laser Two-Tone process to create the iconic Gadsden Flag on this Satin Chrome lighter. Two different depths are achieved by utilizing the laser two-tone process, which is evident when looking between the coiled snake above the "Don’t Tread on Me®" expression and the star on the lid.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Genuine Zippo windproof lighter with distinctive Zippo "click"
• All metal construction; windproof design works virtually anywhere
• Made in USA; Lifetime guarantee by Zippo
• Dimensions: 2.25" x 0.5" x 1.5"

Don't Tread On Me Zippo Lighter

$26.95

[tab-section data-sc-active-background="#ffffff" data-sc-other-background="#ffffff" data-sc-color="#555555"][tab title="Details"] Zippo is the quintessential American lighter, the household name you automatically think of, because it stands for quality and is lifetime guaranteed by Zippo.  The all-metal construction of each Zippo and windproof design mean you… read more

Translation missing: en.products.product.sold_out

“Got a light? Sike! I’ve got three Zippos from Gallantry, hoss.”

John McClane didn’t carry a boss every day carry folding knife on him in Die Hard, but we’d be lying to you if we haven’t thought “What if he had?” once or twice (or a hundred times). We think Johnny Boy, if he had to do it all over again, would’ve been packing this slick blade…

“No more jokes, McClain. I want some Gallantry EDC and I want it now. The folding Carbon Fiber/Titanium Framelock ZT0470 Sinkevich Flipper from Zero Tolerance that’s in your pocket will suffice.”

THE CARBON FIBER/TITANIUM FRAMELOCK ZT0470 SINKEVICH FLIPPER FROM ZERO TOLERANCE

Designed by famed blade designer Dmitry Sinkevich and built with precision by Zero Tolerance in the USA, this 0470 flipper knife could be the crown jewel of your collection. Featuring premium CPM-20CV blade steel. and equipped with their signature KVT ball-bearing opening system and built-in flipper, the ZT0470 is easy and fast to open and features a silky smooth action. The unique marbled carbon fiber front insert complements the solid titanium framelock handle and yields a true work of art.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Made in the USA
• Designed by renowned bladesmith Dmitry Sinkevich
• CPM-20CV stainless steel blade, for the ultimate in edge retention and corrosion resistance
• Titanium framelock, with carbon fiber inlay
• KVT bearing pivot provides smooth and effortless flipper deployment.
• Blade length: 3.4"
• Overall length: 7.8"
• Flat-ground drop point design with a satin finish
• Weight: 3.3 oz.

Available in Carbon Fiber/Titanium

John McClane does, in fact, wear a watch in Die Hard. A TAG Heuer to be exact. However, the word on the street is that McClane (again, if he had to do it all over again), would’ve actually rocked this hot black strap/silver piece combo since it would’ve likely made Hans Gruber wet himself.

“Enough with the smartass one-liners! I want some Gallantry EDC! Give me your Timex American Documents Watch right this instant!”

THE TIMEX AMERICAN DOCUMENTS WATCH

Echoing the mantel clocks Timex built well over a century ago, the American Documents timepiece blends American brilliance with the precision found in European design. Made in the USA, this wristwatch is built from US-sourced stainless steel, featuring a brushed satin finish. The gold-plated Swiss Quartz analog movement and the clean dial is protected by impact-resistant Gorilla Glass 3, and the durable leather strap is crafted with homeland hides by American artisans. Topping off the 30-meter water-resistant watch is an “Aged Waterbury Brass” case back coin and crown insert, paying tribute to Timex’s original stamped brass clocks from 1854. The handsome watch comes in a cherry wood case that’s hand-rubbed to a striking natural finish. Wear it for a lifetime, and pass it down as a worthy heirloom.

SPECIFICATIONS

• SKU: TW2R82700US
• American stainless steel 41mm case
• Gold-plated Swiss Quartz analog movement
• 20mm leather strap
• 30-meter water-resistance
• “Aged Waterbury Brass” case back coin and crown insert
• Made in USA
• Inspired by Timex’s 1854 stamped brass clocks
• Cherry wood box with hand-rubbed natural finish
• Magnetic closure and brass hinges secure watch inside box

Available with Blackstrap/White Dial

Timex American Documents Watch

$495.00

[tab-section data-sc-active-background="#ffffff" data-sc-other-background="#ffffff" data-sc-color="#555555"][tab title="Details"] Echoing the mantel clocks Timex built well over a century ago, the American Documents timepiece blends American brilliance with the precision found in European design. Made in the USA, this wristwatch is built from US-sourced… read more

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“You f***** with the wrong cop’s Gallantry EDC, bud.”

At the end of Die Hard, Hans Gruber makes a fatal mistake when he ultimately dismisses John McClane as some kind of non-Gallantry Man legend, a ‘wannabe cowboy’.

“I’m sorry I tried to steal some EDC from Gallantry!!!!!!!!”

There’s a great lesson here. That lesson? No one in their right mind should ever, and we mean ever, underestimate a Gallantry Man (or mess with his Gallantry EDC).

“Look at all that smokin’ EDC from Gallantry, man!”

- LAPD Sgt. Al Powell (Reginald VelJohnson), probably

STREAM HARD

Personally, we love celebrating our very own Die Hard Christmas every year at Gallantry HQ, whether it was intended to be a Christmas movie or not. You know why? In the end, it doesn’t really matter. You know why? Because we really love Christmas and we really love Die Hard. You know what that means, right? Yes! We definitely love watching Die Hard on Christmas! It’s a Gallantry Man tradition and this year is no exception!

“GALLANTRYYYYYY!!!!!!!! Yippee-Ki-Yay, Motherf*****! I love The Dispatch!”

You know what to do, Gallantry Man. Stream Die Hard for free with ads on IMDB TV (via Amazon Prime Video) right HERE because ‘tis the season.