Nextool Mini Flagship - Original vs new F12

[Sos24]

Nextool Mini Flagship - Original vs new F12

Bluff:  Great changes and worth the Price difference unless you need a can opener or can’t have locking/OHO knives

Disclaimer:  I did get this for a discount from Nextool because of owning previous version, but there was no request for a review or anytging else.

Every since trying the original Nextool Mini Flagship, I’ve felt it was the best Multitool in its size and price point.  Well, this new version is a legitimate improvement on the previous version in my opinion.

Improved Blade -  The steel was changed from 30CR13 to Cr14Mov which is suppose to result in better in achievable hardness, edge retention and corrison resistance.
  The blade now has a liner lock for those who prefer locking blades.  The nail knich was replaced by a slot that allows for one hand opening (OHO), but due to small size is not the easiest.  The OHO and lock will now make it illegal to carry in some countries, but many people will appreciate.

Reinforced Plier Head - the pliers are noticeably beefier in both width and pivot, but this is still just a mini tool.  The change will make it better able to handle some tougher tasks.  However, I could see this becoming a drawback when some users decide the improvement means it should be able to handle the same tasks as a full-size multitool or dedicated pliers and end up breaking them.

Improved Scissor cutting - The scissor head now has “hybrid serrated and curved blades”.  I already thought the scissors were excellent, but this new design makes them better at cutting tougher material while still cutting paper cleanly.  Although thin and soft, dyneema thread is something even SAK scissors don’t cut very well, but these new scissors cut easily.  One concern I do have, is if the serrations will make sharpening the scissors more difficult, but I will not know this until the time comes.

Wider file and slot driver - the file has been made wider to give more surface area and a large driver tip.

Ruler on Phillips driver- the 2D phillips now has a small ruler on it which could be handy.  The 2D phillips is useful and the improved stell may result in it holding shape better and for longer, although time will tell, I wish the phillips head was made closer to 3D
 but this would have resulted in a thicker tool, so I understand it not being changed.

No can opener - The can opener on the combo tool was eliminated in favor of creating a wider stronger base and widening the slot driver tip on the end of the combo tool.   I understand this could be a no go for some, but at least in the U.S. many cans open with a pull tab so it may not be missed. 

Pocket Clip - The small size of this tool means it can easily get lost in a big pocket, so now it has a pocket clip to prevent that.  The clip is short is strong and tight so it should stay on well.

Glow insert - Not a must have but a cute addition.

All in all, I think Nextool made some well thought out changes to improve the capabilities and utility of an already great tool.  Some of the changes could make this tool a no go for some people, but most people I think will be very happy with these changes.

[Sos24]

Additional images

[AzteCypher]

 

[nate j]

Thanks for the review!

I don’t own any Nextools, but may have to look into one at some point.


There’s certainly nothing wrong with GITD knives or MTs.  I have some myself.  I do think it’s funny though…

Knife & MT Manufacturers:  You know what would be cool?  GITD handles!

Flashlight Manufacturers:  Our products are mostly black.  Sometimes OD green if we’re feeling generous.  Good luck finding them in the dark if they’re not already on!

[Sos24]

Thanks for the review!

I don’t own any Nextools, but may have to look into one at some point.


There’s certainly nothing wrong with GITD knives or MTs.  I have some myself.  I do think it’s funny though…

Knife & MT Manufacturers:  You know what would be cool?  GITD handles!

Flashlight Manufacturers:  Our products are mostly black.  Sometimes OD green if we’re feeling generous.  Good luck finding them in the dark if they’re not already on!

It is funny.  I do have a couple lights with tritium slots, which I find nice for locating them in the dark.  I’m not sure there is anything more frustrating than fumbling around trying to find a flashlight when you really need one.

[SteveC]

Nice review Sherry !   

[powernoodle]

    


Nextool Mini Flagship F12.  Powernoodle is muchly happy that Nextool is stepping into the void created by the retirement of the Leatherman Squirt series.  The Gerber Dime has its attributes, but in my view does not compete strongly against the former Squirt and now the Nextool offerings in this class.  Plus, Nextool appears committed to constant quality improvement, as evinced by the new F12.  So in Powernoodleworld, Nextool is the new class leader in the mini MT marketplace.

[lister]

Ok, this might just be what I am looking for. As there is less room in my trousers these days, I need a more compact setup. I am thinking something along the lines of min flagship + zippo with butane insert + one of those flat lights + some kind of slim utility knife thingy.

In fact the preceding powernoodle pic is kind of what I was thinking off. Just add a zippo... 

[Sos24]

Nice review Sherry !   

Thanks Steve

   

(Image removed from quote.)
Nextool Mini Flagship F12.  Powernoodle is muchly happy that Nextool is stepping into the void created by the retirement of the Leatherman Squirt series.  The Gerber Dime has its attributes, but in my view does not compete strongly against the former Squirt and now the Nextool offerings in this class.  Plus, Nextool appears committed to constant quality improvement, as evinced by the new F12.  So in Powernoodleworld, Nextool is the new class leader in the mini MT marketplace.

Thanks.

I haven’t tried any of Nextool’s full size MTs, but their mini are top level.  Like you said they also seem to be commitment to quality improvement and customer feedback, which could take them far.

[Sos24]

Ok, this might just be what I am looking for. As there is less room in my trousers these days, I need a more compact setup. I am thinking something along the lines of min flagship + zippo with butane insert + one of those flat lights + some kind of slim utility knife thingy.

In fact the preceding powernoodle pic is kind of what I was thinking off. Just add a zippo... 

It is worth a try if needing something small.