I've been on the search for a perfect multitool. Because I'm on a solar car team what I really needed and what 99% of multitools lack is a wrench - naturally I found the spyderench and starting lusting over it. And while I'm impressed with it packing a real KNIFE instead of a dinky little penknife, on all my SAKs and multitools the knife is the tool I use the least (the flat phillips on my leatherman micra probably gets the most use, with the scissors a close second). Which begs the question, what do other people carry knives for, aside from opening boxes?
For the record, the spyderench's 9/16" max is too small for me. If it went up to 5/8" it'd probably do. Are they tweaking the design or dumping this unique and intriguing product entirely? There are some great ideas in there - being able to separate it into two complementary tools is a great idea, in particular. I'm thinking of just carrying a crescent or two around in my backpack, plus some sort of driver and bits.
If you can't trust a nerd, who can you trust?
Why carry a knife?
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jeremygore
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Bike kits were a consideration, but they're mainly designed with particular metric values in mind. I needed SAE or an adaptable set. I was planning on checking anyway though. This is just for my backpack/pocket - for the solar car, our POS support vehicles, or for anything. Ever tried to loosen an engine bolt with the pliers on a leatherman? Now you see why I needed a wrench.
If you can't trust a nerd, who can you trust?
If you can't trust a nerd, who can you trust?
JeremyGore: what do other people carry knives for, aside from opening boxes? >>>
I usually carry a knife so that I can cut things. Ha ha, seriously...the tasks are limitless. I can't even begin to think of all the different things I've cut with my knives, usually just every-day, mundane household tasks.
Lastly, and most importantly, I carry my knives as part of my self-defense. As a corrections officer, I don't make a lot of friends on the job, and I like to have a self-defense system on me at all times.
For self-defense, knives have some nice advantages:
1. They're silent. Using one won't attract people's attention three blocks over.
2. They never need to be reloaded.
Sniper -- One Shot, One Kill Email: ST8PEN01@aol.com
I usually carry a knife so that I can cut things. Ha ha, seriously...the tasks are limitless. I can't even begin to think of all the different things I've cut with my knives, usually just every-day, mundane household tasks.
Lastly, and most importantly, I carry my knives as part of my self-defense. As a corrections officer, I don't make a lot of friends on the job, and I like to have a self-defense system on me at all times.
For self-defense, knives have some nice advantages:
1. They're silent. Using one won't attract people's attention three blocks over.
2. They never need to be reloaded.
Sniper -- One Shot, One Kill Email: ST8PEN01@aol.com
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vampyrewolf
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You might want to look at the Leatherman Crunch. Vice grip opens up to an inch, and has a hex bit addapter when you screw the set screw out all the way. has 2 flat and a phillips as standard tools.
Been carrying mine for a while, always using the pliers and phillips. Only used the hex bit a few times so far, but when doing car work I have a 125pc tool set that included a screwdriver with hex bits.
I use my knives for cooking, yard work, cutting at work, and thread cleanup. Shaved a couple times when I had to.
As for the best reason to carry a knife, I haven't seen it said better than James Mattis(JKM) did on BFC, while he was still with us.
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James Mattis
Basic Member
"Good reason" to carry a knife
There are jurisdictions out there, i.e. the UK, and individual authority figures who may ask you for what reason you carry a knife. ("For protection" is the wrong answer!) As if you needed a reason ...
"Good reason?"
My good reason to carry a knife is that God gave me rather weak teeth and rudimentary claws in an evolutionary trade-off. The hairy-armed person who figured out how to put an edge on a suitable rock made it possible for us to be recognizably human in the first place. I wear a wristwatch whether or not I have an appointment to keep, and I carry a pen and/or pencil because I am a literate person whether or not I have a specific writing task ahead of me, and I carry a knife because I am a human and not an ape.
A knife comes in handy for all sorts of random tasks that involve separating matter. Like cutting a string, or making a sandwich, or opening a package. It can also come in handy in an emergency, which need not involve a human assailant, and emergencies are by their nature unforseen, so one should carry a knife all the time.
And in a perfect world where nobody needed a weapon, I'd probaby carry a slightly larger knife, because it wouldn't scare people.
(For some longer thoughts in this direction, visit Daithi's essay at www.knives.com )
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Mei Fides, Mei Victus
Been carrying mine for a while, always using the pliers and phillips. Only used the hex bit a few times so far, but when doing car work I have a 125pc tool set that included a screwdriver with hex bits.
I use my knives for cooking, yard work, cutting at work, and thread cleanup. Shaved a couple times when I had to.
As for the best reason to carry a knife, I haven't seen it said better than James Mattis(JKM) did on BFC, while he was still with us.
*******************
James Mattis
Basic Member
"Good reason" to carry a knife
There are jurisdictions out there, i.e. the UK, and individual authority figures who may ask you for what reason you carry a knife. ("For protection" is the wrong answer!) As if you needed a reason ...
"Good reason?"
My good reason to carry a knife is that God gave me rather weak teeth and rudimentary claws in an evolutionary trade-off. The hairy-armed person who figured out how to put an edge on a suitable rock made it possible for us to be recognizably human in the first place. I wear a wristwatch whether or not I have an appointment to keep, and I carry a pen and/or pencil because I am a literate person whether or not I have a specific writing task ahead of me, and I carry a knife because I am a human and not an ape.
A knife comes in handy for all sorts of random tasks that involve separating matter. Like cutting a string, or making a sandwich, or opening a package. It can also come in handy in an emergency, which need not involve a human assailant, and emergencies are by their nature unforseen, so one should carry a knife all the time.
And in a perfect world where nobody needed a weapon, I'd probaby carry a slightly larger knife, because it wouldn't scare people.
(For some longer thoughts in this direction, visit Daithi's essay at www.knives.com )
*****************
Mei Fides, Mei Victus
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jeremygore
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Well on that note, a second question to ask would be, why carry a locking folder bigger than a SAK, if you have an ordinary/technical job? Aside from self defense, which I personally don't worry about and if anyone does, well... don't bring a knife to a gun fight.
Aside from cutting string and tape, I can't think of anything to use it for on a semi-regular basis, and an SAK will handle those nicely. Hunting, fishing, and diving have their knife requirements, but most folks don't do that every day and are often better off with a full blade.
If you can't trust a nerd, who can you trust?
Aside from cutting string and tape, I can't think of anything to use it for on a semi-regular basis, and an SAK will handle those nicely. Hunting, fishing, and diving have their knife requirements, but most folks don't do that every day and are often better off with a full blade.
If you can't trust a nerd, who can you trust?
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Sword and Shield
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Howdy Jeremy! Welcome to <img src="spyder.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>Land! <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>
I carry simply because I use a knife most every day, working or not. Whether it's a loose thread on my sport coat (the rare times I wear one), a stubborn bag of chips to open, or stripping the caulking off a door at work, a blade is always there.
Why a <img src="spyder.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>? Simple. Little knives can do little jobs well. Big knives can do big jobs well and little jobs passably. As one never knows what the day may bring, I like being prepared for both.
By the time you read this, you'll have already read it.
I carry simply because I use a knife most every day, working or not. Whether it's a loose thread on my sport coat (the rare times I wear one), a stubborn bag of chips to open, or stripping the caulking off a door at work, a blade is always there.
Why a <img src="spyder.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>? Simple. Little knives can do little jobs well. Big knives can do big jobs well and little jobs passably. As one never knows what the day may bring, I like being prepared for both.
By the time you read this, you'll have already read it.
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matthewdanger
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vampyrewolf
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I carry 2 large(fixed pe, folding se), 2 small(1 of each), and a multi at work...
"play" is just fixed, 1 pe(ss dragonfly), 1 serrated(varies), and multi.
Just had another case of "what a small knife won't do" today... 15 layers of tarp fabric(18oz coated fabric), 1 pass... I had to cut all the layers, all 15 feet of it, on a wooden table. The freshly sharpened endura FRN/se/ats-55 did it nicely. Had enough room on the blade to do 25 total, might be doing that monday(have another 450 tarps in that size, so I know I'll be doing them next week, just a question of how many at a time)
The cricket FRN/SE/ats-55 will only do 5 at a time.
Mei Fides, Mei Victus
"play" is just fixed, 1 pe(ss dragonfly), 1 serrated(varies), and multi.
Just had another case of "what a small knife won't do" today... 15 layers of tarp fabric(18oz coated fabric), 1 pass... I had to cut all the layers, all 15 feet of it, on a wooden table. The freshly sharpened endura FRN/se/ats-55 did it nicely. Had enough room on the blade to do 25 total, might be doing that monday(have another 450 tarps in that size, so I know I'll be doing them next week, just a question of how many at a time)
The cricket FRN/SE/ats-55 will only do 5 at a time.
Mei Fides, Mei Victus
Jeremygore: well... don't bring a knife to a gun fight. >>>
Considering that most knife attacks are ambushes, we might not have time to access our handguns in the event of a knife attack.
I've seen quite a few people hacked up with blades, quite effectively, I might add. One should never underestimate a knife-wielding assailant.
Also consider that it's possible for a normal person to cover 15 yards in a sprint in little over a second. Then it comes down to how fast can you draw, and will your handgun round stop the assailant before he gets to you.
Sniper -- One Shot, One Kill Email: ST8PEN01@aol.com
Considering that most knife attacks are ambushes, we might not have time to access our handguns in the event of a knife attack.
I've seen quite a few people hacked up with blades, quite effectively, I might add. One should never underestimate a knife-wielding assailant.
Also consider that it's possible for a normal person to cover 15 yards in a sprint in little over a second. Then it comes down to how fast can you draw, and will your handgun round stop the assailant before he gets to you.
Sniper -- One Shot, One Kill Email: ST8PEN01@aol.com
Jeremygore,
Welcome to the Spydie forum!!! <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>
Good question. "Because I can" will be my answer. I could drive a moped around town instead of a car. It would work, but I choose to drive a car. <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>
Blades
Welcome to the Spydie forum!!! <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>
Good question. "Because I can" will be my answer. I could drive a moped around town instead of a car. It would work, but I choose to drive a car. <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>
Blades
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budman1950
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jeremygore-
You might want to consider one of the smaller tool kits for American bikes. Not too much larger than a bicycle kit but I doubt you have fasteners larger than the ones on a Harley.
I used a knife over a dozen times today. Everything from cutting bubble wrap to size for packing ebay items, sizing fiberglass packing for mufflers, to trimming my willow tree. Not to mention opening mail, slicing an onion, and hacking up cardboard boxes.
That's not counting the knife I carry for SD. A gun fight isn't the only thing to worry about.
I've found it quite difficult to open a SAK with one hand, and sometimes that's all I have available.
You might want to consider one of the smaller tool kits for American bikes. Not too much larger than a bicycle kit but I doubt you have fasteners larger than the ones on a Harley.
I used a knife over a dozen times today. Everything from cutting bubble wrap to size for packing ebay items, sizing fiberglass packing for mufflers, to trimming my willow tree. Not to mention opening mail, slicing an onion, and hacking up cardboard boxes.
That's not counting the knife I carry for SD. A gun fight isn't the only thing to worry about.
I've found it quite difficult to open a SAK with one hand, and sometimes that's all I have available.
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Clay Kesting
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I'll second VW's suggestion for the Leatherman Crunch. I carry one as part of my back-country repair kit because I can use it to clamp parts together while epoxy cures and the hex adaptor will take a posi-drive bit to fit my bindings.
Why do I carry a knife? Because I fell nekked without one <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>. I sharpen pencils, peel and cut up fruit, open mail, get out splinters and cut loose threads off my daughters clothes. I used to regularly carry a multi-tool as well but don't bother anymore except when I'm travelling. There's always real tools around at work and my home workshop is pretty well equipped. I do carry a Leatherman Micro for the scissors and eyeglass screwdriver.
On a side note, I was giving a talk at school last week on treating an emergency asthma attack. I was showing how to make a spacer out of a plasic bottle or a foam cup when someone asked, "What if you don't have a knife?" The simple answer, "The patient will probably die." Why wouldn't you carry a knife?
clay
Life's too short to waste on instant coffee.
Why do I carry a knife? Because I fell nekked without one <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>. I sharpen pencils, peel and cut up fruit, open mail, get out splinters and cut loose threads off my daughters clothes. I used to regularly carry a multi-tool as well but don't bother anymore except when I'm travelling. There's always real tools around at work and my home workshop is pretty well equipped. I do carry a Leatherman Micro for the scissors and eyeglass screwdriver.
On a side note, I was giving a talk at school last week on treating an emergency asthma attack. I was showing how to make a spacer out of a plasic bottle or a foam cup when someone asked, "What if you don't have a knife?" The simple answer, "The patient will probably die." Why wouldn't you carry a knife?
clay
Life's too short to waste on instant coffee.
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sc_rebel1957
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glockman99
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Why carry a knife?
...Simple; Because my teeth and fingernails aren't sharp-enough, long-enough, or convenient enough to complete my everyday cutting tasks.
Dann Fassnacht Aberdeen, WA glockman99@hotmail.com ICQ: 53675663
...Simple; Because my teeth and fingernails aren't sharp-enough, long-enough, or convenient enough to complete my everyday cutting tasks.
Dann Fassnacht Aberdeen, WA glockman99@hotmail.com ICQ: 53675663
Why carry a knife? Like we said in the Boy Scouts:be prepared. I'd rather carry a knife and not need it than not carry one and need it.
As for your tool prob,I've got 3 suggestions. First:Leatherman w/tool adapter. Uses 1/4" bits,plus you can run a 1/4" straight bit or 1/4-3/8 adapter for sockets. The multi and adapter fit in a belt pouch plus a second small pouch will hold the sockets.
Second:Cruz Tools(http://www.cruztools.com/). They make very complete kits that fit in an old Harley teardrop box or fork bag. Little pricey,but you get what you pay for.
Third:buy a camera bag,go to Sears,and roll your own. Get a 1/4" drive ratchet,a bit holder,and all the various sockets/bits/adapters you require. Toss in a set of needle nose Visegrips,a flat roll of duct tape,and one of those rubber strap wrenches,and you're good to go. That's what I used to carry when I had my POS Buells. Eventually swapped out the ratchet for a t-handle number that held the bits in it's handle and had enough room left over to toss in a Minimag.
Oh,and don't forget a pair of Photons,one each white and red P3's. The white is tiny and bright and you can hold it in your teeth if you have to;the red as an emergency flasher to warn approaching traffic.
As for your tool prob,I've got 3 suggestions. First:Leatherman w/tool adapter. Uses 1/4" bits,plus you can run a 1/4" straight bit or 1/4-3/8 adapter for sockets. The multi and adapter fit in a belt pouch plus a second small pouch will hold the sockets.
Second:Cruz Tools(http://www.cruztools.com/). They make very complete kits that fit in an old Harley teardrop box or fork bag. Little pricey,but you get what you pay for.
Third:buy a camera bag,go to Sears,and roll your own. Get a 1/4" drive ratchet,a bit holder,and all the various sockets/bits/adapters you require. Toss in a set of needle nose Visegrips,a flat roll of duct tape,and one of those rubber strap wrenches,and you're good to go. That's what I used to carry when I had my POS Buells. Eventually swapped out the ratchet for a t-handle number that held the bits in it's handle and had enough room left over to toss in a Minimag.
Oh,and don't forget a pair of Photons,one each white and red P3's. The white is tiny and bright and you can hold it in your teeth if you have to;the red as an emergency flasher to warn approaching traffic.
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budman1950
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Stevie Ray
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Dynaryder has it right ..... Leatherman... I like the original cause it's small..., and the metal is SUPERhard....
Anyway, I've carried since I was 10 or 12 and I do it because I use one ... often... for whatever... Boxes ..., an apple or to show it off ....., whatever ..... A knife is one of the most versatile tools humans ever figured out how to make ...
SR
Anyway, I've carried since I was 10 or 12 and I do it because I use one ... often... for whatever... Boxes ..., an apple or to show it off ....., whatever ..... A knife is one of the most versatile tools humans ever figured out how to make ...
SR
Oh man,don't get me started on Buells. :-P
W/out going into the full rant,I'll give you the Reader's Digest version. Bought an S2 Thunderbolt. Fairing subframe cracked and fairing dropped onto front fender...while I was going down the Interstate! Buell's cust service was lacking(talked to Erik himself over e-mail). Couldn't unload bike,so I traded for S1 Lightning. Big probs. Worst was neg battery lead snapping 3 times,once(again!) going down Interstate in the rain. Many other probs,complained/talked to Court Canfield. Nothing done. 2 yrs later they do a huge recall for things that I had been griping about. Only reason I got away from them was I won a Fat Boy in '98(thank you Harley Visa!). Sold it,traded the Buell for a Dyna Convertible(didn't care how much I lost),and never looked back. Will never get another one,would not recommend one to an enemy. No wait,Bin Laden should own a Buell. :-P
W/out going into the full rant,I'll give you the Reader's Digest version. Bought an S2 Thunderbolt. Fairing subframe cracked and fairing dropped onto front fender...while I was going down the Interstate! Buell's cust service was lacking(talked to Erik himself over e-mail). Couldn't unload bike,so I traded for S1 Lightning. Big probs. Worst was neg battery lead snapping 3 times,once(again!) going down Interstate in the rain. Many other probs,complained/talked to Court Canfield. Nothing done. 2 yrs later they do a huge recall for things that I had been griping about. Only reason I got away from them was I won a Fat Boy in '98(thank you Harley Visa!). Sold it,traded the Buell for a Dyna Convertible(didn't care how much I lost),and never looked back. Will never get another one,would not recommend one to an enemy. No wait,Bin Laden should own a Buell. :-P
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budman1950
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Sounds like you have good reasons for dissing them.
Yeah, Buell did have growing pains. But, timing is everything. The problems you spoke of were before HD bought all but a point or two. QC is WAY up now. I had a '99 S3, a '98 White lightening re-issue, and a '00 Blast.
Other than rocker box gaskets, I never had a problem.
I've heard about the cracked fairing thing. Scary stuff, especially at speed.
Yeah, Buell did have growing pains. But, timing is everything. The problems you spoke of were before HD bought all but a point or two. QC is WAY up now. I had a '99 S3, a '98 White lightening re-issue, and a '00 Blast.
Other than rocker box gaskets, I never had a problem.
I've heard about the cracked fairing thing. Scary stuff, especially at speed.