Swiss Tech Utili-key, first impression

[Rodion]

What's the most dangerous object in this picture?



The Utili-key snaps to any standard, or even bigger than standard key ring. It can handle 3-4 mm of wire. Detaches when opening, but this is not a problem to me. Noticeably longer than a standard key, but to the untrained eye, it is invisible. Keep in mind, not everyone outside the US follows the multi-tool industry...

Here it is, in all its glory:



Okay, it's got three screwdrivers and a bottle opener. But really, the only reason I got it was to avoid constant clashes with security over my Atlas. Walking around without a cutting edge, on the other hand, feels... weird. The first thing you'll notice about it, is that it's a real tool meant to do real work. Swiss+Tech could have easily made it smaller to match a real key in size, which might have won them a few more sales. No, this is a multi-tool first and foremost.

The one in the pictures is actually the second in my possession (I gave the first one away almost immediately - it's true what they say about them  ). I managed to cut myself on the first one, but thought it to be an accident. I'm a part-time cook and deal with big, scary knives on a daily basis. Hence, trust me when I say this: the blade is wicked sharp and, while being opened, is a constant hazard to the user. I cut myself again when using the serrated blade to cut open a sack of charcoal (not wishing to stain any of the kitchen cutlery). Perhaps it's just because mine is so tight. On the bright side, the sack fell apart almost on its own. I felt like I was working with a real, full-size blade. Sharpening a pencil and cutting cordage with this is a breeze.



I have not had an opportunity to use anything other than the blades, as I am not in a mechanical line of work. However, just having the sharp (sharp) blade easily accessible, combined with not having to explain why I need a folder around town, makes the Utili-key worth its weight in gold to me.

I firmly believe this to be the beginning of a beautiful friendship. 

[Grant Lamontagne]

Welcome to the wonderful world of the Utili-key!

Swiss*Tech makes some cool stuff, and for the most part, I'm pretty impressed with the line. I've carried one Swiss*Tech tool or another for many years.

One question if I may... what markings are on your Utili-key?  We've spent some time looking into Utili-key markings recently in this thread:

http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,4262.0.html

Def

[J-sews]

Thanks for the great write-up Rodion


Yah, which version is yours?

[Rodion]

I actually saw the thread in question, but couldn't find any markings on either of the U-keys I owned. Does this mean they're fakes? 

[Grant Lamontagne]

I doubt they are fakes- just another variant!

It really doesn't pay to try and fake a China made tool with only two parts- it's very difficult to undercut the original!

Def

[Leatherman123]

I have three Utili-key's and non of them have markings. I remember when I saw one at Brookstone's, I payed like $15 bucks for it!

[J-sews]

I actually saw the thread in question, but couldn't find any markings on either of the U-keys I owned. Does this mean they're fakes? 

(Image removed from quote.)

That one looks to have the same markings as mine. I'd guess its genuine.

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

Great review mate, thanks for taking the time

Sorry to hear were not the only one's who have to be paranoid about there edc's

[Rodion]

Okay, I finally "discovered" a work-around for opening the tool without shedding blood: hold the sharp part with a shirt or something. Works like a charm, both for grip and (if you have a thick shirt) protection from the edge.

This may only present a problem since mine is extremely, incredibly tight. Much more so than the first one I've handled. It's not necessarily a bad thing, as I can be absolutely sure it won't fall off my key ring...

[Poncho65]

Okay, I finally "discovered" a work-around for opening the tool without shedding blood: hold the sharp part with a shirt or something. Works like a charm, both for grip and (if you have a thick shirt) protection from the edge.

This may only present a problem since mine is extremely, incredibly tight. Much more so than the first one I've handled. It's not necessarily a bad thing, as I can be absolutely sure it won't fall off my key ring...

I think in time it should loosen up I have only had mine a couple of months and it is alot better.  Also I haven't used it an extremely great amount of times (usually forget I have the thing in my pocket) But it still holds tight to my keyring

[raptor]

made in China.

[Rodion]

And?... I've noticed no manufacturing defects in either of the ones I've owned. They do what they're meant to do. About the only problem (aside from having to loosen one of them up) is that the blade doesn't hold a sharp edge. Considering how you have to open it, that's not such a bad thing...

[Benner]

I have never carried my utili-key.    I should really give it a go.

[Poncho65]

I have never carried my utili-key.    I should really give it a go.

Ecspecially since they're cracking down harder on the knife carry laws

[Rodion]

^ Which is millimeters short of driving me nuts. Admittedly, I've never had any significant problems with carrying an Atlas (even though lock-blades are apparently illegal), but the intent to put the general populace on par with prison inmates is there. For Odin's sake, why search people for SAKs on the entrance to a shopping mall, if you can buy fixed blades just inside!!! What about kitchen knives? Truly, "the viciousness of the law is compensated by it not being mandatory"...

P.S. U-key does have the advantage of not having to explain anything. Just dump it with the keys and watch it slide past the super-duper-ultra-mega metal detector. 

[J-sews]

If it's good enough for Santa's helper, it's good enough for me.