The Switch Modular Pocket Knife from quirky could be a perfect gadget for Swiss Army knife fans it can be customized with your choice of 18 different tool attachments. Let’s see if this  multi-tool is worthy enough to add to your gear bag.

Note: Click the images in this review to see a larger view.

When is the last time that you saw a multi-tool packaged in a plastic box like this one? Opening the box reveals a variety of blades.

Package Contents

2 exterior body covers, for encasing the tool attachments.
2 slotted caps to hold the tool together, which can be removed with the twist of a quarter to disassemble the unit.
3 interior chassis assemblies – small (2-6 tools), medium (4-10 tools), and large (7-13 tools)
18 tool attachments: Basic Blade, Serrated Blade, Woodsaw, Bottle Opener/Flathead, Can Opener/Wire Stripper, Scissors, Nail File, Flathead Screwdriver, Phillips-Head Screwdriver, Eyeglass Flathead Screwdriver, Eyeglass Phillips-Head Screwdriver, Magnifying Lens, Corkscrew, Wrench, Pen, Magnet, Tweezers, LED Flashlight
Plastic storage case
Instruction sheet

The idea behind the Switch Modular Pocket Knife is that you can build your own customized knife with a variety of blades / tools. You start by choosing a small, medium or large steel chassis. The smallest chassis will accommodate 2-6 tools, the medium chassis can hold 4-10 tools and the largest chassis will hold 7-13 tools.

Here are the 18 tool attachments. Top row: Magnet, Corkscrew, Tweezers, LED Flashlight, Eyeglass Flathead Screwdriver
Middle row: Eyeglass Phillips-Head Screwdriver, Pen, Scissors, Wrench, Magnifying Lens
Bottom row: Phillips-Head Screwdriver, Basic Blade, Woodsaw, Serrated Blade, Bottle Opener/Flathead, Can Opener/Wire Stripper, Flathead Screwdriver, Nail File

Some of the tools have “handles” that are made of plastic, while the others are made of steel. In the image above, you’ll see the tweezers, corkscrew, Black ballpoint pen, magnet and magnifying glass. These extra non-knife tools look like they could be handy, but in reality some of them are less than useful. The magnet tool is a great idea, but the magnet itself is pretty weak. The magnifying glass is completely useless. It might work for trying to make a fire with a beam of sunlight… but to actually magnify something, forget it. The lens is tiny and blurry. The ballpoint pen could be cool, but trying to write with it while it is in the Switch handle is pretty uncomfortable. I’m also not sure how you would go about refilling it as I can’t seem to pull out the pen from the handle.

Assembling your tools into the chassis can be a real challenge. The instructions tell you to line up all the tools into the chassis and then slide in the appropriate axle. I found this to be difficult because the tools tend to slide around making it hard to slide the axle completely through the hole.

I found it easier to slide the axle partially through the chassis opening and then load the tools one by one. Just don’t forget to put the cover on before inserting the axle. Once you’ve added all the tools and have the axle seated properly, you can add the other cover and the axle cap. To tighten the cap, you can use a quarter. Be warned that the axles are made of aluminum, which is soft and easily scratched and marred by the quarter.

Here’s an assembled Switch using the medium chassis with 6 tools.

At first I thought my customized Switch modular pocket knife was really cool… until I tried to access one of the blades. I soon became frustrated because the blades seemed to all catch on each other making it almost impossible to pull one out. Adjusting the tightness of the axle caps didn’t help and just caused the tools to flop around too easily.

The idea is a good one, but it just doesn’t work well at all.

I think there needs to be some type of nylon spacer between the steel tools to keep them from binding together.

On the bottom of the chassis is the blade lock.

When a tool is fully extended, it locks in place. At least it’s supposed to. Again, it doesn’t always work that well.

The Switch Modular Pocket Knife is a great idea but it really needs some more engineering and / or better components to make it an actual useful tool. As is, it’s just a novelty item. And a frustrating one at that. My advice is to not waste your $80 on this product. Take your money and buy a Leatherman multi-tool or a real Swiss Army knife. Trust me, you’ll be much happier with your purchase.

Filed in categories: Gear, Reviews

Tagged: Multi-tool, Pocket Knife

Switch Modular Pocket Knife Review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on January 22, 2012 at 11:00 am.

While maybe not as versatile as a Leatherman or similar multi-tool on your keyring, you’ve got to admit that this is pretty cute.  The Tool Tank from Spinning Hat Playful Design includes three heads ( large and small phillips and flat ) cleverly disguised in its tracks.  Each head magnetically fixes into the turret and it’s available in green and red. Might not be the best design for getting into those tight places but what do you expect from a tank ?

Available for preorder for £9.99 ( $15 )

Filed in categories: Geek Toys, News

Tagged: Keychain, Multi-tool

Tool Tank – Is that a tank in your pocket or are you just… originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on January 16, 2012 at 9:00 am.

I love multi-tools! They are even my ‘go to’ idea for gifts for most people,. Even the non-’everyday carry’ types often appreciate a pocketable device that has several handy tools built into it.

A work buddy pulled out a Gerber Splice to do a repair the other day and I instantly fell in love with this small, tough workhorse and soon got my own. How did it stack up against my old favorites, the Swiss Army Victorinox Manager and the Leatherman Juice S2?

The Splice is 2.4 inches by 1 inch closed and opens to a 4″ pair of scissors. It weighs 2.5 ounces and has 9 tools- scissors, straight clip point blade, serrated sheep’s foot blade, Phillips tip with nail file, an interesting cap lifter bit with a large slotted screwdriver tip, and a very fine slotted screwdriver tip. (Hmm, there seems to be a missing tool unless they count the lanyard loop.)

Showing all tools- note that the large screwdriver bit/caplifter on the lower left is connected to the smaller tool above it.

The Splice is a boxy, hefty tool. Mine was ‘well-oiled’ in the packaging and it feels like you are holding a real tool. The downside is that it feels like it could rip out your pocket in a heartbeat. The tools are perhaps a bit tight, but you can adjust that with a small Torx tool.

By comparison, my Manager Pocket Tool is 2.14 inches long and opens to 4″ with the knife blade. It weighs about 1/2 as much as the Splice and also features 9 tools- main clip point blade, scissors, Phillips tip, wire stripper, cap lifter, slotted tip, nail file, tweezers, and a retractable pen. (Actually, mine is a Midnight Manger version, which offers a small red LED flashlight in place of the tweezers, but I would rather have the tweezers!)

The Juice S2 is larger- a small multi-tool rather than a ‘pocket tool’ or ‘mini-tool’, but it is not really that much larger than the Splice at 3.25 inches closed, 5 inches with the pliers open, 4.4 ounces, and an even dozen tools.

All of these offer a lanyard loop, solid construction, good warranties, and a large fan base.

Victorinox Manager, Gerber Splice, and Leatherman Juice S2

Victorinox, Gerber, and Leatherman open

Why would you choose a small multi-tool or ‘pocket tool’? Quick convenience. In the last couple days I have used a mini-tool to open packages in the kitchen, clip some unruly hairs, open several boxes, tighten a cabinet door knob, remove a partially torn fingernail, trim loose threads, and more. The thing is that I could have gone to a drawer or cabinet and gotten the ‘right’ tools for each of these but instead I just whipped the tool out of my pocket and the job was done.

I think I prefer my sleeker, lighter Manager Pocket Tool for general carry, but the Slice is definitely a hard working option for people who need a little more ‘umph’ than the comparatively light-weight Swiss Army units can offer.

Filed in categories: Gear, Outdoor Gear, Reviews

Tagged: Gerber, mini-tool, Multi-tool

Gerber Splice Mini-tool Review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on September 25, 2011 at 2:00 pm.

Apparently the CRKT ID Works Flux Multi Tool System is not a new product, but since it’s new to me, I thought I’d share it anyway. The Flux system allows you to construct your own multi-tool from a variety of options. Tools slide and snap on to a special dual rail holder that has carbiner type hooks on each end. Some of the tools include a knife, hex bit driver, LED flashlight, Flash drive and wine bottle opening tools. I think this is a cool idea, but wish there were more tools to choose from. Prices for the Flux components vary, but range from $9.99 – $69.99.

Filed in categories: Gear, News, Outdoor Gear

Tagged: Multi-tool

Build Your Own Multi-Tool with the CRKT ID Works Flux System originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on July 17, 2011 at 12:00 pm.

As Julie wrote a few posts down, here at The Gadgeteer, we can’t get enough keychain tools and gadgets.  So here’s another, the Swiss+Tech Micro-Plus EX 9-in-1 Key Ring Tool.  As the somewhat lengthy name implies, 9 tools are embedded in this little gem, including pliers, bottle opener, 4 screwdrivers, and wire cutter/stripper/crimper.  All stainless steel and folds down into a pocket-friendly oval shape to attach to your keyring.  $9.99.  Got a favorite keyring multi-tool?  Sound off!

Filed in categories: Miscellaneous, News

Tagged: Keychain, Keyring, Multi-tool, Spotlight Gadgets

Micro-Plus EX puts 9 tools on your keyring originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on June 8, 2011 at 3:00 pm.

I love multi-tools, and they have come a long way since my first basic Leatherman Pocket Survival Tool in the 80′s. I am always on the lookout for the ‘perfect’ tool for my own everyday carry- that magical balance between size, weight, tool options, and functionality that just works for me. My current ‘everyday carry’ multi-tool is the Leatherman Juice S2 and I am about 85% happy with it.

The Gerber Suspension is a fairly large tool with a solid steel body and a large selection of tools. I knew its size would count against it in this contest, but even if it was not a good ‘everyday’ tool, I would still be able to find several good uses for it so when I found one on sale, I snagged it quickly!

The tech specs for the Suspension are pretty nice:

• Overall Length: 6″
• Closed Length: 3.5″ (My actual measure was closer to 3.75″)
• Weight: 9oz.
• Handle Material Stainless Steel
• Components: Needle-nose pliers, wire cutter, fine edge knife, serrated edge knife, saw, scissors, crosspoint screwdriver, small and medium flat blade screwdrivers, can opener, bottle opener and lanyard hole.

Besides all that, the main knife blades have an easy-open tab that allows one-handed opening with just a little practice. All of the little tools have a release mechanism. You need to pull the release tab on both sides of the handle for the best results, so it is not so much a one-handed close. The main pliers are spring-loaded to open automatically. As a nice bonus, the tool can be taken completely apart for tinkering or cleaning… if you are brave and have the right size Allen wrench.

Gerber Suspension on top, Leatherman Juice C2 on bottom

Tools in closed position

Close-up of thumb tab, release, and tool fasteners

The overall tool is solid and hefty. Wiggling the handles reveals a little play, but it does not seem to be a problem. Opening the tool to the main pliers is easy, and can be done one-handed in a pinch. The main pliers are the somewhat typical modified needle-nose most multi-tools use now- long skinny tips, a semi-circular grabbing section, and wire cutters at the base. They seem plenty tough and have worked well for everything I have used them on.

The plier handles can be a problem with multi-tools- comfort, pinching, leverage and more affect the usefulness of the pliers. The Suspension handles are spring-loaded to open to the tool’s max- 5″ at the furthest points. Even closed, it is 2.5″ from tip to tip of the handle. This may be awkward for someone with smaller hands, but the handles are so smooth and comfortable that this probably would not be a real problem. My Juice actually has shorter pliers and handles, and opens wider but there is no contest- the Suspension offers the stronger pliers and stronger gripping forces.

Plier jaws close-up, Gerber is spring-loaded to open automatically

The tools in the Suspension are all solid and most follow classic Gerber design, like the rather ‘plump’ scissors. They are all accessible when the tool is closed, which is sort of a mixed blessing. In general, ‘external’ tools like this are easier to access, but the handle does not work quite as well with the tools, while ‘internal’ tools are only accessible when the pliers are open, but they usually work with the plier handles better. For example, the internal tools in the Juice are more in-line with the handle and you can use the handle fully open for length, or with the handle in a 90 degree configuration for more torque. You can certainly do this with the Suspension as well, just not as smoothly or comfortably as the Juice.

Suspension tools close-up

Tool selection comparison

For a 3.75″ long tool, the knife blades seem rather short with just under 2″ of cutting edge. The main blade is a ‘sheeps-foot’ with a straight cutting edge which is a decent general purpose design, especially at this size. It has a quick-open tab set-up for right-hand use, and uses the same locking mechanism all the tools use. The serrated blade is about the same. The Juice’s main ‘spear-point’ blade is 2.5″ long in a tool barely an inch longer and feels much larger in proportion.

Blade comparison

The other tools have big thumbnail notches that are easy to use for the most part and open easily enough that it does not threaten to rip off the nail, which sometimes happens in my smaller, tighter Juice. The 2″ saw blade is tricky to use since it is so short, but the can opener/bottle cap lifter blade is great! Typical nice Gerber scissors with great leverage, but only 1/2″ long cutting surfaces. The Juice’s scissor blades are 1″ at the cutting edge. The Juice’s scissors win for light duty stuff, but the more powerful Suspension scissors can handle tough jobs easier.

Scissors comparison

The screwdriver blades are slightly offset to work with the handles. There is a small flat blade just under 1/8″ wide but a bit thick; a decent 3/16″ wide flat blade that is still a bit thick but could probably double as a light duty pry bar; and a ‘flattened Phillips’ that works with an optional adapter that holds standard hex bits. The Juice bits are generally smaller and work with the tool’s handle a little better- possibly just because of the difference in bulk.

Phillips bit comparison

Both tools offer a lanyard hole. The Suspension’s is large enough to run a 1/8″ cord through, the Juice’s is, predictably, smaller. On both tools, lanyards can get in the way in actual use. It blocks part of the Suspension’s scissors’ handle and gets tangled with the Phillips bit on the Juice. I use the lanyards to let me carry the tool in my back pocket and easily pull it out.

The Suspension’s case is a nicely designed ballistic nylon case shaped to hold the tools and can ride horizontally or vertically on a belt or strap.  There is an optional tool kit that fits on the Philips bit of this and many other Gerber full-sized tools that adds a lot of versatility.

In actual use, this is a nice tool most of the time. It is about the lowest price ‘full size’ multi-tool offered by the big brands, so there is a trade off- strength is accomplished by using heavier materials. I find that I am always aware of its bulk and weight. It ‘feels’ bigger than any other multi-tool I have used even though I have used several that were physically larger. On the other hand, you can crank on the Suspension in ways that would wreck the Juice and many other multitools I have owned. This thing may not cost much more than a low-end multi-tool, but it is as tough as any Gerber tool I have ever owned.

I may not choose to carry the Suspension every day (it ripped through a pocket the day I tried it!), but it would work well anywhere you need a decent assortment of tools and weight is not the primary issue. It has earned a place of honor in my ‘carry along’ tool kit at work, backing up other tools and offering helpful options.

Filed in categories: Gear, Outdoor Gear, Reviews

Tagged: Gerber, Multi-tool, multitool

Gerber Suspension Multi-tool Review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on May 1, 2011 at 6:15 pm.

Your title of retro gaming geek would be in question if the sight of this alien didn’t immediately bring you back to battling through endless lines of the Invaders.  Now you can have a memento of those hard-fought battles with this stainless steel Invader replica multi-tool keychain.  On each articulated arm is a mini flat head and mini philips screwdriver.  The aliens have invaded Art Supply Warehouse and can be purged for a mere $15.39.

Filed in categories: Geek Toys, News

Tagged: Keychain, Multi-tool, space invaders

Space Invaders in Your Pocket originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on March 20, 2011 at 10:00 am.

Standard pocket knife not cutting it for you?  Need a few more tools your pocket, but not more bulk?  Only 2.5 in long, the Leatherman Squirt PS4 is a little gem that packs no less than 9 tools into a keychain-sized package.  In fact, it’s one of a very few multi-tools that includes both pliers AND scissors.  Anodized aluminum handles available in black, red or blue complete its sharp look.  $25 from Amazon, and also available at several other online retailers.

Got a favorite mini-multi-tool?

Filed in categories: Gear, News

Tagged: Keychain, Multi-tool, Spotlight Gadgets

Leatherman Squirt PS4 Packs a Lot into a Little originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on January 25, 2011 at 2:00 pm.

There are a couple of brands I think of when it comes to multi-tools. Leatherman, SOG and Gerber. Today I want to show you the Gerber Crucial pocket tool multi-plier that was sent to be from OutdoorPros. It has been given the name Crucial because instead of having a bazillion knife blades, screw drivers, files, saws and various other assorted tools, it only gives you the tools you really need.

This is compact folding multi-tool with an overall length of 5.5″ inches when open and just 3.6″ when close. It’s made of stainless steel and has a weight of 5.0 oz.

The included tools are:

* Carbiner type clip that doubles as a bottle opener
* Pocket knife
* Needle nose pliers
* V-cut wire cutters
* Flat head screw driver
* Phillips head screw driver

There are no plastic parts to this tool. The handles are steel. There’s also a steel pocket clip attached to one side.

Edge view.

Here we see the three blade type tools extended. The spring style carabiner clip can double as a bottle opener.

The blade tools lock into place when they are fully extended. They can be unlocked and folded back into the handles by pressing the liner locks shown here. They are thin pieces of steel with the notches on the edge.

The 2.25″ long blade feels pretty robust. The thickest part of the blade is 3/16th’s thick and at the base there is an attached knob that you can use for one-handed opening. It has both a serrated section and a smooth section, with a blunt tip.

Using this tool with the knife bladed extended feels comfortable in my hand. I wasn’t sure about the location of the carbiner clip, but it actually helps me keep a good grip on the handle by providing a place for my index and middle finger to curl around. The handle doesn’t dig into my palm either. The same goes for using the flat and Phillips screw drivers. Both are comfortable to use.

The handles of this tool unfold to reveal a pair of narrow nosed pliers with a wire cutter.

I have another Gerber multi-tool that I keep in the house for various tasks. To give you an idea of the size of the Crucial, here it is next to the full sized Gerber MP800.

Using this tool as a pair of pliers is not nearly as comfortable as using the knife blade or screw driver blades. This is true for two reasons. Number one, the pointy part of of the silver handle digs into the palm of my hand along with the pocket clip. Holding it the opposite way feels a little better, but not by a lot. The other thing I don’t like about using the plier tool is that it’s not spring loaded. I guess I’ve been spoiled by the Gerber MP800, which is spring loaded. Using the Crucial is fine for small jobs, but I wouldn’t want to use the pliers all day long. Maybe my hands are just too soft though

Gerber knives are well made and I like the fact that is compact and doesn’t have a bunch of unneccessary tools that rarely get used and just make the tool bulky. The knife blade is rugged and comfortable to use, as are the screw drivers. The pliers are adequate but I wouldn’t care to use them for any extended period of time. I think this tool would be a nice addition to a car glove box or a gear bag because it doesn’t take up a lot of space and doesn’t add a lot of weight.

What is your favorite compact multi-tool with pliers?

Filed in categories: Gear, Reviews

Tagged: Multi-tool

Gerber Crucial Pocket Tool Multi-Plier Review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on December 28, 2010 at 10:30 am.

The SOG Micro ToolClip maybe be small, but it packs a formidable compact plier – with the precision to cut paper, the power to cut wire and the determination to grip screws. It does it all with a spring return and features a knife blade, two screwdrivers, and a file. It can be carried in a pocket, briefcase or clipped to a jacket. Available in pink, black, blue and green. It will be available in December at a MSRP of $20.00.

Filed in categories: Gear, News

Tagged: Multi-tool, Spotlight Gadgets

SOG Multi-tools Shrink and Come in Pink originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on September 19, 2010 at 9:00 am.

We’ve all seen Leatherman tools with a wide variety of useful blades and tools, but did you know that they also offer a multi-tool designed specially for soldiers? It’s the Leatherman MUT and has tools to help a soldier (or civilian gun enthusiast) work on his/her firearm. Some of the tools include a replaceable firearm disassembly punch, replaceable carbon scraper and cleaning rod/brush adapters. These tools are available through Amazon with a range in pricing from $149 – $159.

Filed in categories: Gear, News

Tagged: Multi-tool, Spotlight Gadgets, Tools

Leatherman MUT – A Specialized Multi-tool for Soldiers originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on September 8, 2010 at 1:03 pm.

How would you like to create your own custom uber Swiss Army style multi-tool? Now you can with the Switch from Quirky. It comes with 18 different tool attachments. You choose if you want a small (2-6 tools), medium (4-10 tools), and large (7-13 tools) sized tool by swapping the different blades/tools in and out. Pre-order now for $68.

Filed in categories: Gear, News, Reviews

Tagged: Knife, Multi-tool

Switch – Create a Custom Multi-Tool originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on April 26, 2010 at 6:34 pm.

If your gadget tastes lean more toward the utilitarian, you may be happy to learn that Gerber, famous for their knives and multi-tools (and not baby food), have added a number of new items to their multi-tool family, including the Crucial multi-tool and the Curve keychain tool.  The Crucial (pictured) is a butterfly-opening pocketable tool available in green or silver, whereas the Curve loses the Multi-Plier in exchange for being just the right size for a keychain.  The built-in caribiner on both tools doubles as a bottle opener, for when you’re really and truly roughing it.

The Curve is available now, and the Crucial should be available September 15th.

Filed in categories: Gear

Tagged: Knives, Multi-tool, Spotlight Gadgets, Tools

Gerber announces Crucial multi-tool originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on August 13, 2009 at 3:00 pm.

The Spyderco Byrdrench is unlike any multi-tool that I’ve seen before. The tool’s housing is two stainless halves that join creating slip joint pliers (with a large or small bite) on one end and an adjustable 9/16” crescent wrench on the opposite end. Other tools include a knife, file, hole starter and a bit housing that can accept any standard 1/4″ sized bit including Allen and Torx® wrenches. Four screwdriver bits are included. It has a price tag of $129.95.

Filed in categories: Gear

Tagged: Knives, Multi-tool, Spotlight Gadgets

Multi-tool with a wrench – Spyderco Byrdrench originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on August 5, 2009 at 12:25 pm.

English tradesmen in the 1880′s invented the original multi-tool called the Harp Tool. Bricklayers, long shore men and the like carried Harp Tools, named for their shape resembling the musical instrument. Inside the harp would be implements specific to the trade or craft. The Spyderco Byrd 8-Tool Harp includes: a Phillips-head screwdriver, slotted-head screwdriver, saw, corkscrew, file, punch/awl, gimlet and a two headed hammer. Each tool rotates out, snapping open ready for work and then folds back into the frame when finished. It looks kinda cool, but I am not sure how comfortable it would be to actually use it.

Filed in categories: Gear

Tagged: Multi-tool, Spotlight Gadgets, Tools

The original multi-tool – Spyderco Byrd 8-Tool Harp originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on July 25, 2009 at 12:03 pm.

It may be vaguely fish shaped, but the Guppie Multi-tool from X-tremeGeek.com probably won’t help you catch a big one. The adjustable wrench, interchangeable-bit screwdriver, LED flashlight or the bottle opener might come in handy around the camp site though.

Filed in categories: Uncategorized

Tagged: Multi-tool, Spotlight Gadgets

Something is fishy with the Guppie Multi-tool originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on April 13, 2009 at 3:05 pm.

I keep a multi-tool in the glove box of my vehicle, one in the tool drawer of Gadgeteer HQ and another in the junk drawer in my kitchen. Why so many multi-tools? Because they provide several functions in one handy package, that would otherwise take up a lot more space. Today I want to show you the Coast C5795 11 Function Multi-Tool Deluxe that was sent to me by LightsandKnives.com.

The C5795 is an 11 function multi-tool that is made of 440C stainless steel, has 4 snap out tools and 2 fold out blades.

A very nice rigid canvas belt case with a Velcro flap is included with the tool.

When fully opened, the C5795 is six inches long. The handles are spring loaded and will automatically spring out as you see here.

When folded closed, the multi-tool is 4 long by 1.375 wide.

The thickness of the C5795 is 1 inch, which is pretty thick for a tool that you need to grasp in your hand in order to use it. Comparing it with two of my favorite mulit-tools, the Gerber MP800 and the SOG S63 EOD PowerLock, it definitely felt less comfortable gripped in my hand.

This tool does have plastic grips, but they aren’t soft and the edges aren’t rounded enough to be comfortable in hand. I have soft girly hands, so I may just be a wimp, but I would guess that even someone with callused hands would not find the grips on this tool to be optimal after several minutes of use.

Let’s take a look at the 11 functions that the C5795 provides.

There is a one hand accessible blade housed in each grip that can be extended without unfolding the tool. A small knob at the base of each blade can be swiveled out with your thumb.

When fully extended, the blade will lock in place.

To fold the blade back into the handle, you have to depress the latch, which is located at the base of the blade. You can see it in the image above, it’s sorta popped up.

Here we see the two blades – a knife with a serrated section, and a saw blade. The other tools that are housed in the grips include a small pair of scissors, flat screwdriver tip, bottle opener, Phillips screwdriver tip and a small flathead screw driver. Of course there’s also a set of needle nose pliers, with built in wire cutters.

The C5795 is ruggedly constructed and feels like it could stand up to some significant abuse. The blades and tools feel sturdy as well.

Because of the uncomfortable hand grips, the C5795 11 Function Multi-Tool from Coast isn’t going join the list of my favorite multi-tools anytime soon. But with a price tag of $29.00, and a decent selection of basic tools, I can’t get too down on it.

Price: $29.00

Pros:
Price
Knife and saw blade accessible even when tool is folded

Cons:
Grip thickness makes the tool uncomfortable in hand

Filed in categories: Gear

Tagged: Multi-tool, Tool

Coast C5795 11 Function Multi-Tool Deluxe Review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on December 19, 2008 at 3:05 pm.