Yes, I willingly purchased something from United Cutlery....

[Grant Lamontagne]

I found this by accident on eBay- sorry about the awful pics, but I wanted to share and didn't want to waste time setting up my camera!



Here's the description from the auction:

UNITED CUTLERY - VINTAGE STANLEY "PRODUCTION SAMPLE" SALE

This was a Production Sample for the STANLEY Knife line made in 2001
MaxEdge Multi-Function Pocket Tool - 440 Stainless Steel Blade - Made in Taiwan


FEATURES: I got this knife when I bough a large pallet of older United Cutlery Co items. This is a Production Sample of the STANLEY TOOL Co. and it was made in 2001 in the Taiwan before the shift over to China. 11 tools in one. 2 1/2" closed, 3 3/4" open. New in factory box.

MODEL: FC-LOT262 - SL36

I'd never heard of them, but the seller had two and they were cheap so I grabbed them both.  With shipping the two of them, brand new in the clam packs still cost less than lunch at McDonalds so I figured they would be interesting enough for the price.

Still, I was curious so I sent off a PM to the one guy I figured would have all the answers- Bob. 



His response (as expected!  ) was quite thorough and detailed, and I hope he doesn't mind me sharing it here.

Yep, they were indeed produced by United Cutlery, then rebranded with a number of different labels. Some sold with United Cutlery logos, while some (with scissors) were marked Smith & Wesson. See below.


(Image removed from quote.)

(Image removed from quote.)


The ones marked Stanly MaxEdge were not particularly uncommon, but they don't show up as often these days. They are surprisingly well built too. Which probably explains why United Cutlery stopped making them as soon as they realized that this might give them a good name. <shudder>

I'd say ya' done good, and I'll be happy to take one of them off your hands if you ever feel like parting with it

Bob

You know you are on to something good when Bob starts mooching for your spare! 

I'm pleased to add these to my collection.  Now that I know they were sold under other brand names I may have to try to find an open one so I can keep these ones new in the package!   

One thing that surprised me was that for some reason I was expecting a full sized tool and when they showed up they were just a bit larger than a Micra.  They actually seem pretty neat, and I thought about putting this thread in the Cheapo forum, but as this version may be a bit scarce I thought this was a better fit.

And yes, I feel a little dirty for actually buying a United Cutlery product!  Still, it could have been worse- it could have been a Taylor!

Def

[nuphoria]

Well it did say 2 1/2" closed, so what did you expect?!

It's not entirely horrible either really, bit like the mini Bear Jaws maybe?

[DaveK]

Whilst I've been away, has anyone managed to make Bob say "No, I've never seen that before"?

[Syph007]

How does Bob know everything about MTs? Is he magic?

[Grant Lamontagne]

Well it did say 2 1/2" closed, so what did you expect?!

It's not entirely horrible either really, bit like the mini Bear Jaws maybe?

I didn't read that far into the description...

As for what the tool is actually like, it is still factory sealed so I honestly couldn't tell you. 

Def

[J-sews]

Bah, go ahead and take it out of the package Even if breaking the seal ends up reducing it's value by 50%, that only amounts to about two bucks.

Seriously though, these little tools were surprisingly well built. Too bad UC didn't maintain this level of quality in the years since, or I imagine we would have a lot higher opinion of them.

[Grant Lamontagne]

Yeah you are right, but then they probably wouldn't be sleeping on as big a pile of cash as they are now.

Def

Sent from a digital multitool

[J-sews]

I should think an endorsement from the hallowed halls of Multitool.org would be worth far more than a mere pile of cash. <WARNING: possible sarcasm in previous statement>

[sawman]

Boss, I would like one of these, could you hook me up?

[Metropolicity]

Boss, I would like one of these, could you hook me up?

Me too!

[enki_ck]

Boss, I would like one of these, could you hook me up?

Me too!

You'll just break it!

[Metropolicity]

Boss, I would like one of these, could you hook me up?

Me too!

You'll just break it!

I didn't say I wouldn't. Also..it's MOD not break

[Junkcollector]

I have a little Coast brand tool that is awfully similar..

[Grant Lamontagne]

Boss, I would like one of these, could you hook me up?

Me too!

Sorry guys, I have one spare and it's already spoken for.  If I spot any more on eBay (or anywhere else) I'll be certain to share with everyone.

Def

[SolomonKane79]

Do the tools lock open on this beauties?

[Grant Lamontagne]

I have yet to be brave enough to take one out of the package, but I don't believe they do.  They appear to have a Micra-like backspring.

Def