Valade 4x4

Al Mar Valade 4x4.jpg The Valade 4X4 is a quite similar version of the original Al Mar 4x4 Tool Mate. It features fancy side panels with scroll engraving by Bob Valade, former Master Engraver at Colt Firearms. Other slight variations such as the black leather wrap and course tooth saw blade set it apart from the original. Produced in Japan by Seki, quality of construction is evident throughou



Pliers

Jaws on the 4x4 are fairly short, with medium serrations running out to the tip. A wire cutter section is included, but no hard wire notch.

Handles/Frame

The Valade 4x4 is a solid handle design with a fixed plier head. (Head does not fold up into a more compact shape.) A black leather wrap is glued into place on the plier handle, cushioning the grip. When not in use, the handle is held in the closed position by a sturdy bail.

Frame construction is a stack of stainless steel plates, riveted together. (In this regard, the Valade 4x4 could be considered a 3-layer knife tool.) Outer panels are aluminum, scroll engraved by Master Engraver Robert Valade. The front panel has a large shield with the Al Mar Chop logo, along with the word "Valade" in smaller font down on one end. The back panel has the same large shield left blank, presumably for the owner's name to be engraved.

Blades and Tools

The Valade 4x4 has three bladed tools on the front side and a phillips head screwdriver on the backspring. First up is an elegent drop-point knife blade, with hollow ground cross-section. Next is a course tooth saw blade, with sheepsfoot profile. Third is a rather short flathead screwdriver blade, smooth on one side, with a double-cut file pattern on the other.

Use of the phillips screwdriver on the backspring is somewhat limited due to interference from the plier handle when in the closed position.

Locking Mechanism

None of the blades or tools lock.

Other Features

NA

Sheath

Sheath a quite large affair made from heavy black leather, with snap closure.

Dimensions

  • Folded length = 5-3/4" (146mm)
  • Unfolded length = 5-3/4" (146mm)
  • Thickness = 3/4" (19mm)
  • Weight = 7.8 oz (219g)

Variations

None known.

History

The original Al Mar 4x4 Tool Mate was introduced in the late 1980's. It is unknown when the Valade 4x4 was produced, nor does this author know how many were produced. Based upon how few are seen available for sale, it can be assumed that they are quite rare.
Construction of the Valade 4x4 is very similar to the Al Mar QuickClip and 4x4 Tool Mate.

Created by Bob. Last Modification: Thursday 21 of April, 2016 22:17:16 CEST by sLaughterMed.

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