Gerber Octane.

[Chako]

Gerber Octane.

I have started to get a few Gerbers of late. The last two were disappointing in some regards. I found the handle shape of the Crucial to be difficult to get my paws around, and I found that the Grappler had some shortcomings due to design limitations. Today, I want to talk briefly about the Octane.

 

The Octane is a very nice MT. In fact, I like this one a lot. Not because red is my favorite colour, but because it just feels right in the hand. Where the Crucial gave away ergonomics for style, the Octane has both. This is a very comfortable tool to hold and use. I like how the pliers are angled somewhat when you palm the tool. I also like how the curves work with you as opposed to against you as with the Crucial.





This is one of Gerbers sliding style MTs. I am generally a big fan of this style simply because it is easy to one hand open them with a bit of help from gravity. This model, different from the Grappler, has balance to it with two buttons, one on each handle.



In the above photo, you can see the secondary tool locks on the ends of the handles. These are very well designed and easy to activate.

The blade has a nice shape, very much like what the Crucial has. It is partially serrated. The blade sort of resides in a sort of side car apart from the handle. The handles hold 4 tools. I will give Gerber their due. At least they changed the Phillips to something better then the traditional flat Phillips that they have been using for years.  Likewise, they don’t seem to suffer from being overly small. Big thumbs up here Gerber. The Octane also has an interesting package opener. Looks like it can be used for lots of creative things. I haven’t used it yet, but it sure does look interesting. There is also a bottle opener incorporated into the handles themselves. Very interesting. This model also comes with a clip…a feature I would like to see on more MTs from other manufacturers out there.



So overall, I like the Gerber Octane quite a bit. In fact, I believe I like it about as much as the MP600 line, and that is saying something.



One thing I must add though. I have noticed that the Crucial, Grappler, and Octane seem to be gritty when I move the pliers. It is almost like there is sand in them already from the factory. You can hear the rasping sound, and feel it subtly. It isn't a smooth action. Probably will get smoother with time and usage. Just something I thought I would throw out there. Anyone else notice this?

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

And proper sized (relatively) drivers

[Zack]

How is the blade lock up on yours?

[Freudian Frog]

Oh Lord, those pictures convinced me that I need one. :S

Curse you, Chako...!

[Chako]

Mine has a good positive liner lock. No wiggles when opened and engaged.

Your welcome Froggy.

[cliosguy]

well it seems like i need one now

[Grant Lamontagne]

See what happens when you contact Multitool.org members for testing before you go into full production?    I really liked the Octane, and I was really looking forward to it seeing production, and getting my hands on one.  I have one en route myself, and I can't wait to get it.  I hadn't realized when playing with the prototype that the bumps on the side were a bottle opener- the one we had wasn't marked.  Bob said it worked well, but I want to try it myself before I believe it! 

I think this is about as good as minimalist tools get, and I'd put it against a Skeletool any day.

Def

[Chako]

I did not know that some members had input. This one is a hit out of the ball park IMHO.

[Grant Lamontagne]

It was a secret...

Def

[cliosguy]

well im sold i just ordered one so if something go wrong with it i'll blame you Chako

[parnass]

Thanks for posting the review and photos.

Are the pliers handles palm pinchers?

Where is the Octane made?

[sawman]

I like the looks of that, especially the pocket clip.

[Gareth]

Nice pictures Chako.

[ari6126]

I know Chako you carry a Knifeless Fuse to work. Did you know that you can remove the blade on the Octane? Might give you EDC options.

[Freudian Frog]

I know Chako you carry a Knifeless Fuse to work. Did you know that you can remove the blade on the Octane? Might give you EDC options.

Oh wow... now I need two!

[ari6126]

I know Chako you carry a Knifeless Fuse to work. Did you know that you can remove the blade on the Octane? Might give you EDC options.

Oh wow... now I need two!

It wasn't my idea, Tsquare invented it:
http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,17377.0.html

[Chako]

Yes, I had read that. I am going to keep it stock for the collection. I am quite happy with the Fuse.

[Nikos]

Great... Just great...

Could you please do a side-by-side comparison of that and a Skele at some time?

[Chako]

I can do that now....just got to get the camera. It should be here in 20 minutes or so.

[Chako]

[zepla]

Nice work there Chako 

Sure looks interesting 

[Gareth]

Nice comparison shots Chako, thanks.

[Kmarr]

GREAT!

When I was looking into an octane before it came out, all i got was a closed shot. Nothing else. I think it is a good contender to the skeletool cuz its the same weight, almost same size, and similar tools. 

Very nice shots sir

[sawman]

Those comparison shots really sell the Octane to me, as I'm a big fan of the Skeletool. How do they compare in price?

[Nikos]

Thanks mate!

Would it be too much to ask for just one more shot: a side-by-side of both plier heads wide open? I want to make sure it doesn't suffer from the same jaws opening shortcoming as the Grappler (vs the Crunch).

[Chako]

No problems.

The Skeletool opens wider. With that said, the Octane is wide enough for most jobs that a light duty MT would be put to. The Grappler in my opinion isn't (and it isn't a light duty MT at that). Another thing to keep in mind, although the Skeletool can open wider, it is harder to use it that wide due the wide splaying of the handles.

As far as price goes, I do believe the Octane is cheaper than the Skeletool. Can't say by how much, as I can't buy Gerbers in a retail setting around here...so it is all eBay.

Photobucket is being difficult of late. It seems to make me fight for at least one photo in a series. Here is one that I couldn't upload the last time.


Skeletool versus Octane.


Grappler versus Octane.

[cliosguy]

thanks Chako!

[ari6126]

Those comparison shots really sell the Octane to me, as I'm a big fan of the Skeletool. How do they compare in price?

REI sells the Skeletool for $69.95 and the Octane for $47.95. These are basically full retail prices.

[Kmarr]

Those comparison shots really sell the Octane to me, as I'm a big fan of the Skeletool. How do they compare in price?

REI sells the Skeletool for $69.95 and the Octane for $47.95. These are basically full retail prices.

$69.95 for the Skeletool standard or CX?

[ari6126]

Those comparison shots really sell the Octane to me, as I'm a big fan of the Skeletool. How do they compare in price?

REI sells the Skeletool for $69.95 and the Octane for $47.95. These are basically full retail prices.

$69.95 for the Skeletool standard or CX?

The standard. The CX is $89.95.