In need of a good MT

R

RDog

Joined
Jul 28, 2011
Messages
366
First, I just posted basically this same thread on a different fourm, so you may see it more than one place.

Back in 1994 I picked up a (I guess) PST, but in black and with the blasting cap crimper, it served me very well for 18 yrs. Long story short I become aware of the Leatherman warranty maybe last month? Very recently anyway. I had kind of given up on my original leatherman as the pliers were having some problems.

I started to look for some (any brand) replacement, and thought I would get a gerber. I remembered them from my Marine Corps days, where most guys had some MT leatherman or gerber...I liked the leatherman better, but thought maybe it was time to try out the Gerber.

About then I learn of the leatherman warranty and I send off my trusty, loved PST and a little over a week later I recieve a black Blast as a replacement.

...I have to stop my story here and just say this kind of service (from leatherman) makes me a loyal buyer of a product.

Problem is, right away the Blast feels kind of ...cheap? and heavy, and thick...
Right away I miss the PST.

But I like leatherman, so I buy both a sidekick and a wingman (intended for gifts) but I open the sidekick to compare it to the Blast, and it feels cheap too. In fact I don't think I can give this as a gift. I plan on returning both of these today.

Back in the days of the original leatherman PST you got a solid tool, now with all the choices, I can't seem to find even a decent tool!

Since this is the MT camp here, I ask, which is the best general purpose MT? Something that is useful in the woods as much as under the hood or in the home. ( I felt the original PST was very good all around)

I'd like it to not be so thick as to be painfull to wear on a belt (the original PST had zero issues even under war gear)...the blast gets in the way just walking around the house it seems, and I could not stand it under my tool belt the otherday...its just to bulky.

I hear some people say that if you want a good MT today you have to buy the Swiss tool. If thats the case, I can deal with that...but I had hoped to stay with leatherman.

Sorry to ramble...hope someone can give me some good advice here.

I'm thinking maybe the Supertool 300, Wave or Swisstool...or?
 
Have you looked at Leatherman's website? I think you could find a tool to fit your needs there, I have a ST 300 and yes it is a great tool and Leatherman makes an EOD version and a Black Oxide version as well. I carry one at work daily and for me it is the best thing out there.
 
I own the Fuse (smaller brother of the Blast), Sidekick, Wingman, Swisstool RS, Sideclip, Juice CS-4, Juice XE-6, Squirt P2, Squirt S2, Style CS and Micra.

Of the bunch, the Swisstool RS is indeed the best made tool, but also the heaviest. I've handled a Supertool 300, Rebar and others. I can tell you that if the Blast is too big for you, the Swisstool and Supertool300 will be as well. They both, IMHO, convey more quality of construction, particularly the Swisstool. But they are heavy.

I would recommend a Fuse, except you think the Blast feels cheap ... and the Fuse is pretty much the same tool but with fewer tools inside and a bit lighter. You might find the Rebar (basically just a smaller Supertool 300) to be a good option. Or the Swisstool Spirit. The Supertool 300, Rebar, and Fuse are easily found in black oxide, by the way. The Swisstool is as well, although it's harder to find in black oxide.

I don't think current Leathermans, Sideclip and Wingman incuded, feel cheap at all. However, they do feel and look rather raw and industrial when compared to Victorinox products.
 
The part that feels cheap on the blast is not the pliers but all the tools inside. mostly the wood saw, there is a lot of play in it when locked open, but its in the opening process that it just feels like some knock off tool from china. The knife blade has some play but nothing bad, and it feels fine as it opens, same for the other tools. besides being or seeming to be thicker than it should have been, its that saw that gives it the "cheap" feeling.
 
I did not even bother to open the wingman, but about everything seems cheap on the sidekick...but at $20 I was not expecting much...but I was still disapointed.

But I will say I like the spring assisted pliers on it. the tools feel better than the saw on the Blast, but are poorly designed and poorly chosen as well...IMO.
 
Take a look at the Buck X-Tract. All tools are heavy duty and lock in place both open and closed. Thumb stud blade, retractable pliers, scissors, Phillips head and flat head screw drivers. Other variations are available. A bit heavy for pocket, but comes with a belt sheath and diamond
sharpener.

Rich S
 
I would definately look at the Victorinox Spirit if I were you.

Awesome tool.
 
RDog said:
The part that feels cheap on the blast is not the pliers but all the tools inside. mostly the wood saw, there is a lot of play in it when locked open, but its in the opening process that it just feels like some knock off tool from china. The knife blade has some play but nothing bad, and it feels fine as it opens, same for the other tools. besides being or seeming to be thicker than it should have been, its that saw that gives it the "cheap" feeling.
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Sounds like you should just upgrade to a Wave or Rebar. They are a bit heavier, but still very reasonable. You can see all the specs at Leatherman's fine web site.

EDITED TO ADD: Although you say the tool "feels cheap," you might try to use it for a bit. Really put it through its paces and see how it responds. It just might surprise you.

-- Mark
 
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RDog - I am curious how you end up. I too have an old original Leatherman I carried for a good many years. I liked the tool and it served me well all over the world. About ten years ago in Canada I picked up an orange colored juice s2 I think it was called. I liked it quite a bit. It is more of a civilians tool. Fewer tools but smaller and lighter. It has held up very well too.

My old original Leatherman is still usable. The wire cutter is no longer functional and without a doubt was the poorest made feature of the tool. The phillips screwdriver is worn out, but it took turning a bunch of screws to do it. I no longer need one capable of crimping a cap. I seriously doubt I crimp another cap in my life.

I would send it back but I want my tool back. All mine really needs is the wire cutter repaired or replaced and the phillips driver is worn out. Other than that its in tip top shape. It means a lot to me even not repaired.

Are the new tools still made in Oregon?
 
I currently EDC a Victorinox Swisstool Spirit S. It's slightly heavier than LM Blast by about half an ounce, but it's also slightly thinner. As to be expected from a Swiss-made product, all the tools give you a sense of high quality. Even if you still find it too cumbersome to carry, you will still marvel at the quality and not regret the purchase. I've had this tool for more than a year, and I still take it out and stare at it from time to time to admire.
 
TUF said:
RDog - I am curious how you end up. I too have an old original Leatherman I carried for a good many years. I liked the tool and it served me well all over the world. About ten years ago in Canada I picked up an orange colored juice s2 I think it was called. I liked it quite a bit. It is more of a civilians tool. Fewer tools but smaller and lighter. It has held up very well too.

My old original Leatherman is still usable. The wire cutter is no longer functional and without a doubt was the poorest made feature of the tool. The phillips screwdriver is worn out, but it took turning a bunch of screws to do it. I no longer need one capable of crimping a cap. I seriously doubt I crimp another cap in my life.

I would send it back but I want my tool back. All mine really needs is the wire cutter repaired or replaced and the phillips driver is worn out. Other than that its in tip top shape. It means a lot to me even not repaired.

Are the new tools still made in Oregon?
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If you enclose a note to the Leatherman warranty department notifying that you want to keep your original tool, they will repair it if possible. However, if parts no longer exist, they will likely send it back unrepaired. Their response to phone or e-mail commo is usually pretty good, so it would be worth checking with them first to ask what can be done.
Yes, they are still made in Oregon.
 
Original PSTs and the comparable Kick models are pretty easy to find on that big auction site, btw.
 
There are just so many choices!

I have to admit. some models I never gave any thought to have appeared on the radar now thanks to you guys.

And the thought of just picking up a used PST is always a possiblity.

Right now I am leaning to the swiss side of things.

I would love to find a picture of as many different MTs lined up so I could see the different sizes, and thickness of them...I will do a little (a lot) of looking tomorrow, and hope to place an order by the end of the weekend.

thanks for all the help thus far.
 
mnblade said:
Original PSTs and the comparable Kick models are pretty easy to find on that big auction site, btw.
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That's exactly what I was going to say. I see original Leathermans on the bay everyday from new to well used and everything in between.
 
I like the Spirit X the best. Much more ergonomic than the Swiss Tool regular. Has all the tools needed including scissors.
 
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