Gear Review
Company Address:
Website: www.sheffield-tools.com
Telephone: 1-800-457-0600
Gallenson’s, Cal Ranch Stores, Sportsman’s Warehouse, Smith and Edwards, Lowes
Products tested:
# 12113 - Folding Lock-Back Utility Knife Product
# 12801 - 12-in-1 Multi Function Tool and Aluminum Flashlight Product Combination
Warranty:
Lifetime
Folding Lock-Back Utility Knife
Suggested Retail: $9.99
Features:
Quick Change Mechanism
Lightweight Aluminum Handle with Clip
Spring Blade Release
One Hand Opening Operation
Belt clip
Pros:
Uses standard utility blades-easy to change
Lightweight
Positive blade lock
Easy to open with one hand
Comfortable to hold during use
Cons:
While cutting material such as carpeting, the blade changing mechanism may catch and release; this could allow the blade to fall out.
Use:
I used this utility knife to cut outdoor carpet. It was comfortable to grip and didn’t fatigue my hand during use. Replacing the blade was quick and simple.
The only problem I had was the with the blade release lock. The Stiffness of the carpet had a tendency to push open the quick release on the blade changing mechanism.
Conclusion:
I highly recommend this tool. Keep one with your camping gear and one in your home tool box. I like the fact that blades can be changed quickly (carry spare utility blades) and there is never a need to bother with sharpening.
Aluminum Flashlight with Case
Suggested Retail for the combination: $11.49
Features:
Computer designed reflector
Rotate head to focus light
One hand on/off switch
Requires 2 AA batteries (included)
Water and shock resistant aluminum body
Belt case included
Pros:
Lightweight but solid construction
Easy to turn off and on with thumb switch
Octagon end piece keeps flashlight from rolling on a flat surface
Adjustable light focus by rotating head
Cons:
Flashlight: None
Free case included. I was not impressed with the design of the case. It needs to be taller and fit the flashlight tighter so the flashlight won’t slip out.
Conclusion:
Good lightweight light for camping or the tool box. It is a perfect size for every family member to have their own. It could be used for emergency preparedness, kept in your vehicles or to have around the house for power outages.
12-in-1 Multi Tool
Features:
Stainless Steel construction
Long nose pliers with wire cutter
Phillips head screwdriver
Small straight screwdriver
Can opener
Fish scaler/ruler/hook remover
Medium slotted screwdriver
Bottle opener/Large slotted screwdriver
Awl
Knife blade
Case included
Pros:
Pliers are spring assisted so they stay open and seem to move freely.
Tools all have a thumbnail slot for easy opening
Cons:
Tools don’t have a positive lock in the open position
Handles are not very comfortable when applying pressure for the pliers
Uses:
The price point is such that you could afford to have several. It could be kept in your fishing gear, around the house and in the car. Unlike some of the more expensive brands, if these were lost, you could easily afford to replace them.
Conclusions:
I would like to see another larger Phillips screwdriver since there are three straight screwdrivers. (This is just a personal preference.) I have not tested every feature enough to comment on the quality of the steel but it does have a lifetime warranty.
If you are interested in these items or any other Sheffield Manufacturing products, check out the website listed above.
Gerry Duffin
Gear Review Specialist
Backcountry Radio Network