Multitool.org Forum
Tool Talk => Gerber Tools => Topic started by: Grant Lamontagne on January 22, 2019, 07:59:06 PM
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Another interesting email I got today, this time about the new Gerber Center Drive +:
https://www.gerbergear.com/Multi-Tools/One-Hand-Opening/Center-Drive-Plus_30-001417?utm_source=gerber&utm_campaign=CDP1_consumer&utm_medium=email&spMailingID=58267164&spUserID=MjI4NDEzNDc3NTEyS0&spJobID=1562344879&spReportId=MTU2MjM0NDg3OQS2
(http://www.gerbergear.com/var/gerber/storage/images/frontpage/multi-tools/one-hand-opening/center-drive-plus_30-001417/16054158-11-eng-US/Center-Drive-Plus.jpg)
Apparently Gerber listened to us- thanks Gerber!
It looks like this new version of the Center Drive has everything we liked about the old one, but does away with the two tone finish, adds a combo edged blade and scissors. And all we had to give up was the serrated blade, which is not a big concern because the main blade now does double duty.
Of course you may think that reduces the usefulness of the main blade by making it essentially two half-blades, but the blade is also 30% longer!
According to Gerber:
The Center-Drive Plus offers uncompromising performance through revolutionary design, now optimized for weapons maintenance. The innovative center-axis driver opens to align like a real screw driver, yielding maximum torque and rotation. No productivity is sacrificed with the addition of a 30% longer outboard blade and one-thumb opening sliding jaws. Full size, real tools - the multi-tool just got a reality check. New to the Plus is the addition of much-requested scissors, tumble-finished tools, and a premium leather sheath.
DETAILS:
Closed Length: 4.7
Open Length: 6.6”
Weight” 9.5oz
One-Thumb Opening System
Spring-Loaded Needlenose Pliers with X-Channel Rail System
Rotatable Carbide Wire Cutters & Strippers
Full-Size 3.25” Partially Serrated Blade
Magnetic 3.2” Center-Axis Bit Driver
Pry Bar w/ Nail Puller & Bottle Opener
Serrated Blade
Awl, File
Magnetic Flathead and Phillips Bits
Spring-Loaded Scissors
As a fan f the original Center Drive, I am looking forward to using the Center Drive PLUS.
Def
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Like the look... but my major beef with the Center Drive was that the pry-tool uses the plastic bit as pivot. Oh and the marketing :D
Despite that, I agree, this is a good step in the right direction.
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I hated the marketing too.
And the price :D
I can get MP400's at €20 second hand nowadays and the 600 at 25.
I wonder when I'll encounter TSA Centre drives and at what price.
Just a little too rich for my blood when new.
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They didn't improve the plier head with that crazy carbide cutters ::)
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That looks pretty cool, i might get one cause i really want scissors over serrated blade
Only Tools Matters
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I like the CD 'cause I have it but....... they just added a pair of scissor.....
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And yet when LM paints something a different color everyone clamors for it. ::)
Personally I like having scissors on a multitool, and I see this as adding a function without losing anything since it still retains both serrated and straight blades. They have increased the function without having to redesign the tool.
That qualifies as some pretty decent refining in my mind.
Def
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The sheath looks nice!
Sent fra min FRD-L09 via Tapatalk
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Sorry Gerber, but the Leatherman Surge is truly better in every aspect but the bit driver. Seperate plain and serrated blades (both longer than those on the Center Drive, especially the short secondary serrated blade on the standard model), outside accessible scissors, a fine screwdriver, and the option of using t-shank jigsaw blades in place of the file.
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Right on Def!!
And yet when LM paints something a different color everyone clamors for it. ::)
Personally I like having scissors on a multitool, and I see this as adding a function without losing anything since it still retains both serrated and straight blades. They have increased the function without having to redesign the tool.
That qualifies as some pretty decent refining in my mind.
Def
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The sheath looks nice!
Sent fra min FRD-L09 via Tapatalk
quote]
Absolutely!
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Glad I didn't splurge for the BO model. Love SS Gerbers. BO is better for EDC(no spotting like some Gerber SS), but wow, the CD looks a little nicer without the BO parts. IMO of course.
True though, the added scissors aren't revolutionary, but duly needed. The SE blade in the current CD sucks mothballs. :ahhh
And I'm sure they'll offer it in BO, at some point, for those who like BO. :multi:
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Holy smurfity smurfers! :ahhh
Although, calling it Plus is a bit cheeky. They should have gone full LM and added 154CM cutters.
Also, I can already hear the complaints over gaining scissors but having a combo blade. One step forward, one step backwards.
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Around 15th minute it starts "widely received as one of the best MTs" :D
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y1DDv6HlQxM (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y1DDv6HlQxM)
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That new US made leather sheath. :o :drool:
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Around 15th minute it starts "widely received as one of the best MTs" :D
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y1DDv6HlQxM (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y1DDv6HlQxM)
:facepalm:
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They didn't improve the plier head with that crazy carbide cutters ::)
What's wrong with those cutters?
I hated the marketing too.
:iagree:
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I hated the marketing too.
:iagree:
After watching the shot show video, I highly recommend the Gerber Peeps to lay off alcohol a bit...
(https://img-comment-fun.9cache.com/media/e92b809e45eab892e8c492f305218111_700wa_0.gif)
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I have always liked the CD but I can't go with it's price ::) If they had kept the PE blade on it and put scissors on it then they would have likely tipped me in the direction hard enough to get one :whistle: I don't like combo blades and that has stopped me from pulling the trigger on LM Signals and MUTs :ahhh :D
Love that sheath though :drool: and it is a great direction that they seem to be heading in :cheers: :like:
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Love that leather sheath! Any idea on when it's going to be released? The company site says it's coming...love the new look!! :woohoo:
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I dont have a CD but the addition of scissor is a plus. The combo blade on a MT is not a deal breaker for me YMMV, tho yes I do prefer a PE. Most carry a primary blade and for those who dont the serrated part is nice for some material. The cutters are a problem :dunno: y'all prefer 154cm? I didn't follow the CD as closely as some.
What I do like is that Gerber seems to have listened. I also really like the looks of that sheath, again seems Gerber listened.
Not bad for a second iteration. :tu:
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:iagree: Aloha. I usually pack a knife but I do use that blade for some heavy duty cutting. The serrated blade on the OG CD is virtually useless, so eliminating it was a good move. I think the biggest complaint I had was the sheath, and always wanted to make a leather one for mine. I'm really tempted to pick one of these new ones up to give it a try. I have never had any issues with the cutters on mine, or any other issues as a lot of other users have. Mine is my go to tool for almost anything I need to tackle outside of work, where my Rebar rides along. Like Aloha said, I'm thrilled that Gerber is listening to its customers! I keep hoping that the QC Department gets it's act together!
I dont have a CD but the addition of scissor is a plus. The combo blade on a MT is not a deal breaker for me YMMV, tho yes I do prefer a PE. Most carry a primary blade and for those who dont the serrated part is nice for some material. The cutters are a problem :dunno: y'all prefer 154cm? I didn't follow the CD as closely as some.
What I do like is that Gerber seems to have listened. I also really like the looks of that sheath, again seems Gerber listened.
Not bad for a second iteration. :tu:
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Great to hear. SO the serrated blade removal is also a plus. The sheath is a plus. Sounds like Gerber aptly named this tool. Applauds to Gerber. I mean heck, they listened. They may not have done everything however they made a step in the right direction. QC will have to be dialed in as with others not just them.
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I'd really recommend trying this tool my friend! I've had some great experiences with it!
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I have a fondness for MrPinchy but have not tried any newer Gerbers. Its odd cause I do like the sliding pliers. With this next CD I just may have to pick one up.
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The more I look at this the more I :like: it, also like most of you I carry a PE blade with me daily so the combi blade might not be a deal breaker ::) it has a very ni e tool selection for sure and I may end up with one of these because I like scissors on a MT :D
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Are the scissors any good do they actually cut paper :think:
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I know I've had good luck with the scissors on my other Gerber's over the years Wim, but this hasn't hit the market yet.
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I haven’t got any Gerber MTs this is why I am interested to hear what the quality is like on the tools :tu:
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It seems to vary a good bit. I've had great luck with mine, but I've seen some of the not so lucky products like the machete.
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It seems to vary a good bit. I've had great luck with mine, but I've seen some of the not so lucky products like the machete.
Is Gerbers quality like SOGs quality :think: :tu:
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At least as good or bad depending on what day it passed QC :facepalm:
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At least as good or bad depending on what day it passed QC :facepalm:
Thanks BR :cheers: :like:
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It seems to vary a good bit. I've had great luck with mine, but I've seen some of the not so lucky products like the machete.
Is Gerbers quality like SOGs quality :think: :tu:
(https://i.imgur.com/r2mAWpF.mp4)
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I have always liked the CD but I can't go with it's price ::) If they had kept the PE blade on it and put scissors on it then they would have likely tipped me in the direction hard enough to get one :whistle: I don't like combo blades and that has stopped me from pulling the trigger on LM Signals and MUTs :ahhh :D
:iagree: This version does seem like an improvement. But....I don't see myself getting one just yet.
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I am really happy with my CD just the way it is.
I watch what I cut with the blades just because I have read that some have had issues but I really only use the Driver and Pliers anyway so none of this "Improved" stuff matters to me at all.
I will never use a sheath like either of the ones they give you and I do not need tiny scissors at all.
I really don't care what color the tool is and as long as it does not snap in half like some that I have used I am pretty easy to please.
The CD Driver is such a Game Changer to me that every other tool now sits in the drawer wimpering softly all night long which has taken some getting used to for sure!
I have loved the One Hand Pliers since the Pinchy and still do but the addition of the spring is like icing on the cake for me too!
I like Icing. :woohoo:
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👍👍 :like:
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The CD is on my list of things to get... don’t own one yet... Scissors are definitely a nice addition... combo blade not an issue if they made it longer like what the Boss said... the SS now looks plain... Hopefully, Gerber peeps would sit down again around the beer table and decide to come out with the CD plus in dual tone colors like the original one...
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the blade is also 30% longer!
30% longer than what? The original Center-Drive's blade? Did they really have so much space in there? :think:
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the blade is also 30% longer!
30% longer than what? The original Center-Drive's blade? Did they really have so much space in there? :think:
Isnt that blade allready 3,25" long or did i misunderstanded something
Only Tools Matters
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Having a plus is pretty unoriginal.. Calling it a Centre Drive S I think sounds much better.. Damn.. They should had addressed the carbide cutter...
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the blade is also 30% longer!
30% longer than what? The original Center-Drive's blade? Did they really have so much space in there? :think:
Isnt that blade allready 3,25" long or did i misunderstanded something
Only Tools Matters
Meh that 30% longer blade is compared to other MT. So basicly its same size as regular only differences are color, half serrated blade is replacing PE Blade and scissors replaces serrated blade.
Only Tools Matters
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It's good they removed the serrated blade and replaced it with scissors, I've never been a fan of them serrated blades. The change to a combo blade is a step backwards, the PE blade is a good blade once you've sharpened it yourself, as the factory edge felt sharp but lasted all of 3 cuts. It's a big blade already so 30% bigger will be huge, or is it 30% bigger by volume and not length? as it doesn't look any longer. If I didn't have one of the first gen ones, the combo blade is enough to put me off buying one.
and why have they still not addressed the brittle cutter material, surely they get thousands of people complaining about them :facepalm:
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Liking this in all SS and now with scissors, nice :tu:
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Having a plus is pretty unoriginal.. Calling it a Centre Drive S I think sounds much better.. Damn.. They should had addressed the carbide cutter...
that's because when they change the wire cutters on the new one for 2020, they'll call it Centre Drive Plus S :hatsoff:
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Having a plus is pretty unoriginal.. Calling it a Centre Drive S I think sounds much better.. Damn.. They should had addressed the carbide cutter...
that's because when they change the wire cutters on the new one for 2020, they'll call it Centre Drive Plus S :hatsoff:
If they come up with that for the next year I am going to boycott the company for introducing yet another "improved version" that should have been improved so long ago... I love gerber but them not listening to consumers about the cutter is just bad.. :twak:
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Neither my son or I have had any issues with the cutters and we both went out of our way to almost torture ours. What kind of issues are you all having?
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Neither my son or I have had any issues with the cutters and we both went out of our way to almost torture ours. What kind of issues are you all having?
I've watched a few videos about the "fails" on the carbide cutters and most of then involve cutting SS rod and nails :think:. Not sure this or any MT is meant to do that :dunno:. Have some MT been able to do so? We've seen LM Charge that Tim Leatherman demonstrates cut a nail BUT is the tool meant to do that? I thought it was WIRE cutters.
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:iagree: Aloha. I've had amazing luck with mine. Noah had to return his initial CD but his second one works very well.
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As with other MT companies QC is lacking. I cannot personally call a tool a fail when the task performed is beyond the limits of the tools design. Yes, Yes, Yes, I know tools surprise us when they perform tasks over and over again but cutting nails IMO doesnt seem like the proper use of a wire cutter. Someone educate me if I'm not understanding the MT, any MT wire cutter intended purpose?
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Neither my son or I have had any issues with the cutters and we both went out of our way to almost torture ours. What kind of issues are you all having?
I've watched a few videos about the "fails" on the carbide cutters and most of then involve cutting SS rod and nails :think:. Not sure this or any MT is meant to do that :dunno:. Have some MT been able to do so? We've seen LM Charge that Tim Leatherman demonstrates cut a nail BUT is the tool meant to do that? I thought it was WIRE cutters.
Well, they cut a LM mini bit in their promo video... that's what they get for it.
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the blade is also 30% longer!
30% longer than what? The original Center-Drive's blade? Did they really have so much space in there? :think:
The are comparing it to the OHT, at least that was their original comparison.
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I forget about their promo video of blood sweat and manliness. :facepalm:
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I centainly do not have the courage to cut the small bit like they do in the advertisement. They are not worth the $20 to replace.. I got my first MP with the carbide cutter from Amazon and the first thing that I cut was a piece of cloth hanger for some crafts. It shattered on the first cut.. That left a very deep impression and makes me think twice about using it for cutting "harder" material that other pliers have no problem with. This greatly degrades the enjoyment of using the tool. Dun get me wrong, I do praise the cutter for working with soft wires which I do very often. But, if they replace it with something stronger and more versatility , they have a winner. There's pretty much nothing else I have to complain about a MP anymore. If LM can use a better steel for their cutter and it's even cheaper to replace than the carbide. I really dun see why they do not work in that direction.
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I just got the release from my contact at Gerber and I thought you all might like to see it. Not much info we don't already have, but what is the point of a forum if we don't share things? :D
https://www.dropbox.com/s/rx70vqejso3zcm8/CenterDrivePlus_PressRelease_vf.docx?dl=0
Def
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Thanks Def!
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No problem!
I like to be useful...
Once in a while! :P
Def
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Thanks for checking and reporting on the CD+, Grant! :salute:
Looks cool, but the little scissors handle is gonna be an issue for a lot of people. :ahhh
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:facepalm: :rofl:
No problem!
I like to be useful...
Once in a while! :P
Def
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Thanks for checking and reporting on the CD+, Grant! :salute:
Looks cool, but the little scissors handle is gonna be an issue for a lot of people. :ahhh
Your absolutly right, that tiny handle on scissors makes it ridicilous to use, maybe even useless compared to Wave scissors
Only Tools Matters
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:iagree:
Gerber is going to regret spending the money to develop those scissors.
But, all in all, I'll reserve a final assessment for after I receive one. I'm pretty sure the scissors handle will be a problem, but hopefully they'll straighten that out before shipping them. Not going to hold my breath.
Ya know, if these MT companies would get on MT.o and ask about this stuff, we would gladly help. But, as of yet, they don't bother. Seems they think the dry erase/pencil pushers know more about multitools than a website full of daily MT users and/or collectors. :facepalm:
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:rofl: :rofl: :rofl:
Those scissors...
:rofl: :rofl: :rofl:
"Scissors won't fit"
"Cut the handle off, no one will notice"
:rofl: :rofl: :rofl:
Oh stop it, it hurts ...
:rofl: :rofl: :rofl:
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:rofl:
They had me at "scissors in a Center-Drive."
They lost me at "scissors" in a Center-Drive.
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The Scissors look absolutely idiotic to me?
I am not sure how they think you can use them at all?
Maybe a 2nd Centerdrive to operate the scissor lever? :think:
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pity, because Gerber-Fiskars scissors are nice, love them on the Diesel and Pro Scout :dunno:
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vestigial
/vɛˈstɪdʒɪəl,vɛˈstɪdʒ(ə)l/
adjective
1. forming a very small remnant of something that was once greater or more noticeable.
"Did you see that vestigial scissors handle on the Center-Drive Plus?"
(https://i.imgur.com/CDlPgAe.png)
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vestigial
/vɛˈstɪdʒɪəl,vɛˈstɪdʒ(ə)l/
adjective
1. forming a very small remnant of something that was once greater or more noticeable.
"Did you see that vestigial scissors handle on the Center-Drive Plus?"
(https://i.imgur.com/CDlPgAe.png)
:rofl:
Seems the CD+ scissors will be limited to paper, thread, really small zipties, and other soft materials. No cardboard, leather and other harder stuff Gerber scissors usually make short work of.:facepalm:
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Seems the CD+ scissors will be limited to paper, thread, really small zipties, and other soft materials.
In other words, stuff that the evaporating carbide cutters can't handle without disintegrating :P
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:rofl:
Funny you mention that, because I actually made a video recently showing the carbides on a 600 cutting jack chain and 200LB hard wire. I was surprised too.
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Psst :pok: Hey. Hey, Gerber. This is the future. ;)
(https://i.imgur.com/2iIPQEB.jpg)
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Like the look... but my major beef with the Center Drive was that the pry-tool uses the plastic bit as pivot. Oh and the marketing :D
Despite that, I agree, this is a good step in the right direction.
I think the Marketing was Awesome...I am Sorry but it had me laughing quite a bit..They were a bit cheesy but Fun..and to me it was Gerber saying to Leatherman "Oh So You Think Your All That" LOL
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The sheath looks nice!
Sent fra min FRD-L09 via Tapatalk
I agree I will be snagging One which is supposed to be available by itself..The Sheath before Well we wont get into that..I tried One of the Sheaths that were marketed for the Tactical Line that You can configure...It wasn't Bad but still not quite what I was expecting and on a Standard belt flopped and moved around a lot..I am sure in the Enviroment that Gerber was pushing which is Military LEO I am sure it is perfect That Leather Sheath looks to be the ticket for Regulare Guy Use
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not tool related, but I resent the use of terms like "market disruptor" and "changed the game" in their release...
Adding a competitive seller to the market is not changing or disrupting the market, it is simply being involved in it.
If someone puts out a sonic screwdriver, that is "changing the game" - the Centre Drive, as good as it is or isn't, is simply "playing the game"
I thought we all agreed a few years ago that combo blades were bad? the PE blade on a Center Drive was a point of difference and in my view a selling point over the LM MUT.
if the scissors turn out to be impractical, then that's a dead loss too. I hope whoever was responsible for all this "innovation" is also in charge of the office coffee run, otherwise it's a salary going to waste.
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I agree... sort of.
Marketing hype is often just that- hype, and it is the main reason why Multitool.org exists. We cut through the hype and explain whether something is real or not. That's why I usually tend not to put a lot of faith in the marketing, and instead speculate on pictures and info until I can actually test the item first hand.
There will always be marketers that take stuff over the top- it's their job, and they likely get paid a lot more than I do to come up with this stuff, so who am I to argue with them?
As for us all agreeing on whether a combo blade is better or a plain edge or a serrated edge, the general consensus indeed is that most members seem to prefer one or the other, but in the end I suppose that is up to the user and the situation. Some folks like them, some folks don't, and unlike other groups, I don't think we are that interested in making that decision en masse and then enforce it across the board. :D
Besides, if you don't like it, it can probably be swapped out for the regular one on a standard Center-Drive, or swap the scissors into a regular Center-Drive, whichever you decide. :D
Def
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:tu: :D
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Someone once posted here a diagram showing the CD's screw driver -when deployed- has an angle and is thus neither parallel to nor is on the central axis of the tool. I was hoping they would fix this on a second version but apparently that's not the case. :(
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I’m glad they’re listening but I will pass on this version. The scissors look hideous and I would miss the serrated blade too much.
And as I keep going back to an MP600 I figure why not stay with the best . . . I like the concept of the CS but I would modify the driver arm design ; the plier heads ; and as much as I used to demand an awl, I would sooner trade that for a lanyard loop. I’m also not very keen on their attempt at a split pry bar — does it really provide enough strength and leverage?
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Yes. It actually does a good job if you use it within the limits of sanity. Much like some of the users who decry how poorly the cutters work when trying to cut an 8 penny nail, the pry bar will pull same 8 penny but not a spike.
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Yes. It actually does a good job if you use it within the limits of sanity. Much like some of the users who decry how poorly the cutters work when trying to cut an 8 penny nail, the pry bar will pull same 8 penny but not a spike.
Absolutely on the carbides!! I love those and prefer them to LM. I just don’t go trying to slice up metal coat hangers and smurf heh..
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Not the toughest or thickest steel, but cut cleanly the first time.
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Good job BR is that garden wire you were cutting :like: :tu:
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Yes sir it was. :salute:
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Thanks BR nice to see that the cutters can cut it :cheers: :like: