multitools

thatonekid · May 16, 2011, 10:24:32 PM

what kind of tools should I look for on said mulitool, other than the obvious: knife (preferably serrated) and pliers?

titanII · May 16, 2011, 10:27:08 PM

screwdrivers are good, so are wire cutters, file, can opener (used for more than just cans), and apparently a fork and a spoon. Not sure if leatherman makes one with the last two

thatonekid · May 16, 2011, 10:36:17 PM

DUH! I should have included a can opener in that list! and I think I can handle bringing a separate fork/spoon/spork/knorkoon/whatever else you want to call it.

Aside: I call a combination netween a fork, spoon, and knife a knorkoon...but I guess it's a matter of preference.

titanII · May 16, 2011, 10:48:03 PM

Quote from: thatonekid on May 16, 2011, 10:36:17 PM
Aside: I call a combination netween a fork, spoon, and knife a knorkoon...but I guess it's a matter of preference.

with a utensil as crazy-awesome as this, it's all a matter of preference

thatonekid · May 16, 2011, 10:53:30 PM

True...my concern with this kind of utensil is that there is a knife on the side, can you imagine the report? "Cadet accidentally amputated own tongue with knorkoon"

thatonekid · May 16, 2011, 11:32:52 PM

I'm thinkin' a Freestyle, Juice S2, a Kick, or a Skeletool. Any better ideas? Note: I'm trying to keep it cheep and simple...

Eclipse · May 16, 2011, 11:46:08 PM

Freestyle

Sure, but it's really only a knife and pliers.

Juice S2

A little small.

Kick

Basically a PST with plastic added.

Skeletool

Not a fan - basically a Freestyle "+". The hook might seem like a good idea, but it just makes it bigger, and odds are you'll
lose the bits.

thatonekid · May 17, 2011, 12:15:50 AM

Sure but what would you recomend?

Eclipse · May 17, 2011, 12:40:42 AM

Of that group? The Kick.

thatonekid · May 17, 2011, 12:42:05 AM

No, just in general.

Eclipse · May 17, 2011, 12:45:14 AM

I already said the Leatherman PST

thatonekid · May 17, 2011, 12:49:51 AM

Oh...

thatonekid · May 17, 2011, 12:52:03 AM

Do they still sell it? It is under the "retired" tab on their website...

Eclipse · May 17, 2011, 01:31:57 AM

There are at least 28 available on eBay right now, most under $30, some for less than that.

Otherwise, the Kick is essentially the same tool in an updated form.
PST

Mine was a USAF-Issue in the early '90's to a LoadToad friend of mine who gave it to me when he cycled out.
It is part of my EDC and though it shows wear from use, is still in great shape and I would be heartbroken if
I lost it.

I carry it in a Safariland 123-1 concealment holster.

I've worn out two of those but not the tool.

thatonekid · May 17, 2011, 01:43:49 AM

Thank you verry much, I really apreciate it.

N7MOG · May 17, 2011, 11:26:25 PM

Actually the Leatherman has a 25 year warranty, not really lifetime, but close. There are lots out there. Leatherman is my favorite.
Bill

NM SAR · May 25, 2011, 01:51:36 PM

I seem to be the only person here who's not madly in love with either Leatherman or Gerber...... $:-\$

anyhow, I use something called the Zilla-tool made by Columbia River Knife and Tool. it's a fairly simple piece; 2 screwdriver blades, a knife, and pliers. the beauty is that any of the above are quick and easy to get to (no origami tricks like with some multitools)

here's a link to the manufacturer, though you can find it about $20 cheaper elsewhere on the web. http://www.crkt.com/Zilla-Tool-Black-Handle-Bead-Blast-Finish

IC3man · June 21, 2011, 11:18:07 PM

Can't go wrong with a Gerber or a Leatherman. If you want, you could also carry a fixed blade (within CAP Regs of course!). I carry both a multitool and a knife, just because they are both very useful. But, keep in mind, you want quality, and your knife/multitool is one area you don't want to go cheap. Keep it simple and reliable.

EMT-83 · June 22, 2011, 02:59:50 AM

There was a blurb on the Leatherman on History Channel. It seems that the guy who invented the tool happens to be named Leatherman. Who knew?

Eclipse · June 22, 2011, 03:10:23 AM

Quote from: EMT-83 on June 22, 2011, 02:59:50 AM
There was a blurb on the Leatherman on History Channel. It seems that the guy who invented the tool happens to be named Leatherman. Who knew?

Amazing...

Quoth the wiki:
Timothy S. Leatherman, a 1970 mechanical engineering graduate of Oregon State University, and his business partner, Steve Berliner, formed Leatherman Tool Group in 1983 to sell Leatherman's first patented multi-tool prototype, called "Mr. Crunch" while in development.

I always assumed it had something to do with working leather.