Gerber Bolt Action (7021)

This is another Blackie Collins design. It uses a sliding bolt to lock the blade open, a very strong lock. Apparently they also produced a longer, skinnier model called the Fisherman as well as an Orange handled serrated Fisherman called the Rescue. Meyerco also released a version later on the was partially serrated and had a thumbstud.

I like it, very simple and functional.

Leatherman New Wave and Old Wave (830037)

Equipped.org has some excellent articles on the Wave series, here are two that really help show the differences between the original model (released in 1998) and the newer revision (released in 2004).

Charge and Wave comparison.

Wave review.

I think the New Wave is a very big improvement in a lot of ways. It's got locks for the handle implements, a significantly stronger plier head and larger blades. Of course the expense is the increase in size and weight. I really prefer the Old Wave, it just carries better and feels better in the hand. The New Wave feels sharper on the corners and just doesn't feel as well-crafted as the older model. This may just be nostaglia though, the Old Wave was my first multi-tool that was actually mine. I was given it by a co-worker while doing some carpentry in 2001. It had a busted plier head, a broken knife blade and some dinged up drivers. It had been used hard and handed down to me and I really found it to be a wonderful item. After a few years I learned of the Leatherman warranty and had it replaced with a newer version of the same Old Wave model, I still find it an excellent design.

New Wave on the left, Old Wave on the right.















Photo set for the New Wave:
































Photo set for the Old Wave.

TL-29 pattern Imperial Slipjoint

Here's a Bladeforums thread with some more pictures and information on the TL-29 pattern.

Leatherman Pocket Survival Tool-PST (61010103)

Eagle-eyed viewers will note that this is one of the early, riveted, Japanese produced models. Here's a thread with some more pictures and information.

This is the "original Leatherman" one of the most produced multi-tools of all time it had almost a 21 year production life with almost 20 million produced. It's still unparalleled in the size/function ratio and serves as a reminder to effective engineering and functionality.

Spyderco J.D. Smith (C58)

Zero Tolerance M.U.D.D. (0500)

M.U.D.D. or Multi Utility Dirt Defiant. Another of my G & G Hawk collaborations. Here's a good amount of info on the custom version and the overall design.

How is it? Very large, very capable and extremely well made.

CRKT Hawk D.O.G. (4504)

Another G & G Hawk collaboration!

The CRKT D.O.G. or Deadbolt Over Grabstep was the first production G & G Hawk collaboration that I am aware of. I believe it was released in 2003 by CRKT and came feature packed. In the box you get the knife and two different sets of Zytel scales, each set has a different texture for personal preference. The knife has a unique pocket clip system in that the clip is under tension from an o-ring that sits between the clip screw and the pocket clip spacer that allows the pocket clip a little bit of wiggle room to make insertion and removal a little easier while still giving a solid hold. The lock system is very easy to use and appears to be extremely strong. Only minor complaint is that the Zytel scales are a little fat and can make access to the locking tabs a little difficult.