Introduced in 1998, the Gerber Multi-Plier 600 has remained a staple in the Gerber lineup. It has seen many revisions and variations through the years, and Gerber continues to modify and expand on the original Multi-Lock (the MP600's original name.) Featuring Gerber's trademark sliding plier jaws, the MP600 is the AK-47 of the multitool world. It's tolerances are loose, which actually works to its advantage, since it's relatively open design allows lots of lint, dirt, grime and grease into the tool. The "looseness" of the tool is needed for the popular "flicking" opening action of the pliers, allows the the tools to be easy to open, and keeps the locks reliable.
Jaws
The plier head on this tool is stored on rails built into the handles and can be opened with one hand, a trademark feature in many Gerber designs. The needle nose variation of the plier jaws have fine serrations near the tips, a gripping area below that, and a wire cutter area near the pivot. The blunt nosed variation has a small grip area with fine serration, a large bolt gripping area with coarse serrations, and a wire cutting section at the base of the jaws. Both the needle nose and blunt nose pliers have a non-replaceable wirecutter version, and a replaceable tungsten carbide wirecutter variation, making for a total of 4 "standard" plier heads. Early versions of the non-replaceable wirecutters may not have had a hard wire cutting notch, but these versions are fairly uncommon. The replaceable carbide cutters are held in place with a single torx screw, and fit neatly into the frame. The cutters have 3 faces each, and can be rotated if one side becomes dull or damaged. Each face has a hard wire cutting notch near the base. Gerber was the first multitool company to introduce replaceable wirecutters, although the carbide has a tendency to shatter, rather than deform if used beyond their capabilities.Handles/Frame
The handles on the MP600 are stamped U-shaped pieces of metal with a oblong hole stamped out of the sides, which form the rails the plier heads slide on. The tools are stored inside the handles, and are accessed first by deploying the plier head, and then swinging the tools outward. Despite the many revisions and variations the MP600 has experienced, the handles have remained essentially unchanged through its lifetime, with the exception of the MP600ST.Blades and Tools
- both plain and serrated knife blades
- small, medium (with a bottle opener built in) and large flats and a phillips screwdriver
- can opener
- file with coarse and fine serrations
- crimper
Locking Mechanism
All the tools lock with the Saf.T.Plus locking mechanism, which can unlock the inside tools by sliding the plastic lock releases upward on the MP600.Other Features
Folding lanyard ringSheath
Lightweight nylon construction, with velcro closure. Vertical carry only.Dimensions
- Folded length = 5.11" (130mm)
- Unfolded length = 6.69" (170mm)
- Thickness = 0.67" (17mm)
- Weight = 7.88 oz (223.5g g)
Variations
MP600 BasicThis was the original variation of the MP600, and is still in production. This version is offered in both Needle Nosed and Blunt Nosed Plier Jaws, and in a Bead blasted Stainless Steel or Black Oxide finish. In addition, the two plier jaws can have either non replaceable wirecutters, or replaceable tungsten carbide wire cutters, making for a total of 8 main variants of the Basic MP600. Early versions of this tool can be found with a Simmonds USA fil (which was later dropped), and further on in it's production the drop point blade was changed in favor of a warncliffe style blade.
In addition to the standard bead blasted and black oxide finishes, the Basic model was also released in limited quantities for special purposes, including one made commemorating Operation Iraqi Freedom, and the movie Terminator 3.
During it's first production run, Gerber seems to have made several variations of the original Multi-Lock (identified by the laser engraving "First Production Run" on one side of the tool). There was a Needle Nose plier with grey locking tabs and silver plier retention clips, a needle nose plier with black locking tabs and black plier retention clips, and a blunt nose plier, with black locking tabs and black plier retention clips, all with non replaceable cutters. At least one post-FPR Needle Nose Basic model was produced with grey locking tabs, likely using parts leftover from the first production run, and could be considered a 9th official variation of the Basic model.
Inside Tools
- Plain Edged Blade
- Serrated Blade
- 2 Sided file
- #2 Phillips Screwdriver
- Small Flathead Screwdriver
- Medium Flathead w/ Bottle Opener
- Large Flathead Screwdriver
- Can Opener
- Lanyard Ring
The MP600 Pro Scout is currently offered with both blunt nosed and needle nosed pliers with non-replaceable wirecutters, in a bead blast stainless steel finish. However, in addition to the 2 currently produced variants, the Pro Scout was also produced with replaceable cutter blunt nosed pliers, although this variation is uncommon. The Pro Scout was only offered with a warncliffe blade.
Inside Tools
- Combo Edged Warncliffe blade
- Fiskars Scissors
- 2 Sided file
- #2 Phillips Screwdriver
- Small Flathead Screwdriver
- Medium Flathead w/ Bottle Opener
- Can Opener
- Blade Exchanger with Rem-Grit Saw
One of the more recent variations of the MP600, the bladeless version was designed for workplaces where knives are not allowed, and as it's name implies, has no blades in it's tool set. It is very similar to the Pro Scout, swapping out a blade for the large flathead, although the bladeless version is only offered in a black oxide finish, and with carbide wirecutters.
Inside Tools
- Fiskars Scissors
- 2 Sided file
- #2 Phillips Screwdriver
- Small Flathead Screwdriver
- Medium Flathead w/ Bottle Opener
- Large Flathead Screwdriver
- Can Opener
- Blade Exchanger with Rem-Grit Saw
Geared towards military Explosive Ordinance Disposal technicians and combat engineers, the MP600 DET has a several specialized features aimed at explosives disposal. The DET has a specialized plier head, which replaces the bolt gripping section found on most MP600's with a cap crimper, and has non-replaceable wire cutters. In addition, it is the only model to feature the large C4 Punch. This model was only offered in a Black Oxide finish. There is also a very good knockoff of this model floating around, see the More Info section at the bottom of this page for more details.
Inside Tools
- C4 Punch
- 2 Sided file
- #2 Phillips Screwdriver
- Combo Edged blade
- Lanyard Ring
- Large Flathead Screwdriver
- Can Opener
- Blade Exchanger with Rem-Grit Saw
The most recent addition to the MP600 family, the MP600ST is aimed at military and and civillian shooters of the AR-15/M-16 rifle platform. This tool is significant in Gerber's history not just because of the tools unique only to this model, but because it is the first time since the inception of the MP600 that Gerber designers opted to modify the MP600's frame to accommodate new tools. This can specifically be seen in the updated locking tabs, the stylized rivets that connect the two hendles, a different style ruler on the handles, and in the cutouts for the large Phillips screwdriver and sight adjustment tool. In addition, the MP600ST features several unique tools as a carbon scraper (for removing buildup on gun barrels), an extra long combo edged blade, and the previously mentioned long Phillips and front sight adjustment tool. This tool is only offered with a Black Oxide finish and carbide wirecutters.
Inside Tools
- Long Combo Edged Blade
- Long #2 Phillips Screwdriver
- Carbon Scraper
- Small Flathead Screwdriver
- Medium Flathead w/ Bottle Opener
- Large Flathead Screwdriver
- Can Opener
- Lanyard Ring
It's name is currently unknown, but Gerber sells kit with a MP600 with a custom tool load, a Gerber Firecracker flashlight (earlier versions of this kit include a Mini Maglite instead), and an extra wide sheath that can accommodate both the tool and the light.
Inside Tools
- Plain Edged blade
- 2 Sided file
- #2 Phillips Screwdriver
- Small Flathead Screwdriver
- Medium Flathead w/ Bottle Opener
- Large Flathead Screwdriver
- Can Opener
- Blade Exchanger with Rem-Grit Saw
- Lanyard Ring
One of the more sought after models, the MP600 Fisherman features a unique plier head with an extra long needle nose that sticks out well beyond the tool even when stored in the handles. The plier jaws have three notches cast into it for crimping different lead weights closed around fishing line, as well as a small bolt gripping channel and tungsten carbide wirecutters. This is the only MP600 model to feature a diamond coated file, and one of a handful to have the rare awl. The file has single cut side that is found on most MP600's, and a diamond coated side with a fish hook sharpening groove. The Fisherman was only offered in a bead blasted stainless steel finish.
Inside Tools
- Plain Edged Blade
- Serrated Blade
- Fiskars Scissors
- Diamond Coated file w/ hook sharpening groove
- #2 Phillips Screwdriver
- Small Flathead Screwdriver
- Medium Flathead w/ Bottle Opener
- Awl with Sewing eye
- Lanyard Ring
Predating the MP600 moniker, the Woodsman is an older, now discontinued version of the MP600, and can be found in a bead blasted stainless steel finish, with either non-replaceable or carbide wirecutters.
Inside Tools
- Plain Edged blade
- 2 Sided file
- #2 Phillips Screwdriver
- Small Flathead Screwdriver
- Medium Flathead w/ Bottle Opener
- Large Flathead Screwdriver
- Can Opener
- Blade Exchanger with Wood Saw
Like the Woodsman, the Multi-Lock Scout predates the MP600 name, and is often confused with its younger cousin, the MP600 Pro Scout. This tool was only produced with non-replaceable cutters, and in a bead blasted stainless steel finish.
Inside Tools
- Combo Edged blade
- 2 Sided file
- Fiskars Scissors
- #2 Phillips Screwdriver
- Awl with Sewing Eye
- Medium Flathead w/ Bottle Opener
- Large Flathead Screwdriver
- Can Opener
- Lanyard Ring
Another rare variant of the MP600, the Trailrider is unique in that it is the only MP600 to have the long hoof pick implement, designed to help maintain horses hooves. This is one of the earlier variants of the MP600, due to the presence of the "Simonds USA" stamp on the file of these tools.
Inside Tools
- Combo Edged blade
- Hoof Pick
- File
- Fiskars Scissors
- 2 Sided file
- #2 Phillips Screwdriver
- Awl with Sewing Eye
- Medium Flathead w/ Bottle Opener
- Large Flathead Screwdriver
- Lanyard Ring
Based off of the MP600 Basic, the Cable Cutter (its official name is unknown) is unique for its interesting "plier head" which isn't pliers at all. With this model, Gerber opted to replace its usual pliers with a dedicated copper wire cable cutter. This tool is not suitable for cutting anything harder than copper wiring, which is likely why Gerber made so few of these tools.
Inside Tools
- Plain Edged Blade
- Serrated Blade
- 2 Sided file
- #2 Phillips Screwdriver
- Small Flathead Screwdriver
- Medium Flathead w/ Bottle Opener
- Large Flathead Screwdriver
- Can Opener
- Lanyard Ring
Background
Originally called the Multi-Lock (see photo at right), The MP600 has a long and varied history.Related Knives
The Gerber MP600 is the predecessor of the Multi-Plier. In addition the MP600 has several spin-off tools, including the Multi-Plier 400 which is a more compact version of the MP600, the Evolution 650, which is a MP600 Pro Scout frame with replaceable plier heads, and the MP600's Chinese made counterpart, the Gerber DieselMore Info
- MP600 Review at Multitool.org
- MP600 manufacturer's info
- Gerber Multi-Lock patent
- Gerber MP600 Owner's Club - in the Multitool.org forums