Multitool.org Forum
Tool Talk => Cheap and Cheerful (or otherwise!) => Topic started by: Grant Lamontagne on August 08, 2016, 06:01:37 PM
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As promised in the Fantastic $5 Challenge thread (http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,67808.0.html) I am going to keep a running tally of each tool. This thread will be all about Contender #1, aka BLACK UTILITY POCKET KNIFE BOX CUTTER BOTTLE OPENER SCREWDRIVER EDC MULTI TOOL
(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/%245-Challenge/BLACK-UTILITY-POCKET-KNIFE-BOX-CUTTER-BOTTLE-OPENER-SCREWDRIVER-EDC-MULTI-TOOL/01.JPG?m=1470670678)
According to the listing, this tool is described as follows:
Material: Stainless steel
Blade: High carbon steel
Features:
-safe & easy to carry
-cutter function
-bottle opener function
-flat head screwdriver function
Size:
10 x 2.65 cm (3.94" x 1.04" inch)
Color: Black
Note: Color may vary on different monitors and in different lighting. Size is approximate only.
Included in the Package:
> 1 x Knife
> 2 x Blades
(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/%245-Challenge/BLACK-UTILITY-POCKET-KNIFE-BOX-CUTTER-BOTTLE-OPENER-SCREWDRIVER-EDC-MULTI-TOOL/04.JPG?m=1470670676)
This tool looks like it is a basic box cutter with a couple of extra notches in it to qualify it as a "multitool," which isn't really a bad thing as many one piece tools are just flat steel bars with notches to do different things.
(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/%245-Challenge/BLACK-UTILITY-POCKET-KNIFE-BOX-CUTTER-BOTTLE-OPENER-SCREWDRIVER-EDC-MULTI-TOOL/03.JPG?m=1470670677)
My thoughts on this one are that it might be handy enough, provided it meets the three important criteria in my mind for such a tool.
(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/%245-Challenge/BLACK-UTILITY-POCKET-KNIFE-BOX-CUTTER-BOTTLE-OPENER-SCREWDRIVER-EDC-MULTI-TOOL/07.JPG?m=1470670678)
One- it must hold the blades safely and securely.
(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/%245-Challenge/BLACK-UTILITY-POCKET-KNIFE-BOX-CUTTER-BOTTLE-OPENER-SCREWDRIVER-EDC-MULTI-TOOL/08.JPG?m=1470670678)
Two- it must be ultra convenient and pocketable.
(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/%245-Challenge/BLACK-UTILITY-POCKET-KNIFE-BOX-CUTTER-BOTTLE-OPENER-SCREWDRIVER-EDC-MULTI-TOOL/09.JPG?m=1470670678)
Three- it must take standard blades.
If it meets all three of those requirements, then this tool just might be a winner in the Fantastic Five Dollar Challenge!
Def
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That looks like it might come in handy.
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That's what I was thinking- I can't help wondering if it might be more effective with a pocket clip or something to help carry it.
Def
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That's what I was thinking- I can't help wondering if it might be more effective with a pocket clip or something to help carry it.
Def
A pocket clip adds volume though and it seems like a tool that lives on being flat and small. A dangler in that hole or just simply a lanyard would be nice though. If it isn't too fiddly to deploy the blade it could be awesome at quite a few jobs (how does it even work?).
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It's very difficult to find these kind of pocket tools here. Even in large specialized stores. The few I have I had to buy online...
:-[
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That's a long thread title. :ahhh :ahhh
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That's what I was thinking- I can't help wondering if it might be more effective with a pocket clip or something to help carry it.
Def
A pocket clip adds volume though and it seems like a tool that lives on being flat and small. A dangler in that hole or just simply a lanyard would be nice though. If it isn't too fiddly to deploy the blade it could be awesome at quite a few jobs (how does it even work?).
I agree, but without a decent carry method it is virtually worthless. It's no good to me tucked at home in a drawer.
I have some super strong magnets that are a couple of millimeters thick- I might try affixing one to this to then at least be able to stick it somewhere, but I think the magnets cost almost as much as the tool! :P
That's a long thread title. :ahhh :ahhh
It was a very long auction title too. :D
It's very difficult to find these kind of pocket tools here. Even in large specialized stores. The few I have I had to buy online...
:-[
Are they considered weapons or something? Or are they just not a popular seller in your area so stores don't carry them?
Def
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(...)
It's very difficult to find these kind of pocket tools here. Even in large specialized stores. The few I have I had to buy online...
:-[
Are they considered weapons or something? Or are they just not a popular seller in your area so stores don't carry them?
Def
More like the second. People who need these kind of tools usually work in places where they have other tools available (knives, larger Xactos, screwdrivers). They just use these. When outside the workplace, they don't carry anything (or just a simple pocket knife), so I think there's not much demand for them.
They are regarded more as novelty items than real tools.
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I'm not sure this one qualifies as much more than a novelty either, but I guess we'll see...
Def
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I believe it can also work as a pry bar (not for heavy duty, though...).
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Theoretically it could. I would take it pretty easy on something like this though.
Def
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I can see this working well in a EDC organiser of some sort. :)
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I love the fact that it's thin and lightweight, yet looks and feels reliable! :tu:
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I can see this working well in a EDC organiser of some sort. :)
I was thinking something very similar, although I really don't use an EDC Organizer of any sort.
Def
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I love the fact that it's thin and lightweight, yet looks and feels reliable! :tu:
We will see if it is as reliable as it appears in pictures. It seems many factories these days have much better photographers than craftsmen!
Def
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I prefer quality, not quantity. I prefer a tool I can rely on. Some of my favorite USA made knives cost me in that range: Imperial USA Stockman--$4 or $5 (I don't remember, exactly), Klein Tools (Utica Kutmaster) Coping Sheepsfoot knife--$5, Imperial USA Cub Scout Knife--$6, Landers, Frary and Clark Whittler (ca. 1930s)--$6.50. The fact that I have a knife I can rely on instead of something that's gonna fail when I need it the most--priceless. Sorry to spoof the old MasterCard ads there.
Normally, I don't bother with these novelty doohickeys, but I like this one.
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Agreed- a tool you can rely on is infinitely better than a tool that you can't rely on. If it doesn't work then it is a useless tool.
But, you shouldn't have to pay $75 for a box cutter or wrench. So, I do these experiments occasionally to see what is available in various price ranges to see what may be useful and/or worth raiding the couch cushions for a few dollars.
Def
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I'd definitely buy a few of those if it holds the blade securely. That could be a handy little tool
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I'd definitely buy a few of those if it holds the blade securely. That could be a handy little tool
Agreed. For the price, you could def get your money's worth out of it for sure. And the name brand counterpart, although much more sexy!, is more than $100 smackers more iirc.
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This is a good design. I like my copy quite a lot.
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That's good to know. There is a very good chance that this one is going to end up in the MOLLE bag I have in the Jeep as a FAK and emergency bag.
Def
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I've already ordered myself a few of these off evil bay, for the price they will be handy to have. Only £2.67 each to the UK ($4.46 Canadian at today's exchage rate).
Plus I can get standard blades in 10 packs for them from work :D
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Well I hope they aren't too bad then! :ahhh
Def
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Well I hope they aren't too bad then! :ahhh
Def
Me to seeing as I've ordered 5 of them.
If they are crappy I'll have 5 bottle openers for BBQ's that won't matter if they get abused or 'borrowed'
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Yes, hopefully they at least manage to do that much well.
Def
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All I can say, my copy is well made and useful. I haven't had any issues with it yet. For the price, these are a steal.
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All I can say, my copy is well made and useful. I haven't had any issues with it yet. For the price, these are a steal.
Good to know Dan. :tu:
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I picked up one of these a couple years back when they first hit the Pacific Rim vendors. My take: it's a cleverly designed piece of junk.
I like its size, its flatness, the multi functionality.
I dislike the blade holding/retention method. First, the blade lock is sort of a frame lock kind of implementation. Bending the tab on the bottle opener half of the body allows the blade to slide into position, and also be removed.
Problem one: the "frame lock" tab is tight, kind of fiddly, and small.
Problem two: this is very much a two hand opening (retracting/extending) knife. One has to open the "frame lock", and then manipulate the blade with the other hand into proper position. Either engage one of the notches on the top of the blade, or the end of the blade in the case of full retraction. There are no visual cues to know when this happens. There are tactile cues... sort of.
Leading to problem three: the "frame lock" not only keeps the blade from extending/retracting, it also keeps the blade in its very thin cavity. Releasing the "frame lock" just as easily allows the blade to move vertically as well as in and out. It can be hard to tell if the blade has come out of its track without good inspection. Leading to insecure blade retention.
Problem three, the blade cavity track is nothing more than a shallow channel machined in the bottle opener half of the handle. The blade edge floats around in there, riding against the steel side of the channel. For its whole length. A steel edge riding against steel leads to a pre-dulled edge before you ever even use it. Call me a stickler, but the reason to carry a razor blade knife is to have something that can be relied on to be pretty sharp, without a rolled edge.
It is a rather handsome looking widget, to be sure. It's simply two halves held together with three small phillips screws, all three heads stripped out during installing. Perhaps a cheap attempt at tamper proofing? ;)
So, yeah, no one hand opening, no easy two handed opening for that matter, edge killing design, make for a useless tool IMO.
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Good points indeed. To be honest I haven't given a lot of thought to the actual operation of this tool as I was waiting for it to come in to see.
I will definitely make note of your post as it sounds like this could be potentially hazardous to fingers.
Def
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Just in case you feel that $5 is an unfair price for this tool:
https://urbanedcsupply.com/products/rexford-knives-rut-urban-edc-edition?utm_content=buffer0b443&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer
Def
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Just in case you feel that $5 is an unfair price for this tool:
https://urbanedcsupply.com/products/rexford-knives-rut-urban-edc-edition?utm_content=buffer0b443&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer
Def
That damascus utility blade will go nicely with my 1,000 thread count toilet paper.
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Holy crap, how much? :o
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Holy crap, how much? :o
Let's just say that your $5 won't be lonely because they will have another 270 of their friends along.
Def
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:o :rofl:
Yeah, 5 bucks is sounding a lot better. I think I found mine for 3 dollars last year off of eBay.
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Contender 1 arrived today and I'm not sure what, if anything I was expecting, although a part of me thinks it's cool that Contender 1 arrived first. :D
(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/%245-Challenge/BLACK-UTILITY-POCKET-KNIFE-BOX-CUTTER-BOTTLE-OPENER-SCREWDRIVER-EDC-MULTI-TOOL/20160823_145608_resized_by_AVG_Image_Shrinker.jpg?m=1471980406)
The first thing I noticed was that it was much larger than I expected it to be. I expected it to be about half to two thirds of the size that it is, but as you can see it is somewhat larger than a 91mm SAK, which of course is what made me decide to take my own measurements. Out came the calipers and my results are as follows:
(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/%245-Challenge/BLACK-UTILITY-POCKET-KNIFE-BOX-CUTTER-BOTTLE-OPENER-SCREWDRIVER-EDC-MULTI-TOOL/20160823_150026_resized_by_AVG_Image_Shrinker.jpg?m=1471980407)
(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/%245-Challenge/BLACK-UTILITY-POCKET-KNIFE-BOX-CUTTER-BOTTLE-OPENER-SCREWDRIVER-EDC-MULTI-TOOL/20160823_145933_resized_by_AVG_Image_Shrinker.jpg?m=1471980407)
(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/%245-Challenge/BLACK-UTILITY-POCKET-KNIFE-BOX-CUTTER-BOTTLE-OPENER-SCREWDRIVER-EDC-MULTI-TOOL/20160823_145916_resized_by_AVG_Image_Shrinker.jpg?m=1471980744)
(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/%245-Challenge/BLACK-UTILITY-POCKET-KNIFE-BOX-CUTTER-BOTTLE-OPENER-SCREWDRIVER-EDC-MULTI-TOOL/20160823_150159_resized_by_AVG_Image_Shrinker.jpg?m=1471980806)
100mm long
26mm high
3mm thick
34 grams
Now that that is out of the way, Contender 1 came with three blades- one installed in the tool and two more in a plastic baggie, which is good, because when it comes to securing razor blades we all know the plastic baggie is near the top of safe handling and containment materials. :facepalm:
(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/%245-Challenge/BLACK-UTILITY-POCKET-KNIFE-BOX-CUTTER-BOTTLE-OPENER-SCREWDRIVER-EDC-MULTI-TOOL/20160823_145533_resized_by_AVG_Image_Shrinker.jpg?m=1471980406)
On the surface, this seems like it might be an ok tool- after all, it's just a razor blade holder with a bottle opener and screwdriver on the end. Well, I haven't actually used it yet, as I've just opened the package and took some pics, but I have to say that I am thoroughly unimpressed so far.
(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/%245-Challenge/BLACK-UTILITY-POCKET-KNIFE-BOX-CUTTER-BOTTLE-OPENER-SCREWDRIVER-EDC-MULTI-TOOL/20160823_145734_resized_by_AVG_Image_Shrinker.jpg?m=1471980406)
As mentioned above the razor blade is drawn over and then pressed against the screw on the corner that holds the two halves of the frame together. Not only does this dull the edge but it also chips it off, as you can see from the above photo- if a bit of rough handling in a bubble mailer can leave giant marks in the blade, what are the chances it will be in any shape to be used when it's been bounced around in a first aid kit or EDC bag?
(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/%245-Challenge/BLACK-UTILITY-POCKET-KNIFE-BOX-CUTTER-BOTTLE-OPENER-SCREWDRIVER-EDC-MULTI-TOOL/20160823_150306_resized_by_AVG_Image_Shrinker.jpg?m=1471981242)
The next issue with this tool is that you sort of have to pry the halves apart enough that you can lift the blade over the screw and out the opening so that it can be used. I have fairly small, almost ladylike hands, and this was not easy for me to accomplish, so those of you that have man sized hands are pretty well screwed, and you'll probably need a multitool with you to get the blade out.
(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/%245-Challenge/BLACK-UTILITY-POCKET-KNIFE-BOX-CUTTER-BOTTLE-OPENER-SCREWDRIVER-EDC-MULTI-TOOL/20160823_145615_resized_by_AVG_Image_Shrinker.jpg?m=1471980407)
Then, once you have the blade sticking out, the next bit of fun begins- the blade won't come out any further which is nice, but there's nothing but the most basic amount of friction to keep it from sliding back in. On the surface that sounds ok, but in reality that will probably get annoying in actual use, especially if it can't be then extended again easily.
(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/%245-Challenge/BLACK-UTILITY-POCKET-KNIFE-BOX-CUTTER-BOTTLE-OPENER-SCREWDRIVER-EDC-MULTI-TOOL/20160823_145810_resized_by_AVG_Image_Shrinker.jpg?m=1471980407)
I'm going to give this one some use and see what happens, but I have to say I am not expecting much from this tool. If this was the end of the Challenge and not the first look I'd have to say this one fails miserably, but there's still time for it to redeem itself. You never know, it might perform a lot better in actual use. I am hoping so, because this tool is remarkably disappointing at this point. :facepalm:
Def
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Strange that there's no real retention of the blade, I would have thought that there would be a small pin slotting into the notches on the blade. Would be a simple solution.
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The blade won't fall out, so I guess it's safe enough from that perspective. But it won't stay extended by itself, which means that it greatly suffers from actually accomplishing any work without frustrating the user.
Def
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And yet I have no issues with this tool and use it quite a lot. Maybe I got myself a good copy. :think:
This is how I open and close mine.
(http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r207/Chako_photo/Chako_photo004/IMG_2133small_zpsxbsd7mf6.jpg) (http://s145.photobucket.com/user/Chako_photo/media/Chako_photo004/IMG_2133small_zpsxbsd7mf6.jpg.html)
I then use my other hand to move the blade. You do have to get over that screw...so you do have to pull up and out at the same time.
I am curious to see how you get along with it. Looks like it is a bad start...not liking that chipped blade at all.
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Well I was hoping for more from this as I do like a good utility blade knife :-\ The chipped blade off the start is enough to put me off wanting one though :ahhh Hopefully that was a fluke and it ends up being a bit better quality than the first impressions you have of it :tu:
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Oh dear, that doesn't bode well for the ones I have coming. How's the cap lifter on the other end?
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I've been running so much the past week or so that I haven't had any time to test the bottle opener. :ahhh
I'll do my best to get it done soon, but a bottle opener is a pretty hard thing to screw up.
Def
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Another contender in the $5 Challenge arrived today and I decided to try Contender 1 to open the package it came in.
(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/%245-Challenge/BLACK-UTILITY-POCKET-KNIFE-BOX-CUTTER-BOTTLE-OPENER-SCREWDRIVER-EDC-MULTI-TOOL/20160831_121159_resized_by_AVG_Image_Shrinker.jpg?m=1472660809)
As you can see, Contender 1 managed to get a little bit lower in my opinion.
(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/%245-Challenge/BLACK-UTILITY-POCKET-KNIFE-BOX-CUTTER-BOTTLE-OPENER-SCREWDRIVER-EDC-MULTI-TOOL/20160831_121213_resized_by_AVG_Image_Shrinker.jpg?m=1472660809)
As you can see, not only did the blade fail to stay in the handle, but it also failed to actually cut open the package. Regardless of how well this functions as a bottle opener, I feel safe in calling this one a complete and utter fail. Yes, with practice and use I may be able to use this tool with the knife blade safely inside, but I don't see why a user should "practice" using a knife- it should be there and functional, or it should not be. Period.
I'm afraid this tool is now firmly embedded in the FAIL category.
Def
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Sorry to hear this. I think you got a really bad example. Mine does not exhibit this behaviour. On the other hand,that is totally unforgivable in something where one can lose a finger using it.
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The 5 I ordered were waiting for me when I got home and they are different to yours in that they don't ride on a screw. It rides flat on a shelf and the blade is secured very well. I'll strip one and post photos to show.
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Here's what the ones I got are like...
The tool
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8200/28757363273_48f8065c2a_b.jpg)
The edge showing the shelf the blade rides on
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8314/29091142930_0cd511e5a7_b.jpg)
The internals
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8403/29091144810_6f34f201ea_b.jpg)
Instructions for use
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8139/28757363223_1fbd29d168_b.jpg)
It's really easy to deploy the blade and it holds it securely as well. A nice little tool and dirt cheap to boot. Mines definitely a winner :tu:
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I'm glad to hear that both of yours work a lot better than mine. I still can't see myself recommending this tool to anyone as they could just as easily get my terrible example rather than a better one. If there was a specific manufacturer that I could count on to stand behind a product and make it right, that would be a different story, but there isn't and that's why this one will stay a fail in my mind.
Of course the fact that you guys both have good ones, and multiple examples of it is a definite positive for this one though, and if someone is willing to risk it, there is some potential.
Def
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If there was a specific manufacturer that I could count on to stand behind a product and make it right, that would be a different story, but there isn't and that's why this one will stay a fail in my mind.
Def
I agree. It was pure pot luck that have these type and not ones like you have. I just did a search and picked the one with the best feedback on ebay. There were many different sellers and all at the same price.
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I agree. I wonder if these are made in different factories with varying quality. :think:
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Or the same factory with varying quality.... :whistle:
Def