New! Gerber Center Drive

[Mechanickal]

  I do not see this information on  Gerber's web page, but does anybody know what type of steel the blades are made of? For $100.00, I hope it is 154 or S30v!

You don't get that with Leatherman.  The Charge AL and ALX are the standard 440.  To get 154cm you need to go to the TTI with an msrp of around $150.

Def

If I'm not mistaken the charge AL and ALX come with 154cm with a price tag of $120+ the charge TTi has the s30v with a price tag of $170+ either way your paying a hefty tag

So you are correcting me by agreeing with me....

Def

No

Charge TTi comes with s30v. The charge AL and ALX come with 154cm. Not the standard 440hc.

I may have gotten my stats wrong, but my point was that you can't get a premium steel multitool without going over $100.

Def

Unless you buy "used"...

Sorry, couldn't resist...

[AimlessWanderer]

.... although I'm not entirely sure what for 

[metasyntax]

https://www.rei.com/product/762082/leatherman-skeletool-cx-multi-tool



I know what you mean though.

[Grant Lamontagne]

Ok, be like that. But the Skeleto is a very limited function multitool while the Center Drive is a bit more well rounded.

Def

[Sea Monster]

What is wrong with the video quality?  It is filmed in HD?

I don't have a fancy 4k camera if that's what you mean, although I could do it in 3D if you prefer?

Def

Is it?

Huh.

Looks a bit rubbish when I watch it on youtube. Maybe it's me? I'm probably on the lowest settings....

[metasyntax]

Ok, be like that. But the Skeleto is a very limited function multitool while the Center Drive is a bit more well rounded.

Haha, sorry.

You're definitely right. And I'd much rather have a more general purpose tool like the Center Drive than a lightweight tool in premium steel, all other things being equal. I'm just not one for fancy steels. 440C is good enough for me.

By the way, the Multitool Minute for the Center Drive was great, seeing it in action makes it a lot more tempting. In a few months, after the holidays, it's going to be hard to say no.

Is the thumb ramp part of the lock on that handle? If so, does it move when you bear down on it?

[Grant Lamontagne]

It is the lock release and it actually makes it very comfortable to draw.  Once you open the sheath your thumb hits that ramp and it just glides out of the sheath and naturally goes right into your hand.  It really does feel good and natural just pulling it out.

I know, weird observation but it's true. 

Def

[WoodsDuck]

It is the lock release and it actually makes it very comfortable to draw.  Once you open the sheath your thumb hits that ramp and it just glides out of the sheath and naturally goes right into your hand.  It really does feel good and natural just pulling it out.

I know, weird observation but it's true. 

Def

. . . I'm not gonna.











 

[dks]

Putting it in may feel even better.....

[Demel]

  I do not see this information on  Gerber's web page, but does anybody know what type of steel the blades are made of? For $100.00, I hope it is 154 or S30v!

You don't get that with Leatherman.  The Charge AL and ALX are the standard 440.  To get 154cm you need to go to the TTI with an msrp of around $150.

Def

If I'm not mistaken the charge AL and ALX come with 154cm with a price tag of $120+ the charge TTi has the s30v with a price tag of $170+ either way your paying a hefty tag

So you are correcting me by agreeing with me....

Def

No

Charge TTi comes with s30v. The charge AL and ALX come with 154cm. Not the standard 440hc.

I may have gotten my stats wrong, but my point was that you can't get a premium steel multitool without going over $100.

Def

Definitely agreed. I've been for capitalizing the Z in zoidberg name so I was assuming literal accuracy was the new MTO way either way, you have to pay a bit for good steel.

Which brings me to my next point. I've become accustomed to carrying a folder with good steel. Thus I'd rather have a 440 type of steel on my multi tool. I don't want two difficult blades to sharpen on a regular basis. The center drive is on my list. Just waiting for funds to be released

It is the lock release and it actually makes it very comfortable to draw.  Once you open the sheath your thumb hits that ramp and it just glides out of the sheath and naturally goes right into your hand.  It really does feel good and natural just pulling it out.

I know, weird observation but it's true. 

Def

. . . I'm not gonna.











 

Putting it in may feel even better.....

[bftx]

I wish there was a Gerber rep here.  My question would be, why not allow end users to tighten the pivot on the blade and driver?  Anything with a liner lock will need adjustment over time, whether having the need to adjust wiggle, lockup, or blade centering.

Does anyone know of anything that can be used to the tighten the Gerber 4 prong bolts used on the Center Drive that isn't a $20 wrench made in Russia?  I really don't want to spent $30 including shipping for a wrench that will be only used on a Center Drive/MP600.

Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

[AimlessWanderer]

I wish there was a Gerber rep here.  My question would be, why not allow end users to tighten the pivot on the blade and driver?  Anything with a liner lock will need adjustment over time, whether having the need to adjust wiggle, lockup, or blade centering.

Does anyone know of anything that can be used to the tighten the Gerber 4 prong bolts used on the Center Drive that isn't a $20 wrench made in Russia?  I really don't want to spent $30 including shipping for a wrench that will be only used on a Center Drive/MP600.

Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

I have used pliers before I got my wrench. My wrench is actually just part of a handle from a MP600

[bftx]

I wish there was a Gerber rep here.  My question would be, why not allow end users to tighten the pivot on the blade and driver?  Anything with a liner lock will need adjustment over time, whether having the need to adjust wiggle, lockup, or blade centering.

Does anyone know of anything that can be used to the tighten the Gerber 4 prong bolts used on the Center Drive that isn't a $20 wrench made in Russia?  I really don't want to spent $30 including shipping for a wrench that will be only used on a Center Drive/MP600.

Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

I have used pliers before I got my wrench. My wrench is actually just part of a handle from a MP600

I think Gerber is going to get sick of users sending the Center Drive back to have their pivots tightened.  Any liner lock that is put under hard use is going to start to have a bit of wobble.

I heard a camera lenses wrench works, may give it a go.

Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

[Grant Lamontagne]

I wish there was a Gerber rep here.  My question would be, why not allow end users to tighten the pivot on the blade and driver?  Anything with a liner lock will need adjustment over time, whether having the need to adjust wiggle, lockup, or blade centering.

Does anyone know of anything that can be used to the tighten the Gerber 4 prong bolts used on the Center Drive that isn't a $20 wrench made in Russia?  I really don't want to spent $30 including shipping for a wrench that will be only used on a Center Drive/MP600.

Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

Gerber designers and reps do crawl this forum.  I know that first hand.

However, they prefer not to interact so that they can get more honest feedback on their products.

As for why they don't have a user accessible pivot, that is likely to minimise warranty returns (I took my tool apart and now I can't put it back together again) and/or liability (I loosened the pivot and the blade fell out and stabbed my cat and now I am suing you for tens of thousands in vet bills), just like any other manufacturer (oh, you aren't getting good mileage, here, let's hook it up to a scan tool and see) does.

Def

[bftx]

I wish there was a Gerber rep here.  My question would be, why not allow end users to tighten the pivot on the blade and driver?  Anything with a liner lock will need adjustment over time, whether having the need to adjust wiggle, lockup, or blade centering.

Does anyone know of anything that can be used to the tighten the Gerber 4 prong bolts used on the Center Drive that isn't a $20 wrench made in Russia?  I really don't want to spent $30 including shipping for a wrench that will be only used on a Center Drive/MP600.

Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

Gerber designers and reps do crawl this forum.  I know that first hand.

However, they prefer not to interact so that they can get more honest feedback on their products.

As for why they don't have a user accessible pivot, that is likely to minimise warranty returns (I took my tool apart and now I can't put it back together again) and/or liability (I loosened the pivot and the blade fell out and stabbed my cat and now I am suing you for tens of thousands in vet bills), just like any other manufacturer (oh, you aren't getting good mileage, here, let's hook it up to a scan tool and see) does.

Def

Grant, I realize that. But I can't think of another liner lock blade/tool that doesn't have user accessble adjustment.  Just a wish of mine, and I think quite a few others.  Like I said, use any liner lock hard and you will start seeing some wobble.

I see a fantastic tool, I truly do, but I'm a perfectionist, and see bits and pieces to improve on.  Double up inspection process before sending the tool out, train sharpeners better, and trust your user base that just spent $100 on a want.  This is how Gerber will eat into Leatherman's market share.

I'm pulling for Gerber, I love the design of this tool.  It's not perfect (hot spot on fingers that is found when the blade/drive side is oriented towards the fingers rather than the palm), but I haven't been this intrigued by a multi tool in well, forever.

Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

[Grant Lamontagne]

For those that think I might be being a bit overly positive about the Center-Drive (and no, I am not being paid or sponsored to push it) here are a few things that I don't like about it.

1-  Sprung pliers.  I really dislike sprung pliers.  It is largely the domain of the cheapo tool, and maybe that has ruined me for them, but most of my tools are unsprung and I hate trying to get used to a sprung set. Again, this may be a personal gripe, some of you may like the sprung pliers, and that's fine.  I don't.

2-  No scissors.  I like to have scissors on a tool.  I realise that I can't have everything in one tool (unless that's the Spirit ) but scissors are generally a "must have" for me.  Yeah, many cutting duties can be done by the blade, but there are some things that are better to cut with scissors than a knife.  Again a personal preference, but I have marked that as points lost for other tools, I don't see any reason not to mark it against this one too.

3-  Bit set.  I usually like a bit set, and it's nice to have that many bits available, but they ride on the outside of the tool in the sheath, which makes the sheath stick out pretty far from your side.  Of course that means it catches on things and is that much more uncomfortable when you get in the car.  I have found myself shopping for a straight up MOLLE sheath so I can leave the bit set at home.

4-  The sheath itself is not bad, but it's not great.  It's not a MOLLE sheath, although I wish it was.  It beats the China made LM MOLLE sheath all to hell, but falls just short of the good LM MOLLE sheath.  The top could also come down another inch or so over the tool, with more velcro.  It doesn't seem like it will come loose, but it is bout the bare minimum I would feel comfortable with, especially since the sheath allows for horizontal carry.

5-  On board bit carrier.  Surely a design could have been managed to allow for a double ended bit, and another double ended bit in the driver itself.  That would give you four different screwdrivers on board and you would have even less need of carrying the bit set as well.  Hell, the Skeletool at half the size of the Center Drive has two double ended bits on board, although admittedly they are those silly flat LM bits that I hate.  I'd even be happy if the bit stuck out a bit from the bottom. 

That all having been said, I am still quite a big fan of the Center-Drive, and I don't believe it was over hyped.  I think it is a very good, straight up tool that does what it was claimed.  I thought that I had read somewhere that the blade and screwdriver were assisted opening, but they aren't.  I'll admit to having been a bit disappointed by that, but really, it's not necessary and it was only because I was misinformed and expecting it. If the idea hadn't been in my head then I would never have missed it.

It has certainly earned a spot in my top ten favourite tools.

Def

[Grant Lamontagne]

I wish there was a Gerber rep here.  My question would be, why not allow end users to tighten the pivot on the blade and driver?  Anything with a liner lock will need adjustment over time, whether having the need to adjust wiggle, lockup, or blade centering.

Does anyone know of anything that can be used to the tighten the Gerber 4 prong bolts used on the Center Drive that isn't a $20 wrench made in Russia?  I really don't want to spent $30 including shipping for a wrench that will be only used on a Center Drive/MP600.

Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

Gerber designers and reps do crawl this forum.  I know that first hand.

However, they prefer not to interact so that they can get more honest feedback on their products.

As for why they don't have a user accessible pivot, that is likely to minimise warranty returns (I took my tool apart and now I can't put it back together again) and/or liability (I loosened the pivot and the blade fell out and stabbed my cat and now I am suing you for tens of thousands in vet bills), just like any other manufacturer (oh, you aren't getting good mileage, here, let's hook it up to a scan tool and see) does.

Def

Grant, I realize that. But I can't think of another liner lock blade/tool that doesn't have user accessble adjustment.  Just a wish of mine, and I think quite a few others.  Like I said, use any liner lock hard and you will start seeing some wobble.

I see a fantastic tool, I truly do, but I'm a perfectionist, and see bits and pieces to improve on.  Double up inspection process before sending the tool out, train sharpeners better, and trust your user base that just spent $100 on a want.  This is how Gerber will eat into Leatherman's market share.

I'm pulling for Gerber, I love the design of this tool.  It's not perfect (hot spot on fingers that is found when the blade/drive side is oriented towards the fingers rather than the palm), but I haven't been this intrigued by a multi tool in well, forever.

Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

I'm not sure I agree on that one- Leatherman uses security bits so that you can't tamper with them.  Spyderco, Benchmade, Kershaw, CRKT, Cold Steel and every other brand have used rivets that don't allow you to adjust them.  Some that are adjustable require a special tool that is only available from them. 

Gerber uses proprietary screws so you don't tamper with their blades.  Leatherman uses security bits.  The fact that (these days) security bits are easy to get (they weren't ten years ago) doesn't mean Leatherman wants you to tamper with the adjustments of their tools any more than Gerber does.  It just means that Leatherman is less successful at keeping you out.

Def

[bftx]

I wish there was a Gerber rep here.  My question would be, why not allow end users to tighten the pivot on the blade and driver?  Anything with a liner lock will need adjustment over time, whether having the need to adjust wiggle, lockup, or blade centering.

Does anyone know of anything that can be used to the tighten the Gerber 4 prong bolts used on the Center Drive that isn't a $20 wrench made in Russia?  I really don't want to spent $30 including shipping for a wrench that will be only used on a Center Drive/MP600.

Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

Gerber designers and reps do crawl this forum.  I know that first hand.

However, they prefer not to interact so that they can get more honest feedback on their products.

As for why they don't have a user accessible pivot, that is likely to minimise warranty returns (I took my tool apart and now I can't put it back together again) and/or liability (I loosened the pivot and the blade fell out and stabbed my cat and now I am suing you for tens of thousands in vet bills), just like any other manufacturer (oh, you aren't getting good mileage, here, let's hook it up to a scan tool and see) does.

Def

Grant, I realize that. But I can't think of another liner lock blade/tool that doesn't have user accessble adjustment.  Just a wish of mine, and I think quite a few others.  Like I said, use any liner lock hard and you will start seeing some wobble.

I see a fantastic tool, I truly do, but I'm a perfectionist, and see bits and pieces to improve on.  Double up inspection process before sending the tool out, train sharpeners better, and trust your user base that just spent $100 on a want.  This is how Gerber will eat into Leatherman's market share.

I'm pulling for Gerber, I love the design of this tool.  It's not perfect (hot spot on fingers that is found when the blade/drive side is oriented towards the fingers rather than the palm), but I haven't been this intrigued by a multi tool in well, forever.

Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

I'm not sure I agree on that one- Leatherman uses security bits so that you can't tamper with them.  Spyderco, Benchmade, Kershaw, CRKT, Cold Steel and every other brand have used rivets that don't allow you to adjust them.  Some that are adjustable require a special tool that is only available from them. 

Gerber uses proprietary screws so you don't tamper with their blades.  Leatherman uses security bits.  The fact that (these days) security bits are easy to get (they weren't ten years ago) doesn't mean Leatherman wants you to tamper with the adjustments of their tools any more than Gerber does.  It just means that Leatherman is less successful at keeping you out.

Def

We'll agree to disagree on that one.  I'm going to get a camera lenses wrench to adjust the Center Drive.  Will report with my findings.

Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

[Grant Lamontagne]

I look forward to hearing how that works for you.

Def

[Sea Monster]

and trust your user base that just spent $100 on a want.

Trust a good marketing campaign and a pre-christmas release

2-  No scissors.  I like to have scissors on a tool

You knew it didn't have scissors when you bought it, you can't complain now.
That's a bit like buying a ute and saying "I really like front wheel drive"

it's nice to have that many bits available, but they ride on the outside of the tool in the sheath, which makes the sheath stick out pretty far from your side.

Sort of combining with your next one on the sheath - This can make or break a great tool. It is, realisitically, going to spend more time being carried than used - If you've got a 3 inch tumour hanging off the side of your belt, catching on every damn thing, scratching up every car you walk past, and meaning you've got to take a wide turning circle around corners - Well it's a pain in the arse.

I don't believe I've seen a picture of the sheath (whether on a bench, or worn) - But it wouldn't be the first time a manufacturer has seen the sheath as an "unpleasant necessity" to ship with the tool, and not a way to enhance the whole user experience and interaction.

[Grant Lamontagne]

and trust your user base that just spent $100 on a want.

Trust a good marketing campaign and a pre-christmas release

2-  No scissors.  I like to have scissors on a tool

You knew it didn't have scissors when you bought it, you can't complain now.
That's a bit like buying a ute and saying "I really like front wheel drive"

it's nice to have that many bits available, but they ride on the outside of the tool in the sheath, which makes the sheath stick out pretty far from your side.

Sort of combining with your next one on the sheath - This can make or break a great tool. It is, realisitically, going to spend more time being carried than used - If you've got a 3 inch tumour hanging off the side of your belt, catching on every damn thing, scratching up every car you walk past, and meaning you've got to take a wide turning circle around corners - Well it's a pain in the arse.

I don't believe I've seen a picture of the sheath (whether on a bench, or worn) - But it wouldn't be the first time a manufacturer has seen the sheath as an "unpleasant necessity" to ship with the tool, and not a way to enhance the whole user experience and interaction.

Well, ask and ye shall receive.... eventually....



This is the sheath compared to the crappy China made LM MOLLE sheath.  It is significantly better than the LM sheath.









And here it is showing how much extra space the bit set takes up.  If I was buying another, I would grab one without the bit set, especially since it carries a second bit on board.





I don't like the floppy loops- I wish it had horizontal straps like the Maxpedition knife/tool pouch which is overlapping velcro, allowing it to be quickly and easily attacked pretty well anywhere.

Def

[Etherealicer]

I wish there was a Gerber rep here.  My question would be, why not allow end users to tighten the pivot on the blade and driver?  Anything with a liner lock will need adjustment over time, whether having the need to adjust wiggle, lockup, or blade centering.

Does anyone know of anything that can be used to the tighten the Gerber 4 prong bolts used on the Center Drive that isn't a $20 wrench made in Russia?  I really don't want to spent $30 including shipping for a wrench that will be only used on a Center Drive/MP600.

Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

Gerber designers and reps do crawl this forum.  I know that first hand.

However, they prefer not to interact so that they can get more honest feedback on their products.

As for why they don't have a user accessible pivot, that is likely to minimise warranty returns (I took my tool apart and now I can't put it back together again) and/or liability (I loosened the pivot and the blade fell out and stabbed my cat and now I am suing you for tens of thousands in vet bills), just like any other manufacturer (oh, you aren't getting good mileage, here, let's hook it up to a scan tool and see) does.

Def

Grant, I realize that. But I can't think of another liner lock blade/tool that doesn't have user accessble adjustment.  Just a wish of mine, and I think quite a few others.  Like I said, use any liner lock hard and you will start seeing some wobble.

I see a fantastic tool, I truly do, but I'm a perfectionist, and see bits and pieces to improve on.  Double up inspection process before sending the tool out, train sharpeners better, and trust your user base that just spent $100 on a want.  This is how Gerber will eat into Leatherman's market share.

I'm pulling for Gerber, I love the design of this tool.  It's not perfect (hot spot on fingers that is found when the blade/drive side is oriented towards the fingers rather than the palm), but I haven't been this intrigued by a multi tool in well, forever.

Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

I'm not sure I agree on that one- Leatherman uses security bits so that you can't tamper with them.  Spyderco, Benchmade, Kershaw, CRKT, Cold Steel and every other brand have used rivets that don't allow you to adjust them.  Some that are adjustable require a special tool that is only available from them. 

Gerber uses proprietary screws so you don't tamper with their blades.  Leatherman uses security bits.  The fact that (these days) security bits are easy to get (they weren't ten years ago) doesn't mean Leatherman wants you to tamper with the adjustments of their tools any more than Gerber does.  It just means that Leatherman is less successful at keeping you out.

Def

We'll agree to disagree on that one.  I'm going to get a camera lenses wrench to adjust the Center Drive.  Will report with my findings.

Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

loki mobil sells keys for Gerber tools. Pretty sure i already posted the link here. Sadly, i' m on my mobile phone, so i can't do it again. But you can find it in the sales section.

[parnass]

Someone posted an unboxing and first impressions video of the Center Drive.   This specimen had some quality control issues.

[kaput]

Someone posted an unboxing and first impressions video of the Center Drive.   This specimen had some quality control issues.

Wait. So when you want to use an inside handle tool you have to slide the plier head open, spread the handles, unfold the tool, close the handle and then slide the plier head back inside and THEN use your inner tool... I wasn't really aware that's how these worked? 

[Grant Lamontagne]

I made it a minute and a half into that video before I decided it was a complete waste of time posted by someone who seems more interested in nit picking than anything else.

Oh, the box was beat up?  You mean the box that arrived in a bubble wrap envelope after having been handled by the post office?   

Oh, the sheath was folded a bit?  Oh noes, that indicates that at some point someone put it in a box without paying close attention to how it went in and kissing each one good bye before a massive launch of a new product....   

I just couldn't see me wasting another seven minutes on whiny smurf like that.

Def

[metasyntax]

Someone posted an unboxing and first impressions video of the Center Drive.   This specimen had some quality control issues.

Wait. So when you want to use an inside handle tool you have to slide the plier head open, spread the handles, unfold the tool, close the handle and then slide the plier head back inside and THEN use your inner tool... I wasn't really aware that's how these worked? 

Yup. On the MP600, you don't necessarily have to slide the plier head back in, but doing so gets it out of the way and keeps the tool from falling open. With the sprung pliers on this model, I can imagine there's even more reason to slide it back, although that action should be easier because there's only one button to push (on the MP600 head, you have to push the buttons on both sides). Also, you've got the two main tools on the outside. I love my blunt nose MP600 with the old style blade, it's solid and has that vintage cool, but practically speaking the OHT is easier to use for this reason.

[metasyntax]

I made it a minute and a half into that video before I decided it was a complete waste of time posted by someone who seems more interested in nit picking than anything else.

Oh, the box was beat up?  You mean the box that arrived in a bubble wrap envelope after having been handled by the post office?   

Oh, the sheath was folded a bit?  Oh noes, that indicates that at some point someone put it in a box without paying close attention to how it went in and kissing each one good bye before a massive launch of a new product....   

I just couldn't see me wasting another seven minutes on whiny smurf like that.

It's kind of like how people always point out whether a knife is "shaving sharp" right out of the box. I can sharpen a knife when it's no longer sharp enough. I don't care how it comes out of the box unless it's too dull to cut anything useful, and is going to take a lot of work to sharpen. It doesn't need to treetop my arm hair the second I pull it out of the box.

This video was a bit slow, but it was thorough. I like that he went over the sheath in some detail. I can see now what you were talking about with the thumb ramp and how that makes it real easy to pull out of the sheath. The sheath looks really nice, much better than what you normally get (from any company).

[Sea Monster]

after having been handled by the post office?

You sound defensive 




But you're right, and this is why I generally stay away from online video reviews, they're up there with amazon "it arrived, looks cool, would recommend this knife to anti-terrorism squads and archaeologist-adventurers. 10/10" as far as usefulness goes.

[Grathr]

after having been handled by the post office?

You sound defensive 




But you're right, and this is why I generally stay away from online video reviews, they're up there with amazon "it arrived, looks cool, would recommend this knife to anti-terrorism squads and archaeologist-adventurer. 10/10" as far as usefulness goes.

Now that is something to have on your buisness card.
What would be the ultimate multitool for the modern Indiana Jones/ Lara Croft?

Not many multis out there with a spoon and a small brush.

[Steinar]

Perhaps the Opinel mushroom knife?