Long time no see

tomcrx · **on:** May 31, 2008, 12:10:23 AM

Hi All

Have been off the grid for quite a while do to extended family issues and job transfers. I am now 1000 miles further west then I used to be.

That does'nt mean that I have not been keeping up with my addiction

Recent tools I that have passed thru my hands:

1.LM Core - Huge tool too big for me. I was shocked that they put in plastic spacers to make the plier head fit.

2. Buck X-Tract - I really like this tool. I EDC it a lot now. I guess it fits my needs in that my most used tool is the knife followed by the drivers. The pliers are a little dinky but they get the job done 90% of the time. Really think this tool is underrated and for 25$ it is a great bargain. I just noticed Def's write up on the Fly model and that seems to be the next purchase. From the photos they seemed to be putting in slightly thicker pliers also. Hope they continue to refine and advance this product line.

3. Gerber Diesel - Mixed on this one. The rattle is still there, great pliers but I find the knife and bit driver inadequate. It reminds me of a MP600 lite. I do love the pliers though and for 30$ with the extra bits it has earned a permanent place in the glove box.

4. SAK Outrider - does it bug anyone else that you have to pull the scissors out to get to the phillips? A little thick for EDC

5. Skeletool - Great fit and finish and I like the minimalist approach but it has been eclipsed by the X-Tract for me. Also
I still cannot stand the grinds that LM puts on their knife blades. I feel that I am slicing with a calvary cutlass.

Other random MT thoughts.

- I sent in my third Wave for repair. This time a busted scissors handle. My attraction to LM is waning. I have a SOG paratool that I put thru
hell for 8 years with nary a hiccup. I have babied LM Waves and they keep going belly up.

-Another purchase on the horizon is the Zilla tool. I like the approach. I always wonders why manufacturers stick with
friction fit or magnetic bit drivers. I would love to see a collet approach. This would give great flexibility to bit selection and the addition
of parts like saw blades and punches.

-I want the anniversary Wenger soldier.

Glad to see the board is doing great and congrats to Def and crew for keeping it up. Also see that Spoonrobot is back. I appreciate his reviews and disassembly posts.

Smitty44 · **Reply #1 on:** May 31, 2008, 12:47:35 AM

Glad to have you back on line,hope the family is OK,and adjusted to the new job,and glad that you still have a good addiction.

Smitty

edap617 · **Reply #2 on:** May 31, 2008, 01:23:16 AM

We are glad you're back.

Teofilo · **Reply #3 on:** May 31, 2008, 02:40:11 AM

Tom, I used to EDC my Buck X-Tract too for so many months. It's so so useful especially the screwdrivers and the big knife. But, I need stronger pliers, so I carry now the Gerber's MP600. Welcome back Tom.

tomcrx · **Reply #4 on:** May 31, 2008, 03:18:44 AM

Quote from: Teofilo on May 31, 2008, 02:40:11 AM

Tom, I used to EDC my Buck X-Tract too for so many months. It's so so useful especially the screwdrivers and the big knife. But, I need a stronger pliers, so I carry now the Gerber's MP600. Welcome back Tom.

Thanks. Good to be back. I miss beefier pliers sometimes, but less then I thought

Anthony · **Reply #5 on:** May 31, 2008, 04:59:56 AM

Welcome back man, glad to see you're still into the whole multi tool scene

AJ · **Reply #6 on:** May 31, 2008, 05:39:16 AM

Welcome back

WhichDawg · **Reply #7 on:** May 31, 2008, 05:57:01 AM

Welcome back T-man!

hope all is right now. nice report and reviews, I really like my X-Track too

ringzero · **Reply #8 on:** May 31, 2008, 08:35:53 AM

Quote from: tomcrx on May 31, 2008, 12:10:23 AM

2. Buck X-Tract - I really like this tool. I EDC it a lot now. I guess it fits my needs in that my most used tool is the knife followed by the drivers. The pliers are a little dinky but they get the job done 90% of the time. Really think this tool is underrated and for 25$ it is a great bargain. I just noticed Def's write up on the Fly model and that seems to be the next purchase. From the photos they seemed to be putting in slightly thicker pliers also. Hope they continue to refine and advance this product line.

Good to see your byline again, tomcrx.

Agree with you about the Buck X-Tract - it is my most carried and most used multitool.

It's really nice to have a serious blade available that is one-hand-opening.

Both X-Tract screwdrivers are excellent - basically as good as dedicated drivers, except for being a little on the short side.

The pliers work OK for smaller tasks, but are X-Tract's biggest limitation. I found that the pliers wire cutter works great for trimming bushes - it'll cut right through any branch small enough to fit, maybe up to a quarter-inch.

Like you, I'm looking forward to getting the X-Tract Fin - I'll definitely prefer the one-hand-opening scissors over the regular X-Tract's canopener! Also, I'd rather have the Fin's plain edge blade.

.

Mike, Lord of the Spammers! · **Reply #9 on:** May 31, 2008, 09:22:20 AM

Welcome back mate

I think my interest in LM would be waning after all those problems

Leatherman123 · **Reply #10 on:** May 31, 2008, 02:57:26 PM

Welcome back!

Benner · **Reply #11 on:** May 31, 2008, 07:11:22 PM

It's good to see you on here again mate.

Grant Lamontagne · **Reply #12 on:** May 31, 2008, 07:49:21 PM

Good to see you back buddy!

That XTract FIN certainly looks interesting, doesn't it? They had so many at the Buck Booth at the SHOT Show I was wondering if anyone would notice if I "liberated" an advance sample!

I think the scissors and plain edge really make the FIN shine above the other models, and the diamond file is pretty sweet too!

Def