Thanks Brian, I can't believe I never saw the Ultralight Knives and other sharp things article.

Edited by kreppart on 01/23/2008 21:55:07 MST.

I have repaired broken zips in the field without using tools - just forcing the zips to reknit by hand. It's not a fun task.

If a zip has seriously broken in the field then what I have done in the past is sew that section of the zip closed and deal with it.

I generally try and avoid zips in high-stress applications such as luggage and tents.

On a trip to Iceland volcanic dust (which is everywhere) would happily destroy zips in days. Any exposed zip was a candidate for death.

If you are seriously worried about zips then pack a few buttons or toggles in with your sewing kit together with some thin para-cord. Then if you have serious zip issues you can still field-sew a safe and secure closure. At 1-2g per toggle it should fit in even a SUL pack ;-)

I have fixed zips by squeezing them with pliers. I wouldn't carry pliers on a trip to deal with this remote possibility though. I don't think I need pliers or would carry them on a backpack trip, but do carry them when weight matters less (paddling) or if I am fishing, or if I am skiing and may need to fix something there. I use the tiny light scissors in my med kit if I need scissors.

I do like having a real knife though, and to me, if you are going to actually use the knife blade, having the blade lock is a very important safety feature. A weakness of the knife blade on most of the multi tools is that they don't lock, or they lock poorly. Currently, I have the SAK one handed trekker, which has a large locking blade. I also really like having the saw if I may make a fire, and the OHT has a great saw.

Pliers work good for crushing that ice stuck in your mustache instead of letting it melt and drip on your clothing.

THAT's the one I've seen before and thought would make a good pot gripper...

SOG also sells replacement scissors for their knives for $8.

Edited by kreppart on 01/24/2008 13:14:29 MST.