The New Swiss Army Knife? - Olight Otacle K1 Review

[@gearedforward]

What do you think of the Otacle K1?

[@Northanteus]

It looks good. I am glad they made the can opener have way more uses than just 1-2 because a can opener unto itself is such a waste in our society today, especially knowing in emergencies cans can be scraped on concrete or a rock to open them if needed. What these companies keep missing is putting facets on the inside of the hook of the can opener, so it can fit a 6mm (1/4 inch) hex bit. That would be amazing. 😁

[@Northanteus]

Also, as I've said in the past, Victorinox and other companies who make tweezers or toothpick slots, they need to put a slot to hold a diamond studded rod to pull out and sharpen the blades with. That is something way more people will appreciate than a stupid toothpick that we can carve from a twig and make ourselves with the knife that comes with the damn multitool. 🤦‍♂️🤣

[@gearedforward]

@@Northanteus A slight cut to give a useable 90 degree wrench would be a great addition to many tools!

[@gearedforward]

@@Northanteus I'd love if scale tool multitools came with a kit, like the Surge pack for the saw/file holder. You get a selection (tweezers, toothpick, ferro rod, diamond rod etc.) and then you'd get to choose what's most relevant to you. Plus, the unused tools could get spirirted away in a pouch for low weight/space tools!

[@nrh7ten892]

can you upgrade the tweezers, i have the otacle K1 and the tweezers are junk. its a joy to carry but i got a metal shaving in my skin and these otacle tweezers need to get replaced they cannot grab anything

[@Mika9404-yf1fh]

The Victorinox Rambler is perfect.

[@gearedforward]

I prefer the Midnite Manager personally, but I can't argue with your taste!

[@Mika9404-yf1fh]

In fact, I have both and I love them both...I use them both depending on the context and the clothes..the rambler is thiner @@gearedforward

[@gearedforward]

@@Mika9404-yf1fh Oh definitely, and I don't mean to criticise your personal choice, I just meant to express my own preference of 58mm.

[@GunWillTravel]

If only it was in Alox

[@SuperMIKevin]

Very nice indeed. I was just thinking about how the otacle k2 should have a screwdriver.

[@alexanderreyes47]

Never giving up my victorinox cadet!

[@gearedforward]

Love my Cadets, eventually want to get a modded version with scissors.

[@daver6564]

Same here!

[@insanogeddon]

Just as a leatherman with a diamond file opens up more functionality so does the diamond file on the SAK - those things make them min no matter some marginal gains here or there that are arguable with other individual parts of the tool.

[@williamyoung369]

About the key ring attachment. They don't supply a tiny split ring. I got this because it has the 3 tool functions I'm most likely asked for. Scissors, tweezers and a can opener. I use the blade the most on box tape. No file surface, no 2 dimensional cross driver. I added a split ring with Grimworkshop micro tools attached with Nitize small S beaners. Micro tools are. File (not for fingernails) it will cut you. Saw, arrow head, minnow lure, fish hooks & sutures (needles). There's a sleeve you can slip 3 in to & a dog tag silencer that fits 3. So i dangle 2 sets of 3 off the keyring & have a lil survival kind of kit. Super small & lightweight. I am a fan also of SAK, I have the Tinker. It's a great tool.

[@gearedforward]

Mine came with a small split ring in a separate plastic baggy inside the box. That's a very capable little tool kit you've assembled! I want to grab some Grimworkshop products in the future to test out, they seem really interesting. Have you tested out the K1's can opener? I'm curious how it holds up.

[@schreds8882]

I just bought the Otacle K1 and I plan to use it as a replacement for the discontinued Victorinox Executive. The Executive was a 73mm knife with 2 blades, a nail file that doubled as a philips screwdriver, scissors, toothpick, tweezers, and the unusual orange peeler which had a standard screwdriver on the end. The orange peeler worked ok as a box opener or for emergency wire strippers. I carried the Executive since the '70s as my EDC because it was discrete and was a good office tool. Victorinox doesn't make anything that replaces the Executive and they've sunset their entire 70mm range. So sad.

[@gearedforward]

I love my Executive, it's easily one of my favourite Victorinox models and it's a crime they discontinued the entire 74mm line. Would have loved to see them offer Alox versions in different colours.

[@schreds8882]

You are right about the tweezers on the Otacle not being as quality as the Victorinox. I have a small pile of Victorinox tweezers so, with the help of my trusty Executive and course nail file, I did a little shaving of the plastic end of the SAK tweezers and now they fit the Otacle without sticking out and with just enough overhang to easily get them out. It's a snug but not too tight fit. It won't come out accidentally.

[@gearedforward]

@@schreds8882 that's a great mod that would really help this tool out. I think I would default to using leatherman tweezers as they already lack the plastic ends, but I'm a little biased towards their slanted tips.

[@Deibodese]

I cannot for the life of me understand why people are still putting can openers on new multitools. I haven’t opened a single can in years, and when I do, I always have a full-sized actual can opener within arm’s reach. That said, this looks nice. I hope to see Olight continue to branch out.

[@rolls_8798]

yeah would much rather something like a scraper or dedicated package opener instead (which also happen to be simpler and easier to manufacture). besides, in a pinch, you could use almost any of the tools to open a can, including the package opener that would replace the can opener

[@Mr.deacle]

Maybe a regional thing? Here in the US a lot of our cans still don't have pull tops. Full meals like canned soups do but cooking ingredients, canned fruits and veggies tend to lack them. Pull tabs also break sometimes. Heck, crank style can openers in my country break quite often because people don't seem to understand that you get what you pay for, so I've saved the day quite a few times with a multi-tool can opener. "Just use a blade if it's really such an emergency" yeah nah, hell nah. I actually tend to use can openers on pull-tops anyway because the ridge is really irritating, catches food. Some cans have actually good pull-tops that open the ENTIRE top of the can, but most in my country leave a ridge.

[@littlemouse7066]

If you are at home sure but these tools are designed to be used outdoors and can lids can break it often happens to me so I think a can opener is still useful.

[@gearedforward]

I think can openers can be useful, but I don't think it makes sense on this 'keychain' sized tool.

[@c.d.3485]

Yup, agree, until the ring pull breaks. And, yes, I've had that happen on several occasions, then been glad of the can opener.

[@jeffreyarnold2929]

Nice review. I would liked a demo though. I'm sticking to my Victorinox. Tried and true.

[@gearedforward]

I may incorporate some testing stuff as Broll or shorts in the future if there's enough interest.

[@InGratitudeIam]

Personally, I think the Executive (also discontinued) is tough to beat for the size.

[@gearedforward]

Probably my favourite SAK!

[@WW1Hun]

I love the 74mm Executive, I’ve carried one every day for at least 30 years. I wish Victorinox would bring back the 74mm line, I think it’s the “Goldilocks” size of the small SAK.

[@gearedforward]

@@WW1Hun Definitely agree, the size is small enough to be convenient but large enough to have sturdy, meaningful tools.

[@ChrisHolt1]

I prefer the Victorinox Rambler to anything shown here. Good multifunction tool, excellent file, good scissors (though small) small Phillips is a great asset for electronics (plus it's magnetic) about $25 on sale

[@gearedforward]

I prefer the midnite manager to all I showed in the video, I just compared what I felt was most appropriate (I don't own a rambler and the Classic is more widely known/available)

[@ChrisHolt1]

@@gearedforward I can see the appeal. For me the rambler is an EDC in 5th pocket and paired with a more capable flashlight. That pen on the manager has me thinking though.

[@gearedforward]

@@ChrisHolt1 I like the Midnite Manager as a bit of redundancy or an all-in-one if I'm just wearing a light pair of shorts or something like that.

[@tecnotrog1]

Victorinox always envied never surpassed 🦉

[@gearedforward]

Got to say this is largely true, to really complete with a SAK a lot of the time the prices get stupid as material and profit margins increase.

[@swanseamale47]

I think I'm sticking to my SAK champ.

[@gearedforward]

A bit apples to oranges, but it's a fantastic tool to carry. Can't wait to add one to the collection one day.

[@bdh3949]

Thanks for showing this but instead of speculating whether the can opener or cap lifter might or might not work a simple and a more definitive answer is to use the dam thing. Does the can opener work or not? Personally it does not matter to me as I use a SAK Signature lite on my keychain and have absolutely no intention of changing it at this time but I gave you 13+ minutes to show me the Olight Otacle and it turned out to be time wasted. Did anyone find out if this is better that a SAK Classic?

[@gearedforward]

I'm sorry you feel that your time was wasted. I did use the caplifter, it works well and I said as much. I have no intention of testing the can opener because it seems like a miserable experience I would have to go out of my way for little benefit. If my conclusion was somehow unclear, this is a fine tool but I prefer the Victorinox options. It's only better in the knife blade than the Classic simply owed to it being a larger tool.

[@bdh3949]

@@gearedforward True enough, there are reviewers and presenters. You were very clear on what you presented.

[@capcon6]

To bad about the 71mm Ambassador, that is nice !👽👍

[@trikyy7238]

Knights of Vic, close ranks!

[@gearedforward]

Swiss army knights, a valiant order ;)

[@martijndaems6503]

What is the blade steel? If it where cpm s35vn, cpm s110v or magnacut this could be a good alternative

[@gearedforward]

To be honest, I haven't the foggiest what the steel is. I'd imagine something in the 8Cr or Aus 8 region at most.

[@martijndaems6503]

@@gearedforward olight otacle k1 50Cr15 and 30Cr13 stainless steel, the gears exhibit outstanding resistance to corrosion and exceptional toughness im glad if i helped in any way 😉

[@gearedforward]

@@martijndaems6503 You star, yeah so eh steels but to be expected for the type of tool and price point.

[@ziggystardust7548]

No way would a 20$ tool have any of those steels even the 100$ multi tools have steels of that caliber

[@trueadrn]

can you take the Oknife Otacle K1 apart for customization?

[@gearedforward]

It's just held together with some torx screws, so it should be easy to disassemble for customisation and maintenance.

[@user-el9dh2vl9i]

Нет лучше викса ножей такого класса!

[@neesel]

You should open a can with it! I doubt that it will work properly.

[@gearedforward]

To be honest the reason I haven't is I wouldn't be surprised if it got damaged in the process. I rarely use a can opener anyway, just didn't seem worth risking it!

[@tomhill4003]

What??? No toothpick? No corkscrew?

[@gearedforward]

Nope, just the tweezers like a Leatherman, and you wouldn't expect a corkscrew until you get to a decently bigger tool.

[@ShanLiB]

No toothpick is a deal-breaker for me. Never found anything to replace my Classic. I use the scissors, screw driver (works for phillips heads) , and file often also. For a real blade I carry a 3.75" clip-on flipper.

[@Saltykernel]

I've had a Swiss army for 21 years and I'm thinking about replacing it with this K1 only because it has scissors and a bottle opener. Something Victorian ox doesn't seem to want to put on their smaller pocket knives. I'll be damned if I pay for a parcel hook

[@gearedforward]

The tool size is definitely smaller, but you can get a bottle opener and scissors on some 58mm options, like the mini champ and midnite manager if those interest you.

[@Saltykernel]

@@gearedforward yooo I'll be sure to check them out thank you so much bud. I'm looking for one the size of the tourist. I want to add the pen and pin scales to it but don't want to change the one I have because it has my name engraved on it.

[@gearedforward]

@@Saltykernel Ahh I see the problem now, the Tourist is an 84mm, the same size as the Cadet. Vic discontinued 84mm years ago, which makes that the hardest part of getting exactly what you want. It really depends on how invested in it you are and how much you're willing to budget, custom SAK makers (which have become pleasantly common) can make you an 84mm with scissors and probably sort out a Plus scales (pen and pin) alternative for you. That said, your more accessible option would be a 58mm classic and an 84mm like the tourist or cadet, but that is carrying two tools, and I get some folks want to keep it minimal. If you can swing a bottle opener elsewhere, then you might really like an Executive or Ambassador, between classic and tourist in size, nice size scissors, but harder to find because discontinued. Sorry for the wall of text, I hope this helps you!

[@Saltykernel]

@@gearedforward oh I fully appreciate the wall of text bud and that clarifies so much for me damn it I had no idea it was discontinued 😅. We'll see how it goes but getting a custom one does sound tempting I'll look into that. Products like this one you've reviewed in your video are going to make me less likely to do it though not going to lie.

[@gearedforward]

@@Saltykernel Im happy it helps! You might want to look at the Boker Techtools and their Ganzo counterparts too if you're open to other tools in the SAK form factor

[@schnickschnack2090]

Vic Rambler! No chinese Tomo bullshit 😄

[@littlemouse7066]

It looks a bit fragile compared to the Victorinox.

[@gearedforward]

In terms of durability (can opener aside), I'd say it's probably a bit more durable than a cellidor Vic, and probably about the same as or slightly less durable than an Alox. Liners being supported by aluminium like this is better than plastic. However, I don't think any of them would break in reasonable use.

[@hansginzel5973]

Missing the nale file…

[@tm2bow653]

The Classic does not have the bottle opener. So it's more like a Rambler.

[@gearedforward]

For the tools it's closer, in the moment recording I went with the Classic because it's one layer and a more prevalent/well-known point of comparison.

[@eliosciacqua7822]

Victorinox all the way, not even close!

[@edwardfletcher7790]

Not designed to be held in a human hand. ... SIGH

[@gearedforward]

Yeah the thinness of this really lends itself to keychain carry and very occasional use of the tools.

[@Lilac757]

For the algorithm.

[@gearedforward]

Thank you! I appreciate the support.

[@koningklootzak7788]

This is nothing compared to Leatherman Squirt S4.

[@gearedforward]

I agree, I would much prefer my Squirt ES4 to this for everything except the knife.

[@user-tu5gy1rh4q]

Так они собрались убить 74 мм викс- не самую распространённую модель?)))

[@gearedforward]

Большую часть 74мм они сняли с производства, думаю только зажим для денег остался Hope Google Translate made sense!

[@jorinhood8035]

No toothpick...

[@etherealicer]

Looks like the "hugely popular" Tomo 🤣

[@gearedforward]

Tomo is so under rated!

[@johnjohnson7397]

Chinese army knife

[@chado_outdoors]

This will NEVER compare to a sak

[@Sokol10]

Depends what SAK, It's better - more functional than Classic SD; unless one want a SAK just for... cut and file nails. 😁

[@renexwing1546]

Crap Tool

[@chuckfacemire1821]

Sak killer….not

[@seanwhitman4365]

A lu min um. Theres no i at the end.

[@gearedforward]

Now that depends on where you're from!

[@bronsonwatt9298]

You are incorrect. America removed the I, it most definitely is, and was supposed to be there.

[@esisolina]

Do a quick google search and you will find out that you are partly wrong, well, depends which part of our planet you are from. Where I’m from the (i) exists :)

[@mrnobodyz]

Give the guy a break isn’t it enough he’s trying to talk with that crappy accent.😂

[@piotrmarczak3733]

The design of the Oracle is stupid. It is too long and heavy to keep it with keys and too small and not as versatile as 91 mm Vic is. It is not made by Olight, it is branded product but I think it passed quite rigorous QC.

[@gearedforward]

I believe that it's by Nextool like the P1, but I'm not 100% on that. I can understand not wanting it as a keychain tool, though I know some folks who happily have 91mm on their keychains, it's way too much for me personally. I like this as an intermediate size, but I also like the Vic equivalents already, so I'm a little biased towards the general form factor.

[@patrikvogt4410]

Add a comment... Pinned by Geared Forward @gearedforward 1 day ago What do you think of the Otacle K1? 4 Show more replies @koningklootzak7788 45 minutes ago This is nothing compared to Leatherman Squirt S4. @patrikvogt4410 3 minutes ago Very nice review sir although maybe a little bit on the long side.. As for the knife it looks like one of those cheap things that companies put their logo on for advertising and you get for free. And from what I can tell from just watching the video the quality of the steel used for the tools doesn't look much better. That multi tool is in my opinion a joke!! It's too long and too thinn to actually be used for what it designed for. And as mentioned in previous comments there absolutely no use for a can opener on a small tool like this. They could have used that space for two shorter tools instead. And finally for the scissors and the tweezers. The scissors looks like they would be really good even better than SAK ones but apparently they aren't as for the tweezers I have yet to see a tweezer this small and made from material this thinn that could be used anything else than a roach clip!! And for that there are way better tools available.. This turned out to be a much longer comment as intended so I thank anyone for taking the time to read

[@gearedforward]

The quality of materials and construction is better than something you'd buy in a gift shop, honestly material wise (and mostly fit and finish wise) it's pretty on par with Victorinox. Although that really says more about Vic's preference of cheap steal than anything else. It is really too thin for any prolonged use, it just doesn't fill the hand at like a rounded scale would. The can opener would be miserable to use, it might work, but I don't fancy breaking a tool testing the one tool on it I have no use for! Don't worry about comment length, I read everything people have taken the time out of their day to add to the conversation. :)