So. The Gerber Freehand......

DaveK · **on:** February 12, 2009, 11:27:04 PM

... is basically just a big Flik!

It's bigger closed....

.... it has bigger pliers ....

.... the blades are bigger ....

so, why the hell are the drivers the same (puny) size?

gafftapegreenia · **Reply #1 on:** February 12, 2009, 11:40:09 PM

Because it's a Gerber?

DaveK · **Reply #2 on:** February 12, 2009, 11:44:18 PM

Good answer, but these are puny, even for a Gerber!

With all that extra size / space, surely they could be scaled up in the same proportions of the Flik easily enough? But they are the same size

gafftapegreenia · **Reply #3 on:** February 12, 2009, 11:48:55 PM

Like I said, its Gerber.

Sure, they could have, but they don't.

Benner · **Reply #4 on:** February 13, 2009, 01:01:13 AM

All that tool and those puny drivers?! Sucks.

J-sews · **Reply #5 on:** February 13, 2009, 01:50:17 AM

Short drivers are - in my opinion - the biggest shortcoming of the Gerber sliding jaw principle. Unfortunately this flaw seems to be inherent to the design. With the more common "butterfly" design, there is free space on a closed multitool in which to tuck reasonably long screwdrivers, awls, can openers, etc. These items fit nicely into place next to the tapered needlenose jaws.

With Gerber sliding jaws, there is no such "free" space. The drivers and tools are on the opposite end of the jaws. Consequently, the only way for the screwdrivers to be longer is if the entire multitool is made longer. Or the jaws are made shorter. Either way is a compromise. $:-\$

(Note too that this is why Gerber 600's can be had with blunt nose jaws. On most other multitool designs blunt jaws would interfere with the drivers, but not so with the Gerber sliding jaws.)

NeitherExtreme · **Reply #6 on:** February 13, 2009, 01:56:03 AM

Quote from: J-sews on February 13, 2009, 01:50:17 AM

(Note too that this is why Gerber 600's can be had with blunt nose jaws. On most other multitool designs blunt jaws would interfere with the drivers, but not so with the Gerber sliding jaws.)

I hadn't thought of that, but it makes complete sense.

Rodion · **Reply #7 on:** April 03, 2009, 11:52:07 PM

Quote from: J-sews on February 13, 2009, 01:50:17 AM

Short drivers are - in my opinion - the biggest shortcoming of the Gerber sliding jaw principle. Unfortunately this flaw seems to be inherent to the design. With the more common "butterfly" design, there is free space on a closed multitool in which to tuck reasonably long screwdrivers, awls, can openers, etc. These items fit nicely into place next to the tapered needlenose jaws.

With Gerber sliding jaws, there is no such "free" space. The drivers and tools are on the opposite end of the jaws. Consequently, the only way for the screwdrivers to be longer is if the entire multitool is made longer. Or the jaws are made shorter. Either way is a compromise. $:-\$

(Note too that this is why Gerber 600's can be had with blunt nose jaws. On most other multitool designs blunt jaws would interfere with the drivers, but not so with the Gerber sliding jaws.)

Still doesn't explain the Legend's tiny Phillips. It's about half an inch shorter than space allows. I think stubby drivers are somehow patented by Gerber.

american lockpicker · **Reply #8 on:** April 04, 2009, 12:16:30 AM

If space is a problem how did the fit the c4 spike in some of the models?

Nikos · **Reply #9 on:** April 04, 2009, 12:16:47 AM

Perhaps there is a connection with Gerber being a baby food manufacturer?

jzmtl · **Reply #10 on:** April 04, 2009, 01:21:40 AM

Quote from: american lockpicker on April 04, 2009, 12:16:30 AM

If space is a problem how did the fit the c4 spike in some of the models?

I'm pretty sure C4 spike is only on the inside opening tool models, so they can overlap somewhat with plier head.

Magic Bus · **Reply #11 on:** April 06, 2009, 09:13:34 PM

I can only imagine that the Freehand would sell to people who haven't seen other manufacturer's offerings. The short drivers are pitiful

ecfiffer · **Reply #12 on:** April 08, 2009, 04:14:14 AM

Quote from: jzmtl on April 04, 2009, 01:21:40 AM

Quote from: american lockpicker on April 04, 2009, 12:16:30 AM
If space is a problem how did the fit the c4 spike in some of the models?

I'm pretty sure C4 spike is only on the inside opening tool models, so they can overlap somewhat with plier head.

yeah its on the inside of the mp600 one of the types of the mp600. sadly the drivers on the mp600 rock over the flik and freehand

Leatherman123 · **Reply #13 on:** April 10, 2009, 08:15:56 PM

Quote from: Magic Bus on April 06, 2009, 09:13:34 PM

I can only imagine that the Freehand would sell to people who haven't seen other manufacturer's offerings. The short drivers are pitiful

...and the extremely limited tools! Seriously, it doesn't have a file, a saw, or an awl.. For this weight class, a MT should be complete- like a SURGE!

Benner · **Reply #14 on:** April 10, 2009, 08:33:14 PM

Why do I still want one?

DaveK · **Reply #15 on:** April 10, 2009, 08:43:55 PM

Quote from: Benner on April 10, 2009, 08:33:14 PM

Why do I still want one?

'Cos it's a Flik on steroids.

Grant Lamontagne · **Reply #16 on:** April 11, 2009, 04:15:31 PM

I didn't realize how big the Freehand was until I saw it in person at SHOT- it's HUGE. Gerber's designers wanted to make the biggest multi out there, and I think they succeeded!

Def

Benner · **Reply #17 on:** April 11, 2009, 11:45:36 PM

Got ant pics of it next to a Swisstool or a Surge?

J-sews · **Reply #18 on:** April 12, 2009, 12:06:28 AM

Quote from: Benner on April 11, 2009, 11:45:36 PM

Got ant pics of it next to a Swisstool or a Surge?

Here you go

Benner · **Reply #19 on:** April 12, 2009, 12:07:54 AM

LMFAO!!

Very funny.

rockyman500 · **Reply #20 on:** April 12, 2009, 01:38:35 AM

this is pretty funny too considering the drivers...

rockyman500 · **Reply #21 on:** April 12, 2009, 06:32:34 PM

here are some pics from the Paladin thread (taken by J-sews)

I still bet the SURGE is the heaviest!

Roadie · **Reply #22 on:** April 12, 2009, 07:01:19 PM

I think the PT540 might pip it to the post. Bob any chance of a measurement!

Benner · **Reply #23 on:** April 12, 2009, 07:03:06 PM

Thanks for that Bob!

Big old sod isn't it.

rockyman500 · **Reply #24 on:** April 12, 2009, 08:07:04 PM

it says on the website 13 oz....not to sure if I believe it's quite THAT much...

--------------------------------------

PowerPlay® PT-540

Technical information

Weight    13 oz.
Length (closed)    5" (127 mm)
Length (open)    7.5" (191 mm)
Warranty    Limited Lifetime

J-sews · **Reply #25 on:** April 12, 2009, 11:00:11 PM

The PT-540 may be the biggest, but the Surge is heavier. Must have something to do with denseness.

Paladin PT-540.........10.8 oz (308g)

Leatherman Surge.....12 oz (340g)

rockyman500 · **Reply #26 on:** April 13, 2009, 01:07:43 AM

Quote from: J-sews on April 12, 2009, 11:00:11 PM

The PT-540 may be the biggest, but the Surge is heavier. Must have something to do with denseness.

Paladin PT-540.........10.8 oz (308g)

Leatherman Surge.....12 oz (340g)

wow! the gears take a lot of space and no weight really...

scrappy · **Reply #27 on:** May 31, 2009, 08:39:30 PM

what is the st3 supose to weigh?

the freehand does slide open better than any other tool I have.

AHB · **Reply #28 on:** May 31, 2009, 10:53:17 PM

Quote from: J-sews on April 12, 2009, 12:06:28 AM

Quote from: Benner on April 11, 2009, 11:45:36 PM
Got ant pics of it next to a Swisstool or a Surge?

Here you go

(Image removed from quote.)(Image removed from quote.)

Now, that's funny...

Tinnie · **Reply #29 on:** June 01, 2009, 12:25:44 AM

Quote from: AHB on May 31, 2009, 10:53:17 PM

Quote from: J-sews on April 12, 2009, 12:06:28 AM
Quote from: Benner on April 11, 2009, 11:45:36 PM
Got ant pics of it next to a Swisstool or a Surge?

Here you go

(Image removed from quote.)(Image removed from quote.)

Now, that's funny...

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So. The Gerber Freehand......

Magic Bus

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