*Update after 2 1/2 years of EDC*The price has increased about 25% since I purchased mine.The black oxide coating is still holding up very well, the tool pouch is still holding up very well also which is remarkable in my opinion. I rarely use the knife as I carry a separate knife in my pocket, but the tool's knife is still sharp and there in a pinch.I have bent/mangled/and straightened the can-opener in the few dozen times I've used it; it still works but now it looks funny.I have also rounded the phillips screwdriver about half off, again, still works, but I'm much more careful when using it.I've also noticed that the cutter in the pliers is getting nicked, pretty sure this is from cutting stainless wire that holds tags on parts at work. So the cutter is not hardened and is evidently meant for soft metals like copper wire.The file is getting pretty worn on the fine side. That said, it's entirely possible that I have used it to knock an edge off of a stainless steel part or something that had been hardened. So, while the file works it is definitely not a replacement for a purpose-made hardened file if you're going to use it on metal frequently. (I don't remember it being great for bringing a rough edge to a knife, I usually use stones at work to keep my main knife well-honed)HOWEVER! The file is super-convenient for filing your nails. . . not a joke. If my nails get in the way of playing guitar or something I have a file at hand, problem solved.Overall, I'm a bit miffed at the price hike but the tool has been and still is solid. Being a mechanic, I've treated the tools in this multitool as if they were single purpose, daily use professional tools and they've worn as a result.In short, while these tools won't replace purpose made tools (like hardened diagonal cutters, a mill file, or a screwdriver set) they work well and are handy because I don't lug a toolbox with me everywhere I go.Also,The pliers opening method has really grown on me, it's become a very natural motion to open them and, at this point, would be a major selling point if I were to purchase a new multitool or repurchase this tool.*Original review*Always on my belt. I'm becoming more attached to it as I carry it more.A couple beefs with the tool:1. the pliers wiggle a bit- since they slide up from the center. The jaws lock in place so it's not a function thing, it's just a tick unsettling.2. I'm pretty sure I could bend the handles on the pliers if I really laid into something. Now, realize that I am an assembly mechanic, I work with my hands all day every day; that said, I had much more hand strength when I was an automotive tech. Bottom line, if you're a bruiser and you put a hurtin' on something with these, you may bend them. If you're a normal person or you just refrain from trying to crush things, these will be fine. I'd darn sure rather have these in a pinch than nothing. If you really need a crazy grip on something, go get some Snap On pliers but I can't remember many things I've done as a mechanic where these wouldn't have worked just fine.3. I KEEP CATCHING THE SHEATH ON FOLDING CHAIRS!!! . . . but that's probably my fault.4. You have to open the pliers to use anything. . . huge hassle! It's like dial up internet all over again! First World Problems are hard!What I like:1. The matte black oxide coating is "stealthy" or whatever adjective you like that conjures up images of you hiding in bushes with this tool and NOT being spotted by enemy searchlights because the tool is non-reflective. . . don't lie, you tell yourself these things too. Tell your wife that, being black, it is both slimming and perennially fashionable, sort of the female equivalent. Realistically, though, the matte finish (probably sandblasted before black oxide) makes these pretty easy to hold onto.2. Minimalist isn't quite the word to use here, but it doesn't feel like you've got a brick on your belt. Face it, you rarely need a corkscrew (and the pull-type ones stink anyway), you've NEVER needed the awl (except when you made the mental note that it would be good in a fight), a fish-scaler is basically a crummy saw, you pick your teeth with the knife's blade, and the tweezers are too flimsy to do anything. . . this tool has none of those useless accoutrements but the knife is razor sharp, the file has good teeth, the scissors are sturdy, etc.3. You, or should I say "I," can deploy the pliers one-handed. Pinch the safety releases and flick your wrist, don't let go. I found it to be almost intuitive.4. The locks work well and are well-designed and easy to use. There are few things I detest more than safety devices that make the device so aggravating to use that you avoid using it. Like modern gas cans! I seriously just unscrew the entire nozzle because I spill MORE gas when I use the safety nozzle than I did when I just had to use my brain! The locks on the pliers and other tools are not like that; they're simple, functional, and as unobtrusive as they can be while not being cumbersome or inconvenient in their functionality. Truthfully, the safety locks are a nice part of the tool, I doubt I'd like it as much without them.Overall, I like this tool. There are bigger, flashier, and more expensive multitools but what's the point? Ultimately, and in that line of thinking, that's what the four stars are about. Truth be told, my ultimate multitool is a 2,000 lb toolbox. To me multitools are like tablets, by design they never quite go the "whole way" there's always a reason to still have a computer. In a similar vein, as a mechanic I have never found a replacement for a good purpose-built tool; it may only do one thing (other than double as an imprompteau hammer) but it does it well. That's where I'm a with multitools. I own stronger pliers, a faster-deploying knife, a file with a larger surface area, saws for every situation, capped screwdrivers with precisely cut tips. . . but I can't keep my pants up with all those things stuffed in them. . . and I look like a weirdo walking around with a hardware store in my britches.For my money, I'm as pleased with these multi-pliers as I suspect I would be with any. I could have spent 2-3X as much (easily) for more weight and more tools I'll never use but there's something to be said for having a compact and practical tool. If you're in the market for a multitool, I doubt you'll be disappointed with these and, realistically, you'll probably lose these or buy the "latest and greatest" before these conk out on you; plus, they're significantly cheaper than many of their competitors and they're still made in the USA. As a factory worker, I always like to support other US factories unless it's impractical or unwise to do so.I have wanted a multitool for some time, since losing my Leatherman Micra to TSA. The time was right (I had an amazon gift card) and I started to look around at the various options and price points available.I began to look for the options that I found most useful. I wanted a knife for opening letters, packages and strapping. And, of course, the general tool set that most multitools have; saw, screwdrivers, bottle opener, can opener and the like. I also wanted some readily-deployable pliers for working on vehicles and machinery.My price point was a high of around $80, above which, I didn't feel I'd gain any advantage or utility.What helped me make my ultimate decision was the one-handed operation of the pliers, a feature that has helped me more than a handful of times in the months since I got this. The Gerber Diesel also slotted nicely under my desired price point, coming in around $60.When I first got the tool, it did have the issue that others are reporting of some of the black finish coming off on my hands. I wiped it down thoroughly with a damp microfiber towel and it worked perfectly. The finish no longer migrates to my hands or clothing.When new, the pliers are tight, as you'd expect, and the single-handed operation was not a guarantee- sometimes, they'd slide right out and snick into place, other times, I'd get a half-deployed pair of pliers which meant I had to use two hands to fully extend them.I decided that I was going to develop some techniques and practices to ensure that I always get the pliers out. And learned what prevents that from happening along the way.I worked the pliers back and forth absentmindedly while watching a tv show, and that loosened them up perfectly. I did this while watching just one episode of "Arrested Development". I'm pretty sure it'd work with whatever show you're into as well.Here's what I learned (once I had loosened them up):If you hold the handles together and try to extend the pliers with a flick of your wrist, it will never work. The design of the handles and pliers is such that as the pliers extend, they spread the handles apart slightly. So no amount of force will get this to work- they'll either not extend or you'll have flick with so much force that the tool will likely slide out of your grip.If you hold one leg of the tool and flick your wrist, you can usually get them to extend, but the problem is that the pliers and handles can spread open, and you usually have to re-adjust your grip before you can use them. If you flick your wrist in an arc, the pliers sometimes want to fly out of your grasp. You can practice this and get it to work pretty well, though.The way to get them to open consistently is to spread the handles apart as far as they'll go, by holding the handles on the top and bottom (as opposed to the sides of the handles, which is what you'd grab to use the pliers). Then, a small flick and they extend fully, every time. The key is just to spread the handles apart before flicking. Which is a verb I never thought I'd use on Amazon.I've read some complaints about the wirecutters being made of soft metal and my comment would be this: it's a multitool. By definition, it's a compromise. They'll work fine on wires and light metals, but if you expect to cut through something thick (like a heavy wire hanger), you're using the wrong implement. Evidently, Leatherman has replaceable wire cutter blades on some models. If cutting wire hangers is your bailiwick, then you'd probably be better served by those.The knife is sharp, and half-serrated, which doesn't happen to bother me. I've used the serrated portion to cut through some rope and paracord, and it works perfectly. The scissors are nice and sharp and easy to deploy. The can opener, bottle opener and screwdrivers work, well. Because of the handles, you can't use the screwdriver bits in tight spaces.My only issue with the tool is that the icons on the handle (which indicate what tool is where) aren't easier to see- as a result, I keep on pulling out the saw instead of the knife. I'll try some white-out to fill the outline and see if that helps.It's a well-made tool, has a good price point, has all of the features I want, and is almost unnoticeable on my waist. In all, a good purchase.Bought one in 2010gifted to a friend 2014.. shopped for a new multitool,... and now 2015 own a 2nd diesel.Main competition is the Leatherman Wave (Arguably the best tool but if inc bit driver set is double the price, bordering on jewlery grade tool price, gerber bit addaptor also allows use of widely available real bits and not the semi 2-dimensional.)Primary tool is the plyer so is VERY fast access. (highpoint of the diesel)Secondary tools are inside the handles. (Slow!)Knife/saw point inwards causeing opposite handle to obstruct (good for safty but limits use)Knife is somewhat diff to sharpen being a straight blade but the point edge gives many utility uses.Very rust resistant, never seen a rust spot in the many years of use.Recommend pouch.. 9mm magazine molle OspreyAwesome tool!!So much so, I bought 2!!(Well, I lent the first to my sister and she lost it!! Ordered a new one, and the original turned up...typical, eh?!)The black coating does wear off - but in my opinion only serves to make it look cooler!As well as looking cool, it's a very well built tool and will handle a lot of abuse. I'm a sailor - and won't be caught on deck without one (okay, it'll struggle cutting through mooring lines - but it was never designed to do that).I've used most tools on it - sometimes in preference over the proper tools.Unfortunately, it doesn't make a decent brew (but the file does make for a good swizzle stick)Great multi tool, looks great, blade is sharp as hell and doesn't blunt easily. I use this camping and about the garden as I love the saw blade on this, and it's always at the top of the tool box for easy access.The mechanism for the one handed operation was stiff on buying, but a little 3-in-1 oil and repeatedly flicking it open fixed that, it now slides out smoothly. I imagine using that at the top of a ladder would be really handy, though I would say that ease of use when it comes to opening blades goes to the Leatherman Wave.Brilliant to have all the tools I could need on my person throughout the day, feels rugged and weighty like it'll last.It comes oiled though I needed to add a little extra to help with the one handed flick opening of the pliers.Downside to this design is the tools are on the inside, making it a bit more of a chore to use than many Leatherman brand offerings, if this doesn't bother you then this is a great tool to have.bought this for work as a HGV mechanic got sick of going backwards and forwards to tool box for a blade or snips or a prodder to check for cords in tyres, after been in the army for 14year and always carried a tool like this I thought I'll get one for work it's a good quality tool a little stiff at first but soon loosens up with a bit of lube would definitely recommend