Leatherman Crater Series (c33T)

T

TheGent

Joined
Aug 3, 2009
Messages
684
This is my first and other than the grind being uneven on the main blade, I like it. But, I went on to the LM site and was sad to see that there are so many ritired models in their knife series. We only have three to choose from now in current production and they are very limited to just unscrewing things, cutting and cap lifting. Not a bad thing. Basic Scout knife duties. I guess I expected more out of Leatherman. Can opener, awl and saw maybe?

So what is your general concensus on the LM knives? Obviously with all the retired models they were not popular. I like them. Maybe LM is going to take another stab at it?

These can be improved upon by keeping the same design, but adding more tool options. I like the ergos. If the Swiss can fit all those tools and still have a locking main blade, why not Leatherman? I see a lot of wasted space in my Crate c33T. Maybe this was the downfall?

I think Leatherman should revisit he design and look at intergrating more tool options.

Not a bad knife though.

Thoughts?
 
TheGent said:
This is my first and other than the grind being uneven on the main blade, I like it. But, I went on to the LM site and was sad to see that there are so many ritired models in their knife series. We only have three to choose from now in current production and they are very limited to just unscrewing things, cutting and cap lifting. Not a bad thing. Basic Scout knife duties. I guess I expected more out of Leatherman. Can opener, awl and saw maybe?

So what is your general concensus on the LM knives? Obviously with all the retired models they were not popular. I like them. Maybe LM is going to take another stab at it?

These can be improved upon by keeping the same design, but adding more tool options. I like the ergos. If the Swiss can fit all those tools and still have a locking main blade, why not Leatherman? I see a lot of wasted space in my Crate c33T. Maybe this was the downfall?

I think Leatherman should revisit he design and look at intergrating more tool options.

Not a bad knife though.

Thoughts?
Click to expand...

After having tried and passed on a few Leatherman knife models, it seemed to me that most were good ideas that didn't quite come together. However, I do like the Crater c33T, not sure what you mean by wasted space, though. Seems about right, to me. Packing in more implements would make it larger and heavier, close enough to a pliered version Leathermen that you might as well carry one of those (and mostly I do :)). The blade cuts well, the screwdrivers, although not locking, hold their place firmly, the open pillared construction makes it easy to clean, I like to suspend it by carabiner/cap lifter rather than clip it to my pocket, and I love the flipper. YM, of course, MV.
 
I can see a can opener and awl working on the bottom. You'd have to go a little thicker for a saw. I don't see it weighing any more than a Vic OHT or the like. That would be a good compitition in the states with Vic. Especially with the pocket clip. I always carry a pliered Leatherman EDC now for the past 8 years. Can't leave home w/o one. I like my c33T too. I will most likely carry it around my neck camping. But, I prefer the pocket clip as EDC. I have used Vic a long time and maybe I am used to getting all that stuff (tools) to work with for $35. Can't blame a SAK lover ;)
 
I would have thought this model to be more popular, but I can't even find one in retail stores.
 
I had one years ago. I think a Victorinox offers more utility in a slimmer more ergonomic package.

Leatherman's basic blade steel has never taken or kept a very refined edge for me. I love their plier based tools, their knives are eh...

I can make due with the blade on a plier based tool in a pinch, but if I am choosing a dedicated knife I will likely pick something that performs better.
 
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