Multi-Tools (Winchester and Carolina) - Not a Leatherman, But Still Useful

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 Ask anyone about buying a multi-tool and I'm sure the first brand to be mentioned is the iconic Leatherman.  Other popular quality multi-tools include those made by Gerber and Victorinox. My collection does not yet have such a tool, but maybe one day.  I picked these two up over the years unaware of what was good and what was not so good.  They just looked useful.  

One of them was made by Winchester, known especially for their firearms.  Closed it is 4" and fully open it is 6".  I have no idea its age.  It is considered a 9-in-one tool with a serrated blade, regular screwdriver, Philips screw driver, ruler, needle-nosed pliers, wire cutter, file, etc. One the pliers is stamped with "stainless" and "2CR".  My other multi-tool is similarly labeled.  The 2CR refers to the type of steel used and is considered by some a rather cheap Chinese steel. You will also see references to 2CR13, which is a type of martensitic stainless steel, a specific grade within the broader category of stainless steel, known for its good corrosion resistance and hardness, commonly used in applications like cutting tools and surgical instruments  You can pick up one of these tools online for between $10 and $20. There are a number of Winchester multi-tools out there in a wide variety of styles and sizes.  For a budget, it doesn't seem that bad.  I'd use mine for average work.

The second one is a Carolina.  Of similar size to the Winchester, it is all stainless, as opposed to the synthetic inlays in the Winchester.  It includes about 12 different tools with a sheath that also adds 8 different add-on bits, such as three different screw driver heads.  This one boasts a fish scaler and hook remover, so a plus for the fishermen!  It seems that it is a product of Carolina Knife and Manufacturing.  Based in North Carolina, they are a USA company. One source indicates that they are owned by Fiskars. Going back in time it seems some of their items may have been made by Gerber. They describe themselves as "a leading international supplier of industrial blades and machine knives". Again, I have no idea of its age.  The tool feels solid and I wouldn't hesitate to use it.  A Leatherman it is not, but then not all inexpensive multi-tools are necessarily bad or useless.  

Note my earlier post on the NexTool Mini Sailor Lite Multi-tool.  Although much smaller, it is a higher quality tool.  


 

  

 

 

 


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