Got an Octane!

[Viper]

As most of you may be aware of, I recently had a bit of a falling out with SOG, and since then I have started to get more attached to Gerber gear (only now I also am more open to mixing and matching brands, especially now that I have also started carrying SAKs more often again). I got a few new Gerber knives, and I have a Flik on its way to me, but today I got my first full-size Gerber multitool (it's actually not my first, but the first that will see use). I got me an Octane today! Now that I have got it loosened up a bit, I really am loving it. It's really nice to have a tool that I can carry with me no matter what I'm wearing... I carried pretty much nothing besides Powerlocks and a Powerassist for the longest time- tools that pretty much require belt pouches!  In fact, the size (which felt really small to me at first even though it's about the same size as most MTs) took a bit of getting used to hahaha!

Overall, I'm very happy with it! I think it'll end up being a nice go-to MT when I don't have the time, need, or means to carry a "fully stocked" MT on my belt (which will probably end up being the Flik most of the time).

The only real beef I have with this tool is the main blade's lock. It's just really not easy to unlock it... But it works, and it may just need loosening up or getting used to. Time will tell!

[sawman]

I've been considering the Octane myself. The thing that most draws me to it is the shape of its blade, which looks quite durable and useful. It's kind of the LM equivallent of a "Kick" with just the essentials in a small package.

[Viper]

I always compared it to the Skeletool.

[dbnyc]

Heyo!  Welcome to the club.  Yeah the blade is nice. 

I agree with the skeletool comparison, it's a lightweight multitool with a limited selection of blades/drivers/functions.  Easy to carry is the focus.

[Mercury]

Post your thoughts on ease of carry if you don't mind, I am considering one of these but it looks a little bulky for what you get.

[dbnyc]

Post your thoughts on ease of carry if you don't mind, I am considering one of these but it looks a little bulky for what you get.

It's the pocket clip, it works well clipped on the pocket.  It's a pretty narrow rectangle shape so it rides nice and flat and it's not too heavy so it doesn't drag on you.  The clip is a good design too.

[Mercury]

Post your thoughts on ease of carry if you don't mind, I am considering one of these but it looks a little bulky for what you get.

It's the pocket clip, it works well clipped on the pocket.  It's a pretty narrow rectangle shape so it rides nice and flat and it's not too heavy so it doesn't drag on you.  The clip is a good design too.

Sweet, kinda like my kick. 

[Viper]

Yes it carries quite well, not much larger than a pocket knife (and I'm sure about the same as your Kick).

However, today, one of the locking mechanisms on my Octane fell off. I wasn't even using the tool, I just took it out of my pocket and it falls off, dropping teeny screws and a spring into the dirt, never to be seen again. 

[Mercury]

Yes it carries quite well, not much larger than a pocket knife (and I'm sure about the same as your Kick).

However, today, one of the locking mechanisms on my Octane fell off. I wasn't even using the tool, I just took it out of my pocket and it falls off, dropping teeny screws and a spring into the dirt, never to be seen again. 

That's one thing I don't like about little springs in a(gerber) multi.  They can't seem to make them stay in very well. 

[damota]

Yes it carries quite well, not much larger than a pocket knife (and I'm sure about the same as your Kick).

However, today, one of the locking mechanisms on my Octane fell off. I wasn't even using the tool, I just took it out of my pocket and it falls off, dropping teeny screws and a spring into the dirt, never to be seen again. 

Bung it back to Gerber http://www.gerberuk.com/index.php/page/contact_us for UK Europe and Australia address. Give them about a fortnight and they will send a replacement.

[Travis Autry]

Heads up for you guys that are considering buying an Octane. . .

I will be placing a special order with one of The Multitool.org Store suppliers this week.  They currently have both the black and red Octane models in stock.  Anyone interested in adding a piece to the order can PM me and I'll reply with pricing info.

I had planned to place the order tomorrow, but after seeing this thread will hold off until at least Tuesday afternoon.

Please note, all profits from sales through The Multitool.org Store go to support the forums.

[J-sews]

Heads up for you guys that are considering buying an Octane. . .

I will be placing a special order with one of The Multitool.org Store suppliers this week.  They currently have both the black and red Octane models in stock.  Anyone interested in adding a piece to the order can PM me and I'll reply with pricing info.

I had planned to place the order tomorrow, but after seeing this thread will hold off until at least Tuesday afternoon.

Please note, all profits from sales through The Multitool.org Store go to support the forums.

The Octane was perhaps the most impressive tool Gerber brought out this year IMO

Please sign me up for a red one Travis

[Travis Autry]

Thanks, Bob!

The red looks really snazzy.

[sawman]

I received my Octane today and I'm quite impressed.  The pictures really don't do it justice.  It's a compact multi-plier with a very ergonomic design.  I really like the design and function of the knife blade as well as its implements (driver/clamshell opener).  It features a sturdy pocket clip and its pliers appear to be well made and are an easy OHO.

I need to put it thru some usage before I can recommend it but I have mucho confidence that it will hold up well. 

[Travis Autry]

Red Octane available from The Multitool.org Store:

http://www.edcsource.com/Gerber-Octane--Red---FREE-US-Shipping,name,105091,auction_id,auction_details

[jzmtl]

I went to check it out in stores, a bit disappointing. Pliers cannot be flicked out like all other gerbers, knife is very hard to deploy one handed, the narrow opening hole pinch thumb pad while rotating and is painful, and component lock is hard to disengage.

Seems like another good idea but poor execution from them, at leas they put in a full size phillips.

[sawman]

I went to check it out in stores, a bit disappointing. Pliers cannot be flicked out like all other gerbers, knife is very hard to deploy one handed, the narrow opening hole pinch thumb pad while rotating and is painful, and component lock is hard to disengage.

Seems like another good idea but poor execution from them, at leas they put in a full size phillips.

I'm sorry you were dissapointed.  I happen to feel quite differently about the Octane, as I've had nothing but good experience with it.

[jzmtl]

I went to check it out in stores, a bit disappointing. Pliers cannot be flicked out like all other gerbers, knife is very hard to deploy one handed, the narrow opening hole pinch thumb pad while rotating and is painful, and component lock is hard to disengage.

Seems like another good idea but poor execution from them, at leas they put in a full size phillips.

I'm sorry you were dissapointed.  I happen to feel quite differently about the Octane, as I've had nothing but good experience with it.

Could be just the display models thou, is the knife on yours tight? The one I handled is extremely so, almost need two hands.

[sawman]

The knife on mine opens smoothly .. no problems. 

[dbnyc]

Mine took a couple of days to work out the initial stiffness.  After that it was pretty smooth.  There's a half stop on the knife blade that slows down opening a bit but I had no problem (once I'd worked on it a while) opening it one handed.  The pliers were easily flickable.