Multitool.org Forum
Tool Talk => Gerber Tools => Topic started by: Grant Lamontagne on January 19, 2011, 05:33:42 AM
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Another new Gerber is the Balance. I was really impressed with this one- it's a nice evolution of the sliding head plier design. As you can see it has a nice SAK style tweezers.
(http://gallery.multitool.org/pbmirror/Gerber/Balance/Tweezers.jpg)
The slider is placed on the inside of the handles on this model.
(http://gallery.multitool.org/pbmirror/Gerber/Balance/Closed.jpg)
This allows full sized tools on the outside, which is a really neat take on the concept.
(http://gallery.multitool.org/pbmirror/Gerber/Balance/Drivers.jpg)
The Balance has two bit drivers, each with a double ended bit on it, scissors and a blade.
(http://gallery.multitool.org/pbmirror/Gerber/Balance/Pliers.jpg)
Gerber's plan with this was to make a nice tool that slips nicely into the pocket, and the rounded edges on this tool succeed nicely. It's very smooth and would be a joy to pocket carry.
(http://gallery.multitool.org/pbmirror/Gerber/Balance/Open.jpg)
All in all it felt like a good solid tool, and I'm looking forward to seeing this one when it comes out.
Def
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looks good, was price mentioned.
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looks good, was price mentioned.
$43 (http://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store_detail.html?s=GB000289)
I like it too, but I'm so sick of CE.
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2ho.. Thanks Gerber.. :salute:
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Are those nylon "scales"?
Interesting design if not a bit plasticy.
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I think they were aluminum actually. They felt like metal. I'll check for sure when I pass Gerber again.
Def
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How thick is it? It looks thicker than a Charge.
Did you get to handle it? Those scissor handles look fairly bulky for the tool.
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This looks pretty good. I'll be interested to see how the blade lock operates and more to the point if it can be defeated :)
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How thick is it? It looks thicker than a Charge.
Did you get to handle it? Those scissor handles look fairly bulky for the tool.
It's actually only slightly larger than a Juice, and those are the standard sized scissors. This is a very pocketable tool!
The big button on the side below the blade is the lock release. Unfortunately I didn't see inside all that well. If I get another chance I'll try to get some inside pics.
Def
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I quite like it :tu:
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Yeah Dunc, me too. Bear in mind this is a pre-production model, so there may be some differences between this and the final design (I made a couple of suggestions, if it's not too far along to look into them!) but this is one I am really looking forward to.
Def
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I can't believe I'm saying this but so far The Balance and The Fit have actually impressed me more than Leathermans new stuff but with Gerber you never know when it comes to quality. Time will tell. :-\
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It does remind me of a Bar or soap :D but I guess this is to give it the smooth pocket friendly feel .Which is something I think people will go for .
Dunc
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Looks nice, good evolution for Gerber. :tu: Those bit holders on a small tool seem like a good idea.
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I'm curious how the final production model will be. I like the bitholders :tu:
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I too like them I would like to see other tools with em
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It does remind me of a Bar or soap :D but I guess this is to give it the smooth pocket friendly feel .Which is something I think people will go for .
Dunc
I was thinking more "office stapler" ... but I can see what you mean. The bit holders are a clever move. I like the simplicity of this tool, makes a refreshing change not to try too many functions in too small a package
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I think it's an interesting design. I think it looks very pocket friendly. I think it could be very popular. But I still think it's ugly as heck. :D
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...what's the reason for that second bit holder? ???
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Overall a very nice design. I'd rather see one of the bit drivers replaced with other tools as it's unnecessarily redundant, but it's a real nice step in the right direction for Gerber. I'll bet it sells like crazy.
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Is there a release date?
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Hmmmm, I'll give them points for innovation! :salute: Hopefully the quality is up to snuff. :)
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Hmmmm, I'll give them points for innovation! :salute: Hopefully the quality is up to snuff. :)
If the quality is there this looks like a very promising MT :cheers: Good for Gerber this year :D I really do hope they turn around things and start making more solid tools again :tu:
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I was down on gerber for awhile now but this looks sleek and cool very SAK ese I can dig it !
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...what's the reason for that second bit holder? ???
One is sized for standard 1/4" bits, the other for precision microbits. Probably the same size as Wiha's excellent microbits, meaning that this thing could be a tech's new pocket friend.
Like so many other "urbanista" tools, I wish this one had a pen on board.
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I can't believe I'm saying this but so far The Balance and The Fit have actually impressed me more than Leathermans new stuff but with Gerber you never know when it comes to quality. Time will tell. :-\
Ditto on the wait and see as to the quality on the Gerber. I used to love them, I have even given them try again once in a while only to be let down again. :bnghd:
I really like on that they went back to some "real" screwdriver bits. That is a great sign.
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Wait, so the second bit driver is a different size? Well if that's the case it's not as redundant as I thought. It could be very handy indeed.
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Wait, so the second bit driver is a different size? Well if that's the case it's not as redundant as I thought. It could be very handy indeed.
They are indeed different sizes- somewhat unbalanced when you think about it... :P
Def
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Wait, so the second bit driver is a different size? Well if that's the case it's not as redundant as I thought. It could be very handy indeed.
They are indeed different sizes- somewhat unbalanced when you think about it... :P
Def
Hey, just like a lot of us! :tu:
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Unbalanced? Us? Naahh...
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if gerber brings these tools out as fast as they did the octane they will really get the jump on the rest of the bunch. I bought my octane about a week after the SHOT show ended last year.
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if gerber brings these tools out as fast as they did the octane they will really get the jump on the rest of the bunch. I bought my octane about a week after the SHOT show ended last year.
I do like how Gerber usually beats everyone else out of the gate with their new products each year :)
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Nail nick too close to pivot :\
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This tool is already on pre-order but the crucial FAST is already in stock. :tu:
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Has anyone heard of a release date for the Balance? ???
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I don't think we have hear anything yet.
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Hi Grant,
The Fit and Balance are both currently available.
Straight from Gerber. I think Travis may be looking onto sourcing them, so if you have any questions, send him a message.
Def
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Anyone bought one of these yet?
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I would have, but I've yet to see them for sale.
Def
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I would have, but I've yet to see them for sale.
Def
As of today they have them at my local Fry's. How long that will last I have no idea.
Edit: That's totally false. I got the Balance and the Fit confused.
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Anyone bought one of these yet?
:pok: :pok:
Come on someone. :D
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If I could find one, I'd have one....
Def
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I wonder when this and the cable dawg will be more readily available
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They appear to be in stock HERE (http://www.outdoorgb.com/p/Gerber_Balance_EDC_MultiTool/?utm_source=froogle&utm_medium=directory&utm_content=GBR¤cy=GBP&country=GBR&SelectedBundle=173595) but I'm not paying near £70 for one - UK prices suck!!!
Any of our friends across the pond want to test drive one from HERE (http://www.thefirestore.com/store/product.cfm/pid_7654_gerber_balance_jaw_tool_grey/) for $43?
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Thanks to Al The Enabler ;) :D I have one on the way from Amazon. :) (I hope) :angel:
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Excellent. Pics and thoughts when it arrives mate. :pok:
:D :D
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Thanks to Al The Enabler ;) :D I have one on the way from Amazon. :) (I hope) :angel:
Did this ever arrive mate?
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Thanks to Al The Enabler ;) :D I have one on the way from Amazon. :) (I hope) :angel:
Did this ever arrive mate?
I too wish to know! :ahhh
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Oop, forgot to follow up:
NO, IT DIDN'T. >:( >:( The screwball Amazon seller who had it listed for sale sent me a Gerber Fit instead. >:( When I contacted him about it, it seems he had uploaded some code incorrectly to his Amazon web page, and listed Balances instead of Fits. (or so his story went) ::) In any case, he reports that the Balance has not yet been released by Gerber. :-\
So, we wait.....
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Which makes sense, as I haven't been able to spot one on eBay.ca.
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Odd that we still don't seem to have any news of the Balance, or have I missed something? :think:
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Knife Center shows it as discontinued; I emailed one other place to see if they have it in stock.
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Does this remind anyone of something that has happened before(powercut). Hopefully they will get the bugs out shortly.
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The Powercut died because there was no viable way to make a decent set of sidecutters out of stainless, and given the variety of environments that multitools are exposed to on a regular basis, SOG didn't want to make them out of an easy to rust and corrode tool steel.
Def
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Bossman, reading your comment made me think of the Mora laminated and triflex steels. Couldn't they've used D2 steel and bonded all but the tip of the cutting surface with a stainless steel? Or does steel not work that way? :think:
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I don't know what methods they tried- I would have thought that a black epoxy coating and a warning label on the box would have been sufficient, but SOG killed the project without bothering to ask me for details or even sending me a memo.
Def
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I don't know what methods they tried- I would have thought that a black epoxy coating and a warning label on the box would have been sufficient, but SOG killed the project without bothering to ask me for details or even sending me an undamaged prototype.
Def
Fixed.
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Hehehe- that too! :D
Def
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Has anyone asked gerber where the balance is?
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I haven't been in touch with anyone for a bit. I'll fire off an email and see if I can get any more info.
Def
Sent from my MB860 using Tapatalk
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Thanks Def
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any word Def?
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I am starting to wonder about it... ::)
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I am starting to wonder about it... ::)
Says the person who ended up building his own Powercut... and no more after the first prototype. :pok:
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I am starting to wonder about it... ::)
Says the person who ended up building his own Powercut... and no more after the first prototype. :pok:
Allan blackmailed me into breaking the mold :-\ so his would be 'the one and only' ::) :D
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I am starting to wonder about it... ::)
Says the person who ended up building his own Powercut... and no more after the first prototype. :pok:
Allan blackmailed me into breaking the mold :-\ so his would be 'the one and only' ::) :D
There was no mold needed, though. :think: You "simply" transplanted a pair of hard wire cutters into a... Powerlock, I think it was. :P
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I am starting to wonder about it... ::)
Says the person who ended up building his own Powercut... and no more after the first prototype. :pok:
Allan blackmailed me into breaking the mold :-\ so his would be 'the one and only' ::) :D
There was no mold needed, though. :think: You "simply" transplanted a pair of hard wire cutters into a... Powerlock, I think it was. :P
I know, I was joking ;) :D Someday I'll get around to making more :)
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any word Def?
No response yet. I'll fire off another email to remind them that I sent an email....
Def
Sent from my MB860 using Tapatalk
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I know, I was joking ;) :D Someday I'll get around to making more :)
I saw that... >:( :pok:
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Is the Balance vaporware? I find this odd seeing that Gerber is usually first to market with their new models. :think:
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I have a balance i found today at a pawn shop... I was unfamiliar with the tool. Are they hard to find?
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Sort of... no one else has seen them and we wondered if they'd been released yet.
Def
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Accujohn, would you post some actual pictures of the tool? I'd like some firsthand pics. :tu:
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For the record, I'm not far from many companies including Gerber and I have found many oddball items including 1 of a kinds and protos. I just hadn't recognized the tool before and it was in unused condition. Fit and finish are way above average for a production piece... that and it was a solid, cool design and way cheap :) Here are photos hot off my porch:
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more pix
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more pix
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more pix
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more pix
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more pix
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last one
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Well I think you've definitely got the first one on the forum John, excellent find. :cheers: now I wonder if the rest of us are going to get a chance to buy one? :think:
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I havent seen anything in the stores... Online is even more confusing. Knifecenter lists it as discontinued. Most everyone else as out of stock or backordered????
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I just wish Gerber would actually reply as to the non-status of the non-tool. -__-
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If you feel the need to get rid of it, please feel free to send me a PM. :D
Def
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Ok, i read through this whole thread to get up to speed. I really had no clue about this tool so i was glad i bought it. My thoughts were that it must be an old model because I hadnt seen one before. But, i tend to be a user and i really liked the design. Very efficient use of available tool space (compact). Also very pocket friendly and solid. This tool, while unused, was NOT just purchased however. It's been around for awhile. So, my guess is that its pre production that an employee had or someone who got it from one. I wouldn't expect the new tools to look exactly like this when and if released. The steel surfaces have way more finish work than is typical of production models. Newest product pictures vary as well. This one is nearly identical to the first pictures from january. The scales are in fact aluminum and I wonder if the production version will be that or plastic. The Gerber site only shows a green model with different serrations and no "balance" on the handle. The mechanisms are a tad complex which also makes me wonder if those are causing cost or prod. delays. Only other MT they had was a Diesel camo but I couldnt get into it. Also it was more like $55 whereas the Balance i was able to snag for $30. I bought it to use and carry but this whole story has kind of ruined that :)
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For the record, I'm not far from many companies including Gerber and I have found many oddball items including 1 of a kinds and protos. I just hadn't recognized the tool before and it was in unused condition. Fit and finish are way above average for a production piece... that and it was a solid, cool design and way cheap :) Here are photos hot off my porch:
I'm surprised no one else has poked you to see your other goodies. :pok:
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I collected and bought/sold knives for years but didn't hang on to much I'm afraid. Lots of stories to tell though. Most of my Gerbers were either early folders or the Pauls. Most of the prototype stuff was from Benchmade. I lived less than a mile from them for 8 years.
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So what is the story behind the Balance? Is it still vaporware? Are they being made and just starting to be visible in the wild?
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I heard back from Gerber via Facebook on the Balance... They told me to keep my eyes peeled for the New Balance in 2012! Nothing more specific than that I'm afraid.
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Sounds like they've had too/decided too tweak the design. :-\
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Interesting story John
Thanks for sharing
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I heard back from Knifecenter (who had listed the Balance as discontinued) and they said they were told at the time in no uncertain terms that there would be no Balance in 2011. They didn't address next year. So, that doesnt seem too good. Not for a speed to market big manufacturer. I know fb told me to watch for it in 2012 but there were no specifics like season or early/mid/late. Has this happened with Gerber before? Oh, and I also emailed Gerber directly but no response. I even sent them pics. They only responded to the fb inquiry
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Actually this is a little surprising, Gerber seem to be one company that have been really quick with releasing a product once it's been announced. They certainly seemed geared up for a summer release IMO, so I'm guessing there was a very last minute and disastrous hiccup. :-\
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this looks very interesting if the quality and size are spot on.
It seems to have just the most useful tools, a normal and small bit driver, knife scissors and pliers.
If it is juice size as Grant said, that may just make it a must-have tool.
And I hope it has metal handles rather than plastic.
I've read through the thread but can't be sure its been mentioned, are the tools locking?
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Mine has aluminum handle scales and same on the slide button. My thoughts earlier were that it would be hard for gerber to stay within their expected price point without going to plastic but who knows.
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Too bad Gerber will not communicate more but they do a good job with releases usually. Unlike sog :-)
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If its in their new catalog then that will be encouraging
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At this point in the year they are probably waiting for the Shot Show so they can re-announce it for 2012 ::)
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At this point in the year they are probably waiting for the Shot Show so they can re-announce it for 2012 ::)
Yep, Im sure that's the plan! They want it to unveil it for 2012. They should re-name it to the "Actual Balance" or the "Suspense".
Is Shot in Jan?
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At this point in the year they are probably waiting for the Shot Show so they can re-announce it for 2012 ::)
Yep, Im sure that's the plan! They want it to unveil it for 2012. They should re-name it to the "Actual Balance" or the "Suspense".
Is Shot in Jan?
Yep, the 17th thru the 20th. :salute:
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Hmm I wonder what they would be doing with a re-design. Apart from aesthetics, they dont have too many tools to play with. Maybe one handed opening on the blade? That would be sweet.
In a way shame for us UK users the knife is locking, otherwise would be legal.
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I'm kinda hoping that they're loosing the smaller bit driver. Surely the whole point behind having a standard bit driver is that it can give you a huge range of size and type of tips? :think: Doesn't that make having the smaller one somewhat redundant?
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what would you have them replace it with?
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I guess i could argue for or against the additional driver. It's a pretty limited slot or space for whatever goes there. 2 bigger issues for me are #1. Why they didn't go with a standard bit size. And #2 if the tool will actually be produced. I've said before that the tool is a tad complex in construction and function. I totally believe that they may have run into production or cost roadblocks. Given that, what will be the changes that make the tool a reality? I am skeptical about the Shot show re-release because if they had a date then their promised retailers would know and they would be more forthcoming with specific information as to what part of 2012 it would appear. Hope they get er done soon though. It is an interesting design and I'd love to see how it does for Gerber. Gerber may very well be taking this design very seriously. It's very different for them and done correctly could be a big seller. So, all this limbo could be their just wanting to get it right before release. That would be very smart
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what would you have them replace it with?
My gut reaction would be a file. :)
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Yeah, a file crossed my mind... Or a pen or an awl or something. I think a file makes the most sense. You might be able to fit a saw (thin). I'm also still waiting for that beverage holder :)
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Would have to be the next 'most used tool' after knife, screwdriver, and scissors.
Would file fit that category? awl? prybar?
Some sort of awl/prybar combo (is that even possible!?) would be perfect IMO.
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Nice!
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Accujohn can you post pictures of this with it lying on its side, so we can see the implements in open and closed position when looking down on the handles rather than from the side. I want to get an idea of how wide it is, because it looks very fat.
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Accujohn can you post pictures of this with it lying on its side, so we can see the implements in open and closed position when looking down on the handles rather than from the side. I want to get an idea of how wide it is, because it looks very fat.
Yep! I'll try to do that tonight
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Ok first, here are some shots to help with thickness. Let me know if I got this right
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I mentioned a few times before that this tool is a tad complex in construction... lotsa parts and tight fits. Here is a picture of just 1 example. This is the pivot joint behind the sliding pliers and button lock. It's why I can see them having production/cost issues.
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good pictures John. :tu:
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Its a shame the pliers are so thin. They look almost LM squirt like in terms of their narrowness and profile.
I can see the reason, its to fit the knife and scissors in the outside opening configuration.
But that isn't a necessity, the Vic Spirit handles this perfectly to give one example, the long deep tools like its file, knife, saw, and scissors are all at the edge of the handles, and reside under the curved lip, so they don't take up any extra space, and the pliers are nice and fat.
Now I don't know if that is possible with the sliding plier head gerbers, but I always find it a shame when you have a tool like this and the pliers seem too small for the tool, like a 'shrunken head' almost.
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Ok, If we are comparing the pliers to a SQUIRT then a few size comparison pictures are in order because that's not a fair comparison. My bad for not doing a size reference shot until now :) This is the Balance next to my old JUICE C2. I don't have a Squirt. The Plier head to it's handle ratio is another issue, but the pliers are very usable. Also keep in mind that the pivot is hidden under the handle (unlike the juice) so you have to add that to the actual size of the Balance pliers vs. Juice. Cheers!
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another for handle thickness/ length
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Nice comparison pics ;)
Just to clarify my original post, its not so much the size that I was comparing to a squirt, but the 'design' in terms of the thickness of the pliers. And yes, whereas the tool is larger than a juice, its plier heads are about the same size, which is exactly what I was saying, its disproportionate which for some reason bugs me, but I can begin to see its a necessity with the way the tool is designed.
You do make a good point that because the pivot is hidden in the handle, that makes the pliers look smaller. I wonder how that affects how much force you can get out of them?
Would you be able to compare its size to Vic spirit, or LM charge?
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Btw, the pliers feel very strong and sure. Good grip too. I don't, however, have any plans to put it to the test since it's a prototype.
A long time ago in my knife collecting days I found a one of a kind Benchmade with a damascus blade and no cutting edge applied to it. ( not dull, no edge bevel at all). It was interesting but at the time i thought a knife w/o an edge was like a bull without balls. So i had Shane Sibert apply a custom edge to it. At any rate, i never heard the end of it on the BM forum. I ruined an extreme rarity, yada yada. Live and learn :)
On charge/spirit request..i don't have either of those models at the moment. You could send them to me though ;)
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another for handle thickness/ length
Wow! That's surprised me - I'd expected something Juice sized or a little bit smaller.
Thanks for the pics :tu:
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No, it's a fair sized tool. Not sure of weight. Aluminum scales help, I'm sure, but still on the hefty side... Just checked advertised specs: 3.8" length fully closed. And weight 7oz. Alternately the fully loaded juice xe6 is a half inch shorter but nearly the same weight at 6.7oz. Thickness on the balance is just over 5/8" or exactly 11/16".
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hmm 3.8 inch length is very close to the 4 inch length of charge/spirit tools.
That is a real shame, this tool has the bare minimum on it, the most useful tools, in a nice package. But if it is going to be the same size as a LM charge or Vic Spirit, or even close, then it cannot compete, they pack pretty much everything under the sun.
This would have had to be LM juice width and length for it to really stand out.
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hmm 3.8 inch length is very close to the 4 inch length of charge/spirit tools.
That is a real shame, this tool has the bare minimum on it, the most useful tools, in a nice package. But if it is going to be the same size as a LM charge or Vic Spirit, or even close, then it cannot compete, they pack pretty much everything under the sun.
This would have had to be LM juice width and length for it to really stand out.
I'm sorry to say I agree with this, and this tool has just lost a fair chunk of appeal for me. Up to the size on an XE6 I could have lived with. Beyond that, there's several other tools I'd rather have in my pocket. That's a real shame actually as I was looking forward to this new "small" tool :-\
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Well that's what these forums are for... To be informed. All above points taken (and valid), it's still a very cool design and very pocket friendly for it's size. To appreciate it, you have to place more value on the one hand opening pliers, larger blade and bit drivers etc.
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one handed opening pliers doesnt make much sense if the rest of the tools arent OHO, real shame they didn't make that a feature of the knife ???
Who knows, maybe they will make some changes before release, that is if they still plan to release it.
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one handed opening pliers doesnt make much sense if the rest of the tools arent OHO, real shame they didn't make that a feature of the knife ???
Who knows, maybe they will make some changes before release, that is if they still plan to release it.
I'm not sure I agree with that. Yes, it might be nice if some if the other tools were also OHO, but the fact they aren't doesn't make the fact the pliers are less useful IMO. That's certainly true of my MP400 and 600 anyway. :)
I'm also sure we'll see a new version at SHOT, lets just hope it makes it onto the shop shelves this time. :D
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Doesnt make the pliers less useful, no, but surely anyone in their right mind at Gerber would realise that if they are going to use that as an advertising point for the tool (which they may not), it would be strengthened considerably by being able to say the other 'essential' tools are also OHO, especially the knife.
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Well if you want easy and quick OHO pliers and a OHO blade then you're going to have to look at other Gerber options I think, the Flik springs to mind. Lets be fair there's almost no MT's that are all OHO, the Buck X-Tract being one of the very few exceptions I can think of. Owing that almost no other MT manages it I'm not sure that it's fair to single out this tool for criticism. :)
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Gareth I think you misunderstand, probably because I am not expressing myself clearly :)
I am not criticizing the Balance because of this, I am saying they missed a trick in that it would be a very strong selling point if they could advertise it as being compact, carrying the essential tools we use very often, AND being one handed opening, including the pliers, with the sliding design being unique to Gerber.
As it is, I am not so much bothered about this, but disappointed with the size of this tool, it seems too big to justify having only 4 tool along with the pliers.
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Well that's what these forums are for... To be informed. All above points taken (and valid), it's still a very cool design and very pocket friendly for it's size. To appreciate it, you have to place more value on the one hand opening pliers, larger blade and bit drivers etc.
Fair point! The knife for me is always an achilles heel on tools - I tend not to use them (well, most of them anyway). OHO pliers can be nice at times and the drivers do look very nice. I still wish Gerber would put it on a boil wash to try and shrink it a bit ;)
I'm also sure we'll see a new version at SHOT, lets just hope it makes it onto the shop shelves this time. :D
I'm looking forward to see what changes have been made :)
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Gareth I think you misunderstand, probably because I am not expressing myself clearly :)
I am not criticizing the Balance because of this, I am saying they missed a trick in that it would be a very strong selling point if they could advertise it as being compact, carrying the essential tools we use very often, AND being one handed opening, including the pliers, with the sliding design being unique to Gerber.
As it is, I am not so much bothered about this, but disappointed with the size of this tool, it seems too big to justify having only 4 tool along with the pliers.
Ah, OK. I was indeed missing your point then I think, but that's just as likely to be my fault as yours. :cheers:
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I think there is always something that bothers someone about any tool. Not any all OHO multis out there that i know off. I think the biggest selling point here is the OHO pliers combined with other outside opening tools.. No inside opening tools .That's a handy package and not many can say that
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Just took a second to check out the Gerber site to see if anything new is posted on this tool. It is no longer shown on the site except for the pdf of the 2011 catalog where it is permanent. Wonder if this is a good sign or bad. They may be preparing for it's new january release?
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Just took a second to check out the Gerber site to see if anything new is posted on this tool. It is no longer shown on the site except for the pdf of the 2011 catalog where it is permanent. Wonder if this is a good sign or bad. They may be preparing for it's new january release?
that would be my guess. I can see Gerber wanting to forget the stalled 2011 release and just focusing on the 2012 one. :)
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This is a reply from Gerber:
Hi there!
The Balance wasn't released last year, although in was in the catalog. We are releasing it this year, likely in February!
Thanks for your interest.
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This is a reply from Gerber:
Hi there!
The Balance wasn't released last year, although in was in the catalog. We are releasing it this year, likely in February!
Thanks for your interest.
Good news that :)
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I agree- the Balance seemed like a very good tool when I saw it, and I'm really looking forward to it as a production model.
In just another couple of weeks I promise I'll be grilling the folks at Gerber over what happened! :pok:
Def
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Maybe the same thing that happened to their kick axe a few years back? :P
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As much as I would have loved one of those it struck me as a liability nightmare. :ahhh
Def
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I just snagged a knock-off of the Gerber Balance. The ZGB Slide-Out Multipliers. These:
(https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/~F8AAOSwcONenb2i/s-l1600.jpg)
The sliding mechanism is the same, but there are differences. The pliers are a different shape and have bypass cutters instead of the anvil cutters the Gerber has. The scales are different, and are only held on by two screws. The Gerber balance scales are held on by many screws. And finally, the tool load out is different. There is only one driver (the micro size), and no scissors. Instead it has a blade, a saw, the bitdriver, and a dual opener tool with can and bottle openers, which is similar to the Suspension's opener tool.
The blade is very sharp out of the box, and even the can opener edge can cut paper well. the driver on the end of the can opener is also well-defined with sharp edges. All the outer tools are non-locking, and instead have strong backsprings. The handle splay is a little on the large side, but still WAY less than the NXT's splay. The pliers are spring-loaded, and open the same amount as, and are generally the same size as, the NXT plier head.
It appears to be a very good copy of the Balance, and with an arguably better tool load-out. While I'd gladly give up the openers for the scissors, I don't think everyone would.
Now, the limitations of this tool are pretty much the same as the balance. It feels too big in my hands, it's difficult to open without the whole pliers jumping out of my hand, and the tool selection is pretty minimal compared to the large size. But it's a smooth tool that is easy on the pockets. The bitdriver is well designed - even though there is no lock, the ergonomics are such that really pushing on the screw wants to keep the driver open, not close it. So, that's nice. The driver is also *almost* in the center of the tool.
Note, the opening on this tool isn't as smooth as the Balance. Actually, as it opens the handle splay increases, so you have to make sure you're not gripping it tightly. I don't believe the balance does that. The balance isn't spring-loaded either, I don't think.
That said, as far as Chinese knockoffs go this one is absolutely top notch.
Charles.
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Having edc’d a balance at work for the past 5yrs solid. Mine (green version) has virtually no paint left on. Typically I then read that the green version was supposedly the less common colour.
I grabbed a dark grey model last year in a sale. Today I thought I’d look for a green one too.
Found one, last in stock, reduced to £30
Just been informed it has already been dispatched
Really pleased I scored both colours.
Another late addition to the Gerber collection. :facepalm:
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Glad you got them, and after reading about your good experience with it for the past five years, "better late than never". Pictures when you get them! :tu: :popcorn:
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Glad you got them, and after reading about your good experience with it for the past five years, "better late than never". Pictures when you get them! :tu: :popcorn:
The dark grey version is somewhere in the loft ??
But I’ll definitely upload a picture of the green version next to the one I’ve carried for the past 5yrs.
My user has amazing patina
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Having edc’d a balance at work for the past 5yrs solid. Mine (green version) has virtually no paint left on. Typically I then read that the green version was supposedly the less common colour.
I grabbed a dark grey model last year in a sale. Today I thought I’d look for a green one too.
Found one, last in stock, reduced to £30
Just been informed it has already been dispatched
Really pleased I scored both colours.
Another late addition to the Gerber collection. :facepalm:
I thought you were done collecting :D
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I thought you were done collecting :D
I am
But the Balance has earned my respect, despite earlier misgivings.I’ve never once shown it any love whatsoever. But yet when it mattered it tried its best. Hard not to respect that.
I’ll be sad when it eventually breaks or gets lost. Both the new ones are just for collection. I may look for another yet, as a back up for my user.
The Balance tweezers have never, not EVER failed to work. They are utterly amazing.
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My brand newBalance arrived today
I’m so pleased I managed to get another Green version.
Here’s a few pics of my new green balance next to my edc green balance
See if you can spot the difference...
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One is new and the other is old .
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:iagree:
But...it appears also that the lock button is shaped differently; the older has kind of a bar in the middle, while the newer is rounded? :dunno:
Also, the "Balance" on the newer is "double lined"/ wider and the one of the older is thinner type. :dunno: :dunno:
Anyhow, great tools, and glad you're able to enjoy them. :tu: :cheers:
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I found out the other day that you can order a new Gerber Balance directly from China via AliExpress.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005002241560136.html
Charles.
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I bought it. Probably counterfeit. But quality is good!
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I bought it. Probably counterfeit. But quality is good!
Might not be made with any agreement from Gerber, but there is a good chance it's come out of the same factory it always did.
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Counterfeit is the wrong word, more like unauthorized. It's a fun little tool. I feel a little bad buying it but I don't see any genuine ones anywhere.