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12/04/09
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12/04/09
I've never, in the 6 months I've owned it so far opened it accidentally. As for it being classified as a switchblade by any authorities-- from my experience, that won't happen. I've been searched by police (long story, very trivial) and they didn't assume it was a switchblade. Also, at an airport they found it in my checked-in luggage and reviewed it only to realize it wasn't a switchblade. Perhaps in Canada the knowledge about the difference between assisted torsion blades and switchblades is more common.
In any case, the knife is tough as nails and all the components can be replaced. Also, the assisted pliers do give out about twice the grip strength as advertised-- it's amazing.
12/04/09
"Perhaps in Canada the knowledge about the difference between assisted torsion blades and switchblades is more common." Given my personal experience in the US, that's one possible explanation. As far as any cop I've ever "met" is concerned, if you can open it with one hand it's a switchblade and you're a perp. As such, my advice comes from the CYA angle.
12/04/09
As for being searched and having a police officer finding the multitool on me, he acknowledged it was strictly a work tool, and also that it wasn't a switchblade. Perhaps officers in Canada are trained to know the difference. When I was searched, I was in full work attire too-- slacks, dress shirt, etc, so I didn't exactly look like I was about to shank anybody with my chiv.
12/04/09
That's useful to know, and it makes this multitool a better deal. I wish Kershaw would add closed-position locks, or at lease use lighter springs.
12/05/09
12/07/09
EDIT: You may be referring to my message about police characterization of knives that can be opened one-handed, in which case you have a point. Yes, there are knives that can be opened one-handed that contain no springs whatsoever, and these knives are not legally classified as switchblades. On multiple occasions I have witnessed active-duty American police officers label knives that contain no springs as switchblades, their sole reasoning being that the knives could be opened with one hand.
12/10/09
I thought I was being clear, but I can see how I could have been more so. Thanks again.
12/04/09
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12/03/09
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12/03/09
It's a companion to my Leatherman Crunch - The can opener and the geared pliers are better than the Leatherman offerings.
12/04/09
I'd love it if they offered different gear ratios.
12/04/09
I like the vise grip that the Letherman offers, but to be honest, I've not been happy with their products because it seems the tools are not designed well. Honestly, I pick up my Swissflame SAK more often than my original Leatherman (the Crunch and the Sog stay on my motorcycle).
12/03/09
12/04/09
Second, save yourself the trouble and buy a Kershaw, Benchmade or similar folder and then a Leatherman or Swisstool.
Ultimately I think SOG is fine but I like Leatherman better for functionality, reliable quality and hand comfort. Swisstools are probably built even better but they're not quite my style. Frankly SOG is pretty much second tier in almost every way, unless for example you want the flexibility to switch out tools, which you can not do in anything else.
Also, the spring assist in that SOG basically costs you any tools besides the blades in that half of the tool. Not worth it in my opinion.
Although if you need to use standard hex bits, for example because of some unusual screws you need to turn, get a SOG. Unless you use an adapter, Leathermans use proprietary flattened hex bits. They work fine for me but not everybody likes them.
12/04/09
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12/02/09
Electromagnetic Pulses Cat Through Steel in Milliseconds
and i was a bit concerned
carry on
12/02/09
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12/01/09
11/30/09
IMHO, this is an overpriced exotic multi-tool which will do nothing particularly well and many tasks with mediocrity. It seems to be more about design and less about the real world; kinda like designer furniture and such. Collectors may grab it up though....
I'll stick with my Leatherman New Wave, thank you very much; it does many things very well.
11/30/09
Leatherman's service is bar none and their products frickin' LAST.
11/30/09
Yep, the Leatherman factory is about 25 miles from me. it's a bit over a mile from the Portland, Oregon airport. (If someone is flying into PDX, they do factory tours on Wednesdays; reservations required.)
A few months ago, I went to the factory to be a guinea pig to evaluate three new designs. it was fun!
While there, I told them about how my Leatherman Micra was confiscated by TSA. I also told them how I forgot my Wave was in my carry-on when leaving Tokyo. Unlike the TSA, the Japanese security made sure it was properly returned to me at my destination.
After listening to my stories, Leatherman gave me a replacement Micra. Since I had my Wave with me, they sent it into the service department and had the main blade replaced, the tensions adjusted, and had my name put on it too! This was on top of the $25 gift card I received. NICE!
When I picked it up a week later, I bought two Juice models for $20 each, plus a case for each, to give as gifts. They have some real killer deals on blems at the store, but 95% of items are at MSRP as to avoid undercutting their retailers.
11/30/09
12/01/09
Sure I've had colleagues snicker a bit, but who always had the right tool handy? I rarely give a rats-ass about what people think....
12/01/09
12/01/09
The Shard from Gerber Legendary Blades, another local company 10 miles from home, is MUCH more reasonable. I'd have to handle one to really evaluate its usefulness as I cannot get a good sense of scale from the pix.
Is sort-of reminds me of the US military issue P-38 can opener (prior to MREs.)
11/30/09
Or one eye from each brother.
That must be the multi-function part.
11/30/09
12/01/09
11/30/09
To crush my enemies, see them driven before me, and hear the lamentations of their women.
11/30/09
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