I am considering getting a leatherman knife (probably a c304). I love My Buck SBMF and my Leatherman New Wave but they are both bulky in the pocket and not so attractive to the wife when on my hip. I just need something I can carry when dressed to impress. Opinions and/or suggestions
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Leatherman Knives, any opinions welcome
- Thread starter MeMNoC
- Start date
That's a good question. I wondered about them too. I know Wal-Mart had a package deal with a Wave or Surge I forget which multi-tool it was and a leatherman knife with the screw driver attachment for 50 bucks. I saw these a bit before christmas so they might not be around anymore, but sounds like a good deal. They seem pretty solid, I handled one the last time I was there, didn't notice the steel it was made from though.
If they're anything like their multi-tools I'd say it's probably a decent working knife.
If they're anything like their multi-tools I'd say it's probably a decent working knife.
I never pictured myself speaking knidly about the Leatherman folding knives. The closest thing to a kind word that I had, was agreeing that they sort of meet the niche of a tacitcal Swiss Army Knife (regarding the multi function models). I was at Target the other day, and they had several knives and multi-tools on sale. Among them was the partially serrated C301. For $12 (regularly $25) I decided to take the gamble and buy it. I like carrying a partially serrated knife, with a 3" blade. I like one hand operation and liner locks. Has a pocket clip. This knife basically meets those requirements, except the blade is 2.8". Despite the glass filled nylon grips (as opposed to wood inlayed metal, which I usually prefer) the C301 still has some heft at 2.9 ounces. My previous EDC weighed in at ~4 ounces. I have looked at some knives, and the pocket clips aren't springy enough. That makes it harder to put the knife back, and more apt to damaged pants. The Leatherman pocket clip is good, and easy to clip. The width fits my hand well- not too thin and not too thick. I do prefer to have a minimal amount of knife showing above my pocket line, and this knife (like many) shows more than I would prefer. In my area, it's ok to carry a concealed knife and I prefer it to be concealed more. Not a biggy. The extra exposed portion is helpful for grasping. The thumbstud is good- I can flick it real nice from day 1. There is also a second 1 hand opening freature on the top of the blade. I don't like this so much, mainly because I naturally use the thumbstud to open the knife. The flicker does not open the blade with the snap I like to get, but I'll live. With a little practice I became able to snap it open that way too 
For those times when sheeple are present, and flicking isn't polite the ratcheting second 1 hand opener causes a couple bumps in what would otherwise be smoothe opening. The factory edge is pretty good. It works. The serrations aren't like those Gerber serrations that I'm familiar with. They are much subdued and remind me of a Brazilian kitchen knife that I've used in the past.
This has become my new EDC, and the first time I've really used a Leatherman made product as a blade (I've only used the blades on my multi-tools a couple times). The second opening assist feature is very reminsicint of a Leatherman multi-tool too me-> precision engineered with extra moving parts. Still I'm impressed by it.
The only thing I don't like is that it's open back. Dust will more easily get in there. I've never bought an open back knife before, I've tryed to avoid them.
Anyhow, Leatherman makes a descent knife, especially for what I paid. They come with the full 25 year warranty as well. I didn't see any marking on the knife or packaging that would indicate production outside of the USA either.
For those times when sheeple are present, and flicking isn't polite the ratcheting second 1 hand opener causes a couple bumps in what would otherwise be smoothe opening. The factory edge is pretty good. It works. The serrations aren't like those Gerber serrations that I'm familiar with. They are much subdued and remind me of a Brazilian kitchen knife that I've used in the past. This has become my new EDC, and the first time I've really used a Leatherman made product as a blade (I've only used the blades on my multi-tools a couple times). The second opening assist feature is very reminsicint of a Leatherman multi-tool too me-> precision engineered with extra moving parts. Still I'm impressed by it.
The only thing I don't like is that it's open back. Dust will more easily get in there. I've never bought an open back knife before, I've tryed to avoid them.
Anyhow, Leatherman makes a descent knife, especially for what I paid. They come with the full 25 year warranty as well. I didn't see any marking on the knife or packaging that would indicate production outside of the USA either.
- Joined
- Dec 1, 2006
- Messages
- 116
I recieved a C302 for Xmas. I am a big buck fan and never considered using any other knife for my EDC. However, I have come to really enjoy the knife. I carry it about 50% of the time.
My only real complaint about it is that the thumb stud is too close to the fram when closed. I cant use it at all. However, with this model, there is what they call the 'blade laucher' that provide a very fast opening of the blade. I like it alot.
The build quality doesnt quite match up to a buck, however. It just doesnt have that solid feel to it. Still, a good knife and time will tell how it holds up.
All in all - I say, for the price - its a good knife for everyday stuff....
My only real complaint about it is that the thumb stud is too close to the fram when closed. I cant use it at all. However, with this model, there is what they call the 'blade laucher' that provide a very fast opening of the blade. I like it alot.
The build quality doesnt quite match up to a buck, however. It just doesnt have that solid feel to it. Still, a good knife and time will tell how it holds up.
All in all - I say, for the price - its a good knife for everyday stuff....
Thank you for the responses. I love my leatherman Wave but I also very rarely actually use the blades. Though the newer leathermans have a more robust blade it is still not up to par with a knife designed for being "a knife". But after hearing some good experiences from actual users of the knife I might as well try it. Whats to lose but money. By the way the blade is made of 420 stainless, but some of the knives like the e304x have 154cm.
On another point entirely, I am trying to put a mustard patina on my Ontario tak-1. Had to take off the black phosphate finish which was nice until I used it(it was practically gone anyway). I will try to figure out how to post some pics if it looks worthy.
On another point entirely, I am trying to put a mustard patina on my Ontario tak-1. Had to take off the black phosphate finish which was nice until I used it(it was practically gone anyway). I will try to figure out how to post some pics if it looks worthy.