Keychain tools

[Mr. Whippy]

I’ve pulled together my 3 favorite keychain tools for this comparison:  Leatherman Micra, Victorinox MiniChamp (old version) and Wenger Clipper.

As you can see, all are about the same length:


However, the Clipper is significantly thicker.


The oldest is the Vic MiniChamp.


I really used this tool for many years.  The orange peeler is perhaps the best aspect of this tool.  Everything works well, although the scissors are a little small for some jobs.  Most importantly, it feels right in your hand, and is inconspicuous in your pocket.  The only feature I found missing regularly, was the absence of a bottle opener.  Apparently the new version has corrected this.

The MiniChamp was replaced with the Leatherman Micra:


I succumbed to the allure of a big pair of scissors.  They are fantastic.  As a bonus, it has a very functional bottle opener with excellent tiny standard screwdriver.  The knife is a little less precise than the MiniChamp’s blade,  but is still a very usable tool.  The biggest negative on the Micra (and I can’t believe I’m typing this) is the tweezers.  They are worthless.  Absolutely won’t allow any force on them.

The Clipper is my current keychain tool.


The blade is very similar to the main blade on the MiniChamp. Scissors have the better levered spring the Wenger uses, but is of similar size to the MiniChamp and works well.  The biggest plus to this tool are the clippers.  They are excellent as nail clippers.  However, the real beauty of the clippers is their versatility.  They make excellent Power Tweezers.  If you can see the sliver, you can get the clippers around it and essentially clip it out.  No more problems with small metal slivers or tiny plant thorns.  In the event that you can actually grasp the sliver, the clippers will pull it out without a problem. 

The downsides? The clipper does not have a bottle opener or orange peeler.  However, so far, the trade off is more than acceptable.

[jzmtl]

What do you use the orange peeler for? I've never felt the need for a dedicated tool for peeling oranges.

[Leatherman123]

I think it makes a great orange peeler, I use it at least once a day!

[Benner]

I think it makes a great orange peeler, I use it at least once a day!

But why not just peel it with your fingers?  Can't say I have ever struggled to peel an orange

[Mr. Whippy]

I think it makes a great orange peeler, I use it at least once a day!

Yup 

[Leatherman123]

Yeah, I know...but I like to use it.. Plus, the scraper takes of the pith with ease!

[Leatherman123]

I have the same Mini Champ as you, Mr. Whippy.. I am going to be getting the second generation sooner or later..

[Mr. Whippy]

I think it makes a great orange peeler, I use it at least once a day!

But why not just peel it with your fingers?  Can't say I have ever struggled to peel an orange

Why use scissors? Usually a knife blade will work...

Ease of use.

[Benner]

I think it makes a great orange peeler, I use it at least once a day!

But why not just peel it with your fingers?  Can't say I have ever struggled to peel an orange

Why use scissors? Usually a knife blade will work...

Ease of use.

Yeah, usually it would, but when it can't you use the scissors.

I have never needed something to ease use of peeling an orange as I would consider that a simple task.

Maybe I need to go try one. 

[Grant Lamontagne]

I use a twelve gauge to peel oranges.  No problems with the pith.

Def

[Mr. Whippy]

I use a twelve gauge to peel oranges.  No problems with the pith.

Def

Not a lot of citrus up there in Canuckistan, eh?

 

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

The old style Mini Champ really is a cracking tool isn't it

Great review too mate

[Leatherman123]

The old style Mini Champ really is a cracking tool isn't it Smiley

That's the one I have... It is one of my favorite SAKs! The newer model looks nice, but it is a lot thicker.. 

[Benner]

The old style Mini Champ really is a cracking tool isn't it Smiley

That's the one I have... It is one of my favorite SAKs! The newer model looks nice, but it is a lot thicker.. 

Weren't you just trying to trade it?

[Leatherman123]

Yeah, I am trying to.. I have three of them!  I carry one, one's in the collection, and the other is trading stock!

[Mr. Whippy]

Is the new miniChamp thicker?  That would be a definite downside.