Roxon Flex multitool pre-order is now live. The tool/pliers are $40 with individual tools running $4-8. Someone could get the tool and the implements you want for around $100. Pre-orders are currently for US residents only.
https://roxontool.com/products/flex
We got a chance to check out the new Roxon Flex. Check out the video below and see what makes the new Flex heads and tales above the competition.
TSProf is a Russian brand that got its start back in 2010. Thier goal was to make comprehensive sharpening available to all by using only the best, safest and most sustainable materials. The company produces the sharpening systems in Izhevsk, and it's known for its defense, engineering and metallurgy industries. TSProf wanted to reflect the craftsmanship that Izhevsky was famous for. All the parts of their sharpeners are CNC machined with extremely tight tolerances, while all final assembly and inspection is done the old-fashioned way.
Today we're taking a look at the company's latest model, the Pioneer. It's the most compact and lightweight system TSProf has made, coming in at 1.4kg (3.08 lbs). TSProf's models share similarities but you can see that each model fits a niche, some are better for some things than others. The Pioneer is meant to be extremely compact and have the ability to fold down and be disassembled with ease. That's a cool feature, because the company's other models can dominate a tabletop like the K03.
Vosteed is an innovator, and they are constantly pushing the boundaries rather than resting on their laurels. Whether it be new and interesting designs or creating new locking mechanisms for future releases like the Ankylo Racoon. This new release from the company is both a first and a mini variation of a popular model, the Labrador. Mini versions are popular with customers because it gives that same feel as the full-size version in a more compact form.
The mini-Labrador comes with a blade of 14C28N that's 2.73", a titanium handle that's 3.5", and an overall of 6.23". This cute yet capable package comes in at a feather light weight of 1.93oz. There's a lot going on with this mini, and good thing really do come in small packages. Let's take a look at what makes this Labrador man's best friend.
Wayne Thornton of Wayne's Sharp World has been covering the knife scene for a few years. His love for knives has spawned a collaboration with Vosteed Knives. Wayne worked with the company to produce a knife that pays homage to his grandfather, Wayne Thornton Walter, along with his love for aviation and travel. His grandfather was a mechanical squad leader for aircraft in the Solomon and Philippine Islands during World War II. Wayne designed the knife to capture that love and wanderlust spirit. Hoping that this knife will make a great companion, taking you on many adventures.
One of the most beloved designs in the Vosteed lineup is the Corgi. It's classy look, clean lines, and multiple deployments make this fidget friendly knife a hit with crowd. It was only a matter of time before the company decided to give this canine themed cutlery the mini treatment. Vosteed fans love the minis of thier full sized counterparts, they're great for those who like a particular design but are looking for something a little smaller. However with those who collect it's kind of like Pokemon and they've gotta catch em all .
Gerber has dabbled quite a bit in the box cutter or utility blade market for a while. Whether it's an EAB, the Edge, or maybe a Prybid series tool, we've all got one stashed somewhere. We all have them because they're great for beating on and they go places we don't want our pocketknives going. Gerber has listened to feedback from its Prybid series and have added a much-needed accessory, a pocket clip. This may feel like something that should have been added right from the get-go but who knows why decisions get made the way they do.
Edge Pro Inc is another one of those companies whose founder had developed a product for his personal needs. Ben Dale president of Edge Pro developed the sharpener for his own use on a commercial knife route, he built 100 prototypes and sharpened over 100,000 knives over a 10-year period. His father taught him to sharpen, and he has always been fascinated by it. Dale felt working with knife sharpeners by hand was too slow and he began working on a better way. For years, he just kept sharpening and designing.
That rich history is translated into the quality products that Edge Pro makes. Today we're checking out the Apex model, it's a model that's a staple in the company's lineup and the most popular. The Apex can handle any blade up to 3 ½ wide including serrated knives. Because of its design knives can be sharpened at the same angle every time. This helps take the guess work out of finding your angle and making sure you keep it. This unique system doesn't have a clamp like similar systems, this allows for a variety of blade lengths and shapes. I'm a sucker for domestically made product and the Apex is proudly made in Hood River, OR.
There are a few players in the multitool market, but only one is synonymous with the product. It's hard to deny the juggernaut that is Leatherman. They just celebrated their 40th anniversary and they have no intention of slowing down. Just before this anniversary, new information emerged about a tool Leatherman was developing. Dubbed the Arc, it had a lot of features we grew to love on the FREE series. What really excited people was the fact that it solved a lot of issues people had with the FREE series and said to have a Magnacut blade.
These rumors and speculations fueled heated discussions, and anticipation of a product that some thought was a pipedream. I can't think of a single tool since I've become a fan that has created this much hype and anticipation. If this tool became a reality, it would fix the shortcomings of the toolset on the FREE series. Also, it would solidify Leatherman as the innovator that it is, a testament to its leadership in the industry. As their anniversary came around, they announced a limited-edition tool, which for all purposes was an Arc with a different coat of paint.
I tend to cover a lot of sharp things but rarely talk about things made to keep them sharp. On social media I've been bombarded by advertisements for a sharpening device by Tumblerware called a rolling knife sharpener. I thought it seemed strange, maybe even gimmicky compared to other systems I've used in the past. I started reading the comments in these posts to see what people thought. Mixed in with the comments was folks pointing out that this sharpener was a copycat, and they stole the ideal from a company called Horl.
Otmar Horl and his son Timo launched the first Horl sharpener in 2016 and in 2020 launched the Horl 2 collection. This collection includes accessories like additional stones, and a leather strop for refining the edge. The Horl rolling sharpening system consists of two parts, an angle guide that holds the blade in place for sharpening, and a double-sided cylinder that's rolled back and forth to hone the edge. The Horl 2 system has a diamond disc on one side and a ceramic disc on the other. The diamond disc is designed to fix your edge, while the ceramic one helps further refine the edge.
The Thunderbird is a legendary creature in American Indian history and culture. It's considered a supernatural being of power and strength. It's said to create thunder by flapping its wings, and lightning by flashing its eyes. Vosteed does a great job of naming their products, and the Thunderbird is no exception. The company has done a great job of creating a knife worth of such a namesake. The knife has awesome specs to boot; g-mascus handles, M390 blade with a tanto grind, and their Trek Lock. Let's take a walk around this bird and see what she's got.
VICTORINOX INTRODUCES LIMITED EDITION SWISS ARMY KNIVES IN TIME FOR THE HOLIDAYS
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Leatherman has announced via social media about the Arc, which is Oct 17th. There's been a lot of leaks and goofs since we have heard about this new tool, from what we hear the hype is valid. The new Leatherman Arc has a tool set that many have been asking for and Leatherman has delivered.
Last week the retail outlet REI accidently made the Leatherman Arc page live before the official release date. All this transpired via the r/Leatherman Reddit group and the 50 units they had available were gone in no time. One of our members Gadgetman7 (Dale Carr), was so gracious to show off his new acquisition. There is no official launch date for the Leatherman Arc, but at or around October 17 has been floating around. I feel if REI had stock already, then release is imminent. In the meantime, enjoy the pics of the new Leatherman Arc, compliments of Gadgetman7.
There's a lot that goes on at Blade Show every year, but one thing that people really look forward to are the Blade Show Awards. These are the awards given for makers and knives in different categories. These are the 11 different categories for production knives.
The big winners this year was Giant Mouse, they took home Overall Knife of the Year in the production category for their GMX folder. Also, a new company RoseCraft Blades got their first Blade Show Award, Import Knife of the Year for their Clinch River Swayback. Here's a list of all the awards that were given out in the production category:
Overall Knife of the Year: Giant Mouse GMX
American-Made Knife of the Year: Benchmade Narrows
Imported Knife of the Year: RoseCraft Blades Clinch River Swayback
Most Innovative American Knife: Buck 590 Paradigm
Most Innovative Import Knife: Maserin W-Lock
Manufacturing Quality: Spartan Blades Limited Edition Spartan-Harsey Folder
Best Collaboration: We Knife Co. Solid (collaboration with Gustavo T. Cecchini)
Best Investor Knife: Shirogorov Knives Mini Quantum CD
Best Kitchen Knife: MKM Prima
Best Buy: Kershaw Iridium
Accessory of the Year: Work Sharp Professional Precision Adjust
What kind of people would write collect and review multitools? Quite simple really- we are designers and do-ers, outdoors types and indoor types, mechanics, doctors, problem solvers and problem makers. As such, we have, as a world spanning community, put every type, size and version of multitool, multifunction knife, pocket knife and all related products to every test we could manage in as many places and environments as there are.