new (to me) combo tool from Tool Logic (SL3)...

Ladies & Gents, I did a search for last 6 months so I hope this doesn't repeat an earlier thread.

I stumbled onto this new combo knife (knife, firesteel, whistle) from Tool Logic Tool Logic's SL3 webpage.

Anyone have one? MSRP=$37.95(US); too much for what you're getting? It doesn't mention the steel type but assuming some version of 400 stainless. Note the small notch they added for the ferrocerrium rod.

Opinions on suitability for adding to our kits?

thanks, VtHunter

Never seen it. Looks neat, though.

Thanks, groo. For those who like redundancy and who might prefer one package to do more than one thing, I thought it was kinda neat, too.

thanks, VtHunter

I should add: I should've looked a bit further (into the site's FAQ's). Found this:

Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: What kind of steel is found in Tool Logic products?
A: Tool Logic typically uses a Medium Carbon Stainless Steel called 420J2.

Q: Why do you use this type of steel?
A: Steel is made primarily of iron and carbon. Most modern steels also contain several additional elements such as chromium, molybdenum etc. By changing the ratio of the carbon and these various additives the steel can be given different properties. For instance a larger chromium content will increase the “stainless” quality of the material. However it will make the steel less able to take and hold an edge. In contrast, adding more carbon will allow the steel to become harder and better able to take and hold an edge, but it will rust more easily. 420J2 steel offers a good balance between edge holding and resistance to rust.

Q: What is the Rockwell Hardness of the blades?
A: When steel is heat treated it achieves a certain hardness. The recommended hardness varies with the carbon content of the steel. The harder the steel, the longer lasting the edge, however the trade-off is it's more difficult to resharpen. hardness is measured on the Rockwell Scale (higher numbers are harder). The hardness range for 420J2 steel is about RC50. It offers a blade that can take a sharp edge yet is reasonably easy to resharpen if it becmes dull.

I've got one. It's clipped to my pocket as I write this. Have been EDC'ing it for about a year and a half.

Great rust resistance (carrying it in the tropics=heat, high humidity and sweat). Handy, nice construction. Easy to re-sharpen.

Whistle is as loud as my "true" survival whistle from my NRA Survival Tool Kit.

Have ignited tinder with the firesteel. Pretty easy to do actually.

But I have to admit I have no measure for comparison whatsoever in this area as this is my <img src="/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> (yes sirs) only firesteel.

I'm not a big fan of 420J2 and serrated edges, so I don't like this one very much. But for the price I think it's well worth a try.

John McCann has a short review of the fire model in his book "Build the perfect survival kit".

What I do like are those card-tools. They look like a SwissCard with a more substantial blade. The Wine Companion seems like a great party tool! <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

With all due respect I just haven't found the Jet Scream Whistle to be loud at all.

The loundest I've found is clearly the Storm, but it is big and bulky.

The next loundest is a tie between the WindStorm, the Fox 40, and a really really cheap whistle that I bought for my Cub Scouts. The Storm, WindStorm and the dirt cheap whistles are definitely lower pitched whistle than the Fox 40, and I've read that there are some age-related issues with perception of loudness (older folks may not hear higher pitches as well).

I haven't pulled out the whistle that comes with Doug's PSP yet, but assume it is similar to the Fox 40.

Sometime this year I'll try to do a little study with my Cub Scout den boys and parents to see which is perceived to be "loudest".

The really cheap whistles are remarkably loud. Even my kids agree that they are as loud as the WindStorm. They are at http://www.orientaltrading.com , Item # IN-20/45 for only $2.95 per dozen. They come with an "exando" coiled wrist strap (kind of like a phone cord).

As for the knife ... I'm just not a big fan of all-in-one stuff. The knife handle look uncomfortable and I don't like serrated blades. I'll stick with my Rittergrip and my PSP (which has a great sparker and the Fox whistle), though I usually bring along a WindStorm attached to my better compass.

You can't go wrong with a fox 40.

I think it looks more like gimmicky cheap junk than a real tool.

I looked at these in the store before and the action of the five or so I tried seem to be smooth. I can not attest to the fire making abilities, but the flashlight was good. It made a nice spot about 15ft away with the cheapo battery it came with. It might be good for the wife or if you had limited space for storage. It felt surprisingly comfortable in my hand and allowed for some odd positioning of the knife in my hand which might be useful in a tight space or around a bend. The one I tried did not have the whistle it must have been an older model I saw it about 3yrs ago.

I think it's vastly better than nothing, which is what most citizens carry these days. Take a chance on it and give us a review.

Regards, Vince

I've seen a couple of reviews, all either good or indifferent. Some have been very good. I've thorught about getting one, to back up my other knives and to have full time in my car kit. Even a can lid rubbed on concrete is better than no knife.

BTW, where in VT?

Everyone, thanks for the useful comments. I couldn't believe this was my first post - I've been a "lurker" for a L O N G time - going w a y back, long before I even registered and I registered awhile ago as Chris'll tell ya. It's a great group of folks currently and in the past; people tend to drift away and, thankfully, return on occasion.

ironraven, I hail from northwestern Vt (Chittenden Cty, south of Burlington) but have experienced all "four corners" of the States (including some glorious years in Alaska). I've got some good friends with land near Eden (yup, too cute) that my son and I "practice" our skills on (mostly, "roughing" it with tent and campfire - enjoying the time spent outdoors). I noticed a "kindred" spirit existed here, from some of your threads and responses. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> I wish I could participate more actively in these discussions but, like everyone else, work/kids/life take a big chunk of time. So, before I get too mushy, thanks to all for the responses and I'll always be reading everyone's posts and Chris and Doug's gems and adding a question or two at times. This is one of the best sites out there; or is that "out here".

VtHunter <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />