Hello folks.
I got a few new Chinese tools with original designs that I wanted to try out. :salute:
They are all labeled under the name/brand "Rcharlance" :think: but a google search does not provide many links or information. I guess they're mass produced at a factory that does work for different companies and branded accordingly. :whistle:
(https://i.imgur.com/x1egsZa.jpg)
They came from the (in)famous G_best website
My favorite so far is the smaller one, the blue colored knife based tool. Here are a few thoughts and size comparison of them (PICS first, overview below)
(https://i.imgur.com/nfvKJYd.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/keIuge4.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/LTNTooC.jpg)
the ORANGE tool has:
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- OHO blade with them stud. I found ir really hard to open not due to its action but due to the hard access thumbstud that is in an awkward and badly designed position, very close to the handle inhibiting a proper purchase. Right handed opening only, came paper cutting sharp (not shaving) :twak: It is adjustable via Torx
It has a think linerlock (but engages properly and feels secure) and it could use a reprofile for better cutting
- flathead locking screwdriver with bottle opener
- Phillips (3D) locking screwdriver
- Can opener
- spring loaded OHO pliers. You push forward the black tab on the handle side and the pliers fly open like a Switchplier. :multi: They are quick and lock open but I've had problems with mine failing to lock a few times (the locking tab doesn't engage, the jaws do not open the whole arc of motion)
They are noticeably weak and will handle as much as a Skeletool or Wingman even, but not more even though they are big
To close them you slide the tab back and fold them manually against the spring action
- shiny pocket clip for carrying, not too stiff or loose, firm and at a good position for carry :like:
if you slide the tab to the other side (center position is neutral) you unlock the Phillips and Flathead drivers to fold them
The BLUE tool has
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- slipjoint plain edge blade, similar in thickness to that of a SAK (it's a really good slicer :)). It's securely held in position and won't easily fold on you, but it's meant as a small utility blade, not a prying tool or hard use knife by any means. Opened via anail hole (like a nailnick) :tu: Non adjustable but the action is good and it's centered
- multipurpose can opener with flathead tip, non locking. For light use only, it also has a 6mm bit hole in an awkward position and the nail hole
- seatbelt cutter. This hook cutter is very sharp and slipjoint in action, but firm and cuts very well the materials I have tried :gimme:
- Phillips driver, non-locking and 2D (like that of the Wingman), again for small tasks and easy torquing with a nail file, very small and barely funcional
- that black protrusion is a spring loaded glass breaker carbide tip. You push it against the surace and the tip shoots out. I've fractured two large frozen legume cans (400grams and 520grams) with the contents inside, by just pressing against them. I guess that had they been empty (without anything behind them like a glass window) and had I put more force into the strike (my arm's power) they would have exploded into pieces :o
- it is carried by a carabiner system like that on the Crater or Skeletool, works fine and has proven reliable and secure so far
The BLACK tool has
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- locking OHO PE blade, similar to that of the Wave, but less sharp, equally thick, a bit shorter and less wide, does not really cut as well and the grind is a bit worse than those that Leatherman does ::).
The coating seems like will wear off very quickly (just paint), the action is stiff to the point that I had to loosen up the pivot with Torx, because it was dangerous to open it (your thumb could slide into the blade from the hole :dwts:). Definitely not on par with Skele, Wingman, Wave or Surge :surrender:
- non locking OHO saw, again very stiff and hard to open compared to a Wave's SE blade or others. Teeth are sharp, edge length is decent but I guess the steel quality will shine after minimal cutting and it will dull quickly, and the coating will wear off. Luckily it's adjustable via Torx as all the other implements 8)
- slipjoint combination tool of 2D phillips + bottle opener. They should be for medium duty at most, they are not thick or tough
- slipjoint combination tool of flathead + can opener, unsharpened (so I guess it wouldn't work really well :P, but I also think this cheap teel will easily be sharpened), again they feel relatively weak and applying much torque will result in bending or snapping, also because the implement is so long and slender the torque will have a much bigger leverage effect :ahhh and there's the opening hole in it, weakening the structure :to:
- the tool has needlenose pliers with spring action, they open really wide if left on a surface (like the Wingman), they feel medium duty (I'd put them against a Sidekick, Rev or Wingman) and grip well, they are aligned and precise (the tips meet) and I haven't tried the wire cutters (which are scissor/shearing style, not anvil/crushing style) but I'm sure they are light duty given the tool's steel ???
- the tool attaches via carabiner and it feel solid and secure. The tool is heavy and thick, weighing more than tools of similar size by other companies
as I said my favorite is the blue one because feels the best/most precisely made and it's quite nice in weight, action and toolset, even though I wouldn't trust the glass breaker and I could perfectly live without it :tu:
Hope you enjoyed the overview, I'll gladly ask any questions I can :cheers: