Replaceable Blades on Multitools

[rdub934]

Several tools incorporate bit drivers or adapters for things like saw blades or files. I am wondering if/when we will see a manufacturer incorporate a replaceable blade system, similar to Havalon's knives or Outdoor Edge's Razor-lite. Havalon offers different types of blades even, so in addition to never needing to sharpen a dull edge (assuming you have a replacement on you) you could also swap a plain edge for a serrated blade.

Also, why haven't we seen an Xacto adapter? There are gobs of options, in terms of different blades.

Things like this are utility multipliers, even if they sort of necessitate carrying additional kit with you in order to reap the full benefit. But, something I could see as having potential.

[smiller43147]

Interesting topic. 

Obviously the bit driver and saw/file adaptors like LM use on some full size MTs are too jiggle/wobbly for a knife blade.  But as you point out, there are a few designs out there (I've never held one) that look to work.  I suspect that you've got a durability and thickness issue.  MT's don't have a lot of room to spare, and I have to believe that a rugged mount would be thicker than a fixed (?) folding blade.

As far as not having to sharpen, I think most of us here are plenty capable of sharpening a blade (and consider it a hobby).

The X-Acto option is a great idea.  As long as it's sturdy, rigid and not too thick.

[sawman]

I love sharpening my blades though it is nice to be able to replace the blades and drivers on SOG tools

[sLaughterMed]

I agree, I think this would be a great idea, and wish someone would implement it. Can you imagine a wave with only tool exchangers, so if you wanted you could truly customize out of the tool 


Has anyone ever tried to pit an Xacto blade intp a gerber blade exchanger? Would it with with only slight modification?

[rdub934]

I enjoy sharpening blades, as well - unfortunately they don't seem to get any sharper when I do it

I believe it could be done without being to large. If you look at the Havalon knives, they don't seem any thicker than a traditional folder. Same with the Outdoor Edge Razor-lite. As far as the Xacto blades, I believe Metro attempted a mod that gave his MT Xacto compatibility. I can't remember if it worked or not, though. 

[Multi-tool-fool]

The replacement blades Havalon uses look like long surgical blades.  Super sharp I imagine but likely brittle compared to a normal knife blade. Xacto blades good for hobby work but would be horribly inadequate for cutting rope. I like my LM, SOG and Gerber blades the way they are. I'll stick to resharping my blades and using them intelligently.

[rdub934]

The replacement blades Havalon uses look like long surgical blades.  Super sharp I imagine but likely brittle compared to a normal knife blade. Xacto blades good for hobby work but would be horribly inadequate for cutting rope. I like my LM, SOG and Gerber blades the way they are. I'll stick to resharping my blades and using them intelligently.

Both really good points The Havalon types are definitely not suitable for general purpose cutting. However, the Outdoor Edge version addresses the strength issue by shrouding the replaceable blade in a full length, steel channel. Someone would be hard pressed to break a Razor-lite (though not impossible). Xacto blades as well, not super useful on a general purpose tool, but if someone wanted a niche specific tool, as you suggested for hobby work. Maybe this sort of thing would be more feasible for SOG tools as an optional implement, since they have the whole customization thing going for themselves. Of course, that would mean SOG would have to R&D new implements, which they seem resistant to doing 

[Yadda]

There are lots of exchangeable blade multi tools/ pocket knives.  Their popularity peaked in the 50's. There are several threads and several collectors on the boards.  I have two sets (Japanese and German).

[Zephon]

I'd rather have replaceable wood and metal saws on my multitool.  A knife blade and a regular wood saw I can work on with metal files -- but the wood saw blade in a SAK is a totally different matter.  In turn, Metal saws are "disposable" hence I'm always afraid that I'll blunt out the metal saw of my Spirit rendering 1 implement useless.

[rdub934]

I know these originally were aimed at hunters, taxidermists, and butcher-types. Multitools are not ideal for that type of work (difficult to clean). However, the Razor-lite EDC has a pocket clip and is intended to be carried as a general purpose blade.

Thought I'd grab some stock images of the ol' interwebs

[comis]

Instead of surgical-like blades, I much rather to see a replaceable cutter blade in the Wave/Charge format. 

I think currently there a few replaceable cutter knife MT but they are all in a 'knife' format rather than a plier based MT.  And it'd be nice to see a plier based MT equipped with an OHO interchangeable blade.

[rdub934]

Instead of surgical-like blades, I much rather to see a replaceable cutter blade in the Wave/Charge format. 

I think currently there a few replaceable cutter knife MT but they are all in a 'knife' format rather than a plier based MT.  And it'd be nice to see a plier based MT equipped with an OHO interchangeable blade.

Are you talking about a utility knife-type blade? Because that would be awesome, too

[ToolJoe]

Thats why I like the concept of the MP600 bladeless. You can replace the cutters and the saw blade if you smurf them up.