Multitool Monday: Gerber Center Drive, Made in USA

TO BROWSE OR BUY A GERBER CENTER DRIVE OR OTHER MULTITOOLS, CHECK OUT THE (AMAZON) LINKS BELOW, ENJOY :]

MORE VIDEOS TO ENJOY:

[WeAllJuggleKnives]

Gerber manned up and improved on their multitool design and quality and decided to make this one in the USA like their better knives. The tool is not perfect, as I discuss in the video, however it's definitely a cut above their previous ventures and a good step in the correct direction.

[cmac]

My centerdrive came with massive dings on the straight edged blade right out of the package. Took a LOT of sharpening removing a bunch of steel to get those out...

[Jeepjones]

Just wanted to say I watched the video the whole way through lol and wanted to say since I work in the hvac industry I use 1/4-3/8in nut drivers all the time and the bits for my impact driver will fit this tool which is Amazing! I can see this tool getting me out of a bind in a tight crawl space. Great review, also the serrations are an easy fix on my work sharp lol

[semco]

I now have one of those from Gerber, and got it primarily since it is American made. The knife blade on it is sturdy, and everything else seem to be well built also. I do agree that the pliers are loose on it when opened, but not a problem for me. I don't hunt so the tools which are included is nice for me. The main thing that got my attention is that it is American made. The sheath is made in China though.

[RichAllfieldnohit]

Looks big and chunky, I carry the ST300 in my work bags, don't need scissors but the drivers and the pliers are huge. That's what I use the most...and the wire cutters :)
Looks good, actually
100 bucks seems pricey

[richkocon]

I've had all brands of multi tool except victorinox spirit and always go back to the wave for two main reasons pocket clip and diamond file.

[erodedbladeerodedblade]

No saw n no scissors...NO SALE...good vid bro...Z's...

[cafned]

One additional advantage this has over my old Gerber multitool, and many others is the location of the blade on the front arm of the pliers vs the back arm. When the blade is set back 3/4" from the front or the handle it can become awkward in many situations.

[Mister_Phafanapolis]

Center Drive's nail puller is a dead ringer for the Shard. I have one and think it's a really good OPMT. Excellent design to copy for a bottle opener.

One odd data point: I purchased a second Shard and it has a different finish or coating, more candy dipped and glossy. My original was matte, like Parkerizing or bluing and aged very gracefully.

[treebossmike]

I see you got your hands on this little gem! Definitely agree Gerber stepped their game up! I even called Leatherman up and told their Customer Service they need to step up their game BIG TIME. This is now my EDC at work, as it's not really designed to wear for running errands or going to the gym and I love it. I agree regarding the serrated blade I would have loved to have a better one but when I gotta cut rope (I'm an Arborist) I use a more appropriate blade anyway but that pry bar can take some pressure. Little warning though: those tungsten carbide wire cutters should not be used on anything other than copper. I promise you if try to cut anything other than that they will shatter. That's the only real "flaw", other than the cheesy serrated blade which is identical to the MP600 Series which seems like when Gerber got down to the last tool to insert, the design team said "screw it, just use one we already have so we can get done and get outta here!" Lol thanks !

[loganrench]

I bought a center drive a couple weeks ago and the serrated blade was very sharp

[jackhandy]

I have tried probably 20 multitools and always seem to go back to my Gerber Legend 800. I have broken 2 of them over many years of almost every day use and the Gerber company has replaced them quickly and free of charge. The spring loaded feature is my favorite with Gerber pliers. I never got a good feel out of the Leatherman, hated the Buck line (like Gerber, seemed pathetic on the knife end, for "knife company"), Victorinox seemed more suitable for someone that owns no other tools and wants everything in a pocket. Great review, though and thanks!

[kenmarapese]

Glad Gerber is putting out some quality products. I would like a saw instead of that serrated failure.

[michaelcolloton]

After watching a bunch of multitool videos, I had my search down to this and the Leatherman Wave. I went to a local knife shop to see them. While I appreciate the genius of the Center Drive, for my needs, the Wave is by far the better tool. It's less bulky, it has 4 outside tools instead of two (three if you count the pliers), the serrated blade and the file are excellent, the pliers are better, and it has both a saw and scissors. You may want to carry the weight and bulk of a Center Drive with the bit set. I don't.

[danzigrulze]

I was in the Army for 5 years, through my whole career I have used Gerber multi-tools and a few SOGs as well.  The only reason I never got a Leatherman was because of the price, generally Leatherman's pricing was pretty high and being enlisted everything you get is usually on a low budget.  I've now been out of the Army for over 10 years now, and since then I've used a Leatherman because I'm actually able to afford them with the lower pricing compared to when I was still active-duty.  I have to say with all my experience with all three companies and using all of the various models I have to say that Leatherman is the best.  Plus for the price of the Gerber Center Drive, I can purchase two Leatherman OHTs.

[MrGeerbear]

Nice tool. WAJK, we got slammed by a winter storm the past two days in Upstate NY (don't confuse us with those NYC girlymen). I lost power, but no worries. I pulled out my Convoy 6 and lit up the area. I gave you credit for that on Shabazz's channel. Great torch. Thanks. I have an idea. Next time there's an election you should ask people their opinions :-) I hear there's a flood in NYC from all the tears.

[speedindeemin]

I currently use, and have owned for many years, Gerber's Pro Scout 600. It has the one handed opening feature and is simply awesome. It also has the rattle but I honestly can't say it's negative or a bad thing, I have never had an issue with it nor has it decreased the quality (tool made in USA btw). It's just a characteristic. I think unless one has used one of their one handed opening MPs for a while, it would be difficult to determine if the rattle was a bad thing. I can assure you it isn't, and I've tugged and pulled as hard as I could without problems.

I was super pumped about this when I saw their first several announcement videos. I can honestly say I don't care much for the "competition" side if it, who really cares who has what, it does not determine how well the tool performs and lasts. I don't think a near full size blade is completely necessary, as my pro scout blade is under 3" or something and it's never inhibited me from doing what I needed to do. Everyone will like different things, and it annoyed me a little that that is what they were mostly advertising.

I was really looking forward for some reviews on it before I made the jump. I love the pro scout so much I am willing to spend the $100, but I have been reading about the quality control issues and it's making me think twice about buying it, may end up saving and using it for some tools I need.

Thank you for the honest review, and I haven't heard of your channel before, however you just earned yourself a new subscriber! Thank you sir.

[jwfraga]

good solid review. I am a daily user of the Diesel, I really like the one hand opening of it compared to LM Wave, etc. I am going to pick this up, I may wait to see if price comes down. I agree, they should have included a wood saw OR scissors.

[tiacho]

Gerber fan here. I'm wondering if the serrated blade was ground and then coated. Compared to the plain blade, it looks that way. Aside from the lack of scissors (I use mine fairly often) this tool seems to fix most of my peeves with my old MP400. Replaceable carbide inserts, no more half serrated blade, and one handed blade and screwdriver opening are all improvements. I use pliers a lot so for me Gerber over Leatherman.

[chrluc]

The worst part about these slide out pliers that Gerber makes, are that because they slide out, the jaws are thin, which makes them prone to slipping and when they do, they take a chunk of meat out of the center of your palm, because the handles close together.