December 2025 Tool Box Challenge

[Jack the Zipper]

Interesting concept. A multitool is a compromise, so why compromise? Single purpose tools are superior, no question about it. But. Instead of a MT with ten functions and one handle, you would carry ten tools with ten handles, and still only use one of them at a time. You would have to work a tool roll, tool belt, or one of those enormous Maxpedition "EDC" pouches into your daily system. A proof of concept is not necessary because that is what every craftsman or handyman did before multitools.

I think I will throw together a set of tools just to see how it would work out. Just for fun. The challenge is definitely out, for health, family, travel and other reasons. Time is not right, ever, it seems.

I would be very interested to read what you choose as your starting sets and if you can stick to it.

[LoopCutter]

That is correct, I never used my MT as primary tool, would used dedicated tools for the job.

But, I did find myself always wearing a ST300 or REBAR ON MY BELT, just because.   

Doing so saved me many steps back to the truck when rebus site or doing walk through inspections. 

Yes, this will be interesting!

[IMR4198]

     Of course, replacing the multi-tool's functions with individual single use tools is possible.  It isn't a requirement of the challenge.  Someone will likely do just that. 
     The last things I did with a L-Man pliers was to wreck the pins holding a watch strap on.  Then I adjusted the trip lever on a couple of moose traps.  I live in a drafty old farmhouse and when the weather gets cold, I have to deal with mooses in the hoose.  Then I assembled a latch on some suspenders with a L-Man plier.  I think I used the phillips driver on a multi for something or other.  That's about it for multi usage for me over the last 6 months or so.  If I had carried a L-Man every day of that time you could figure I had 2160 hours of carry (at 12 hours a day) for about 15 minutes of use.  Never have used a slot driver on an L-Man. 
      I use a knife every day.  Generally, in the kitchen.  Rarely a pocket knife blade.  I use files, and clamps, and screwdriver bits in a magnetic handle.  Dremel moto tool now and then. 
      Will I carry an expedition type pouch?  Don't have one.  Will I show exactly what I will carry on day one and try to stick to it?  No.  Not required.  I don't feel any withdrawal tremors when I leave the house without a pocket pry bar (never used one), flashlight, anything made of titanium (likewise not available), ferro stick, or Zippo.  Don't have either of those.  Don't carry a pen, pencil, or mechanical pencil.  I have tools in my vehicles, but don't carry them.  The four wheeled beast carries them in its belly. 
      You are quite welcome to post a photo or two of what you put together for a single use EDC if you like.  We do love photos.  Best wishes.  Gary
 

[Farmer X]

The last things I did with a L-Man pliers was to wreck the pins holding a watch strap on.

I have a spring bar tool. Perhaps I'll work that into the challenge.

[AzteCypher]

I'm already making a mental list of the small tools I have that would work for this challenge.  😈

[fullbreakfast]

I have a spring bar tool. Perhaps I'll work that into the challenge.

One of those tools that is specially designed to help you fire a spring bar across the room, never to be seen again? Yeah, I got one of them too.

It’s not coincidental that they are made by the same people that make the spring bars, y’know.

[fullbreakfast]

Request for rules clarification please! 

Multi-blade knives are fine as long as there are just blades. 

A non multi-tool SAK is legal.  Alox model with just scissors is fine.  So is something like an Evoke, or a horticultural single blade for instance.  Leatherman newest single blade fixed and folding knives are fine.  G

Is a folding knife with more than one blade good, as long as they are just blades and nothing else...? The single blade references in the latter post made me wonder if things were being tightened up in this regard.

[LoopCutter]

My interpretation is that any knife that includes additional implements as cap lifters, can openers, saw, screw drivers, Phillips, spoon & fork, awl, scissors, etc are not included as they are a multitool.

A knife pattern like a Stockman, Canoe, Trapper, Doctor, Whittler, etc, in which you have only blades with sharp edges, are good to go.

A Victorinox Pocket Pal is good, only a spear point blade and a pen blade. The new Compact with only scissors appears to be accepted.  Also Vic’s floral blades (100mm line) are good.

A Scout pattern or hobo knife is a no, the SAK Classic is a no, the Recruit is a no, etc, even the traditions with a cap lifter are a no.

If I spoke out of turn Gary, stomp my fingers and then correct me.

[IMR4198]

   Sounds good to me.  You can go outside and play with the other children now, Gordon.  I think you wrote, "I must not pass notes in class" enough times already. 
   Nothing has changed in the rules.  So far.  I used to have Wenger horticultural knives.  One blade, one gold looking blade that has no edge for lifting bark on a graft.  That wouldn't be legal.  One or two blades are fine.  A six bladed stockman would be fine.  Something like a Old Timer with just blades but with scale tools would not be legal. 
   Carrying a multi-tool on your person as a backup is a fail.  Nobody can control what you have in your house or desk.  You don't have to bury your multi tools in the back yard or put them in a box on the sidewalk marked "Free".  I would expect anyone who uses a multi or SAK during the challenge to bow out.  This is a challenge, and a challenge should be challenging. 
Best wishes.  Gary
 

[fullbreakfast]

   Sounds good to me.  You can go outside and play with the other children now, Gordon.  I think you wrote, "I must not pass notes in class" enough times already. 
   Nothing has changed in the rules.  So far.  I used to have Wenger horticultural knives.  One blade, one gold looking blade that has no edge for lifting bark on a graft.  That wouldn't be legal.  One or two blades are fine.  A six bladed stockman would be fine.  Something like a Old Timer with just blades but with scale tools would not be legal. 
   Carrying a multi-tool on your person as a backup is a fail.  Nobody can control what you have in your house or desk.  You don't have to bury your multi tools in the back yard or put them in a box on the sidewalk marked "Free".  I would expect anyone who uses a multi or SAK during the challenge to bow out.  This is a challenge, and a challenge should be challenging. 
Best wishes.  Gary
 

Thanks, very clear!

I initially felt like I couldn’t possibly do this - the idea of going out without a  proper SAK on my person is like leaving the house with no trousers on. But the difficulty of it makes it interesting, like you say. I have been pondering how it could be done. I think I can do it, and will give it a shot.

1. AzteCypher
2. IMR4198
3. ReamerPunch
4. Farmer X
5. fullbreakfast

[IMR4198]

    Feel free to add your name to the list if you choose.  I can practically guarantee that not carrying a multi-tool/SAK for a month isn't fatal.  If worse comes to worse and your nerves begin to fail, you can always just drop out.  Or mark your name off the list before the beginning. 
    I didn't mention it specifically, but carrying a Katana would be legal.  Be sure to tell the police when they stop you that IMR4198 said it was legal.  That way they won't put you in jail.  That is a big plus.  The food in mental facilities is much better than most lockups. 
Best wishes.  Gary (IMR)
 

PS.  I see from your late edit that you made the list.  Good on you.  Anyway the reference to the LATEST Leatherman folding knives being legal is in contrast with their earlier folding knives.  Some of them had gut hooks, internal bit storage, etc.  Not legal.  Also just being Leatherman brand doesn't disqualify automatically.  Depends on the on-board equipment of said Leatherman.  Single function only.  Best wishes.  G

[fullbreakfast]

    Feel free to add your name to the list if you choose.  I can practically guarantee that not carrying a multi-tool/SAK for a month isn't fatal.  If worse comes to worse and your nerves begin to fail, you can always just drop out.  Or mark your name off the list before the beginning. 
    I didn't mention it specifically, but carrying a Katana would be legal.  Be sure to tell the police when they stop you that IMR4198 said it was legal.  That way they won't put you in jail.  That is a big plus.  The food in mental facilities is much better than most lockups. 
Best wishes.  Gary (IMR)
 

It’s good thought, but I don’t have a katana, which just goes to show how unfair life is. I have got a 24” machete though, so maybe I’ll carry that. I’m sure everyone will understand if I have to drop out because they won’t let me have my tools in the nut house.

[IMR4198]

The machete could be your third badge.  Follow the rules.  Best wishes.  Gary

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[fullbreakfast]

The machete could be your third badge.  Follow the rules.  Best wishes.  Gary

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We have a machete badge??

This place is awesome.

[nate j]

   It looks like travel will be a reason for some not to join in the challenge.  Generally speaking, members mention that they can't carry things while traveling.
[…]
I carry some sort of knife every day and always have since my age was in the single digits.  Usually I don't carry any other tool except for a one-piece screwdriver key fob.  I will have to whisper this last part, since it is a heresy.  Get close.  I could actually get by without either of them.  Regular voice now.  The key thing doesn't take up any space and I like pocky knives.  I like them so I carry one.  I will likely carry some other items that I don't usually carry for the challenge.  Winter time.  Big pockets on the coats won't be a problem to slide some things in.

It’s likely all of the following will occur on my December travels:
- Cigars will be trimmed (and smoked)
- Christmas presents will be opened - everything from packing tape to ribbons to zip ties to tags will need to be cut
- Screwdrivers will be needed to open battery compartments, tighten random loose screws, and perhaps even free a toy from its packaging (Who uses screws to attach toys to packaging?  Sick, twisted smurfs, that’s who.  But back on topic…)
- My moustache will need trimmed.
- My fingernails will need trimmed and filed
- Various beverages will be opened (and consumed)

I’m sure the above list isn’t all-inclusive, but you get the idea.  Could I carry separate tools for each of those functions?  I suppose so, but the thought doesn’t seem appealing to me.  Also, because I won’t be home, I won’t have my usual complement of dedicated tools backing up whatever I’m carrying.

Nonetheless, I’ll be following along with the intrepid souls who attempt this challenge, and cheering y’all on.

[LoopCutter]

 nate j,  nate j, 

I have heard some lame talk tall excuses in my decades walking this earth, and yours a re pretty tall, not tallest, not the wildest, but yet right up there!

I can trim a cigar with a pocket knife, my grandfather did so awl the time.    A POCKET PAL, would be a great knife for that purpose.

If you are away from home for the holiday, it isn’t your duty, allow the host a victory or two!   Be the gracious guest!   If a tool is needed ask, you do not need to arrive ready to solve every little hic-cup.   That is the host’s issue. Sit back and relax.

If you will feel ill prepared, by a pocket screw driver, and pair nail clippers with a nail file, shucks those even can trim wild nose hairs or even mustache strays.

Yes, I know I have not committed either!🫣

I am rearranging my tool bag I found in front room with broken straps.  Reminiscing awl the tasks I tackled with just these simple tools before I had to bring out the serious tools.   And how those tools performed daily when at my side, knowing that ST300 on my belt was a convenient solution when that kit was not within reach, but a screwdriver as a screwdriver, or a pocket knife, even a needle plier awl solved problems long before a little brick of steel transformed into a plier, or knife or screw driver.

A challenge is a challenge!

Shucks, if you commit to try, I will too!

A challenge to challenge my friend…

[nate j]

nate j,  nate j, 

I have heard some lame talk tall excuses in my decades walking this earth, and yours a re pretty tall, not tallest, not the wildest, but yet right up there!

I can trim a cigar with a pocket knife, my grandfather did so awl the time.    A POCKET PAL, would be a great knife for that purpose.

If you are away from home for the holiday, it isn’t your duty, allow the host a victory or two!   Be the gracious guest!   If a tool is needed ask, you do not need to arrive ready to solve every little hic-cup.   That is the host’s issue. Sit back and relax.

If you will feel ill prepared, by a pocket screw driver, and pair nail clippers with a nail file, shucks those even can trim wild nose hairs or even mustache strays.

Yes, I know I have not committed either!🫣

I am rearranging my tool bag I found in front room with broken straps.  Reminiscing awl the tasks I tackled with just these simple tools before I had to bring out the serious tools.   And how those tools performed daily when at my side, knowing that ST300 on my belt was a convenient solution when that kit was not within reach, but a screwdriver as a screwdriver, or a pocket knife, even a needle plier awl solved problems long before a little brick of steel transformed into a plier, or knife or screw driver.

A challenge is a challenge!

Shucks, if you commit to try, I will too!

A challenge to challenge my friend…

My dear friend…challenge accepted!

Some parts will be easy.  I already trim my cigars with my knife blade, and more cleanly than most cigar cutters (which I haven’t used in years).

Some parts will be hard.  I have been married for 23 years, and know better than to trust my wife’s family to be prepared.

The planning begins now.

[LoopCutter]

 

 

Then I will also join, and prepare a minimal carry with a standby bag.

By the way I hear you, I was married 46 years, and was a field service engineer always involved in repair and maintenance of electronics.  All this since 1973!

Putting a kit together is kinda a thing. 

But, now I learn how well I taught my sons to do the same as they are now the hosts. 🤪

[IMR4198]

1. AzteCypher
2. IMR4198
3. ReamerPunch
4. Farmer X
5. fullbreakfast

[nate j]

1. AzteCypher
2. IMR4198
3. ReamerPunch
4. Farmer X
5. fullbreakfast
6. nate j

[LoopCutter]

Assembling a kit together prepare for a busy DECEMBER!


1. AzteCypher
2. IMR4198
3. ReamerPunch
4. Farmer X
5. fullbreakfast
6. nate j
7. LoopCutter
8.

[IMR4198]

    I hope everyone has their Jackel Lanterns ready for the Great Pumpkin's visit.  I made a Apple Lantern last year and posted a photo.  It was so pitiful that I decided to eat the apple and not bother with applying for a badge.  I never actually bought a pumpkin.  I did raise some once, and the bugs drilled them.  I started planting Butternut squash instead.  I used them to make punkin pies.  Yummers.  The bugs left them alone. 
    I am cooking some black-eyed peas for the noon meal.  Made some biscuits.  Tried out a new can of baking powder since my old lot went flat.  Looks like peas and biscuits for today. 
     I used to pull up my mailbox and take it home on October 31.  Isolated mailbox standing near the banks of the Cullasaja River.  Easy to stop and toss my mailbox for a refreshing swim.  Such joy that must have brought to their rosy cheeks.  The box is so battered out of shape now that it isn't much of a prize for vandalism. 
     Looked through a box of seldom used screwdrivers.  Found my spark plug gap tool hiding in there.  Might need to carry a small screwdriver for the Toolbox Challenge coming up in December.  Found a bunch of screwdrivers that I didn't know I had.  Lots of them need some cleaning and attention.  Hmmm. 
Best wishes.  Gary (IMR)