leatherman e306x...questions about BL technology

[a_nay]

Hey,

I am interested in the leatherman e306x folder; however, I have a question about the 'blade launcher' technology. Unfortunately, I don't have an opportunity to go and see one, so I have to rely on what's on the web. From what I could dig up (not much), here is what I found.

These are quotes from one site,
I) "All [leatherman] the knives are available with plain or partially serrated edge and have a thumb ramp and right-hand opener stud. The Leatherman Blade Launcher provides ambidextrous opening"
II)"This is not an assisted opener. The Blade Launcher feature would seem to make these models ambidextrous one-hand opening, despite the single thumb stud."
III)" Opening is via either right-hand thumb lug or Leatherman's Blade Launcher ambidextrous opener".

From this reading, the e306x is not an assisted opener, but what 'blade launcher' is, is unclear.

So, here are my questions:

i) what is the blade launcher technology?
By the way, I am hoping your (you, the answerer) descriptions will be a tad more lucid than the above descriptions. For instance, what is it and how does it differ from the simple thumb pin opening system in the other leatherman folders?

ii) would it fall into this classification?
"a knife that has a blade that opens automatically by gravity or centrifugal force or by hand pressure applied to a button, spring or other device in or attached to the handle of the knife"
The key points are gravitational opening, centrifugal opening, or opening by somesort of button in the handle (not the blade, seemingly).

Point two applies to me because I live in Canada and the laws are a bit hypersensitive up there regarding knives and these sorts of things.

Thanks
Alex

 

[gatch]

i) what is the blade launcher technology?

It is a stud that you flick with your finger to open the blade - this can be done one handed. Problem is that it doesn't work very well. You have to get it just right with considerable force or the blade only comes open part way and does not lock. Every time tried it took me serveral times, each time, to get it to work properly. There is also a standard stud on blade to open one handed.

ii) would it fall into this classification?
"a knife that has a blade that opens automatically by gravity or centrifugal force or by hand pressure applied to a button, spring or other device in or attached to the handle of the knife"

I am not a legal expert, but I would say that this would likely be in contravention of these rules.




I have had a look at these at several of these Leatherman knives and am less than impressed. The e306 is very bulky because of the bit driver and was awkward to use as a knife. The only thing that I really liked about these knives is the carabiner feature.

 

[Gryffin]

I just got an e302 today. The "Blade Launcher" works a bit like the "flippers" on some assisted opening knives, with one unusual difference: it's a separate piece, not integral with the blade.

Like gatch said, it takes just the right "twitch" to get the blade to open fully using just the Blade Launcher; I find I need to give it a flick of the wrist as well, just to make sure it opens reliably.

Another thing that could cause you problems: the blade pivot seems to use a Sebenza-style bushing. I thought the blade seemed a bit loose, so I tightened the pivot screw, but it had no effect on the pivot tension. So, even without the Blade Launcher, it's fairly easy to flick it open using centrifugal force alone, which as I understand is a no-no in Canada, and you can't tighten the pivot to prevent it.

Overall, it's not a bad knife, but no "home run". My e302 reminds me of some Buck designs; the 420HC blade seems a bit thin and small, and the handle a bit bulky and thick. The liner lock is pretty far to the right already, but seems secure in my limited use so far. The e302 has a philips and flat screwdriver, no bit holder; both snap open firmly, and are well ground. The bail on the carabiner clip is a little wiggly, but doesn't appear capable of popping open accidently.

 

[a_nay]

Thanks for replies.

 

[JoeBW]

Hi,

Put a bit of White Lightning on the blade to help things work in. The Blade Launcher is really cool and does a great job.

Cheers - Joe