Camping Tools Item ID: #123Gerber Suspension Multi-Tool
WAS
Product Information:
Item DescriptionThis is a classic workhorse with spring-loaded pliers, our patented Saf.T.Plus? component locking system, a ballistic nylon sheath, and the very same structural integrity that goes into every Gerber tool. Item Reviews8 Responses to “Gerber Suspension Multi-Tool” |
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I got my Gerber Suspension last month to replace a cheap multitool I’ve had for a few years which just became too loose to use safely. I use it mainly for work, and overall it’s performed brilliantly so far. The pliers are capable, handily spring loaded and have a good closure right to the very tip – I’ve used it to pull out tiny splinters more than once, they’re that fine. The locking system is good, if a little stiff from time to time. The scissors are also pretty good by penknife standards, which makes a refreshing change.
There is however, always a downside, so I’ll dwell on that for a while!
Firstly, the sheath that comes with it. There are little knobs on the sides of each blade to make it easier to open them single handed. The person who designed these knobs obviously didn’t communicate too closely with the person who designed the sheath. It has a sewn on flap over the entry hole placed so that the knobs on the blade catch on the underside of it, making it frequently all but impossible to remove the tool from the pouch without using both hands – not too handy. After four or five times I got annoyed and used the main blade to cut about half an inch down the sheath on the corner it was catching, so the flap bends out of the way. Never had a problem since – but you shouldn’t have to modify something designed for a specific purpose before it can do its only job!
2) This is fairly minor to me but you might think otherwise – the cross head screwdriver is rubbish.
3) I can’t see the point of having both a serrated and streight edge blade. A properly sharpened streight edge should be all you ever need – I’d happily lose the serrated one for a better cross head screwdriver.
4) The opening system for everything barring the two blades requires you to have a reasonable length of finger nail, and if you’re wearing work gloves there’s no hope. It is an improvement over my last multitool however, where you’d open one thing and everything would fold out, leaving you to fold the parts you don’t need back in.
5) This may not be an issue to you, but the streight blade comes with a very finely beveled edge which is great for getting an incredibly sharp knife, but such a thin edge is prone to damage. You might want to think about grinding a shallower bevel when you first sharpen it, but that would depend on what you regularly cut.
These however are all fairly minor niggles to me and overall, it’s a very capable tool. If you want an above average quality item without shelling out ludicrous money for a Leatherman, then go for it, I’d certainly recommend it!
After I ordered this I found a number of reviews on gerber equipment which stated that their manufacturing quality had deteriorated markedly since they moved production to china. I must say that this tool seems to be of the same high quality as a simmilar gerber tool I bought 12 years ago.
The only reason I have given this four stars instead of the maximum is that the knife blades although very sharp and a decent size are quite thick (probably to make them stronger) and I really liked the slimmer knife blades of my old tool which were very easy to sharpen because of the angle of the cutting edge. The steel used for the knife blades seems to be of the same type as the old gerber knives ie, very easy to sharpen with a steel and not so soft that it becomes dull quickly.
The pliers seem to be proper tool steel and are well made enough that they can be used as tweezers (at least while they are new).
If it falls to bits I’ll edit this review.
Great multi tool; I won’t add anything to the other reviews.
One major downside: the blades are fairly short and won’t suit all users.
But for my use, that’s a perfect tool!
Straight down to business, this is a great multi-tool which I have found to be sturdy, strong, ergonomic, sharp and hard wearing.
I’ve dropped it a few times (with no damage due to the strong construction), but with the free belt holder you wouldn’t need to worry about that if you work up a ladder etc.
The blades are sharp and the scissors are great for such a small pair. I had no difficulty opening the tools, unlike some people. The multi-tool feels quite heavy but I think this is due to the high quality workmanship and materials used. There’s a satisfying ‘snap’ when the tools locate in their recesses and I could open and close the pliers for hours.
Having a handy pair of pliers is amazing and they are sprung to a nice weighting. The springs or contraptions used to make this are really nice, it definately looks and feels top notch.
I would recommend this to anyone, basic DIY’er or professional.
After years of having a Swiss army knife handy, I felt I needed more ‘bits and pieces’ so started researching multi-tools. This one caught my eye as it seemed to have all the necessary features while not costing a bomb. I’m very satisfied with it, and it has performed a variety of task very well. Its finish is a little more basic than the Leatherman equivalent, but at less than half the price nobody could complain. It looks good and is obviously a well-thought out item, and another bonus is that it’s from a reputable firm.
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