Buck X-Tact & other multitool ??????

[airecon]

I said I wasn't going to buy anymore cheap knives, but I bought a Kobalt knife/multitool combo from Lowe's $20- $14 with discount card. Im not really satisfied with it. I tried to sharpen the knife and hoped it would shave my arm a little, but it wouldn't and its fairly heavy. The knife blade on the multitool is dull and won't sharpen. Its better than nothing I suppose, but I wished I had bought a better quality tool. On the better multitools will the blades sharpen up and shave at least a little? Has anybody tried the Buck X-tract? It looks pretty cool and I like the knife blade? http://www.eknifeworks.com/webapp/e...hText=&Mode=Cat&Brand=&PriceStart=&SKU=BU5895

Thanks!

 

[powernoodle]

I don't know about the Buck, but I would recommend a Leatherman Wave (or other Leatherman), a SOG, or Victornox Swisstool Spirit. They are among the "big boys" that most folks seem to be happy with.

Each is somewhat spendy, but the Swisstool is the least expensive at under $50 shipped on amazon.

In addition to this forum, see the multitool forum at bladeforums.com and multitool.org.

cheers

 

[carl]

I saw this Buck at Adventure 16 in Torrance today. If a blade is your main tool rather than a plier, then this may work, otherwise, I'd stick with a plier-based design (leatherman, sog, etc.).

Saw the SOG Powerlock there too - that thing is huge, and looks like its built like a tank, very nice mirror polished finish.

 

[ringzero]

On the better multitools will the blades sharpen up and shave at least a little? Has anybody tried the Buck X-tract? It looks pretty cool and I like the knife blade? http://www.eknifeworks.com/webapp/e...hText=&Mode=Cat&Brand=&PriceStart=&SKU=BU5895

Thanks!

I got an X-tract from Lighthound for 27 bucks - the cheapest I found it listed anywhere.

Out of the box, my X-tract shaved hair on the back of my arm and push cut a rolling paper - a very sharp factory edge.

I've read that Buck blades using 420HC steel perform better than similar blades from other makers, supposedly due to a better heat treat.

The blade is X-tract's best feature, being bigger than that found on other tools. Opens one-handed very easily and locks up tight with no play - very smooth operation.

X-tract pliers are small and don't offer much leverage, being similar in capabilities to LM Juice pliers. If you need full-size plier capability, look elsewhere.

Screwdrivers are excellent, but don't offer much reach to get to recessed screws. Can opener is small but completely functional for opening cans.

All implements, including pliers, open one-handed and lock open - which is very handy if you have something in the other hand.

I've been using my X-tract for yard work and like it a lot so far. Lots of capability for its price. Plan to use it for backpacking and camping duty, but haven't so far.

.

 

[Dantor]

I just got my X-Tract today, and like stated, pretty sharp.
It is a combo edge, not my fav but I have more than enough PE edges so it's fine.
I really like all the one hand opening tools and everything seems made well and with lots of thougth.

with the silver farmer, spirit and blast.

 

[AndyTiedye]

The Swisstool Spirit is a good one. If shaving your arm with it is important, you probably want the "S" model, which has both plain and serrated blades.
The non-S only has a serrated blade.

The Wenger Alinghi is my current favorite. The pliers fold into the knife body and you get a 120mm one-hand opening blade, screwdrivers, bottle opener, and a marlinspike.

 

[Dantor]

That's a beautiful tool there but it's like 3-4X the price of the X-Tract!