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Gerber Armbar Driver and Armbar Cork (Coming Spring 2020)

Megan · 98 · 8135

ca Offline Megan

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Today I chatted with Gerber's Kalon Pilmanis about the Armbar multitool series. I know, I know, we had a thread on this tool back in June. But this was the first time I had an opportunity to have these plier-less multitools in my hands. The release date on these tools is Spring, 2020.

My first-impression is very positive. I love the way these tools fit in my hand. The edges feel smooth and finessed. And I am pumped about the features on both of them. I will always carry SAKs. They're beautiful and functional. But there's something to be said about a tool that you don't mind getting scratched up. Could this be that tool?

Armbar Driver



The Armbar Driver is Gerber's answer to the SAK. It's a great looking, great feeling tool that's ideal for EDC in your pocket. Aimed to stop folks from abusing their knife, the Armbar has a bottle opener, pry-bar and an awl. The bit in the driver can easily be replaced with a cheapy from the hardware store—I like this. It also has a one-hand opening blade with a frame lock, that is indeed easy to open.

Best of all, it has... wait for it... scissors! And it's a pretty good pair of scissors too. It's a small tool, but they have a hammer feature on there too.



It comes in onyx, urban blue, and orange.

I really like this tool, but it's sister tool, the Armbar Cork (is even better

Armbar Cork


Save the day with the Armbar Cork! No really, when you carry a tool with a cork screw, I promise, there will be a time where you'll be the hero. Unfortunately, through a bit of carelessness, I've broken the corkscrews on two of my favourite SAKs. They're bent out of place from desperately trying to get the cork out of the wine bottle. And this tool might be the answer.

To me, the Armbar Cork, is an ideal tool for camping and general every day carry. In fact, I really want one of these for EDC. Like the Armbar driver, it has the same one-hand opening blade with a frame lock, scissors, bottle opener, and hammer. But it has a fabulous cork screw. Why is it fabulous? It comes with, what appears to be, an effective lever (like a bartender's corkscrew) to ensure you safely remove the cork from the bottle. No desperately holding the bottle with your legs which trying to yank the cork out (maybe I'll stop breaking my favourite SAKs?) This also has a can and package opener.



I believe this tool comes in onyx, gold, and orange.

Both tools are retailing for $39 USD.

What do you think? Would you consider carrying one of these? Let me know if there's anything you want to know about it. I will happily try to get your questions answered at the show!
-Megan
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za Offline Max Stone

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Re: Gerber Armbar Driver and Armbar Cork (Coming Spring 2020)
Reply #1 on: January 21, 2020, 10:53:11 PM
They really look interesting, I’d consider carrying as a SAK alternative. Would love to see some size comparisons with a few pics next to a 91mm SAK  :dunno:
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fi Online Antti Lammi

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Re: Gerber Armbar Driver and Armbar Cork (Coming Spring 2020)
Reply #2 on: January 21, 2020, 11:55:22 PM
I would buy that, it looks pretty neat tool. My only worry is quality of that


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it Offline SirVicaLot

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Re: Gerber Armbar Driver and Armbar Cork (Coming Spring 2020)
Reply #3 on: January 22, 2020, 12:07:52 AM
I like the one with the driver. If they can deliver good quality it is a sure buy as soon as they are out.

Would also like to see a comparison shot with a 91mm SAK.

The awl seems a bit on the short side. Can you compare the size of it to the one from the Pioneer?

Any way to attach a lanyard/pocket clip?


us Offline Rapidray

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Re: Gerber Armbar Driver and Armbar Cork (Coming Spring 2020)
Reply #4 on: January 22, 2020, 02:23:28 AM
It is looking good and will wait to see more info and vs before getting one.  :popcorn:


au Offline Huntsman

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Re: Gerber Armbar Driver and Armbar Cork (Coming Spring 2020)
Reply #5 on: January 22, 2020, 03:44:27 AM
Great to see you posting again Megan   :tu:
And fabulous that you (and via you - MT.o) is at SHOT    :salute:

Very nice review of what looks like a really great tool -    :cheers:   ........ Watch out Victorinox is all I can say     :o
Price seems very reasonable too  :woohoo:
And for me Gerber have made a much better SAKalike product than the LM offerings  :pok:

I would DEFfo buy and carry one (see what I did there    ;) )


spam Offline Happy Gilmore

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Re: Gerber Armbar Driver and Armbar Cork (Coming Spring 2020)
Reply #6 on: January 22, 2020, 05:00:25 AM
Any info on the lockdown? Didn't see them featured yet.


england Offline Kev D

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Re: Gerber Armbar Driver and Armbar Cork (Coming Spring 2020)
Reply #7 on: January 22, 2020, 09:11:21 AM
The armbar driver looks good, I'd like one of those.  I'll be treating myself to one of those in blue when they get released over here, if they aren't the usual 30% more expensive than over in the US.

The armbar cork not so much for me, I've never used the corkscrew on any of my saks so see it as wasted space that another tool could have used.


ch Offline Etherealicer

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Re: Gerber Armbar Driver and Armbar Cork (Coming Spring 2020)
Reply #8 on: January 22, 2020, 01:03:27 PM
The armbar driver looks good, I'd like one of those.  I'll be treating myself to one of those in blue when they get released over here, if they aren't the usual 30% more expensive than over in the US.

The armbar cork not so much for me, I've never used the corkscrew on any of my saks so see it as wasted space that another tool could have used.
The CS is important on SAKs... it holds the eye-glass-screwdriver.
I like how in one video (I think it was BladeHQ before Shot Show) They presented the lever function to pull out the cork like a miracle... I mean most good CS have a 2-stage lever, but whatever...

I agree the Armbar Driver looks like a win... I want one too, so I can compare it to my bloody expensive Big Idea Design Ti-EDS
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us Offline cody6268

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Re: Gerber Armbar Driver and Armbar Cork (Coming Spring 2020)
Reply #9 on: January 22, 2020, 05:27:40 PM
The Armbar Driver is an immediate Day 1 purchase. SAK sized, but packs a full-sized 1/4 bit driver.


us Offline Aloha

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Re: Gerber Armbar Driver and Armbar Cork (Coming Spring 2020)
Reply #10 on: January 22, 2020, 05:33:54 PM
Gerber coming strong  :tu:
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scotland Offline Gareth

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Re: Gerber Armbar Driver and Armbar Cork (Coming Spring 2020)
Reply #11 on: January 22, 2020, 07:36:14 PM
Oh, I like the look of that.  Not too bulky looking for pocket carry.  :tu:
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ie Offline McStitchy

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Re: Gerber Armbar Driver and Armbar Cork (Coming Spring 2020)
Reply #12 on: January 22, 2020, 08:00:17 PM
Great to see you posting again Megan   :tu:
And fabulous that you (and via you - MT.o) is at SHOT    :salute:

Very nice review of what looks like a really great tool -    :cheers:   ........ Watch out Victorinox is all I can say     :o
Price seems very reasonable too  :woohoo:
And for me Gerber have made a much better SAKalike product than the LM offerings  :pok:

I would DEFfo buy and carry one (see what I did there    ;) )

Totally...  :iagree:


hr Offline enki_ck

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Re: Gerber Armbar Driver and Armbar Cork (Coming Spring 2020)
Reply #13 on: January 22, 2020, 09:29:34 PM
The CS is important on SAKs... it holds the eye-glass-screwdriver.
I like how in one video (I think it was BladeHQ before Shot Show) They presented the lever function to pull out the cork like a miracle... I mean most good CS have a 2-stage lever, but whatever...

I agree the Armbar Driver looks like a win... I want one too, so I can compare it to my bloody expensive Big Idea Design Ti-EDS

Yeah, but so far we haven't seen a sensible integration of it in a pocket friendly multitool. I mean, the one dimensional one on the LM Juice models is terrible and it's of no use what so ever as a lever action. These look like they could actually work ok.

And yes, this does look like it could be a pocket friendly alternative to a SAK. I too would love to see a side by side comparison of it with a 91mm Vic.


ca Offline Megan

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Re: Gerber Armbar Driver and Armbar Cork (Coming Spring 2020)
Reply #14 on: January 22, 2020, 09:44:18 PM
Just checking in. I went to Victorinox this morning and made a 91mm Spartan so we could get the photos!

I’ve taken some photos of the Armbar with the 91mm. And I’d also say it’s about the same weight as a 91mm alox Spartan. Photos and new video will come soon!!

We’ve also confirmed that we’ll get our hands on the Armbars and the Prybrids for review and testing!
-Megan
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ie Offline McStitchy

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Re: Gerber Armbar Driver and Armbar Cork (Coming Spring 2020)
Reply #15 on: January 22, 2020, 09:50:36 PM
Nice  :tu:
Looking forward to your pics Megan  :popcorn:


it Offline SirVicaLot

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Re: Gerber Armbar Driver and Armbar Cork (Coming Spring 2020)
Reply #16 on: January 22, 2020, 09:52:08 PM
Awesome! Thanks, Megan!  :like: :popcorn:


za Offline Max Stone

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Re: Gerber Armbar Driver and Armbar Cork (Coming Spring 2020)
Reply #17 on: January 22, 2020, 10:46:39 PM
Just checking in. I went to Victorinox this morning and made a 91mm Spartan so we could get the photos!

I’ve taken some photos of the Armbar with the 91mm. And I’d also say it’s about the same weight as a 91mm alox Spartan. Photos and new video will come soon!!

We’ve also confirmed that we’ll get our hands on the Armbars and the Prybrids for review and testing!
:popcorn:
Education is a journey that starts when you realize that knowing a little about something opens the door to the universe.


ca Offline Megan

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Re: Gerber Armbar Driver and Armbar Cork (Coming Spring 2020)
Reply #18 on: January 23, 2020, 12:40:51 AM
Okay, I forgot ALL of the things you wanted me to do. I had a great chat with our friends at Gerber, and we'll be getting these in the mail (hopefully) soon for reviewing and testing.
I had a 91mm Spartan made this morning so we could get these photos :) I hope they help!













-Megan
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us Offline ElevenBlade

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Re: Gerber Armbar Driver and Armbar Cork (Coming Spring 2020)
Reply #19 on: January 23, 2020, 12:48:30 AM
Does the Armbar Cork come with a prybar as well?  Anything that could be used as a rudimentary screwdriver?


it Offline SirVicaLot

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Re: Gerber Armbar Driver and Armbar Cork (Coming Spring 2020)
Reply #20 on: January 23, 2020, 01:00:07 AM
Thanks for the comparison pictures, Megan!  :hatsoff:

I really thought they would be larger than a 91mm, but I am pleasantly surprised that they are pretty close. Unless you guys find out during testing that they cannot stand up to the same uses I put my SAks through, I agree with Cody: First day buy  :tu:


ie Offline McStitchy

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Re: Gerber Armbar Driver and Armbar Cork (Coming Spring 2020)
Reply #21 on: January 23, 2020, 09:22:18 AM
Thanks Megan for the great pictures  :hatsoff:
It looks to be around the same size like a 3 later SAK... which is my personal watch pocket limit  :tu:

Now I just hope they will not be too expensive here in Europe.


us Offline Poncho65

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Re: Gerber Armbar Driver and Armbar Cork (Coming Spring 2020)
Reply #22 on: January 23, 2020, 12:24:39 PM
Those are great :o WTG Gerber :woohoo: I really love those and they remind me of my Charge knife so much :like: I may be getting one of these as well :salute: I love the 1/4 inch driver and the blade looks like the one from the CD :drool:

So awesome that MTO will be getting these for review as well :cheers:

Great job, Megan and can't wait to read what all else you have for us :popcorn:


ch Offline Etherealicer

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Re: Gerber Armbar Driver and Armbar Cork (Coming Spring 2020)
Reply #23 on: January 23, 2020, 01:00:13 PM
Those are great :o WTG Gerber :woohoo: I really love those and they remind me of my Charge knife so much :like: I may be getting one of these as well :salute: I love the 1/4 inch driver and the blade looks like the one from the CD :drool:

So awesome that MTO will be getting these for review as well :cheers:

Great job, Megan and can't wait to read what all else you have for us :popcorn:
Yeah... I love what Gerber is bringing to the table... another one I like is this:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RrzCJKj5dOM

If I'm not mistaken it also takes the regular scalpel blades too, so you can even have Havalons bone-saw and fillet knife... that would make it a great multi-function-knife.
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br Offline Hevy (CT-782)

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Re: Gerber Armbar Driver and Armbar Cork (Coming Spring 2020)
Reply #24 on: January 23, 2020, 01:00:39 PM
Thanks for comparison pictures.
I have a soft spot for Gerber things.
I really liked the concept.

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no Offline Grathr

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Re: Gerber Armbar Driver and Armbar Cork (Coming Spring 2020)
Reply #25 on: January 23, 2020, 05:27:15 PM
I like the look of that Armbar!

I love the driver on my Center Drive, so this could be a perfect EDC for me.  :tu:

One question: did the blade look thick compared to the Vic?



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spam Offline Happy Gilmore

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Re: Gerber Armbar Driver and Armbar Cork (Coming Spring 2020)
Reply #26 on: January 23, 2020, 08:05:07 PM
Gerber is the company that COULD provide real competition..the Armbar is seriously well designed...but pocket clip ????!?!?!? Come on guys...


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nz Offline Syncop8r

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Re: Gerber Armbar Driver and Armbar Cork (Coming Spring 2020)
Reply #27 on: January 23, 2020, 08:44:39 PM
 :like: the Armbar Driver.


za Offline Max Stone

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Re: Gerber Armbar Driver and Armbar Cork (Coming Spring 2020)
Reply #28 on: January 23, 2020, 08:50:21 PM
Is this the pry bar?
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us Offline ElevenBlade

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Re: Gerber Armbar Driver and Armbar Cork (Coming Spring 2020)
Reply #29 on: January 23, 2020, 09:08:44 PM
Is this the pry bar?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s6ZSpF5m8Kg

In this video, they go into detail, but unfortunately, for the Armbar, the camera operator zooms out and you can't see anything that he's demonstrating (meanwhile for the machete he zooms in)  :poh:

My sense is that what you see on those zoomed-in photos is the prybar that flips out into a bottle cap opener. 

That said, if it's mobile in that particular axis, how can it be sturdy enough to pry?  The pivot is on the same axis as the torque that would be applied to pry.   ???

Does that mean that the Armbar Cork has two bottle cap openers?  I was rather excited that the Armbar Cork has a claw can opener... but is that not the case?

So many questions. 

Also, based on


 

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