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Bear & Sons Bear Jaws Photo Comparison

us Offline gerleatherberman

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Bear & Sons Bear Jaws Photo Comparison
on: November 20, 2017, 06:37:16 AM
Ok, to preface this post, I need to admit I have not been a big fan of Bear MTs. So I never sought these tools out before. Today a vendor at the store I work in sold me two Bear Jaws MTs for $15 each. One is a typical Bear Jaws 4" tool and the other is the "Sportsman" version. I do own a super jaws, but it was sent back for repair recently. I'll post about that one when I get it back.
Each of the two have been pictured with all tools out and next to a LM PST, Gerber Pinchy, and SOG pocket power plier in some pictures for size reference. The saw is pictured with a LM Wave saw, since the pst, pinchy, and sog don't have a saw.

I am not going to review them anytime soon,  but plan to one day. These tools just seem a little unfinished and are difficult to deploy some of the handle tools. The LM PST is a league above the Bear Jaws in most aspects and especially in refinement. IMHO.

Please post any thoughts regarding these two Bear MTs, and if you have any questions, please let me know(weight, measurement, etc).

Now. The pics
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us Offline gerleatherberman

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Re: Bear & Sons Bear Jaws Photo Comparison
Reply #1 on: November 20, 2017, 06:38:39 AM
Pics
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Pontificating particularly pious positions pertaining to polymorphic paraphernalia. G-Man.


us Offline gerleatherberman

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Re: Bear & Sons Bear Jaws Photo Comparison
Reply #2 on: November 20, 2017, 06:39:59 AM
Pics
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Pontificating particularly pious positions pertaining to polymorphic paraphernalia. G-Man.


us Offline gerleatherberman

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Re: Bear & Sons Bear Jaws Photo Comparison
Reply #3 on: November 20, 2017, 06:41:09 AM
Pics
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Pontificating particularly pious positions pertaining to polymorphic paraphernalia. G-Man.


us Offline gerleatherberman

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Re: Bear & Sons Bear Jaws Photo Comparison
Reply #4 on: November 20, 2017, 06:42:05 AM
Last pics
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Pontificating particularly pious positions pertaining to polymorphic paraphernalia. G-Man.


au Offline ReamerPunch

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Re: Bear & Sons Bear Jaws Photo Comparison
Reply #5 on: November 20, 2017, 07:24:05 AM
Thanks for the pics!  :cheers:

I hope I can find a Super Bear Jaws, and maybe a Sportsman and the shears they make.

I really like the Bear Jaws model. It's probably the most comfortable MT I have, when using pliers.
Sadly, those unlocking tabs get in the way of using the other implements. And they demand a wide sheath.
My model doesn't have any feature to offer retention, neither for the implements, nor for the handles when they're closed. I resorted to tightening the screws a bit.

My can opener could be substituted for a saw, there's room for a long tool there. I was thinking of trying a SOG saw in there. I might break out the wrenches and transplant stuff around. Maybe try LM parts if I get bored.

I still like it a lot. It's very comfortable in hand, the tabs push against each other and act like springs for the pliers, and it is a tank.



au Offline ReamerPunch

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Re: Bear & Sons Bear Jaws Photo Comparison
Reply #6 on: November 20, 2017, 07:27:57 AM
A Bear Jaws with a Robertson? What?  :think:


us Offline gerleatherberman

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Re: Bear & Sons Bear Jaws Photo Comparison
Reply #7 on: November 20, 2017, 07:54:38 AM
I figure it must have been some kind of special order or request. It is made just like the phillips, but it is a Robertson.  :think:

Nice Bear assortment ReamerPunch! I still need to get a mini jaws. Right now I have a Toolzall shears made by Bear, and it is pretty cool. I'll get a group photo at some point. I am just ao anxious to get my super jaws back. I had to send it in, because the locking system failed completely on one handle. I was disappointed, because Bear is made in the state I live in. They make excellent pocket knives, but they really struggle to produce a good MT. That is why I have never been a big Bear MT fan. But, for $15 a tool, I am happy.  :)
It is strange though.  The two Bears I pictured are the only Bear MTs that I have seen for sale at the store I work at and showed up while my super jaws is out for repair. When the Super jaws comes back, the bear MT count will have doubled. :ahhh
Pontificating particularly pious positions pertaining to polymorphic paraphernalia. G-Man.


us Offline gerleatherberman

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Re: Bear & Sons Bear Jaws Photo Comparison
Reply #8 on: November 20, 2017, 08:21:28 AM
Pic with the shears.
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Pontificating particularly pious positions pertaining to polymorphic paraphernalia. G-Man.


us Offline Poncho65

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Re: Bear & Sons Bear Jaws Photo Comparison
Reply #9 on: November 20, 2017, 12:35:11 PM
I like the overall design of these tools but the design of the locks has always gotten to me :facepalm:  I have a couple pair of the shears though and I really like them :cheers: Their saw is also another good point as it is very aggressive :o :D I have one with the wire stripper head as well but the plastic (yes plastic :facepalm: ) pivots for the pliers gave out and it costs to much to send and have work done to them as their warranty is kinda sucky :whistle: :D

Thanks for the pics and sharing :like: :like:


id Offline jaya_man

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Re: Bear & Sons Bear Jaws Photo Comparison
Reply #10 on: November 20, 2017, 01:00:16 PM
Nice pic comparison... If I'm not mistaken, Bear & Sons was once bought by Victorinox... This is where Swisstool/Spirit got its outside opening tool design... :cheers:


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us Offline gerleatherberman

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Re: Bear & Sons Bear Jaws Photo Comparison
Reply #11 on: November 20, 2017, 05:43:03 PM
I like the overall design of these tools but the design of the locks has always gotten to me :facepalm:  I have a couple pair of the shears though and I really like them :cheers: Their saw is also another good point as it is very aggressive :o :D I have one with the wire stripper head as well but the plastic (yes plastic :facepalm: ) pivots for the pliers gave out and it costs to much to send and have work done to them as their warranty is kinda sucky :whistle: :D

Thanks for the pics and sharing :like: :like:
You're welcome poncho.
Indeed. When they asked me to include $8 for return shipping I was a bit confused. Still, for what the Super Bear Jaws costs new, it was somewhat worth it.
Maybe someone in the mod squad sub forum would have an idea to fix the plastic pivot?

The saw is probably the MOST agressive saw I've ever seen on an MT. My shears and the Bear Jaws have the same deeply defined tooth cut. :o
Nice pic comparison... If I'm not mistaken, Bear & Sons was once bought by Victorinox... This is where Swisstool/Spirit got its outside opening tool design... :cheers:


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You're welcome jaya.

I had heard that somewhere. Pretty interesting. Thank you!
I will say one thing. Vic definitely took the outside tools to whole other level, because of their top of the line factory equipment and precision tooling.
A guy I know that works at bear mfg. says most of their stuff is still hand finished. :ahhh
Pontificating particularly pious positions pertaining to polymorphic paraphernalia. G-Man.


id Offline jaya_man

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Re: Bear & Sons Bear Jaws Photo Comparison
Reply #12 on: November 21, 2017, 01:49:42 AM
I like the overall design of these tools but the design of the locks has always gotten to me :facepalm:  I have a couple pair of the shears though and I really like them :cheers: Their saw is also another good point as it is very aggressive :o :D I have one with the wire stripper head as well but the plastic (yes plastic :facepalm: ) pivots for the pliers gave out and it costs to much to send and have work done to them as their warranty is kinda sucky :whistle: :D

Thanks for the pics and sharing :like: :like:
You're welcome poncho.
Indeed. When they asked me to include $8 for return shipping I was a bit confused. Still, for what the Super Bear Jaws costs new, it was somewhat worth it.
Maybe someone in the mod squad sub forum would have an idea to fix the plastic pivot?

The saw is probably the MOST agressive saw I've ever seen on an MT. My shears and the Bear Jaws have the same deeply defined tooth cut. :o
Nice pic comparison... If I'm not mistaken, Bear & Sons was once bought by Victorinox... This is where Swisstool/Spirit got its outside opening tool design... :cheers:


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You're welcome jaya.

I had heard that somewhere. Pretty interesting. Thank you!
I will say one thing. Vic definitely took the outside tools to whole other level, because of their top of the line factory equipment and precision tooling.
A guy I know that works at bear mfg. says most of their stuff is still hand finished. :ahhh
Remembered were I read it from...

http://wiki.multitool.org/tiki-index.php?page=Bear+Jaws+155


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ca Offline Chako

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Re: Bear & Sons Bear Jaws Photo Comparison
Reply #13 on: November 21, 2017, 02:28:02 AM
I have a soft spot for Bear & Son multitools. I have a fairly extensive thread on this website somewhere about them.  :tu:

Info about Bear & Son and Victorinox is accurate. I have 2 gift sets with both companies products together.

Edit: Found my 2014 article about Bear & Son.

https://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,52527.msg897365.html#msg897365
« Last Edit: November 21, 2017, 02:34:43 AM by Chako »
A little Leatherman information.

Leatherman series articles


us Offline gerleatherberman

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Re: Bear & Sons Bear Jaws Photo Comparison
Reply #14 on: November 21, 2017, 02:59:24 AM
Thank you gentlemen!
Very cool stuff! I am getting a bit more excited to get my super bear jaws back now! :ahhh
Pontificating particularly pious positions pertaining to polymorphic paraphernalia. G-Man.


us Offline clown

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Re: Bear & Sons Bear Jaws Photo Comparison
Reply #15 on: November 21, 2017, 03:04:45 AM
Cool post.  And timely for me as I just placed an order for a Super Bear Jaws off the bay yesterday.  I can't wait to get it.  It's an older model without the locks.  I haven't handled a model with the locks but the idea of those tabs sticking out was something I knew would bug me.

I do have this Craftsman branded Bear Jaws.


I was surprised to read your less than stellar review of Bear MTs as the one I have is quite nice.  High polish, smooth and rounded everywhere,  and a Philips driver that should be the envy of all MT Philips's..... :think: 

I hope the Super Bear Jaws is of the same level of quality.


us Offline Lynn LeFey

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Re: Bear & Sons Bear Jaws Photo Comparison
Reply #16 on: December 24, 2017, 02:10:36 AM
I just picked up a Bear Jaws, marked with 'Craftsman'.

It is, in my opinion, built to at least the same quality as the PST. But the design is better. Locking tools and much better ergonomics in plier configuration. And tools opening while the pliers are closed, which also works better for the position of the blade.


us Offline gerleatherberman

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Re: Bear & Sons Bear Jaws Photo Comparison
Reply #17 on: December 24, 2017, 08:09:40 AM
Cool post.  And timely for me as I just placed an order for a Super Bear Jaws off the bay yesterday.  I can't wait to get it.  It's an older model without the locks.  I haven't handled a model with the locks but the idea of those tabs sticking out was something I knew would bug me.

I do have this Craftsman branded Bear Jaws.
(Image removed from quote.)

I was surprised to read your less than stellar review of Bear MTs as the one I have is quite nice.  High polish, smooth and rounded everywhere,  and a Philips driver that should be the envy of all MT Philips's..... :think: 

I hope the Super Bear Jaws is of the same level of quality.
Thank you for posting!
That is a real beauty there! I have not had great luck with bear MTs, but hopefully I'll be proven wrong when I start using the Super Bear Jaws I finally got back from repair!
The fit and finish are just not the level of other big branda, but they are built like polished tanks!
Pontificating particularly pious positions pertaining to polymorphic paraphernalia. G-Man.


us Offline gerleatherberman

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Re: Bear & Sons Bear Jaws Photo Comparison
Reply #18 on: December 24, 2017, 08:24:04 AM
I just picked up a Bear Jaws, marked with 'Craftsman'.

It is, in my opinion, built to at least the same quality as the PST. But the design is better. Locking tools and much better ergonomics in plier configuration. And tools opening while the pliers are closed, which also works better for the position of the blade.
When they work right, they are great. But, with that being said, all six of my Bears needed repair by myself or needed to be sent back for repair for things that shouldn't have left the factory QC. Maybe it is bad Bear luck, but this has been the case. Just got my Super Locking Bear Jaws back from Bear and immediately found that none of the tools on the blade side locked open securely. I removed the tool cluster and bent the locking spring tab so it would have enough pressure to hold the tools locked open. It works great now. But, I had to pay the original price, pay shipping to Bear, pay return shipping, and still had a mildly defective tool I had to fix myself.
I love the pliers on the Bears though and the polish is just beautifully done. :)
I have an OG Bear Jaws, Bear Jaws Sportsman, 155L Locking Bear Jaws, 156L Locking Super Bear Jaws, Super Bear Jaws Bird Shears, and Toolzall branded garden maintenance pro shears. All needed spring bending or grinding to flush the tools to the handles.
I am happy with the tools, but I got 6 for 6 being defective enough a person w/o extensive shop knowledge would need to return them for repair.
The 156L Super Locking Bear Jaws was the only one I could not repair myself, as the lock tab was cut too short and didn't even engage the slots on the tool tangs.

Maybe my Bear luck will be better in the future though, because their pocket jnives have been nothing but awesome everytime. It just seems the MT department sends me Friday afternoon tools. :rofl:

Pictured is my group of Bear MTs. The pliers on the Super are massive! Will take pics next to other MT titans soon. :)
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us Offline Lynn LeFey

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Re: Bear & Sons Bear Jaws Photo Comparison
Reply #19 on: December 24, 2017, 08:32:42 AM
Wow. That IS bad luck... OR bad QC from Bear.

Sorry you had to deal with that.

Are they still operating as a company, or are their warranties handled by Victorinox?


au Offline ReamerPunch

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Re: Bear & Sons Bear Jaws Photo Comparison
Reply #20 on: December 24, 2017, 08:36:43 AM
They operate as a separate company now, which is sad.
Imagine a Bear and Son MT with Vic quality.  :drool:
Kinda like a poor man's Spirit.  :think:


us Offline gerleatherberman

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Re: Bear & Sons Bear Jaws Photo Comparison
Reply #21 on: December 24, 2017, 09:28:32 AM
I kind of feel the same. The Vics and Bears are equally as rugged, BUT the Vics are worlds ahead in fit and finish(as well as elegance)!
I took a couple of crappy pics to show the size of the 155 and 156 next to the swisstool and spirit. Spirit a little bigger than the 155. 156 Super Jaws are huge compared to the swisstool. :o

Bears are about 3/4 the cost(sometimes half on Amazon), so they are a poor mans tool compared to the Vics. Two things the Bear Jaws do a little better is the Clip point blade and phillips drivers. Everything else on the Bears are "typical" and of less refinement of the Vic tools.

Of course, the preference of a clip point is my own personal opinion. Some people go nuts for the Spirit and swisstool blades.  :)
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Pontificating particularly pious positions pertaining to polymorphic paraphernalia. G-Man.


 

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