In March of 1991, Gerber patented the “Pocket Tool with Retractable Jaws”, 5142721. This was marketed as the Gerber Multiplier. The Leatherman Pocket Survival Tool had been on the market for more than 10 years by this time. I had only recently discovered multitools after picking up a copy of Popular Mechanics magazine, seeing them on the cover and reading the story inside. I was hooked.
I have never been someone who buys a pocket knife or multi-tool and walks away settled. Gradually, I buy one of everything, it seems. I can never pick just one. In this case, I was fascinated by the sliding pliers jaws on a multitool, so I moved quickly to buy mine. I became addicted to the flick-of-the-wrist motion to extend the pliers jaws, the “sssslick” sound of the sliding jaws motion, then depressing the release buttons to retract and repeat. I enjoyed the Gerber Multiplier and it became a favorite.
Over time, other multitools and brands came and displaced the Gerber from its place in my rotation. Gerber changed and “improved” the Multiplier so that palms would not get pinched between a closing handle and added an ingenious locking mechanism that would prevent implements from collapsing while in use. Never mind that the Multiplier’s design meant no implement could ever close on a finger or hand. The Multiplier evolved into the MP600 we know today, serving as the best selling tool to our military. In the knife and multitool world, the MP600 is a true classic workhorse and is still built in America.
My point in sharing my thoughts is that the original Gerber Multiplier was beautiful in its execution, comfortable to hold and carry, elegant in its design, and had the essentials a good multitool should have. Plus it was safe to use, even without a locking mechanism. It could even be disassembled and cleaned, if the user wanted to do so. Combine that with Gerber’s Limited Lifetime Warranty and exceptional customer service and you have an idea why we call them Gerber Legendary Blades.
If you have not used your original Gerber Multiplier in awhile, I ask you to consider giving it another try. Sometimes, the basics are all you need. Sometimes, when you strip away all the extra engineering, you can see the true beauty and elegance of an original idea. If you have never held the original Gerber Multiplier, you can still find them on eBay for a reasonable price. You may even find them NOS. Grab one while you still can. I think it is one of those tools that just got it right the first time. The original Gerber Multiplier is compact, light, packs the essentials, and just plain fun.
I have never been someone who buys a pocket knife or multi-tool and walks away settled. Gradually, I buy one of everything, it seems. I can never pick just one. In this case, I was fascinated by the sliding pliers jaws on a multitool, so I moved quickly to buy mine. I became addicted to the flick-of-the-wrist motion to extend the pliers jaws, the “sssslick” sound of the sliding jaws motion, then depressing the release buttons to retract and repeat. I enjoyed the Gerber Multiplier and it became a favorite.
Over time, other multitools and brands came and displaced the Gerber from its place in my rotation. Gerber changed and “improved” the Multiplier so that palms would not get pinched between a closing handle and added an ingenious locking mechanism that would prevent implements from collapsing while in use. Never mind that the Multiplier’s design meant no implement could ever close on a finger or hand. The Multiplier evolved into the MP600 we know today, serving as the best selling tool to our military. In the knife and multitool world, the MP600 is a true classic workhorse and is still built in America.
My point in sharing my thoughts is that the original Gerber Multiplier was beautiful in its execution, comfortable to hold and carry, elegant in its design, and had the essentials a good multitool should have. Plus it was safe to use, even without a locking mechanism. It could even be disassembled and cleaned, if the user wanted to do so. Combine that with Gerber’s Limited Lifetime Warranty and exceptional customer service and you have an idea why we call them Gerber Legendary Blades.
If you have not used your original Gerber Multiplier in awhile, I ask you to consider giving it another try. Sometimes, the basics are all you need. Sometimes, when you strip away all the extra engineering, you can see the true beauty and elegance of an original idea. If you have never held the original Gerber Multiplier, you can still find them on eBay for a reasonable price. You may even find them NOS. Grab one while you still can. I think it is one of those tools that just got it right the first time. The original Gerber Multiplier is compact, light, packs the essentials, and just plain fun.
