I have two, one stays on the boat and one is on my person. The marlinspike is key--I use it all the time to pull out knots. Otherwise its as useful as a regular multitool, but the marlinspike puts it over in my opinion.
Frankly I think there are too many lock slides, and I've removed the "handle covers", but that marlinspike just makes it perfect for boat use.
I expect a retort from Luna-Sea East, as RobertB is a collector and connoisseur of these devices and actually owns some museum pieces
Includes rigging essentials like a partially serrated blade, marlin spike and wrench for making adjustments on the fly or cutting line. With patented Compound Leverage, the exclusive interlocking gear design of the Sailor's pliers results in double the squeezing power of conventional designs. A pleasure to use, handles have shields that close over the recessed components for a firm, comfortable grip. Components lock in place to prevent accidental closures and finger cuts. The hex bolt construction permits easy component changes, cleaning and adjustment. Also includes wire cutter and crimper, flat screwdrivers, Phillips screwdriver, three-sided file, bottle opener, rulers, lanyard loop and a nylon pouch. Constructed of durable stainless steel.
Blade/Tool Material: Stainless steel
Handle Material/Finish: Stainless steel
Closed: 4.7"L
Open: 7.1"L
Weight: 9.6oz.
Warranty: One year
I think I use a Leatherman surge I got on clearance once. They are quite handy for small jobs without having to pull out the tool box. I think I use the scissors the most. They are very sharp and will cut through any line on the boat.
Always afraid to go on deck with it. I know it will eventually end up in the water. I ususally tie a lanyard onto any tool I take up top.
I was actually looking at this at west marine the other day when I was there browsing. I was just curious about any sailing specific multitools.
If you Google "sailing multitool", and go to images, you'll find some very interesting attempts at the concept. This one looks perfect - it will even double as an anchor!
Catigale wrote:Can I get a lanyard on it somehow? Without that, the inevitable trip to davey Jones toolbox awaits.....
If you look next to the marlinspike, there's a tiny fitting with a thread hole for a.. thread. So it's possible yes, but it's a tiny hole. I appreciate the fact that it's out of the way, but you'd probably want a larger one. Maybe a camera strap would work.
I actually wind up using the wire cutter (inside the pliers) and the electrical crimp tool (opposite the pliers) all the time. The 2:1 compound leverage makes it quite a bit stronger than a typical crimp tool or cutter and I wind up using it more for those jobs than the actual tools.
Jim Bunnell wrote:If you Google "sailing multitool", and go to images, you'll find some very interesting attempts at the concept. This one looks perfect - it will even double as an anchor!
I have two, one stays on the boat and one is on my person. The marlinspike is key--I use it all the time to pull out knots. Otherwise its as useful as a regular multitool, but the marlinspike puts it over in my opinion.
Frankly I think there are too many lock slides, and I've removed the "handle covers", but that marlinspike just makes it perfect for boat use.
I expect a retort from Luna-Sea East, as RobertB is a collector and connoisseur of these devices and actually owns some museum pieces
Personal opinion is that the best tool is the one you will actually carry all the time. I have, as mentioned, been collecting these darn things since Leatherman first introduced them (and I even have an original Leatherman but manufactured by Gerber - ponder that one). The one I carry everywhere except in the shower and to bed is the Leatherman Skeletool CX (older version with 154CM serrated blade).http://www.leatherman.com/product/Skeletool_CX There are a lot of very good tools with more blades and attachments but many end up placed somewhere "special" and not right there when you need them.
Santa brought me that Myerchin for Christmas last year. On first seeing the pliers, I was unimpressed. After using them however, this tool is the one I find myself carrying everywhere. I have a couple different Leathermen stashed below but that is usually where they stay.
At $70 for wm tool, you can buy a nice craftsman tool kit. Not nearly as compact or sexy, but WAY more reliable and functional; did I mention the no questions asked life time warranty
