Oh dear

[Viper]

So I haven't even gotten the Flik that I'm planning to buy yet, and I'm already finding myself highly attracted to the two minimalist tools Gerber has out. Everyone here seems to be in love with the Octane, and I think it is lovely too, however I also think I'd really like the Crucial. I know the Octane has some benefits like the actual real phillips screwdriver, but the Crucial seems a bit more pocket-friendly and it also has a blade that seems to be a bit more robust than that of the Octane.  I think the biggest difference is supposed to be the pliers. But I don't think it really makes a difference to me personally. I don't see myself needing one-handed pliers in a light-duty tool. Though didn't I read here or somewhere something about the pliers deploying in the pocket?

But I'm still not sure at all what to do... Any advice you all can give me? I'm kind of just hoping I make enough money to get both the Flik and one of these soon. But which one?

[Chako]

Here is my thought on the Crucial...

http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,18212.0.html


It is not one of my favorites in the Gerber lineup. Mind you, whenever anyone talks about ergonomics being an issue, you have to read that with an open mind and the knowledge that your idea of ergonomics may be different then the other guys. That comes down to personal taste.

[damota]

So I haven't even gotten the Flik that I'm planning to buy yet, and I'm already finding myself highly attracted to the two minimalist tools Gerber has out. Everyone here seems to be in love with the Octane, and I think it is lovely too, however I also think I'd really like the Crucial. I know the Octane has some benefits like the actual real phillips screwdriver, but the Crucial seems a bit more pocket-friendly and it also has a blade that seems to be a bit more robust than that of the Octane.  I think the biggest difference is supposed to be the pliers. But I don't think it really makes a difference to me personally. I don't see myself needing one-handed pliers in a light-duty tool. Though didn't I read here or somewhere something about the pliers deploying in the pocket?

But I'm still not sure at all what to do... Any advice you all can give me? I'm kind of just hoping I make enough money to get both the Flik and one of these soon. But which one?

I have the Crusial and for a light duty tool it is quite handy. The only fault I have had with it it uses some aluminium based metal for the scales and the pocket clip is held on the self tapping screw that open up the threads on the scales as you pull it open to clip it in your pocket. My clip went and dropped off taking the screws with it. Of course I did not hear it drop so I am left with no clip. Could get a new replacement Crucial from Gerber but I took a dislike to the carabiner and chopped it off to make it easier to open left handed. The blade is very good apart from it being half serated. If you do need screw driver it takes the 1/4 bit kit so you have the chioce of all. The on board drivers are usable just remember to open the arm.
Any on reading this who has a pocket clip from a Crucial or a nice man from Gerber who can sell me the same as a spare part - Please get in touch.

DaveT

[dbnyc]

My Octane was opening when clipped to my pocket.  Because the pliers point down when tool is clipped on, gravity was pulling the pliers out and then the handle would open.  This wasn't dangerous like a knife opening in the pocket would be, just annoying.  I modded mine with a lock notch and am very happy with the tool now.  Someone else just replied on that thread with a method for improving the friction hold in the slider channel, which doesn't require grinding notches in the handle. 

Anyway, I really like the Octane but haven't handled a Crucial so can't comment.

[Viper]

Thanks for the input so far guys! I'm leaning toward the Crucial right now for compactness and portability and affordability... But it looks like I won't be getting either anytime soon... I need to start saving up for a trip to Massachusetts.

But it'll be worth it when I get there! 

[damota]

I got the Octane on Sat, believe me forget about the Crucial when you get to get one, Viper. The Octane should have been the Crucial, it would have stopped any comparison that was made about ripping off the Skeletool.
Mine had no faults out of the blister pack. The blade worked and locked up great spot on in the centre. I have noticed the lock is a piece of steel the slides into a keep slot in the frame and is held in place by the blade pivot, I am guessing that if the blade was loose on that pivot it would cause the lock up to slip back. It does not need to be loosened to make it flip open quicker as I can open it one handed with my finger (I am left handed). For those that are put of by slider rattle this one is made different to the bigger sliders. The sliding blocks almost touch the sides of the handles so they are not as loose to rattle. The head is a little smaller than the Crucial and IMO looks stronger. I noticed someone was worried about the Octane accidentally sliding open in the pocket, so I tried to get it to open by shaking it up and down and I could not get it to budge until the slide buttons were pressed. That was done after it had been well oiled and loosened up. The semi mat finish appears to be painted on not sand blasted. The new blister pack opener blade is one of those things that you wonder why the hell has no one thought of that before. The cross head screwdriver is a new design, not the 600 style so is too fat to use the 600 bit adapter but the newer adapter fits so no problem. Finally the pocket clip is fitted under the pivot head for the flat screw driver and package openner so should not do what the Crucials clip has done to me.

DaveT

[Viper]

Well that there convinced me to go for the Octane over the Crucial! Thanks 

Now to get one!