I think sometimes people have an unrealistic view of how much beating tools can take. A lighter duty tool is smaller and lighter but cannot be as robust as something larger and heavier.

There is also just plain junk out there.

A lot of people think Mora knives are the greatest things in the world because they are very functional, reasonably sharp, and fairly durable. Others claim they are junk because if you baton wood with them they break, or complain about the sheaths that are admittedly often pretty bad. But what do you expect for < $15.

To me it is crazy to blame a tool for breaking if the operator misuses it.

Like the guys who shoot crossbow bolts into trees and they break.....DUH!

in addition to liking their products, it is nice when they support a sport you are involved in, and are major match sponsors... from the shooters bag from Ft Benning 3 Gun Challenge
Kershaw Leek and Leatherman Micra and Style

Hello, not been around for a while

I sometimes wonder if those who denigrate Gerbers BG line have actually used any of the items concerned?

I have and have been using the BG mini tool for several months now. It might be patterned on a clutch but it ain't a clutch. Its heavier, more robust and has two good blades on it. One serrated, one not. Both sharpened up decently. The pliers are robust. Screwdrivers do the job.
I've used this and Leatherman mini-tools. Absolutly no way would I pick the Leatherman. They break too easily and they are badly designed.
Large tools are a different story.

For your infomation: Gerber are upgrading the BG line. The original BG knife is actually well respected by most people who actually use it.


Oh and one other point: people should stop banging on about the problems with the first run. That's old news. They fixed it and continuing to throw that in their faces is frankly unethical.