Quote from: Happy Gilmore on February 15, 2019, 12:39:31 AMThis discussion has made me realize.. are there any knifeless multi-tools that have outside facing tools? Seems like a quick deploy outside facing tool would be great.There's small ones, like the knifeless version of the Dime and the Style PS. There's also the newer versions of the Sync that have just been announced. However, no "full sized" external access knifeless tools spring to mind.
This discussion has made me realize.. are there any knifeless multi-tools that have outside facing tools? Seems like a quick deploy outside facing tool would be great.
On top of all those options for pocket carry, there's also a few tools that never leave home. These just sit on or near the desk, in case I need something special a regular multi can't provide, namely heavy duty shears, compound leverage pliers, or locking pliers. I don't actually have any dedicated tools to compete with those functions that these multitools provide.
I really enjoyed the posts, thoughts and pics in here! Totally agree with you on the Diesel, and this:Quote from: AimlessWanderer on February 14, 2019, 09:30:52 PMOn top of all those options for pocket carry, there's also a few tools that never leave home. These just sit on or near the desk, in case I need something special a regular multi can't provide, namely heavy duty shears, compound leverage pliers, or locking pliers. I don't actually have any dedicated tools to compete with those functions that these multitools provide.this applies to me and my tools as well,
What I find interesting is, no matter how many times we begin the "process" we will always tend to have more than we "need". I try to stay away from the "need" perspective. Reason being, simply because I like certain tools regardless if they are used, seldom used, or not used at all . YMMV as each of us knows what works best for ourselves. Unlike the long standing myth of Crows collecting shiny things, we however as humans do. Its just that way and I'm a lot better at accepting it. That being said, I've gone thru many of my tools and culled quite a lot. I go thru periods of separating the tools I feel I no longer "need" and place them aside for further analysis. A few tools continue on their way to new homes and new owners while many return to their dark resting place . I'm am thankful to not have been so hasty with some tools. I also make it a point as you allude to, to put certain tools into use to get a clearer understanding of that tool or as you state "Maybe I ought to force myself to start carrying them all more, and see which ones I get sick of quickest." My Skeletool CX is such a tool. I am glad I just put it aside and let enough time pass to try again. My Charge TTi is another. I am not hesitant to assign a tool a purpose even if that purpose on the surface is lowly . I don't currently have a bathroom drain tool, YET . I have tools parceled about my home. I have them on my coffee table, in my shed, garage, kitchen drawer, hall closet, small tool box, vehicle, evacuation bag, and other places. These are tools that are good tools just not tools I want to carry. This is yet another distinction I tend to make when deciding a tools fate. Just because I don't want to carry it doesn't mean its time to go. I really like this thread.
It is super tricky to find that balance you seek. There are some tools that can be easily parted with after trying and trying. I know those all too well. Back ups are good. Once I deem a tool a back up then I make peace with it so I don't deliberate on and on about selling or keeping. Beater tools. I have tools that are tools I have no problem working hard with little regard. It if breaks then it breaks. I have a Swisstool in my garage for that as well as in my house tool box. I don't mind keeping them in their places. Out of sight, out of mind, till of course I need them. I have a few SAKs and folders that also fall into this category. Next up the ladder are tools that are on standby. These tools are good tools that have proven themselves. I keep them closer at hand for things that pop up. My OG Surge and Modded Wave are my coffee table tools. If I need a tools I grab these first. If I need dedicated tools then I get my house tool box. If I need more specialized tools then out to the garage. I keep a SAK, folder, and Micra on my coffee table as well as a headlamp. Further up the ladder are my on person tools while home doing chores. These are tools I rely on as I will have them on person. Today for example I have my Skeletool CX, OC Farmer, Squirt P4, and Benchmade Nimravus on me. If I require more then I can go to my garage or house tool box. If my Farmers saw comes up short for example, I'll go to my shed and fetch my saw. If my Skeletools pliers are a bit weak then out to my garage to get the big channel locks. Work tools. This is much like my on person tools except that these tools are only used at work. My Charge TTi, Deluxe Tinker are examples of those tools. I like both tools a lot. They earned their spot on work detail. Off day tools. I have tools that I carry off days. These are tools that I will leaving the house with on off days. Errands, trips to the store, lunch with my kids, etc. Hiking, camping, walks tools, evacuation bag tools, etc. Like many here I ended up with a lot of tools. Some were easily moved on. Some are just wonderful and are now shelf queens. Some have jobs. The spillover tools are the ones I have a hard time with, I've recently referred to these as benchwarmers. These are tools that aren't back ups, aren't still being tested, aren't bad tools, they are just EXTRA stuff accumulated over this process.I think many of us who aren't actively collecting or seeking out tools to collect find ourselves in similar circumstances. I am still a collector to an extent admittedly. Funny thing is, I just don't know what the next tool I'd designate to shelf queen status until I meet it .
Good thread Al and I'm enjoying reading your thoughts regarding what and why you carry .
I'm am thankful to not have been so hasty with some tools. I also make it a point as you allude to, to put certain tools into use to get a clearer understanding of that tool or as you state "Maybe I ought to force myself to start carrying them all more, and see which ones I get sick of quickest." My Skeletool CX is such a tool. I am glad I just put it aside and let enough time pass to try again. My Charge TTi is another.
I am not hesitant to assign a tool a purpose even if that purpose on the surface is lowly . I don't currently have a bathroom drain tool, YET . I have tools parceled about my home. I have them on my coffee table, in my shed, garage, kitchen drawer, hall closet, small tool box, vehicle, evacuation bag, and other places. These are tools that are good tools just not tools I want to carry. This is yet another distinction I tend to make when deciding a tools fate. Just because I don't want to carry it doesn't mean its time to go. I really like this thread.
Fixed blades are exactly the same too. Way more than I need, but none I can single out as wanting to part with.
Some of my favorites threads and videos to watch are ones discussing what people carry and why. I like to read and hear about the mindset of how one reaches conclusions about gear. I also like to see how one item may not have worked for someone yet I find does for me, or vice versa. When it comes to choosing what to carry and what works is a matter of personal discovery if one decides to go that route. Another route is simply familiarity. This can work too. I have come to really appreciate combinations. Yeah I carried a MT, SAK, light, but until I gave it some further thought it was just tools. This might sound a bit much for some but for me it has streamlined what I carry and how. I'm also not lugging around a bunch of gear "just incase". The Squirt for me has become a staple of my carry. I want to like the Micra but after several attempts to carry it I find it needing a V.2 variant YMMV. If I want a scissor based tool I'd rather carry my Style CS. Your keyring set ups are well very well thought out for what you desire and want to carry. I believe I am still working on the right combination myself. I have thoroughly enjoyed this thread. Its helped me take a closer look at what I carry and has given me some great things to think about. The next step for me are the benchwarmers. What to do with the benchwarmers