Other outside-openers, like Swisstool?

[Splat]

Forgive my inerudite description. I don't know what the exact term is for types of blades/tools that open from the outside, ala the Swisstool or Spirit, but are there any others? I don't see any SOGs, Leathermans, or Gerbers whose tools can be opened without having to open the tool handles...or did I miss something?

[Tsquare]

The only other completely outside opening tools are the bear jaws from bear and sons cutlery.  Leatherman has some of the tools on the outside but not all.

[Grant Lamontagne]

T Square hit it on the head- there really aren't any others beyond the Bear Jaws and the SwissTool series, which includes the Spirit.  There are some cheap knockoff types that open from the outside as well, but being a respectable organization, we don't like to iscuss them too much.

The Wave, Surge, Charge series and Juice series all have tools that open on the outside, but only a limited number.  They also have tools inside as well.  Other types of multitools also have tools on the "outside" like the SpyderWrench/Harpwrench, CRKT 'Zilla and Guppy etc, but they don't follow the typical Leatherman style double folding plier design.

Def

[Tom Munch]

Am I missing something?  There are lots of Gerbers that open on the outside without opening up the pliers.  I don't personally care for most of these, but all of the tools open on the outside.

Flik              http://www.gerbergear.com/product.php?model=1054
Freehand     http://www.gerbergear.com/product.php?model=1517
Crux            http://www.gerbergear.com/product.php?model=1568
Method        http://www.gerbergear.com/product.php?model=1529
Radius         http://www.gerbergear.com/product.php?model=1515
Resolve        http://www.gerbergear.com/product.php?model=9462
Suspension   http://www.gerbergear.com/product.php?model=1471

[Tom Munch]

I left out a few others.  Many are the same tool with different handles.

Tread      http://www.gerbergear.com/product.php?model=1530
Recoil      http://www.gerbergear.com/product.php?model=8474
Legend    http://www.gerbergear.com/product.php?model=8239

[damota]

Am I missing something?  There are lots of Gerbers that open on the outside without opening up the pliers.  I don't personally care for most of these, but all of the tools open on the outside.

As Tom says every butterfly opening multi-tool that Gerber has made including the Clutch and Shortcut mini tools fold so the tools open on the out side. The Freehand was the first of their one hand openers (sliding head) were all the tools open with the tool handles  closed and the Flik is due to join it. The tools look as though they will be better assortment on the Flik than the Freehand.
If you slightly loosen the axle screw on (at least on the MP600 designs) after you slide the head out, open the handle, slide the lock back so the tools hang from the handle. You can manipulate the inside tools to shove forward the one you want while taking the others back (the spring in the locking mechanism helps you) so with a bit of learning all Gerbers can be opened one handed (which is why I use them).
If you are wanting a EDC multi to also use as a knife have a look at the SOG Power Assist, although the handles have to be opened to get at the drivers.
http://www.sogknives.com/news/press/presszip/SOG-2007-NewProd.pdf

Dave

[Splat]

Thanks guys, especially Tom, for the replies. I literally forgot about Gerber. DOH! I like some of the Gerbers but they just seem so damn cheap to me. I really like SOG's Power Assist but I'd remove that cover over the tools(can that be done?). I love my Core, which is my first multi, but the open-handles-get-tools thang is starting to get to me.

[Tom Munch]

Splat,

You're welcome.  I'm not crazy about Gerbers either, although I own a few.  They are very innovative though, & we need that kind of innovation to drive the market to new designs.

Tom

[J-sews]

.....I really like SOG's Power Assist but I'd remove that cover over the tools(can that be done?).....

The SOG handle covers pop right off if you don't care to have them on.

[Splat]

Sounds good. Hopefully my local sporting goods meca has SOG's PA.... it's time for my weekly walk-thru anyway. 

[J-sews]

I just googled for SOG PowerAssist. Various websites have them listed for sale, but nobody shows them in stock yet. Several showed April 30th as the date they expected stock from SOG.

[Splat]

I found that out today. Waiting sucks. 

[J-sews]

I'm definitely more into instant gratification.