Tool for Life Version....I've lost track...

[thebullfrog]

I haven't been on here much of late. For good reasons. Long story short everything I spent a couple years building has been pretty much vaporized over the last few months. Lost my apartment, girlfriend (who I was about to propose too), car, everything really. So I've been living back at home and trying to get at least somewhat on my feet again. Anywho, the point is I'm now about to move up to Northern Wisconsin with my dad in the middle of smurfing nowhere to start over again (again). Since I likely won't be working with computers any more, at least for the time being, I'm thinking it might be time to go back to a pliers based multi for EDC. Can't freaking figure out which one though.
Most likely I'll get another Swisstool variant, but I've been pretty out of the loop and not really up on what new stuff is either out or about to be. So throw me some suggestions to think about. Not sure what kind of tool loadout I'm looking for so the sky is the limit. For reference I've still been EDCing the Work Champ I reviewed a few months back. It's been at my side pretty much 24 hours a day, so I challenge you guys to find something I like better

[edcgear]

Bummer man! Hate to hear bad news! Hang in there and stay strong!! I'm sure things will go for better, there's always sunshine after rain... 

As far as SwissTool... Well not much news there... As far as I know, they made perfect tools ST and ST Spirit, and that's it...

So there is only Q of what you will use it for, heavy duty tasks, or medium duty and general EDC... 

[thebullfrog]

Thank's but it's all good. I'm dealing and trying my damndest to move on. Im tired of being depressed.

I'm really not sure what it will be used for. There's a good chance I'll be spending more time outdoors, it's a really, REALLY rural area. So I'm leaning towards heavier duty ie: Swisstool, Surge, etc. but I'm open to options which is why I left it pretty wide open. The Swisstool X comes closest to what I have in mind, but I've already had one of those lol

[edcgear]

Then go with RS version... The strap cutting blade would come handy (if you can afford to lose file)....

Or some nice BO, that's always 

[thebullfrog]

You know I'm actually in the minority it seems in that I'm not all that big on B.O. I used to be but seem to have "outgrown" it. Losing the file unfortunately is a no-go for me. I actually find myself using the files on multis a lot. I need to have a file and scissors, prefer to have a saw but rarely ever seem to actually need it. I could happily get by with no openers, but the entire multitool industry keeps telling me I'm wrong lol.

One thing that would be nice, but not a deal-breaker is some OH opening action. After using almost exclusively Vic stuff the last couple years two-handed opening doesn't bother me at all, but the idea of OH has started appealing to me a lot more again lately. Hell the Buck Xtract would be mighty tempting just for that very reason if it offered more tools/versatility. Maybe the CRKT Tool when it comes out?

[Threeme2189]

I would suggest you wait for the new Leatherman Rebar.
It's a 4 inch version of the ST300, and it looks quite nice

[AimlessWanderer]

Sorry to hear of your struggles, but good to hear you're back on the up

Spirit X or 2010 Spirit RT MUST be on the "for consideration" list  If you're not sure what avenue is next for you and what tools you might need along the way, that's pretty much got most bases covered ... and the RT is  too

Aside from that, I'd censider a cheap basic mix for now - Byrd Tern (or Wings if you thing you might need serrations occasionally), Victorinox Compact, and a middle of the road pocketable pliers based multi. They'll all serve you well till things get clearer. Lets face it BD ... whichever tool you buy next, the one after won't be that long after if you're back to hanging round here  Keep it low key for now, find your feet - soon it'll make itself clear what tools you're really going to need

Welcome back 

[ducttapetech]

Sorry to read about your misfortunes, that sucks. At lest your are getting up and move on, which is good.
As far as multis go............Charge or better yet, surge. 

[Sazabi]

I'm sorry to hear about your troubles. :/

My vote would be for a Spirit X paired with a Mora; you get a good fixed blade (instead of a one-handed opener), plus the wonders Victorinox has to offer.

[Gareth]

Jeeze mate, sorry to hear life has been quite that smurfty.    Here's the thread with all the news form the 2012 SHOT show that you might not have seen.  Personally I think the Rebar has got to be the most exciting development planned for this year.

[thebullfrog]

Spirit X and RT have both been on my list for quite some time. I have been eyeballing the Rebar but not sold on it yet. A Compact plus my Skeletool could work I suppose. I had a Charge and was never very happy with it. the SURGE was my EDC for years, got tired of having to carry around so many extra parts if I wanted it's full functionality. So in other words it's still back down to replacing my lost ST-X or my Spirit that a coworker lost. Realistically the Spirit X may come out the winner. The Road Tour is out of my price grasp. Or maybe I could give a Wenger a go finally. The new Ranger coming out that is similar to the Mike Horn is mighty tempting.

[Mercury]

Sorry to hear my friend.  Keep yer chin up. 

I think the RS would be sweet!  That belt cutter blade is awesome. 

[sawman]

First of all:  I know how it is to start over [again, and again], and it's a bummer.  I hope you get the fresh start you're looking for and find it was all worth it once you get where you're going.

As for a pliers based multi:  I recently was considering a Gerber MP400 for its pliers, compactness and tool selection.  I'm not entirely decided yet, but I've found there are some situations where the pliers on my Swiss Champ are not big enough.  If you do not require locking tools, the SOG Paratool is a very nice choice, as it lets you customize your tool selection.

[thebullfrog]

I've had 2 Powerlocks now and to be honest haven't been very impressed with them so I'm hesitant to try another of their tools. Still love my Vulcan though /

Only reason the RS doesn't appeal to me is I don't like having multiple blades when I could have another tool there, especially seeing that as sweet as it is (I agree with you there) I just wouldn't have much use for the belt cutter.

I hate Gerber's stuff, but I do keep hearing good things about that MP400 so it is worth considering...

[Mr. Whippy]

I guess, I'd ask what do you like about the WorkChamp and what do you dislike about it.

If you like the form, but want real pliers, then maybe a Wenger Ranger 90 (or similar Ranger) would be good.  The pliers are springloaded, and while not heavy duty, they are good light duty pliers (I would say similar to a PST pliers head).

[Gareth]

If you've never tried a Gerber MP400, 450 or 600 I'd say give give one of them a go.  My MP400 is probably my most carried tool after my Spirit X.  Not a faultless tool perhaps, but the sliding pliers are just fab.

[Mercury]

Sliding pliers are pretty cool!   

[MeadMaker]

So you movin' to the nort' woods, eh?   I visit there a couple times per year.  Its a good place to start over.  Generally speaking the people are friendly and supportive.

I can't recommend a MT model because you have already dismissed the ones that come to my mind.  I would recommend that you consider more than one model.  If you are going to be looking for something to do up dere in da nort, you eill eventually end up outdoors.  You might want to have an around the house MT and a fishing, boating, snowmobiling MT. 

[ducttapetech]

Eh.

[thebullfrog]

You know the Ranger 90 honestly is pretty damned tempting. Pricey though.