Multitool.org Forum

Tool Talk => General Tool Discussion => Topic started by: Kampfer on April 09, 2018, 10:21:12 PM

Title: Aclim8 Combar
Post by: Kampfer on April 09, 2018, 10:21:12 PM
I had the pleasure to meet the design team and inspect this tool in person at SHOT show 2018. The tool seen well designed and well made. Of course this is just my initial impression, keep tuned for more info.

https://www.combarpr.com/
Title: Re: Aclim8 Combar
Post by: acidhammer on April 10, 2018, 01:01:33 PM
that's a really i interesting tool.  the number of moving parts for a striking and digging tool worry me but at the right price definitely worth a try.

good find mate
Title: Re: Aclim8 Combar
Post by: ThePeacent on April 10, 2018, 02:11:08 PM
seems cool on first sight  :salute:  thanks for posting

OT, but I really like your new Avatar pic  :like: :like: :tu:
Title: Re: Aclim8 Combar
Post by: lister on April 10, 2018, 02:24:48 PM
Look interesting. But... How sturdy can a folding axe be?

I sure hope the answer is very, as I like the concept...  :like:
Title: Re: Aclim8 Combar
Post by: tango44 on April 10, 2018, 04:48:51 PM
Cool, but I can imagine a $250 price tag on it!
Title: Re: Aclim8 Combar
Post by: lister on April 10, 2018, 05:44:48 PM
Cool, but I can imagine a $250 price tag on it!


 How about two to three times as much? See: https://newatlas.com/combar-hatchet-shovel-multitool/54112/

That's a lot of money!  :ahhh
Title: Re: Aclim8 Combar
Post by: tango44 on April 10, 2018, 05:51:19 PM
Wow! not for me....
Title: Re: Aclim8 Combar
Post by: ReamerPunch on April 11, 2018, 03:03:40 AM
That's the problem with all these tactical axe/shovel/prybar/hammer multi-tools. They cost way too much.
Title: Re: Aclim8 Combar
Post by: AlephZero on April 11, 2018, 09:27:02 AM
That's the problem with all these tactical axe/shovel/prybar/hammer multi-tools. They cost way too much.

Yeah, way too expensive... I'll stick to my Skrama & German E-tool, thank you very much!  :pok:
Title: Re: Aclim8 Combar
Post by: cody6268 on April 11, 2018, 08:20:30 PM
I think at the price they are asking--it's never gonna happen. A top end pro-grade Stihl chainsaw is around the same price.  I think $100 would be a reasonable price.

And "stainless steel". Just saying that doesn't mean it's a "premium" There are high-end performance stainless steels, and low-costs ones that aren't really suited for use in edged tools.
Title: Re: Aclim8 Combar
Post by: Kampfer on April 11, 2018, 08:21:56 PM
I think the price is high as well.
Title: Re: Aclim8 Combar
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on April 11, 2018, 08:59:05 PM
I've really been looking forward to this one, ever since my initial contact with the company.  I am hoping that it turns out to be as good as they say, and, having come from members of the IDF I am expecting good things from it.  Those guys are not slouches, as they are almost constantly in combat.  I doubt very much that they would have any patience for any gimmicky stuff that doesn't actually work.

That having been said, I have a few concerns about the tool that I would very much like to test at some point:

1: Thickness of the axe head- it looks like it might be ok for initial cuts, but not much good for prolonged or deep cutting, which might be why the video only shows the guy lopping branches. I feel like the axe head would create too much drag for deep, penetrating cuts. 

2: The hollow handle- I am not now, nor have I ever been a fan of hollow handles on hard use tools.  They tend to be hard on the hands and light on impact, and that's if they don't break first.

3: Moving parts, in my mind at least, have proven to be nothing more than weak points and grit magnets.  The more precise they are, the more they are affected by crap being built up, and the more tolerance they have for grit and other crap, the more they suffer from differential force points.

They say in the video that they have tested for these problems and the tool continued to work, so I would be looking forward to trying all of that and seeing what happens.

Def
Title: Re: Aclim8 Combar
Post by: Kampfer on April 11, 2018, 11:23:11 PM
This is my go to tool for last 10 years, let see if Combar can beat it.
(https://forum.multitool.org/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=76835.0;attach=367737;image)
Title: Re: Aclim8 Combar
Post by: ThePeacent on April 12, 2018, 01:59:38 PM
when a new tool reaches these prices you tend to hesitate to use it and grab the old, rusted and worn "beaters" instead that you've used for years   :P

particularly true of tools you beat, hit, chop and smash with  :ahhh
Title: Re: Aclim8 Combar
Post by: sLaughterMed on April 12, 2018, 04:26:58 PM
Titanium seems like a questionable choice in material for a striking tool as well.
Title: Re: Aclim8 Combar
Post by: hiraethus on April 12, 2018, 04:32:33 PM
If you're never going to use it because a) it cost $500 and 2) you're a mall ninja, who cares if titanium is a bad choice of material?  Looks good on the 'gram, man.
Title: Re: Aclim8 Combar
Post by: Kampfer on April 12, 2018, 08:36:57 PM
So far the only thing I can tell you it is the Combar looks good.
Title: Re: Aclim8 Combar
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on April 12, 2018, 11:31:11 PM
So far the only thing I can tell you it is the Combar looks good.

As the only one of us who has seen it in person I would take your word for it.

Def
Title: Re: Aclim8 Combar
Post by: Kampfer on April 13, 2018, 03:53:19 PM
(https://forum.multitool.org/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=76835.0;attach=368005;image)
(https://forum.multitool.org/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=76835.0;attach=368007;image)
Title: Re: Aclim8 Combar
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on April 13, 2018, 07:03:33 PM
Nice shirt!

How did the Combar feel on your belt?  Did it seem like it was going to get in the way of your legs when walking/running, or did it feel like it might fall off?

Def
Title: Re: Aclim8 Combar
Post by: Kampfer on April 13, 2018, 07:28:33 PM
Nice shirt!

How did the Combar feel on your belt?  Did it seem like it was going to get in the way of your legs when walking/running, or did it feel like it might fall off?

Def
Just like any other objects in that size & weight being hang from belt, there will be some limitation / discomfort, but in return you gain some tool capability. Would it be worth it? That is up to each user to decide. 

All in all Combar isn't too bad in that department, I had carried much worst in the field.
My German shovel is heavier and longer, but knowing what it can do for me, I don't mind it at all.
Title: Re: Aclim8 Combar
Post by: WoodsDuck on April 23, 2018, 12:38:39 PM
Lowest reward tier on the Kickstarter, $359, doesn't come with the sheath.

Just a nice cherry on the smurf sundae that is this entire project.  :td:
Title: Re: Aclim8 Combar
Post by: ReamerPunch on April 23, 2018, 01:21:08 PM
Still, the design is nice, and they tested it and reached the design they wanted.
I'd love to see some reviews on the thing. Sure, I won't be buying it, but still, I want to see it in action.
Title: Re: Aclim8 Combar
Post by: Aloha on April 23, 2018, 02:00:23 PM
This tool is pretty cool.  Too rich for my wallet but certainly looks like they put a lot of thought into it.   :tu:
Title: Re: Aclim8 Combar
Post by: Etherealicer on April 27, 2018, 02:48:13 PM
My inner "Mall Ninja" wants me to get one...

Like the design, I really like everything about it. As for the price, well considering on how much I spent on knives/MTs/Flashlights etc that I hardly ever use its not that much and its kinda unique. I mean spending 10x 100$ or 1x 1000$, does not matter both has the same total. Also, you can get a folding knife similar to a Chris Reeves that costs a fraction of it, here no alternatives exist (other than buying a folding shovel, an axe, a saw etc...).
Title: Re: Aclim8 Combar
Post by: Kampfer on May 04, 2018, 07:34:59 PM
An image from a few years ago showing work on the first prototype. Aclim8 love this picture because the craftsman is completely ignoring the safety sign in the back and not using protection glasses or gloves. In fact it looks like he used his gloves in the vice so as not to damage the handle.
(https://scontent.fsnc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/31900466_602399786802632_8489744764604776448_n.png?_nc_cat=0&oh=aa49773eb54d21f07075c9085dd73126&oe=5B8B8BA0)
Title: Re: Aclim8 Combar
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on May 05, 2018, 10:10:07 PM
Great photo!

Def
Title: Re: Aclim8 Combar
Post by: ReamerPunch on November 19, 2019, 10:12:12 AM
Still, the design is nice, and they tested it and reached the design they wanted.
I'd love to see some reviews on the thing. Sure, I won't be buying it, but still, I want to see it in action.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6vFMjeKvTQ0
Title: Re: Aclim8 Combar
Post by: Rapidray on November 19, 2019, 03:10:05 PM
Nawww...but I would like to have that Zippo axe -n- saw  :like: :cheers:
Title: Re: Aclim8 Combar
Post by: rdub934 on November 21, 2019, 03:14:16 PM
Anybody know why this thing is SO expensive? I assume handle is GFN. So, maybe premium metal runs the price up? I really like the look of this tool being a different take on the traditional trenching-multitool usually issued to military types. But for $400 for the basic tool and adding $200 for the knife and saw is ridiculous in my mind.

It would be cool to see Gerber or Leatherman try their hand at a trenching multitool.
Title: Re: Aclim8 Combar
Post by: Etherealicer on November 22, 2019, 08:00:20 PM
Anybody know why this thing is SO expensive? I assume handle is GFN. So, maybe premium metal runs the price up? I really like the look of this tool being a different take on the traditional trenching-multitool usually issued to military types. But for $400 for the basic tool and adding $200 for the knife and saw is ridiculous in my mind.

It would be cool to see Gerber or Leatherman try their hand at a trenching multitool.
Several reasons, if they asked $300 people would still complain that it is too expensive, so why even bother. A high price makes it even more desirable, as not everybody can have one. And of course the there are people willing to pay $150 for a pocket clip (https://www.knifecenter.com/item/CAMFCLP1/chaves-american-made-custom-flashlight-pocket-clip-flamed), meaning there are plenty willing to pay $600 for this.
Title: Re: Aclim8 Combar
Post by: ReamerPunch on November 23, 2019, 08:47:31 AM
Prestige pricing.

I am ok with that, but I will never buy one. It looks great, I especially like the saw, I can see the utility, it looks well made, and it is cool. But there are other priorities that make me buy stuff. For that amount of money you can buy a comprehensive set of tools, for survival, bushcraft, camping, farm work, military service, whatever you need. The features that this has can be replicated with quality dedicated tools, for a fraction of the price, and they will also outperform each of those features by far, they will last longer, and require less maintenance. I have little confidence in such a large complex tool with so many moving parts, springs, gears, pivots, latches. Sure, this provides much more utility than just a dedicated combat tomahawk, but the price is too much to swallow.

The hollow handle is nice, with the container, or knife and saw.

The only review of this on youtube is the one I posted above. I am guessing it has not sold well. Why would it? It was not priced with huge sales in mind, and if it was, they missed the mark.
Title: Re: Aclim8 Combar
Post by: cody6268 on November 23, 2019, 08:47:42 PM
Anybody know why this thing is SO expensive? I assume handle is GFN. So, maybe premium metal runs the price up? I really like the look of this tool being a different take on the traditional trenching-multitool usually issued to military types. But for $400 for the basic tool and adding $200 for the knife and saw is ridiculous in my mind.

It would be cool to see Gerber or Leatherman try their hand at a trenching multitool.


Gerber/Fiskars recently got the contract to produce the E-Tool for the Army, but it isn't exactly a "multitool".
Title: Re: Aclim8 Combar
Post by: rdub934 on November 25, 2019, 03:50:38 PM
Eh, not exactly. At any rate, I guess Gerber or LM would be inclined to think that the juice isn't worth the squeeze? A folding spade like this paired with an MP600 or Signal would cover 80% of the capability, plus some things that the Combar does not cover (screwing :facepalm:).

I suppose I just want to see more quality multitool variety. Plier-based multitools are pretty well covered to the point that some companies are taking steps backward in search of sales (ie SOG sacrificing their good tools for current line-up). Vice grip multitools are out there but nobody has really advanced it past the high standard set by the Crunch. But axes, crescent wrenches, hammers, spades, ratchets, etc... All we really have are those cheapos with a hammer/hatchet-head incorporated into the plier head or the same folding trenching tool that's been around forever.
Title: Re: Aclim8 Combar
Post by: ReamerPunch on August 01, 2020, 10:41:55 PM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A7h_62POLEQ
Title: Re: Aclim8 Combar
Post by: WoodsDuck on August 02, 2020, 12:46:41 AM

Darn. I'm curious to see some more reviews on this thing, but I'm also not going to give Wranglerstar any clicks  :dunno: