Outside/inside accessibility of MT blades

J

JackNate

Joined
Sep 21, 2008
Messages
137
Hi, although I'm familiar with many plier based multitools having seen them online and in stores, I have never really handled them much. What I don't understand is why any MT would be designed without the blades being accessible from the outside (you have to open the tool to use a screwdriver or knife blade). Is there some reason that makes it easier to make them that way? Otherwise I would have expected Leatherman would have made his first MT with blades accessible on the outside like any other folding knife.
 
My guess would be that, in absence of a locking mechanism, the "inside-opening" tools offer the means of preventing tools from folding in use. Victorinox Swisstools had locks and outside opening tools from the beginning.
 
ufox9al said:
My guess would be that, in absence of a locking mechanism, the "inside-opening" tools offer the means of preventing tools from folding in use. Victorinox Swisstools had locks and outside opening tools from the beginning.
Click to expand...

Ditto

Chris
 
Of course inside opening is simpler, thus easier to make. On inside opening MTs the channel where all the tools fold into is on the same side as the channel the pliers fold into. You take a C-section steel, cut it here and there, screw it together, and you're done.

If you look at any outside opening MT you'll see how complicated its construction is compared to its inside opening cousin.
 
Makes sense to me. So I have a few more questions. Do you use the inside opening type? Is it a big deal for EDC use in the city?
 
Personally for in-pocket EDC I go with inside opening, because weight is my primary concern. Simpler construction means either stronger tool for the weight or lighter tool for the same strength. My current EDC is an inside-opening SOG Pocket Powerplier weighing 5.1 oz. Because I always EDC a separate folder, I don't need outside-accessible blade. I don't even need my MT to have a blade; I actually removed the blade from this SOG.

Now, if you're carrying it in a belt pouch, weight is less of a problem. I used to EDC (and still do on weekends) a half pound Leatherman Wave. Outside opening tools also helps if the MT is your only EDC, which means you need faster access to the blade.
 
I like to have tools that I use frequently on the outside, for easy accessing. Many MT's have both inside and outside opening tools. For EDC use in the city you could also look the medium and small sized MT's. They are lighter, but still very useful.
 
Thanks guys. Luckily I always us a belt sheath for EDC, and only carry one knife(currently a SAK spartan). The Leatherman Juice models look pretty good for me. I love the short blades and cute little tools on the squirt/clutch/splice but just wish they could make the handle a little longer. I don't need a long blade or or long screwdriver, I just need something to hold on to. Anyway, thanks again for your input and advice. It will hopefully keep me from having to buy a couple different tools before I get it right.
 
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