Blast replacement for less than $42?

[gomipile]

In 2012 I got a Leatherman Blast. It's served me well for about a decade, but it's about time to retire and replace it.

In 2012, I payed a bit less than $34 for it. That's a bit over $41 in 2022 dollars, but let's be generous and round up to $42. My financial situation is worse now than it was 10 years ago, so let's leave it at a hard cap of $42.

What can I get now that's no worse in any significant way than a Blast? It absolutely has to have scissors, pliers, a saw, and a full-size file like the Blast does. One-handed opening for the main blade and external tool access would be nice, but is negotiable. General build quality cannot be any worse than a 2012 Blast.

 

[gadgetgeek]

That's a tall ask. The closest you'd get is the Rebar, and it's about twice your price without scissors. I think the "knifeless" version that has scissors and neither blade, (still has saw and file) is around the same price, probably a bit more because of its lower demand, so you'd need to supplement it with another knife.

If you hunt around you'll probably find a Rebar for less, but it will likely be above that 42 mark, the advantage is that the handles no longer have the plastic inserts, and it's got the carbide cutters in the jaws. By the time you hit all your boxes you are into the Wave which is way above that price point, though you may also want to consider the Curl if you can afford to lose the saw.

Maybe someone else has better ideas? Last I checked LM still held the budget end of the market, I've not handled a new production SOG tool, and Vic is certainly out on price.

 

[hsherzfeld]

Leatherman's prices have increased significantly. I remember I paid $30 for a Sidekick in 2012, and now they're $70!

Looking at Leatherman's website, the Knifeless Rebar is the same price as the regular Rebar ($79.95). Their cheapest full-size multitool is currently the Rev at $49.95, and it doesn't have a saw, scissors, or a full-size file.

Your best bet might be trying to score a used Blast on Ebay. A quick search showed me several offerings around the $40 mark.

 

[jmh33]

PM sent..

 

[Hickory n steel]

Get a Blast off ebay.

 

[Rupestris]

Leatherman's prices have increased significantly. I remember I paid $30 for a Sidekick in 2012, and now they're $70!

Looking at Leatherman's website, the Knifeless Rebar is the same price as the regular Rebar ($79.95). Their cheapest full-size multitool is currently the Rev at $49.95, and it doesn't have a saw, scissors, or a full-size file.

Your best bet might be trying to score a used Blast on Ebay. A quick search showed me several offerings around the $40 mark.

True. I think I paid under $40 for my Sidekick.

My Wave was closer to $80 and is now over $100.

If it were me, I'd watch the big auction site for a used Wave. It's really a phenomenal multitool. Even at $110. The scissors give some people fits but usually because they aren't opening them up enough to get the lock to engage and the spring to set.

Mine rides in my EDC work bag and gets put to use quite a bit.

The sidekick is in the car first aid/get home/emergency kit.