Multitool Predictions?

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v8_andrew_m

Joined
Jul 30, 2006
Messages
71
SHOT show is nearing (January next year). So what do you predict Multitool makers will come out with next year?

My bet is on an updated Surge/Wave line with the smaller tools (bottle/can opener/awl/bit driver/screwdrivers) opening outside (ala Victorinox). And I think they'll finally get rid of that bloody eyeglass screwdriver.

What are your predictions?
 
v8_andrew_m said:
......My bet is on an updated Surge/Wave line with the smaller tools (bottle/can opener/awl/bit driver/screwdrivers) opening outside (ala Victorinox). And I think they'll finally get rid of that bloody eyeglass screwdriver......
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Those sound more like wishes than predictions. :)
 
Iron man said:
Those sound more like wishes than predictions. :)
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:D Yeah I think so too. Considering the Charge Al, Alx, and Tti will retain the configuration, it's unlikely that they will modify the Wave/Surge form too much.

How 'bout this: Victorinox will put thumb studs and brass washers on their Swisstools and Spirits. This will make it possible for users to open the four big blades one-handed. A small modification that's certainly doable.

And Leatherman will respond in kind by putting all the Core blades outside (the first among Leatherman tools if I'm correct), like the Swisstool's. But they will conveniently forget to put thumbstuds.
 
v8_andrew_m said:
..
What are your predictions?
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I don't know about new models for the SHOT show, but I predict:

- multitool makers will continue to lower the quality of the carrying cases furnished with their products or make the cases options instead of standard.

- USA multitool companies will look overseas for more and more of their parts. Too, more of the tools we think of as American will be made entirely overseas.
 
v8_andrew_m said:
How 'bout this: Victorinox will put thumb studs and brass washers on their Swisstools and Spirits. This will make it possible for users to open the four big blades one-handed. A small modification that's certainly doable.
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Wow v8_andrew_m, I gotta admit, I was thinking about the same thing! There's a discussion going on here about the idea. Great minds must think alike! :D

~Bob
 
Will the the "made to measure" multi-tool ever become a reality ...... :(

PS - Wow !! A forum entirely dedicated to multitools !! Thanks for the link dude !!
 
parnass said:
I don't know about new models for the SHOT show, but I predict:

- multitool makers will continue to lower the quality of the carrying cases furnished with their products or make the cases options instead of standard.

- USA multitool companies will look overseas for more and more of their parts. Too, more of the tools we think of as American will be made entirely overseas.
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I am normally very optimistic about things, but I'm thinking along the same lines. I've seen subtle attempts to lower production/replacement costs as seen on the Leatherman bit holders.
I would be on the look-out for seemingly sexy improvements on multi-tools, which are nothing more than a less expensive tool.:rolleyes:
 
I've noticed the heavy leather sheaths included with Leatherman tools have in some cases been replaced with cheap imitation leather. (Blast, Fuse, Kick) Also they went from a polished finish on their knives and blades to a bead blast or tumbled finish. I'm sure this is a cost cutting measure, even though the bead-blast finish will rust easier.
 
Leatherman will make a new multi tool that has one handed opening pliers and knife blade, using premium material and be at a reasonable price. Probably not, but wishful thinking.

I agree with the above posts about quality. Things seem to be getting worse. I believe Leatherman will be replacing the Charge Ti and Xti in 2007, quoting high prices for Titanium. New models will have anodised aluminium.

My first ever multi tool was an imitation Leatherman PST made in the far east. I got it as it was cheap. Living in the UK, USA made multi tools are expensive, almost £ to $ equivalent. What happened when I first used the screwdriver, it bent. Since then I have paid the premium and bought several Leathermans and Gerbers. Expensive - yes, but in a mission critical environment, failure is not an option. The Made in USA tag gave reassurance and thus far I have not been let down.

Hopefully, a USA made multi tool will not end up like a far east imitation.
 
More integrated pocket clips.

Leatherman will extend their use of premium materials (like the 154cm blade and S2 tool bits in the Charge) into their other models.

Gerber will continue its decline into The Void. :)
 
Ray U said:
Leatherman will make a new multi tool that has one handed opening pliers and knife blade, using premium material and be at a reasonable price.
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They already do all of those with the charge, except for the cheap price.

So what you're saying is they'll bring down the price of the Charge? Unlikely.
 
Wonder what Multitools will be like in say, a 100 years !! :D

Nanotech + Biotech + Zero Point Energy etc etc ..... pity I won't be around to see it !!
 
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