I was the same way about shoes. Kinda still am to a degree. I have a pair of boots I've had for 20 + years that are in remarkable condition. These are going out shoes vs work shoes. Work shoes have come and gone in uncountable numbers. Kinda my take on tools as well now that I think about it.
As mentioned in another thread, I've been trying out yet another combo today... (Image removed from quote.)I finally got round to fixing the smurfed up Micra that Leatherman shipped out unfinished. The scissor rivet was made too short I think, which meant it didn't peen up properly. As received, with no use or carry time, I could get 0.25mm (0.010") feeler gauges inbetween the blades at the pivot...(Image removed from quote.)... and what seemed like about 0.5mm (0.020") side to side play...(Image removed from quote.)... as new, from the factory, on their 30th anniversary ST300 set. I managed to peen it up to a clearance of 0.04-0.05mm (just under 0.002") using pin punches, so it didn't completely mangle the top face of the rivet, or leave unsightly pop marks. The Micra is a tool, defect aside, which I've always struggled to incorporate into any of my combos with any real satisfaction. Same applies with the Style PS, which is why I decided to try them together.The problem with that combo, is the only thing that the Style introduces, that the Micra doesn't have is the pliers. It's already got bottle opener, tweezers, scissors (which is good, because the spring on the Style PS scissors has snapped again), nail file, and a very similarly profiled screwdriver. As such, I might need to either replace the Style with something else, or mod it with something the Micra doesn't have.Work in progress...The little toothpick knife was dull, my fault, I should have checked first. In trying to hand sharpen it, there was a somewhat disconcerting flex to the blde, which rematerialised while trying to sharpen a pencil with it. Not a fault of the knife, but the overzealous operator. It did however make me wonder if this combo might require a little extra oomph, so I'll be adding some extras to the pockets tomorrow... (pic attached)If I do piece together a working combo from this lot, I think it will benefit greatly from a pocket pouch.
I don't have anywhere near that many shoes either which is also why I kept those boots in such great shape. I also like to buy shoes that I can replace the soles which extends the life of a good quality shoe. I really like that lower hammer. Love how I can see where you held it. You're making quite the progress with this cull. I like the thought process with each of your posts. I may not have said it but I enjoy these threads. I enjoy all the thought individuals go thru when deciding what to carry/own/keep/buy. Its one thing to decide on what tool makes sense but a whole other dimension when deciding carry/role/compliment to other tools/etc.
On the upside, I've got my Lumapower D-mini VX back up and running on 18650s. It's not a retina burning powerhouse at only 250/300lm at full tilt, but has excellent run times, particularly at the mid level. I'm not sure what the mid level is, but the high runs for 3 hours, and low is 13lm for 91hrs
Carry options are a good thing. While we have surplus its nice to try something just because, at least for me. I was getting rid of anything that I didn't immediatly bond with or didn't find a paring with. I now give a tool a fair shot and if it doesn't make sense after then I put it away. I'll get rid of it down the road but I do like to rethink the tool before I send it on its way. I've gotten rid of a few tools that I do regret. Nothing major but buying them back is not in my forecast. I have a few combos that are easy to go for. Not set ups I have to think much about. My Manager/Fenix LD02/LM#4Photon X live on my keys. Any tools I want to add are compliments to those. When I am not driving or need my house keys is when I have other combos. An errand day like later today will get another combo specific to the errands. Today is a pick up materials then PO then Bank then off to the grocery store. I'll bring my Skeletool today in addition to a larger SAK ( Explorer ).
oooh this is interesting. I always like a good project regardless the outcome ( successful is always nice ). I had to back away from the Traditional side of the forum as I can see spending money to try patters. I am fond of the Moose. I've got a trapper that I also quite like. Its nothing fancy but I like it. I think 2 blades is what I tend to like in a traditional folder which is odd cause I can do without the small blade on my SAK .