The X-tract and a few thoughts.

Benner · **on:** March 26, 2009, 10:26:22 PM

Only got it this morning so these are only initial thoughts and a few pictures.

Thanks to Gadget Guy I am now the proud owner of a standard Buck X-tract. The X-tract was always one of those tools that I had never really been excited about as I always thought that the plastic scales made it look cheap and I expected it to be very light and poorly made. The tool compliment really did appeal to me though and after a lot of talk about the X-tract recently, I was curious to see a little more of it. Well luckily enough, only a few days later one fell on my doorstep and I glad it did as I could not have been more wrong about this tool.

The first thing I noticed with the X-tract was it's reassuring weight. It also feels very solid and the plastic feels of high quality and doesn't have that cheap 'scratchy' feel. Everything opens smoothly as well and I am surprised to see bronze washers used throughout the tool especially given it's relatively low cost.

The big bonus about this tool is that EVERYTHING is one handed and easily opens one handed. The blade opens like a OHO should and the blade is wicked sharp and is of a decent size. The screwdrivers are good and work well and the can opener works well too (it is unnecessarily small though). The pliers I am currently undecided on, they work well but feel pretty lightweight. I guess for light duty tasks they will serve you well.

I will be using this a lot over the next few days in order to give it a good test, but I would like to point out that despite this;

It is a very well made tool.

Mike, Lord of the Spammers! · **Reply #1 on:** March 26, 2009, 10:28:26 PM

I look forward to hearing your thought's on it mate

Gadget Guy · **Reply #2 on:** March 26, 2009, 10:43:13 PM

Ben, I think you are spot on with your thoughts on this tool. Great job!

Grant Lamontagne · **Reply #3 on:** March 27, 2009, 12:05:56 AM

It's not my favorite tool as you know, but I am glad you are getting on well with it. I look forward to hearing your thoughts after a few days.

Def

J-sews · **Reply #4 on:** March 27, 2009, 01:21:37 AM

Yah, the X-tract ain't bad is it? I will be curious to hear how you get along with the screwdrivers though.

Great pics by the way!

Benner · **Reply #5 on:** March 27, 2009, 01:24:19 AM

Quote from: J-sews on March 27, 2009, 01:21:37 AM

Yah, the X-tract ain't bad is it? I will be curious to hear how you get along with the screwdrivers though.

Great pics by the way!

One thing I have noted about the screwdrivers is that the Leatherman bit adapter fits it quite well. This not only adds all the bit options, but also increases the drivers relatively short length.

Leatherman123 · **Reply #6 on:** March 27, 2009, 01:29:56 AM

I was going to say that, but you already did! Yes, the removable bit driver fits extremely well. The X-Tract are just great!

J-sews · **Reply #7 on:** March 27, 2009, 01:35:52 AM

Actually, I've only got one complaint about the X-tract, but its a biggie..... $:-\$

Benner · **Reply #8 on:** March 27, 2009, 01:36:28 AM

Quote from: J-sews on March 27, 2009, 01:35:52 AM

Actually, I've only got one complaint about the X-tract, but its a biggie..... $:-\$

The concept?

J-sews · **Reply #9 on:** March 27, 2009, 01:38:51 AM

Quote from: Benner on March 27, 2009, 01:36:28 AM

Quote from: J-sews on March 27, 2009, 01:35:52 AM
Actually, I've only got one complaint about the X-tract, but its a biggie..... $:-\$

The concept?

Nope. They made it wrong-handed.

Benner · **Reply #10 on:** March 27, 2009, 01:39:51 AM

That luckily isn't a problem for me.

J-sews · **Reply #11 on:** March 27, 2009, 01:46:11 AM

I'm hoping our new equal rights minded administration introduces anti-left-handed-discrimination laws in the knife making industry.

(I'm not holding my breath though)

Benner · **Reply #12 on:** March 27, 2009, 11:01:57 PM

Here are a couple of pics of the X-tract with the Leatherman bit adapter;

It fits really well.

J-sews · **Reply #13 on:** March 27, 2009, 11:37:00 PM

Does it fit the other end as well? Or does the lanyard attachment interfere?

Benner · **Reply #14 on:** March 27, 2009, 11:51:59 PM

Quote from: J-sews on March 27, 2009, 11:37:00 PM

Does it fit the other end as well? Or does the lanyard attachment interfere?

It doesn't really fit, not because of the lanyard attachment, but because the grind on the flat driver doesn't allow it to go on far enough.

Nikos · **Reply #15 on:** March 28, 2009, 12:40:00 AM

FWIW the older Gerber bit adapter is also a perfect fit.

Benner · **Reply #16 on:** April 10, 2009, 12:22:25 PM

There doesn't seem to be much love for this tool which seems a bit of a shame. I have carried this a lot since it arrived so here are few more thoughts on it.

Knife blade;

The blade opens as smooth as silk and it actually quicker and easier to flick open than some of my dedicated tactical folders. The blade takes a wicked edge as well, just a few licks on my sharpmaker and it was hair popping sharp - fantastic.

Pliers;

After a couple of days of use the pliers seemed stiffer to open so I gave them a quick oil. Now, they open very easily and very smoothly and I am very happy with them. Although small, the pliers are actually stronger than they look and coped really well when helping mod a SAK by bending backsprings. Larger ones would have been nice, but for the size of the tool they are pretty good.

Can/bottle opener;

Works, but can't understand why they made the thing so damn small. Opens really smoothly as like the knife blade it has bronze washers so that's a nice touch. Has a linerlock as well which is nice, but not really necessary IMO.

Screwdrivers;

These (like the pliers) benefitted from a good oil on the runners and now open very nicely. The driver heads themselves are nicely formed (I believe phillips is a #2) and work well. They are a little on the stubby side, but are suitable for most applications. You can always add the Leatherman bit adapter if you needed more reach.

Fit and finish;

Very very good considering the price point. Everything opens easily and smoothly with the bronze washers and feels nice and solid. The tool itself has a confidence inspiring weight to it and the plastic feels good and not like the crappy cheapy type. There are a few areas where the machining isn't 100% but this is only cosmetic and again is understandable to a degree considering it's comparatively lower price. This tool proves that decent stuff can be made in China.

Overall;

Overall I am more than pleased with this tool. It is quite rare for me to find a MT that fits what I want as well as this one and I will continue to carry it for a long time to come. The one handed everything is a great feature for me but do be aware that for that convenience you do have far less packed into it. For me though, the X-tract and a Micra covers most of what I need.

DaveK · **Reply #17 on:** April 10, 2009, 09:31:13 PM

I could have written most of that myself Ben - I agree with just about all of it.

My X-tract is right here in from of me atm, because I just used it. I used it yesterday too. I'm using it quite a bit in fact.

Benner · **Reply #18 on:** April 10, 2009, 09:31:56 PM

Quote from: DaveK on April 10, 2009, 09:31:13 PM

I could have written most of that myself Ben - I agree with just about all of it.

My X-tract is right here in from of me atm, because I just used it. I used it yesterday too. I'm using it quite a bit in fact.

Any additional thoughts Dave?

DaveK · **Reply #19 on:** April 10, 2009, 09:35:38 PM

Not really..... It just works.

A few minutes ago, I was about to crimp one of those zip pull things onto some paracord and realised I had left my Charge downstairs. I was holding the whole lanyard together in my left hand, went to the toolbox and it's just the most natural thing in the world to grab the X-Tract with my right hand, slide the pliers open - done.

ringzero · **Reply #20 on:** April 18, 2009, 02:40:39 AM

Quote from: Benner on March 26, 2009, 10:26:22 PM

Only got it this morning so these are only initial thoughts and a few pictures.
...
It is a very well made tool.

Nice writeup, Benner. Glad you're liking the XTract.

I love mine and use it all the time for yardwork.

Its nice big blade and its two excellent screwdrivers cover 90% plus of my needs while out in the yard.

I love the one-hand access to blade and drivers.

It's real convenient to whip out to cut the occasional branch or vine, open a bag of seed, etc. then close it and return it to pocket - all with one hand.

The screwdrivers are really strong and I can adjust the chainsaw and weedwacker quickly with one-hand.

Its pliers see little use, other than occasionally pulling twine when I tie up bundles of branches - when I need pliers I grab another multi. Canopener is never used.

I've used the heck out of my XTract for a couple of seasons of yardwork now with no problems.

.

Benner · **Reply #21 on:** April 19, 2009, 08:23:07 PM

Good to hear there is another fan for the x-tract.

I think after seeing one at the meet a few others were keen as well.

rp252 · **Reply #22 on:** April 20, 2009, 01:22:26 AM

I've currently got two Alpha Dorado folders and an Alpha Hunter folder - always been pleased with the build quality and smoothness of the opening.

Been tempted by this tool in the past. Now you make me want to buy one more. I can actually hear my wallet crying.

ringzero · **Reply #23 on:** April 20, 2009, 01:57:31 AM

Quote from: rp252 on April 20, 2009, 01:22:26 AM

I've currently got two Alpha Dorado folders and an Alpha Hunter folder - always been pleased with the build quality and smoothness of the opening.

Been tempted by this tool in the past. Now you make me want to buy one more. I can actually hear my wallet crying.

Don't own any of the Alpha folders, but I have handled a few and was impressed.

But, isn't the Alpha line one of Buck's made in America lines?

The reason I mention that is that the XTract line, although well built and functional, is made in China and offers nothing like the quality of Buck's Alpha line.

.

rp252 · **Reply #24 on:** April 20, 2009, 02:17:54 AM

Quote from: ringzero on April 20, 2009, 01:57:31 AM

Don't own any of the Alpha folders, but I have handled a few and was impressed.

But, isn't the Alpha line one of Buck's made in America lines?

The reason I mention that is that the XTract line, although well built and functional, is made in China and offers nothing like the quality of Buck's Alpha line.

Good point, I hadn't thought of that. Still want to get one though

ratslash7 · **Reply #25 on:** April 20, 2009, 02:50:09 AM

I wonder if anyone has tried the Fin? Are the scissors any good? I think that would be a much more functional tool for me. I love one hand opening anything. Now that I know the LM bit adapter works with it I'm just about sold.

Dave

ringzero · **Reply #26 on:** April 20, 2009, 03:11:02 AM

Quote from: ratslash7 on April 20, 2009, 02:50:09 AM

I wonder if anyone has tried the Fin? Are the scissors any good? I think that would be a much more functional tool for me. I love one hand opening anything. Now that I know the LM bit adapter works with it I'm just about sold.

Dave

Here's a review of the Fin:
http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,6279.0.html

I've been wanting a Fin for a while and I will get one eventually when I find a good deal.

I paid only $27 for my orignal model XTract and at that price it was huge 'bang for the Buck.' ;>

PS: Video review of the various models:
http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,9048.0.html

.

Benner · **Reply #27 on:** April 20, 2009, 01:16:56 PM

Quote from: rp252 on April 20, 2009, 01:22:26 AM

I've currently got two Alpha Dorado folders and an Alpha Hunter folder - always been pleased with the build quality and smoothness of the opening.

Been tempted by this tool in the past. Now you make me want to buy one more. I can actually hear my wallet crying.

Been tempted by the Alpha dorado for a while. May take the plunge one day.

rp252 · **Reply #28 on:** April 20, 2009, 02:14:37 PM

Quote from: Benner on April 20, 2009, 01:16:56 PM

Quote from: rp252 on April 20, 2009, 01:22:26 AM
I've currently got two Alpha Dorado folders and an Alpha Hunter folder - always been pleased with the build quality and smoothness of the opening.

Been tempted by this tool in the past. Now you make me want to buy one more. I can actually hear my wallet crying.

Been tempted by the Alpha dorado for a while. May take the plunge one day.

Its a good little knife - sturdy, well built, small enough not to be noticed in the pocket. The rosewood handle version I have is so nice I can't bring myself to use it

. The other one gets plenty of use though. Great little knife.

silentio · **Reply #29 on:** April 20, 2009, 04:20:33 PM

I'm actually very keen about getting an X-tract too, probably the Essential. But it's not easy to get them here in Singapore, and even if I can, they'll cost a bomb.

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The X-tract and a few thoughts.

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