Idea, Feedback and Questions.

[ToyKnife]

This maybe better off in the Multi-tool or Wilderness & Survival forum but I’ll give it a shot here.

I have an idea. Imagine this. A multi-tool that has a 3-3.25-inch 154cm/s30v/m2/etc. one-handed opening frame/liner lock blade. In addition there is a saw, diamond file and scissors; all locking in place. The file and the saw may have the ability to be replaced but this may increase the overall size of the tool. Keep in mind that it may or may not have all these tools. Think knife with a combination of the three options.

I’m thinking about the design of the Leatherman tools and lock for there size and usefulness. There lock system is not as redefined as a nice clean lock back but as stated very useful and compact. The scissors would be the size of the Victorinox model or original Wave with the leaf spring action of the Leatherman.

Handle material could be anything from G-10 to Micarta to Ti or even aluminum.

Simply designed and constructed which allows one to easily clean and service the tool. Think Sebenza in the way of simplicity and design quality. Picture the overall size of a Victorinox Alox with four layers or a maximum size of a Victorinox lockblade model. You want a pocket clip, sure add that too.

The reason I bring this up is because these are the tools that I use the most from either a SAK or Leatherman. I don’t use the screwdrivers, corkscrew, awl, bottle or can openers, etc. When I’m using a Leatherman or SAK I’m always in the vicinity of other tools, real full size hand tools. And we all know that the real thing just works better.

Plus, for all you backpackers out there do you really use the can opener? Or the bottle opener for something other then beer? Most food comes in something you slice open, right? If you are car camping then can bring an opener. For all you survival gurus I feel that most of you are using a SAK for the knife and saw. Do you need a tool with all the screwdrivers, attachments, corkscrew, bottle openers, etc. for an out in the middle of nowhere situation? If you are in an urban environment then I would think that the tool stated above would allow you to find more tools. Just a guess but in an urban environment I think a sledgehammer would be your friend. It opens doors and cabinets so you can access the tools/supplies you need. Does that sound about right? Or maybe I should ask what does one mean by urban survival? I assume that this means to most everyone here that everything is gong to hell quick. No lights, tools, food, power, etc.

Frankly, in an outdoors survival situation it seems that a good knife, saw, fire starter and clothing is the key. For an urban environment a flashlight, sledgehammer, maybe a knife and clothing would work. Add a satellite phone to either package and you have a deal but you have a better chance of finding or buying the other gear.

What tools are really needed? Knife, check. Saw for outdoors, check. Scissors for first aid, check. File….well; a diamond file is just handy. Locks, cable, chain and wire can be cut and knives can be sharpened, not to a great edge but better then nothing.

It is a rough idea so any input is appreciated. Pick it apart and let me know.:thumbup:

 

[SR_matt]

well personally for me i have never found those saws useful, if its small enough to saw with that little thing you can break it pretty easy with hands/feet/etc,

if i wanted a multi tool for out door survival i would want: blade, maybe second blade, pliers, fire starter maybe but i would much prefer a lighter (maybe a torch lighter), the diamond file would be a good idea but it needs to be able to detach to be much use to sharpen the blades. in all honesty thought "survival" items are very few that i would really want.

now for an urban or around the town/shop i would drop the file and fire starter/lighter so my list would change to: blade, 2nd blade very optional here, pliers would be nice but not as big of a deal, interchangeable of the following- screwdrivers, allen keys, torx keys. i know when im working in the shop i always need allen keys to change stuff out and when i go out to play paintball i always need 2 specific sizes of allen wrenches and wish i didnt have to dig in my tool box to get to my allen key set and then make sure i put them back and dont use them. i know those that need torx/allens/screwdrivers need the same few all the time so a multi tool that could change out to fit the needs would be awesome.

-matt

 

[Lurker]

Your configuration sounds good. As we all know, the pliers-based multi-tool ala Leatherman has seen so many imitations in various configurations it seems that you could probably find something close to just about any tool combination you could want and in various sizes. The multi-tool category which is based on a qualtiy one-handed knife with premium steel is still in it's infancy. But it seems to be a possible future direction for the multi tool concept. I wouldn't be surprised to see a lot more options in this category in the next couple of years. Maybe even one matching your description.

Regarding the tool combination, I would add my opinion that I would need to see at least one screwdriver for me to be interested. I personally find them to be very handy for various prying or scraping jobs that I wouldn't want to use a blade on and they also come in handy for a variety of small equipment maintenance and repair jobs that crop up in daily life as well as while camping. I would also assume that a survival situation might include repairing, modifying or improvising personal equipment or mechanical devices of some kind (for instance, getting a disabled vehicle operational or maintaining a camp stove, etc.).

But of course, everyone has their own needs and requirements and choice is good. No one multi-tool will be perfect for everyone. It would be cool if a company like Leatherman or Victorinox would let you order a custom combination of tools to be included in a multitool or SAK. Heck, just to be able to order a premium blade steel in a SAK would be awesome, IMO.

I also like the idea of having replaceable tools in a multi tool. This has been done with the saw in some models, but it is uncommon. It wouldn't really have to add bulk if the multi tool were built with screwed construction like a Sebenza or Benchmade, etc. It seems a shame to compromise the value of an entire multi-tool just because, for instance, the saw has become hopelessly dull.

 

[Smash05]

I'm not sure I want a knife centric multi with premium steel. Premium steels tend to have some trade offs over say SAK steel. People would buy them for sure though, probably me too. I just think its hard to improve a SAK.

 

[Lycosa]

FWIW---My knife-knut buddy only will carry the Vic. Farmer now. He swears by it.