Leatherman Expanse series?

PropThePolecat

PropThePolecat

Joined
Jan 31, 2009
Messages
3,292
Hey guys

Does anybody own a Leatherman Expanse? I think it looks appealing but from the few Youtube vids ive seen it also looks real bulky. One thing i dont care about is the AO function, but luckily they make one without it.

Does anybody have any experiences or impressions they'd like to share? On fit/finish, usability etc.

P.S
With the Expanse being a knife first and foremost, i thought the thread belongs in General and not Multitools. If im mistaken please move it to multi's.

Thanks
 
I dont own one but it does look like a nifty utility blade, I can vouch for there leatherman multi tools, I currently own there original Leatherman and it fits the bill quite well, have been wanting to add a Leatherman Charge or Wave to my rotation down the rd but currently carry a Buck 360.. I like it because its got a clip and you dont have to use a sheath with it...
 
Depends on which model you are talking about. My brother has the linerlock version with the funky flipper and the a bit driver. It is pretty heavy and bulky, don't know much about the other models.

Blade is excellent and takes a pretty dang sharp edge, and according to him holds it nicely too.
Fit and finish is ok for a user.

If you want a big bulky folder with a screwdriver or 2 and a carabiner go for it.
If you are looking for a KNIFE there a several much better options out there.
 
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I love Leatherman tools, but I would say so far their knifes have been a complete FAIL
 
remmmm said:
I love Leatherman tools, but I would say so far their knifes have been a complete FAIL
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FAIL as products for leatherman that didn't sell well, yes...but the knives as designed are good products...i have a 503 that i use and it's a nice and different multi-tool to have...it is a viable alternative i use to put in that pouch on my fixed blade sheaths...and i like it when i go hiking too...
 
I dont think Leathermans knife series are an epic fail...They might be too big and bulky compared to regular knives but that dont mean theyre failures.

Do any of you know if they come with a sheath?
 
I´ve got Expanse e33b (with the bit driver) and it´s bulky, not so slick, but a strong workhorse. I think it´s great. Nice blade, strong lock and sometime it´s handy to have four different screwdrivers with you (two regular and two Philips). It´s not the funniest knife to look at and to play with in front of the pc, but it works fantastic IRL.
 
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Slowstarter said:
I´ve got Expanse e33b (with the bit driver) and it´s bulky, not so slick, but a strong workhorse. I think it´s great. Nice blade, strong lock and sometime it´s handy to have four different screwdrivers with you (two regular and two Philips). It´s not the funniest knife to look at and to play with in front of the pc, but it works fantastic IRL.
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I read that the E33B as a Blade launcher feature. I also read that its like the flipper found on Kershaws knives. How do you think it works?
 
kmm said:
I read that the E33B as a Blade launcher feature. I also read that its like the flipper found on Kershaws knives. How do you think it works?
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It isn't all that great, as in I've seen better and smoother flippers, pretty fun though. It needs quite a lot of practice and lubrication to propel the blade out with finger pressure alone, works well if you give it a little flick of the wrist.
 
kmm said:
I dont think Leathermans knife series are an epic fail...They might be too big and bulky compared to regular knives but that dont mean theyre failures.

Do any of you know if they come with a sheath?
Click to expand...

my 503x did come with a leather belt sheath...which i never use, because i'll either use its belt clip or the carabiner on it...

yep, it's bulky compared to others, as it does carry a couple of other tools on it (including a bit driver), but its width does feel good in the hands...
 
I think Expanse e33b is an great compromise between a SAK (small crappy two-handed blade) and a full size Leatherman (to heavy for EDC).
 
I ordered a Expanse E33, the model without any screwdrivers. I figured i always pack a multitool so no need for screwdrivers on the knife as they only add bulk. I picked the E33 over the Crater C33 because of the 154CM steel vs the 420HC on the C33.
Sure there are better knives out there, but ive never had a LM knife before and id like to check them out for myself plus i need a knife with a carabiner. The one im getting has no thumbstud as theyre not allowed here, and no Bladelauncher which i wasnt to keen on anyway.

1521b.jpg
 
Where on earth did you get a Expanse with no thumstud or Bladelauncher???? It´s not listen at the Leatherman site. (how do you open it?)
 
Slowstarter said:
Where on earth did you get a Expanse with no thumstud or Bladelauncher???? It´s not listen at the Leatherman site. (how do you open it?)
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Its made specially for the countries where one-handed opening blades are illegal, and its not sold outside those countries. Its opened with two hands, just grab the blade and open it. Like a SAK i guess.

I got it today and i like it. Ill make a first impressions review soon.

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