I would think that the Bluntnose would be much stronger than the fat needlenose on the Diesel but you would lose some of the general utility of the latter's form factor.Overall the two tools represent different generations of the same operating system. The Diesel is an improvement over the MP600 series in almost every way related to use. It is slightly larger/heavier but the tool selection and ergonomics make up for this in spades.
My recommendation; it's better to have a selection of tools in the car so I would get the Diesel because it has more and better tools than the MP600BN and then take 10-15$ and get a mid-range pair of bluntnose pliers at Sears or a similar store. This solves a multitude of problems because you now have two sets of pliers to work in harmony or perform different tasks related to their form factor, you gain a woodsaw that was missing from the MP600BN and you gain the general ergonomic and tool upgrades of the Diesel. Good show.FYI: Wal-Mart offers the Diesel with the bit kit for 49.99$ in store.
I really like the Diesel. Very solid feel, no rattle, no pinchy handles. My only complaint has to do with the new flat-style phillips screwdriver blade. The old Gerber square phillips was better, but it took up two tool spaces in the handle. Well worth it IMO.Bob
I am going to put a spanner into the answers you have had up to now...The major moan with knife users was that Gerbers rattled so they tried to cure that by replacing one of the major stress areas on the MP600 design with plastic. I do not know what plastic they have used but IMHO it has messed the design and I have doubts about it's long time strength.
The head on the Diesel is the new head off the Chinese folders and some of the handle tools are not as well made as the MP600s. The knife blade on mine is kind of V shaped as if the straight edge had been put on by one tool and then they had just slapped it on to another tool to do the serrated half.
I am buying a few when funds allow because unfortunately from what I hear the rest of the Gerber range are think they might just let them run down. The Fisherman only lasted long enough to get rid of the Technician head from the Evolution. Dave
I hear what you're saying Dave. The Diesel isn't perfect, but I think it would be better than the blunt nosed 600. (Original question that was asked.)In order to really compare apples-to-apples, we would have to pit the Diesel against a needlenosed 600.
Which is the better multitool, the MP600 needlenose or the Diesel?
Which is stronger?
Which is more versatile?
......The head on the Diesel is the new head off the Chinese folders....... Dave