Just bought a Leatherman Pulse

M

MG_Saldivar

Joined
Feb 5, 2005
Messages
857
Most of my multitool budget goes to SAKs, not to plier-based multis. At this time, my plier tools are a Swiss Tool, which sees much use at home, and a LM SuperTool 200 that I keep in my truck. In addition to the Super Tinker or Mountineer I EDC, I thought I'd add a small plier multi to the mix.

I've owned the old and new Waves, the Blast, and the Kick, so I thought I'd give LM another chance. I was dissatisfied with the current production models so I thought I'd see what I could find on eBay when I came across an auction for the Pulse, which I had seen in an LM ad but had never handled. To my eye, it looked like a mini-SuperTool 200; the all-metal construction was very attractive to me, and since this would be a tertiary tool, I didn't feel I need the one-hand opening blades of a Wave or Surge.

I received my tool in the mail today. For $36 including shipping, I feel I got a good deal. The pliers are solid and comfortable to hold, the lock works well, and the blades all seem more than adequate (I'm SOOOOOO happy not to have a damn LM bit driver on this tool) except for the scissors, which seem kid of puny (not a new complaint from LM owners, I know). I want to replace the nylon sheath that shipped with the tool with a leather sheath, but otherwise, I think this tool will meet my needs in spades.



SuperTool 200-style lock
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From the imprint, I assume this is 'recycled' corporate swag. :o
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For scale, the Pulse next to my SwissTool
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Next to an 84mm Vic Sportsman II
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Great find! Glad to see you have found something to work for you. Not to nitpick, but the Sportsman II is an 84 mm tool. I'm just mentioning it to provide a frame of reference.
 
I just bought one from the same guy on ebay and I can't wait for it to get here.I think you hit the nail on the head it does look like a mini super tool 200.have you used it much yet?I like the looks of this model much more than the current models in this price range,good pictures by the way.
 
Matt, out of curiousity, what don't you like about the current models in the $30-$40 range? Personally, I dislike the plastic 'trim' although I acknowledge it helps with comfort somewhat. My SuperTool200, though much bigger, has always been comfy to hold. Even the SwissTool, blocky and square though it appears, is a nice handful.

I used the scissors to cut up some thin cardboard boxes (thickness of cereal box) and touched up a chisel with the diamond file. This tool feels very solid. I can't understand how it could become discontinued but since I got it for -$10 MSRP, I can't complain.

By the way, the eBay seller was a good communicator and fast shipper. I presume he has these in quantity because he's "Buy It Now"-ing three or four at at a time. I might get another if he has some in stock come my September 1 paycheck. :D
 
I bought the Leatherman Fuse and a Stanley travel mug gift set for $12.48 on clearance last January so I cannot complain about the price.

But, I don't like the plastic either. The foldout lanyard attachment is too thin and sharp. However, I've used the Fuse for household tasks and the pliers and screwdrivers have held up pretty well. The scissors cut fingernails and paper and remain sharp.

Prefer my original Leatherman Tool (a/k/a PST) and SuperTool to the current models.
 
my local source for leatherman products is Gander Mountain,so there are no $30 segment to pick from,so other than price,I don't like the lanyard on the new models,I hate the plastic inserts,and I like lock release on the pulse better than the new rocker type on the fuse.I got my pulse for $15+shipping,I was the only bid.so price was a factor also.I still carry my pst,for some reason they don't rust like my fuse did.
 
I have been EDC a Leatherman Pulse for a while now. I really love it. The major difference between the Pulse, and the current models in the same price range, for me is the awesome DIAMOND FILE! I like the small screw driver also. It's a great addition to any EDC. I welded a pocket clip from the Kick on it, now it's perfect.
 
kodiak said:
I welded a pocket clip from the Kick on it, now it's perfect.
Click to expand...

I'm jealous, Kodiak. I've long wanted more pocket clip options in multis... The Sideclip was a bit too stripped down for my uses, so I never bought one, and I tried clip-carrying my new Wave for a couple of months but I felt like I was carrying a tire iron in my pocket...

A clip on something the Pulse's side would be great.


Matt, congrats on getting the Pulse for $15!!
 
The file blade is diamond-coated (with a fishhook/awl groove) on one side and a 'regular' crosshatch file on the other side. This Multitool.org article states that the Pulse has the same blades as a PST II (which I've never owned).

I'll post a pick later...
 
I really like it,it is just right in most of the catagories that are important to me.The only thing I dont like is the clumping of tools when you try to open them,It isn't perfect but for the price I am satisified.how are you liking yours so far?
 
It's great. I use the pliers more than the tools since I also EDC a Vic Super Tinker but I agree if I had to pluck out the scissors or something all the time the tool clumping would probably get annoying.

Still, I'm happier with the Pulse than I would be with the 'new generation' Leathermans.
 
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