multi-tool formerly known as the Gerber Gator Jaw

shootist16

shootist16

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I have been wanting one of these since I saw them on Equipped to survive:
http://www.equipped.com/shot00.htm

Well they have finally started arriving at knife dealers. The Knifecenter has them in stock:
http://store.knifecenter.com/pgi-Product%20Spec?GB8239,

They are now called the Gerber legend. I ordered one today and cant wait to get it into my hands. A review will be forthcoming. These look like a real winner, but I will let you all know.



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Dennis Bible
 
Happy camper now? Well, not until the tool arrives
biggrin.gif
Looking forward to reading your review. I'm gonna order mine very soon as well.

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AKTI Member # A000005
NC Knife Knuts Member
Living life "on the edge"
 
I am thrilled! I would have never found it if it weren't for you Dex. I didn't know they changed the name from the gator jaw to the legend. I cant believe this isnt generating more excitement than what it is. Seems to have taken the best of several designs and placed them into one.

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Dennis Bible
 
Dennis,

The only reason I'm not wetting my pants over this tool is that I respect Gerber's ability to hose the implementation. Maybe it'll end up bigger than it looks, or heavier, or the scissors will remain too short, or whatever. I trust Leatherman and Victorinox more to get all the details right. If Gerber does deliver what's being promised, though, I'll have to wear Depends for a week
smile.gif
 
I am with you on that Joe. I have never been impreesed with Gerber's multi tools, prefering Leatherman instead. If this one delivers what is promised it would more than make up for Gerber's lacking in the past.
legendw.jpg


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Dennis Bible
 
I just got in a dozen of them today (yes, they're all spoken for and have shipped- sorry) and the sample I kept is very encouraging. It's lighter than my SuperTool, thicker and curvier too. Tools have that Gerber slickery beadblast. Tools all seem to work well so far- I haven't twisted any of the screwdrivers off like I did to an older Gerber. The one thing I don't like about it is that it lacks a ruler like the ST. Best thing about it? SPRING-LOADED pliers!!! Another great feature is the wire cutter- that little triangle carbide cutter can be rotated 3 times, and then, after wrecking all 3 sides you just replace it- ingenious! It all comes with the ubiquitous Gerber nylon/velcro sheath, and a T8 L Key to loosen/tighten tools (they all ship way too tight for my liking). The locks work well, and the replaceable 1/4" jigsaw blade is a good feature when you end up cutting more than one type of material (altho I'll let the Dewalt handle the tough stuff). It comes with a RemGrit jigsaw blade. One other "feature" that isn't as endearing is the blade- which, like the scissors is one-hand opening, but it's a COMBO edge- yuck- especially on such a short blade.

Joe- while the scissors are SHORT, the fact that they are spring-loaded as well, makes them really easy to use- very similar to the Micra's.

That's the short review- I think a few of my customers will be posting more once they receive them. In essence- I like it!

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Regards,
Tim
Nor'east Knives
noreastknives@bigfoot.com

There are two rules for ultimate success in life.
Never tell everything you know.



[This message has been edited by Tim Flanagan (edited 06-27-2000).]
 
Yeah I want one to, but with that price, and the fact that I already have a fairly new 600 series on my belt right now I think I'll wait until the price drops some.
It does look pretty cool, and I can't wait to get a chance to handle one, but their are several things I would like to change about them too in terms of tool choices. Now if they happen to set up a build your own webpage to order them from like the 600 series, there will be no stopping me
smile.gif


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It'll feel better when it stops hurting.
 
Are all of them going to have half-serrated blades?

I thought (per the equipped.com review) that they were going to lengthen the screwdrivers?

How easy is the 1-handed blade to open, Tim?

From this pic, I am probably going to stick with my Wave...

Anyone know when the new Leatherman Pulses are going to ship?

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Clay Fleischer
clay_fleischer@yahoo.com
AKTI Member A000847
 
Yep, it seems they are all ONLY part serrated. Pity. And although Gerber originally stated they would increase the length of the drivers, judging by the looks of the innards, they didn't have the room or didn't want the cost of retooling (more this reason is my guess).

The one-hand opening is pretty easy- shorter throw than I'm used to but easy enough to learn.

This will probably end up as the car multi-tool, and I'll stick with the SuperTool for regular use, but don't get me wrong- Gerber has come a long way from the old tools they put out. Color me moderately impressed.

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Regards,
Tim
Nor'east Knives
noreastknives@bigfoot.com

There are two rules for ultimate success in life.
Never tell everything you know.

 
I got mine today. I am a little dissapointed to be honest. Of course I really had high expectations of this multi-tool. Gerber came really close with this one.

smile.gif
All tools open from the outside
All tools open independantly (no clumping)
All tools lock
replaceable tungsten carbide cutter
replaceable jigsaw blade
spring loaded pliers
handles dont "bite" when using the pliers

frown.gif
partially serrated blade (would rather have one of each)
tool is a little bigger than I would like
the sheath sucks! Way too big. reminds me of those old flap style holsters for pistols
The screwdrivers are too short
The handles are too widely spaced when using the pliers. I have medium sized hands and the handles are almost too far apart to get a good grip on when using the pliers.

I am not sure why, other than looks, Gerber used the black rubber inserts. They contribute nothing to the ergonomics of the handle. The handles are so thick and far apart that the inserts don't add much to the feel.

Overall I like the multi-tool. There are a few things I would change. It has alot to offer and is definately an improvement over previous Gerber multitools. This one has alot of good features, but it could be alot better.


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Dennis Bible
 
Dennis - thanks for sharing your thoughts on the tool. About the drivers being too short - looks a lot to me like the Phillips driver will accept that coupler that Gerber sold along with the Multi-Locks. I guess you can slide one on there and put a driver bit in there to gain extra length? Wonder if they'll offer the coupler and extra bits along with the Legend someday. that would increase its versatility in the driver department.

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AKTI Member # A000005
NC Knife Knuts Member
Living life "on the edge"
 
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