Handy Leatherman!

anthony cheeseboro

anthony cheeseboro

Joined
Aug 8, 1999
Messages
5,094
The past few weeks, I have been working with a research team in Nigeria. I carried a few Leatherman models and SAKs because experience has shown that they come in handy. THis past Friday, I was riding in an older Mercedes when it flooded out it "rush hour" traffic. In Nigeria, this is known as a "go slow" because the road really getrs clogged with everybody trying to go their separate way. To make a long story short, with my Leatherman Micra and Squrt, me and the car's owner were able to get the hose off and bleed the carburator and get home safely. It been the heck out of being stuck in the middle of 100,000 slow moving cars!
 
Man, how'd you get that gig? Are you able to buy some locally crafted blades to add to your collection?
 
Just goes to show, Anthony, better to have and not need than to need and not have....;)

I always carry my ST200 and Micra for any situation/problem that comes up. I'm glad to hear that you were able to get out of what could have been a very frustrating situation.
 
I always have a multi-tool with me for similar emergencies. If I happen to be helping someone else,they remark about what a good idea it is to carry...but they never go out and get one themselves:confused:
 
My Leatherman's been used for so many inappropriate things. Hammer, chisel, spacer to keep a table from wobbling, t-handle for rope, and a bunch of other stuff. I love this thing. It's getting about time for a replacement though. I've had mine (standard Leatherman) for about 7-8 years now. The smallest screwdriver's twisted, the largest screwdriver's bent slightly, the pliers stick shut... but it refuses to die. There's no reason not to carry one everywhere. :D
 
Originally posted by black mariah
My Leatherman's been used for so many inappropriate things. Hammer, chisel, spacer to keep a table from wobbling, t-handle for rope, and a bunch of other stuff. I love this thing. It's getting about time for a replacement though. I've had mine (standard Leatherman) for about 7-8 years now. The smallest screwdriver's twisted, the largest screwdriver's bent slightly, the pliers stick shut... but it refuses to die. There's no reason not to carry one everywhere. :D
Click to expand...

I suggest you send it in to Leatherman, and let them 'warranty' it.

It has a 25 year warranty, and I'm betting they'll either restore it to like new condition, or replace it with a new unit.

Visit their website for contact info.
 
black mariah, if you've been happy with the original model, take a look at the Pulse. The tools lock, it's got scissors, but it is also compact and relatively lightweight.

Check out the Leatherman site. In fact, go directly to the Tool Comparison page. You can drag'n'drop three different tools at a time to compare their capabilities.
 
Last week I had a fender-bender in a traffic jam on the highway (my fault :(:( ).
The only damages was that my license plate holder partly broke off (PT Cruiser), but with my LM Supertool I was able to put it back into place... saved me from having to go straight to the garage...

Ted
 
Hi I just wanted to say that I'm here as a historian of Africa working with an interdisciplinary research project. Tools really come in handy, a co-worker needed my eye glass screwdriver from my Swisschamp today! Just imagine sheeple wonder why we carry the things we do!

BTW, I went to Benin City which is deeper in the rain forest zone and it was interesting to so about half the folks walking up and down the streets with large machetes, even children under ten. Just imagine, I know people who would be afraid to give a twelve year old an SAK or even let a ten year old use the kitchen cutlery. Children can't learn knife safety if they don't use knives!
 
Originally posted by anthony cheeseboro
it was interesting to so about half the folks walking up and down the streets with large machetes, even children under ten. Just imagine, I know people who would be afraid to give a twelve year old an SAK or even let a ten year old use the kitchen cutlery. Children can't learn knife safety if they don't use knives!
Click to expand...

That is VEEERY common in Central America too! It is always surprising to see children barely old enough to walk toddling around with a machete.:eek: I too have found CONSTANT uses for my leathermans and SAKs here in Nicaragua!:D
 
I don't know if mine would be covered under warranty. It's all as a result of standard use.

The Pulse looks like something in my near future. :D Locking tools would be great.
 
Anthony,

I'm on the other side of the continent. Machetes or pangas are generally not carried in town (actually Dar is a major city) but in the countryside they're everywhere. Security company rent-a-cops carry batons, either wooden truncheons or pr-24. But the most striking thing is that the Maasai warriors, who very often work as guards and night watchmen, wearing their traditional red robes, walk around fully armed, with their hardwood clubs tucked in their belts, a stick or cane in hand (often with a knife inside, like a sword cane) and, sometimes, with a short spear under their robes.

Guns are rare (and too expensive for local hoodlums) but some are coming over the border from Congo. Shootings happen occasionally. Foreign missions are heavily guarded (since US Embassy bombing and 9/11), especially Umoja House (which houses European Commission, UK, German and Dutch missions) and US Embassy (looks like a fortress, :( ). Local notables have guards patrolling with shotguns.

Machetes are a weapon of choice for muggers, so after dark anyone flashing a large blade can expect to be shot dead or run over by a 4WD, just in case.

Naturally, in this environment, a Leatherman is a valuable and envied possession, and not considered as an intimidating weapon. I never go anywhere without it.

Any other expats in the Forums, US or European?
 
Askari, I'm glad you posted. In Benin City and other large Cities, the people with machetes are clearly workers who need the tool like butchers or people working on lawns. In the countryside, coming into the cities, about half the people, if not 60% are carrying machetes as a matter of course. Unfortunately, guns appear to be a bit more common here in Nigeria when it comes to crime. It's just best not to hang out more than necessary in many places.
 
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