Well we all know how popular small handtools are, we only need to look at Atwoods to highlight that.

I recently came across this site and marveled at the ingenuity and skill of small batch knife makers and their custom made creations, that were not only functional but beautifully designed as well. The main reason why I signed up to be a part of this site is the custom makers. We can all buy EDC in some way, shape or form, but the web and more specifically this site exposes the skill that might have been otherwise hidden or limited.

Now to my first custom EDC, and not my last, (I’m already eyeing off other custom items).

Etowah Edge & Tool: Ebot

I first saw this item on the custom BST section and immediately contacted the maker to see if they had any left in stock, I was in luck, and after some speedy emails and paypal it was winging it’s way to me.

My first impression was the scale, it’s about the same size as your thumb, I’m not used to small tools, being 6’4, it looks almost childish, but when I held it, it didn’t feel it. It had quite a bit if heft to it for something of that size, and it didn’t feel flimsy in any way. I also loved the simplicity of it, a famous design rule sprung to mind when I saw this, less is more.

I immediately put it to work, I tried cutting a piece of paper, that didn’t work so well, but it’s a tool knife, not a stanley knife. I then had a large carton that I had to open, I tried the Ebot again. Success, it tore through the thick tape with ease, and then proceeded to hack into the 5mm corflute cardboard as well. I then tried the prying tool, on a screw, again the necessary force applied was minimal and the task was completed. In doing these tasks, I realised that the Ebot was limited in it’s capabilities, but it’s not meant to do everything, so it’s best to keep that in mind. It does what it should, well.

I then tried some scraping, and I came a little unstuck, I was pushing quite hard to remove a decal, and when I had finished there was a minute chip in the blade. Not visible unless you had it close to your face, but enough for a perfectionist like myself to curse as I had only had it and used it for around 10 minutes. But a bad tradesman always blames his tools, so I put it down to bad use on my behalf.

I then did the unthinkable, I ruined the kydex sheath.  :brickwall:

I wanted the sheath to be tighter, so I read up on the internet how kydex works and looked at some sheath making tutorials. I mean how hard can it be?

Famous last words. The sheath now has holes, is burnt, it has shiny spots on it, the belt clip is now gone, and is now looser than before! By this stage I’m pretty much cursing myself.

But the funny thing was I wasn’t really upset. If I was, I’m sure I would have contacted Etowah straight away and paid for a new sheath to be sent. But I suppose I never would have taken on the task of modifying it if it was perfect, not that Etowah didn’t make it perfect, but I thought I could make it tighter. It was like adding salt to a perfectly seasoned meal, an insult to the chef and massive arrogance and ignorance on my behalf. What might look easy, was so difficult I respected the custom makers even more, and I learnt from my mistake. I now know how hard this custom process is, and I’m sorry to Etowah for ruining the sheath, you did make it perfect, and I’m truly stupid for thinking it was something I could improve.

After my mishap with the sheath, I thought “what else can I do?” I’m sure a lot of you are thinking, oh no, does this dolt put it in the microwave or something???  :slap:

Nope, I looked at something more manageable. Knots.

I’m sure a lot of you have already checked out stormdrane’s blog, and thought, “Thats pretty awesome!”. I know I did when I came across it. I think I spent about 3 hours, just looking learning and trying stuff.

And that’s when I partially redeemed myself, I tied what I think is the perfect lanyard for the Ebot. It’s bigger than the tool I know (see pics) but I think it adds actual length to the tool and makes it easier to hold, it also adds a finger loop (next to the index finger), like a cold steel bird and trout, or ringed razel, so you don’t drop it, especially when it’s only 3″ OAL. The length of the coil, also makes it really easy to grab, and seeing this is now being housed in a small pouch, (I don’t think I want anyone to see the kydex sheath, it’s pretty embarrassing) I need it to have a larger coil to grab out of the small pouch.

All up buying this tool has been a great learning experience, sure I’ve had lots of knives and multitools, but nothing custom, and for some reason this tool put me in the shoes of the maker, and I learnt, as I’m sure he did, what this thing can do, and how it works, where it should be used, and not used, and why.

I’m sure this isn’t the most technical of reviews, but then again, I’m sure you can contact Etowah and they’ll give you all the specs. But thats not my point here. This tool to me offers something more. It’s so simple and yet so beautiful. It’s small, hardy, it’s fairly inexpensive, and it’s pushing the boundries. I’ve seen threads about people not wanting to use their Atwoods, and maybe I feel the same here. It goes beyond being a tool, it’s like having art in your pocket.

I’d recommend Etowah tools, the service is amazing, as are the tools.