Hey there, gang. It's been another crazy busy summer, so, I haven't been able to come around all too much. This is a project of mine that had gotten, not only neglected, but totally forgotten about for five years. When I recently found it again, parts were missing in action, giving no choice but to make custom parts for it. You can read up on the original post here. (http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,19984.msg377392.html#msg377392) I have been asked about this project numerous times over the years and decided to come full circle and finally complete it. I've been putting it through the paces for about the past month and it has earned my stamp of approval. I am now using it more than I initially thought I would and has now become a functional part of my EDC. Created in typical Evil fashion... Evil's STYLE EV1.....
~ evil ~
(http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz166/evil510/Multitools/Style%20EV1/20151001_160307_HDR_zpsq3g990os.jpg)
Back when I first started this project. I made a custom combo edged blade for it with a somewhat plain thumbstud. At that point in time, I didn't mind having a combo edge. With one of my more recent projects, Evil's Little Sin (http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,60360.msg1109626.html#msg1109626), I created a profile and grind that truly suits my small blade EDC needs perfectly. So, I set out to create a new blade that reflects those similar qualities for this project. The new blade has a blended, partial flat grind that some may refer to as a Scandi or scandinavian grind. It has very little belly and it is a very nice slicer while still doing well with puncturing. Crafted out of S90V leftover from my little sin project. I truly believe heat treating is an art and is the only processes that I outsource to someone that truly knows their craft. This time around, a more custom thumbstud. I kept the general shape as well as theme with holes to compliment the the tool. Wickedly sharp. or course. Length increased to a full 2" versus 1.6" stock. Quite a bit of work for such a small blade, but, in the end it was well worth it.....
(http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz166/evil510/Multitools/Style%20EV1/20151001_141125_HDR_zpsmaqftkwx.jpg)
(http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz166/evil510/Multitools/Style%20EV1/20151001_141552_HDR_zps6m6w9uoz.jpg)
(http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz166/evil510/Multitools/Style%20EV1/20151001_141959_HDR_zpsbfy0fwkd.jpg)
(http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz166/evil510/Multitools/Style%20EV1/20151001_141203_HDR_zps18qd6dz1.jpg)
The awl. Awls have become a necessity for me. This new awl is an exact duplicate of my previous awl, only this time around I created it out of D2 toolsteel to match the new large flat driver. It discreetly resides behind the main blade until it is called into action. Larger than the awl found on the ST300/Surge, it is more than capable to handle hand drilling tasks.....
(http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz166/evil510/Multitools/Style%20EV1/20151001_142406_HDR_zps2tud1ytu.jpg)
(http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz166/evil510/Multitools/Style%20EV1/20151001_142350_HDR_zpswomw3j0z.jpg)
(http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz166/evil510/Multitools/Style%20EV1/20151001_142505_HDR_zpsqysbajoz.jpg)
When I first added the wire strippers to my Micra project (http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,58765.msg1071293.html#msg1071293), I didn't realize actually how much I would put them into actual use. Truth be told, I use them heavily and unless I will be dealing with heavy gauge wire, I will reach for them first before a dedicated set of wire strippers. That said, it was a no brainer for me to do the same to this project to add to the functionality. As with my Micra project, this modification does not affect the use of the scissors. The notches are cut in the area close to the pivot where the blades overlap during normal use.....
(http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz166/evil510/Multitools/Style%20EV1/20151001_154208_HDR_zps1x0gjz7s.jpg)
(http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz166/evil510/Multitools/Style%20EV1/20151001_154815_HDR_zpsuiovd9cd.jpg)
One of the tools that I always wanted to add to this project in order for it to serve practical use in my EDC was a large flat driver. That need has not changed over the years so that is what I set out to do. Crafted from D2 toolsteel. I decided to match the size of the large flat driver that I have found most useful for me, which is the one found in the wave. Nailnick was created towards the pivot for symmetry of the scale in relation to the nailnick for the file. That said, I am sure that some of you will be wondering about the ease of deployment because of the leverage, or lack thereof because of the position of the nailnick. I know this is an issue with a few of the tools out there. I am here to tell you that all of that is adjustable. The shape of the tang controls all aspects of deployment. From the pressure needed to deploy, to the amount of pressure, or snap, you feel when deployed and all other aspects in between. I started off with a gradual lobe with a smaller than normal radius which then ramps outwards to a more acute lobe with a larger radius. I know it sounds technical. In easy terms... it deploys with minimal effort, pressure increases as it opens more and then firmly snaps into place with authority. Last photo in this section is the Wave driver comparison.....
(http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz166/evil510/Multitools/Style%20EV1/20151001_143142_HDR_zpsbjwtr7ls.jpg)
(http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz166/evil510/Multitools/Style%20EV1/20151001_142716_HDR_zpstlf6pblc.jpg)
(http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz166/evil510/Multitools/Style%20EV1/20151001_143410_HDR_zpscuhgaiqh.jpg)
(http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz166/evil510/Multitools/Style%20EV1/20151001_143745_HDR_zpskzun8zvt.jpg)
(http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz166/evil510/Multitools/Style%20EV1/20151001_143627_HDR_zpsvzr9ewgg.jpg)
Tweezers. Some don't find much need for them. I am on the flip side of that. I get splinters... often. More often than not, they are metal. So, a decent set of tweezers were in order. Let me start off by saying that I wasn't very fond of the original set nor the way they were incorporated into the tool. They were a bit finicky to get at, for me anyway. I wanted to incorporate my new tweezers in such a way that they would not detract from the esthetics of the rest of the tool and yet still be easily accessible and deployable. The result. Tweezers that pretty much disappear into the tool until you need them, yet easily deployable with one fingertip. The small, but extra deep nailnick was bent at an angle to match the new scale. At the business end the faces have been lapped and honed to mate perfectly to get the most tiny of splinters. More accurate than my Silver Grippers.....
(http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz166/evil510/Multitools/Style%20EV1/20151001_153516_HDR_zpsa4betyxx.jpg)
(http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz166/evil510/Multitools/Style%20EV1/20151001_153804_HDR_zps8m8idzds.jpg)
(http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz166/evil510/Multitools/Style%20EV1/20151001_153939_HDR_zpsnjghzvrq.jpg)
It's no secret that I've promoted the use of the under appreciated awl all of these years. This leads me to talk about another very under appreciated tool, in my opinion. I've been working with metal for a long time. One of the tools that I use all of the time without fail is a scribe. When I work with plastics, woods or even unhardened metals, an awl can typically serve the purpose for a scribe. However, with many of the other metals that I work with, nothing will even phase nor scratch them, well, nothing short of carbide or diamond. I have been making my own carbide scribes for years, but they have always been standalone tools. I've incorporated carbide glass breakers into quite a few tools over the years, but not an actual purpose built scribe. Stop pin and all hardware are hardened stainless steel. 6061 aluminum for the scribe body. Phosphor bronze bushings. At the business end, tungsten carbide, tapered primary grind, 40 degree secondary grind. Angled downwards, which aids in not having to hold it so perpendicular to scribe well. With the tool outstretched, it actually fits in my hand quite well and naturally. In the closed position you can see how the shape flows with the rest of the tool. I merely utilized wasted space on the tool. Easily deployable via the external tab. I've been putting it through the paces and has passed with flying colors. I can already tell that I will be using it heavily, especially since I am always seemingly misplacing my scribes. The ability to personalize metal objects and score glass to is an added bonus to always having a scribe with me.....
(http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz166/evil510/Multitools/Style%20EV1/20151001_144727_HDR_zpselwzfqtk.jpg)
(http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz166/evil510/Multitools/Style%20EV1/20151001_145216_HDR_zpsphgbolc0.jpg)
(http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz166/evil510/Multitools/Style%20EV1/20151001_145400_HDR_zpsgw4azlhm.jpg)
(http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz166/evil510/Multitools/Style%20EV1/20151001_150146_HDR_zpsl2hjzfs8.jpg)
(http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz166/evil510/Multitools/Style%20EV1/20151001_151725_HDR_zpscw7vusqj.jpg)
(http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz166/evil510/Multitools/Style%20EV1/20151001_151554_HDR_zpsaew2m3tw.jpg)
Let's talk about the factory spring for a moment. For me personally, it just didn't make the grade. First off, it was grossly under pressured. Secondly, they added a protrusion which aided in a quick release, however, it also made it easier to come undone if attachments were twisted just right. You add that to the already low pressure of the spring, it was just not something I found trustworthy or reliable. Also, with the original spring, I found that I was not even able to clip on to any of the round stock mini carabiners that I have because of clearance issues, nor many other keychain type items either. Of course this had to change. New spring that I made is thicker and at least double the strength. You have to actually make an effort and try to release it. Done away with is the protrusion. New spring is streamlined so nothing is able to catch on it as with with the original. Also, the swinging radius was reduced to fit most things universally. I can actually trust it now.....
(http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz166/evil510/Multitools/Style%20EV1/20151001_144600_HDR_zpsupb2tglx.jpg)
(http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz166/evil510/Multitools/Style%20EV1/20151001_144501_HDR_zps8tddth7p.jpg)
Using the carabiner area as a makeshift Leatherman bit holder is nothing new, albeit a very loose fit. Also, the frame would want to splay outwards when being torqued. This modification addresses those issues. I created a form fitting Delrin insert that allows for a tight pressure fit of a Leatherman bit. Both the stop pin and the pivot for the scribe keep the frame strong and rigid, preventing it from spreading apart. Capable of medium duty tasks, it is more than adequate to service my other multitools and electronics.....
(http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz166/evil510/Multitools/Style%20EV1/20151001_152413_HDR_zps4ykjvonj.jpg)
(http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz166/evil510/Multitools/Style%20EV1/20151001_153038_HDR_zpsuwiyahmi.jpg)
(http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz166/evil510/Multitools/Style%20EV1/20151001_152942_HDR_zpsvkkylw0r.jpg)
(http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz166/evil510/Multitools/Style%20EV1/20151001_153108_HDR_zpsfp2rw0kq.jpg)
Last but not least, that scale. I've made it no secret. Personally, it is the one thing about this tool that was the most offputting to me. I mean, I understand why they probably did it, to save money and cut corners and all. There were many little details to consider. I duplicated the file rest, which also prevents the file tip from being able to snag on anything. On the underside, I milled a channel for the tweezers. On the outside, holes drilled and beveled. I also went with dual textures, polished and brushed, to further compliment the rest of the tool.....
(http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz166/evil510/Multitools/Style%20EV1/20151001_140718_HDR_zpseeylpvrj.jpg)
(http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz166/evil510/Multitools/Style%20EV1/20151001_140636_HDR_zps0dagr0y3.jpg)
BONUS PHOTOS. Photos with Project Skeletool and with lanyard I made just for this tool for times I choose not to use the carabiner.....
(http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz166/evil510/Multitools/Style%20EV1/20151001_155530_HDR_zpsrdxqsh9x.jpg)
(http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz166/evil510/Multitools/Style%20EV1/20151001_155715_HDR_zps7q1ln0zr.jpg)
(http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz166/evil510/Multitools/Style%20EV1/20151001_155612_HDR_zpsizsc4mhc.jpg)
(http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz166/evil510/Multitools/Style%20EV1/20151001_162527_HDR_zpswity5nen.jpg)
(http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz166/evil510/Multitools/Style%20EV1/20151001_161728_HDR_zpsscqcntfz.jpg)
(http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz166/evil510/Multitools/Style%20EV1/20151001_163323_HDR_zpsruwjsvos.jpg)
AH! You were the one who showed us the file mod first then- my memory is slipping.
:tu:
(http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz166/evil510/Multitools/Micra/20150408_152710_zpstuaa4ria.jpg)
Since posting the posting of this new tool, I've received inquiries about the precision bits that I've made.....
1.0mm, 1.5mm, 2.0mm flat head drivers
#00, #000, #0000 phillip head drivers
(http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz166/evil510/050820101696.jpg)
(http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz166/evil510/050820101698.jpg)