review request: leatherman knives

U

umberto00

Joined
Jun 25, 2004
Messages
215
anyone out there in knyfeberspace have the new leatherman knives and wants to post a review? I'm thinking of getting one.

thanks in advance.
 
I picked up one the other day at Target. Target carries 3 Leatherman knife models, the c301, c303 and the c305 (all combo edged 420 blades).
The one I bought is the c305:

c304-c305-diagram.jpg


It's a pretty neat little knife. I think it's a good substitute for those who like a small SAK sized folder with a one-hand opening main blade. The pocket clip is removable but not reversible. The gimmick on this folder is the so-called "Blade Launcher" which aids in propelling the blade open with a flick of the finger without any springs or torsion bars. It's not an assisted opening device, rather think of it as an alternative to a flipper like on the CRKT M-16's and such. There's a small lever (looks similar to the lever used on LAWKS equipped knives) that one simply pulls down with the forefinger to open it. It doesn't take long to get used to the feature and in about a minute or two you'll be opening the blade faster than any auto.

I haven't seen any of the 154CM blade models and I doubt they'll be carried by Target or the other large discount chains, but the 420 steel works for this kind of knife. Now, before all you steel snobs out there start getting your panties in an uproar about how inferior 420 blades are. I've been using Leathermans for years with 420 blades before the Charge Ti came out with a 154CM blade and I never had any complaints. I like 154CM, but on basic Leatherman models, their 420 blades are easy to keep sharp and they keep the prices affordable for the average Joe. I've also been using various SAK's throughout the years without any complaints and they don't come with high-end steels either. If they get dull, I just sharpen them and there's plenty of steel left to sharpen before I have to retire the knife. If your trade requires you to do constant cutting with knives, then a higher-end blade is recommended, but for the average user looking for a small utility these Leathermans will do fine.
 
Thanks for the review. It looks like a fun replacement for a SAK. I guess I'll have to keep a classic on my keychain -- Why can't leatherman incorporate tweezers and toothpicks into all their models? Oh well... If I ever find the perfect knife, that means I'll have to stop buying them.
 
They are certainly filling a niche there. I'd love some of my favourite spydies to come with a set of heavy duty tweezers and maybe a pointy awl type tool, or maybe a cap lifter/flat head screwdriver.
 
Knife world reviewed one of the 154CM models w/o screwdrivers, just carabiner. They liked it. The reviewer often pans knives, so a positive opinion is pretty good. There were no criticisms except the handle was a little thick. Reviewer got used to it and the knife held up to a lot of use. Too small for a kitchen knife, not really for self defense, but it's not supposed to be...great for edc.
 
Yeah, the handles on the c305 are a little thick because of the implements in it, but no thicker than your average Victorinox Supertinker, etc.. It fits comfortably in the pocket of jeans or khakis
 
I saw one at Target the other day and still have a gift card from Christmas. They look interesting, but I could someone who has one let me know whether it made in the USA or outsourced? I couldn't tell real quick by looking at the box. How does it compare in weight and size to the Vic soldier SAK? Thanks!
 
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