Lynn's $5 MT Challenge

[jcs0001]

Lynn

Thank you for all the work that went into this thread.  Also thanks for the self sacrifice (nails) - you took one for the cause.

John.

[Chako]

Lynn, I have always enjoyed your threads.   

[WoodsDuck]

Say, Lynn, have you ever come across this particular knife at your local Dollar Tree?

[Etherealicer]

Say, Lynn, have you ever come across this particular knife at your local Dollar Tree?

(Image removed from quote.)

Holymoly this is brilliant... it has a built in stainless steel soap

[Lynn LeFey]

I have not seen that tool before, and...

Stainless steel soap? Whaa?

[Don Pablo]

A piece of brass "soap" would at least be anti bacterial...
A stainless steel bar of "soap" is utterly useless.

[cody6268]

It's not really soap per se, I think it's a reaction between the stainless steel and the residue of produce such as onions that neutralizes odors. However, a copper soap bar is actually antibacterial--the building that houses the nursing school of my local community college uses copper door handles for that reason.

As for the Tourist, hose it down in WD-40 and let it set. That's what I always do. Of course, I thought that was the problem on my M1908 Elsener Soldier. It was part of it, but it's mostly the strong springs on that knife. First time I tried to open the screwdriver, it ripped out a good chunk of my left thumbnail.  However, it eventually loosened up after repeated cleanings and oilings due to use. 

[Lynn LeFey]

As for the Tourist, hose it down in WD-40 and let it set. That's what I always do.

The Tourist is working like new now.It doesn't even feel stiff.

[WoodsDuck]

Lynn, if you want to review the soap-shaped knife (that Dollar Tree saw is sure to be incredible), PM me an address and I'll send it your way.

Not even sure why I bought it now.

[Lynn LeFey]

Lynn, if you want to review the soap-shaped knife (that Dollar Tree saw is sure to be incredible), PM me an address and I'll send it your way.

Not even sure why I bought it now.

Thank you, sir, but I'm working on something else at the moment.

YOU could review it. 
The world needs more cheap and cheerful tools reviewed by people just like you. I can't do it all alone. Other brave souls have to step up and wade through the shii..... Uhh... I mean... 'experience the joy of inexpensive, yet high quality tools'.

[Lynn LeFey]

While I've already 'unofficially' crowned a winner, I did have a couple stragglers to review, and here's one of them.

A Swisscard Knockoff.
https://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,75321.new.html

[gregpost]

 I was going to post this in the deals section but maybe it's more appropriate here, since I've never heard of it.

$5.97 shipped, so maybe it doesn't qualify.


https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07211YTVX/ref=twister_B0776MY69T?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

[Don Pablo]

I was going to post this in the deals section but maybe it's more appropriate here, since I've never heard of it.

$5.97 shipped, so maybe it doesn't qualify.

(Image removed from quote.)
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07211YTVX/ref=twister_B0776MY69T?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

The first thing that came to mind was "cute mini wave!  ".
I wonder how big it actually is. 

[WoodsDuck]

I was going to post this in the deals section but maybe it's more appropriate here, since I've never heard of it.

$5.97 shipped, so maybe it doesn't qualify.

(Image removed from quote.)
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07211YTVX/ref=twister_B0776MY69T?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

The first thing that came to mind was "cute mini wave!  ".
I wonder how big it actually is. 

Check the Amazon user images. There's a pic of it next to a Wingman. It's bigger than the Wingman, if you don't care to go searching.

[Don Pablo]

I was going to post this in the deals section but maybe it's more appropriate here, since I've never heard of it.

$5.97 shipped, so maybe it doesn't qualify.

(Image removed from quote.)
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07211YTVX/ref=twister_B0776MY69T?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

The first thing that came to mind was "cute mini wave!  ".
I wonder how big it actually is. 

Check the Amazon user images. There's a pic of it next to a Wingman. It's bigger than the Wingman, if you don't care to go searching.

Delusion smashed.... 

[ReamerPunch]

Looks like a rebranded Cima.

[Lynn LeFey]

I thought I'd do a bit of a follow-up on this.

I have purchased a few other Sub-$5 tools since the challenge ended. More by chance than design.

I got a combo pack with a 'FRED' knockoff from Marbles. It was $11.66 for the pack, and I figure the 'FRED' was worth maybe $2 of that. My husband reported that it is useful if you're only trying to eat cheesecake. Good to know. For those that do not know, the 'FRED' short for 'Field Ration Eating Device' was issued in Austrailian rations, much like the P-38 and P-51 can openers in U.S. rations. The FRED added a small spoon, earning it the nickname 'F***ing Ridiculous Eating Device'. The Marbles version goes one 'better', by cutting spork tines into it. 

I won a lot on ebay with two 4-layer 91mm SAKs and a Classic SD for $20, making the Classic SD worth about $2.67. It has 'AG Edwards' printed on the back. The split ring was missing, and it needed a quick sharpening, but the scissors were in excellent condition, and overall a great knife.

I won another lot that contained 3 SAKs (a Climber, a Tinker, and a Waiter) for $15. Making both the Tinker and Waiter sub-$5. Both were excellent tools as they came, with all blades sharp, no rust, good snap to all the tools. That lot, actually, was one of the cleanest and nicest I've ever gotten. I would rate the Tinker as better than the Walmart SAK-knockoff, even without scissors.