Multitool.org Multitool

Grant Lamontagne · **on:** October 16, 2006, 03:27:58 AM

I have been bouncing around an idea for a Multitool.org Multitool with the web address engraved in it. Of course, I always have hundreds of ideas bouncing around in my head, and this one was on the back burner.

Then today I was trading e-mails with another member here and he brought it up as well. It seemed like a good idea to me, but he had a different take on it than I did. So, I guess what I am wondering is if anyone is interested in the idea, and what suggestions you'd have about it. This is just a brainstorm at this point, so feel free to toss out any ideas you may have.

Def

CacherX4 · **Reply #1 on:** October 16, 2006, 04:39:56 AM

Sounds neat. I'd like to see it on maybe a smaller type tool, like the Leatherman Micra or the Juice.

665ae · **Reply #2 on:** October 16, 2006, 04:48:34 AM

I've been thinking about this for a week or so as well. My dad has some engraved knives from a Beretta forum he's part of. I always thought it was a cool idea.

I also agree it'd be better on a smaller multitool like a LM Micra. Maybe have the web address and the owners first name on it.

joebw · **Reply #3 on:** October 16, 2006, 02:22:40 PM

Hi Def,

Count me in.

Joe

Travis Autry · **Reply #4 on:** October 16, 2006, 05:17:28 PM

Interesting topic.

I recently ran down some samples for one of my promotional product clients. They were looking for very inexpensive multis.(Read that cheap junk that none of us would covet.)

During my research, I located a supplier that has several Leatherman models. I will dig up some information and post what is available from that company and any others I can locate.

Dunc · **Reply #5 on:** October 16, 2006, 07:38:06 PM

How about the website address and also your user name engraved on it ;D I think it would be nice if some money for the site could be raised out of it and in doing so make the purchaser a contributing member .I did think the Vic Spirit because the sides are smooth and flat and ideal for engraving and they are good value .Im sure one of the German forums ( is it messerforums ? )had a forum spirit a while back .Another thought is rather than a one off buy it now or never , always have them available for members to purchase .I see no reason to buy the tools in bulk , we would just need a constant supplier . Not sure who would sort out the engraving though .This is something I really would love to happen .

Dunc

parnass · **Reply #6 on:** October 16, 2006, 08:49:25 PM

I have no experience with this California web dealer, but his web site which offers multitools with engraving:

http://4lessdepot.com

J-sews · **Reply #7 on:** October 17, 2006, 01:46:17 AM

Quote from: dunc5 on October 16, 2006, 07:38:06 PM

.......I did think the Vic Spirit because the sides are smooth and flat and ideal for engraving and they are good value....
Dunc

Another good candidate for engraving would be any of the Leatherman Juice or Squirt series tools. The scales are flat, and one side of each handle is blank. Ideal for engraving. And the laser burned or cut lettering would be silver colored, contrasting nicely with the colored anodizing.

Grant Lamontagne · **Reply #8 on:** October 17, 2006, 01:49:07 AM

Anyone have a comfortable price range in mind?

Def

Spork, Lord of Lime Jello! · **Reply #9 on:** October 17, 2006, 03:29:25 AM

Quote from: parnass on October 16, 2006, 08:49:25 PM

I have no experience with this California web dealer, but his web site which offers multitools with engraving:

http://4lessdepot.com

I bought all my LM Juices from them...no problems with service.

665ae · **Reply #10 on:** October 17, 2006, 06:08:13 PM

Quote from: Defender on October 17, 2006, 01:49:07 AM

Anyone have a comfortable price range in mind?

Def

I would think about $50 - $75 US. That would be for the tool and the engraving. That is, if we were to stick with a smaller multi.

I also think the engraving should contain the User's name, the web addy, and the year. (just in case we decided to do a different one next year)

Dunc · **Reply #11 on:** October 17, 2006, 07:52:10 PM

Any reason why we couldnt offer more than one choice ? say a Spirit or a Juice .

Dunc

665ae · **Reply #12 on:** October 17, 2006, 08:27:33 PM

Quote from: dunc5 on October 17, 2006, 07:52:10 PM

Any reason why we couldnt offer more than one choice ? say a Spirit or a Juice .

Dunc

I would guess it would all depend on price. It could be cheaper to do them all one specific model tool.

I would think a Juice or Squirt would be really good too. Although, I personally would probably go for anything... even a Schrade Tough "to open" Tool!

colubrid · **Reply #13 on:** October 17, 2006, 08:43:10 PM

I would be inerested but not on the Juice. A tool like the Vic Sprirt would exemplify a better example of what multitool.org is all about. Just my opinion. I am sure others will differ.

How about a vote? I am sure Tim would be able to supply the Spirits.

Grant Lamontagne · **Reply #14 on:** October 18, 2006, 12:17:42 AM

I think a vote will be in order once we have a few solid ideas laid out. At this point we are just kinda thinking about it. It may be too soon to consider running a project like this as there are usually minimums that we have to get.

I am glad that the idea seems to be pretty positive right now though.

Of course, whatever model we decide on will be "the" model. I doubt multiple models would be feasable, but it is an avenue that we can look into.

Def

joebw · **Reply #15 on:** October 18, 2006, 12:24:29 AM

Def,

this should be an annual event with the forum title and the year marked on each offering. Start with the Squirt to keep costs down and advance from there with demand.

Cheers - Joe

Grant Lamontagne · **Reply #16 on:** October 18, 2006, 12:33:14 AM

That's how we worked the SOSAK Knife of the Year and will probably do that here as well, depending on the success of it.
Def

J-sews · **Reply #17 on:** October 18, 2006, 12:39:43 AM

I'm on board, regardless of what is decided. I think it's a great idea. It is somewhat new to me, but I gather that this sort of thing is done on other forums. What all is involved?

Off the top of my head:
Agree upon a tool, perhaps by vote.
Obtain a reasonable price for purchasing a number of such tools.
Agree upon what all is to be engraved, keeping in mind that engravers usually charge by the letter.
Obtain a reasonable price for said engraving.
Calculate various shipping and handling costs.
Find out how many members are willing to purchase the tool at the final price.
Are enough people interested to make it worthwhile? If so, proceed.

(How to handle situations of new members a few months from now who are interested in buying a tool?)

I'm sure I've overlooked or oversimplified some issues here. Question for anyone who has been a part of something like this before: What are the pitfalls and problems, and how do we best avoid them?

Grant Lamontagne · **Reply #18 on:** October 18, 2006, 01:31:46 AM

Many sites have done this before- off the top of my head, Bladeforums did a special blue g-10/CPM440 version of the Spyderco Natice, Knifeforums has a Bark River fixed blade and SOSAK has now completed 4 different knives, including Hikers, Huntsmen, Deluxe Tinkers and an OHT. I am sure there are more, but that's all I can think of at the moment.

Your list looks about right, except there are a few things out of order. Usually we brainstorm a little bit to see what folks are interested in, then put together a feasable list, based on cost and member interest, then we present those options to the members in a vote. Once we have a candidate, we then start taking orders, and once that is done, Travis (or Tim, or whatever we work out) will place the order.

Members who want them two months down the road are usually more or less out of luck as these are usually one time things, especially now that we don't yet have a huge members list. Should we ever end up with enough members and traffic to support a regular offering, we will probably do that. Sometimes certain members (like Tim for example) will pick up a few for sales to newcomers, but that's up to individual members for these things.

Def

Travis Autry · **Reply #19 on:** October 18, 2006, 02:34:59 AM

Not to brag, but although other forums have done knives SOSAK is the only one I know of where it has become an annual event. Primarily that is due to the support of the membership and the availability of inexpensive knives.

One correction to Bob's post: In the promotional industry laser engraving is not priced by the letter. There is normally a set up charge and possibly a price per piece. The engraving requires camera ready art, just like any other printing, and requires a standard imprint per piece or there are additional charges. In some cases, personalization is available at extra cost.

Grant Lamontagne · **Reply #20 on:** October 18, 2006, 02:55:40 AM

Plus SOSAK is way cool.
;D
Def

J-sews · **Reply #21 on:** October 18, 2006, 04:01:19 AM

Quote from: Travis Autry on October 18, 2006, 02:34:59 AM

.......In the promotional industry laser engraving is not priced by the letter. There is normally a set up charge and possibly a price per piece......

Thanks guys, I'm starting to see how this works now.

Here's another question regarding engraving: I see several people expressing interest in having their name on a tool. Is the laser engraver guy able to deal with a bunch of different individual letterings? Or does each tool have to be the same, with no individual differences?

665ae · **Reply #22 on:** October 18, 2006, 08:31:15 AM

I remember seeing that Victorinox does inscriptions on all their models for Businessess. I looked on their website, and they do Tampoprint, Etching, and Diamond Engraving on the Spirits. It also says that they do "small runs" but I have no idea how small they consider a "small run."

Maybe it'd be worth it to look into this a bit further?

Grant Lamontagne · **Reply #23 on:** October 18, 2006, 11:58:50 AM

It doesn't cost anything to "look into" things so we are exploring several options right now. And when I say "we" I mean Travis is doing most of the legwork and I am holding the whip!

We can have individual names engraved as well, but it will likely increase cost. The truth is, we could have the whole thing made from diamond encrusted platinum if we were willing to pay for it!

Unfortunately, since few of us here have a lawsuit pending with Paris Hilton or Michael Jackson, we are going to have to try and keep to a budget. If the individual names comes in that level, we will very likely offer it as well. As yet, we still don't even have enough information to even have a budget so keep the ideas flying!

ef

Travis Autry · **Reply #24 on:** October 18, 2006, 03:33:51 PM

The answer to the personalization question is: Maybe.

Many companies offer a personalization option at an additional cost. They require a variable data file to be created and submitted in their desired format. With that information and whatever set up costs they charge they can add the personalization to a secondary imprint area.

The "maybe" part comes into play based on the available imprint area on the particular tool or item. Some items were designed with the promotional industry in mind and offer a variety of imprinting options. Some items because of their design have limited space for imprinting.

I have requested some information from a couple of suppliers. Once I receive it, I should have more to report in regard to prices, imprint areas, extra services and charges.