Have you "tested" gear/MTs/knives/etc enough to know?

[Aloha]

Have you tested enough in the area you like be it multitools, knives, fishing equipment, SAKs, cameras, etc to know what exactly you like, dislike, can do without, can't/won't do without, etc?

In terms of MTs I am fairly confident in what I like and won't do without.  I've also got a very keen sense of what kitchen gear is a must.  I've practically given away everything that is a gadget in my kitchen.  In terms of work tools I'm good to go.

Are you still in a testing phase or are you just buying because? 

I still like to handle new things.  For the most part its catch and release or hold and deliberate.   Often I'm back to the gear I had prior to any new acquisitions. 

   

 

 

[ColoSwiss]

Started out with a Spartan, and at various times carried a Super Tinker, Climber, Huntsman, Traveler and Pocket Tool Chest. Also keep an old Champion close at hand, but never carried it (too bulky). Prior to the SAKs there were several Boy Scout knives, and an assortment of Stockmen. The Traveler has been my EDC for a number of years. Like its compact size and combination of tools.

[pfrsantos]

Have you tested enough in the area you like be it multitools, knives, fishing equipment, SAKs, cameras, etc to know what exactly you like, dislike, can do without, can't/won't do without, etc?

In terms of MTs I am fairly confident in what I like and won't do without.  I've also got a very keen sense of what kitchen gear is a must.  I've practically given away everything that is a gadget in my kitchen.  In terms of work tools I'm good to go.

Are you still in a testing phase or are you just buying because? 

I still like to handle new things.  For the most part its catch and release or hold and deliberate.   Often I'm back to the gear I had prior to any new acquisitions. 

 

And that, my friend, was exactly what she said!

 

[AimlessWanderer]

Yes and no...

I've now gotten to the point where I can tell from pics what will/wont work for me, where the hot spots and weak points are, and what the ergos are likely to be like. However, it is all subjective in terms of my own usage. For example I haven't done much stranded wire cutting or hard wire cutting compared to a lot of forum members.

Overall, I would say I know enough 

[styx]

I'm testing, although it came from no idea to now nailing in the finer points. One big thing for me was cellidor vs alox. I used to carry a variation of the Spartan for years and then switched to the Farmer. Both great tools with their advantages and disadvantages and can they be overcome

[Aloha]

Yes and no...

I've now gotten to the point where I can tell from pics what will/wont work for me, where the hot spots and weak points are, and what the ergos are likely to be like. However, it is all subjective in terms of my own usage. For example I haven't done much stranded wire cutting or hard wire cutting compared to a lot of forum members.

Overall, I would say I know enough 

I feel the same.  I'm not as quick to buy as I once was. 

[Aloha]

I'm testing, although it came from no idea to now nailing in the finer points. One big thing for me was cellidor vs alox. I used to carry a variation of the Spartan for years and then switched to the Farmer. Both great tools with their advantages and disadvantages and can they be overcome

YES.  Especially when it comes to fixed blades for me.  SAKs are a bit more tricky.  I haven't the experience with the 111mms but enough to know the direction I'm headed. 

[Kev D]

I didn't test various multi's before I bought my first one. I knew what I wanted one to do and looked for what best fit into that category at the time. Once I broke it I used the same process and ended up with a surge.  Then I joined this forum and got caught in the downward spiral that is multitool collecting.  I used to buy them purely for the use I would get out of them at sometime, but that has now changed to buying any I like the look of or are curious to see if they are any good.



 

[Poncho65]

I know what I want now more than I use to I still buy the odd thing here and there just to "see" if I am going to like it or not I do try newer stuff that comes out but a lot of the time end up going back to what I already had I have added many things to my EDC rotation and try to embrace the differences in each MT and go into the day feeling as prepared with most of them as any other MT though

I am way more skeptical (whether it seems like I am on here or not ) than I use to be of new tools or knives that come out and I do expect certain things of stuff that I buy I buy what I like and "look" at other things and do occasionally break down and buy something that I might not otherwise buy just to try it though

[Ron Who]

I know from experience what tools best fit the trades I've been in, and that's all I need to know about them.

[Alan K.]

I know what works for me, and I know what I like.  I still buy knives and multitools that fall outside of those parameters due to the influence of the members of this forum.  For example, I didn't own a 111mm SAK before I was convinced that I just had to have one so I could participate in the challenge.  Now I am looking to acquire more of them, because, well, you can't have just one.

[Gerhard Gerber]

It's a recent thing, but I've developed a strong urge to de-clutter again......

Knives, yes, sadly I have to admit that the Mora Bushcraft and Byrd Meadowlark could probably see me through the rest of my days....

Since "gear" is broad term, I have a perfect example: I have a suitcase for business trips, and a backpack for hikes - I want only the back pack.

I wish a multitool could serve all my needs, but sadly I do need the whole toolbox.

I wish there was that one rod that could catch all fish, but when you chuck everything from flies, to lures and bait, fresh and salt, the "requirements" stack up......


Yes, by now I know and have most of what I would like.......just wish it was less.....