I had been looking at this for a good minute and after a bit of back and forth I went ahead and bought it. After having it for a bit I think I am able to give a good review about this. I will break this down per tool and then an overall at the end.
Bit Driver : If you are looking at this multitool, then this is the tool that probably brought you to it. So lets look at it. It is true that this does not have a lock, of which it would have been great to have one, but when looking at how this is put together it would have increased the overall size of the tool. What this one has going for it is that while it does not have a lock, it gives you a compact quarter inch bit driver in a package that cannot be beat. For its size, the utility that it provides is phenomenal and if you are looking to do higher torque jobs then you probably wouldn't be looking into a Gerber armbar. For me this function gets a 4/5.
Scissors : Second on this list of tools will be the scissors. The way these fold is quite unique, and if you are worried about cutting yourself while opening or closing these rest assured, you wont. They are sharp, but the way it all folds up and unfolds does not put you at risk. There is a small thumb pad at the base of the handle, which allows you to apply pressure without it just being on a thin bar of metal. For prolonged cutting this could be a bit cumbersome, but for everyday use these scissors are incredible. I have used them for awhile each day and they have not dulled. They provide a crisp, clean cut and work for me every time. I did a test and was able to cut through ten pieces of stacked paper just fine without them twisting. To get them out, if the little lip is giving you a problem, lift the bit bar and you can then fold them out just fine. For me this tool gets a 5/5.
Awl : While this tool may seem like a niche tool (and for a lot of reasons it is) the value I put on this was, at first underscored, but after I got this and have carried this with me I can say that this little guy brings quite the bit of value with it. This value is mainly in the form of overall safety. We have all come across blister packs and other packages that are quite difficult to open, and we have to resort to using a knife or scissors to open these. Now, while this tool does have both of the other tools mentioned, what I like to use this awl for is to begin the hole for the other tools. I have worried before that if my hand slipped while pressing with a knife or with the scissors that I would stab my hand, my leg, or the product inside of it and thus create bigger issues. By having the awl to create the beginning hole I do not have to worry about this anymore. You can also use this to open small packages on its own if you would like to, although I would just leave that to the other tools. The level of safety this brings gets this tool a 5/5.
Hammer/Pry Bar : These two, while they aren't used as much as the other tools, are unique in the way that they bring to the table a form of utility that the other tools do not, as well as save your other tools from being used for jobs they should not be used for. The hammer, while small, is very useful for fixing small nails that are standing a bit proud, and is also useful for closing containers, or just small everyday chores that require a bit more force. This does not mean that it is as useful as a true hammer, as this will not drive a full nail. The prybar is also very useful in doing exactly what its name entails, prying things. It clicks VERY firmly into place, so you can get quite a bit of heft on it, and the tool is long enough that you can get a solid grip. This combination makes it for a comfortable feeling. It will for sure open containers for you, and is VERY good at getting staples out of walls. I have used it several times on various things and it has not failed me at all, and still closes firmly as well. I will say though that if you are in need of a hammer, please carry the right sized hammer. This gets a 5/5 for me.
Knife : The blade is a sheepsfoot style of blade, and it is made from 5CR15MOV steel I believe. The edge is very bity, and while not the best steel in the world, for general use everyday this little guy is great. I absolutely love him. It saves you time and can save your other everyday knife from overuse. The lock sits on the inside, behind the blade, and is VERY strong, so you do not have to worry about it closing on you. Its a tight hinge, so when you disengage the lock it will not bite into your finger. The only thing I did not like is that because of fingerhole cut out on the blade and how it is a bit stiff (again not a problem) it made it difficult to open with one hand. However, I did find an incredibly easy solution for this on Etsy. If you look up Gerber Armbar Driver Thumb Bar by FMI-NYC they 3D print a little insert that will sit into the opening perfectly, thus making it a one handed open. For me this gets a 4/5 by itself - 5/5 with the thumb bar.
Overall the Gerber armbar is a great overall multitool that I can see feeling right at home in anyone's pocket or bag. The utility it provides in this size of package is unbeatable at this price and if anyone is in need of a multitool that wont let you down I would say get this one.
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743M8T
