Seeing that I am stuck at home a bit sick, I have some time to indulge in a little photography. I also thought it was high time to gather a few things and put them all into one massive photography and discussion thread...regarding one of my favorite multi-tools, the Multitasker.
As some of you know, Shane Keng from OneUp Design was gracious enough to have sent me some rather rare items in the past, and thankfully, I don't mind taking photographs of them to share with all of you. Please bear with me as this will be fairly large, and if I do make some mistakes, please correct me.
Multitasker tools has a very good reputation for quality. From brass bushings, to machining that goes the extra mile, I have a soft spot for the quality and design of these weapon specific tools. In fact, it has been a long held belief of mine that an EDC model would be greatly appreciated by folks. There is a current partnership with Emerson right now (EK-1 Multitool) that looks very promising. And before you ask, yes, I will have to get one when they hit the market.
A lot of people think that the AR 15 Multitasker was the tool that started it all for Shane, but I can tell from the various other ventures and other projects he has sent me, it isn't. I do not know much about the background history, but what I can tell you is that the AR15 Tool definitely made a splash in the military/LEO community. So much so that there are a few newer products out there such as the Ultralight and the Tube, both developed to meet the varied needs of its customers.
I can't wait to get a version 3 AR Multitasker in the future.
Multitasker AR Series 1 Prototype.This one came with the series 1 sheath which I liked because of its versatility. Not sure why, but I liked the zippered storage space on the flap. This type of sheath only came with the early AR Multitaskers however. The bit set comes in a nice rubber organizer that fits in the sheath in its own separate pouch.
There are no Multitasker markings on the handles as seen in the Series 2 and later production units.
There are also no markings on the plier head as found on the production model.
Multitasker AR Series 1 Production.Here is a production Series 1 model. I don't know how many of these were made, but I believe Multitasker produces runes with constant improvements. I know I am lucky to have one, as they are hard to find these days. Not that the sheath remains the same, as does the bit carrier.
The production Series 1 has AR MULTITASKER on the plier pivot point.
Multitasker Variant Prototype.This tool does not have any markings, and features the same type of pliers as the following DPMS version.
DPMS Panther Arms Multi-tool Prototype.From what little I know, this was never produced.
The biggest difference from the series 1 are the pliers.
And of course the name on the handle.
Multitasker AR Series 2 Production.Multitasker did several improvements to the AR series 2 lineup. The sheath and bit carrier have changed, as well as the plier head...not to mention various other improvements in the tools themselves.
All series 2 AR Multitaskers have the name fixed to the handles. I know there is also a Brownell named version out here. Brownell being the easiest way to buy Multitaskers in the United States.
The plier join has changed as well as the shape of the pliers themselves. This first series 2 version has markings around the pivot point that states "Series 2 AR Multitasker". This makes identification rather easy, which is a good thing for users and collectors alike, as this is the first series 2 version. There is another version which I will call Series 2.1 that will be illustrated next .
Multitasker AR Series 2.1 Production.In this updated model, special attention was given to the plier joint. Now it features ball bearings for a smoother action. Not the newer sheath and bit carrier which are the same as those found on the previous Series 2.
The easiest way to tell a Series 2 from a 2.1 is the plier pivot point. Not only is there a noticeable ball bearing cover, the tool is marked "CNC Billet".
Multitasker AR Series 2.1 Brown (The prototype that never should have been).This one has a little history behind it. Shane wanted to order one or more tools in Dessert Tan. Instead, he got a brown model. He wasn't happy with it.
Multitasker AR Series 2.1 Dessert Tan Prototype.Once the brown was shipped to him, he ordered another with Tan G10 Scales. I do not think this went into production, or if it did, it was with very limited numbers.
Multitasker Ultralight Prototypes.It is very rare that one gets to see the inside info on the various design processes and elements that go into making a multi-tool. Shane was kind enough to offer me that opportunity with a series of 3 prototypes of the Multitasker Ultralight.
Multitasker Ultralight Production.Here is the commercial version of the Ultralight in black G10 scales. The Ultralight has most of the tools of the AR series minus the pliers.
Multitasker Ultralight Dessert Tan Prototype. this is 1 of 3 prototypes produced. I think the others made the rounds for reviews from arms centric forums and websites.
Pocketsmith II.The Pocketsmith is a tool designed for and around the Browning M1911 pistol. This is the second generation of the Pocketsmith.
I am not sure of the chronological history here, but this is what I think. I think that the Pocketsmith came out before the AR and was jointly or designed solely by OneUp Designs. Either way, you can see obvious design similarities.
Pocketsmith III.This example has Remington on the handles, however another common mark is that of Caspian Arms. This is version 3 of the M1911 multi-tool. This one looks very similar in shape to the AR specific Multtiaskers.
Multitasker Tube Prototype.Here is the prototype of the Multitasker Tube. The production unit is above the preproduction unit.
The prototype is the bottom half, and the production is the upper half. Note that the prototype features a finer and longer thread. The course thread on the production unit is much appreciated.
Multitasker Tube Tool Black Production.The Tube is the smallest AR Multitasker out there. It combines a sight tool, brass pick, and carbon scraper in one small package.
Multitasker Tube Tool Dessert Tan.The Tube in a rarer Dessert Tan version. I am uncertain if this colour ever went commercial. i do know there were a few of these circulating amongst the reviewer crowd.
That should give you a nice look into the various prototypes and design elements of Multitasker and OneUp Design Labs. I hope people will find this of interest.
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