Daredevil Challenge 2021

[Echotech]

Thanks, Echotech. Don't hold your breath for my joining.   

The S557 will hang on my display for a long time, I think. I did find the scissors to be good for cutting tough stuff. The backspring-based scissors spring just feels like it will take more pressure than the Vic springs.

I like the looks of my Wenger Traveler, but I'd still be stuck with the finicky scissors and no mag glass, plus lose the Phillips driver. The Vic Climber is the same idea, but with a bit more utility.

And I'll be coming off a month of Swiss Champ carry (one of my favs) as on Wednesday I join the second half of the Go BIG Challenge for a 30 Day Stacked badge. Not sure I want to take steps backwards on October 1st.

Maybe I'll change my mind, but don't hold your breath.

Day 30 - Bonus Shot!

I managed to sneak a few uses in before day's end:
- Beer bottle opening
- Pot handle tightening
- Dessert opening

[/list]

[Echotech]

Great looking badge thanks comis for the design, Steve and Poncho for awarding it

[comis]

DAY 30

After the parched looking ghost Chilli yesterday here's the OHT with a well hydrated Lily 

I think it's fair to say that this has been a struggle for us awl.

For me it has been less of a struggle simply because I had chosen a LM (albeit one I just can't get on with  ) Therefore, it's well designed and well constructed.

However, I find the OHT blades too short and the plier locking mechanism too fiddly (it just moves on its own) Moreover, it's VERY bulky and has no scissors  It's mostly done everything asked of it but, due to work demands, I've not needed to use it as I used my O/G Surge during July (which is just typical  )

I guess that if push came to shove I could use it for work, but I wouldn't choose it over my Surge or, if I'm honest, my original work issue MP600. I guess it's just ok 

If I had to choose just one LM MT it would be my O/G Surge (not had a chance to use my new B/O one yet because of this challenge  )

However, I do like my MXBS and if they made a Surge sized one....    

Well done AWL....

Great job finishing!
I do collect a fair share of LM tools, but OHT is one of those I never did have the desire to get, probably due to the same reasons you have listed.  Just never into anything that is bulky or heavy.
Oh, btw, if you could sneak a few fixed blade onto the that machine , please don't forget to post the pictures!

Day 30
I just typed out a long treatise on the virtues and failings of the MP600 Pro-Scout, somehow hit the wrong button, and it disappeared.  Yelling at the computer that "I have certain skills, and I will find you" did absolutely nothing.  Not even going to try to do it again.  Short version is, I actually like the MP600.  It has some interesting features.  You can use the pliers collapsed in the handle as a big tweezers because they will open about 1/4 inch.  That might be good for pulling slivers, or fuses, or RAM from a circuit board, and that sort of thing.  It also would allow you to use long 1/4 inch bits gripped in the pliers jaws under the pivot (see picture). You would lose the big tweezers feature if you had blunt nose pliers or if you ground down the needle nose, but without the needle nose sticking out beyond the frame the tool could be pocket carried, so it's a tradeoff.  The semi-serrated knife blade took a good edge and cuts.  You can't ask for much more than that.  It is not in regular rotation mainly because the tools are short and for the overall size it doesn't have the same utility as a Rebar or Spirit tool. If you've been carrying a Victorinox Spirit for the last several years as I have, the MP600 lacks any elegance by comparison and just feels like a Soviet farm tractor.  You could get the job done if this was all you had and it might even be a better choice than many I've seen.

Great writeup and congrats on the finish!I too never EDC a MP600, probably due to the feel of "Soviet farm tractor", but after reading what you have wrote, I felt like it is more like an AK than a tractor.  I surely learnt a few new tricks from it, and who would have guessed about the bit holding and tweezer use?

[comis]

Congratulations to awl who finish with their sanity intact.   

You're presuming we were sane to begin with.

Day 30 - I'm done!

The S557 waving out the end of the challenge.

So how did it do for the month?

Well, it did nearly everything I asked it to do. I don't hate it. It won't be relegated to the Drawer of Shame. But...

Pros:

• I like the 85mm size vs. the larger 91mm SAKs.
• I found the contoured scales comfortable.
• I liked having the nail file in a larger SAK. (Though I did  miss having the smaller second blade.)
• I did appreciate the locking knife blade a few times as a safety feature. Especially as the blade on this new SAK is plenty sharp.

Cons:

• The blade lock release lever was always getting caught on my pocket or in my belt pouch. Why Vic would keep something sharp that sticks out that far is beyond me.
• The finicky scissors that struggle to cut anything pliable. I use scissors regularly so not knowing if the Wenger-designed ones would cut the item was pretty frustrating.
• The useless "Universal" wrench. I couldn't come up with a use for it the whole month, not with it stuck in the middle of a five-layer SAK so there's no way to get a grip on anything remotely flush with the surface. I'll stick with my Swiss+Tech Micro-Slim or Leatherman By the Numbers 3 flat wrenches in my pocket EDC kit.
• The fiddly pliers. Seems like everytime I opened the pliers the slip joint slipped to the wide position (or just part way), unless I opened them very carefully. I could rarely just open and use them.
• The very tight and very short inline Phillips driver. Yes, it works, but it's hard to use.
• I don't understand why Victorinox didn't give the bottle opener and inline Phillips the 90 degree stop like the mainline Vic-branded SAKs, unless it has something to do with the push-locking feature.
• No magnifying glass. I use the ones on my mainline Vic SAKs regularly so missed having that on me. I could break apart the S557 and replace the wrench with a 91mm mag glass, but I'd still be stuck with the finicky scissors, fiddly pliers, short inline Phillips, and in-the-way blade lock release lever.

For a concept, the S557 is great. But for execution, I'm not so sure.

Several of you have said that your challenge tool was OK, but not in comparison to what you usually use. I'm in the same boat. If I didn't know there were better choices out there, I might think the S557 a great SAK. But the tools (scissors, pliers, inline Phillips) are executed far better in mainline Vic SAKs or just don't work at all as part of a thick SAK (wrench).

For me, the S557's main competition is my Swiss Champ or my Deluxe Explorer mod (Explorer + pliers), and it just doesn't match up to them. I'll be going back to them, with a useful small wrench in my pocket.

Thank you, Comis, for putting together this challenge. Though frustrating at times, it was fun. Hearing everyone else's stories easily offset my own frustation.

Best of luck to y'awl. I hope none of you need therapy from this month's experiences.
 

Great pix to finish the challenge with, and thanks for being part of it!

Reading your post, I bring out an old Wenger S557 to play.  I too would always prefer the SC over the S557, especially being a big fan of the small blade and Vic scissors.

Good luck to your future S557 mod, please keep us posted!

[comis]

Day 30: Retrospectus.

I honestly don't know why I didn't use this tool more. It will be seeing a lot of use in the "Not an SAK" challenge we're doing next month too (though that is mostly to be filled with an Adler/Schrade Camper clone)

There are some things that annoy me:

Phillips is smaller than that on Vic, which means that for some recessed screws, you'll have to get another tool

No toothpick

Completely bass-ackwards compared to that of an SAK. I don't mind it being left-handed (which being left-handed, I love) but my problem is the reversed openers. I'm used to: fat end=bottle opener skinny=can opener. Annoying when I go to open up the cap lifter to pry something, and get the can opener.

The lock. The knife is laid out for LH use, but lock is RH (well, 111mms have that same problem, but backward--they're RH, but LH lock; which makes it super-evident in my Dual Pro which has an RH belt cutter that I can't open with my left-hand, but I can't unlock the PE regular blade with my RH

Rubber. It's just a pet peeve because it doesn't age well. Look at 3/4 of the Gerber Gators that have seen real use. Those that see no u

Cost. MSRP was much more than that of a Tinker (more than $50. I got mine Tinker-priced about a year, maybe two after Swiza commenced making knives. To compete with Vic, you gotta match their prices.

Can opener is thicker than the bottle opener, again backwards that of Vic or Wenger. Logic states that a tool used primarily for screwdriving and prying needs to be thicker.

Too thick behind the edge. My SAKs are typically sharper due to their thin geometry.

Lock. The button lock is decent.I personally would have preferred a backlock, since Swiza, to this date, only has a single backside tool on all models; and thus the blade backspring is empty.

But, what I do like

More left-handed guy friendly.

Ergonomics are so much better than that of a SAK. It's more the taper than it is the rubber, however.

Tweezers are a bit higher quality than Vic's.

The slots are better than nail nicks for opening, and as I demonstrated more than once, usable as tools in their own right.

Awl. It is actually sharp. It has proved that it can do 3/4 of what a pen blade can do.

I opened and installed a new fridge filter. Also pried the O-rings off the old one. I keep them in a box as "just in case". I have used them as spares before.  Yeah, they're a "two cent part" but better having them and not needing them than needing them and not having them.

These things have went up quite a bit in the couple of years since it was last replaced. The old was $30 from Lowe's. They're now $45; and Amazon's price, for once, was the cheapest.


(Image removed from quote.)


(Image removed from quote.)

Thanks Cody for the closing sum up, and congrats on another challenge completed!

Swiza always strikes me a bit odd in its existence--I would never see them as 'crappy' tools, but yet there is something about them that is 'off'.  They have been around for a long while now, but never seems to take a very strong foothold.  Given they both have lockable blades, do you think more people would go to Delemont series, instead of Swiza?    But I too wonder when will the rubber handle fall apart, and it seems inevitable.

I'm a big fan of the Gerber/Ganzo hex bit adapter also. It fits great on the inline Phillips on SAKs (with a slight shim) so I carry it and some bits in my pocket EDC kit.

I first discovered the adapter on a Winchester mutitiool, then tracked down the bit kits with adapters on AliExpress.com for less than $3 US.

I have made an adapter for my SAK with a square to hex adapter and J-B weld, but this thing is so inexpensive and ready-made that probably will beat that left and right.  Nice find!

[comis]

Day 30
(Image removed from quote.)
After a month of carrying and using, my opinion of the Minimaster hasn’t really changed.  It is not a bad tool, but there are just better options out there. 

The Minimaster also has to flaws that are common in lots of tools but iritate me nonetheless -
- having to open something to access the tool you want vice just opening the tool you want
- tool clumping - I can’t stand when I’m trying to access one tool and multiple open.

I also realized the Minimaster missed on a few things that just don’t make a lot of sense to me
- File and Phillips only being one sided.  This makes them less functional for no reason.
- Then wrench holes did not include a 1/4in that could have been used for bits.  This one change would have increased functionality a lot.

Thanks for being part of the challenge, and the good write up!

I think I have now read the majority of the review/summary of the challenge participants, and save Alan who seem to find his new love for MP600, most folks have seemed to taken a 'neutral' view on their tools.  I don't know whether it is same sentiment right from the start, and whether being indifference is better or worse than hating the tool.  But secretly I do wish all the tool designers would do the same challenge, even just for a week or two, to get real world feedback instead of relying on intuition or computer designs.

I am finally at a computer instead of a phone and can see who has badges and who doesn't

Badges awarded to SteveP and Adam5

Congrats to everyone that has the badge and if you still lack it, just go and request it and we will get to you as soon as we can

Thanks Steve and Poncho helping us with the badges and rewarding them.

[comis]

Pretty sure I won't need therapy although this month has been emotional.  I could probably use a hug.  Thanks to all who participated. It was interesting seeing so many different tools that most of us wouldn't normally chose to carry.  A big thank you to Comis for creating this challenge and getting it started and to SteveC and Poncho for issuing badges to everyone.
 

[Humayd A R Mahomedy]

First few badges awarded !   

thank you Sir 

[Fireman]

I would like to say that I thoroughly enjoyed this challenge. Not so much the MT I carried (though it could have been much worse), but I definitely enjoyed interacting with all of you 
Thank you for the pleasurable experience 

And now, if Poncho does not mind:

                                

Well said.  It was fun to see the daily challenges that participants had with their tools of choice.  It also saved me a lot of money, because I don't want any of the MTs chosen. 

Thanks again, Comis! 

[SteveC]

More badges awarded this am.   

[Poncho65]

Thanks Steve a bit more on it than myself

No work today because of Tropical Storm Ida lots of rain

Congrats again to everyone 

[Echotech]

thanks Steve, hope you’re not too badly affected by the storm Poncho, looked terrible on the news

[Poncho65]

We weren't affected badly at all here at home just to much rain to work today

[Alan K.]

Day 31

Bonus Picture!
Wearing yesterday's shorts with the MP600 still on my belt, so it got one more use before going back in storage.
The bottle opener works very well.

[comis]

Day 30

The end 

(Image removed from quote.)

Pliers:
The pliers are needlenose (I think I erronously stated that they were blunt nose in a previous post) combination pliers with bypass wire cutters. The pliers open farther than most other MTs, allowing it to engage larger diameter nuts. However, the wire cutting edges are not beveled as with typical bypass cutters. While this may allow the MT to withstand cutting harder materials (it lacks a hard wire cutting notch), that means it actually shears materials in two, often with a sudden snap as the material fails due to the shear force. In other words, it does not cut materials smoothly. Also, the lack of sharp cutting edges allows the material to be pushed foward while closing the pliers. Sharp edges would penetrate into the material and grab it. It is especially aggravating when trying to cut Romex cable.

Handles
The handles are close together, making the tool feel compact in hand. They are just far enough apart that I did not pinch myself badly, even when the handles snapped shut while cutting wire. But they could be anoth centimeter farther apart in my opinion. Also, the closeness of the handles hindered me somewhat while trying to manipulate small items. But the closeness became an advantage while working with larger diameter items.

The handle also featured a 1/4" bit holder with magnet. I had no difficulties driving screws with the MT.

Finally, one of the handles has a L shaped tab that serves to lock the tools in place when closed. There is no danger of having a blade close on you if used properly.

Drywall saw
Utter smurf unless you only need to cut straight lines that you started with another saw or knife blade.

Awl/reamer
Robust, works well starting holes in wood. Was able to make a hole in a PVC conduit. Probably can be used as a conduit reamer.

Serrated blade
Sheepsfoot shape. Cuts well enough.

Plain edge blade
Clip point. Sharp edge and point. Tends to ride out along with file, which has caused me to lose a little blood a couple of times.

File
The star of this MT in my opinion. Multipurpose, with two file sides, a chisel-ground scraper edge, and wire stripper notches that actually work well.

Overall impression
Robust tool. Not as easy to manipulate as other MTs. As a tool marketed to electricians, it has one major selling point (the multipurpose file) and two major drawbacks (bad drywall saw, poor wire cutting ability).

Can I go back to my Super Tool now?

A late congratulation on the new badge and finishing!

It is my first time seeing a Klein tools MT up close and personal, and I have this biased view that L shape handle and the closeness of it will no doubt give some one the worst blood blister of the century.  Turns out it is not the case, and actually I think it is a passable tool as it is.  I don't know what an optimal drywall saw would look like, but that wire cutter surely is a fail for electrician.  Great writeup!

Btw, this maybe a little too early to write, but I hope someday the young little one will find this thread when he joins MTO, and wouldn't it be great if he too could do a challenge here sometime?(probably not with his current tool set).

[comis]

Day 31

Bonus Picture!
Wearing yesterday's shorts with the MP600 still on my belt, so it got one more use before going back in storage.
The bottle opener works very well.

Good use! 

[Adam5]

A late congratulation on the new badge and finishing!

Thanks! I am happy I took part in the challenge. Thank you for organizing it 

It is my first time seeing a Klein tools MT up close and personal, and I have this biased view that L shape handle and the closeness of it will no doubt give some one the worst blood blister of the century.  Turns out it is not the case, and actually I think it is a passable tool as it is.  I don't know what an optimal drywall saw would look like, but that wire cutter surely is a fail for electrician.  Great writeup!

A drywall saw should have a tapered tip so that one can penetrate the drywall to begin the cut. Also, it is helpful if the teeth are formed in such a way that allows cutting on the push and pull strokes. Here is an example of a typical drywall saw:


The Klein saw has neither of these attributes:

Btw, this maybe a little too early to write, but I hope someday the young little one will find this thread when he joins MTO, and wouldn't it be great if he too could do a challenge here sometime?(probably not with his current tool set).

I would love it if my grandson eventually joined MTO and participated in a challenge 
He is about the same age as your son (4 years old), so I guess it will be a few years before either of them can participate.

[comis]

Thanks! I am happy I took part in the challenge. Thank you for organizing it 

A drywall saw should have a tapered tip so that one can penetrate the drywall to begin the cut. Also, it is helpful if the teeth are formed in such a way that allows cutting on the push and pull strokes. Here is an example of a typical drywall saw:
(Image removed from quote.)

The Klein saw has neither of these attributes:
(Image removed from quote.)

I would love it if my grandson eventually joined MTO and participated in a challenge 
He is about the same age as your son (4 years old), so I guess it will be a few years before either of them can participate.

Pleasure is all mine, and thanks for the pix on drywall saw, I'd learnt something new today.

Mine is 2 this year, and I look forward to that day he could join us.

[SteveP]

A shout-out to Echotech...

This afternoon I'm poking around at an estate sale and what do it find? Hammerhead's cousin!

$6 US, with belt pouch.

I'm now the proud owner.   

[Echotech]

A shout-out to Echotech...

This afternoon I'm poking around at an estate sale and what do it find? Hammerhead's cousin!

$6 US, with belt pouch.

I'm now the proud owner.   

Great find Steve welcome to the club

[ReamerPunch]

Is this the beginning of the Hammerhead Challenge?

[GearedForwards]

Is this the beginning of the Hammerhead Challenge?

That's not a challenge, it's a permanent lifestyle change 

[Adam5]

Is this the beginning of the Hammerhead Challenge?

That's not a challenge, it's a permanent lifestyle change 

1. Echotech
2. SteveP

Who else is going to join the club? 

[Poncho65]

[Echotech]

The badge will be awlsome

[SteveP]

A 30 Day Hammerhead Challenge? Interesting...

[Echotech]

That’s definitely the badge, I’m in…again

[Hevy (CT-782)]

It remembers me a meme... Changing some words only

"I can't choose the Hammerhead life, the Hammerhead life choose's me"

Enviado de meu Moto Z2 Play usando o Tapatalk

[Echotech]

In for life

[Alan K.]

I just received a package of refrigerator magnets from Comis by way of Nix!  Comis, they are awesome and well worth the wait.  Thank you for doing this for us. You're the best.  Thanks also to Nix for forwarding these to the U.S. members so Comis only had to send the one package to the U.S..  That was most kind of you.
  to both of you.