[Ringer]

About ready to purchase both of these. The Multi is to replace an older not very user friendly tool I currently carry. Haven't really owned a decent folding knife for a while.

These both seem to fit what I am looking for but any comments or recomendations for something different in these type of tools would be welcomed. Both will be for general everyday use/carry. Best prices I found were about $65 for the Gerber Multi and $59 for the Blackout. Does that sound about right?

Thanks

[Bruz]

Have not tried the Gerber...have the Leatherman Wave for the same price and am very happy with it.

From the last thread... "I just got Kershaws Blackout and Whirlwind...good knives, assisted opening, feels good in the hand, and snagged them for $30. each shipped through a guy at E-bay. New but no box, good guy to deal with, and he has more.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...item=2181438521 "

[Ringer]

Bruz

Thanks for the ebay number. Not a big ebay user, but I'll check it out, sounds like a great price.

[Sir Galahad]

I have the Blackout and Whirlwind. Great knives. Out of the box shaving sharp. You just cannot go wrong with a Kershaw Ken Onion.

[Penforhire]

I think I paid $50 for the Whirlwind and I think I got what I paid for. $30 would be an absolute steal. I had to sharpen my Whirlwind quite a bit (couldn't shave hair or slice paper out of the box) but I was VERY happy after a few light passes on 600 grit diamond followed by fine-grit alumina sticks and stroping on cardboard.

[10-Ring]

I've had my Blackout for several months now. I'm so glad I bought one! :)

[Sharpdogs]

I have heard great things about the blackout. Some say there is a little bit of a "break in" period for the initial opening of the knife. It's on my to buy list.

[4v50 Gary]

I'm no conner-sewer of these multi-plier stuph, but I bought mine for $10 @ Wally World. It's not for life 'n death but for Mickey-Mousing around.

[Ringer]

I hear ya on the not life or death part. The one I replaced was given to me years ago. I recently have been using it more and was tired of the bulk, the fact that some tools I could barely get open and others were not sturdy when deployed. I ended up buying the Gerber for $43 at Wally World because I wanted a decent/usable tool. This one is not bulky and not overdone with things I won't use. So far I'm quite happy with it. Tools are easily accessable without opening the handles, except the pliers and cutter obviously, and they all lock into place. The blade can be easily opened with one hand.

As far as the Blackout, still shopping for a good deal. Best I have found is $55 plus shipping (Natchez). Local stores want upwards of $70 for them.

[Combat-wombat]

The Kershaw Blackout is great. With regards to the multi-tool, try one of these (http://sogknives.com/pwrlck.htm). I have no experience with them, but the look pretty good, and I trust SOG. Plus you can open them fast.

[Dave Markowitz]

I have a Gerber Multiplier Scout that I use fairly often in my job as a systems engineer for an ISP. It should be similar to the model you mentioned. I like it a lot.

[The-Distinctive-Edge]

Yes! YEs! Yes! The Kershaw's are great! The Blackout is a great knife! Paul

[Ringer]

Thanks for the replies. I'm happy with the Gerber Multi Tool.

Still teetering on the knife, between the Blackout and a couple Benchmades. Also after searching more here at THR and at bladeforums.com I'm a little concerned about legal ramifications of some of these knives. Frankly I hadn't given it much thought, the legality of a "pocket knife" purchased at a local retail store. Once I do a little more fact finding of my own I'll decide. Knife laws seem to be a bit difficult to locate and/or understand. Seems kind of sad I can't just go purchase a pocket knife without worrying about being arrested for carrying it.

Thanks!