What Is The Best?

Portasol P-1 Professional/Antex Gascat 60 Butane Soldering Iron Review

2017-03-17T11:12:00.001+00:00

Key Info
- Powered by Butane lighter gas.
- Power adjustable between 10 and 60 watts.
- Tip temperature up to 400C.
- Ready to use within one minute.
- Various attachments including soldering tips, hot air blower, flame and hot knife.
- Up to an hour of continuous use on one fill of gas.
- Flint ignition.
- Compact, portable size.

Introduction
The Portasol P-1 Professional or Antex Gascat 60 (same product, 2 different names!) is a compact butane-powered heat tool. It is primarily designed for use as a soldering iron, but also performs other heat-related tasks using its different attachments which can be purchased separately or had as part of a kit.

Butane vs Electric
Butane soldering irons have several advantages over there more common electric counterparts, however, they are not free from flaws and an electric iron may be more appropriate in some circumstances.

One major advantage of butane soldering irons is their portability. With a gas iron you have no wires to worry about, and so you can use them anywhere. They're excellent for automotive use where your operating in tight spaces with no electricity supply. Another advantage is their power and the speed at which they heat up. This little iron is ready to use in less than a minute and can put out a maximum of 60 watts of power, which is comparable to a fairly large electric iron (common average-sized electric irons are usually around 25W), and very impressive considering its very compact design. The power is also variable between 10 and 60 watts, a feature not normally available on cheaper electric irons, and the tip can reach 400C (solder melts at around 200).

Butane irons do have a few disadvantages though. They're more expensive to run than electric irons, require filling with quality gas, so if you're using a soldering iron a lot, it may end up costing a fair bit in gas. Also, though I personally haven't experienced any problems, they're probably less reliable than electric irons. There's a fair few small, sensitive components inside, and a speck of dust in just the wrong place could mean a leaking or malfunctioning iron. One other possible disadvantage is that gas irons emit a very hot exhaust, which can damage sensitive electrical components if accidentally directed at them. Having said all this, you get used to keeping the exhaust port facing upwards (most tips are designed so that the exhaust would naturally face upwards anyway), and personally I prefer the compact, wireless power of a butane iron and haven't had any problems using one.

Usage and attachments
Using a gas iron requires a tiny bit more effort than an electric. First you need to fill the iron with good quality refined butane. On the Portasol Professional, this is achieved by inverting the iron, placing the nozzle of a butane lighter refill can (no adaptor required) on the fill valve and pressing down firmly. It takes around 10 seconds to fill, and you'll know when it's full because butane will spray out around the nozzle. There is a viewing window to see the gas level, but it's pretty hard to see to be honest! With gas irons, it is very important to use good quality butane. Poor quality butane contains impurities which clog up the tiny valves and jets in the device, and is a common cause of failure of these irons.

So, now you're full up with butane, all you need to do is turn the power setting dial on the rear of the iron to a moderate level, turn on the gas by sliding the coloured switch forwards and ignite the iron by striking sparks from the flintwheel on the cap into the iron's exhaust port (this iron has flint ignition, not piezo, which personally I prefer as it's more reliable. Standard lighter flints are used to refill). When lit, a blue flame will briefly be visible at the exhaust port, before disappearing and being replaced by an orange glow from the catalyst inside the tip (with the exception of the flame attachment, these irons use a flameless combustion process enabled by a catalyst in the tip). Once lit, set your desired power level and leave the iron for a minute or so to warm up. If you need to extinguish the iron, slide the coloured switch back again to switch off the gas. To re-light, providing the tip is still hot, just turn the gas back on again and the catalytic reaction will resume, without the need to use the flintwheel ignitor.

The Portasol Professional isn't just a soldering iron though. In addition to various other soldering/plastic welding tips, available separately, or as part of a kit (item no P-1K), are a mini blow torch-like flame tip, which reaches 1300C and is excellent for soldering pipes, bending steel wire etc, a hot air blower tip (450C), which is fantastic for shrinking heat-shrink tubing, and a hot knife tip (400C), which is ideal for cutting synthetic rope and webbing. This makes the Portasol P-1 a very versatile tool, considerably more useful than an electric iron.

Quality
The Portasol Professional is a good quality product. Portasol were the first to market a catalytic butane soldering iron (the "Technic" model) and they have a good reputation for reliability. They also offer a 1 year warranty.

The Portasol Professional is constructed almost entirely from plastic, however, Portasol assures us that these are "butane compatible nylons and acetyls" and it is true that the iron has a nice quality feel to it, despite the plastic construction. One area that I see as a potential weak-spot in the design is the plastic threading on the body of the iron where the tips attach. Over time, or through careless use, I feel this could become damaged and render the iron useless. However, it would appear that the threaded piece is attached simply by means of three small screws and so could be replaced if Portasol would supply the part. Also, providing care is taken when threading and unthreading attachments, this should never be a problem, and if you use the iron enough that the threads wear out through normal use, then perhaps you should consider Portasol's larger, flagship tool, the "Superpro 125", which has metal threading and a replaceable plastic collet.

Conclusion
The Portasol P-1 Professional is a great little butane soldering iron. It is incredibly versatile with its range of attachments and cable-free operation, and is very powerful considering its compact, portable size. If you're looking for one soldering iron that'll do it all, or looking for something that you can take anywhere with you, then this Portasol iron would make an excellent choice. You can buy it here on Amazon.

SOG Powerlock Traveler Review

2016-09-23T17:04:00.000+01:00

Key Info
- Full-size UK Legal multi tool.
- TSA compliant.
- 420 stainless construction.
- Replaceable/customisable tools.
- Compound leverage.
- 1/4" socket drive, can be adapted to 1/4" bit driver.

Introduction
With such restrictive laws surrounding the carry of knives in the UK, for years I've been looking for a decent full-size plier-based multi tool that's legal to carry here at all times. I've tried a few SAKs, but always found the lack of full-size pliers to limit their utility somewhat. More recently, I've been carrying the Leatherman Kick, but I've found it a bit lacking in variety of tools, being mainly comprised of screwdrivers. However, these past few months I've been carrying the SOG Powerlock Traveler. It is a bladeless multitool designed for travel and is TSA compliant, meaning that it is also UK legal - very unusual for a full-size multi tool. I have carried it in conjunction with a small Swiss Army Knife to provide the cutting tools that the SOG lacks, and I have to say that on the whole, I'm impressed.

The SOG Powerlock
There are three main players when it comes to pliers-based multi tools. Most people are likely to have heard of the first two - Leatherman and Victorinox, but the third, SOG, seems to be lesser known (it is worth noting that Gerber used to be another contender but at least in my experience, their quality is poor these days, and not on a level with the other three brands). Until I bought the Powerlock I hadn't tried SOG, and I was a little apprehensive, having read fairly mixed reviews, but decided to take the plunge anyway. I'm pleased that I did as I really like this multi tool.

Firstly, however, I must mention some disadvantages of the SOG when compared to both the Victorinox Swisstool and Leatherman multitools. The SOG's fit and finish is considerably less refined (especially when compared to the Swisstool), and the Powerlock feels much more primitive, with simple locks that allow the tools to 'clump' together when opened. In addition, some of the tools are arguably not as good as those found on the other brands - the scissors aren't up to much (they won't cut anything other than paper!) and the file is pretty smooth and only really of use as a nail file.

Having said all this however, the SOG has some distinct advantages over the other brands. Firstly, the tools are all replaceable or swappable for a different tool altogether. This is a massive advantage, as using only a pair of hex keys, it allows you to customise your multi tool (swapping the ineffective scissors for the wire stripper component for example) or replace anything that you break yourself, without having to worry about sending the tool in. In addition, I have noticed that the quality of Leatherman multi tools seems to be decreasing in my experience, and almost all the implements are created using the Metal Injection Moulding process these days, whereas on the SOG, most of the tools (with the notable exception of the plier head) appear to have been machined into shape, resulting in a more precise and likely stronger tool. Further advantages of the SOG include their trademark Compound Leverage plier head, which makes gripping things and cutting tough materials like fencing wire, thin stranded steel cable and small nails amazingly easy, as well as the 1/4" socket drive tool, which can be converted to a standard 1/4" bit holder using a standard adapter.

Design and Features
The Powerlock Traveler has a very utilitarian design. It is not the prettiest multitool, nor is it the easiest to use, but it gets the job done without feeling like it's about to snap! It is very simply constructed, being made from bent 420 stainless steel and a few hex bolts and rivets, but apart from some slight ease-of-use related annoyances this presents (such as the clumping together of tools when they are opened) this is an advantage, meaning there is little to go wrong.

One controversial feature of the Powerlock is the handle covers. These are little flaps that cover the tools when the pliers are open, in order to provide a more comfortable grip. Personally I like these and and don't find them a nuisance, but if you find they get in the way, they can be easily popped off.

Aside from the usual tools (screwdrivers, bottle opener, can opener etc.) The Powerlock has a couple of less common ones. These include the aforementioned 1/4" socket drive, which can be adapted easily to a 1/4" bit driver, and the Robertson drive (the little square-ended screwdriver). I find the 1/4" drive very useful, especially when adapted to become a 1/4" bit driver, and prefer it to Leatherman's bit driver, as not only does it have the option to accept sockets, but it with the adapter it will accept standard 1/4" bits, unlike Leatherman's which only accepts their proprietary flat bits. The Robertson driver, however, I haven't found particularly useful here in the UK. Apparently they're a common type of screw head in Canada, but you never see them over here, so the only use I've found for that tool so far is as a key for those screw-type window locks found in some houses, which it fits reasonably well! I may well swap this tool out at some stage.

Unusually for a UK legal multi tool, all the tools on the Powerlock lock open (some, for example the Phillips screwdriver lock at 90 degrees too), which is obviously a great safety advantage over a non-locking tool such as a Swiss Army Knife, even though the Powerlock has no sharp tools (except the scissors of course).

One other thing worth noting is that there are less tools on the Powerlock Traveler compared to the standard Powerlock. This means that a nylon spacer has been used in place of the missing tools. This could potentially be removed and swapped for extra tools, though it would need careful consideration as only certain tools will fit in certain slots (see SOG's site for more info).

Conclusion
Overall, I really like the SOG Powerlock Traveler. It hasn't quite got the same fit and finish as some other multi tools out there, but it's UK legal and the replaceable tools and compound leverage are massive advantages in my mind. If you're after a full-size multi tool that can be carried pretty much anywhere, whether it be for travel, work or if you live in a country with restrictive knife laws such as the UK, I think the SOG Powerlock Traveler is a great option. You can buy the Powerlock Traveler at Amazon.

Uncle Bill's Sliver Gripper Tweezers Review

2016-09-23T16:46:00.001+01:00

Key Info
- Tempered stainless steel.
- Keyring attachment/point protector.
- Precision points.
- Made in the USA.

About
The Uncle Bill's Sliver Gripper Tweezers are a very handy tool. I personally favour them over other Tweezers due to their keyring attachment/point protector which makes them to carry without losing them and stops the sharp point of the tweezers from making a hole in whatever you've put them in. It also protects the tweezer tips themselves from damage.

These tweezers certainly live up to their name in terms of function, and are an excellent tool for splinter removal, partly due to the sharp tip, but also due to their stiffness, meaning you can get a very firm grip on the offending object without the tweezers 'collapsing', such as in the case of Swiss Army Knife Tweezers. I am also told, though I have never used them myself for this purpose, that they are well-suited for tick removal, making them a good choice for a first aid kit. Ones other thing I find them very useful for is manipulating small components which would otherwise be difficult to handle, and so they make a good addition to a precision tool kit.

Quality
I have three pairs of these tweezers in various places and all of them have been great. They're a very simple design - constructed from bent stainless steel - but the tips are sharp and perfectly aligned, and the spring action is firm on all of them. The tempered stainless construction should mean that corrosion or permanent deformation of the tweezers isn't a problem under normal use. I'm not sure whether it would be a good idea to use a flame to sterilise them for first aid use though, as this might affect the temper and make them soft or brittle.

Conclusion
There's not a great deal more one can say about a pair of tweezers, however what I would say is that if you're after an all round pair of tweezers, maybe for a first aid kit or just as an EDC tool, then the convenient design and quality construction of the Sliver Gripper makes them the perfect choice in my opinion. (Available at Amazon.com).

Olight i3E EOS Review

2016-09-22T16:06:00.001+01:00

Key Info
- 90 lumens (silver 120 lumens).
- Uses 1xAAA battery.
- Runtime 45mins with Alkaline battery (Silver model 35). Longer runtimes with NiMh battery.
- Phillips Luxeon TX LED.
- Waterproof to IPX8 standard.
- No reverse polarity protection.

Introduction
The Olight i3E is a very handy little torch, and probably my favourite keychain light when value for money is considered. It's not the greatest quality light money can buy, but it's still well made and it makes a great low-budget entry into high-performance flashlights.

About
The i3E uses a Phillips Luxeon TX LED and 1xAAA battery and has one brightness level, which varies depending on which model you choose - the silver model is 120 lumens and all the other colours are 90 lumens. Personally, I'd steer clear of the silver model - I prefer the other colours as not only is the battery life shorter on the silver for a hardly discernible difference in brightness (35 mins for the silver vs 45 for the others), but the silver finish is very tacky in my opinion, and I did have a silver model that was faulty upon arrival.

The i3E runs off common, inexpensive AAA batteries and I think it makes a great entry into the world of high-performance lights, having bought several as gifts. This is not to say that the i3E is earth-shatteringly bright, because it isn't, but it will likely surprise those unacquainted with modern flashlights that so much light can come from such a small form factor.

Quality
The i3E is fairly well made. It is not stunning quality - there is no reverse polarity protection (don't put the battery in the wrong way round!), the aluminium body is quite thin, the gold-plated contact ring is also thin and narrow, the lens is acrylic not glass and there seem to have perhaps be a few QC issues (one of mine had a short on the circuit board), but in my experience it is considerably better than many in its price range and I have no doubt that it will last me a good few years of use. In addition, it is waterproof to IPX8 standard, so shouldn't suffer from problems in that regard (although no spare O-rings are included).

Conclusion
The Olight i3E is a budget light and as such isn't entirely without its faults, however, if you're after a bright keychain torch that won't break the bank, or looking for a gift to introduce someone to high-performance flashlights, then the i3E may be the one for you. (Available at Amazon.co.uk).

Zippo 6 Hour Hand Warmer Review

2016-09-22T15:52:00.003+01:00

Key Info
- Compact size.
- 6-hour burn time.
- Runs off Zippo lighter fluid.
- Low fuel consumption.

Introduction
I've used various hand warmers over the years and until fairly recently I was a fan of the charcoal-stick-burning variety. However, having discovered the Zippo models, there really is no comparison in heat output and burn time. Zippo make two models - the 12-Hour and the newer 6-Hour Hand Warmer. I own both of these, and they're both great, but having acquired the 6-Hour model last winter, I must admit I do prefer it to the 12 for every day use, mainly due to its compactness (it is not a great deal larger than a Zippo lighter) and lower fuel consumption.

Function and Use
To use the hand warmer you fill the supplied measuring jug with Zippo lighter fluid and remove the lid and burner from the top of the hand warmer. You then decant the fluid into the hand warmer, replace the burner and pass a flame over it for a few seconds (around 5-10 seconds should be sufficient in my experience). This starts a reaction of the lighter fluid with oxygen from the air, mediated by the catalyst material in the 'burner' - there is no flame inside the hand warmer, but rather this chemical reaction generates heat. Once the hand warmer starts to warm up, it is then placed in a small cloth bag, which prevents too much oxygen reaching the burner and causing it to overheat.

This might sound a bit convoluted, but it only takes a minute or so and this hand warmer has a different burner to my older 12-Hour model, which seems to have made it considerably easier to ignite. If you are having difficulties in lighting your hand warmer, it is worth noting (in the case of both the 6 and 12hr models), that they seem to prefer being completely filled, and can be very reluctant to light if only half-filled. That is to say that if you want a hand warmer that will last all day then the 12 hour model is great, and I've found it to last even longer than 12 hours on several occasions, however, it does use quite a lot of fuel, and if you just want a few hours' heat for when you venture outside without having to needlessly use excess fuel, then you're better off using the 6hr model than trying to get away with half-filling the 12, as you may have problems getting it to light and stay lit.

As for what fuel to use - personally I always use Zippo branded fluid. There are various other naptha-based fluids available, which I dare say would work perfectly well, but the Zippo fluid is a bit more refined and doesn't smell quite so much as other brands so I tend to stick to that.

Quality
The 6hr hand warmer is great quality. It's made of brass and like all Zippos, has a very tactile feel to it. Spare burners are available as they do wear out over time, but they're inexpensive and should last a few winters of moderate usage.

Conclusion
In my opinion, the Zippo 6-Hour Hand Warmer is the perfect hand warmer for general use. It may not burn for as long as it's bigger brother, but I see this as an advantage, as personally I'm rarely outside for as long as 12 hours in the cold, and the smaller form factor and lower fuel consumption of the 6hr model more than make up for this in my mind. If you are going to be spending extended periods outdoors in the winter, then perhaps the 12hr model is best for you, but for day-to-day use, I think the 6-Hour Hand Warmer is hard to beat. (Available at Amazon.com).

ZAK Tool Emergency Window Punch Review

2016-09-21T15:20:00.000+01:00

Key Info
- Heat-treated steel tip (not carbide).

- Pull-and-release spring action.
- Integrated handcuff key (on the ZT57 model) to fit most handcuffs (ASP, Hiatt).
- Pocket clip.
- Made in the USA.

Design
The ZAK Tool Emergency Window Punch comes in three different styles. The model reviewed is the ZT57, which has an integrated handcuff key at the top and seems to be more readily available in the UK at the time of writing.

Firstly, the handcuff key - it is designed to fit ASP and Hiatt handcuffs, which are the two most common brands in use today. It does not feature a double-locking pin, so cannot be used for this purpose, however, this does not affect its ability to unlock the handcuffs, as the double-locking feature only serves to prevent the handcuffs being inadvertently overtightened, not to prevent them being unlocked. The handcuff key is obviously of greatest use to policemen who would like a spare key, or a key that is harder to lose than the tiny standard issue key, however it could also potentially be of use in an emergency situation such as a kidnapping, especially in combination with the window punch, so it's handy to have on there even if you never use it.

Now on to the main feature of this tool, the window punch. It is not a carbide-tipped punch like some others on the market (the Leatherman Z-Rex for example), so it may potentially dull with use and need to be resharpened, though I suspect it would take many uses before this was required. In addition, it is not able to be used one-handed like the ResQMe or an automatic centre punch, so may not be the best choice for personal automotive safety (though much better than nothing at all), however, where this punch really excels is for use in vehicular extraction or for use in home emergencies. The punch is designed to break toughened glass with ease (despite the lack of carbide tip) and the pull-and-release design means that the punch does not have to be pressed hard against the glass or manually struck against it, allowing for very controlled glass removal without injuring yourself or the person you are trying to help!

The tool also has a pocket clip. This is handy and I use it to keep it clipped to my tool bag, however it does seem to be fairly thin so some care may need to be taken to avoid bending it. It is easily removable however, so could be bent back or discarded if damaged.

Function
Operating this tool is easy. The tip is placed against the glass, and the other end is pulled back a little (don't go crazy or you may stretch the spring) and released. This acts like a hammer, striking the tip end of tool and driving it into the glass. The tool is designed primarily for shattering tempered (toughened) glass (automotive side windows, some home windows etc), which is notoriously difficult to break, however, theoretically it should be able to break plain glass too (at least thinner sheets of it), though it may be more dangerous and won't necessarily shatter the whole pane in one go.

It is worth noting that I have not yet had the opportunity to test this tool out myself, however, several videos are available online demonstrating it's effectiveness should you want to see the tool in action.

Quailty
This tool is made in the USA and is of good quality. The aforementioned points about the lack of a carbide tip and the relatively thin pocket clip are perhaps weaker areas, however, overall it is a well made item. The machining appears to be precise and the finish is good. One potential area of concern was the method of attachment of the spring to the two ends of the "handle". I felt that the spring could perhaps come off one day, rendering the tool useless, however, I was pleased to note that the points at which the spring is coiled around the "handle" are tapered, so the spring should never come detached. Another thing that should be noted is that this tool is constructed entirely from steel and so is likely to be prone to rust (though I personally haven't had a problem), so it's probably best kept dry.

Conclusion
The ZAK Tool Emergency Window Punch is a quality item for shattering toughened glass. In my opinion it is safer to use than some other tools avaialble, making it particularly useful to have as tool for helping others escape their vehicle from the outside. If you're after a tool for personal safety then perhaps the ResQMe or Z-Rex might be better options, however, if you're looking for a safe and effective method to break tempered glass, then in my opinion this is the one to go for. (Available at Amazon.com).

Lansky Blade Medic Review

2015-06-01T21:06:00.000+01:00

Key Info

- Includes tungsten and ceramic “V” sharpeners, tapered diamond sharpener and ceramic sharpener.

- Solid metal design.

- Replaceable “V” sharpener.

- Can sharpen plain edge or serrated blades.

- Lanyard hole.

The Lansky Blade Medic is a really handy pocket knife sharpener. It combines the typical tungsten and ceramic “V” sharpeners with a tapered diamond file and a small ceramic “stone”. It is a well made, compact package, which allows you to keep your plain and serrated blades in good order whist in the field.

Design

Firstly, I will say that I am not a big fan of “V” style sharpeners because I usually use a Lansky Sharpening System to set my sharpening angles and the “V” sharpeners interfere with this. However, while they aren’t particularly good for your knife’s edge long-term, they have their uses in emergencies, as they sharpen very quickly and give reasonable results, even in unskilled hands. The Blade Medic’s combination of this style of sharpener with a tapered diamond rod for sharpening plain or serrated edges and ceramic “stone” for serrations (and potentially plain edges too if used carefully) really increases it’s versatility, making it not only great for emergency field sharpening but useful to maintain your edge (with the diamond rod) between “proper” sharpenings on a more comprehensive sharpening system.

The Blade Medic is constructed from what appears to be some kind of aluminium alloy, and has good weight to it (I was pleasantly surprised when I first received mine, as I thought it would be plastic!). The tungsten “V” sharpener is reversible and easily replaceable with a couple of hex bolts, and the sharpener has a lanyard hole. There is one weakness that I see in the design, but it hasn’t proved to be a problem for me yet: the hinge on the tapered diamond sharpener, which is retained by a magnet, is made from plastic. This seems to be a strange decision by Lansky; to make the only moving part from plastic, but hopefully it won’t be an issue.

Conclusion

The Blade Medic is a great little sharpener. It won’t replace a more comprehensive sharpening system, however, for quick touch-ups while out and about it is perfect. It is also reasonably priced, and can be had as part of a great value set with the Lansky World Legal Knife. (available at Amazon.com)

Koh I Noor 5347 Versatile 5.6mm Lead Holder Clutch Pencil Review

2015-06-01T19:52:00.000+01:00

Key Info

- Readily available 5.6mm leads.

- Simple clutch design.

- Brass internals.

- Can be sharpened in a normal pencil sharpener.

The Koh I Noor 5347 “Versatile” is a 5.6mm mechanical leadholder clutch pencil. It is primarily designed as an art pencil, but makes a great every day pencil due to its simple, reliable mechanism and its thick, strong lead.

Design

The pencil is made primarily from plastic, but the internals, which can be accessed by unscrewing the collar at the bottom of the pencil, are brass, and the pencil has a nice weight to it as a result. There is no built in sharpener, but sharpening is easy in a normal pencil sharpener. The mechanism is the clutch type (also found in the Staedtler Mars Technico). To operate the pencil you depress the “button” with your thumb, with the other thumb under the tip of the pencil, and gravity allows the lead to drop out. When you release the button it is locked in place. I have found this mechanism to be more reliable than the more complicated “click” type found on many pencils these days.

Conclusion

I like clutch pencils for every day use due to their simplicity and reliability, and this one is one of my favourites. It is really well made and great value. If you’re looking for a nice clutch pencil that doesn’t cost the earth, you can’t go wrong with one of these!!! (available at Amazon.co.uk)

Schrade Push Button Pen Review

2015-06-01T14:22:00.001+01:00

Key Info

- Accepts Fisher Space Pen Refills (parker-style).

- Smooth Schmidt SKM88 “click” mechanism.

- Sturdy machined anodised aluminium design.

- Strong pocket clip.

The Schrade Push Button Pen is a “clicky” style “tactical” pen. It is great quality and is, in my opinion, equal to many far more expensive “tactical” pens.

Design

The Push Button Pen has a “click” mechanism to deploy the nib. However, it is very smooth and doesn’t actually click. The mechanism used is the Schmidt SKM88, the same mechanism used until recently in the Tuff Writer “Precision Press” pen. This mechanism is made of brass, and has a steel ball-bearing inside, which runs around a specially-shaped track. On the whole this is a good mechanism, but it does suffer from one problem (hence the reason Tuff Writer stopped using it and replaced it with a stainless steel copy of the same thing) where if released from the thumb too quickly, the mechanism springs up and the hard steel ball bearing causes a dent in the soft brass internal ring in which it sits. These dents build up over time, and eventually, the mechanism will start to skip and jam. However, this takes quite a long time, and with care, can be avoided. In addition, the mechanism can be unscrewed from the pen (boiling water may be necessary to loosen the Loctite), and replaced - I once needed a new SKM88 mechanism for a different pen and Schmidt in Germany were very helpful, sending me 10 free of charge!

This pen is quite short - perfect for a pocket - but not so short that it becomes difficult to control when writing, and is machined from aluminium and anodised (I believe it is Type III anodising but cannot be sure). It is very strong and there is not the slightest chance that you could break this pen by sitting on it! The pocket clip is also very strong and won’t bend like pen clips typically do, and the pen has a stainless steel tip for added durability. The refills used are parker-style, and it comes with a Schmidt Easy-Flow 9000 refill, which is nice, but I prefer to replace it with a Fisher SPR4 space pen refill, for writing in adverse conditions (i.e. rain!).

Conclusion

The Schrade Push Button Pen is a nice “tactical” pens. It is just as strong as any other “tactical” pen, but has the convenience of the click mechanism for one-handed operation. It is also great that it accepts parker-style refills, allowing for use of a Fisher cartridge. The pen is very well made and I think it's good value for money.

You can get the Push Button Pen from Amazon.com

Lansky World Legal Knife Review

2015-06-01T13:40:00.003+01:00

Key Info

- Legal carry in 156 countries (including the UK) (at the time of writing).

- 440c stainless steel blade.

- Very sturdy design.
- Very good value.

Lansky claims that their “World Legal” knife is legal to carry in 156 countries, including the UK. It has a sub-3-inch non-locking blade, made from 440c stainless steel and a very sturdy design.

Blade

Made from 440c stainless, this blade holds a good edge. It is very thick and quite short (2.75”), but this gives you positive control over the blade while cutting. There is no blade play (at least not on my model) and the whole knife feels very solid altogether. The backspring is very strong and has a half-stop when closing the blade. This helps to ensure that it doesn’t close up on your fingers, despite the lack of a lock. There is no one-hand opening facility on the World Legal, but it is very easy to open with two hands, even though the spring is strong.

Design

Some may say that the World Legal is “ugly”. It has to be said that it does have a rather unique design, but personally, I don’t find it bad and think it is very practical, with a strong lanyard hole, easily removable/reversible pocket clip and simple hex bolts holding it all together. The World Legal is heavy for a pocket knife, weighing nearly 160g, however, as a result of this, it is extremely sturdy, with its thick blade and thick steel liners giving you great confidence to use and abuse this knife.

Conclusion

From a value-for-money perspective, I think the Lansky World Legal is hard to beat. It is very strong with nice blade steel, and makes the perfect travel knife due to its legality and low cost to replace if lost.

You can read more reviews or buy the "World Legal" from Amazon.co.uk.

Spyderco UKPK Review

2014-01-21T12:05:00.000+00:00

Key Info

- UK Legal carry.

- Non-locking blade.

- CTS-BD1 blade steel.

- FRN handles.

- Choice of blade styles.

- Reversible pocket clip.

The Spyderco UKPK (United Kingdom Penknife) is a very popular knife, made in the USA by Spyderco. It was designed in collaboration with members of the “BritishBlades” forum, for carry in areas, such as the UK, where knife laws are highly restrictive. To comply with the UK law, the blade is non locking and is 2.95 inches in length. The steel is CTS-BD1 and several styles of blade (flat grind, serrated etc) are available. The model reviewed is the FRN plain leaf blade.

Blade

CTS-BD1 steel is a corrosion-resistant steel, with good edge retention. It is easy to sharpen and can take a very fine edge indeed. Even the factory edge was very good, and this is probably the sharpest knife I have ever received. BD1 is a good every day steel, and is a good compromise between edge retention and ease of sharpening. After a year of use, the blade has proved versatile and hardwearing, though I do sometimes miss the lock. The blade is available in flat grind, plain and serrated formats, is 2.95 inches long and, as stated, does not lock open. Instead of a lock, the UKPK uses a newly designed backspring to “click” the blade in place, without actually fixing it there. In addition, the combination of excellent jimping with the deep choil means that you can get your finger and thumb round the base of the blade for added control and to help prevent it from closing inadvertently. There is a classic large “spyderhole” in the blade for easy one hand opening. There is also a half-stop on the blade as you close it, which I presume is slight added security against accidental closure. It is worth noting that due to Spyderco’s fairly unusual blade style, despite its legality, people in the UK may still be surprised if you open the UKPK in a busy public place, so discretion is advised.

Everything Else

The UKPK has a reversible pocket clip for LH/RH use, which can be swapped over by the use of a small torx driver (I am unsure of the exact size). It clips on quite firmly, but unfortunately there is no lanyard hole, so I have made a small lanyard from paracord with the centre strands removed, which slides up the clip. This solution works quite well for a little added insurance. The handle is FRN (fiber reinforced nylon) and feels sturdy (though it does not have any steel liners) and comfortable to hold. It is also thin and lightweight, and therefore unnoticeable in your pocket.

Quality

As you would expect from Spyderco, the UKPK is of excellent quality, and feels sturdy and nice to use. There is zero blade play, and the fit and finish is excellent. Spyderco also has a good warranty in the unlikely event of a problem.

Conclusion

I carry my UKPK every day and it has always performed admirably. It takes a razor edge and has absolutely no sign of rust, despite being soaked on several occasions. It copes easily with the majority of the tasks a lock knife will be used for, and if you live in a place where the carry of locking knives is banned, then, in my opinion, the UKPK is really the best alternative.

True Utility Trolly Dolly Review

2014-01-21T11:52:00.003+00:00

Key Info

- Unlocks most common UK/EU supermarket trollies.

- Small and light.

- Handy bottle opener and screwdriver.

The True Utility Trolly Dollyis an interesting little keyring tool. It fits into the Pound/Euro slot of most insert-coin style supermarket trollies and releases them. However, due to its shape, it can then be easily removed without having to chain the trolley to the next one. Some may see this as a handy tool for trolley theft/laziness, however, I prefer to see it as a more useful take on the trolley token, as it can be used to release multiple trollies for bumper shopping trips/other people and doubles as a handy bottle opener and screwdriver.

Use

To use the Trolly Dolly, it is inserted into the coin slot of a trolley and removed. This releases the trolley, and the tool does not remain in the trolley, so it can be used again if desired. I tested it on both Marks and Spencer and Waitrose trollies, and it released them both fine. The bottle opener and screwdriver work fine too. However, it does not fit the type of trolley where the coin must be inserted in a drawer and then slid in. One thing worth noting is the provided clip. A small clip is supplied for attaching the tool to your keys, but it has a rather annoying tendency to come detached in your pocket. I suggest just attaching it straight to your keyring to avoid loss.

Quality

The tool is very simple and seems to be of good quality. It is made of roughly 1.5mm steel and is more than adequate for the task at hand!!

Conclusion

While maybe not the most exciting tool you’ve ever seen, the Trolly Dolly is a useful item to have attached to your keys, and it could save you a bit of bother when you forgot to take any change for the trolley.

You can get the Trolly Dolly on Amazon.co.uk

Victorinox Rescue Tool Review

2013-06-24T13:35:00.000+01:00

Key Info
- Excellent quality.
- Replaceable parts (glass breaker and disc saw).
- Glowing handle scales.
- Comes with brightly coloured belt case.
- One-hand opening blade.
- Locking blade and bottle opener.

Overview
The Victorinox Rescue Tool is designed for use by the emergency services to remove people from vehicles in the event of a collision. However, it is just as valuable to the average person, as it can be used to remove yourself from a sinking or smoke-filled car in an emergency, or to rescue someone else.

The Rescue Tool has several essential tools for emergency use. Firstly, it has a replaceable glass breaker and disc saw. The glass breaker is not carbide tipped, but can be used to shatter temepered glass (auto side-windows) or create a hole in laminated glass for use with the disc saw. The disc saw is a saw used for cutting laminated glass such as car windscreens, as they will not shatter when hit, and will remain intact, requiring them to be cut. The disc saw is a feature often missing from other rescue tools. Both the glass breaker and disc saw can be removed and replaced easily if damage occurs through use. The Rescue Tool also has a seatbelt cutter. this takes the form of a large serrated blade, which cuts seatbelts more easily than a cutting-hook type. Other tools include a general-purpose, part-serrated, one-hand-opening, locking blade, a locking bottle opener/flat screwdriver/lever, an awl, a philips screwdriver, a toothpick and tweezers.

Another useful feature is the glow-in-the-dark handle scales. These mean that the tool is easy to locate at night, or underwater.

Use
The Rescue tool is useful for either emergency personnel or just the average person, and a tool of this nature should certainly be carried in every vehicle. If the rescue tool is a little heavy for you to carry, and you require something smaller and lighter, consider the ResQMe Car Escape Tool.

Quality
Victorinox are known for their excellent quality and reliability. In my personal experience, no other brand has quite as high quality standards as Victorinox. This very high standard is evident in their Rescue tool, and every part, even the replaceable ones, are machined to the same precision I've come to expect with Victorinox. The rescue tool is also strongly built for use in demanding circumstances.

However, be careful when buying a Rescue Tool, and buy from a reputable seller, as a number of Chinese fakes have appeared on the internet, and may be difficult to tell apart to the untrained eye. However, the fakes are far inferior in quality and are potentially very dangerous if they fail in an emergency situation.

Conclusion
The Rescue Tool is an excellent piece of equipment whether you're in the emergency services or not. It surpasses its rivals with the inclusion of a disc saw to cut laminated glass. As well as being a very useful, robust everyday tool, it could save your life, and everyone should have something similar in their vehicle.

To read more reviews or buy the Rescue Tool, visit Amazon.com

ResQMe Car Escape Tool Review

2013-06-20T11:22:00.004+01:00

Key Info
- Glass breaker and seatbelt cutter.
- Small and lightweight.
- Breaks auto glass with ease.

Overview
The ResQMe Car Escape Tool is a keychain-sized emergency tool with a spring-loaded glass breaker and seatbelt cutter, designed for quickly escaping a sinking/burning vehicle. It has a built in quick release clip so can be pulled and removed from whatever it is attached to (e.g. car keys) when needed. The tool comprises of a spring-loaded glass breaker, which is similar to an automatic centre-punch, and "fires" a small point (which I believe is tungsten carbide, though I can't be 100% sure) into the glass when pressed fully down, and a seatbelt cutter, which is just a razor blade mounted at an angle. The blade is protected by the plastic housing, so should remain sharp and not cut up things in your pocket! Obviously, this tool can be used to remove someone else from a car if necessary, not just yourself, so could prove useful in both situations.

You may be thinking "why cant I just hit the window with something heavy if I need to break it". The answer to that is that it wouldn't break! Toughened glass is very resistant to impact by blunt objects, and can be hit very hard with a hammer and not shatter. However, if hit with a hard, sharp object, such as this glass breaker, it will shatter into little cubes.

Usage
It is worth noting that the ResQMe is designed for use on standard toughened auto safety glass - the side windows - not the windscreen. The windscreen is laminated glass and will crack but remain intact due to its plastic layer. Some newer cars have laminated glass side windows too, so if your car has these, this tool will be of little use, and you may want to consider something like the Victorinox Rescue Tool, which has a disc saw for laminated glass. One other limitation is that the ResQMe will not work on plate glass - the non-toughened variety - so is of little use for escaping from a building in a fire - a hammer may be better suited to this task! It will just chip the surface of plate glass without shattering it, as it relies on the internal stresses within safety glass to shatter it.

The seatbelt cutter is pretty self explanatory, and can be used on any seatbelt.

Also, the ResQMe will also work underwater, just in case you crash into a river, lake or the sea!

Quality
The ResQMe is of good quality. It is made of plastic, but it would be pretty heavy in metal anyway, so that's fine! It is not brittle plastic either, and is quite "soft" and tough. It is made in the USA by the makers of the original "LifeHammer", so the manufacturers have a good reputation. Despite this, it's probably still a good idea to test the glass-breaker on a pad of paper, just in case!

Conclusion
The ResQMe is an excellent bit of kit. It takes up no space in a pocket and at such low cost, it is something that everybody should have on their keys, when you consider how valuable it could be.

The ResQMe is available from Amazon.com

Fallkniven DC3 Whetstone Review

2012-11-10T17:16:00.002+00:00

Key Info

Diamond and ceramic sides – two different grades of abrasive.
Pocket size.
Comes with handy leather pouch.
Requires no oil, water etc.

Overview

The Fallkniven DC3 Whetstone, the little brother of the slightly larger DC4 Whetstone, is a nice little stone to have in anybody's kit, made by the very highly regarded knife manufacturer, Fallkniven. I will start by saying that this stone is not a full size stone, and it's not meant to replace a full-size stone, it's pocket-sized, but that means that it's perfect for when you're out and about and need to quickly touch up your blade. One side is a piece of brass, coated with industrial diamond dust. This side is used for removing chips and dents from your blade. On the other side, there is a block of ceramic material. This is used for finer sharpening. The ceramic is of a medium to fine grade, but is not super fine – it is leaning towards a medium grit – great for quickly restoring a good edge to your knife, but not for achieving a razor-blade level of sharpness. Being a whetstone, no oil or water is required when using it, so it makes it perfect for sharpening quickly, without making a mess!

Use

As I previously mentioned, no oil or water is required when using this stone. The diamond side is for removing damage from your blade, and the ceramic is for general sharpening. When you first use it, it will seem very coarse, but this soon smooths out to a nice level of coarseness. The coarseness is probably a little too coarse for use on very small blades, such as those on keyring-sized tools, but is perfect for the every-day kind of sizes – 2.5 to 5 inches long. The small size of the stone takes some getting used to. It is often difficult to move the whole length of longer-bladed knives along the stone, as you run off the end of it, but sharpening of longer knives can be achieved by moving the blade over the stone in two “halves” (if you get what I mean). When using this whetstone, it helps to take a piece of wood and hammer four small nails into it, and sit the stone in between them to hold it steady, otherwise, due to it's light weight, it has a tendency to move around when you try to use it! Once you practice on a few older knives, you can get a good edge with this stone, and you soon become used to compensating for the small size. It is unlikely that you will achieve the same sharpness as you would with a larger stone, or several more grades of stone (unless you are very skilled, that is), but knives are still very sharp after having been sharpened on the DC3.

Conclusion

For a lightweight, pocket-sized stone to accompany you outdoor knife, the DC3 is perfect. It is not a replacement to a set of larger stones, but is excellent for use in the field, when you don't want to be carting several brick-like stones around everywhere! If you're after a whetstone for use when away from home, you can't go wrong with the DC3.

The DC3 is available on Amazon.com

Victorinox Swisstool Review

2012-10-10T18:44:00.000+01:00

Key Info

- Outside accessible tools.

- Excellent quality.

- Folding-plier design, like Leatherman.

- Some models (such as the CS Plus) come with a corkscrew and/or wrench kit.

- All fits into one belt case.

- Excellent stainless steel blades (12C27).

- Strong - thick steel and blade is thicker than standard SAK blades - same blade as Alox models.

- All locking blades.

Overview

The Victorinox Swisstool is an excellent multitool from the makers of the original Swiss Army Knife. Several models are available, including, some with, and some without additional tools included (like the corkscrew and wrench kit). The Swisstool is also available in other permutations, such as the Swisstool X, which has scissors instead of a serrated blade (it still has a straight-edge blade). (the Swisstool CS Plus also has scissors instead of a serrated blade, but includes a straight blade). Similar to a Leatherman (also reviewed here - Leatherman Charge TTi), the Swisstool has a folding-plier design, and outside accessible tools, making for a sturdy and useful multitool.

About the Swisstool...

Thick stainless steel is used to manufacture the Swisstool, which is very corrosion resistant. The blades are made from 12C27 steel, hold a fine edge, all lock open, and are nice and thick, with the straight blade being the same as the ones found on their "Alox" models - stronger than the normal Swiss Army Knife blades. However, all this steel means that the Swisstool is heavy - comparable in weight to a Leatherman Surge, which I like, as it feels "quality", but some people may find too heavy. The Swisstool includes many tools - more than you typically find on a multitool - and so you've usually got a tool to cover any situation (tools include, though not all models have the same tools, these are for the CS Plus: Pliers, Wrench & 6 Bits - bit Hex 3, bit Hex 4, bit Phillips 0, bit Phillips 3, bit Torx 10, bit Torx 15 - Corkscrew, Screwdriver (2mm) - Screwdriver (3mm), Screwdriver (5mm), Screwdriver (7.5mm), Wire cutters (wire up to hardness 40 HRc), Cap Lifter, Normal Blade, Scissors, Metal File, Metal Saw, Wood Saw, Reamer & Punch, Phillips Screwdriver - Chisel & Scraper - Strong Crate Opener, Wire Bender, Wire Stripper, Wire Scraper, Can Opener, Ruler (230mm, 9"), Electrical Crimper & Lanyard hole). Also, unlike a normal Swiss Army Knife, and more like a Leatherman all the tools lock open, which addresses and prevents one of the annoyances of Swiss Army Knives, where tools, especially the awl, have a tendency to snap shut on you! All of the tools are extremely good quality, and the wrench kit and bits supplied with certain models is equally good - the bits being some of the best I've used! A corkscrew is also available too. The Swisstool also comes with a belt case, which varies in size, depending on whether the model includes extra tools or not. The cases are fairly good, and hold everything in one nice self-contained package. I have also managed to find room for a little sharpening steel in there too! All Swisstools can have the extra tools added at a later date, if they are not included with the model you bought - the corkscrew, for example, will attach to the side of any Swisstool model.

Quality

The quality of the Swisstool is outstanding. It is the same quality as their Swiss Army Knives, which is excellent, and, in my opinion, better than Leatherman (I say this, because, to me it feels better finished and more refined - none of the blades wobble at all, all sharp edges are rounded off etc.). The Swisstool is very strongly made, and everything about it oozes quality. It is one of the best quality items I own!

Conclusion

The Swisstool is an extremely good multitool. I have the CS Plus model and carry it everywhere. There's always a tool on it for whatever you need, and it has the locking blades and extra strength over a standard Swiss Army Knife, which makes it even more useful. Personally, I think it's the best multitool you can get (although Leathermans are also very good), and if you only wanted one multitool, this is the one to go for.

Several varieties of Swisstool are available on Amazon.com

Swiss Tech Utili-Key Review

2012-09-14T20:43:00.000+01:00

Key Info

6 tools in one – flat screwdriver, philips screwdriver, micro screwdriver, straight blade, serrated blade and bottle opener.
Excellent portability – extremely compact.
Unnoticeable on a keyring.
Built-in keyring attachment/detachment.
Hinged design.

Overview

The Swiss Tech Utili Key is the smallest and lightest multitool I've ever owned. It has 6 functions (listed above) and can come in handy for all sorts of small tasks. The tools chosen are, in my opinion, some of the most useful ones, and they are cleverly incorporated into a design no larger than a normal house key. The tools are arranged in a hinged design, with one pivot, which, when unfolded, uncovers the blade and bottle opener, and makes a sort of handle for use of these tools or the screwdrivers (depending on how far you open it up). The best thing about this multitool is its compactness. It is completely unnoticeable on your keyring, which I think gives it an advantage over keyring-sized Swiss Army Knives or Leatherman multitools (although these do have better tools). It also has an integrated keyring attachment/detachment mechanism, which comes off your keyring when the tool is hinged open, and clips back on when shut.

Quality

The Utili-Key is well made. I don't think it is as well made as Swiss Army Knives (made by Victorinox), and the blade doesn't take a great edge (reasonable though), but it is by no means poor quality. It is, in fact, very good, and is easily good enough quality for what it is intended for.

Conclusion

The Utili-Key is the one keyring that I always carry. It has so many potential uses, and you don't even know you've got it on your keys. If you're after a keyring multitool, and size and weight are a problem, then I think this is, without doubt, the one to go for!

You can get the Utili-Key from Amazon.com

Leatherman Crunch Review

2012-09-13T19:44:00.000+01:00

Key Info

Locking Pliers (mole/vise grip type).
420HC locking tools.
Hidden 1/4" bit driver.

About

The Leatherman Crunch is a one-of-a-kind multitool, featuring locking pliers. Some other multitools have compound leverage mechanisms (such as the SOG Powerlock), but I am not aware of any that lock on like the Crunch. The tools are made from 420HC Stainless Steel. This is a good blade steel for general use although it is a little rust-prone. All tools lock open on the Crunch, and although the blade is short (5.5cm, 2.2") and blunt-tipped, the locking safety feature makes it illegal to carry in the UK. The locking mechanism is simple. Each blade has a groove in the back, into which locates the spring loaded locking bar when opened. To close simply push on the lock button, lifting the bar clear of the groove and enabling the blade to close. One particularly useful feature is the bit driver, which is somewhat hidden, and located underneath the knurled screw which adjusts the jaw opening.

As you've probably gathered, the main feature of this tool is the locking jaws. It's fairly difficult to explain how they function but I'll try! - The handles fold into a rectangle like any other Leatherman multi tool. However, when you open the crunch, it has the slightly disconcerting feeling that it has fallen apart! Don't worry, it probably hasn't! What has actually happened is that the two handles have moved completely apart, connected by a central bar, allowing you to access the plier jaws. These are swung up on a pivot at the top of one of the handles. On the side of the jaws is a location point which locates by popping into the other handle. The jaw width can be adjusted by the knurled screw previously mentioned and when the jaws are squeezed shut on a pipe or wire or whatever, they lock like a vice! Clever, and beautifully designed.

The Crunch comes with a handy belt sheath, much the same as other Leatherman multi tools - not the greatest but functional.

Tools

The Crunch is like no other multitool. Its lockable jaws are really strong, and hold the extremely object tightly whilst you work on it, or grip a tight nut to undo etc. It is not really aimed at the bushcrafter or backpacker, but more the motor engineer, DIY enthusiast, cyclist, hobbyist, handy man etc. I was once attended to by an AA man who swore by (not at!) his Crunch! It really cannot be stressed more how useful these jaws are, and they are even large enough to hold a 1 inch pipe. Hidden within the jaws are, of course, the usual hard and soft wire cutters, which work really well too. The other tools are a useful selection of screwdrivers, a file and a bottle opener, as well as the aforementioned hidden bit driver. The Crunch is also advertised with a 'Pin Vice'. I never could find this tool, but have since learned that it is just a little groove cut into the end of the plier jaws. The Crunch also has a fixed lanyard ring.

The blade deserves a little more of a mention. Being serrated, it cuts rope etc with ease and doesn't need quite so regularly sharpening. This is just as well as serrated blades are difficult to sharpen at the best of times. However, it is not, as previously said, a bushcrafter's tool, so blade shape and length are utilitarian and functional. Well chosen, in my opinion, for this tool, despite the fact that I normally prefer plain edges.

Conclusion

The Crunch is unique in the Leatherman line and as such, has its own place in your tool line-up. It is immensely useful around the house or in the car, and as a cyclist, I've found it has got me out of trouble several times. Personally, I find the Crunch invaluable and highly recommend it in your tool collection. You can buy the Crunch from Amazon.com

Sigg Classic Water Bottles Review

2012-09-13T18:32:00.001+01:00

Key Info

Aluminium construction.
Standard size – 1l.
Many colours available.

Overview

Sigg make nice bottles. They are sturdy (although dent quite easily) and totally safe to drink from (it is said that some plastic bottles may contain harmful chemicals). They are perfect for a reasonably priced bottle for everyday use at work, at school or wherever. As well as the standard one litre, Sigg bottles are available in 1.5l, 1l, 0.75l, 0.6l, 0.4l and 0.3l, so there's a size for everyone! They also come in a wide variety of colours.

General Info

Sigg bottles are constructed from one piece of aluminium, coated inside with a resin, which stops drinks (like orange juice etc.) reacting with the aluminium. This coating helps keep your drink from tasting funny, and won't flake off when the bottle is dented, however, it means that Sigg bottles are unsuitable for boiling in, as the coating will flake off into the drink at those high temperatures! (If you want a bottle suitable for boiling, look at uncoated, stainless steel ones, such as the Klean Kanteen). Sigg bottles can also be used for fizzy drinks, and won't explode everywhere like those hard plastic ones you get in some outdoor stores! The seal on the lid of Sigg bottles is also very good. I've never had mine leak, and the rubber hasn't gone hard or cracked in close to ten years of service.

Quality

Sigg bottles are very well made. They are a simple, reliable design that will last forever, and they don't have any fancy lids (the sports type) to leak everywhere or crack.

Conclusion

These water bottles are perfect for general day to day use, so if you don't intend to boil water in your bottle, and just want it as an alternative to cheap plastic bottles, you can't go wrong with a Sigg! (loads of different styles and sizes are available on Amazon.com)

IMCO Triplex 6700 Lighter Review

2012-09-12T20:44:00.001+01:00

UPDATE: Unfortunately, IMCO has now gone out of business, and their lighters are now very difficult to obtain. Perhaps look at Zippo Lighters instead, by clicking here.

Key Info

Wind resistant.
Liquid fuelled.
Double action mechanism.
Removable fuel tank (can be removed while burning).
Easy flint replacement – just flip open the side and drop in a new one.
Wick also replaceable (obviously!!).
Adjustable flame height.
Spare flints can be stored in the bottom of the fuel tank.
Great value for money.

Overview

The Triplex 6700 is a great little lighter. It is liquid fuelled (Zippo fluid, petrol, or pretty much any light liquid that burns!), which, personally, I prefer to gas, and has a double action lighting mechanism, meaning that the wick is revealed and flint struck in one “button” press. The flint is very easily replaced by flipping opening the side and just dropping in another. Spare flints can be kept in the bottom of the fuel tank. Another nice feature is the ability to remove the fuel tank while alight, making it easy to light fires and other tricky things without burning yourself! IMCO lighters are made in Austria, and come with a 10 year warranty, which is nice to have, just in case one of the moving parts fails, which is probably fairly unlikely, but who knows!

General Info.

The Triplex has a flap-out side (the rectangular bit), which enables new flints to be inserted, or the mechanism inspected for dirt or damage. When the side is opened, a rod pulls up on a sliding part, revealing an empty space where the new flint is inserted (it is perhaps worth noting that I prefer Zippo flints, as they seem to be a little harder – my IMCO flint only lasted a few days of fairly regular use, but the Zippo (also reviewed here) has gone three weeks and it's not even half gone). The internal mechanism looks well made, and although it can't be as reliable as the Zippo – which is far simpler, it feels good quality – not like it's about to break – and I don't ever expect to have to make use of that 10 year warranty!

Another handy little feature is the ability to remove the lit wick and fuel tank, meaning that you can light fires, or anything in an awkward place or awkward angle without burning yourself and having the lighter burn a hole in your pocket when you put it away – due to it's thin metal construction, it conducts heat very quickly, so after prolonged use can become extremely hot!

One more useful thing is the ability to adjust the flame height. There is a little sliding collar, which opens and closes little holes in the side of the lighter, allowing more or less oxygen to the flame. The flame varies from a very useable one inch to a more Zippo-like three inches.

As with all liquid fuelled lighters, evaporation of fuel is an issue. However, on the IMCO keeps hold of it's fuel for longer than a Zippo, due to a better 'seal' around the wick. I find it needs refilling once every three to four weeks or so, but lasts longer in the winter, when the fuel evaporates more slowly. Contrastingly, my Zippo needs refilling around every fortnight.

Quality

The IMCO Triplex is a nice quality item. It doesn't have the bomb-proof, utilitarian, beautifully simple and reliable design as the Zippo, but it does feel well made, and built to last (providing you don't sit on it or something!). Also, the IMCO lights first time, every time, and except for when I oiled mine (don't – it won't light and you'll have to clean it all off!!), I cannot remember a time when it has failed to light!! I much prefer the design of liquid fuelled lighter over gas – they are much simpler and far more reliable, in my experience, and the IMCO and, of course, the Zippo are the two lighters that I can absolutely recommend.

Conclusion

The IMCO Triplex 6700 is a very good lighter indeed. It is very reliable, and cheaper than a Zippo. It also has lots of handy little features, which, for me, make it one of my favourite lighters. So, if you're after a great value lighter for outdoor use, or just general every day carry, this is the one for you!

Cort Curbow Bass Guitar Review

2012-06-24T11:39:00.000+01:00

Key Info

Luthite Body
3 Piece Hard Maple Neck
Bolt On Neck (5 screw)
Ebanol Fretboard
27 Large Frets
34 inch Scale
Bridge EB10
Bartolini AMK-1 Active Pickup
Slap Switch
Greg Curbow Design

Overview

The Cort Curbow has been described as "a beginners' guitar", and a few reviews complain about the small body and Luthite construction. Let's be clear. This is a fairly low-budget bass. It is not aimed at the professional musician but...............it doesn't know that!! I think it's a great bass with immense personality. The tonal range is perhaps not as flexible as some, but the EQ has great variation and we're all going to play it through an amp so you'll gain flexibility there too. The reviewed model is a 5 string, and for my taste (or ability!), it's a bit tight for slap and pop techniques, but there are some great exponents of the technique out there on YouTube who cope very nicely thank you!!

Construction

This bass has Luthite body. So what on Earth is Luthite?? Google says it is a "lightweight synthetic composite material, designed as a substitute for wood for guitar and bass bodies". It has the advantage that it can be moulded into pretty much any shape, and is apparently designed to be more consistent than wood... Now, is it better than good old fashioned wood?... Well, it is lighter, so for that all night gig, it could save your back, however, some say it hasn't got the sound of wood and isn't as durable. Personally, I have found that it is indeed a little lighter than its wooden counterparts and it does indeed have its own bright and modern sound, which suits this bass very well. But is it better?... Well, again, in my opinion, no! I prefer my wooden bodied guitars - they have more depth to their sound, even un-amplified. However, having said this we need to remember the price tag of this guitar.

The neck is hard rock maple (3 piece construction) and is bolt-on, with five screws. It fits deep into the body, making the guitar seem smaller, almost a cross between a long and short scale and the depth of the neck placement is supposed to help with sustain, being so close to the pick up.

The bass has an Ebanol fingerboard. Now the next question I hear you ask is "what is Ebanol??" Well, Ebanol is also synthetic. It is a "phenolic substance" (phenol is an organic compound). When phenol and aldehyde (organic molecules made from carbon atoms) are combined, they form a resin, and that's Ebanol. Basically, it's a versatile material used to make anything from Saucepan handles through billiard balls and car parts to, well, guitar fingerboards! Ebanol is hard wearing and used on some fretless fingerboards because of this. This Ebanol construction makes the Curbow's fingerboard very smooth and shiny, which looks good and works well.

The Cort has an EB10 Bridge, which is solid and has the usual individual string height adjustment and intonation screws. The tuners are die cast and work well - the bass tunes up and stays in tune, so you can't ask much more.

On the rear of the bass is a battery compartment and the electronics cover. Within this cover are two tiny controls. These are fine adjustments for the slap switch, which are ingenious and effective. The slap switch is basically a switch that takes you from the normal EQ, controlled in the usual way with three knobs, Treble, Mid and Bass, to a slap sound that you've tweaked with the aforementioned tiny controls on the back. You can therefore quickly switch from your usual bass sound for a killer slap solo! It's worth noting that the standard EQ is disabled when in 'slap mode', but this is quite normal.

The pickup on the tested model was a Bartolini and had a bright punchy, powerful sound. The pick up is at a set height however, so there is no opportunity for adjustment there. The bass is capable of taking a low action with careful tweaks to truss rod and saddles, but if you're not sure what to do, don't do it! Take it to a good luthier for a set up.

Sound and Playability

...a word in advance..............

Sound, of course, is a very subjective thing and it would be difficult if not impossible to describe the sound in words! It would also be wrong to try and say the bass is only good for this or that style of music. However, it can be true to say that some basses lend themselves more to one style or another, so I will try to give a broad view of the sound.

The Cort Curbow is quite a loud guitar. It's not the most powerful I've ever played, but it's perfectly adequate and acceptable. It has a very clean punchy sound, in keeping with its modern looks, and a good range of control over the EQ. The sound can however, be toned down for a jazzier timbre, but if the bass and mid are turned up too much, it will become quite muddy.

I've heard complaints about lack of sustain and dead spots on this bass. All I can say is that my bass didn't suffer from either. The sustain is good-to-above-average and there's no dead or flat spots.

The neck is thin and fast, making it a joy to play. To be honest it plays better than a lot of more expensive basses I've played. The slap switch is more than a novelty, and if you are into slap and pop, then it is ideal for a quick change to 'that' sound. As I said earlier, it is a 5 string reviewed. If I was buying this bass for mostly slap, then I'd go 4 string, but that's just my preference for string spacings, and your mileage may vary!

Value for Money

The Cort Curbow, to my mind, represents great value for money. Cort guitars are brilliantly made, so much better, in my opinion, than anything else in their price range and indeed higher price ranges. I would recommend the Curbow as one of the best buys for a first bass.

Conclusion

So is it just a beginners bass then? Well, I'd certainly say not. It is a well made guitar which plays beautifully, and is indeed a great beginners bass, but it's also fantastic as a backup bass if you don't want to drag the Warwick out! I think the Curbow represents excellent value for money and is hard to beat in this price range.

Hiscox Instrument Hard Cases Review

2012-05-11T21:58:00.000+01:00

Key Info

Available for Electric Guitars and Basses
Available for Alto and Tenor Saxophones
Available as Standard and Pro II cases
High Impact Resistance
Lockable
Inner padding (on Pro II)
Lightweight

Construction

Hiscox cases are constructed of ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) which basically is a very tough plastic, notable for its impact resistance. Innumerable items are made from ABS, including Bumper Bars, Protective Headgear, Golf Club heads, Whitewater Canoes etc etc, so clearly its strong. Its also lightweight - lighter than plywood and aluminuim, and so it's ideal for instrument cases.

Hiscox bond the ABS to an inner foam moulding giving added rigidity and shock absorbtion. The case then has an aluminium edging which again adds to rigidity and helps keep the shape. The bonus with the aluminium is that it extends below the ABS and the fittings are riveted to it, giving a much stronger - much more durable than attaching them directly to the plasic. The catches are the typical metal lift up, spring-loaded catch and engage snugly with the lid, pulling it down firmly closed. The finish inside is a velvety material which is soft against the instrument and won't scratch it

Hiscox cases come in 2 main grades (although there is a third, extra plush, version for guitars not reviewed here). The difference (apart from price) in these two variants is that the Standard case is constructed of a slightly thinner ABS, with little or no additional padding inside, whereas the Pro II has the thicker plastic shell, with padding in strategic places inside offering a better protection.

Usability

The Hiscox Standard and Pro II cases are both great, strong cases and offer excellent protection. However, I have found the Standard cases' lack of internal padding to be irritating! The instrument tends to rattle about inside and although the movement is tiny, and not enough in ordinary usage to cause a problem, I still find it somewhat disconcerting. The Pro II does not suffer with this slight looseness at all. Both offer excellent protection, with the Standard case being advertised as withstanding 5 grown adults standing on, but I'm a bit twitchy about protecting my instruments, and I would say that the Pro II offers better protection for more expensive instruments or a tougher life, perhaps associated with a professional musician's lifestyle.

These cases are nice and light so do not add substantially to the weight of the instrument, unlike some of the plywood box cases which seem to weigh as much or more than the instrument itself making it a major expedition carting it around and frankly unrealistic for smaller musicians! The balance is excellent when being carried and the sax cases benefit from a strong shoulder strap freeing your hands for other cases etc. The handle (this may sound trivial, but believe me it's not!) is very comfortable.

Due to the inherent strength of ABS, the cases take the knocks with ease and maintain their appearance for years. My tenor sax case is about 17 now. Still looks great and is in pretty much perfect condition having travelled abroad and, even worse, been used in many schools!

Conclusion

Personally I would not recommend any other hard shell case. These cases are tough, lightweight, good-looking and last for years. They are used by many pro players, which speaks volumes.

Should it be Standard or Pro II however? Well I use the Pro II cases, but then my instruments are in constant use and I want to give them the best protection I can. However, the Pro IIs are slightly more expensive, and if the case is going to be used less heavily - going to and from instrumental lessons for example - then I'd save the cash and go Standard. However, both are fantastic cases and will last and protect for years to come.

Leatherman Charge TTi Review

2012-05-05T18:05:00.000+01:00

Key Info

S30V blade – great edge-retention and corrosion resistance.
19 tools in 1 – see review for full list.
Titanium handles.
Bit driver – takes Leatherman screwdriver bits – bit kit available separately.
Removable pocket clip/lanyard ring.
One-hand opening exterior blades.
All locking tools.

Introduction

Leathermans are made in America, and were designed by a man who felt his Swiss Army Knife just wasn't strong enough to cope with many tasks he needed it for (although it is worth noting that the Swisstool – also reviewed here – is more like a Leatherman, and is also a fantastic multitool). The Charge TTi is, in my opinion, one of the best Leathermans. It is very similar to the iconic Leatherman Wave, but has several improved features. The Charge has a one-hand opening, S30V blade, about 2.5mm thick and 3 inches long, which is better than most multitool blades – S30V is just about the best blade steel you can get. The “TTi” is the successor to the “Ti”, which was almost the same, except had no cutting hook or crimpers, and had a 154CM stainless steel blade. It's worth noting that Leathermans also have a 25 year warranty.

Tools

The Charge TTi has 19 tools, which all lock securely open. The exterior tools have liner lock, with a nice thick liner – not a flimsy one like you so often see these days, and the interior tools have a lock that is deactivated by pressing a hinged button on the outside of the handle. I find that the Charge has all the most useful tools, and I've always got the right tool when I need it. Having said this, the charge does lack an awl from new, but to overcome this, I made one out of a piece of hardened steel from a broken screwdriver, which then fitted into the bit driver on the Charge. Someone else online has also done this, and there's a good guide on how to do so if you look around.

The tools are very strong and precisely made. There is very little to no play/wobble in any of them on my model, although it has to be said that on a newer model I recently saw, there was a surprising amount of play in the outside tools. The blade is S30V stainless steel, which has exceptional corrosion resistance, even in salt water, and excellent hardness of 60-63 HRC. S30V is also very springy, not brittle, so won't snap easily, like some very hard steels. Also, the blade and the serrated blade have a thumb hole, so can be easily opened with one hand.

The Charge has 2 bit drivers:

One small one, for a tiny glasses-screwdriver type bit, which allows for extremely easy replacement, should this very thin tool ever be broken.
One large one, which accepts all the bits in the Leatherman Bit Kit (available separately), but will not accept standard 1/4" screwdriver bits.

The bit drivers are very useful indeed, especially while cycling, as, when combined with the Bit Kit (which is a must, really), you have all the Allen keys, screwdrivers etc you're likely to need. This is a great advantage over other multitools, as most will just have a couple of standard screwdrivers. Also, the bit driver allows for easy replacement of screwdriver bits, should they be broken.

However, the bit driver design does have some potential disadvantages, but, luckily, Leatherman have realised this, and put on a standard flathead screwdriver tool, which can be used for everything that the bit driver can't, like prying the lid off paint tins etc.

Other notable tools on the Charge include the strong pliers, which can be used for everything from undoing a bolt to, at a push, removing a splinter, as well as the the cutting hook on the back of the serrated blade, which can be used to free yourself from your seatbelt in a crash, the scissors – also strong enough to cut seatbelts, the excellent saw, which rips its way through wood like butter, and the diamond-coated file, which is by far the best file on any multitool at this time, and is perfect for sharpening axes or knives (or as a nail file!).

Handle

The handle on the Charge is very comfortable. It is constructed entirely from Titanium and is pretty thick and very strong. It is also light, and a steel handle of equivalent thickness would significantly increase weight. The handle also has a nice feature, whereby a pocket clip or lanyard ring can be attached to it by engaging it in a special slot under the interior tools' lock, allowing for very easy removal/attachment. There is also a fixed lanyard ring, which is something of a secret and very well hidden, but is in the bottom end of one of the handles, tucked inside, and can be slid out with a small screwdriver or other implement. One other handy hidden feature is that when you open up the handle to reveal the pliers and interior tools, a small pin slides into the thumb hole on the exterior blades, preventing them from accidentally opening and cutting you.

Quality

The quality of the Charge, at least in my experience, is very good. Every part is built to last, out of great materials, to a high degree of precision and all the tools perform their intended function very well.

Having said this though, I have seen a few newer Leatherman tools lately, and the quality does seem to be slipping somewhat. My Charge is excellent, but one I saw recently was certainly inferior, with a large degree of blade-play on the exterior tools. Now, this may just be a one-off, but I have read similar stories online, so it does appear that as Leatherman grows as a company, quality may suffering.

Another negative point I must mention is regarding the 25-year warranty. I have heard fantastic stories of this from the USA, with Leatherman operating a no-questions-asked policy, and I'm sure it's brilliant over there, however, in the UK, my experience of Leatherman's warranty service, which is handled by a third party over here, has been very poor, with substandard repairs being made to one of my tools that had a defect.

Conclusion

Despite the negative points above, the Charge TTi remains one of the best multitools available. The Swisstool and SOG Powerlock are also great quality contenders, but from a usability perspective, the Charge definitely has the top spot.

You can buy the Charge from Amazon.com

Teva Sandals Review

2012-04-17T14:58:00.002+01:00

Key Info

Open and closed toe available
Leather and synthetic available
"Drain Frame" for water use
"Spider Rubber" soles

Construction

The construction of Teva Sandals is very good in my experience and comparable with the leading makes of sandals. To be fair they are no better and no worse. "The Drain Frame Technology" Teva talk about is basically a series of holes and channels from the insole to the sides of the sandal. This means that the water drains away from the sole of the foot quickly, helping keep the foot dry and preventing annoying slipping of your foot on the insole when the the sandal gets wet. It may sound gimmicky, but it works well and if you've ever worn other makes of sandal where your foot slips and slides around the insole, you'll appreciate the idea! The soles on many of the sandals I have tried are Spider Rubber - a fairly soft rubber sole, more of this later. The sandals have a fairly standard clip on and off design, but many models benefit from a wrap around webbing strap which pulls all around when tightening the adjusters, giving a firmer grip on your foot and better support.

Usage

You will see from the rest of the website that we are of the outdoor persuasion, and that is exactly the type of sandal I was looking for. I wanted a sandal that was capable of beach, water and trail wear. I do a lot of trail walking in the summer as well as water sports, and the problem I have found is that most "trail" type sandals could not cope with water without becoming incredibly slippery both on the sole and insole. I also could not find a pair of sandals that didn't slip on wet rocks. The Teva sandals have turned out to be a great solution, as they drain well and the "Spider Rubber" soles are extremely grippy. I have also found the support offered by the sandal very good. My preference is for the closed toe type, which give you that added protection against toe stubbing on rocks, stumps etc. My only slight criticism would be that the in order to be so grippy, the "Spider Rubber" soles have to be quite soft and so they do wear out! I reckon on a couple of years per pair, but as I said I do a lot of walking so you could possibly do better. I also replace my sandals before the sole is smooth or worn through, for obvious reasons!

Conclusion

Having tried several other makes of sandal, I would highly recommend Teva. They are supportive, comfy and strong, and great for water and trail use. They are also hard wearing, apart from the sole as I previously mentioned, however, I guess you can't expect decent grip from a hard sole, so that's a necessary sacrifice. If you want a sandal for pottering around the garden or the odd trip to the beach, then this is probably not the sandal for you as there are cheaper alternatives for that use. However, if you're looking for a sandal that will cope with the extremes of water wear and trail walking then look no further!

Amazon.com sells a wide range of Teva Sandals.

Opinel No. 8 Review

2012-03-31T14:48:00.000+01:00

Key Info

Available in High Carbon or Stainless Steel.
Locks both open and closed.
Wooden handle.
8.4cm blade length.
2mm blade thickness.

Overview

The Opinel No. 8 is an excellent, French made, folding knife, and is part of Opinel's extensive range of folding knives, ranging from No. 2 to No. 13, based on blade size. It is available in either High Carbon steel, or some kind of Sandvik Stainless steel. There is a rotating “Vibroloc” collar on the top of the handle, which serves to very strongly lock the blade open or closed. The handle is made of Oak or Beech (depending on if you order carbon or stainless steel), and is very comfortable to hold. For the money, the Opinel is one of the best folding knives available.

Blade

The blade is available in High Carbon Steel or Stainless Steel, which is some kind of Sandvik stainless. Both the carbon and the stainless have a fairly 'sharp' spine, so can be used to strike a firesteel. The blade is 2mm thick, and 8cm long, and is a straight edge, which is perfect for most tasks. The blade locks both open and closed, and has no blade play from new.

The carbon steel blade holds a better edge than the stainless, and can be used to create a spark when struck against a piece of flint, quartz, or similar hard rock. However, the carbon steel blade is also very prone to rust. It must be cleaned after use, and a light layer of oil should be applied.

The stainless steel is very resistant to rust, and still holds a very good edge, though perhaps not quite as good as the carbon. It has a hardness of around 57 HRC and is easy to sharpen. If you are going anywhere that involves water, the stainless steel is likely to be a better choice.

Other Info

The locking collar, or “Vibroloc”, is a good lock design. It is very strong, and will take a great deal of punishment before failing. However, if abused, the locking mechanism may begin to embed itself into the handle, or work loose. It should be noted that this lock type does not engage itself. It must be twisted, in order to lock, otherwise the knife is basically just a slip-joint. This can be handy though, as if you are just quickly cutting a piece of string, or something, you may not want to have to disengage a lock after doing so. Another thing about the “Vibroloc” is that it will lock the blade closed too. This is achieved by twisting the collar one the blade is closed, and is a very good feature, as it prevents the knife opening in your pocket, and cutting your fingers off when you go to retrieve it!

As stated above, the handle of the Opinel is available in Beech or Oak, depending on blade steel. This means that it is very nice to hold, and wont hurt your hand after long cutting tasks, but it also means that when the handle gets wet, water can soak into it, meaning that it is nearly impossible to open the blade, as the wood has swelled up! However, this only happens with prolonged exposure to water, and is unlikely to be a problem.

Nicely made leather cases and small sharpening steels are also available for the Opinel, and can be very useful when in an outdoor environment.

Conclusion

The Opinel No. 8 like the whole Opinel range, is a very good folding knife. It is the perfect length for a wide variety of tasks, and strong enough for most things. Both the stainless and the carbon steel are very good, and hold an excellent edge. For the money, the Opinel has to be one of the best folding knives you can get, and they're available on Amazon.com