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Reviews > Knives > Multi-tools > Gerber Shortcut Multi-tool > Owner Review by Ray Estrella
Gerber Shortcut Multi-tool
TESTER INFORMATION
I have been backpacking for over 30 years, all over California, and in many of the western states and Minnesota. I hike year-round, and average 500+ miles (800+ km) per year. I have made a move to lightweight gear, and smaller volume packs. I start early and hike hard so as to enjoy the afternoons exploring. I usually take a freestanding tent and enjoy hot meals at night. If not hiking solo I am usually with my wife Jenn or brother-in-law Dave. The Product
Manufacturer: Gerber Legendary Blades (A division of Fiskar) Product Description
The Gerber Shortcut keychain tool (hereafter called Shortcut or the tool) is a compact multi-tool. It has dark gray anodized aluminum handles with the Gerber and Shortcut names on one side, as can be seen in the photo above. The handles have been drilled out in eight places, either to reduce weight or visual appeal. A small keychain ring is on one end of the tool. Packed between the handles on the outside of the Shortcut are six stainless steel tools, which are all on display in this picture. They consist of the following, clockwise from the upper left side. A cross-point (Phillips) screwdriver, file/nail cleaner, bottle opener/medium flat screwdriver, 1.75 in (44 mm) knife blade, small flat screwdriver, and a pair of tweezers. As the file and knife look the same when the tool is closed Gerber stamped an identifier on each side. In the first picture in this review the word “blade” can be seen. The opposite side says “nail file”. The handles also hide, protect and enclose clamshell-like a pair of scissors made by Fiskars. The picture to the right shows the way they store in the handle. Once fully opened they snap into place and hold there very well. The blades on them are very sharp. A picture of the fully opened scissors may be found at the end of this review. Field Conditions
This little tool has been with me for over 1,000 miles (1,610 km) of hiking/backpacking and two camping trips. It has been as high as 14,496’ (4,418 m) elevation and as low as 200’ below sea level (-61 m). It has been with me in every month of the calendar in the past two+ years. Observations
I got the Shortcut on April 20, 2004. Since receiving it I have taken it on every backpacking trip and day-hike I have been on with the exception of a couple. The reason for this is because I liked its size so much that I decided to take the scissors and tweezers out of my first aid kit and replace them with the Shortcut. This would give me an emergency knife in the event that I lost mine, (never know when I might have to cut my arm off or something) and add the convenience of the screwdrivers. As I am a chronic nail-biter I can’t see myself needing the nail file/cleaner, but am always hoping the Swedish Bikini Team will show up at my camp site in desperate need of a manicure. (Or pedicure, but I digress.) Read more reviews of Gerber gear Read more gear reviews by Ray Estrella Reviews > Knives > Multi-tools > Gerber Shortcut Multi-tool > Owner Review by Ray Estrella |