I am done with cheap Chinese multi-tools.

Ganzos are not too bad, the bigger ones. Smaller was not really that great

That sucks about your finger. I’ve done a lot of damage to my hands over the years, including extensive 2nd degree burns. I know how it feels! Anyway, I’ve seen a few of the China budget multitools tried out on YouTube, and it looks like in most cases you receive exactly what you paid for. In this case, not a good thing. One of the vids I watched, the guy bent the whole body of the tool just trying to use the pliers. They cost more for sure, but a Leatherman or Gerber multitool is the way to go.

I think the high prevalence of cheap China tools in our society is a combination of a couple of things. The first is the lack of retail outlets to buy high quality tools. There are very few retail stores that carry high quality tools or cutlery. The second and more prevalent reason is a broader issue than just the tools that people carry, but it impacts that as well. We’ve become a “throw-away” society rather than one the focuses on long term ownership. Instead of investing in a quality pocket tool that will last for years (and maybe even get passed on to a son someday), people buy a cheap tool, use it til it’s dull, then throw it out and buy another (cheap tool). “Manly” skills like sharpening your own tool and keeping it clean and sharp have fallen by the wayside. As I said, this is a topic that goes beyond just tools, but I won’t go into that here.

I bought very expensive and very cheap tools, multi-tools and power tools. Looking back at how they fared, I think it all depends on what purpose they serve.

cheap sockets for low torque car application:
so far they are all ok, no issues at all

cheap impact sockets for (air) impact tools:
1 broke apart after 1 year, rest ok

multi-tools:
Gerber clones, fake tools: OK and still working, but typically heavier, less quality and not great craftsmanship

Knives, pocketknives
Ganzos are holding up so far, no issues at all

I have a few Ganzo multi-tools and i rate them better than Gerber at least the Gerbers i have bought.

My partner got me a Swiss army knife from the Switzerland factory and its okay i had the same issues tools getting stuck but i oiled it good so it wont rust. Ill be honest i wasn’t ecstatic with its build quality lol.

True Utility is the brand name. I do own leatherman, Swiss Army, Ganzo brand tools. Buying the True Utility was just supposed to be a cheap thrill of sorts.

Opening mail and packages with my multi tools are 99% of their use. 1% of the time unintended self mutilation unfortunately.

My wife wants everyone to know that the problem with the tool was not that it wasn’t sharp.
:slight_smile:

Now you got something to talk about with the lads :smiley:

Another reason people buy cheap multitools is that if you want a pliers-type multitool, but your country forbids locking knife blades - like the UK - then your options are very limited.

As far as I know, there are no full size Leatherman multitools with non-locking knife blades. My Leatherman Wave stays at home, because it has a locking knife blade. There used to be a non-locking model called the Leatherman Kick (I have it) but it’s been discontinued.

I’ve also just ordered a Ganzo G104 to try, because I’d rather risk having a policeman mistakenly confiscate a £10 G104 than a £50 Leatherman Kick.

I’ve no idea whether the G104 is any good, but Banggood are doing a promotion on it until May 31st for £9.39 (about $12.50) if anyone’s interested:

I do not like the g104, you can see it in my video review against a non brand multitool.

Undoubtedly my very manley injury was a melee of epic proportion against carbon steel and flesh. Sadly it can be reduced to two simple words. These words are “Operator Error”. Ease of use, locking, unlocking, quality design mean nothing when your physical adroitness using hand tools amounts to “Danger Will Robinson” call EMS now. :slight_smile:

I understand completely. After such a mishap, my immediate response would be to blame the toolmaker or perhaps whomever set me upon the task during which I was injured. I’d consider other possible culprits as well. It usually takes awhile for me to consider my own clumsiness as a possible factor.

Just go for leatherman and you won’t be sorry. I have the charge tti and the wingman and I like both. The leatherman wave is probably the best allround choice.

Victorinox multitools are also verry nice, but not budget.

I personally have been carrying a Leatherman surge for years. I have broken it twice, and both times they gave me a new one after I shipped mine to them.

Surge is also very nice.

Everything I own I carry on my bicycle. After 100000 miles I have collected tools that work for me. https://farm8.static.flickr.com/7137/7122658997_354453fcf8_b.jpg

I have been using a pocket Ganzo for YEARS (had to blue locktite the screws) had a few owies…but got em with expensive stuff too.

I had an authentic Filipino butterfly knife that was sharpened by a Japanese knife maker here in the USA. He said the way to learn the knife is not to tape the blades when practicing, so you respect it before you pick it up. A few cuts later I stopped picking up knives.