Multitool.org Forum
Tool Talk => Collector's Forum => Topic started by: Grant Lamontagne on February 12, 2008, 02:26:05 PM
-
Most of the time folks blame me for multitool and/or SAK purchases, but this time I get to blame someone else!
Thanks to Bob I managed to get this absolutely exquisite French made multitool called a Depanneur.
(http://gallery.multitool.org/pbmirror/Depanneur01.jpg)
It's a slip jointed plier design and features non locking blade and can opener, and that's about it. It came in a nice leather sheath with no belt loops or any other tie down or attachment points.
(http://gallery.multitool.org/pbmirror/Depanneur02.jpg)
Bob told me these were manufactured in the 80's, but I have to wonder about that as this one is brand new- in fact, I have bought brand new tools that aren't in the same exceptional shape this one is in. The chrome is absolutely perfect, no scratches or pits- even the spring for the handle is in absolutely pristine condition, without a hint of rust or corrosion on it anywhere. It looks as if it had just rolled off the assembly line and been hand delivered to me!
(http://gallery.multitool.org/pbmirror/Depanneur03.jpg)
The quality is pretty darned high on this one, at least on par with many US manufacturers, and looks like a good option for you Knipex plier guys!
Def
-
(shields eyes) Looks interesting, how's it compare (weight wise) to some other tools we know? because it looks heavy for it's size.
-
Somewhere in the deep recesses of my mind,I seem to recall that something a little less polished is issued in the French military.Definitely an uniquely French take on multi-tools.
-
gotta luv the standard screws, "Old World French" cooking :pok:
-
Will the handles pinch your palm if the plier jaws slip off the fastener?
-
Somebody posted a picture of that sometime last year - probably in that wild fit of posting one night. Looks very nice (in my best Borat voice). :)
-
I'll take some comparison pics this afternoon. I'll also weigh it and add it to the Comparative Multitool Weight Chart too.
Def
-
Here it is next to the Spirit:
(http://gallery.multitool.org/pbmirror/Depanneur04.jpg)
The weight is pretty decent at 4.82oz (136.6g) without the sheath, or 157.7g (5.56oz) with.
Def
-
That actually is a slick little unit. After kinda making fun of the older mutant tools they are starting to grow on me and I think I will start looking into them more.
Thanks guys ::) You are making me poor. :ahhh
-
I really like that, it's a nice, simple and clean design :)
-
The good news on this one is that I paid very little for it. I think around $30 or so? I can't remember for sure, but I recall it being quite affordable, and I was very happy with the condition it was in.
Def
-
The good news on this one is that I paid very little for it. I think around $30 or so? I can't remember for sure, but I recall it being quite affordable, and I was very happy with the condition it was in.
Def
Got yourself a bargain there mate :)
-
I know... but with the SHOT Show looming I was leery of putting big cash on it! I got lucky- the only other one I'd heard of ran around $200 or so!
Def
-
How good does the can opener work?
-
I dunno- I haven't tried it yet. Given it's ultra pristine condition, I don't know if I ever will try it out either! :P
Def
-
Ahhh go on. Tools WANT to be used. They LOVE being used. They hate being safe queens. Sitting and just looking pretty makes tools sad. You don't wanna make your tools sad do ya? :pok:
-
Yeah I know... the only thing that irks me more than the first scratch on a pristine tool is not making the first scratch on e pristine tool! :D
Def
-
You got a nice one there Def, I don't mind one bit taking the blame for it! :)
By the way, if anyone is wondering about those pictures Def posted, you need to see this tool to understand. The chrome plating is so polished and shiny that it is about impossible to get a decent photograph! It's obvious that a lot of hand work and polishing went into them.
-
I believed that tool is not made of SS steel. I guess it is made of chrome-vanadium steel. Most tools made of chrome-vanadium steel are chrome plated.
Eddie
-
It probably is chrome vanadium- the polish on this thing is unbelievable!
Def
-
The three-position pliers are rather unusual for a multitool don't you think?
-
I'd like to see a "traditional" folding plier design with slipjoint pliers. Especially the Swisstool...I hate the fact it doesn't open as far as some other tools :P
That looks like a cool tool though Def...you know you want to try that can opener... >:D
-
(Took me awhile to find where I'd stashed this one)
The current reincarnation of the Le Depanneur that Def has is this glow-in-the-dark model from Wichard. It is still made in France, and still has an adjustable plier head. (Although there are now only two adjustment positions instead of three) Wichard is a big supplier of hardware to the boating industry.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v307/jooliesews/Bobbys/Wichard1.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v307/jooliesews/Bobbys/Wichard2.jpg)
-
One day, when $100 becomes pocket change to me, I'll get a nice Wichard or two.
Bob of course, just happens to have a few in his collection.
-
I can't speak for Bob's (that glow in the dark is awesome!) but mine ran all of about $30 with shipping added in.
Def
-
$38.00 for the Wichard model. Choice of black or flourescent handles.
Wichard actually produces quite a line of boating knives and tools, many of them with flourescent handles: http://www.proboat.co.uk/category.asp?dep=1&cat_id=34
-
I moved this in here so it didn't look quite so empty! :P
Def