The Legend Multi-Plier 800 is one in a range of tools manufactured by Gerber, which was recently acquired by the Silva Group. With an aluminium casing and stellar stainless steel implements it lends itself to more robust tasks than some similar item on the market.
I have often pondered why some brands produce multi-tools and flip knives with essentially one decent bit of kit on them - more often than not the tooth pick! With scissors that can't even cut paper and blades that can quite easily flip back onto your hand (Ouch!) or bend, sometimes a multi-tool can be more of a hindrance than a help. So this one came as a pleasant surprise.
With a pair of precision Fiskars scissors, which are ideal for trimming the likes of sail repair fabric, the Legend Multi-Plier 800 is full of features tailored for marine and outdoors use. As well as the afore mentioned scissors the product also boasts a pair of needlenose pliers with indexible, replaceable carbide cutters (very good for cutting ropes), a fine edge knife, Philips screwdriver, small, medium and large flat blade screwdrivers, a bottle opener and file.
I really like the ability to lock all of the different items in place. It not only gives you a secure platform to work off, but also adds a safety element as the blades are unable to fold back on to your fingers. The one-handed accessibility of both the fine edge blade and scissors also comes in useful. While not achievable in a heavily gloved hand, all you have to do to slide these items out is to use your thumb in a rotary action - helpful in an emergency situation if a rescue knife isn't available.
Not words usually used when describing chucks of metal, manufacturers Gerber claim that the Legend has been designed to offer “ergonomics and comfort.” While I wouldn't go as far as saying that it is comfortable to hold the Multi-Plier, it is certainly ergonomic and the tactile rubber assists in giving the user a steady grip.
As you would expect, both the pliers and scissors are spring loaded and the Legend Multi-Plier 800 is supplied with a case and an Allen key to fit replacement blades. Retailing at £99.95 it is about mid-range price for a tool of this kind.
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The Gerber Legend Multi-Plier 800 was both easy to use and seemed very durable and hardwearing. It certainly hosts a selection of more useful features than many other multi-tools currently on the market and so seems worth the price tag. If only it floated so I couldn't lose it overboard!
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For more information, visit www.gerbergear.com
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