Feedback for a dumb multi-tool design made by me.

Joined
Jul 19, 2016
Messages
3
Hey, I'd first like to apologize if I broke any forum rules and clarify that I have zero experience with the topic of multi tools, knives, etc.
I just got interested in it and literally just set a challenge to myself to design a one-piece tool with as many tools as I can.
This thing is the result (In my mind it's meant to be held like brass knuckles). I just want some feedback from you so I can improve it (Or discard it) and learn more about the topic in the process.
Single%20piece%20multi%20tool%20finished_zpsch3iz548.jpg
 
In my opinion there the screw drivers sticking out should be a little shorter, they seem like they might get snagged often. other than that I think it looks very nice.
 
It looks like brass knuckles. That could limit where you get away with using it.

I'm not the best judge, since I do prefer the plier type with foldout tools. More convenient, more capable.

Anyway, welcome to Bladeforums! You've got a lot of creativity to offer!
 
I know you said your goal was to put as many tools in a single OPMT as possible, but often (especially on an OPMT where space is at a premium) the addition of more tools simply compromises performance. There is a sweet spot somewhere where the addition or subtraction of a tool will only reduce the utility of the OPMT, and you've got to find it.

1. How big do you mean for this to be? If it's meant to be held like brass knuckles, that's a pretty big OPMT, and you'll have to think about how you want to carry it. It'll be too big to fit in a wallet, and with the pokey edges, it's going to need a holder or sheath of some kind.

2. The large Philips and the flathead at the bottom are off-axis, and will be awkward to use. (If you want an idea of what I mean - get a Victorinox Bantam, and try using the combo tool as a flathead screwdriver. You can, but it's really uncomfortable.) The smaller Philips will be fine, as its positioning gives you additional torque - but you want to think about whether that's the tool that is most likely to require torque. For my money, I'd put a medium-to-large flathead there instead.

3. What's your intended grip when using the saw edge? I can't see a way to hold it that also offers control. Same goes for the can opener... and to a lesser degree, the blade.

4. The sharp end of the can opener needs to be much longer and at a sharper angle (I assume that's a can opener on the right, and a cap lifter on the left?)

5. The V-notch near the pry tip - whether you intend for it to be used as a V-notch/pry tip or not, it will be. That means that the tip of the blade becomes a weak spot, because it will occasionally be used to pry. You don't want to encourage your users to pry with the tip of a knife!

Here's my suggestion - instead of trying to squeeze as many tools onto an OPMT as possible, prioritize them. Make a list of the tools you want on your personal OPMT, then rank them. When you design the OPMT, add tools as you go down the list. There'll be a point where it doesn't make sense to add the next tool on the list because it will make all the existing tools work less well, and that's where you'll find your sweet spot.

Okay, so after all the criticism, here's what I think you did well:

6. Hex wrench is in a great spot. Very good positioning for applying torque.

7. I wouldn't have thought to put a ruler where you did, but it works.

8. Nice blade shape - reminds me a little of Jared Price's Toucan.

9. For all my griping about the tool selection, you've chosen good tools and covered pretty much most of the bases.

You also want to think about who's going to carry a tool like this, a tool that is evidently trying to be a main EDC multitool (else why put as many tools on it as possible?) but necessarily can't include pliers or scissors. Most people who EDC a multitool will want pliers or scissors, and that usually means that they will already have a cap lifter on them; if they also want a blade and a saw, their EDC multitool will have one (or they'll have a dedicated blade), and it will probably perform better than yours. For me personally, there are two reasons to EDC an OPMT: when I can't carry a bladed tool, and when I need a small pry.

Keep working - I'd love to see what you come up with next :)
 
Looks pretty good for initial concept. I'd probably change the saw teeth to maybe a file for pocket purposes and you knife into perhaps an awl of sort with an edge that can cut. Alternatively, a rounded tip may be better again for Pocket purposes.

Don't forget a hole for a lanyard/keyring.
 
Here, I tried to fix it according to what you said (pelicularities).
Single%20piece%20multi%20tool%20finished%202_zpspndswows.jpg

As for the overall purpose of the tool, I didn't really think of that.
 
Back
Top