Sunday, April 12, 2020

Pocket knife or a multi-tool? A question I go through as I go about my day

We are still in ECQ, I have already done quite a number of things to keep myself busy and now getting a bit bored. So I thought of doing some cleaning of the already clean knives and multitools that I have.  And while my computer is here why don't I write about the question I ask myself every morning as I prepare myself for the day.
From top left to right - Spyderco Pro Grip, Kershaw Shuffle 2 (with a NiteIze pocket FL) Leatherman Wingman, SAK Classic, Swiss Tech Micro Plus 9-in-1 and Pocket Multi-tool 12-in-1 and the CRKT Folts Minimalist Bowie
  1. Spyderco Progrip - this is my oldest knife, I don't remember when it was handed down to me, but I remember putting it in my very old toolbox for my then hobby Tamiya Mini 4WD back in the early 2000s.  It stayed inside toolboxes of about 3 different cars and about 2 years ago when I started carrying it in my bag.  I may carry it but perhaps on a few selected occasions when I know the possibility of it getting lost is very small.
  2. Kershaw Shuffle 2 - this is my newest knife.  I bought this during the ECQ to match my blue NiteIze pocket flashlight.  And since I have started carrying a knife in my pocket every day, I decided to get a budget knife instead of the Spyderco so it wouldn't hurt as much if ever I lose it.  This is a nice knife with a bottle opener and a screw head that are practical tools to have aside from the knife.  This will be in the pocket every day.  
  3. Leatherman Wingman - this has everything that I should need in situations that require quick fixes.  The scissors and the knife gets the most use.  This is a bit heavy to carry daily so I bring it on days where I know there's a higher chance of it being used.  As I bring it, I make myself extra aware that it is still in my pocket.  I am so scared of losing it that it becomes one of the reasons that I don't carry it as much.
  4. Swiss Army Knife - I have 3 of these, 1 stays in my office drawer, 1 stays in the car
    and the other one in my pocket organizer.  I bring it when I have to do quick trips out of the office along with a power bank, a USB-C cable, business cards and of course, a flashlight.  I don't bring a folder as even with the pocket clip, I don't want to have any problems with authorities in my destination.
  5. Swiss Techs - These just stay in my motorcycle EDC as I don't usually bring a knife when I ride.  Again, I don't want to have any problems should I run into anything while on the road.  Carrying a bladed weapon is still against the law.
  6. CRKT Folts Minimalist Bowie - I used to carry this as a neck knife when I bought it in December, 2019.  I love it but hanging them on my neck in my office seems to be a bit too flagrant even if it's hidden.  I pocketed them but the folders with their pocket clips make them more practical than this.  I gave this to the wife for her to carry in her bag for "just in case" use.  I found her using it frequently for quick food preparation in the house.  She now knows why I always carry one in my pocket.
As you can see, this is not a review, as I am not that critical of these tools.  I simply like having them on me "just in case" and I don't push these too hard as I understand that there are the right tools for the right job.  Also, I work in corporate, there are very few instances where I can push these to their limits. 

So when you see me, don't hesitate to ask for help from me to do some cutting or screwing, I will be more than happy to help! Cheers! :)

These stay with me, always! :)