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Gerber 05500 MP400 Compact Sport | List Price: $39.99
Discount Price: $28.95
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Brand: Gerber
Binding: Tools & Hardware
Features: - 11 tools including wire cutter and Fiskars scissors
- Ultra compact at 5.75 inches long and 1.2 inches wide
- Stainless steel construction
- Weighs just 6.0 ounces
- Limited lifetime warranty
Perfect multi-tool [Posted on 2008-01-22]
I have owned many multi-tools and bought one of the first leatherman's when they came out. The Gerber beats them all. The one handed operation is great for whipping it out for a quick fix. You just have to get your hand positioned correctly to have the pliers slide out quickly, but it's a breeze once you get the hang of it. I've owned the same Gerber 05500 MP400 Compact Sport for several years now and use it EVERY day. When I worked as a carpenter, I kept it on my tool belt and used it as I would any other tool. I can't say enough about the durability and quality of this tool.
It is what it is - and it's nice [Posted on 2008-02-11]
I bought one of these as a gift for my wife a few years ago. She really liked my L-Man Wave but complained it was too large & heavy (small hands). I shopped around and decided that Gerber's Compact Sport (weighing a little over 6 oz) would be a nice choice for her. I recall that it was well regarded then, as it continues to be now. This one has stood the test of time. My wife likes it a lot and so do I.
My personal view is that the Compact Sport has most of what most people want for everyday use and recreational outings. It is a GOOD, but basic multitool. I DON'T see it as the kind of rugged survival tool that Les Stroud, or Bear Grylls (or even an amateur like "Saint Richard") would choose to rely on when "out there flapping" in the hard-lands. For THAT you'll want something more robust with more features and you will have to pay more to get it. (See my reviews of SOG, Victorinox & L-Man Multi-tools).
So the Compact Sport 400 isn't (in my opinion) a full-fledged survival tool but that is not intended as a slur. Rather, it is a caution against expecting too much of it.
Compared to other tools in its size and price range the Compact Sport is a definite winner. Its sliding jaw pliers seem a minor engineering wonder and add cool-factor. Its bead-blasted finish looks classy. Everything moves smoothly and works just as it should.
Are there complaints? Of course but only minor ones. Those who have read my other reviews know I don't like serrations on my knife blades. At least I don't like them if there is just one blade available, as is the case here. It would also be nice if the Compact Sport had a fixture for a lanyard attachment to prevent accidental loss. Also those sliding jaws don't retract completely, meaning that you can't just throw the Compact Sport in your pocket. Try that without the sheath and those needle nose tips will dig holes in your pocket or even your thigh.
But these are minor complaints that fall under the heading of personal preference. The Compact Sport 400 is still a quality product. It is what it is and it is nice. Just don't buy it expecting it to be what it isn't.
tried and true [Posted on 2008-03-17]
used mine multiple times every single day in iraq, 15 months - every single day. its worn down and the knife is sorta broken off, but it;s all good still works just fine. i love it. can definitely take a beating, highly recommend.
Great tool w/only a few slight flaws [Posted on 2008-07-23]
I used to own the Gerber Diesel multi-plier. However, it was just too large and bulky for what I needed it for. The tool itself was fantastic. I loved everything about it except for the size.
Well, I fixed that problem by replacing it with the smaller "Compact Sport". This is perfect. The size and weight are very reasonable, and I can barely notice it on my belt. The blade is very sharp, the pliers are strong, and the scissors are awesome. The one gripe I had is that it doesn't have a file. I would have preferred a file instead of 4 screwdriver heads. I'm not sure why they bothered to include the large flat-head screwdriver... I rarely encounter flat head screws that large. It would have been better to just stick with the cross head and the 2 smaller flat heads, and use the space for something more practical. Oh well.
The only other thing is that you should expect to oil it when you first get it. I just put a drop of 3-in-1 household oil on the pliers and the scissors to get them to move better.
If you want a multi-tool that's not too large and heavy and still gets the job done than this is the one.
Quality not as good as before [Posted on 2008-07-28]
I have had one of these for several years, and I love it. However, this one I just received was a complete disappointment. The jaw had interference when closing it, at the wire cutter area. Also, it felt very gritty, like it was tossed around in fine dirt. I also think the case is too big - bigger than the one I currently have (and it's the same model). Unfortunately, I had to return it for a refund. Gerber, what happened to your quality?
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