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Originally licensed to use the Society's name, the National Geographic Carabiner Tool later became simply "Carabiner Tool 1004" when the association between Kershaw and NGS ended. Launce Barber, who later became half of CRKT's vaunted i.d. Works team, was the inventer and is named as such in patent #6,223,372. Construction quality of the original models made in Japan was quite good. Since production has moved to China however the quality has fallen off noticably.
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Handles/Frame
- As the name suggests, the handle of the Carabiner Tool is basically a large, non-load-bearing carabiner.
- It has a spring loaded gate, which can be locked closed by means of spinning a knurled locking nut.
- Construction is aluminum, with a steel insert for the liner lock and the bottle opener.
- Finish on the original models was hard anodize black. Later models were powder coat painted, in various colors.
Blades
- Half-serrated knife blade, with sheepsfoot profile. Measures 3" in length. (77mm) It uses a thumb hole for smooth one-hand opening. Marked KAI Japan.
- Medium flathead screwdriver
- Phillips screwdriver
Locking Mechanism
Spring steel liner lock.
Other Features
A bottle opener notch is formed into the handle/frame.
Sheath
None.
Dimensions
- Length = 4-1/4" (107mm)
- Total length, blade unfolded = 7-1/4" (184mm)
- Width = 2-1/4" (60mm)
- Thickness = 3/8" (10mm)
- Weight = 2.5 oz (72g)
Variations
- Original models were made in Japan, with hard anodize black finish.
- Production was later moved to China. Finish was powder coat paint. Available colors were black, blue, red, and silver.
- The NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC logo was dropped in 2008.
Background
Designed by Launce Barber and introduced in 2003. Manufactured in Japan and China.
More Info
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