What's your latest GERBER?

[jerseydevil]

Very nice, Cap'n. 

[AimlessWanderer]

Nice one Cap'n. Are you a fully converted Gerberite yet, or do you still need some convincing? 

TBH I don't really know.  I suspect Leatherman's QC has been about the same for a few years now, it's just people's willingness to talk about it that might have changed. 

I put Gerber's rise in popularity down to the fact we are all a bunch of enablers who can't resist persuading others that our latest MT is the greatest thing since sliced bread.   The fact that there really are a good few Gerber's worth owning helps a little too.

I'd agree mate. When I first signed up here it seemed that saying a bad word against LM was considered blasphemy  but attitudes have changed here, and on the whole people tend to critique tools a lot more fairly rather than getting caught up in brand names or country of origin 

I think another reason why people might have started moving into Gerbers a little more, is simply to get their fix. There's not been much in the way of new tools of late generally in the market - slightly revamped versions of old tools, yes - but not much new stuff (aside from the myriad of one piece creations). Folks have therefore been forced to explore avenues they wouldn't have considered before to get their "high" from the new acquisition. I think there's also been some unfair dissillusionment with LM for bringing out all the one piece garbage instead of full tools, when really that's just the Pockettool X side of the company padding out it's line rather than the core tool division. Maybe they should have kept it under a different name like they did with LED Lenser to dissuay that.

OMG - did I just defend LM's business strategies? 

 

It is nice to see the increased Gerberfication though  , and nice to see that people are discovering that it's not just a new thing for the collection, but quite often it's a good hardworking tool which will serve them well too 

[captain spaulding]

Nice one Cap'n. Are you a fully converted Gerberite yet, or do you still need some convincing? 

Oh I have been a Gerberite....... for a while now. I traded off most of my Gerbers a while back and regret getting rid of my MP600's. This one's here to stay. 

[jerseydevil]

Nice one Cap'n. Are you a fully converted Gerberite yet, or do you still need some convincing? 

Oh I have been a Gerberite....... for a while now. I traded off most of my Gerbers a while back and regret getting rid of my MP600's. This one's here to stay. 

Some of us here are quite happy you did that though...... 

[AimlessWanderer]

Nice one Cap'n. Are you a fully converted Gerberite yet, or do you still need some convincing? 

Oh I have been a Gerberite....... for a while now. I traded off most of my Gerbers a while back and regret getting rid of my MP600's. This one's here to stay. 

Good to hear! 

[captain spaulding]

Nice one Cap'n. Are you a fully converted Gerberite yet, or do you still need some convincing? 

Oh I have been a Gerberite....... for a while now. I traded off most of my Gerbers a while back and regret getting rid of my MP600's. This one's here to stay. 

Some of us here are quite happy you did that though...... 

I bet!   

[captain spaulding]

Nice one Cap'n. Are you a fully converted Gerberite yet, or do you still need some convincing? 

Oh I have been a Gerberite....... for a while now. I traded off most of my Gerbers a while back and regret getting rid of my MP600's. This one's here to stay. 

Good to hear! 

Oh yea. 

[Gareth]

Nice one Cap'n. Are you a fully converted Gerberite yet, or do you still need some convincing? 

TBH I don't really know.  I suspect Leatherman's QC has been about the same for a few years now, it's just people's willingness to talk about it that might have changed. 

I put Gerber's rise in popularity down to the fact we are all a bunch of enablers who can't resist persuading others that our latest MT is the greatest thing since sliced bread.   The fact that there really are a good few Gerber's worth owning helps a little too.

I'd agree mate. When I first signed up here it seemed that saying a bad word against LM was considered blasphemy  but attitudes have changed here, and on the whole people tend to critique tools a lot more fairly rather than getting caught up in brand names or country of origin 

I think another reason why people might have started moving into Gerbers a little more, is simply to get their fix. There's not been much in the way of new tools of late generally in the market - slightly revamped versions of old tools, yes - but not much new stuff (aside from the myriad of one piece creations). Folks have therefore been forced to explore avenues they wouldn't have considered before to get their "high" from the new acquisition. I think there's also been some unfair dissillusionment with LM for bringing out all the one piece garbage instead of full tools, when really that's just the Pockettool X side of the company padding out it's line rather than the core tool division. Maybe they should have kept it under a different name like they did with LED Lenser to dissuay that.

OMG - did I just defend LM's business strategies? 

 

It is nice to see the increased Gerberfication though  , and nice to see that people are discovering that it's not just a new thing for the collection, but quite often it's a good hardworking tool which will serve them well too 

I hadn't thought of that, but it does make sense.

[sawman]

Nice one Cap'n, now don't go trading this one away 

[captain spaulding]

Nice one Cap'n, now don't go trading this one away 

Never. I love the MP600.

[jerseydevil]

   I finally did it!

[captain spaulding]

Knifeless MP400. Sweet! 

[Gareth]

Very cool mate.   Nearly, but not quite, the same as my one.   In fact there must be a good few MP400 mods kicking around now.

[sawman]

  I finally did it!

I've been waiting for this mod ever since you told me about it. Very nice job Tom

[jerseydevil]

Thanks guys!  It's something I've been putting off for quite a while.  Wasn't that difficult.  Hell if Kirky could do it, anyone could.....   

[gregozedobe]

A couple of Multi-lites, both with green lids, one with a corkscrew; the other is the "Ride" version (the snowboard tool - see, Gerber was well ahead of LM with their "dedicated sport" tool variations).

[Gareth]

I'm not sure I know what the "ride" version is.   I need pictures.

[gregozedobe]

I'm not sure I know what the "ride" version is.   I need pictures.

It's only slightly different to the other 3 versions of multi-lites, with a dedicated spanner for adjusting something on snowboards and a different sheath.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/271550604903 (click on "see original listing" to see all the photos)

[Gareth]

Nope, I really don't think I've seen that before.  Very cool.

[gregozedobe]

Nope, I really don't think I've seen that before.  Very cool.

I've only ever seen three examples of this particular version (I've got two and Loki-mobile has one), but no doubt other MTo members also have them (Bob, anyone else ?). 

AFAIK there are 4 different versions of the multi-lite, serrated blade (most common), corkscrew, saw and the "Ride" (snowboard tool). Most have either the black or green lid (but Bob has an uber cool purple lid from his Gerber prototype bonaza).

[detron]

So,  I got a BO Mr. Pinchy 

amazed at how different it is from my other SS Mr. Pinchy.

first, the fasteners that hold the plier head to the handles are different



plier head is COMPLETLY different









The BO one actually opens wider



and the inside of the plier head (inside the handle) is different too



Anyone know which is older?  thanks!

[jerseydevil]

That's sweet, detron!    The black one is older, I believe.  I'm almost positive that that's Gerbers' first plier head shape.  The screws instead of solid pins on the release mechanism as well point to an earlier one. Very nice addition to the family!

[detron]

That's sweet, detron!    The black one is older, I believe.  I'm almost positive that that's Gerbers' first plier head shape.  The screws instead of solid pins on the release mechanism as well point to an earlier one. Very nice addition to the family!

thanks!  I remember the first one I got back in '97 or so had the allen screws, but I had no idea how old it was when it was given to me,  it could have been in the supply system for years.

[detron]

and it is your fault jerseydevil!   

[jerseydevil]

   Any other holes in your collection I can inspire you to fill? 

[gregozedobe]

That's sweet, detron!    The black one is older, I believe.  I'm almost positive that that's Gerbers' first plier head shape.  The screws instead of solid pins on the release mechanism as well point to an earlier one. Very nice addition to the family!

The black one looks like a late version 4 Mr Pinchy to me, with the second plier shape that was used by versions 2, 3 & 4.  The first plier shape (version 1 only) was more rounded and delicate looking.

[detron]

That's sweet, detron!    The black one is older, I believe.  I'm almost positive that that's Gerbers' first plier head shape.  The screws instead of solid pins on the release mechanism as well point to an earlier one. Very nice addition to the family!

The black one looks like a late version 4 Mr Pinchy to me, with the second plier shape that was used by versions 2, 3 & 4.  The first plier shape (version 1 only) was more rounded and delicate looking.

Thank you.

Do you have a version breakdown?  I am sure it is on mto somewhere,  but thought I would go to the source

sent from phone

[jerseydevil]

Thanks for the correction Greg.

[gregozedobe]

Do you have a version breakdown?  I am sure it is on mto somewhere,  but thought I would go to the source

I copied much of the following info from a earlier post on MTo (possibly by Bob ? ), with revisions and additions from looking at various Mr Pinchies (and some assumptions on my part).  Naturally any errors/omissions are my fault.  If anyone has any corrections and/or extra info please speak up (eg which versions were made with a BO finish).  Sorry, I can't do photos.  I hope this helps out all those interested in the development of gerber's (in)famous "Mr Pinchy".

EARLY GERBER MULTI-PLIERS ("Mr Pinchy")          

Gerber kept making small changes to their Multi-Plier throughout the 1990's, so we tend to see a lot of subtle variations. Some were stamped and sold with the Fiskars logo, and at least some of these had slightly different tool loads (Fiskars owned Gerber at that time).  At some stage Gerber started making a BO finish available, as well as the much more common bead blasted SS finish.   Here's a summary of the main steps along the way:

Version 1) The very first models had a high-polish finish, instead of the bead blast we've seen on Gerber tools since. It also had button-head screws in all four blade pivot points, and button head screws on the plier slides. Also note the pivot bushing between the plier jaws. A crude pair of scissors was included, and a VERY thick Lanyard clip.  The very first run of Multi-Pliers were etched with “FIRST PRODUCTION RUN” (a.k.a. “FPR” ) on one handle.

V1.0  FPR
V1.1  One handle cut-out, mis-matched nail nicks (don’t line up with cut-outs)
V1.2  One handle cut-out, matched nail nicks
V1.2  Two handle cut-outs, matched nail nicks

All ?     “PATENT PENDING”


Version 2) The second version went to the now-familiar bead blast finish. The scissors were replaced by a big triangular shaped awl. This version still has button head pivots, button head sliders, and the pivot bushing between the plier jaws. The pliers had slightly beefier jaws with a squarer shape, while the lanyard clip was slimmed to a more “normal” thickness.

V2.0  “PATENT PENDING”
V2.1 “U.S. PATENT NO 5142721”


Version 3) This version wasn't much of a change really. They simply did away with the pivot bushing.

All ?  “U.S. PATENT NO 5142721”


Version 4) Changes: On one side of each handle, the button head screw was replaced with a round nut, while a file replaced the large awl.

V4.0   “U.S. PATENT NO
         5142721/5142844”        NB The 5142844 # was possibly an error, as later versions all used 5212844.

V4.1      “    U.S.    5142721
            PATENT    5212844
         PAT PEND”


Version 5) This introduced a new, even beefier shape to the blunt nose plier jaws, and needle nose jaws were offered for the first time as well.  Gone were the button head slider screws, replaced by two different sizes of round-headed rivets.

All ?     “U.S.      5142721
         PATENT    5212844
       PAT PEND”


At this point Gerber stopped with the minor evolutions of the Multi-Plier (Mr Pinchy) and came out with a major overhaul. Called the Multi-Lock when it first hit the market, the new tool had all-locking blades, plastic sliding lock releases, unique blade-pivot screws, the now familiar little circlip spring steel slider clips, etc.

After a while this tool became the 600-series Multi-Plier (MP600), with all its many tool component and plier type configurations. The very first ones were also stamped "First Production Run" (FPR).
All ?     “U.S.      5142721
        PATENT    5212844
       PAT PEND”           NB This is stamped inside the handle, not externally as before (and in a very small font).

This information was last updated by gregozedobe on 5 August 2014

[detron]

Do you have a version breakdown?  I am sure it is on mto somewhere,  but thought I would go to the source

I copied much of the following info from a earlier post on MTo (possibly by Bob ? ), with revisions and additions from looking at various Mr Pinchies (and some assumptions on my part).  Naturally any errors/omissions are my fault.  If anyone has any corrections and/or extra info please speak up (eg which versions were made with a BO finish).  Sorry, I can't do photos.  I hope this helps out all those interested in the development of gerber's (in)famous "Mr Pinchy".

EARLY GERBER MULTI-PLIERS ("Mr Pinchy")          

Gerber kept making small changes to their Multi-Plier throughout the 1990's, so we tend to see a lot of subtle variations. Some were stamped and sold with the Fiskars logo, and at least some of these had slightly different tool loads (Fiskars owned Gerber at that time).  At some stage Gerber started making a BO finish available, as well as the much more common bead blasted SS finish.   Here's a summary of the main steps along the way:

Version 1) The very first models had a high-polish finish, instead of the bead blast we've seen on Gerber tools since. It also had button-head screws in all four blade pivot points, and button head screws on the plier slides. Also note the pivot bushing between the plier jaws. A crude pair of scissors was included, and a VERY thick Lanyard clip.  The very first run of Multi-Pliers were etched with “FIRST PRODUCTION RUN” (a.k.a. “FPR” ) on one handle.

V1.0  FPR
V1.1  One handle cut-out, mis-matched nail nicks (don’t line up with cut-outs)
V1.2  One handle cut-out, matched nail nicks
V1.2  Two handle cut-outs, matched nail nicks

All ?     “PATENT PENDING”


Version 2) The second version went to the now-familiar bead blast finish. The scissors were replaced by a big triangular shaped awl. This version still has button head pivots, button head sliders, and the pivot bushing between the plier jaws. The pliers had slightly beefier jaws with a squarer shape, while the lanyard clip was slimmed to a more “normal” thickness.

V2.0  “PATENT PENDING”
V2.1 “U.S. PATENT NO 5142721”


Version 3) This version wasn't much of a change really. They simply did away with the pivot bushing.

All ?  “U.S. PATENT NO 5142721”


Version 4) Changes: On one side of each handle, the button head screw was replaced with a round nut, while a file replaced the large awl.

V4.0   “U.S. PATENT NO
         5142721/5142844”        NB The 5142844 # was possibly an error, as later versions all used 5212844.

V4.1      “    U.S.    5142721
            PATENT    5212844
         PAT PEND”


Version 5) This introduced a new, even beefier shape to the blunt nose plier jaws, and needle nose jaws were offered for the first time as well.  Gone were the button head slider screws, replaced by two different sizes of round-headed rivets.

All ?     “U.S.      5142721
         PATENT    5212844
       PAT PEND”


At this point Gerber stopped with the minor evolutions of the Multi-Plier (Mr Pinchy) and came out with a major overhaul. Called the Multi-Lock when it first hit the market, the new tool had all-locking blades, plastic sliding lock releases, unique blade-pivot screws, the now familiar little circlip spring steel slider clips, etc.

After a while this tool became the 600-series Multi-Plier (MP600), with all its many tool component and plier type configurations. The very first ones were also stamped "First Production Run" (FPR).
All ?     “U.S.      5142721
        PATENT    5212844
       PAT PEND”           NB This is stamped inside the handle, not externally as before (and in a very small font).

This information was last updated by gregozedobe on 5 August 2014

Thank you very much!  now to store that safely away where I can actually find it.