Help me to like my 800 Legend

[Inner Prop]

Before I was deployed to Afghanistan I decided to replace my $2 multi-tool with a good one.  I didn't have a forum like this one so after the best research I could muster, I decided on a 800 Legend.  I was never really satisfied with it, I can't really put my finger on the general dissatisfaction, but I had a couple of specifics, I was disappointed with the wire cutters.  They don't do WD-1 well at all.  In fact they dull after about two cuttings.  I don't know if any other multi-tool would have done better, but I guess I expected it to work like a regular linesman tool and it doesn't.  I don't particullarly like the saw blade, I think it doesn't quite work for me (I know it's pretty easy to replace, but I haven't yet).

Now the knife blade has a big knick (I think the kids got to it) so I'm wondering if anybody knows how/if I can replace the blade.  Also, has anybody modified this tool?  What kinds of things would you guys like on this tool?  What would you suggest?

I myself have absolutely no metalworking skills or tools, but are there anythings I can switch in/out?

[sawman]

Sounds like you want a SOG Powerlock.  The wire cutters chomp thru wire like butter and all components can be replaced and or substituted (although they do have a limited selection of components).  Google it and let me know what you think 

[Inner Prop]

Actually, I wasn't in the market for a new tool, I was hoping I could find a way to make the one I have be more to my liking (cheaper is better).

I am sure that if I WERE to buy a new tool, I would consider SOG, there are some things about them I do really like.  Most likely my next tool purchase will be a keychain tool to fix the shortcomings of my Vic Classic and P4.

I am no longer in the military, so I don't really have a reason to cut WD-1 anymore, but the wire cutters are already dull from when I did.

I just remembered one of the big reason I picked the Legend, the tools are oriented the correct way.  The non-pliers open from the closed position and the edge of the knife blade it facing out.  I hate having the body of the tool between the blade edge and the thing being cut.  In '04 when I bought it, it was one of the few tools that had the tools I wanted and that feature.

[Nikos]

I know what you mean about the tool orientation and '04. I had the same thoughts back then and ended up getting a 700. If the wire cutters are anything like on the 700, you can rotate them by 120 degrees; all three sides of that triangle are the same so you only need the correct bit to undo the screws (which btw came with the 700). As far as the blade is concerned, you could try to sharpen it out, or return it to Gerber to be serviced (firing them an email and explaining the situation might be a good idea anyway).

Now, if one-hand opening blade is not a must, there are other more capable MTs out there with all outside opening tools (e.g. see the SwissTools and SwissTool Spirits, MultiTaskers, Bear Jaws, etc.). If you need OHO blade (actually two of them) and a saw and file at the ready and you don't mind some of the tools being on the inside, then you just can't beat the Leatherman offerings.

[Grant Lamontagne]

The real issue with multitool wire cutters is that, for the most part, they are made from the same relatively soft stainless steel that the rest of the plier head is made from.  Gerber's solution was to put the hardened carbide cutters in special slots so they could be replaced.  I'd bet good money that if they don't suit your needs, no other tool is going to either.  The only real option you have, would be to try Leatherman's version of the same thing, found on the SuperTool 300 and MUT tools.  I don't think they are that significant, if any, improvement on the Gerber cutters though.  SOG may have the compound leverage, but their cutters are still stainless like everything else.

As for the saw, well that is the easy part- go to Home Depot and buy some saw blades that look a little more like what you want.  Bear in mind though, that those are designed to fit in a jigsaw or reciprocating saw, meaning they aren't designed to be used with feeble hand pressure, so when in doubt, buy something less aggressive, or you'll be putting your back into things a lot more than you may be comfortable with!

The Gerber 800 is a very good tool- one of Gerber's best, and frankly, I think you'd be hard pressed to find a better tool.  You may find one that suits your needs better, but you probably won't find many superior tools.

If you aren't a fan of the 800, you might be better off finding something that suits your needs better than trying to modify or improve this one.  I'd suggest you find one that you like, and either sell or trade the Gerber here on the forum and get what you need.

I hope this helps...

Def

[ari6126]

The real issue with multitool wire cutters is that, for the most part, they are made from the same relatively soft stainless steel that the rest of the plier head is made from.  Gerber's solution was to put the hardened carbide cutters in special slots so they could be replaced.  I'd bet good money that if they don't suit your needs, no other tool is going to either.  The only real option you have, would be to try Leatherman's version of the same thing, found on the SuperTool 300 and MUT tools.  I don't think they are that significant, if any, improvement on the Gerber cutters though.  SOG may have the compound leverage, but their cutters are still stainless like everything else.

Shouldn't Multitasker's pliers be harder? Where is that EDC version already? It's been like two whole weeks.

[Sazabi]

The real issue with multitool wire cutters is that, for the most part, they are made from the same relatively soft stainless steel that the rest of the plier head is made from.  Gerber's solution was to put the hardened carbide cutters in special slots so they could be replaced.  I'd bet good money that if they don't suit your needs, no other tool is going to either.  The only real option you have, would be to try Leatherman's version of the same thing, found on the SuperTool 300 and MUT tools.  I don't think they are that significant, if any, improvement on the Gerber cutters though.  SOG may have the compound leverage, but their cutters are still stainless like everything else.

Shouldn't Multitasker's pliers be harder? Where is that EDC version already? It's been like two whole weeks.

Yeah, I thought the Multitasker doesn't have a hardwire notch due to the D2 steel having no need for it in the first place?

[Grant Lamontagne]

Not having actually used a Multitasker, I can't really suggest it.  On paper it looks like a good tool, but until I've out it through the paces I'm not comfortable suggesting anyone else try it- especially in this situations, where Inner Prop has one tool.  For collectors it's different, but if a man is going to have one tool with him, it better be a proven one.

This is not a shot against Shane or the Multitasker- as I said, it looks like a good tool on paper, and from all accounts I've read it seems very good.  I just can't personally offer any insight into it.

Def

[MultiMat]

Yep your 800's wirer cutters when blunt on one side you just need to unscrew the cutters 2 fasteners & rotate both cutters. You can do this X3 before needing to replace them , that is quite a neat feature & if you are not cutting heavy duty wire they should not get blunt so quickly. Like Def said just go too your hardware store & choose a different saw blade . Not sure about the blade knick , maybe post pics of it  could it be sharpened out.

The wire cutters & saw problems are both cheap/free to fix  It sounds like the blade knick is the only question mark 

[scrappy]

I am going to disagree on the cutters. I edcd an 800 for a while but retired it. I bought a dozen jigsaw blades to find one that worked better and not one fit in the tool. The acquaintances also had the 800. One busted the cutters and the others were so dull that he had to ask me to use my swiss tool to cut straps. I now edc a leatherman but the swiss tool and leatherman still cut fine. They didn't dull like the 800. That being said, I like the tool but I am not sold on their cutters or saw coupler. The saw is okay but the coupler didn't accept other blades.

[Inner Prop]

Thank you everyone for the replies and suggestions.  Let me say up front that the following statements are only by way of explanation, not arguement.

I've rotated the cutters already, they dull very quickly when cutting the steel strands in WD-1.

I'm not in the military anymore so I don't have need to cut that anymore, I'm just saying they were a disappointment.  I suppose this is just a warning to others.

I guess I was wondering if there was some hidden trick that I could do or some aspect of this tool that I didn't realize that would make it much more useful or make me like it more than I do.

I'll try to take a photo of the nick later, but it sounds like if I don't want to have it ground back into shape I'm stuck with it.  That's probably my biggest concern right now.

Maybe the best bet is to sell it and get something that better matches how I would use it today in my civilian life (office worker and general Dad).

[TxSxB]

You could always break something on it (through a little... or a lot of hard use) and warranty it  Gerber's CS is as good as it gets, mail it to them with a letter explaining the problem and they will most assuredly replace it.   

[ari6126]

You could always break something on it (through a little... or a lot of hard use) and warranty it  Gerber's CS is as good as it gets, mail it to them with a letter explaining the problem and they will most assuredly replace it.   

I hope you're kidding.

[Benner]

Yeah I'm sure it was just a joke as that isn't something we would be promoting here...

[TxSxB]

Yes and no, depending on the damage to the blade. I wouldn't break a tool just to warranty it but I was throwing out a cheap, half serious suggestion, the OP stated he wanted the blade repaired/replaced and the best and cheapest way to get something fixed under warranty is to send it in with a letter explaining the problem.

[Benner]

Yes, that is correct and very different from purposefully breaking anything 

[Inner Prop]

I don't think it's under warantee anymore for that sort of thing.  I bought it in mid '04.

[Grant Lamontagne]

Contact Gerber's warranty department, and explain what happened.  I can't speak for them of course, but they would be better suited to tell you what your options are than we are.

Def

[sawman]

And if you would, please tell us how they treat you... might factor into future Gerber purchases 

[TxSxB]

I don't think it's under warantee anymore for that sort of thing.  I bought it in mid '04.

Just about everything Gerber makes including your 800 is under their full lifetime warranty

[MultiMat]

This is the cheapest price I could find for replacement Gerber wire cutters, I grabbed 2 sets just in-case I broke another set 
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=380271941015&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

If you decide too replace the cutters HOPEFULLY they will last better for you if you are no longer cutting heavy duty wire  .
Good luck with contacting Gerber , hope you get it sorted mate.

[glorn]

Maybe the best bet is to sell it and get something that better matches how I would use it today in my civilian life (office worker and general Dad).

Now you're talkin'! 

Time for some MT shopping!

But.. don't sell it. You won't get much for it, but more importantly.. it was overseas with you. Retire it to a drawer and save it for when your kid is older. I was always thrilled to get my hands on my Dad's old Nam gear.

Now that your WD-1 cutting days are over, you deserve a new MT anyhow. Reward for a job well done. Right?