Multitool.org Forum
Tool Talk => Events Forum => Topic started by: Grant Lamontagne on February 05, 2008, 07:28:09 AM
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We all know that the X-Tract isn’t my favourite tool but that wasn’t going to stop us from popping in and seeing what was new at the Buck Booth, especially considering it was smack dab between a hot dog stand, Benchmade’s booth and Leatherman’s booth!
There are a few changes in store for the new X-Tract series. I say series because there are now three of them- the standard Xtract, the Xtract Fin and the Xtract LED. The LED model has been teasing members for some time, but the Fin took us by surprise, which with this bunch, is no small feat! Of course I don't recall seeing the camoflage one before:
(http://gallery.multitool.org/pbmirror/Xtract01.jpg)
The standard Xtract remains unchanged from the one we are all familiar with, so I won’t waste much on that.
The LED model has been teasing us for some time now, with the odd photo floating around here and there but there’s much more to it than we initially thought. The first thing you notice about it is that the handle scales feel softer and grippier due to a nice rubber coating. They have a fancy name for it, but for the life of me I can’t remember what it was called. Bob kept better notes than me, so maybe he’ll fill in the details.
(http://gallery.multitool.org/pbmirror/Xtract02.jpg)
In addition, the button has a nice rubber cover that feels pretty solid, as if it was molded into the scale- no chance of losing it like the little rubber cover on a Mag Light switch! The button is also pretty solid and I doubt you’d manage to accidentally turn it on. Getting the Buck rep to open the battery cover for us, we see that the watch cell batteries are surrounded by a rubber gasket, making the Xtract LED water resistant. I wouldn’t want to use it as a dive knife or anything, but it’s nice to know if you are splashed or caught out in the rain, you can feel reasonably safe that the electronics won’t be ruined. I’m not a flashlight guy, but I will say that the Xtract’s LED seems at least as bright as a Photon Light.
Last but not least is the new Fin model, which has the afore mentioned rubber coating, a small diamond file with hook sharpener tucked into the sheath, and scissors in place of the can opener. There's a thumb bolt at the base of the scissors so they are also one handed opening.
(http://gallery.multitool.org/pbmirror/Xtract03.jpg)
As you can guess from the name Fin, this version is marketed towards fishermen, and the scissors are indeed pretty darned tough. They reminded me very much of the Juice type scissors.
Bob and I had a great time playing with these- I'll post some more pictures shortly!
Def
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I was pretty impressed with the Fin Tool from Buck. Those scissors seem to be better than the ones on most any other multitool. Not only are they physically larger, they also have a clever way of springing out when you open them, so they are instantly ready for action. All with one hand. (Actually, all with one thumb!)
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I was impressed enough to give the XTract another chance, especially the Fin. It looks like a really good, handy model, and as everyone knows by now, I like having scissors on a tool.
Def
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The blade looks like it has no serrations like the other x-tracts.
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That's true- the Fin is indeed a plain edge.
A sharp eye will also note that there is no Whittaker logo on the newer models. It seems that Mr Whittaker had no input on these versions, and I kind of got the feeling that he and Buck had parted ways.
Def
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That's true- the Fin is indeed a plain edge.
Yep, plain edge blade. The little diamond file they include should work great for touching up the blade when it gets dull. :)
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Here's a few more shots of the LED model.
This one is a comparison of width against a standard XTract:
(http://gallery.multitool.org/pbmirror/Xtract04.jpg)
The battery compartment:
(http://gallery.multitool.org/pbmirror/Xtract05.jpg)
And the design showing how the light is set up for the majority of the tools:
(http://gallery.multitool.org/pbmirror/Xtract06.jpg)
By the way, the circuit for the LED model will automatically shut the light off after 2 minutes in the off chance it does get accidentally activated.
Def
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wow, I like em! great job guys, good shots.
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More pictures of the Buck Fin 732. It comes with a nice molded sheath, with an elastic compartment to store the diamond file in.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v307/jooliesews/Bobbys/FIN7.jpg)
Just when I thought there could be nothing new in the field of folding scissor design, these one comes along. The fact that it is one hand opening via a thumb stud is nothing new. What is unique is the way the scissor blade pops opn to the right amount and is ready for action immediately, all done with one thumb.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v307/jooliesews/Bobbys/FIN8.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v307/jooliesews/Bobbys/FIN9.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v307/jooliesews/Bobbys/FIN10.jpg)
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That Fin model really intrigues me! Does it have an LED light? I can't tell from the pictures.
I hope it doesn't because then I'd be afraid to get it wet.
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That Fin model really intrigues me! Does it have an LED light? I can't tell from the pictures.
I hope it doesn't because then I'd be afraid to get it wet.
(The FIN model does not have an LED light.)
FIN 732 = soft grip scales, one-hand scissors, plain edge blade, bead blast finish, diamond file accessory
X-Tract LED 731 = soft grip scales, can opener, combination blade, polished finish, 5mm LED light
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That Fin model really intrigues me! Does it have an LED light? I can't tell from the pictures.
I hope it doesn't because then I'd be afraid to get it wet.
(The FIN model does not have an LED light.)
The first picture in Reply#8 makes this quite confusing. ;)
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That's what got me.
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The scissors look pretty substantial!
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I've never encountered this tool in the wild, how does the plier work?
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That Fin model really intrigues me! Does it have an LED light? I can't tell from the pictures.
I hope it doesn't because then I'd be afraid to get it wet.
(The FIN model does not have an LED light.)
The first picture in Reply#8 makes this quite confusing. ;)
Ooops!! Thanks Spoon, I hadn't noticed that before. Definitely a mix-up in that photo. We had a whole table full of various X-Tract models and X-Tract colors, playing with them and testing out their functions, all the while trying to take pictures. Looks like we did a little mixing and matching! :-[
So yes, just to re-emphasize, the LED model does not come with scissors or the little diamond file accessory.
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In our defense, at the time those photos were taken we were also unaware that the diamond file and special sheath were only for the Fin model. As Bob said, we had quite a pile of tools and sheaths built up on the table at that point as the Buck reps showed us all the different colors and new features.
I actually have a short video showing the OH scissors in action- I'll try to get it posted today.
Def
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Cool, I am looking foward to that indeed!
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Here are the officially released pictures of the X-Tract Fin from Buck.
(http://gallery.multitool.org/pbmirror/732_XTract_Blk.jpg)
(http://gallery.multitool.org/pbmirror/732_XTract_Blk_ghost.jpg)
(http://gallery.multitool.org/pbmirror/732_XTract_Blue.jpg)
(http://gallery.multitool.org/pbmirror/732_XTract_Plt.jpg)
(http://gallery.multitool.org/pbmirror/732_XTract_sci_Blk.jpg)
(http://gallery.multitool.org/pbmirror/732_XTract_sci_Blue.jpg)
(http://gallery.multitool.org/pbmirror/732_XTract_sci_Plt.jpg)
Def
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Are you going to put that video up Def? :gimme:
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Getting there... :D
Def
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Uploaded to YouTube, will post as soon as it's ready.
Def
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PLGADv9VAxg
Def
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Thanks, how do they compare to other MT scissors?
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That's hard to say without some actual testing, but they did remind me a fair bit of either the Juice or Surge scissors. Whether they are as sturdy as either of those is unknown, but that's what jumped into my head while playing with them for the short time we did.
Def
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Well, the surge does have great scissors! :-[
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Holy cow!
A little heads up.
Knifecenter.com has the Fin in stock, 43.95$ as well as the LED models.
:ahhh
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Are they actually in stock? I don't think they are released yet- they are probably preselling them....
Def
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They say "in stock" on the site. Knifecenter is usually pretty good about updating when they get things, the Fin is a feature in their February newsletter.
Link! (http://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store_store.html?ttl=Buck%20Xtract%20Tools&srch=bwSKUdatarq%3Dbu73)
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Its very rarely that I have a tool that I just dont have any interest in, but this one is it. I really dont see anythign to significant that just sings out to me. Not that it dont look like trick piece of kit, but Ehh.
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for me it was 2 things that interested me and influenced my decision in getting one.
first I like the tools it has and the way they were layed out, they are tools I use often and the one hand operation of them really attracted me to it.
second it's the Buck name, I have always liked Buck and for me they usually have quality, smart products.
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Ya know I do Like buck stuff. Plus I really like the issue with them on CS. If ya got a problem you shoot Paul over there a email and he hooks ya up, but I really still dont see this as a tool I would use. Not that it dont look cool, or be quality, but It just dont sing to me.
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Ya know I do Like buck stuff. Plus I really like the issue with them on CS. If ya got a problem you shoot Paul over there a email and he hooks ya up, but I really still dont see this as a tool I would use. Not that it dont look cool, or be quality, but It just dont sing to me.
I feel exactly the same. None of the XTracts appeal to me.
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Im glad someone else feels the same, i just see it as ho hum.
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Im glad someone else feels the same, i just see it as ho hum.
Is it the plastic that puts you off? I think thats the main thing for me.
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It's the whole tactical knifeness off it, get a oho and graft a pair of pliers onto it et voila you've got yourself a multitool >:(
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For me it is not the Tac. Look of it and I really dont know why. I just dont think it is something I would ever buy unless it is a heck of a buy from ebay. However I carry quite a bit the 889 which is way over the top as a tac. folder.
So I guess I really cant answer the question about it. I dont hate it I just dont want it.
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I just don't like tools that try to hop genre's, A multi's a multi, a sak' a sak ect ect ::)
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Plus come on tac. Scizzors? I really dont need them to be one handed. However That is kinda neet.
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Plus come on tac. Scizzors? I really dont need them to be one handed. However That is kinda neet.
I know it's all a little...gimicky, but at least there bring something new to the table I supose :)
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Plus come on tac. Scizzors? I really dont need them to be one handed. However That is kinda neet.
Handy for fishermen or something? Holding a fish in one hand and needing to cut something with the other, they could get the scissors out easily.
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But doesnt the stud on the blade cover that?
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Well I don't go fishing anymore, but I would imagine the scissors would be good for precise cut's, but if you just need to cut the line or kill the fish quickly, then you'd just as well use the blade :-\
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Well I don't go fishing anymore, but I would imagine the scissors would be good for precise cut's, but if you just need to cut the line or kill the fish quickly, then you'd just as well use the blade :-\
I'm not very up on the process of fishing, i just usually deal with them afterwards, so it was just a guess on my part. But i can imagine having one handed scissors being quite helpful. In fact having anything one handed can be helpful.
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Well I don't go fishing anymore, but I would imagine the scissors would be good for precise cut's, but if you just need to cut the line or kill the fish quickly, then you'd just as well use the blade :-\
I'm not very up on the process of fishing, i just usually deal with them afterwards, so it was just a guess on my part. But i can imagine having one handed scissors being quite helpful. In fact having anything one handed can be helpful.
No your right mate, it's a useful feature, just not neccassarily on that particular tool, as it's at the wrong end of it :D
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I dont like mine either, Im getting rid of it the minute I find the sheath for it. I should never have bought it, the tools arent great and the blade is way too big and menacing looking for EDC on this side of the Atlantic.
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I dont like mine either, Im getting rid of it the minute I find the sheath for it. I should never have bought it, the tools arent great and the blade is way too big and menacing looking for EDC on this side of the Atlantic.
Don't you just wish one of the big multi manufactures would pay a bit of attention to some of the harsher european knife laws and make a tool to suite ::), I mean if spyderco can do it with UKPK, why can't the likes or LM, Sog or Gerber (victorinox technically do with there sak range) ???
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I dont like mine either, Im getting rid of it the minute I find the sheath for it. I should never have bought it, the tools arent great and the blade is way too big and menacing looking for EDC on this side of the Atlantic.
Don't you just wish one of the big multi manufactures would pay a bit of attention to some of the harsher european knife laws and make a tool to suite ::), I mean if spyderco can do it with UKPK, why can't the likes or LM, Sog or Gerber (victorinox technically do with there sak range) ???
Fingers crossed we'll see an OHO Swisstool some day, an official one obviously. Id love to see an OHO Swisstool with the same bits and built-in bit-set as my Cybertool 41:
(http://www.victorinox.cz/data/USR_039_NOZE_91MM/1_7775_t2_cybertool_41_kopie.jpg)
Actually that would still be illegal in England wouldnt it? Id get away with it in Ireland though, wouldnt matter if they changed the law anyway, Id still EDC it forever, especially if they used the extra space to swap that bit-holder for a ratchet... :drool:
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I'd love a OH blade on multitool that didn't lock. That would be awesome! :)
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Theres no reason why the manufactures can't make a slippie oho multi, but when the vast majority of the customers want locks... :-\
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Theres no reason why the manufactures can't make a slippie oho multi, but when the vast majority of the customers want locks... :-\
I know. :( Would be cool if they made them so the lock could be removed or something.
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A little heads up.
Knifecenter.com has the Fin in stock, 43.95$ as well as the LED models.
:ahhh
Thanks for the heads up, Spoonrobot.
I have one of the original X-Tracts and like it well enough that I will also be getting a Fin.
In fact, once I get the Fin I'll give or trade away the original version, because:
-I prefer the plain edge blade of the Fin over the combo edge of the original.
-I'd rather have scissors (or nearly any other implement, even a second smaller blade) rather than a can opener. I find no real use or justifiction for can openers on multis.
Now that I've been carrying my X-Tract using a pocket clip, I've been using it and liking it a lot more.
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So, they are really in stock? I think I may order one tommorow night online!
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I know. Sad Would be cool if they made them so the lock could be removed or something.
I wonder if the Locks on LMs Inside openers (Kiuastore) range could be taken off and the end ground down so it doesn't engage on the blades?
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But then what would stop the blade floping around ???
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Unfortunately there is no backspring on most locking blades, so they can't function as slipjoints when the lock is removed.
Def
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I've learnt that to my cost on some of my earlier projects :D
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Geez Ring If ya decide to get rid of the original let me know. I would love to try one.
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But then what would stop the blade floping around
Bit of tar?
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But then what would stop the blade floping around
Bit of tar?
I'm looking at this now.
Would it not be possible to bevel the tang of the specific implement and then the corresponding area of the lock face so that they mate up but do not lock and become a kind of weak slipjoint?
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But then what would stop the blade floping around
Bit of tar?
I'm looking at this now.
Would it not be possible to bevel the tang of the specific implement and then the corresponding area of the lock face so that they mate up but do not lock and become a kind of weak slipjoint?
Talking about a liner lock right? It seems like if any material is removed during the beveling process then the lock faces wouldn't touch, allowing the blade to be floppy?
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But then what would stop the blade floping around
Bit of tar?
I'm looking at this now.
Would it not be possible to bevel the tang of the specific implement and then the corresponding area of the lock face so that they mate up but do not lock and become a kind of weak slipjoint?
Talking about a liner lock right? It seems like if any material is removed during the beveling process then the lock faces wouldn't touch, allowing the blade to be floppy?
Oh, I was thinking about the lockbacks like the Blast and such.
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But then what would stop the blade floping around
Bit of tar?
I'm looking at this now.
Would it not be possible to bevel the tang of the specific implement and then the corresponding area of the lock face so that they mate up but do not lock and become a kind of weak slipjoint?
Talking about a liner lock right? It seems like if any material is removed during the beveling process then the lock faces wouldn't touch, allowing the blade to be floppy?
Oh, I was thinking about the lockbacks like the Blast and such.
Ahh! That makes much more sense! :)
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Geez Ring If ya decide to get rid of the original let me know. I would love to try one.
I'll keep you in mind hawkchucker, but it may not be for a while yet.
Since I'm a cheap smurf, I'll probably wait a while for the Fin to be more widely distributed so I can get it for a lower price.
(I shopped around for the original X-Tract and was able to get it for 27 bucks with free shipping.)
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Sweet deal ya got on it.
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i DIDN'T REALIZE THER WERE SO MANY MODLES. i WILL HAVE TO PUT THEM ON MY LIST.
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A little heads up.
Knifecenter.com has the Fin in stock, 43.95$ as well as the LED models.
:ahhh
Thanks for the heads up, Spoonrobot.
I have one of the original X-Tracts and like it well enough that I will also be getting a Fin.
In fact, once I get the Fin I'll give or trade away the original version, because:
-I prefer the plain edge blade of the Fin over the combo edge of the original.
-I'd rather have scissors (or nearly any other implement, even a second smaller blade) rather than a can opener. I find no real use or justifiction for can openers on multis.
Now that I've been carrying my X-Tract using a pocket clip, I've been using it and liking it a lot more.
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what is this about a pocket clip for the X-Tract? Is that something you rigged up yourself or something I can buy? I think I would like mine better too if it had a clip.
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Here's the thread where Ringzero did the X-tract pocket clip: http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,3417.0.html
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Hi,
I got my three Fins on three days ago. Have carried one for two days and used both the pliers and the scissors. I really like the grippy feeling of the rubber-coated scales. The plain-edged kife will be less offensive to those afraid of sharp=pointy things. I like the scissors very much.
All in all,-Tract family is a nice collectable. For those intersted in such, here is what is available thus far:
Model Catalog # Grip
X-TRACT 730-CMX 3034 Realwoods Hardwooods Green Camo
X-TRACT 730-BLX 5893 Blue
X-TRACT 730-RDX 5895 Red
X-TRACT 730-PLX 5897 Platinum
X-TRACT 730-BKX 5928 Black
X-TRACT LED 731-BKK 3080 Black
X-TRACT LED 731-PLX 3082 Platinum
X-TRACT-FIN 732-BKS 3120 Black
X-TRACT-FIN 732-BLS 3122 Blue
X-TRACT-FIN 732-PLS 3124 Platinum.
All in all, a neat tool, albeit minimalist - Joe
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Hi,
I got my three Fins on three days ago. Have carried one for two days and used both the pliers and the scissors. I really like the grippy feeling of the rubber-coated scales. The plain-edged kife will be less offensive to those afraid of sharp=pointy things. I like the scissors very much.
All in all,-Tract family is a nice collectable. For those intersted in such, here is what is available thus far:
Model Catalog # Grip
X-TRACT 730-CMX 3034 Realwoods Hardwooods Green Camo
X-TRACT 730-BLX 5893 Blue
X-TRACT 730-RDX 5895 Red
X-TRACT 730-PLX 5897 Platinum
X-TRACT 730-BKX 5928 Black
X-TRACT LED 731-BKK 3080 Black
X-TRACT LED 731-PLX 3082 Platinum
X-TRACT-FIN 732-BKS 3120 Black
X-TRACT-FIN 732-BLS 3122 Blue
X-TRACT-FIN 732-PLS 3124 Platinum.
All in all, a neat tool, albeit minimalist - Joe
Joe, do you also have all of the 730 and 731 variations?
If so, what do you think of the LED version?
Is the LED light well designed?
Output fairly decent?
How difficult is a battery change?
Thanks for any info you can provide.
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how about some pictures Joe!
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Yeah, that would be very nice.. BTW, what are your thoughts on the scissors?
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Hi,
Ringzero, yes I have all of them. The LED is fair, but, as you'd expect, small and good for close work. As far as helping land an airliner, it doesn't get there.
Leatherman 123 - pictures now that I can get outside may happen once I can deal with the camera, tripod and software. Stay tuned.
Cheers - Joe
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Hi,
Ringzero, yes I have all of them. The LED is fair, but, as you'd expect, small and good for close work. As far as helping land an airliner, it doesn't get there.
Leatherman 123 - pictures now that I can get outside may happen once I can deal with the camera, tripod and software. Stay tuned.
Cheers - Joe
Thanks Joe. Looking forward to seeing your pics and any other impressions of your X-Tracts that you care to offer.
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Hi Leatherman 123,
I've cut a few things (paper, leader material and so-on) withe the X-Tract scissors. I think they are really about as good as the current Gerber scissors.
My only negative about the X-Tract lies with the diamond (electroless nickel plating with diamond dust stirred in) sharpener. I feel it is a bit too coarse (too aggresive). If your knife is so dull that that you can RBATJ, it will be great - if you just want a touch-up, it wouldn't be my first choice.
Cheers - Joe
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As soon as the BuckXtract Fin is available here in Manila, I'll get one!