Who still uses a Leatherman OST (Original Super Tool?)

I have maybe 3 or 4 of them. Good MTs that are still viable today. The only real downside, for me, which is not that big of a deal, is how you have to open a 2nd blade to get the first one closed. But otherwise, good stuff.
 
Wardo46 said:
I'm not 100% certain but I think it's only the original Gerber Multi-plier that is known as "Mr. Pinchy." Someone feel free to correct me if I'm wrong. :foot:
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I brought the point up several years ago about the Gerber 600, and now that you mention it, I remember that my Gerber 400 pinches as well. The guys on the forum all lamented the "pinch factor" of some of the Gerber designs. I developed a way to use them without having to deal with the pinching issue (although both still bite me occasionally), so for right now, they're getting occasional use.

My Gerber 400 was a gift from my dad in the late 1990's, and it's a great design overall, but the damn thing will breed blood blisters quick if you're not careful.

~Chris
 
I got one too, and the 300. To me when I think Leatherman, it's the quintessential super tool in form and function. But, I hate the locking system ultimately. I love the tool selection is perfect. I will still keep it and it's a good emergency tool in a car or home, but for everyday use I can't. I constantly need to switch between tools for my work and it just isn't conducive to efficiency nor safety.

I'm now contemplating the wave, surge or one of the juice models. The outside knife is a game changer for multi tools imo.
 
I still use mine that I got the year they released them and it survived a trip to Iraq. Today it is in my hunting gear and sees regular use around the house as I have the bit-adapter kit for it. I don't like the 2nd Gen Wave as much as the OST.
 
kaput said:
I got one too, and the 300. To me when I think Leatherman, it's the quintessential super tool in form and function. But, I hate the locking system ultimately. I love the tool selection is perfect. I will still keep it and it's a good emergency tool in a car or home, but for everyday use I can't. I constantly need to switch between tools for my work and it just isn't conducive to efficiency nor safety.

I'm now contemplating the wave, surge or one of the juice models. The outside knife is a game changer for multi tools imo.
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I must agree that the original Super Tool implement set was perfect. However, after 9 years of great service out of my OST, I replaced it with a Charge TTi for all the above reasons. That was 7 years ago and the TTi and accessories are still my main work kit. But I still have occasional use for a Super Tool 300, like when I expect some heavy duty likely, because it is more comfortable for sustained use, and of course, a Micra for the scissors and extras. Frankly, in times of emergency, like we have had in our area a few times, I feel better equipped with the ST300. But for the day to day, I'm all TTi.
 
Don't have a Super Tool 300 yet. Want one, but cannot afford one yet. Maybe sometime this year.
 
I just got a ST300 at the blue home improvement store for half off, and will be trying it out on the jobsite this week. I don't see use for the serrated blade or mainblade really unless I need to scrape something rough I can't reach with my utility knife. But I like the feel of it, and it's going to be better than my Rev for sure. Sadly I can't use the horizontal carry option, or sheath in general, with my overalls I work in, but the sheath will be nice for when I'm working elsewhere in jeans. I can almost flip it open after 4 hours of owning it, some mineral oil and working it open should have it ship shape by tomorrow. Idk if it will be an EDC, it depends on what LM does with my busted Fuse. I'll keep you in the loop however, figured it would be good to hear all the nitpicking and raving I come up with to compare to the OST.


Connor
 
My daughter got me the original leatherman many years ago & I carried it every day until a few years ago, when I bought a Gerber Legend. The Leatherman is simpler, smaller, lighter, takes up a lot less room & does just about anything the big Gerber does, but if you're going to use the pliers/side cutter alot, (I do.), then the big, fat, heavy Gerber is better.

The old Leatherman, along with the leather holder that still bears the chew marks of a long gone lab puppy, still gets some use in my range bag.
 
Agree 100%. Bothe are great tools but the Gerber and its spring assist can't be beat for long cutting sessions.

IMG_20160407_082240_809_zpsgp1nufdz.jpg


Better than LM and as good as SOG for heavy cutting.

IMG_20160331_181807_635_zpsbt6uaviz.jpg


And the replaceable cutters rock!
 
I still have one of the original Super Tools. I keep in in the console of my SUV.

I don't think you'll like it for retail, because the blade is what you'll use most and with the old ST you have to unfold it to get to the blade. I suggest you get something that has a blade you can deploy with one hand. I have a Leatherman Charge TTi which is very expensive. To save money get something like a Kershaw assisted pocket knife and carry the Super Tool on your belt for the pliers. I've picked up Kershaw assisted knives for less than $20 at my local Big 5 Sporting Goods and they stay sharp pretty well.
 
Supertool is workibg great so far, I will complain that the edge on the awl gets chewed up easily. I pried wooden plugs out of a hole saw and tore up the edge on the awl doing so. Not an issue as I only use the awl for scraping and picking, and the edge is ground in a weak way. The awl edge is very sharp and probably great for boring in wood, leather, and soft stuff, but it doesn't stand up to scraping like a SAK awl does.
Not complaining however, I didn't use it as intended.


Connor
 
The original Super Tool is fun from a retro, back in the day perspective. But from a purely utilitarian and ergonomics viewpoint, more modern MTs are superior. The "lock" on the Super Tool is pretty rudimentary, and the sharp edges of the handle are a pain. Its like my 1969 Chevy CST-10 truck: it is fun for the retro experience, but a dinosaur compared to a '16 Silverado.

Gratuituous pic:

20160502_103137.jpg
 
Got a gaggle of LM tools and like them all. I have and use an OST as well as a ST200 and, of course the ST300 - can;t go wrong with any of them but they all have their advantages and unique characteristics.
 
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