(
Pros: Blade Material, Finish, Handle Material, Included Tools, Locking, Materials, Overall Quality, Sheath/Scabbard
Cons: None
For balance:
I got this more out of curiosity than anything else. I have, for the past few years kept a Victorinox Mini-Champ (Alox) on my keys and haven't ever felt myself disappointed by it. This MiniMaster is pretty close to it in terms of size and tool set, but that's kind of where the comparison ends. I'll give it 4 stars because it is as it is billed - and seems "solid," but it won't be unseating the MiniChamp. And, I'd think if you carry something like a Gerber Dime (though I found the Dime to be poorly made, and broke it, with VERY light work) or whatever Leatherman has for keychain tools these days, it won't replace them, either. Problem one (which it kind of shares with Leatherman, in my experience, is that if you use your tools to make life easier, you'll find yourself having to do some extra work, that you won't with any Victorinox product, namely if you're looking to use one tool, it is great to just use the thumb nick and get the one tool you need out. You're getting two or more with this, so you'll be folding the others back into the tool handle. Another point I always consider is how well it works when the time comes for it to be used. I haven't actually used it, yet, but I suppose I could keep it on a work bench for the odd job. But, that's just it, really - I instantly put my Mini-Champ on my keychain, and I've used it for years. Not daily, but when the need arises. I feel like I'd be seriously downgrading by putting this on my keys, in it's place. Glad I bought it? Sure, it's an interesting piece, and it does do some things, like the bottle opener better than the competition, and the scissors are better than any I've got, other than Victorinox, but be careful, when you get them out for use, you're also getting the knife blade along with the fingernail cleaner/file - be sure to put them back in by pushing on the spine - the knife tip may be exposed. The hex nut cut outs seem like they could actually be useful too, unlike a lot of "card" style pocket tools with cutouts. Maybe if you're looking for a backup, or something to throw in a kit or pouch "just in case?" That's most likely what will happen to this. But, that's almost the opposite of "EDC," and I'm guessing EDC is the aim. As an aside, one "left field" aspect of it I do like is it really reminds me of something from "back in the day," the single, folding can opener you'd find at the Army/Navy surplus stores. I wouldn't even be surprised if those were made by this company. Cool to see how somebody else approaches the multi-tool, and it is pretty unique in that regard. I love that it's made in the U.S., too. I'll happily buy Swiss made, as I don't imagine factories full of slave wage workers when I purchase, like I do when I buy anything Chinese, but it's great to see something made in the U.S.
