i can't tell you how many times that one handed deployment saved me. The original was hot kit on boats back in the 90's. When a halyard was whipping around in the wind and you needed to bust the shackle on the end while holding it with the other hand.... not the toughest, but incredibly useful.
My Flik has been delegated to my Archery tasks. I had my fuse out and was finding it to be clunky for deploying the pliers when i'm replacing the target at my range. (if anyone's ever shot at the vegas indoor shoot, their gole-damn pins they use to hang targets up suck). I also tried using the fuse as an emergency D-Loop tool during shoots - but the handles collapse on themselves when you have to tighten the D-loop (stick pliers in, spread handles apart to tighten loop). The flick came in handy for most of my archery needs: Quick deployment to get stuff out and not hold up the archery line, it can handle my needs of D-Loop field repair/tie, and how i can easily get the tool i need without having to open up and deploy the pliears all the time. I've had this tool for at least 5 years and its been holding up.
Odd, I really like my Flik. I haven't found the MT to be uncomfortable when using the pliers, not as loose. They are a little tricky to close completely, but after using it for a bit, it was second nature. Also, the lack of swept blade isn't big deal to me, but that's because I don't use them for things like slicing apples. I actually find the blade to be more useful. Beyond that, the can opener I have on mine (they probably upgraded it) is very robust and works really well.
This is the only Gerber MT I can get on board with. I have used this model extensively in my military use. I have really beat on this thing over the past year or so and it has help up glowingly. It has actually become an extension of my body, I feel naked without it on my side, and is the centerpiece of my EDC. True, very heavy, but it packs a punch and the one handed slide function cannot be beat. My criticism is the blade shape, I'm not a fan. I plan to make my own review soon.
i like the flik function because it is fast for one handed jobs like taking a hook out of a fishes mouth and cutting fishing line or tightening down bolts fast with the pliers
My old Gerber served me well for maybe 4 years of hard use as an EDC and I wore it out. Gerber sent me another one, but I changed my system to incorporate the Leatherman Wave. The Gerber worked well together with the Gerber blades as always razor sharp and a Recon 1 as the daily workhorse. Now the Wave blades get hammered and I keep my Buck Vantage shaving sharp.
It has the best scissors in any multitool I've ever handled, better than in any SOG, Leatherman or Victorinox model out there, the serrated blade cuts better than the Wave's does and the sheath is pretty nice, I used to carry mine all the time, I did prefer my Wave but the Gerber does have some nice strong points
Wait, the pliers head takes up "so much internal room"? Where does the leatherman's pliers head go when you fold it up? Outer space? And what does the play in the head matter? If you're using them, and have to very rapidly go back and forth, reversing direction after extremely short strokes, yeah, I guess it could lead to a quarter degree or so of wasted movement, but I can't think of any application where such movement would be required, masturbating a gnat, perhaps?
flik's pliers work perfectly for removing splinters and i've had that knife before your review and it is my only multi tool so i've learned to live with it's design and i'm not complayning about it.
Great video! Every time I see the flik, I think that it looks cool, especially in the black coating. Then I see the the tools it carries, and I remember why I prefer Leatherman, or even my Victorinox SAK's.
Great review. I have an older Gerber MT that I received as a gift and I loved it because it is the only MT I had ever owned. I always wondered why guys I worked with seemed to prefer the Leatherman. Then I got a Leatherman and understood why. Unless the one hand deployable pliers is a must, I always grab the Leatherman.
I bought a Leatherman OHT, you went over it a bit at shot show, but i would appreciate a review. I find my OHT quick access pliers very handy when mountain biking, through gloves i have 9+ tools in my hands while making minor tuning or cut a branch or wire out of my way. I carry the leatherman on molle on the underside of my pack (2011 redwing 50) or on the bike itself. Please review the OHT if you can, should be a relaxing one for you anyways.
Thanks for another great review Nutnfancy. My first MT was a Gerber. While it never failed me, I found it lacked features and it rattled. I still have it because it was a gift.
One of the things I love about the way you review nutn are the talking points because I believe that it helps you cover all or at least most of the aspects (some I forget to think about) that people should consider when spending their hard earned dollars.
When applying force on an object, the flik pliers don't seem to have the play at all. The play is what almost caused me to not purchase the MT, thank god I did though. Love it.
I used to work as a lighting tech for a concert venue. The company gave us credit tword getting a Gerber Multi once a year. After the first one broke on me (the retractable wrench end), I started just buying my own Leatherman. Don't get me wrong I still got the free multi each year, but it made a nice christmas gift for someone who didn't need to use it everyday.
these are great if your in computer repair. and i still love the wave. but the stubby head is great for working in tight spaces when you still need to have a lot of leverage for stubborn thumb screws. and its a good wire cutter
Hey Nutn, regarding the hard to adjust pivot points on the Leatherman multitools (5:30)... Administer first aid! The teeth on a set of hemostats does a great job at gripping those screws. Keep up the good work!
The question I would ask is: Is it be more effective (considering weight and space) to simply carry a regular pair of pliers on your person in a readily accessible place in addition to your multi-tool? What about in a tactical setting where the pliers are going to be taking up another slot in your gear? If rapid-deployment pliers are an inefficient and/or ineffective system in general, then let's figure that out and say so.
Great review Nutn. I bought a Gerber mt in 1995 when I was doing IT work. It was by far one of the worst tools I've ever HAD. It ended up staying at home because it never met my IT needs period. I later bought a Leatherman MT and have been a huge fan ever since. I would mind giving the victorinox MT a whirl. I have a surge its a lot like a wave and yeah the bit driver is a pita but I think leatherman makes a kit that has an extender. Ive found a work around when I working on PC's.
I like my Flick. The Flickout mechanism of the plier is so cool, and i like the locking mechanism and the best thing is that the blade etc. is accessible without opening the plier like a lot of tools out there have to do this first. And the blade points outward, not inwards like on the Gerber Diesel. But yeah, it is not for the hard work, and the other tools are very small. Plus wirecutting with the plier is nothing you like to do. But, i still like it. I gues it is a personal thing. ;)
Great points Nutn. I have one Gerber MT; the Suspension Multiplier. It is a GOOD set of pliers...mostly because the handles have a spring that pops the pliers open, making one-handed adjustments easy. That said, the rest of the "tools" are C-grade design at best. I've had a Leatherman Wave since they came out and the thing works wonderfully. Had to beat that design.
@Greydesk Also love the locking mechanisms on the Wave. Really wish I could frankenstein an MT out of these two. I like the flik-out pliers because they have the negative pressure opening . . . in other words, you can force them open if they are stuck. The fold-out style get stuck.
im not a big fan of gerber and their tools. but maybe the blotchy oxide finish is due to the flick out mechanism of the tool itself? just trying to clear something up if possible
I purchased a Wave based on this review. I have owned several cheap MTs, but my EDC was an original Gerber. Hits (of the wave): Overall design is tight and unified. Nice opening slots and methodology on the knives. I like both blade styles and types. Saw is excellent. Swappable bits is great. Misses (of the wave): The file wore out extremely quickly. One sharpening of a 2" blade killed most of it. Pliers bent easily, small screwdriver snapped, load-out wasn't ideal. Wish I could franken the 2
No need to apologize for keeping it real, Nutn. A coworker just got a Gerber MT with the rapidly deploying pliers (not sure of the exact model) and (a) the pliers took some "getting used to" with the wrist flick action and (b) the lack of "lock up" when deployed was... unsettling for me. It's like an auto knife, it's nearly impossible to get a bank-vault-solid lock up on them.
I am just weary of Gerber products because of their current quality control issues. Plus I like knowing what kind of steel i am paying for. The LM Charge is pretty expensive, but you are getting a 154 CM blade. Good review, I hope Gerber gets it together.
i bought one after seeing this vid just to see how off you could be with it but naa you hit the mark and yes it makes a lot of noise i carry the swiss tool x so i guess im used to an mt that was well made great vid as always have a great day
@MrAnthonymoss I've had three Gerber multitools -- the Multi Plier 400, the Clutch, and the Artifact, and they've all been great. I've owned two leathermans, because they replaced the first one when it broke! I also thought the leatherman's tighter (non-rattling) pliers would equate to greater strength -- it didn't. To each his own.
I mean, I wanted to like this tool, especially with my Surge being heavy to carry, but it broke mending fence. Left me with a good blood blister and a total of 10 minutes of use. At least the warranty will give me a new diesel. Back to the Surge and pliers worth the time.
I love the still at the end. The big black Gerber in your face...yet the Leatherman is in the background keeping quiet and its head down just waiting for its time to shine....lol 5* review Nutn.
I have a flik and although it may not be perfect, for a mid-size MT, I really like it. Not the favorite of my MT's, but good. I actually like the shorter plier head and the wire cutters are excellent. The rapid deployment is a big plus for me as this is the main tool I use. I do not like the small nature of the screwdrivers, but it sort of comes with the territory on this tool. Scissors are the best I have used on an MT. Another compaint of mine is the small lanyard ring. Overall, I give them B+
Thanks for yet another great gear review. I must admit, I'm a little bit of a Gerber fanboy, but their multi-tools have never really done it for me. My first multi-plier (their original one) fell apart after about a year and left a rather sour taste.
Perhaps this question has already been answered previously in the comments; what what are your thoughts about the locking mechanism? Seeing how Leatherman do not lock its tools while the Gerber do. Personally I'd feel alot more comfortable knowing that the knife blade can't accidentally retract into the body of the MT while I'm holding it.
You know, I received a Gerber multi-tool several years ago for Christmas, but I've never really used it for anything. The full extent of its use has been a knife and pliers in a pinch when I'm not in my garage or basement near my tools. I've never really liked it that much, but it's gotten the job done. Many of the tools my friends have purchased have gone in the trash, as other viewers have stated. I just can't justify replacing my leatherman for a cheap gerber.
I own a wave and a skeletool and i've handled many gerbers and they just don't have anywhere near the quality of a LM... I do own an mp 400 (was given to me) and I just cant convince myself to like it. You can also buy the universal tool adapter for the wave/charge series which lets you use standard 1/4" hex bits and it attaches to the outside of the tool, It's very handy for higher torque uses where you dont wanna put to much strain on the bit driver.
Thanks for the review! I always wondered how you looked at this MT. I was deciding whether to go with the flik or the Wave before. (went with the wave) I still am considering getting the flik, because I do like Hefty MT's
hey gerber! you know what would be even better... have like dozens of MT options so the user can change per hiking adventure or biking trip. whatever i am doing i can have a customizable MT for the specific activity iam doing. that would be great!
I own one of these and use it for work, the scissors are great for cutting small wire and use the serrated blade for stripping wire but overall, compared to my Charge Ti & Swisstool, the Flik's fit & finish is not very good, most of the tools do not lock up very well. My recommendation for folks looking to buy a MT, buy the Charge or Swisstool.
I agree with most of your review... I do believe it is a fair comparison against Leatherman. For my needs I use the pliers and cutters the most. It is great to be able to open on handed in field electrical work. This allows me to not have to release the item I am working on to open the pliers. In reviews of the blades... They are good for certain use. They are useless for many other jobs. The worst thing is the screwdrivers. I do have to carry a small separate one as these are an epic fail.
I use my Wave 1st series since 1999, it still works and almost all the tools inside are in good conditions except for the small flat screwdriver. I've used also a no brand MT, bad deal and the Kershaw Multitool, nice but after only 1 year few spots of rust gets out on the handles! My next MT could be 2nd generation Wave, I'm sure will be a right choise.
a friend of mine has the gerber flik and he loves it i personaly have difficulties deploying the pliers to them i have a SOG power assit and i love it is super smooth at opening only down side is that it is fairly hefty. i do believe that SOG make a superior multitool compared to all otherr brands that make them i have tested and used all major brands that make them
I bought a Gerber multi-tool nice spring loaded push button pliers.I used it for 2 weeks and the thing fell apart.I got tired of being put on hold so I just wrote it off .Not real sure what multi I am going to get next.
Personally, I think the internal space consumed in providing the OTF deploy is inefficient design, which I think is supposed to be the hallmark of a multitool. It cheapens the image. And there's a mess of protruding bits and pieces to snag on pockets.
I don't think most of us carry multitools to slice apples lol. I have the Gerber suspension because it was $27 and while I'd probably prefer a nice leatherman, I don't see them worth 2-4 times as much. With the exception of how hard it is to pull out the tools on the suspension (finger nail...) I really like it for the money. I'd like to hear your thoughts on it. You can't compare a MT that costs so much more. We don't all have unlimited funds. I can't justify dropping over $40 on any MT
nutnfancy please compare your multi tools to companys other than leatherman you like leatherman and thats cool but some of us just dont like leatherman not because there products are bad they are realy good but i would like to see ex a gerber compared to a diffrent gerber or sog or a cheap ten dollar multi tool thanks
Great review, now get going on that wave! :p I've been waiting for months to see your review of the wave, and how it stacks up to its more expensive brothers in the leaterman line of multi tools. greetz and keep up the good work! V.
I was actually going to buy one of these a couple weeks ago.. never had a chance to tinker with one but decided not to. I have a Gerber 400 and don't like the wobbly quick deploy pliers.. seems cheesy. Settled on the Juice CS4 (I'm a wine drinker.. even on the trail). I thought I made the right decision and after seeing this review I feel even better about my purchase.
Great review. I agree with most of your points. In the MDMT category of $40-60, I just don't see this MT as being worth much consideration. It's main advantage, the quick deploy pliers, I think is nullified: if you're using the pliers that much, seems like it'd be better to just keep it deployed in a sheath with a hole in the bottom.
Rapidly deploying pliars? When would I need that? I just can't think of an instance where I need that. I mean it doesn't take me more than 10 seconds to get the pliers out on my Leatherman.
I don't really trust Gerber MT's. My brother bought a brand new one and one hour later the closing mechanism broke while opening a can. With the can opener, of course.
I actually bought a Wave back in 03. Sickest Multi Tool I ever bought. The sad thing is I dont know where the hell it is anymore.... Im enlisting in the Corps after this semester of college and after watching this video I checked out Leatherman site just to see what theyve got now. Im going to have to get a Leatherman MUT. If you havent seen one check it out.
@MatrixOne976 I just read that after I posted a comment about it! For the money I think the Suspension is awesome. In the under $30 category I haven't seen anything that compares, so for me I just accept it's shortcomings and appreciate it's benefits (spring-loaded pliers, locking tools, etc.)
Nun PLEASE try the Gerber Legend I guarantee you'll love it,it has Fiskar Scissors and it open like normal MT's in otherwords it has the same pliers as the Leatherman SuperTool 300
@razorsharpness4 i agree i have used a gerber diesel and am going to get a flik (bigger knife blade on the outside) very soon. the camo finish that came on my diesel have worn off, but it gives the thing character. and about the tightness of the multitool, the one-handed opening design has to be lose so that it can "flik" open. i mean these aren't surgical tools (for most people)
I agree with your assessment. I think Gerber quality is not as good as Leathermen or Victorinox. I use a $12 mini Gerber MT and its handy for opening packages but for serious outdoor survival work, you need something reliable, good quality, and something of substance and durability. I just don't see that in a Gerber. And I would never buy an "MT" that does not lock the main blades / tools.
You make so many great points, I bet the RD guys if they ever see this are like dammit lol, great review you have more info on MT's than any other source I have found its just awesome
Ya when I buy ANYTHING the first thing I do is check for play in it. If it wobbles thats a huge turn off to me. Something that is sturdy and has very little play just says quality to me. Thanks for the review.
@nhl4471 I like Leathermans best, but I can tell you the rapidly deploying pliers really come in handy when you've only got one hand to work with and speed is paramount. There are only a few jobs that would require this though, and a well broken in Leatherman Supertool that is loosened up can be trained with to open one handed fairly well. I doubt the newer versions would work so well with this technique though. Maybe.
If I may, could you please included left-handed use on your reviews, For us southpaws, it does make a difference if they are left handed accessible. Either they come ambidextrious or can be switched.
I just got the stainless flik, it sounds like its full of sand, the handles aren't the same finish, the blades aren't sharpened right and I payed too much buying it retail.
Question for the Leatherman users - Can you find bits to use with the Leatherman anywhere or are they proprietary because of some unique shape or size? I like the idea of a bit driver (which my SOG Powerloc doesn't have) but only if bits were readily available since I personally love to abuse and lose them.
Ridiculous. I wouldn't use my multitool to cut up an apple. I keep a tomahawk in my back pocket just for that purpose.
i can't tell you how many times that one handed deployment saved me. The original was hot kit on boats back in the 90's. When a halyard was whipping around in the wind and you needed to bust the shackle on the end while holding it with the other hand.... not the toughest, but incredibly useful.
My Flik has been delegated to my Archery tasks. I had my fuse out and was finding it to be clunky for deploying the pliers when i'm replacing the target at my range. (if anyone's ever shot at the vegas indoor shoot, their gole-damn pins they use to hang targets up suck). I also tried using the fuse as an emergency D-Loop tool during shoots - but the handles collapse on themselves when you have to tighten the D-loop (stick pliers in, spread handles apart to tighten loop). The flick came in handy for most of my archery needs: Quick deployment to get stuff out and not hold up the archery line, it can handle my needs of D-Loop field repair/tie, and how i can easily get the tool i need without having to open up and deploy the pliears all the time. I've had this tool for at least 5 years and its been holding up.
I love how leatherman rolls in with the OHT and there is no play in the plier head... At least in my experience with the two I own.
Odd, I really like my Flik. I haven't found the MT to be uncomfortable when using the pliers, not as loose. They are a little tricky to close completely, but after using it for a bit, it was second nature. Also, the lack of swept blade isn't big deal to me, but that's because I don't use them for things like slicing apples. I actually find the blade to be more useful. Beyond that, the can opener I have on mine (they probably upgraded it) is very robust and works really well.
This is the only Gerber MT I can get on board with. I have used this model extensively in my military use. I have really beat on this thing over the past year or so and it has help up glowingly. It has actually become an extension of my body, I feel naked without it on my side, and is the centerpiece of my EDC. True, very heavy, but it packs a punch and the one handed slide function cannot be beat. My criticism is the blade shape, I'm not a fan. I plan to make my own review soon.
i like the flik function because it is fast for one handed jobs like taking a hook out of a fishes mouth and cutting fishing line or tightening down bolts fast with the pliers
I can buy three Gerber Fliks for the price of one Leatherman Charge, that is not a small difference
My old Gerber served me well for maybe 4 years of hard use as an EDC and I wore it out. Gerber sent me another one, but I changed my system to incorporate the Leatherman Wave. The Gerber worked well together with the Gerber blades as always razor sharp and a Recon 1 as the daily workhorse. Now the Wave blades get hammered and I keep my Buck Vantage shaving sharp.
It has the best scissors in any multitool I've ever handled, better than in any SOG, Leatherman or Victorinox model out there, the serrated blade cuts better than the Wave's does and the sheath is pretty nice, I used to carry mine all the time, I did prefer my Wave but the Gerber does have some nice strong points
Wait, the pliers head takes up "so much internal room"? Where does the leatherman's pliers head go when you fold it up? Outer space?
And what does the play in the head matter? If you're using them, and have to very rapidly go back and forth, reversing direction after extremely short strokes, yeah, I guess it could lead to a quarter degree or so of wasted movement, but I can't think of any application where such movement would be required, masturbating a gnat, perhaps?
Even though the leatherman pliers take up room, because it's folding there is still room for more tools
leatherman wave is double the price of Flik in the UK so for that kind of price difference it's an easy choice for me. :)
flik's pliers work perfectly for removing splinters and i've had that knife before your review and it is my only multi tool so i've learned to live with it's design and i'm not complayning about it.
Great video! Every time I see the flik, I think that it looks cool, especially in the black coating. Then I see the the tools it carries, and I remember why I prefer Leatherman, or even my Victorinox SAK's.
the fishing model is perfect for a fisherman beside the extra weight but fast deployment ,the ability to sharpen hooks
Great review. I have an older Gerber MT that I received as a gift and I loved it because it is the only MT I had ever owned. I always wondered why guys I worked with seemed to prefer the Leatherman. Then I got a Leatherman and understood why. Unless the one hand deployable pliers is a must, I always grab the Leatherman.
I bought a Leatherman OHT, you went over it a bit at shot show, but i would appreciate a review. I find my OHT quick access pliers very handy when mountain biking, through gloves i have 9+ tools in my hands while making minor tuning or cut a branch or wire out of my way. I carry the leatherman on molle on the underside of my pack (2011 redwing 50) or on the bike itself. Please review the OHT if you can, should be a relaxing one for you anyways.
The sheath isn't designed for that. Though they will fit upside down (doesn't fit right), ideally they are to go in plier first.
Thanks for another great review Nutnfancy.
My first MT was a Gerber. While it never failed me, I found it lacked features and it rattled. I still have it because it was a gift.
the pliers take up space in any multi tool when closed
5:23 haha that charge never fails to sneak into your MT reviews!
One of the things I love about the way you review nutn are the talking points because I believe that it helps you cover all or at least most of the aspects (some I forget to think about) that people should consider when spending their hard earned dollars.
When applying force on an object, the flik pliers don't seem to have the play at all. The play is what almost caused me to not purchase the MT, thank god I did though. Love it.
I used to work as a lighting tech for a concert venue. The company gave us credit tword getting a Gerber Multi once a year. After the first one broke on me (the retractable wrench end), I started just buying my own Leatherman. Don't get me wrong I still got the free multi each year, but it made a nice christmas gift for someone who didn't need to use it everyday.
these are great if your in computer repair. and i still love the wave. but the stubby head is great for working in tight spaces when you still need to have a lot of leverage for stubborn thumb screws. and its a good wire cutter
Hey Nutn, regarding the hard to adjust pivot points on the Leatherman multitools (5:30)... Administer first aid! The teeth on a set of hemostats does a great job at gripping those screws. Keep up the good work!
The question I would ask is: Is it be more effective (considering weight and space) to simply carry a regular pair of pliers on your person in a readily accessible place in addition to your multi-tool? What about in a tactical setting where the pliers are going to be taking up another slot in your gear? If rapid-deployment pliers are an inefficient and/or ineffective system in general, then let's figure that out and say so.
I have become quite good at flicking open my Charge Ti to use the pliers. That makes the pliers "rapidly deployable". Love the Ti
Great review Nutn. I bought a Gerber mt in 1995 when I was doing IT work. It was by far one of the worst tools I've ever HAD. It ended up staying at home because it never met my IT needs period. I later bought a Leatherman MT and have been a huge fan ever since. I would mind giving the victorinox MT a whirl. I have a surge its a lot like a wave and yeah the bit driver is a pita but I think leatherman makes a kit that has an extender. Ive found a work around when I working on PC's.
I like my Flick.
The Flickout mechanism of the plier is so cool,
and i like the locking mechanism and the best thing is that
the blade etc. is accessible without opening the plier
like a lot of tools out there have to do this first.
And the blade points outward, not inwards like on the Gerber Diesel.
But yeah, it is not for the hard work, and the other tools are very small.
Plus wirecutting with the plier is nothing you like to do.
But, i still like it. I gues it is a personal thing. ;)
Great points Nutn. I have one Gerber MT; the Suspension Multiplier. It is a GOOD set of pliers...mostly because the handles have a spring that pops the pliers open, making one-handed adjustments easy. That said, the rest of the "tools" are C-grade design at best. I've had a Leatherman Wave since they came out and the thing works wonderfully. Had to beat that design.
@Greydesk Also love the locking mechanisms on the Wave. Really wish I could frankenstein an MT out of these two.
I like the flik-out pliers because they have the negative pressure opening . . . in other words, you can force them open if they are stuck. The fold-out style get stuck.
Yes you are 100% right on the flik and 110% right on the price argument.
Been using full size leathermans for over 10 years, simply the best.
"Gotta get a drink, gulp gulp.....Scuse' me!" You crack me up! Keep them coming Nutn
im not a big fan of gerber and their tools. but maybe the blotchy oxide finish is due to the flick out mechanism of the tool itself? just trying to clear something up if possible
@LordRuckus
I guess they are proprietary, but the are readily available from different stores. They come with a carrying case so it's a plus.
I purchased a Wave based on this review. I have owned several cheap MTs, but my EDC was an original Gerber.
Hits (of the wave): Overall design is tight and unified. Nice opening slots and methodology on the knives. I like both blade styles and types. Saw is excellent. Swappable bits is great.
Misses (of the wave): The file wore out extremely quickly. One sharpening of a 2" blade killed most of it. Pliers bent easily, small screwdriver snapped, load-out wasn't ideal.
Wish I could franken the 2
Leatherman is a tougher tool but I love the 1 handed deployment of my Gerber, been carrying them for over 10 years, and can't go without them.
No need to apologize for keeping it real, Nutn.
A coworker just got a Gerber MT with the rapidly deploying pliers (not sure of the exact model) and (a) the pliers took some "getting used to" with the wrist flick action and (b) the lack of "lock up" when deployed was... unsettling for me. It's like an auto knife, it's nearly impossible to get a bank-vault-solid lock up on them.
ive broken two fliks on one tour in Iraq. broke the plier head retrofitting an old NOD mount to my ACH on one. good review, as always
I am just weary of Gerber products because of their current quality control issues. Plus I like knowing what kind of steel i am paying for. The LM Charge is pretty expensive, but you are getting a 154 CM blade. Good review, I hope Gerber gets it together.
i bought one after seeing this vid just to see how off you could be with it but naa you hit the mark and yes it makes a lot of noise i carry the swiss tool x so i guess im used to an mt that was well made great vid as always have a great day
As for rapid plier deployment, my SOG power plier can be quite easilly opened one handed like a butterfly knife.
@MrAnthonymoss I've had three Gerber multitools -- the Multi Plier 400, the Clutch, and the Artifact, and they've all been great. I've owned two leathermans, because they replaced the first one when it broke! I also thought the leatherman's tighter (non-rattling) pliers would equate to greater strength -- it didn't. To each his own.
I mean, I wanted to like this tool, especially with my Surge being heavy to carry, but it broke mending fence. Left me with a good blood blister and a total of 10 minutes of use. At least the warranty will give me a new diesel. Back to the Surge and pliers worth the time.
@boonie1994 The thing that makes the knife a Wharncliffe blade is the edge is straight (eg. it has no belly. hope this helps).
I love the still at the end.
The big black Gerber in your face...yet the Leatherman is in the background keeping quiet and its head down just waiting for its time to shine....lol
5* review Nutn.
I have a flik and although it may not be perfect, for a mid-size MT, I really like it. Not the favorite of my MT's, but good. I actually like the shorter plier head and the wire cutters are excellent. The rapid deployment is a big plus for me as this is the main tool I use. I do not like the small nature of the screwdrivers, but it sort of comes with the territory on this tool. Scissors are the best I have used on an MT. Another compaint of mine is the small lanyard ring. Overall, I give them B+
Thanks for yet another great gear review. I must admit, I'm a little bit of a Gerber fanboy, but their multi-tools have never really done it for me. My first multi-plier (their original one) fell apart after about a year and left a rather sour taste.
Perhaps this question has already been answered previously in the comments; what what are your thoughts about the locking mechanism? Seeing how Leatherman do not lock its tools while the Gerber do. Personally I'd feel alot more comfortable knowing that the knife blade can't accidentally retract into the body of the MT while I'm holding it.
loved the clutch ,its so useful, good for its price
I got a Wave for my birthday a couple weeks ago. I really like it, my uncle is a plumber and recommended it because he loves his so much.
Nutn - a good data point about another MT. As always, this helps other guide future purchase and spend money wisely.
You know, I received a Gerber multi-tool several years ago for Christmas, but I've never really used it for anything. The full extent of its use has been a knife and pliers in a pinch when I'm not in my garage or basement near my tools. I've never really liked it that much, but it's gotten the job done. Many of the tools my friends have purchased have gone in the trash, as other viewers have stated.
I just can't justify replacing my leatherman for a cheap gerber.
I own a wave and a skeletool and i've handled many gerbers and they just don't have anywhere near the quality of a LM... I do own an mp 400 (was given to me) and I just cant convince myself to like it.
You can also buy the universal tool adapter for the wave/charge series which lets you use standard 1/4" hex bits and it attaches to the outside of the tool, It's very handy for higher torque uses where you dont wanna put to much strain on the bit driver.
Thanks for the review! I always wondered how you looked at this MT. I was deciding whether to go with the flik or the Wave before. (went with the wave)
I still am considering getting the flik, because I do like Hefty MT's
i it came out of the box looking like that, i would probably send it back
hey gerber! you know what would be even better... have like dozens of MT options so the user can change per hiking adventure or biking trip. whatever i am doing i can have a customizable MT for the specific activity iam doing. that would be great!
I own one of these and use it for work, the scissors are great for cutting small wire and use the serrated blade for stripping wire but overall, compared to my Charge Ti & Swisstool, the Flik's fit & finish is not very good, most of the tools do not lock up very well. My recommendation for folks looking to buy a MT, buy the Charge or Swisstool.
I agree with most of your review... I do believe it is a fair comparison against Leatherman. For my needs I use the pliers and cutters the most. It is great to be able to open on handed in field electrical work. This allows me to not have to release the item I am working on to open the pliers. In reviews of the blades... They are good for certain use. They are useless for many other jobs. The worst thing is the screwdrivers. I do have to carry a small separate one as these are an epic fail.
I use my Wave 1st series since 1999, it still works and almost all the tools inside are in good conditions except for the small flat screwdriver. I've used also a no brand MT, bad deal and the Kershaw Multitool, nice but after only 1 year few spots of rust gets out on the handles! My next MT could be 2nd generation Wave, I'm sure will be a right choise.
a friend of mine has the gerber flik and he loves it i personaly have difficulties deploying the pliers to them i have a SOG power assit and i love it is super smooth at opening only down side is that it is fairly hefty. i do believe that SOG make a superior multitool compared to all otherr brands that make them i have tested and used all major brands that make them
I bought a Gerber multi-tool nice spring loaded push button pliers.I used it for 2 weeks and the thing fell apart.I got tired of being put on hold so I just wrote it off .Not real sure what multi I am going to get next.
I want a Flik Fish for fishing. I think that is a much more appropriate use of a tool like this.
did i hear a click on the gerber Flik at the 20:33 mark when u brought out the main blade???just keepin it real lol,u rock nutn
Personally, I think the internal space consumed in providing the OTF deploy is inefficient design, which I think is supposed to be the hallmark of a multitool. It cheapens the image. And there's a mess of protruding bits and pieces to snag on pockets.
I am happy with my swiss spirit x tool. Much more solid and useful then the original gerber tool i had
Great review! I like the comparisons between the 2 brands.
I don't think most of us carry multitools to slice apples lol. I have the Gerber suspension because it was $27 and while I'd probably prefer a nice leatherman, I don't see them worth 2-4 times as much. With the exception of how hard it is to pull out the tools on the suspension (finger nail...) I really like it for the money. I'd like to hear your thoughts on it.
You can't compare a MT that costs so much more. We don't all have unlimited funds. I can't justify dropping over $40 on any MT
nutnfancy please compare your multi tools to companys other than leatherman you like leatherman and thats cool but some of us just dont like leatherman not because there products are bad they are realy good but i would like to see ex a gerber compared to a diffrent gerber or sog or a cheap ten dollar multi tool thanks
I would call that toolkit "vestigial" Nutn. The Flik looks like a Multitool thats evolving into a pair of pliers.
Great review, now get going on that wave! :p
I've been waiting for months to see your review of the wave, and how it
stacks up to its more expensive brothers in the leaterman line of multi tools.
greetz and keep up the good work!
V.
always wonder how those can openers work
great vid man!! keep up the good work. Btw i was able to DC my charge AL by removing the screws with 2 pares pliers.
I was actually going to buy one of these a couple weeks ago.. never had a chance to tinker with one but decided not to. I have a Gerber 400 and don't like the wobbly quick deploy pliers.. seems cheesy. Settled on the Juice CS4 (I'm a wine drinker.. even on the trail). I thought I made the right decision and after seeing this review I feel even better about my purchase.
COMPARE THE LEATHERMAN OHT VS FLICK, DIESEL OR 600
Great review. I agree with most of your points. In the MDMT category of $40-60, I just don't see this MT as being worth much consideration.
It's main advantage, the quick deploy pliers, I think is nullified: if you're using the pliers that much, seems like it'd be better to just keep it deployed in a sheath with a hole in the bottom.
UGH. I'm a firm believer now that the youtube time restriction was a blessing in disguise.
You could use your Leatherman to open the Gerber :) Nice review!
Gerbermannox. I gave up on these larger multitools and got a Victorinox Cybertool 34 and it's absolutely amazing. I'd recommend it.
Good vid. It looks like my Leatherman is an old model because it's missing some of the things you show on yours. Do you know the story on this?
Rapidly deploying pliars? When would I need that? I just can't think of an instance where I need that. I mean it doesn't take me more than 10 seconds to get the pliers out on my Leatherman.
I love that little bit driver
The world needs a build your own modular and serviceable multi-tool if there isn't one all ready. I can't find the right one for me with all I want.
@leplusfortaumonde The reverse side has a hook sharpening notch running the entire length of the file
I don't really trust Gerber MT's. My brother bought a brand new one and one hour later the closing mechanism broke while opening a can. With the can opener, of course.
I actually bought a Wave back in 03. Sickest Multi Tool I ever bought. The sad thing is I dont know where the hell it is anymore.... Im enlisting in the Corps after this semester of college and after watching this video I checked out Leatherman site just to see what theyve got now. Im going to have to get a Leatherman MUT. If you havent seen one check it out.
@MatrixOne976 I just read that after I posted a comment about it! For the money I think the Suspension is awesome. In the under $30 category I haven't seen anything that compares, so for me I just accept it's shortcomings and appreciate it's benefits (spring-loaded pliers, locking tools, etc.)
Nun PLEASE try the Gerber Legend I guarantee you'll love it,it has Fiskar Scissors and it open like normal MT's in otherwords it has the same pliers as the Leatherman SuperTool 300
@razorsharpness4 i agree i have used a gerber diesel and am going to get a flik (bigger knife blade on the outside) very soon. the camo finish that came on my diesel have worn off, but it gives the thing character. and about the tightness of the multitool, the one-handed opening design has to be lose so that it can "flik" open. i mean these aren't surgical tools (for most people)
I agree with your assessment. I think Gerber quality is not as good as Leathermen or Victorinox. I use a $12 mini Gerber MT and its handy for opening packages but for serious outdoor survival work, you need something reliable, good quality, and something of substance and durability. I just don't see that in a Gerber. And I would never buy an "MT" that does not lock the main blades / tools.
You make so many great points, I bet the RD guys if they ever see this are like dammit lol, great review you have more info on MT's than any other source I have found its just awesome
Ya when I buy ANYTHING the first thing I do is check for play in it. If it wobbles thats a huge turn off to me. Something that is sturdy and has very little play just says quality to me. Thanks for the review.
@nhl4471
I like Leathermans best, but I can tell you the rapidly deploying pliers really come in handy when you've only got one hand to work with and speed is paramount. There are only a few jobs that would require this though, and a well broken in Leatherman Supertool that is loosened up can be trained with to open one handed fairly well. I doubt the newer versions would work so well with this technique though. Maybe.
@PontoonTeek I've had a lot of flex when using ANY MT pliers. Well, I've only used Gerber and Leatherman. Don't know about SOG.
If I may, could you please included left-handed use on your reviews, For us southpaws, it does make a difference if they are left handed accessible. Either they come ambidextrious or can be switched.
I just got the stainless flik, it sounds like its full of sand, the handles aren't the same finish, the blades aren't sharpened right and I payed too much buying it retail.
Gerber multi tools are good for beating up without them braking also the gerber knives are good but the multi tools are ok
not many people respect gerber because they frequently dont tell customers what steel they use
Question for the Leatherman users - Can you find bits to use with the Leatherman anywhere or are they proprietary because of some unique shape or size? I like the idea of a bit driver (which my SOG Powerloc doesn't have) but only if bits were readily available since I personally love to abuse and lose them.