Help me choose

[SHASHANK_KESHAVA]

I'm buying the following items on knifecenter.com
I need to know whether they are worth the cost are any better alternatives are there for the same price
Thank You




Brunton 15TDCL Elite 360 Mirrored Sighting Compass $26.95



Gerber 31-000749 Bear Grylls Ultimate Multi-Tool, 4" Closed, Nylon Sheath $42.95



Gerber 31-000751 Bear Grylls Ultimate Survival Knife 4.8" Combo Blade, Fire Starter, Diamond Sharpener, Nylon Sheath $44.95



Police Magnum OC-17 Pepper Spray, 4 oz $6.95

[slingshot]

Every tool has its uses. In fact there is no simple way to answer your question. It depends what you want to do with the tools and your budget.

I have used the Bear Grylls Ultimate knife while camping. A friend owns it. I did not like it. It feels a bit tacky, there is hype around it that this knife does not live up to, disappointment at the way the handle wears off close to the blade. The fact that I dont know the steel quality since Gerber doesnt tell me. A much better option is to get a Gerber LMF II. It is an outstanding knife for camping, survival and outdoors. However, it is also a bit more pricey. If your budget does not allow this...then go for Becker BK 2 or Becker BK 16. Will serve you much better. I have some outstanding Gerber blades that I have used and enjoyed. This disappoints.

Now to the Bear Grylls Ultimate Multitool. My advice is just go for a Leatherman Charge, Surge or Wave or a Victorinox Swiss Tool. The Swisstool will be available to you in Mumbai at about INR 8000 or therabouts at Basecamp. The Gerber Bear Grylls multitool is USD 43 + Shipping USD 30+ Duty USD 20 = USD 90 estimate. At current exchange rates it will be close to Rs 5000, if not more. Add Rs 3000 more and you will get a much more durable, iconic and better multitool.

[mundaire]

+1 on the Leatherman advice!

As to the survival knife, I don't know enough to give a fair opinion. However, the online reviews have been mixed (at best).

Cheers!
Abhijeet