The One Gerber MT Everyone Needs?

[CanadianLMfan]

You read the title. Which is the one Gerber tool that you think everyone needs to have?
I'm still thinking since I only have two Gerbers, the MP600 BO bluntnose and the Dime.

[lowtech]

The MP 600 is the iconic Gerber in my book.

[Lynn LeFey]

If you're talking about 'need' as in for use, then none. I think Vic and Leatherman have Gerber beat.

If you mean 'need' from a collector's point of view, then yeah, probably the MP600... preferably the military issued model.

[Goatlord666]

the shard

edit: the one with the Multitool.org logo

[CanadianLMfan]

the shard

edit: the one with the Multitool.org logo

The Shard is a bit useless, but the MT.O logo makes it the best!!!

[Goatlord666]

the shard

edit: the one with the Multitool.org logo

The Shard is a bit useless, but the MT.O logo makes it the best!!!

exactly... proof that these dark clouds have silver linings

[ducttapetech]

A Flik.

[AlephZero]

The Gerber MT I need is the MP600 DET I have coming...

Fingers crossed its not a fake...

[AimlessWanderer]

... the one that best suits their needs ... 

[Gareth]

It would have to be either a MP600 or a MP400 IMO.  Personally I like the MP400 size a little more, but it's really a matter of your own preference.

[CanadianLMfan]

Does anyone have a MP1 other than Chako?

[AHB]

Get yourself an original MultiPlier, you won't be dissapointed... 

[CanadianLMfan]

Get yourself an original MultiPlier, you won't be dissapointed... 

(Image removed from quote.)

(Image removed from quote.)

I have one.

[jerseydevil]

MP400 Compact Sport.  And an MP600 Pro Scout.  And a...... 

[AHB]

I have one.

You're all sorted then..  Now go look for Bucktools, Swisstools, Sogs instead... 

[CanadianLMfan]

I have one.

You're all sorted then..  Now go look for Bucktools, Swisstools, Sogs instead... 

But the BO is coming off and the file is kinda loose.

[lowtech]

If you're talking about 'need' as in for use, then none. I think Vic and Leatherman have Gerber beat.

If you mean 'need' from a collector's point of view, then yeah, probably the MP600... preferably the military issued model.

Technically, you are right. But although I have or had at some point the LM or Vic tools that are technically better, I find myself carrying the MP 600 on a daily basis - That´s why I did not hesitate and mentioned it.
There are better engineered Tools, there are more ergonomic ones, there are less rattly ones and a lot more beautiful ones. But my MP 600 gets the Job done. I know it´s capabilities and limits well and we get along really well.

[AimlessWanderer]

If you're talking about 'need' as in for use, then none. I think Vic and Leatherman have Gerber beat.

If you mean 'need' from a collector's point of view, then yeah, probably the MP600... preferably the military issued model.

Technically, you are right. But although I have or had at some point the LM or Vic tools that are technically better, I find myself carrying the MP 600 on a daily basis - That´s why I did not hesitate and mentioned it.
There are better engineered Tools, there are more ergonomic ones, there are less rattly ones and a lot more beautiful ones. But my MP 600 gets the Job done. I know it´s capabilities and limits well and we get along really well.

  Also, here's how I see things right now.

Victorinox are offering everything they have offered for a while, but occasionally with different scale options. My Victiorinox needs are now met, unless they come up with something NEW!

Leatherman has been bringing out great swathes of one piece tools lately. I don't like one piece tools generally anyway, and certainly have no need for surfing, skating, parachuting, knitting, or ferret juggling ones. Their prices are high, their quality is a lottery (and the odds of winning aren't always that great), and they've not brought out anything new to tempt me for some time.

Wenger is on stand-by as it loses it's name but retains some of it's products sporting a different badge/brand. Time will tell if this will just be tried and tested designs or whether the previous innovation will be carried across to the new management.

Gerber is where my money is going this year. They have again tried to bring out lots of new options, and lots of ideas. OK some of those ideas are facepalm fodder and the build quality isn't always going to see you through the next couple of decades, but they have brought out a good bit of stuff that I like lately - stuff that gets pocket time because other manufacturers have failed to make the tool I want to carry. Octane beats Wingman/Sidekick for me, Balance beats Juice, Dime beats Squirt PS4. I bought the Grappler and prefer it to the Crunch, and prefer the MP400 to the Kick. Not only that, but they do it at a price I want to pay. As mentioned before, Gerber might not be the most robust tools in the world, and they don't get it right on every tool, but when they do get it right they do give good value.

Leatherman do win occasional carry time with the Charge, and in fairness the Style PS has had quite a lot of pocket time as back up lately. If I'm carrying a SAK it's generally a Wenger, though Victorinox does win pocket time with the Spirit X. However, it's Gerber that are winning on pocket real estate most of the time here - and they've done that by making tools that work. MP700, Balance, Dime, MP400 (modded) & Octane have earned their pocket time on merit not on name or reputation.

Closing note - CRKT haven't won me over with any of their pocket tools lately, but the Liong Mah #5 knife has won me over, and I've pretty much walked away from SOG. The Toolclip was great, and they've stopped making it. The Paladin PT-510 was a fantastic tool form, but they've stopped making it. I'm not seeing anything coming out of their stable that's appealing, and I'm hearing way too many horror stories on quality. They'll have to pull out something special to win me back I'm afraid

[3rdpig]

Without a doubt it's the model that's got pliers that retract fully into the body, outside opening blades, quality drivers (and if they're bits they're standard size), a good file, scissors that work, is made with quality materials, has good fit and finish, QC and has consistency along a broad sample

Oh wait.  Sorry, I thought this was the Victorinox forum.  Nevermind!

On a more serious note, I think the MP600 is the iconic Gerber model.

[kirk13]

You NEED a MultiPlier of some sort...be it a Mr Pinchy,a MP400(gets my vote), or a MP600,rather than the newer stuff like Fliks or Diesels.

You might want to look at a Balance too

[AimlessWanderer]

You NEED a MultiPlier of some sort...be it a Mr Pinchy,a MP400(gets my vote), or a MP600,rather than the newer stuff like Fliks or Diesels.

You might want to look at a Balance too

Talking of which, I succumbed to temptation ... actually and genuinely you're fault  (though I suppose I'm still in front on that front  ) so I'll find out for myself soon 

[kirk13]

You NEED a MultiPlier of some sort...be it a Mr Pinchy,a MP400(gets my vote), or a MP600,rather than the newer stuff like Fliks or Diesels.

You might want to look at a Balance too

Talking of which, I succumbed to temptation ... actually and genuinely you're fault  (though I suppose I'm still in front on that front  ) so I'll find out for myself soon 

To quote Nelson Muntz: HaHa

[AimlessWanderer]

You NEED a MultiPlier of some sort...be it a Mr Pinchy,a MP400(gets my vote), or a MP600,rather than the newer stuff like Fliks or Diesels.

You might want to look at a Balance too

Talking of which, I succumbed to temptation ... actually and genuinely you're fault  (though I suppose I'm still in front on that front  ) so I'll find out for myself soon 

To quote Nelson Muntz: HaHa

Spirit X, Spirit X 

[rdub934]

I think it would definitely have to be the MP's (400 or 600). I like the 400 based on its compact-ness. Although it is not my favorite tool, in fact I rarely carry it these days, it is the quentessential gerber model. I like the Octane better based on its OHO knife, but it is low on features compared to the MP series. SOG and Leatherman do folding-type multitools better than Gerber.

[kirk13]

You NEED a MultiPlier of some sort...be it a Mr Pinchy,a MP400(gets my vote), or a MP600,rather than the newer stuff like Fliks or Diesels.

You might want to look at a Balance too

Talking of which, I succumbed to temptation ... actually and genuinely you're fault  (though I suppose I'm still in front on that front  ) so I'll find out for myself soon 

To quote Nelson Muntz: HaHa

Spirit X, Spirit X 

Nice try,but I prefer the butter knife

Now if you'd said SwissTool X,SwissTool X....wait what am I doing

[AimlessWanderer]

You NEED a MultiPlier of some sort...be it a Mr Pinchy,a MP400(gets my vote), or a MP600,rather than the newer stuff like Fliks or Diesels.

You might want to look at a Balance too

Talking of which, I succumbed to temptation ... actually and genuinely you're fault  (though I suppose I'm still in front on that front  ) so I'll find out for myself soon 

To quote Nelson Muntz: HaHa

Spirit X, Spirit X 

Nice try,but I prefer the butter knife

Now if you'd said SwissTool X,SwissTool X....wait what am I doing

CS Plus ... It's the Swisstool X, but with the larger pouch with corkscrew and the wrench and bit holder  I felt the same about the peanut butter blade for a while too ... but after a while reality took hold of my perspective and I realised that the X or RT version was the real winner. No doubt you're thinking the X's plain edged blades just looks a little wrong, but in time you'll realise that blade just feels so right 

Have I led you wrong so far?  Can't remember for certain, but I think I've been infuriatingly right at least 90% of the time

 

[kirk13]

You NEED a MultiPlier of some sort...be it a Mr Pinchy,a MP400(gets my vote), or a MP600,rather than the newer stuff like Fliks or Diesels.

You might want to look at a Balance too

Talking of which, I succumbed to temptation ... actually and genuinely you're fault  (though I suppose I'm still in front on that front  ) so I'll find out for myself soon 

To quote Nelson Muntz: HaHa

Spirit X, Spirit X 

Nice try,but I prefer the butter knife

Now if you'd said SwissTool X,SwissTool X....wait what am I doing

CS Plus ... It's the Swisstool X, but with the larger pouch with corkscrew and the wrench and bit holder  I felt the same about the peanut butter blade for a while too ... but after a while reality took hold of my perspective and I realised that the X or RT version was the real winner. No doubt you're thinking the X's plain edged blades just looks a little wrong, but in time you'll realise that blade just feels so right 

Have I led you wrong so far?  Can't remember for certain, but I think I've been infuriatingly right at least 90% of the time

 

I'll give you 85%, but it's still infuriating

Thing I like about the butter blade is. T looks so unbladelike! Not sheeple friendly,but not threatening either

[gregozedobe]

Leatherman has been bringing out great swathes of one piece tools lately. I don't like one piece tools generally anyway, and certainly have no need for surfing, skating, parachuting, knitting, or ferret juggling ones.

  (glad I wasn't drinking a coffee when I read that one, it would have been all over the keyboard and monitor    )

[CanadianLMfan]

If you're talking about 'need' as in for use, then none. I think Vic and Leatherman have Gerber beat.

If you mean 'need' from a collector's point of view, then yeah, probably the MP600... preferably the military issued model.

Technically, you are right. But although I have or had at some point the LM or Vic tools that are technically better, I find myself carrying the MP 600 on a daily basis - That´s why I did not hesitate and mentioned it.
There are better engineered Tools, there are more ergonomic ones, there are less rattly ones and a lot more beautiful ones. But my MP 600 gets the Job done. I know it´s capabilities and limits well and we get along really well.

  Also, here's how I see things right now.

Victorinox are offering everything they have offered for a while, but occasionally with different scale options. My Victiorinox needs are now met, unless they come up with something NEW!

Leatherman has been bringing out great swathes of one piece tools lately. I don't like one piece tools generally anyway, and certainly have no need for surfing, skating, parachuting, knitting, or ferret juggling ones. Their prices are high, their quality is a lottery (and the odds of winning aren't always that great), and they've not brought out anything new to tempt me for some time.

Wenger is on stand-by as it loses it's name but retains some of it's products sporting a different badge/brand. Time will tell if this will just be tried and tested designs or whether the previous innovation will be carried across to the new management.

Gerber is where my money is going this year. They have again tried to bring out lots of new options, and lots of ideas. OK some of those ideas are facepalm fodder and the build quality isn't always going to see you through the next couple of decades, but they have brought out a good bit of stuff that I like lately - stuff that gets pocket time because other manufacturers have failed to make the tool I want to carry. Octane beats Wingman/Sidekick for me, Balance beats Juice, Dime beats Squirt PS4. I bought the Grappler and prefer it to the Crunch, and prefer the MP400 to the Kick. Not only that, but they do it at a price I want to pay. As mentioned before, Gerber might not be the most robust tools in the world, and they don't get it right on every tool, but when they do get it right they do give good value.

Leatherman do win occasional carry time with the Charge, and in fairness the Style PS has had quite a lot of pocket time as back up lately. If I'm carrying a SAK it's generally a Wenger, though Victorinox does win pocket time with the Spirit X. However, it's Gerber that are winning on pocket real estate most of the time here - and they've done that by making tools that work. MP700, Balance, Dime, MP400 (modded) & Octane have earned their pocket time on merit not on name or reputation.

Closing note - CRKT haven't won me over with any of their pocket tools lately, but the Liong Mah #5 knife has won me over, and I've pretty much walked away from SOG. The Toolclip was great, and they've stopped making it. The Paladin PT-510 was a fantastic tool form, but they've stopped making it. I'm not seeing anything coming out of their stable that's appealing, and I'm hearing way too many horror stories on quality. They'll have to pull out something special to win me back I'm afraid

I'm going to have to back up LM here. First, the Octane should not be compared to the Wingman/Sidekick. A better comparison would be against the Suspension, in which LM is better. The Dime is the stiffest multitool I've ever used, and I've almost broken my fingernail multiple times (but the pliers are good). Next, Juice is much better than Balance in build quality and asthetics (what is the Balance supposed to look like?). I don't know about the other tools since I don't have them.

[jerseydevil]

I'm going to have to back up LM here. First, the Octane should not be compared to the Wingman/Sidekick. A better comparison would be against the Suspension, in which LM is better. The Dime is the stiffest multitool I've ever used, and I've almost broken my fingernail multiple times (but the pliers are good). Next, Juice is much better than Balance in build quality and asthetics (what is the Balance supposed to look like?). I don't know about the other tools since I don't have them.

Wait a minute.  I noticed in your collection thread that you don't own an Octane or a Balance.  Have you ever used either of these tools?  Have you ever even handled them?  The Suspension is more akin to the larger locking LM tools, and I agree - the Suspension is garbage.  The Octane compares well to the Wingman/Sidekick - light duty, minimalist tools.  The Octane has locking tools, which neither of the LM's do.  Ever try to torque a tight screw with a Wingman?  I have.  When the driver folded on me the third time I got rid of the thing.  I find the Octane to be an excellent around town tool that is less bulky than either the Wingman or the Sidekick.
   As to the Balance - really?  What's it supposed to look like?  I guess I'm silly for thinking it looks like a multitool...    If you're going to judge tools and knives from a purely aesthetic standpoint, you're going to miss out on a lot of top-notch gear.....  All of the tools on the Balance are outside opening, and they don't stab you like those damn flatheads on the Juice.  The driver length is so much more useful on the Balance.  I find the shape of the blade on the Balance to be better for general utility work, and there's no way that the scissors on my S2 are even close to being in the same league as those on the Balance.  The plier jaws are wider, and the wider handles on the Balance are much more comfortable when using the pliers than the Juice.  The pliers also don't jam against the drivers on a Balance when closing them, unlike EVERY time I've tried to close my S2.  And there's nothing wrong with the build quality o my Balance, not one bit.  It doesn't get abused, but it's certainly not babied.  I expect my tools to do the job required, and for me the Balance beats the snot out of my Juice.  Yes, everyone here is entitled to their opinions on tools.  But when you make statements like "the Juice is much better than the Balance" be prepared to back them up with experience......