In addition to flashlights, I also like multi-tools, such as the ones offered by Gerber and Leatherman. Yet, being the incorrigible cheapskate that I am, I have been looking for a cheap Chinese knockoff. Of course, there are thousands of cheap multi-tools everywhere you look. However, I want one with locking tools, so they don't fold up onto my finger while I'm working. After much searching, I'm pleased to report that I think I found two decent imitations with locking tools. I hate fakes that claim to be the real thing, but on the other hand, I love a good knockoff that is clearly labelled as a generic that gives me most of the functionality at a fraction of the price. Enter the following two players:
From what I can tell, this is a very impressive clone of the Leatherman Wave, which retails for somewhere around $100. This imitation costs a cool $10.00 and spare change. By reading and looking closely, it would appear that at least the main blades have a "liner locking" mechanism. And additionally it features the very popular and practical design of the Leatherman (old style) Wave. Here's a few more links:
This one from our own (least) favorite retailer DealExtreme looks really good. It's apparently a rather clever ripoff of the Gerber MP600 DET, which retails for almost $100. This one appears to be even more faithful to the original design than the Leatherman ripoff above. Quite impressive actually for $12. The DX review claims that it has all locking tools. Here's another review:
In short, I think we've discovered a new art form. ;) This is fascinating stuff, especially since I don't have to pay an arm and a leg to try it out for myself.
I have one of the DX Gerber clones. Since I'm never likely to want to crimp blasting caps or detonators, it is perhaps less useful than it could be. It doesn't have the saw blade that the real Gerber DET does though. It is actually stamped "Gerber" and comes in a "Gerber" branded puch which is similar to, but of lower quality than, the real Gerber item. DX also have a Gerber Suspension clone. And another one.
I also have the EOD/DET clone. Compared with the real Gerber (or the standard MP600 BO version :)), it's not quite there. Finish is painted, not black oxide. I only paid ~$25 for the Gerber, so kind of a tossup for me which is better value.
I actually did a "review" of it on this forum: http://budgetlightforum.cz.cc/node/573
Speaking of which, you already know of this thread :):
To answer the question about Ganzo MT's in that thread, I don't think they lock (not even manufacturer claims it: http://sanrenmu.com/en/accessories/product/23.php). But they are made by the people who make sanrenmu (and they OEM for the Jeep/Harley MTs) so quality is good. If you want one to actually use, I think this is the best deal unless you can find a local vendor for that mammut for cheap.
If you want "best quality", get a victorinox. Those swiss have small tool manufacture figured out. Everything snaps perfectly. But best design is still leatherman wave/charge.
We've discussed these multi-tool ripoffs several times here, but I could never find definite information about the locking mechanism, which is the distinguishing factor for me. Like I said, they sell cheap multitools EVERYWHERE but I've never found one with a decent lock. So this is good news for me. A user at multitool.org confirmed via PM that the 4 main blades on the Mammut ripoff do indeed have a liner lock, and the the other tools have good spring action, just like the original does. He said his major complaint (for the price) is that the scissor tools flops out of the handle by gravity.
I also saw those Gerber Suspension clones on DX, but they don't appear to have any positive locking mechanism. Or do they? Only the blue one has reviews on DX, and they confirm that it does not have a lock.
It does seem strange that they would clone the DET version instead of the arguably more useful regular MP600. I really would find a saw to be for useful than a detonator.
ill be honest, when it comes to multi-tools, i dont go clone!
why? cause they ALWAYS rust out too quick, or snap really easily...
unlike cloned knives which seem to last FOREVER for me :-P (been carrying a DX "BOKER" tanto blade knife for years. absolutely love it!)
i have yet to see a good clone of any multitool... also, so you know, gerber sux to begin with
i would stay with leatherman or SOG. every gerber item i have owned has broken. knives, multi-tools, etc.
my sogs are still working (many years later) and so are my leathermans. my favorite knife is my 8" blade Ka Bar tankto (stands 12+" tall!)
still has a sharp blade after MONTHS of abuse.
when it comes to a knife or mutlitool, they arent as over priced as you might think. Quality materials and engineering is something that has gone to the side with MANY brands
Gerber sucks, CRKT sux, and some leathermans are even cheap quality.
if its gonna be a mutlitool u depend on, unlike lighting, your gonna want it to take the beating you give it. Go with a SOG if you can, or a higher end leatherman. It will pay for itself in comparison to the amount of cheap clones you would buy.
It's shears, an AXE, and other cool stuff like the wrenches.
I'm pretty sure I saw one similar to the above with that a hammer on one side, pliers in the middle, and an axe on the other. It's a lawsuit waiting to happen, but this is for chinese internal consumption and I want one.
I stick with victorinox swiss tool. I'm using actually my third one. It's now 4 years old and still like new. I (ab)use it litterally everyday. No, the first two were not broken, but they got STOLEN.
Lovely Cyrillic spam there, but I guess it did something useful in alerting me to this thread... here I can provide some solid info.
The "Suspension clones" you see aren't actually clones - they're made by a Chinese company called Ganzo, and Ganzo had the open-construction handles WAY before Gerber came out with those monstrosities. I'm not sure which Chinese manufacturer Gerber contracted to make all those MTs, but if it had been Ganzo I pretty well assure that you'd see locks on their tools now.
Couple things to note about Ganzo:
1. No locks. None of their tools models have locks, they're all slip-joint tools.
2. They're freaking EVERYWHERE. Every cheap, store-brand Chinese multitool you see with the characters "2CR" printed on the head is made by Ganzo. Other common models have spring loaded pliers with an external spring, and a few more have stainless steel handles with wooden inlays. For the tools without wooden inlays, the handles sweep out towards the bottom and become thicker.
I have in the last month seen tools made by Ganzo that have been rebranded under the following names: Stanley Tools, Black and Decker, Heckler and Koch, Jeep, Carolina Knife and Tool, Snap-On, Sheffield Tools, Winchester, as well as a bunch of store brand stuff as well. If you really want a Ganzo, just go to Wal-Mart - I GUARANTEE you'll find one there.
That one I could never find out - the Sanrenmu site also lists knives from Bee/Enlan, which I know is definitely a different company. Perhaps a partnership of some type?
Anyways, Ganzo multitools aren't that great. You're likely better off buying used Leatherman, SOG or Victorinox stuff off of eBay. Those companies still provide warranties regardless of who was the original purchaser.
PS: Sanrenmu knives? Really good, and I don't mean just really good for the price. I have three and they're all fantastic.
Wow ,you are interested in Sanrenmu knife ?it is a Chinese brand , and what's your price if you want , i'd like to consider purchase some if it is possible !
Wow ,you are interested in Sanrenmu knife ?it is a Chinese brand , and what's your price if you want , i'd like to consider purchase some if it is possible !
What's the price for Sanrenmu knife you purchse ? anyone can offer me some ? if I can sell it under your budget price , i will consider purchase some . and whihc series are the most popular ?
+1. That goes for any competitively priced knives, by the way. Folders, fixed, rescue knives, multi tools, novelty knives - doesn't matter. As long as the price is fair, I'm interested.
Hey Daniel, please try to get the new small multitool called T04, which is presented on the sanrenmu homepage.
As for knives, please get the red and green 605s (GR5-605 and GV-605). They are very small and leightweight, so you should be able to offer it cheap! :)
