Multitools

[adamski31]

Just back from my first trip as a cadet (had a blast!) and realised that I actually need a good-quality multitool (preferably suited to our profession). Can anyone recommend one?

NB I'm a deck cadet if that matters...

[GuinnessMan]

A loofah or a scrubby brush? That bridge ain't going to clean itself you know!


[serious mode] Look at leatherman, they're usually pretty good[/serious mode]

[size4riggerboots]

Leatherman Wave is what I have.

I also have a basic deckie knife and spike which I always have on my belt, the leatherman goes in a pocket, but if you're in a hurry, you want the knife to hand!

[gadget123]

If your ever on a ship that goes to the US. Go to walmart they have a good choice of gerbers etc at the gun stand, and at about half the price of the uk price

[Clanky]

What do you need other than a blade, a spike and a shackle key?

I can't imagine a little thing for getting stones out of horses hooves being much use to an aspiring Vasco de Gamma.

[ETwhat?]

Personally i prefer Leatherman stuff over Gerber, I find the warranty on leatherman's to be pretty impossible to fault, and i think this is the 3rd one ive had, whats interesting is in the states and canada they tend to replace the damaged part here they just replace the whole thing.

I think mine is the super tool, its just the plain rectangular one, the waves are good and we keep one on the boat, nicer in that you dont have to open them up to get at the blades,

I also have a little tiny one for cutting my nails and a juice for opening wine while camping.

[size4riggerboots]

What do you need other than a blade, a spike and a shackle key?

A couple of screwdriver options are useful, rather than having to go all the way to the deckie tool store to get one, I use the diddy little scissors fairly frequently too.

[Hatchorder]

I remember the knife and spike I bought for my first trip was laughed off the deck the first time I pulled it out. It was like Crocodile Dundee when the bosun turned round and said "This is a spike" and produced something 18 inches long (The spike i meant!).

On an aside, but related. This weekend I broke the large knife blade on my SwissChamp Swiss army knife. Not faulty, just my stupidity. Contacted Victorinox's agent in the UK today and told them the full story. Fessed up that it was my fault and that the knife is about 12 years old. They told me to ship the knife to them and they will either replace it with a new one or ship it to Switzerland for about 12 weeks and it will be repaired.

I then asked them the crucial question. How much? Their reply... "Nothing sir, all our knives are covered by a lifetime guarantee." I said "surely the warranty is for faulty materials not stupidity" and they said it is a full lifetime warranty no questions asked.

I have parceled it up today to send it off and have opted for a replacement rather than repair.

In today's society I find that incredible. A gold plated warranty. But it pays dividends, for a pocket knife I will only EVER recommend Victorinox from now on - because of the warranty. Amazing.

The only thing that bums me is I had a really old one that was trashed (broken corkscrew, broken scissors, chipped knife blade, broken saw blade) that I threw away about a year ago! Could have had a new one for that as well!

So if you have a Victorinox Swiss Army knife that is damaged get in touch with Burton McCall in Leicester. Hope this helps someone.

Ian

[Hatchorder]

And please remember everyone.

Put DO NOT put any knives and tools in your hand luggage or you will lose them at the airport

Sorry to shout but the last thing you want to see is an expensive multitool or knife being taken off you.

Ian

[Ducki52]

In my old line of work, I much preferred a Swiss Army knife to a multitool. I'd rather carry a pair of pliers separately (and i did) rather than a bulky big multitool. But I don't particularly like big bulky objects in my pockets.

[Lewis]

And please remember everyone.

Put any knives and tools in your hand luggage or you will lose them at the airport

Sorry to shout but the last thing you want to see is an expensive multitool or knife being taken off you.

Ian

Surely that should be and not or? They don't like you having ready acces to knives while sat on the plane.

[Hatchorder]

Surely that should be and not or? They don't like you having ready access to knives while sat on the plane.

DOH! Just read what I wrote! Sorry - corrected it. Thanks for pointing it out!

"What a plonker Rodney"

[Lewis]

to be honest i'd get a decent knife rather than a multi tool. Multi tool knives dont seem to keep an edge. go for an opinel(sp) kinife and very cheap multi tool for pocket got this last week cant go wrong for ?2-50

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Stainless-Steel-Credit-Survival-Sleeve/dp/B003KCGXOW/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1355791103&sr=8-6

[GGC-ESQ]

Out of interest, what is the procedure for taking multitools through airport security? Can't say I've tried before.

[Clanky]

Stick them in you hold luggage.