As Co Founder of Multitool.org David has been a multitool enthusaist since the 90's. David has always been fascinated with the design inginuity and uselfulness of multitools.
David is always looking forward to what's new in the industry and how the humble multitool continues to evolve as it radically changes and improves the lives of users.
KME has been around for over a decade and was conceived when a friend was having difficulty sharpening his broadheads. Ron volunteered to see if he could come up with a way to make it easier. He came up with a device that was rudimentary but functional. After refining the design their self-aligning broadhead sharpener was born. A few years later Ron adapted this system to knife sharpening and the rest is history as they say.
The company's ethos is to create products that simplify the process of sharpening. They take tremendous pride in their products and it's evident in materials, craftsmanship, and customer service. Today we're taking a look at the KME Sharpening system and some accessories.
Edge Pro Inc is another one of those companies whose founder had developed a product for his personal needs. Ben Dale president of Edge Pro developed the sharpener for his own use on a commercial knife route, he built 100 prototypes and sharpened over 100,000 knives over a 10-year period. His father taught him to sharpen, and he has always been fascinated by it. Dale felt working with knife sharpeners by hand was too slow and he began working on a better way. For years, he just kept sharpening and designing.
That rich history is translated into the quality products that Edge Pro makes. Today we're checking out the Apex model, it's a model that's a staple in the company's lineup and the most popular. The Apex can handle any blade up to 3 ½ wide including serrated knives. Because of its design knives can be sharpened at the same angle every time. This helps take the guess work out of finding your angle and making sure you keep it. This unique system doesn't have a clamp like similar systems, this allows for a variety of blade lengths and shapes. I'm a sucker for domestically made product and the Apex is proudly made in Hood River, OR.
One hallmark of any good knife company is the ability to produce limited editions and runs that are unique to the model. Vosteed is one of those companies; they've got more variants than Marvel has Loki. Not long ago, we checked out the White Mountain Knives exclusive Raccoon with a crossbar lock and frag pattern micarta. This release isn't exclusive to WMK but is limited in number. Today, we're checking out the Raccoon in aluminum.
It's been a while since I've touched base with 394 Components and wanted to see what else he has cooked up. He has a unique eye for things and creates this heavy-duty products that are meant to last. What we are checking out today is his take on an everyday carry screwdriver. A lot of us have multitools on here but sometimes you just want a dedicated driver. Dubbed the EDC Pocket Driver, it's built like a tank, and true to the 394 life.
Rive is a fairly new company that gained a bit of popularity with their Rogue Mini. The Mini is a small folder that is offered in limited quantities and the companies first release. This knife tested the waters and showed this team that the community was very interested. Rive went all in, announcing the Recon and the Striker late last year. The Recon being a new folder and the Striker a multipurpose pry tool.
The people at Vosteed are always busy releasing new products. Although it may seem like they release something new every month, I know this is an exaggeration. During the Christmas season, I received a package from Vosteed that contained a variety of items, including a new knife called the Chipmunk.
Man has been sharpening knives ever since he could fashion them. The jump from obsidian blades to metal was pivotal in our growth as a species, without it, we'd literally be stuck in the Stone Age. With the constant upgrades in steel composition, and edge holding ability, we still need to sharpen them. Sharpening has largely stayed the same over the centuries, we've merely created gadgets to aid those of us who lack this age-old talent.
One of these gadgets is an interesting take on a guided sharpener. Mark from Sharpworx created a system that mimics the motions you make when you sharpen by hand. His system has many models, but today we are taking a look at his Utility Sharpener.
There are a few players in the multitool market, but only one is synonymous with the product. It's hard to deny the juggernaut that is Leatherman. They just celebrated their 40th anniversary and they have no intention of slowing down. Just before this anniversary, new information emerged about a tool Leatherman was developing. Dubbed the Arc, it had a lot of features we grew to love on the FREE series. What really excited people was the fact that it solved a lot of issues people had with the FREE series and said to have a Magnacut blade.
These rumors and speculations fueled heated discussions, and anticipation of a product that some thought was a pipedream. I can't think of a single tool since I've become a fan that has created this much hype and anticipation. If this tool became a reality, it would fix the shortcomings of the toolset on the FREE series. Also, it would solidify Leatherman as the innovator that it is, a testament to its leadership in the industry. As their anniversary came around, they announced a limited-edition tool, which for all purposes was an Arc with a different coat of paint.
The guys at Vosteed have once again collaborated with R.S. Knifeworks (Rob Saniscalchi)’s to bring a design of his to the masses. Dubbed the Griffin, it features a hawkbill that's 3.49" and made from the 14C28N. The blade shape (hawkbill) is great for draw cuts, breaking down cardboard, and anything that would require a slashing motion. Because of its curved belly, it's even great for things like stripping wires or horticulture.
For the last year and a half Vosteed has been making waves in the knife industry. It's a difficult market to get into, and another to produce amazing designs that continue to get recognition. The company has mainly been a folding knife manufacturer, with some successful production of kitchen knives. Vosteed has decided to shake things up yet again and produce their first fixed blade.
Dubbed the Mink, this versatile blade is good for everything from daily tasks, camping, and even dressing game. When it comes to fixed blades, I've come to prefer something compact and easy to carry. Go too small and you lose some versatility, too large and it's not great for all situations. The Mink fits nicely in between those two sizes, with an overall of 7.3" and a blade length of 3.33", it's perfect for everyday carry.
What kind of people would write collect and review multitools? Quite simple really- we are designers and do-ers, outdoors types and indoor types, mechanics, doctors, problem solvers and problem makers. As such, we have, as a world spanning community, put every type, size and version of multitool, multifunction knife, pocket knife and all related products to every test we could manage in as many places and environments as there are.