Multitool.org Forum
Tool Talk => Cheap and Cheerful (or otherwise!) => Topic started by: Chako on November 03, 2013, 07:38:05 PM
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I found these around town yesterday. More cheap and cheerful MTs that I didn't have. :D
Husky, Home Depot's in house brand, had a surprise for me the other day when I spied this combo set for real cheap.
(http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r207/Chako_photo/Chako_photo001/IMG_3518small_zpsceb2079d.jpg) (http://s145.photobucket.com/user/Chako_photo/media/Chako_photo001/IMG_3518small_zpsceb2079d.jpg.html)
This Benchmark appears to be a slightly better grade tool to the two above. This one also appears to have a lot of Gerber influences right down to the thumb pins and bead blasted finish on the tools. Like the above, no locking mechanism to speak of.
(http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r207/Chako_photo/Chako_photo001/IMG_3520small_zps5f0bd23e.jpg) (http://s145.photobucket.com/user/Chako_photo/media/Chako_photo001/IMG_3520small_zps5f0bd23e.jpg.html)
Last but not least...or maybe it is...is this poorly designed MT of dubious pedigree. I have a few of this model with various names plastered on them. These are intended as super cheap advertisers, or at least that is how I view this model. Interestingly enough, Swiss+Tech decided to go down the same pathway.
(http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r207/Chako_photo/Chako_photo001/IMG_3521small_zps1ff1a168.jpg) (http://s145.photobucket.com/user/Chako_photo/media/Chako_photo001/IMG_3521small_zps1ff1a168.jpg.html)
And a group shot.
(http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r207/Chako_photo/Chako_photo001/IMG_3516small_zpseeab7980.jpg) (http://s145.photobucket.com/user/Chako_photo/media/Chako_photo001/IMG_3516small_zpseeab7980.jpg.html)
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Swiss Tech seems to be very intent on killing off their brand image.
Odd side note - Benchmark has been around longer than Benchmade.
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The benchmark dont look too bad dan but the swiss tech looks bad,there is one just like it in a shop near me but its £4.99 and dont look worth it :-\
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It isn't.
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It isn't.
Ill leave it then :D
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How come so many knockoffs copy the Suspension's plier design? :think:
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How come so many knockoffs copy the Suspension's plier design? :think:
Because they're likely all made by the same Chinese OEM.
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Well, if Gerber put the money into R&D already to screw it up, the knock-offs have less work to do to put a crappy product out.
Also, if you can make a crappy knock-off tool that is nearly as good as crappy name brand tool, then you have a good chance of selling tons of units.
My Opinion, not facts
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Well those two models are what I consider, a standard MT design. There are so many that copy that same shape that it is almost ubiquitous. Ganzo being one of the main manufacturers in China of this type.
Overall, they aren't bad MTs...problem is, they aren't great MTs. You can end up paying more for a "known" name brand even though there are countless other variations out there without the branding. Most of the times, they are worth the less than 20 bucks price tag found on many of them. Sturdy simple construction with less than premium folding tools tend to be the standard for this family.
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I have seen many of the ones that in this case is labeled swiss tech. They are terrible but they are literally everywhere. At least it's a purty red. :P
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How come so many knockoffs copy the Suspension's plier design? :think:
I'm guessing it's because they're cheap to make and are probably all coming from the same sweatshop in China.
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I THINK the reason the suspension style is prevailing is that it's simple to manufacture. Not a lot of costly multiple-step processes in making any single piece. But that's just my guess.
And i agree that the benchmark looks like it's got Gerber origins. The plier head screams BG Strata to me, as well as the design on the OHO studs, and the nail nicks.