Gerber MP1 Industrial Multi-tool Review

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Well here it goes my first tool review for Tools in Action, and it is the Gerber MP1  multi-tool it is part of their industrial lineup of multi-tools.  I have to say I am pretty impressed with the fit and finish of this multi-tool, but for the price of this multi-tool it should also be expected. One nice thing about this tool is that it is made in the USA for the most part. The case that is included has a made in China sticker on it.  It would have been nice if it was 100% American content, but we have to admit some things are not going to be made here because of the cost of production.  I know TIA has the rule of not saying exact prices on items, but let’s just say this is not a cheap multi-tool. Let’s just say I would not want to have the TSA confiscate it at the airport.  Dan and Eric have already done some videos of some other knives from Gerber and were impressed by the quality of their products. I will say I’m not the biggest knife guy in the world.  I live in the city, so the need for a knife on a daily basis isn’t as important as a person that is out in the wilderness on a daily basis.

gerber1Now, on to how I felt about using the multi-tool.  This tool kind of breaks the mold of most multi-tools, and uses composite materials in its construction. For some multi-tool users this may be a deal breaker they might be the kind of person that wants their tools to be completely made out of metal and I understand that but times are changing and new materials can make for a better product. People would freak out if the Corvette wasn’t fiberglass. On the actual use of the tool, I brought it over to a friend’s place to put the MP1 through some work on some acreage, and let’s just say the composite material was appreciated on this crazy cold weather we are having in SE Michigan.  It didn’t feel nearly as cold as an all metal tool would feel in your hand.  The different tools worked well at their intended tasks.  The pliers gripped bolts well, and the wire cutters/strippers worked well. I did like how they allow you to switch out the Phillips bit to another bit style if you use other types of screws. The MP1 knife blades seemed to cut through various materials like cardboard and wood just fine.  It is a very impressive multi-tool with a very narrow profile that is very easy to carry in a pocket if needed.  They also include a case that attaches to a belt to carry the tool that way if you want.

  • High quality forged jaws are stronger than cast version
  • Textured composite handle material (G-10 Compound) is easy on the hands, wet or dry
  • Bottle opener doubles as a pry bar to save wear and tear on other components
  • Butterfly style opening with spring-loaded jaws is easy to use
  • Large fine edge blade features high grade 420HC stainless steel
  • Large fully serrated blade features high grade 420 HC stainless steel
  • Multi-purpose plier jaws are forged from 6150 carbon steel and include wire strippers and diagonal cutters for electrical projects
  • Extra-thick pry bar is thicker than the other components and is tough enough for the heaviest jobs
  • Magnetic bit driver features the commonly used #2 Phillips bit for all-around versatility but can be used with any bit
  • The large flat driver is your friend for many things, including straight slot screws
  •  A small flat driver handles your small straight slot screw needs
  • The utility blade is the perfect implement for rough work and scraping surfaces that might damage the fine edge blade
  • Wedge lock secures all components for safe use
  • Polyester sheath can be used to keep your multi-tool within easy reach
  • Backed by Gerber’s Lifetime Warranty
  • Assembled in Portland, OR USA

gerber3So, to wrap my first review up I will summarize this by saying that this is a very high quality multi-tool that is great for the guy that goes in the wilderness but also has a day job that may require some quick maintenance type tasks on the fly. As the old saying goes a tool that does many things is usually never as good as a tool designed to do that specific task. It’s also nice to see a high quality product that is made in the USA too and Gerber is doing that by making the MP1 multi-tool.

 

 

11 COMMENTS

  1. Jason welcome aboard the TIA family. This was a very nice review for your first time. Now to my comments 🙂 I’m a big fan of MT, because they are a mini-tool box. I’m a Leatherman fan (Wave & Surge, among others), but have a few others name brands. Yes, these things are expensive if you invest in a good one. If you buy a cheapo it may turn you off on this catergory of tools. I carry one for edc purposes everyday and I’m also in an urban environment. I have used my to fix chains, unscrew desk tops, lap-tops, secure keyboard tables, much much more. I’ve also used it around the garage, the yard, fishing, camping, dang, let me stop. Not a big fan of Gerber, but it looks like a fine MT, enjoy it, because they do come in handy. Again welcome. Laters TIA

  2. Hey Jason welcome aboard man nice review!! That multi tool looks very handy to have I’m gonna look into it,hey I’m a lawn guy also and am always struggling to keep my lawn green it’s like my dirt is made out of clay.what should I do?

  3. Great review Jason! We’ll written and very detailed. I was wondering if the composite fame was a god or bad but you explained well how it can be good. Looking forward to more reviews.

  4. Don’t know if my last comment went through.

    Great review Jason! Well written and really detailed. Liked how you explained the benefit of a composite frame. Looking forward to more reviews from you.

  5. Top Dressing is the best option for an existing lawn. I throw some top soil on top of my lawn every few years to keep things nice and healthy I bag my grass clippings most of the time so I don’t get the natural compost, but it keeps you from building up too much thatch. I also will mix in grass seed in with some of the topsoil to over seed any bare or thin spots. This website goes into more detail on dealing with clay soil. http://www.lawn-care-academy.com/clay-soil.html

  6. Good review Jason, nice that it has a bit holder for screw driver bits. I know you can’t say it but it makes me curious as to how expensive something like this costs. Good write up

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