The Quirky Switch is a modular pocket knife that includes 18 different attachments that can be mixed and matched interchangeably. Tools can be swapped out individually or as themed groups. Three interior assemblies determine the Switch’s size: 2-6 tools (small), 4-10 tools (medium) or 7-13 tools (large.
The Switch’s parts are made of stainless steel with some plastic mixed in sparingly, and it can be easily disassembled with a common quarter. It comes with a plastic case that holds all of the tool’s loose parts.
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What We Think About the Switch
A configurable pocket tool sounds great, but I’m not totally sold on the idea, especially given the Switch’s $80 pricetag. Unless the Switch offers magical performance, I’m much more inclined to stick with Victorninox and Leatherman.
Looking at some of the other products Quirky brings to market, it seems that they work to bring community-inspired inventions to market. While a great idea, this also makes me wonder if the development team included members with tool or knife design experience.
The inventor of the Switch is listed as James Robinson, who Quirky says had a 37.53% influence on the tool’s development. His “about me” describes him as a venture capitalist, entrepreneur, volunteer, tinkerer, dad, husband, friend, dog owner, traveler, car guy, handyman, gardener.
Quirky Switch Modular Pocket Knife via Amazon
Product Info via Quirky
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SledgeFix
The tools look to be reasonable facsimiles of Victorinox’s stuff. I used to love the pliers that Vic offered and Wenger didn’t (though I love and own both), up until Leatherman came to market, then I realized that, yeah, I always *did* have a pair of slip joints in my back pocket when I was in the garage. I like the idea, I think SOG does this with multi-pliers but I haven’t gotten around to asking for one for Christmas. I think this tool needs to have 1/3, 2/3, and full-length tool sizing and offer attachment on both ends of the chassis so you can fit twice as much in the same space.
Maybe it’s the lighting of the pictures but this thing looks a little too “iPod”-chic and not enough handyman-tough. Maybe a charcoal silver or safety yellow finish in place of the aqua would help? Or rubber.
Stuart
Even if it were dressed up to look more industrial, its tools don’t really look robust enough to have been designed for heavy duty applications.
You’re right, SOG does sell replacement and swappable parts for some of their multi-tools.
Maikeru
I’ve seen this one on a few other blogs and I like how it does offer a customizable Victorinox-like feel to the multi-knife format in case all you need is something to take the place of a “Tinker” for E.D.C., but need something like the “Fisherman” or “Huntsman” when out backpacking. However, the Switch just seems like it’d have more usage issues compared to a Victoinox or a Wenger as the tools seem a bit stubbier and thus a very short stroke would be needed for the blades.