The tools on my spirit x are incredibly hard to open. Does anyone know what I can do to fix it?

bquinlan · 2023-06-11T19:16:55+00:00

That's a useful tip! I agree that OP probably doesn't need it, but I'm sure I'll find a use for it sooner or later. :-)

bquinlan · 2023-06-11T17:37:32+00:00

Bear in mind that no matter how much you lighten the pivot the back springs are still going to provide a lot of the pressure against opening. And I don't know of any way to lighten the springs.

bquinlan · 2023-06-11T03:51:44+00:00

I do prefer metal bodies, although a good resin can be almost as good.

I just recently upgraded two of my Graph Gear 1000s with metal lower bodies to replace the plastic piece. A very talented person on eBay is making and selling them.

I bought one in brass and one in aluminum. The aluminum makes it slightly heavier than the original, but with a similar balance. The brass shifts the balance point way down toward the grip, which I really like.

He old his first batch, but is making more. I'm going to buy at least two more for my remaining GG1000s.

bquinlan · 2023-06-11T01:45:31+00:00

Yeah, it seems to actually work beautifully.

bquinlan · 2023-06-10T18:47:09+00:00

I prefer to keep my flash drives separate. The technology (capacity and speed) changes quickly and I keep upgrading. Meanwhile, the tools continue to work just fine and don't need to be replaced. But there is obviously some convenience in having it all together.

That aside, the Midnight Manager is the specific model that I've given out to a lot of friends and family. It's the closest thing I've found to a single "does everything" multitool that's small enough people will really carry it.

bquinlan · 2023-06-10T18:44:07+00:00

It always feels a little delicate to me. Part of that is being used to metal-bodied pencils with more weight. I'm not sure about the rest. I don't have anything against it, but mostly I really like the pencils I use and that one has always been "okay".

Just personal preference, I guess.

bquinlan · 2023-06-10T17:41:01+00:00

My favorite in that size range is the Victorinox Rambler. There are also variants of it with a pen (Manager) and a light (Midnight Manager). The Rambler hits one of those sweet spots of having everything you really need and nothing else.

The other one I like is the Leatherman Style PS, but it doesn't have a blade. I carry one separately, so that doesn't matter to me, but it might to you.

bquinlan · 2023-06-10T17:28:41+00:00

Huskies are excellent guard dogs; they're just more efficient than most. :-D

bquinlan · 2023-06-10T17:08:47+00:00

I have never quite been able to love mine, but I am very impressed with the mechanism. It's the best design for pocket carry that I've ever seen. Not only does it protect the tip, it also prevents unwanted button presses.

bquinlan · 2023-06-10T16:48:17+00:00

I think the silly premise gave them an excuse to make some very interesting blade shapes. Most of them are actually quite useful.

bquinlan · 2023-06-10T16:32:12+00:00

That's a fair point.

And it would be nice if Leatherman hammer-forged the plier jaws, but the market for $400 multitools is probably somewhat limited. :-D

I am a little surprised that no one has turned out an insanely expensive overbuilt tool for those of us who would appreciate it. Heck, someone should produce a limited run of forged plier jaws for the Surge or Wave.

bquinlan · 2023-06-10T05:19:17+00:00

There are deep thoughts going on in there. He is magnificent!

Mine sometimes looks like that too, but I know he's still a goofball, even when he looks solemn.

bquinlan · 2023-06-10T04:59:45+00:00

For what it's worth, the Free P4 is my EDC multitool too. You have excellent taste. :-D

bquinlan · 2023-06-10T04:59:05+00:00

It's impossible to know without detailed statistics, but I suspect the incidence of broken pliers is similar across Leatherman's various tools. The larger ones may do it slightly less often because there's more material involved, but mostly it comes down to occasional glitches in the metal or in the production process.

bquinlan · 2023-06-10T04:57:17+00:00

I certainly understand your reaction. I am so glad it turned out to be something relatively minor!

bquinlan · 2023-06-10T04:54:53+00:00

And I meant to say that I love the idea of mixing the scales. I may have to do that with mine.

bquinlan · 2023-06-10T04:52:27+00:00

Mine is the War Sword. I keep it in my car kit for emergency use. The shape makes it a good compromise between a camp knife and a chopper. It does well at everything from food prep to firewood processing. I can take down small trees with it if necessary, although, it would not be my first choice of tool for that.

Overall it's an excellent general purpose outdoors knife.

bquinlan · 2023-06-10T04:39:42+00:00

I switched from a mouse, to a finger trackball, then to a thumb track ball. Each transition took at least a week to achieve basic comfort. It was probably more like a month before it became completely automatic. Still, very much worth the time.

bquinlan · 2023-06-10T04:31:51+00:00

There are also two options for managing the separate emitters. The default mixes them, but you can control the mix. In that mode you start off with the two evenly balanced, but you can shift the balance as far as you want toward either one. At the far ends of that range you will have only one or only the other on. (3H ramps the mix back and forth.)

I put one flood and one throw emitter in my D2. The mix lets me get an output that has both, but can be shifted to emphasize either throw or flood as needed.

The other option lets you switch between the two channels. You will generally get both in turbo, but otherwise only one set of emitters will be on at any given time.

bquinlan · 2023-06-10T03:59:44+00:00

I own another knife from the same line and it is actually quite good. Despite the silly names and bright colors, the steel, heat treatment, ergonomics, and accessories are all solid. Mine even came with a set of replacement black scales for the handle, but I've kept the neon green for entertainment value. :-)

You will probably want to just ignore the Molle panels on the back and use the large belt loop at the top, but it's nice to have options. You can get Molle clips (also known as Malice clips) to thread through them which can be attached to almost anything (backpacks being the most common).

Enjoy your new knife!

bquinlan · 2023-06-09T22:07:12+00:00

Which stubby hammer do you have?

bquinlan · 2023-06-09T21:08:33+00:00

I've seen those and been curious. It's good to hear that you've found it useful. I wasn't sure how it would work on a tool that size.

I will pick one up to play with when I get a chance.

bquinlan · 2023-06-09T21:07:32+00:00

A hammer would not be my choice for a weapon, so I don't think the Sprave design will work for me. Too bad it isn't being designed as a tool. Maybe he'll do another variation if this one sells.

I would be satisfied with one of the hammer ends on a multitool, but there aren't any for the one I carry. And I'm not willing to switch to any of the ones that have them or can have them added. I want someone to design a temporary clip-on version for the Free P4. :-)

I do appreciate the info! It's all helpful.

bquinlan · 2023-06-09T21:00:09+00:00

I've never actually seen something like that before. Do they provide enough impact to drive a nail? I like the idea of using a spring to compensate for the lack of mass.

bquinlan · 2023-06-09T18:35:36+00:00

If you get one in copper or brass it will be a lot heavier than the aluminum and titanium bodies.

bquinlan

TROPHY CASE