Credit card tool

[greenbeetle]

Does anyone carry one of these?

Was looking at Mike Snody's Crises Card and the Microech Assailant II. Both titanium. What do you think, useful gadgets or not and how much would you pay?

[carolinafan]

I've got one in my wallet and another one in my BOB. Haven't had the occasion to use it yet, but it's called being prepared for a reason right?

[gun toting monkeyboy]

I have a Pat Crawford titanium one that I have never used. It is cool and all, but I have found that a regular pocket knife gets more use by me.

-Mb

[BarnabeJay]

I used to carry the Tool Logic Tool Lite Deluxe; it has a mini knife, scissors, tweezers, etc. I used the knife primarily, and the scissors were kind of flimsy, so I switched to a Boker Plus credit card knife (wasn't impressed) and then to a SOG access card 2.0. So far the SOG has come in handy dozens of times, especially in situations where my regular carry knife isn't particularly appropriate.

[Crimson Phoenix]

My girlfriend's Dad gave me one, along with a magnesium firestarter and a reproduction 19th Century French cavalry sword as a graduation gift. I haven't gotten a chance to try it out yet, and come to think of it, I don't know where I stashed the thing since I moved back home from college. Anyway, I figure if it's handy, I'll probably get two more since wallets have a tendency to get stolen from time to time. Next question though, are these things safe to take through airport security and secure buildings or best to leave at home?

[greenbeetle]

Confident they'll get yoinked at airport security.

[kaligaran]

Confident they'll get yoinked at airport security.

Mine did. Made it through security leaving town and then got pulled coming back. Forgot it was in the bag to begin with so it was my fault.

I never used it. Pretty much every time I needed a tool, I had a multi-tool around.

However, I did just buy a Gerber Shard last night for my keychain. Don't know how useful it will be but it's small and looks cool. So far it's safe for airport security.

[BullOnParade]

I used to carry the Tool Logic Tool Lite Deluxe; it has a mini knife, scissors, tweezers, etc. I used the knife primarily, and the scissors were kind of flimsy, so I switched to a Boker Plus credit card knife (wasn't impressed) and then to a SOG access card 2.0. So far the SOG has come in handy dozens of times, especially in situations where my regular carry knife isn't particularly appropriate.

Sounds like you need a better carry knife.

Buy a leatherman, you wont be disappointed.

[Clout]

I was given one for helping out a family member with a work project. It gets tossed into my CHECKED luggage when I'd rather not worry about one of my Leathermans (real or Gerber) be taken by security.

I've used the tiny scissors for various tasks and my wife regularly asks for the file. Bottle opener gets used EVERY TIME I travel solo for business and the teeny LED is useful when I can't find my phone.

[offcamber]

I've got one in my wallet.. I use the bottle opener all the time, but not much else.

**edit for stupid grammatical error.. meh.

[Grey Ops]

I used to carry this in my wallet all the time:



I've since lost it though. Which is too bad, loved that thing, and was actually very impressed with the blade that came with it.

[Crimson Phoenix]

This is effectively the one I have. I haven't used it yet, and considering it was a gift, not something I looked into before hand and picked out myself, any thoughts?

[Clout]

This is effectively the one I have. I haven't used it yet, and considering it was a gift, not something I looked into before hand and picked out myself, any thoughts?

My wife got me one of those as a stocking-stuffer this year. I have it in my non-air-travel briefcase. It has come in handy. I like the simplicity of it. And the "sheath" it comes in certainly has saved my finger a time or too while rooting around the pouch it's stored in.

[Slugg]

This is effectively the one I have. I haven't used it yet, and considering it was a gift, not something I looked into before hand and picked out myself, any thoughts?

I have this one as well. I used it camping a few times. One time when i was handing my knife to a friend and he dropped it out of the boat. So it made due for its purpose, of I don't have a knife around.

Budk sells em for 99cents

[TheFishinMagician]

I rock this 'un...

Arrowcard!



I don't carry the full sized one, but I carry the dog tag sized one in my wallet. I also have a TOPS dog tag signal mirror tucked in there, as well.

Those are all I really need in an emergency. If I have my wallet on me, that means I still have my SAK in my pocket, too, so it makes carrying the other kinds of "credit card tools" pointless.



P.S.- For folks interested in the Arrowcards, go here and ask "black arrow" about them (he's the inventor/maker). I don't know if they are still being sold/manufactured or not, since I got mine a while ago.

[Doctorr Fabulous]

This is effectively the one I have. I haven't used it yet, and considering it was a gift, not something I looked into before hand and picked out myself, any thoughts?

You get what you pay for. http://www.amazon.com/Tool-Logic-SVC2-Flashlight-Translucent/dp/B001CNRVQA/ref=pd_sim_hi_3 I have a similar model, and aside from losing a couple of the tools, and breaking the tool itself under difficult to repeat circumstances (not sure how the donkey got on the Harley to begin with, or who gave him the bath salts) I rather liked it.

RE: Arrowcard. Shitty blade+meager saw+half-arsed arrows is all you need? What about fire, shelter, food...I can't even figure out how to hold it without hurting myself. Even if you punch the arrows out, you still have those little nubs.

I'm gonna go open MS Paint and sketch some designs up. If you can excuse the touchpad artistry, I might have something a bit more friendly to look at.

[TheFishinMagician]

RE: Arrowcard. Shitty blade+meager saw+half-arsed arrows is all you need? What about fire, shelter, food...I can't even figure out how to hold it without hurting myself. Even if you punch the arrows out, you still have those little nubs.

Right, guess I should have elaborated more.


It stands to reason that if I have my wallet still on me, then I also have my other EDC items with me. One of the EDC items I carry is a SAK, so why would I need a "standard" credit card tool when I've got something better. Included in my EDC items are ways to signal for help, obtain safe drinking water, make fire and shelter, and obtain food (Arrowcard, fishing hooks/line, wire, etc.).

The Arrowcards are for "quick and dirty" applications. Maybe I'm just not understanding your thoughts on this. It sounds like you are expecting these things to be comfortable, ergonomic, long-term use tools. That's just not the case. They're to provide you with a field expedient way to make arrows.

[Doctorr Fabulous]

It feels like it's trying to be both short and longterm. Arrowheads mean making a bow and arrows, a longterm thing. The knife and saw are oppose each other and provide no real "safe" grip, and both mostly suck, which hints at short-term. I'm gonna run some designs for a dogtag when I get back to the states, and I'll try to track this thread down.

[Crimson Phoenix]

This is effectively the one I have. I haven't used it yet, and considering it was a gift, not something I looked into before hand and picked out myself, any thoughts?

You get what you pay for. http://www.amazon.com/Tool-Logic-SVC2-Flashlight-Translucent/dp/B001CNRVQA/ref=pd_sim_hi_3 I have a similar model, and aside from losing a couple of the tools, and breaking the tool itself under difficult to repeat circumstances (not sure how the donkey got on the Harley to begin with, or who gave him the bath salts) I rather liked it.

RE: Arrowcard. Shitty blade+meager saw+half-arsed arrows is all you need? What about fire, shelter, food...I can't even figure out how to hold it without hurting myself. Even if you punch the arrows out, you still have those little nubs.

I'm gonna go open MS Paint and sketch some designs up. If you can excuse the touchpad artistry, I might have something a bit more friendly to look at.

I freakin' love it. I never would've found that on my own unless by pure accident. Thanks.

[TacAir]

Does anyone carry one of these?

Was looking at Mike Snody's Crises Card and the Microech Assailant II. Both titanium. What do you think, useful gadgets or not and how much would you pay?

If I may go on a bit of a tangent// not quite a credit card but...

Gerber made the Touche belt buckle knife in the 1980's (81 thru 89) mine is getting a bit worn at the hinge - and since it's no longer 'airport safe' - I mainly wear it where even a small SAK would be too much (no pocket change, single car key kinda thing)

Anybody making a reasonable cost replacement?



The Blakie Collins designed Gerber Touche has some 70+ variations, I see them selling on line for 100 USD or more!
Hence my question.

[ninja-elbow]

Every year, somebody gives me one for Xmas. I have 3-4 of the things laying around.

[black arrow]

...
RE: Arrowcard. Shitty blade+meager saw+half-arsed arrows is all you need? What about fire, shelter, food...I can't even figure out how to hold it without hurting myself. Even if you punch the arrows out, you still have those little nubs.
...

Doc Torr - please elaborate on your experience(s) with the Arrowcard, as I have not received any negative feedback from them. They have been tested/used in the field by others in wooded, desert and water environments for years.

Two ways to hold Arrowcards while the arrowheads are still intact is to either use the "thumbs up" hold - make the "thumbs up" gesture with your hand, place the Arrowcard atop your fist and clamp down on it with your thumb; or use the traditional hand position as used to hold a pen or pencil, then raise your index finger and insert the card, then hold in place with that finger. You may develop your own grip style and once arrowheads are removed, you may have other options you recognize.

It feels like it's trying to be both short and longterm. Arrowheads mean making a bow and arrows, a longterm thing. The knife and saw are oppose each other and provide no real "safe" grip, and both mostly suck, which hints at short-term. I'm gonna run some designs for a dogtag when I get back to the states, and I'll try to track this thread down.

(See "grips" above.) There are other things besides arrows that the tips are useful for, including personal protection devices or, in some models, for area denial or immobility devices. They are designed to be useful for hikers, sportsmen, L.E. and military by providing items which may be useful, which take up a minimal amount of space and can be stored safely until needed. They are not an "end all - do all" device, as no multi-tool can fill all your needs in all situations. After 25 years on a SAR team, 18 years on a dive team and being a first responder to many calls involving lost persons, I believe this is a useful device from my experiences. If you have other experiences which lead you to a different conclusion, please elaborate so I may understand.

... I'm gonna run some designs for a dogtag when I get back to the states, and I'll try to track this thread down.

Arrwocards are covered by U.S. patent 8162784.

Thank you.
Phil/ba

[Doctorr Fabulous]

Blackarrow: You should have looked a bit more at the point, rather than gruntspeak surrounding it. I never claimed to have used one.

Notice I was responding to the "All you need" comment. The arrows themselves are not sharpened, and the card doesn't come with cordage, a way to attach them, and cannot take the place of a good knife. Notice that the guy I responded to clarified his statement. I still stand by the statement that I can't see any hold on one that doesn't put a sharp or pointy thing in very close proximity to my hand.

How often during your long and apparently storied background did you find yourself needing three unsharpened arrowheads and a knife/saw that look to be about the same quality or usefulness as a similarly priced knife? Maybe I'm just a total newb, but I don't see the appeal myself when I have a leatherman than have a knife and saw that I can grip in comfort, along with several other useful tools.

Also: I give 0 fucks about your patent. I've been sharpening the edges of regular dogtags for years. I am free to go to my shop and play with a chunk of lawnmower blade and a grinder for personal use. Ease up on the price, and I'd consider buying one, but right now it seems to be one thing trying to be three, and I've got better things to spend money on than to try to figure out if your patented design is better than what I can do with free steel scraps and stock removal.

YMMV.

[black arrow]

Blackarrow: You should have looked a bit more at the point, rather than gruntspeak surrounding it. I never claimed to have used one.

DT – Thanks, I was trying to clarify whether or not you had actual experience with them before you made the statement: “Doc Torr wrote:...
RE: Arrowcard. Shitty blade+meager saw+half-arsed arrows is all you need? What about fire, shelter, food...I can't even figure out how to hold it without hurting myself. Even if you punch the arrows out, you still have those little nubs.
...”
Looks like you didn’t.

Notice I was responding to the "All you need" comment. The arrows themselves are not sharpened, and the card doesn't come with cordage, a way to attach them, and cannot take the place of a good knife. Notice that the guy I responded to clarified his statement. I still stand by the statement that I can't see any hold on one that doesn't put a sharp or pointy thing in very close proximity to my hand.

The arrowheads have worked without additional sharpening. No, they are not razor-sharp, but they are cut metal edges that can cut flesh when pressure and motion are applied. These are meant to be emergency devices when you have lost or not carried more appropriate gear. I do not advocate taking only a candy tin with minimal gear into the wild… but, as it turns out, some folks either lose their gear or do not carry even a small pack with them. This is something that would fit into a pocket (within a tin) and be with you, even if you experienced a belt or strap failure, or had lost your other gear in another way. It’s a relatively new item with a different design features than you are used to with traditional gear, so appropriate attention needs to be given to handling during use.

How often during your long and apparently storied background did you find yourself needing three unsharpened arrowheads and a knife/saw that look to be about the same quality or usefulness as a similarly priced knife? Maybe I'm just a total newb, but I don't see the appeal myself when I have a leatherman than have a knife and saw that I can grip in comfort, along with several other useful tools.

(See above for “unsharpened” response) Haven’t, I’ve always had other, appropriate gear with me including a firearm, fixed blade knife, radio (and a whole lot of folks at the other end of the radio) and other area-specific gear. But I have also carried, swam or flown out the bodies of those who didn’t make it for one reason or another. It’s for those varied and unpredictable circumstances, and after years of thought on circumstances and gear, that this idea was formed. The benefit of the Arrowcard is how it fits into a relatively small space and provides tools that will do the job, yet allows space in a small container to carry additional items for other areas of concern. There are individual tools that cover the areas of concern covered by Arrowcards, but they are bulkier and pricier.

Also: I give 0 fucks about your patent. I've been sharpening the edges of regular dogtags for years. I am free to go to my shop and play with a chunk of lawnmower blade and a grinder for personal use. Ease up on the price, and I'd consider buying one, but right now it seems to be one thing trying to be three, and I've got better things to spend money on than to try to figure out if your patented design is better than what I can do with free steel scraps and stock removal.

YMMV.

Individual initiative is what allows growth in any area. Anyone is free to do whatever they wish… until their activity conflicts with another’s rights. I’m not trying to limit your creativity, just giving you the info you need for research to determine where personal freedom and individual creation ends and patent infringement begins.
You are the second person to mention that they think the price is too high (the other one was also on this site). Unfortunately, I don’t see the price going any lower. I’m not trying to sell the product to everyone, I’m just putting it out there for those who understand that it might be helpful to them in the right situation.

Again, thanks for your clarification.

Moderators, please excuse any perceived rant on my part. I didn't bring this here, but believe some clarification was called for.

Phil/ba