Has anyone got a ST 300 Yet?

Leatherman tools are assembled by hand (see video) although a lot of the other processes are automated. I've only had a few small issues with Leatherman multi-tools but they've resolved them to my satisfaction. It's a shame that it wasn't done right in the first place but I'm sure that they would replace your Super Tool 300 for you.

Welcome back from Afghanistan! Were you issued the Core? What do must of the guys carry?
 
powernoodle said:
Rick, my 300 is configured like yours, with the medium flat head screw driver next to the blade.

I don't characterize that as a QC issue, as I don't see how one way is better than the other. But I see your point. You like uniformity, as do I.

:thumbup:
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Maybe I do have a collector's item still! :)
 
I am in the Army, I returned from my last deployment in July 07, I have been working with a AC/RC Unit that trains Reserve/NG BDE's before they deploy overseas. As far as Issue, before I went to Iraq for OIF 1 we were issued Gerber Tools, well I hate Gerber tools so I gave it away and carried a Wave, Then upon my return went to the new Charge when they came out, then went to the Core because I just like the 4.5 inch tools better. I tried the Surge but came back to the Core. When I deployed to Afghanistan in March of 2006 I carried a Core ( I had a old ST 200) for back up, a Vic Outrider and a Spyderco Military. I did break that Core and had to fall back on the ST 200. When I returned I posted that those little pins in the locking mechanism had to be made stronger although the tool was dropped from 15 ft even the bigger pin may not fix that, just me being more careful would, it was my fault entirely that the tool got broken.

RickJ
 
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supratentorial said:
I actually really like the new Super Tool 300. In some ways (the more robust locks and Super Tool 200-style handles), I think it's what the Core should have been. Leatherman has also paid a great deal of attention to blade/tool access. I also like the removeable/replaceable cutter. Performance wise, the Super Tool 300 makes a cleaner cut on stranded and solid wires but the hardwire cutter of the the Core actually was better at cutting through the nail (the Super Tool 300 cut part way and snapped the nail in half).
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1. So the ST 300 lock pivots are larger, but the Core's seem secure enough, or have I been living in a fool's paradise? :eek:

2. Actually, I find the Core handles more comfortable than those on the ST 200. I haven't handled an ST 300 yet.

3. Replaceable cutters are a great feature for frequent heavy duty work, but after nine years of "moderate" use, my original Super Tool cutters were still cutting cleanly (mostly). Those on my 2 year old Core, with some use, still cut like new on all kinds of wire.

4. Tool access on the Core is just fine. Any implement comes out easily, even with gloves on. I don't see what is gained by what the ST 300 offers.

If I were looking for my first large Leatherman, the Super Tool 300 would be my clear choice. As a replacement for an already owned Core, I don't think it offers enough of an upgrade for the likes of me (of course, it's different for collectors; knock yourself out, guys. ;). )
 
I don't need to upgrade from Leopard to Snow Leopard or from Windows XP to Windows 7 but I might still appreciate and want to have the new features.

When it comes to utility, even the original Super Tool can handle most of the same jobs. The changes implemented in the Super Tool 300 are mostly incremental in comparison to the Core and earlier multi-tools. Here's a comparison chart that I put together:

comparisonchart.jpg


I bought the Super Tool 300 to use rather than collect but I'll admit that my threshold for purchasing multi-tools is a bit low compared to most. ;) My conclusion is:

supratentorial said:
I think it will come down to price for most folks. The Core can be purchased with a flashlight for $40 shipped. Currently, the Super Tool 300 is priced higher. My Core is going to see a lot of shelf time now that I have the Super Tool 300. But I could have managed fine with just the Core.
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About the handles and tools being out of place on recent purchase of the ST 300, I said the ST 300 is a Failure in my mind, I take that back, it most likely will not be, I just hope one day Leatherman takes all the great features of the Core and matches them with the ST 300. I still like the handles and the easy access to tools on the Core much better than the ST 300 but I like the strength and replaceable wire cutters on the ST 300.

RickJ
 
If Leatherman made a "perfect" multitool that was just the right size with just the right features, we would not end up buying so many of them in search of something "better". Seems like they know what they are doing.

:thumbup:
 
You are right Powernoodle, I have so many models of Leatherman's around my house, it aint even funny!

RickJ
 
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