Ozark Trail Multitool
21 - 40 of 45 Posts
For those of us old enough to remember, Leatherman was the first multi-tool on the market. Prior to that the closest thing was a Swiss Army Knife. Leatherman's first multi-tool was well made and it was an immediate hit. Everyone that came afterward was basically a copycat, regardless of how good the product they made.
For quite awhile Leatherrman meant multi-tool the way Xerox means copier.
For quite awhile Leatherrman meant multi-tool the way Xerox means copier.
Joined
·
11,338 Posts
Since we're showing them off, this is the Leatherman OHT (one handed tool). I have several of them and find them more user-friendly than other makes / models. I do have several misc. tools that I have acquired along the way, including a Gerber Diesel.
![]()
Joined
·
1,089 Posts
This Sog power plier multi tool i used when i worked for the state doing trails, firefighting, fisheries, fencing, autoshop stuff, searches, household projects, sawyer projects n i even plucked my eyebrows with it once or twice. Its been a realiable sturdy tool over the years n now its retired to my daypack / bob. It could use a cleaning n the blade is a tad dull but it has all the little doo dads tucked nicly inside. I got it in 1995 n it was a dont leave home without it tool..like my coffee..id still carry it with me had i not be in a controlled facility.
Lots of impressive looking ones theyve come oit with..that last one looks like it will morph into a little transformet robot..lol,..
Attachments
Joined
·
2,976 Posts
Hooch I have one exactly like that, it's my favorite. I've had several others over the years, but my SOG has never failed me.
Joined
·
1,089 Posts
awesome!! I love it too. Co-workers had leathermans n gerbers but the models they had I thought were wimpy and they broke on folks alot. It looks like those companies have come out with better tools that have some weight and stregnth added but Ill own a Sog anyday..Id even bring it to crab feasts n use it to crack crabbies with...
Joined
·
1,287 Posts
The TSA has thousands of them .
Along with a bunch of other stuff they stole form passengers held hostage.
I worked at an airport ,not for the TSA, and I saw first hand what happens in the bag well.
They busted 3 TSA guys for stealing stuff. They were selling it on eBay.
One guy had over 250 pounds of knives and multi-tools waiting to sell.
No arrests, no admission from the TSA. They were just quietly fired.
Sorry for going off topic.
Joined
·
8,564 Posts
Yes..... and No.
Just like the Ford Model T, it was a huge hit and became a legend.
However, it didn't take long before better products came out to surpass it.
I have had a couple 1st and 2nd gen Leathermans, and to be honest - I DO NOT like them.
So much so that if I am carrying that weight, I want a better tool.
Yep - and just like Xerox, both usage terms have been dying off. It's just as well.
Joined
·
8,564 Posts
A lot of places that sell "multi-tools" on ebay do not try to hide the fact that the stuff is from TSA seizures. Most of mine are.
Other things, like cameras stolen and such - those thieves should have been prosecuted for sure.
I don't like that TSA is taking knifes and stuff but I feel changing that policy is still a long ways off.
Joined
·
8,564 Posts
I see they copied Gerber on the sliding-pliers head part.
Joined
·
3,978 Posts
I have an ancient Gerber I use on the trapline. I love it too!I like the Gerber Suspension mulitool also. I know that Leatherman seems to be the "standard", but The Gerbers have held up to everything I've put them through with one exception and that was completely my fault.
![]()
Joined
·
11,338 Posts
You mean improved upon.
Joined
·
1,287 Posts
Yes the TSA sells stuff on eBay but the guys I was talking about stole them from the TSA and then sold them for their own profit.
TSA frowns on people stealing the stuff they steal from passengers
. Most of the cheap crap is sold through the GSA stores.
Joined
·
446 Posts
I've got a Wave, too! It's in my everyday carry. It's well built, and it's quality is excellent. I also have a Leatherman Mini Tool I inherited from my father (they stopped making those). I have to admit, I've never tried other brands, but I LOVE it! IMHO, Multitools are one of the best things ever invented! They're America's answer to the Swiss Army Knife! The Wave has a pair of scissors THAT ACTUALLY WORKS! :2thumb: You can tell I'm pleased as punch with it!
But mine cost me more than $30, though, it was more like about $50. The only thing about it that annoys me is that they claim you can open it with just one hand. I don't see how without slicing open your thumb.
Joined
·
974 Posts
Walmart house products tend to be very low quality at best. I had made the mistake years ago of buying some of their compasses. the plastic cases tended to leak after about a year. I am not sure what was the fluid the Chinese used to make them with but it smelled like you know what. As for TOOLS of any kind I always go with US made if possible.
If my kids lives depend on something I want it to work. GB
If my kids lives depend on something I want it to work. GB
Joined
·
1,050 Posts
I keep one of these Ozark Trails in my tackle box and gave one to the kiddo. They are cheap and you don't feel too bad when they break. They are good for occasional use. As for my EDC multi, I carry a Leatherman Rebar. It's the one I got a few months back on a really good clearance deal from Target. I use it almost daily. In fact, I was cutting wire out in the garden with it this morning.
Joined
·
8,564 Posts
SOME of the "Ozark Trail" stuff is OK, but you have to be careful!!
Joined
·
399 Posts
Another happy Sidekick user, here. I'm not so sure I'd like to have a OHT...possibly too easily opened, and could accidentally open causing injury if you are not 100% familiar with it's characteristics...just me. If I'm doing something that will involves the need for a tool, I get the tool ready to use, then continue. Sure, I can see where there could be times when you need your MT open and at the ready NOW...something goes badly wrong and you have seconds to react before a bad and unexpected thing turns very ugly.
I have had a few low-cost MT (translated: cheaply made, waste of money) over the years and I eventually find an easy way to cause a failure (even a broken can opener can be cause for a set-back). I decided that instead of spending money to replace broken tools every few years to, instead, just get a good one and be done with that chapter. I settled on the Leatherman Sidekick due to it's simple no-frills design, as I wanted something for dual-purpose, as in EDC and survival. Simple usually translates to durability and reliability, providing it was constructed with quality in mind. With the leather pouch and carabiner, it allows for multiple carry options. The Sidekick's multiple blades will prove to be very useful for survival, as well as the saw and file. I do use it on occasion for quick and simple adjustments on things when I don't have easy access to the proper tools, but when I'm actually going to work on something in depth, that's when the toolbox comes out. I did learn that you can strip the head on phillips headlamp adjustment screws with the sidekick's phillips driver, if they are stubborn...that was one of those times when the tool box should have come out. Even good quality multitools have their limitations.
I do like being able to buy replacement parts, if needed, and their warranty, but, above all else the made in USA quality. It's hard to find US-made tools/goods, but I buy it where/when it fits my needs. I don't own and haven't used any Gerber or SOG MTs, so can't vouch for them, but Leatherman has a solid reputation...I definitely recommend the Sidekick for BOB/GHB.
I have had a few low-cost MT (translated: cheaply made, waste of money) over the years and I eventually find an easy way to cause a failure (even a broken can opener can be cause for a set-back). I decided that instead of spending money to replace broken tools every few years to, instead, just get a good one and be done with that chapter. I settled on the Leatherman Sidekick due to it's simple no-frills design, as I wanted something for dual-purpose, as in EDC and survival. Simple usually translates to durability and reliability, providing it was constructed with quality in mind. With the leather pouch and carabiner, it allows for multiple carry options. The Sidekick's multiple blades will prove to be very useful for survival, as well as the saw and file. I do use it on occasion for quick and simple adjustments on things when I don't have easy access to the proper tools, but when I'm actually going to work on something in depth, that's when the toolbox comes out. I did learn that you can strip the head on phillips headlamp adjustment screws with the sidekick's phillips driver, if they are stubborn...that was one of those times when the tool box should have come out. Even good quality multitools have their limitations.
I do like being able to buy replacement parts, if needed, and their warranty, but, above all else the made in USA quality. It's hard to find US-made tools/goods, but I buy it where/when it fits my needs. I don't own and haven't used any Gerber or SOG MTs, so can't vouch for them, but Leatherman has a solid reputation...I definitely recommend the Sidekick for BOB/GHB.
I own a lot of cheap tools, but, then I own a lot more high quality tools. They both have their place, IMHO. I'd rather have a cheap tool than NO tool, and yes, they can break, but most of the cheap things I have are just fine when used within their limitations. I have seen a lot more tools break from misuse than from shoddy manufacture. This may have something to do with the fact that our public schools have taken out the shop classes to fit in all the crap classes in vogue today.
21 - 40 of 45 Posts
