Tool colors

[Grant Lamontagne]

Leatherman may have created a monster with the Juice series, but full sized tools have so far managed to avoid getting the color treatment.  Of course, the few that do get fancy looks seem to be somewhat prized- the camo Charge and the tiger striped SOG for example.

Would you buy a full sized or large tool if it was in different colors, and what colors would you like to see if they were available?

Personally I would be fond of some different but subdued colors.  Maybe not something quite as bright as the Juice series, but still some kind of color would be nice.

Def

[CacherX4]

Sure would, I'd like to see LM get the tiger striped color on their tools.  I agree with the subdued colors also. Another point to mention would be the ladies. I bet more women out there who have that "I am not going to carry that.....that thing around in my purse" attitude may think differently when it comes in colors...It just might make a good marketing idea.  I know of a few ladies that purchased a juice series tool just because of the colors.  Myself, I'd like to stick to the darker end of the spectrum in a flat or matte finish, nothing shiny & glossy.

Jim

[Grant Lamontagne]

See now I thought of that as well, but it seems to me that it's not only the color of the Juices that appeal to non tool people, but also the convenient size.  I think those two factors go together to help the Juice models appeal to ladies who would not otherwise carry a tool.

Def

[J-sews]

Quality manufacturers may be a bit hesitant now to offer new tools with color finishes; there are now so many Asian imports with colored handles (like your blue Sheffield Def) that any colored multitool may have a "cheap" reputation associated with it. Marketing guys would fret about this sort of thing.

I dunno, maybe not. I guess what I'm saying is that colored handles on a multitool wouldn't be that unusual, unless the color pattern itself was somehow unique. Like Swiss Bianco's splash anodizing, for instance.

[Travis Autry]

Colored tools look really good when they are new and unused, but they start to look bad very quickly.  While that may not matter to those of us who buy them to use, know and appreciate the "well used" look, it is a turn off to some folks, particularly women.

One of my SOSAK OHT's was designated as a user.  Naturally, the black blade coating has taken a bit of a beating.  That doesn't bother me, but it would drive my wife crazy.  While she knows that metal coatings get 'dinged' she would be hesitant to buy or use one that was coated because she wouldn't want the use to show.

I also agree with Bob about the "cheap" perception.  I always wonder if the Sheffields and some others are hiding behind their colors.

[Grant Lamontagne]

Valid points, definately.  But, eye catching colors lead people to buy things- that's why the cereal aisle at the local grocery store looks like Mardi Gras.

And one simple point- the Sheffields are stainless with orange stickers- the bright blue one was a Carolina Knife and Tool...

Def

[parnass]

.. Would you buy a full sized or large tool if it was in different colors, and what colors would you like to see if they were available?

No, not if the color was prone to scratch off with use.

[J-sews]

Here's a pic Roger sent me; now this is what I'm talking about!! Would I like to see quality multitools available in these colors? Youbetcha!

[damota]

If you drop and lose a camouflaged multi and then find it later can you return it under guarantee because the camouflage was faulty? 

I think you are being sexist if you think the only way a female would buy a multi is if it was a bonny colour, I think (the ones I know at least) if they have need of one they go and get one (OK maybe some cheap model from the local superstore many times not) if a bloke buys one as a present for a female, that's when they get the pretty ones. 2 multi users I know both have LMs they bought themselves one who has one in her sewing kit (I do not know what model she has) another young female who lives across the road from me asked me were I get my multi's from before Xmas, she now owns a Wave with pocket clip and bit set. She uses it for work with the pouch and spare bits shoved in her back pocket and the tool clipped to the side pocket on the out side. When she comes home she places the tool in its pouch and carries it in her bag. She bought hers because she was sick of the remarks she got whenever she had to borrow a multi at work.

Dave

[J-sews]

.....sounds like you need to tell your neighbor about Multitool.org Dave.......

[J-sews]

Colored tools look really good when they are new and unused, but they start to look bad very quickly.......

I am not happy to say, I think Travis' statement describes the Tiger Stripe SOG precisely. My pictures don't do it justice; the light/dark striping pattern is absolutely gorgeous. I love it! However, after just a bit of carrying and light duty, it already has some annoying scratches on it. Not subtle scratches either, because they go clear through the finish and into the bright shiny stainless steel underneath.

I wish the striped finish was somehow more durable. It feels pretty "soft" to the touch. Not spray paint, but not a good hard anodize either. I can't scratch it with my fingernail anyhow.

I'm trying not to be vain about this, but a person pays extra for a tool like this for a certain amount of "show off" purpose. But who wants to show off a fancy paint job that is all scratched up?

[damota]

.....sounds like you need to tell your neighbor about Multitool.org Dave.......

I think she may have lurked on here for a while, cos she got a LM. 
Seriously it was all her own work I do think the shiny finish had something to do with her desicion, but the outside knife blade and ability to take bits (she had one of the blokes at work grind a couple of standard bits down to fit as well as the ones already in the set (the benifit of being an atractive young lady  )) all went towards her decision. I think she did well.
It would be interesting for any ladies present to do a headsup, even if it means them useing a hotmail acount to jion, then we could tailor some of the reviews and such to what they are looking for in a multi. I mean users/potential users not traders.

Dave

[Grant Lamontagne]

We have had a few ladies visit this forum in the time it's been around, and while I am not certain I can speak "from their point of view," I do have to wonder if a woman's view of tools is different from a man's?  Certainly, if the man is the tool user/fixer and the woman isn't then yes, but are those attitudes based on sex, or role?  If the woman is the fixer upper type (and there are many of those nowadays) then would she view a tool any different than a man who is a fixer-upper type?

I can see the difference with the bright colors for light duty or keychain tools, as they have to appeal more to non-tool people as well, but for the serious tool user (male or female) I am wondering if color matters, or gender, or anything else beyond being just a good, solid, reliable, well equipped tool?

Dang, we need to recruit some serious marketing and socialogical people to this forum!

Def

[Spoonrobot]

Based on my last 3 knife purchases:

-Benchmade Mini-Grip in Lime Green

-Spyderco Atlantic Salt in Yellow

-Gerber Hinderer Rescue in Red

I would have to say that I would certainly purchase a full-size tool in a color other than black/silver/camo. Buck has a good idea with the X-tract in at least 4(5?) different color handles.

[lonediver]

Leatherman may have created a monster with the Juice series, but full sized tools have so far managed to avoid getting the color treatment.  Of course, the few that do get fancy looks seem to be somewhat prized- the camo Charge and the tiger striped SOG for example.

Hhhhhhmmmmm , ( I sense an opportunity here )

Def ,

Would you care to make a wager ? Your stanley plier clock against ? ( what would you like )

[Grant Lamontagne]

That depends on what exactly the wager is...

Full sized, colored tools?  I think that's a realm where we both probably have hidden cards!

Although I do have to admire your perseverence....

Def

[lonediver]

That depends on what exactly the wager is...

Full sized, colored tools?  I think that's a realm where we both probably have hidden cards!

Although I do have to admire your perseverence....

Def

 

Ah, ha . You sense that I have something up my sleeve ? Not up my sleeve , honestly ! I am wearing short sleeves today , it is 97 degrees far. here today . So definitely hard to put something up my sleeves wearing T-shirts .

Yes , full sized multi tools made by a name brand manufacturer in I think as many as five different colors ( give or take one or two ) .

The proposal was/is if you were to take it , was that you wager your stanley tool against something of mine .

Somehow at this point I do not see you taking me up on this ? Or do we play poker ? And how would you have us play our cards ? 

[Kodiak]

I like the the cold, hard, sterile look of gleaming stainless steel. Like my new Leatherman Pulse! It's timeless.   O0

[Grant Lamontagne]

Yes , full sized multi tools made by a name brand manufacturer in I think as many as five different colors ( give or take one or two ) .

Seems like you have alredy played your cards, and mine aren't ready yet to be seen, so unfortunately we are going to have to pass on this one...

Def

[lonediver]

Yes , full sized multi tools made by a name brand manufacturer in I think as many as five different colors ( give or take one or two ) .

Seems like you have alredy played your cards, and mine aren't ready yet to be seen, so unfortunately we are going to have to pass on this one...

Def

Does it seem ? Tell me what you think I know ? I will let you have the torx bits if I win anyway .

[Grant Lamontagne]

I'd hate to take your stuff that way!

Def

[lonediver]

I'd hate to take your stuff that way!

Def

Don't worry , I would want you to have something to do when I take your toy away . You can have some fun modding your leathermans .

Are the terms that I posted on miscelameous for sale acceptable ?

Do we stand down and not play this hand out .

Has Bob Pm'd you saying not to take this wager ?

[Grant Lamontagne]

Actually, Bob PM'ed me saying I should clean your clock!

Unfortunately, I have to say that I am out on this one because I can't show my hand just yet.

I haven't seen the Misc forum yet, so I'll have to have a look...

Def

[lonediver]

Actually, Bob PM'ed me saying I should clean your clock!

Unfortunately, I have to say that I am out on this one because I can't show my hand just yet.

I haven't seen the Misc forum yet, so I'll have to have a look...

Def

So Bob thinks that I am wrong ehh ?

Well I just may have to double up here and take both of you on .

Shall we get another wager going here Bob ?

[J-sews]

Hey! I see my name being bandied about here, and I don't even know what the topic is.

Something about colored multitools, I gather. I for one like the looks of a black tool, but I'm anal enough that it really bothers me when it gets scratched all to heck.

As far as other colors go, I'm partial to red.

[Grant Lamontagne]

There you go... that's another good one.  I hadn't thought of that one!

Def

[lonediver]

There you go... that's another good one.  I hadn't thought of that one!

Def

Well Gentleman that is another one . HOWEVER , that is NOT the one that I had in mind .

Well I have proposed a wager with Def , I am more than willing to take Bob on as well with different tools wagered between he and I . I see Steve floating around . I will take on ALL comers who want a piece of this action .

The manufacturer that I have in mind has not been brought up yet . I stated what I was willing to do .

Name the manufacturer . ( It is a name brand )

Post pictures of examples .

Write the manufacturer if necessary to collaborate my claim .


    Def                                                              Doug

Stanley plier clock                                        2 sets of torx bits


    Bob                                                            Doug

     ?                                                                ?



 Fill in the blanks gents , any others want in ? You have a chance to " clean my clock " !

[lonediver]

Ah , I was just PM'd by a party that will remain nameless . Bringing up the subject of bear jaws .

That was another entry into colored multi tools . They made many colors including a weird rainbow one for L.L. Bean .

BUT the ones that I have in mind has STILL not been brought forward .


See there have indeed been many entries into colored multi tools not the small number originally posted .

I still stand on my offer to wager that I can present yet another . Unless of course you guys stay up all night doing more homework .

[J-sews]

..........Bringing up the subject of bear jaws....

The Bear Jaws tools were colorful, but they didn't push my hot button. Something about the wrinkle-finish paint job. I can't imagine it would hold up well to heavy usage.

[lonediver]

I strongly regret not getting a great many of the pre - victorinox bear jaw multi tools . It will be h.... trying to catch up with the ones that I missed . When colors were introduced in general I was not overly impressed . As on other discussions we were/are looking for more innovation . But lets face it , retooling is expensive and the manufacturers want to get full value out of previous investment . I would have to believe that putting a different color on something as a means of " spicing " it up , has got to be cheaper than retooling . The colors probably also appeal to some sense of personalizing choice . Even though we as collectors might view it as S.O.S. .

Tools with lack of acceptance , an example I think would be the MEYERCO paradox never even really got out of the starting gate before it was relegated to the bargain bins . As mentioned here earlier in this thread , colored multi tools blemish/scrath rather easily . A stainless finish is really pretty timeless short of taking a sledge hammer to it . I mself favor stainless finish . None of the majors have dabbled in wood scales . That is something that I would have a weakness for .

..........Bringing up the subject of bear jaws....

The Bear Jaws tools were colorful, but they didn't push my hot button. Something about the wrinkle-finish paint job. I can't imagine it would hold up well to heavy usage.