Observations on EDCing the Core

turnsouth · **on:** October 31, 2009, 04:41:42 AM

Lately I have started collecting Cores. I had always meant to get one (or more), and with the introduction of the ST 300, prices on them have become quite reasonable.

Today was my first day carrying the Core, and I am pleasantly surprised. My usual EDC MT, for the last couple of years, has been a Wave, but I bought one of those Core-Crater combos and took the knife to work yesterday in my pocket, and to be honest, I had not realized how reluctant I had become to pull my Wave out of the sheath to use the knife. Having a one handed folder and MT combination was my main goal in carrying the Wave, but with the new knife in my pocket, I found myself using it much more than I ever did the knife on the Wave. I'm definitely going back to carrying a folder in my pocket everyday.

There is another reason I want to move to the Core, I tax the Wave pliers more than I should, and the pivot joint is starting to get loose.

So since I decided to carry the knife from now on, I started wearing the Core, instead of the Wave. I'm going to give the different sheaths a try over the next couple of weeks and see how they work out. I went with the nylon “pancake” sheath first. I had originally put it on horizontally, but had to change after about half an hour. I tend to keep my belt tight and I found in the horizontal configuration, with its five inches of straightness, made me feel like I had a plank between my belt and pants. I switched it to vertical, and it turned out to be very comfortable. It rides a little higher than the Wave, but it feels more like it is hugging my side than rubbing it.

Here are some pros and cons of the sheath thus far:

Pros:

-Slim profile- doesn't get caught up when working close to something.

-Tapered sides- because of its “pancake” design it tapers on the outside edges, giving it a closer fit, and less front and rear surface area.

-Holds tool snugly- no flopping around in the sheath.

Cons:

-Six square inches of Velcro- makes you feel like everyone is looking to see what “that” sound was... I may have to replace it with some snaps.

-Stiffness- tool goes in and out with some extra effort (I'm sure this will improve with use).

-Closure flap- due to the stiffness of the nylon, combined with the thickness of the tool, the edges of the flap “lift” away from the sheath, this may improve with use. I had worried the these edges would catch on things, but haven't found that to be a problem yet. And this may be entirely resolved if I replace the Velcro with snaps.

As far as the weight of the Core goes, I noticed it just a little more than the Wave, but before the Wave I carried a Super Tool, so it is something that I'm accustomed to. It felt very "at home" on my belt, and when I did use it I did not feel like I was pushing it beyond its limits.

I'll post more on the tool as it gets used, and as I use the other sheaths (leather and Molle).

turnsouth

Poncho65 · **Reply #1 on:** October 31, 2009, 04:49:32 AM

I would really like to hear how it goes with the Core

I am carrying the ST300 and love it I have carried the Core some but never warmed up to it

Can't wait to hear more and see which sheath u go with

jim guy · **Reply #2 on:** October 31, 2009, 04:51:26 AM

yep i like the core too!

Smitty44 · **Reply #3 on:** October 31, 2009, 05:04:07 AM

I prefer the working tools on the Core more than the Wave,and let us know how the snaps work out if you do that mod.

EZ822 · **Reply #4 on:** October 31, 2009, 11:20:01 AM

The Core has been my edc for 2 years and it has performed great. I carry it in the MOLLE sheath and for me it is is best carry option

django.cj · **Reply #5 on:** October 31, 2009, 04:31:16 PM

I've been carrying my Core quite a bit as well. I bought it in the Monarch light combo pack soon after I bought this house. Watching my Wave's pliers twist on tough jobs convinced me that I needed a tougher tool on hand.

I love the Core's phiilps driver and serrated blade. The weight took some getting used to but now I feel naked wearing the Spirit or Wave.

The Monarch is a GREAT little light. It's so handy to have on
my side or in my watch pocket.

DaveK · **Reply #6 on:** October 31, 2009, 08:28:34 PM

Another Core appreciator. Cool

I don't know if it's been officially discontinued now the ST300 has been launched, but I suspect they'll become less easy to find in the future.

I'm stocked up just in case

gafftapegreenia · **Reply #7 on:** October 31, 2009, 09:32:26 PM

I've been EDCing a Core for over a year now. Paired with an S4 I am unstoppable.

turnsouth · **Reply #8 on:** October 31, 2009, 09:59:29 PM

Quote from: DaveK on October 31, 2009, 08:28:34 PM

Another Core appreciator. Cool

I don't know if it's been officially discontinued now the ST300 has been launched, but I suspect they'll become less easy to find in the future.

I'm stocked up just in case

By the looks of it, it hasn't been discontinued yet:

http://www.leatherman.com/multi-tools/full-size-tools/core.aspx

And I've been keeping an eye on them in the local Walmart. With hunting season coming up, they seem to be selling pretty good, and Walmart keeps restocking the peg. So as long as sales keep up, they should stay in production for some time yet

I know what you mean about being "stocked up", I call it collecting, and my wife calls it an unhealthy obsession...

turnsouth

AHB · **Reply #9 on:** October 31, 2009, 10:03:39 PM

Quote from: turnsouth on October 31, 2009, 09:59:29 PM

and my wife calls it an unhealthy obsession...
turnsouth

Don't they all..

EZ822 · **Reply #10 on:** October 31, 2009, 10:19:14 PM

Quote from: DaveK on October 31, 2009, 08:28:34 PM

Another Core appreciator. Cool

I don't know if it's been officially discontinued now the ST300 has been launched, but I suspect they'll become less easy to find in the future.

I'm stocked up just in case

I picked up a second Core off Ebay a few months ago. Used but in great condition. I wanted a back up just in case I lost my primary.

DaveK · **Reply #11 on:** October 31, 2009, 10:21:19 PM

Me too.

I just have backup for my secondary, and tertiary too

AHB · **Reply #12 on:** October 31, 2009, 10:24:10 PM

Quote from: DaveK on October 31, 2009, 10:21:19 PM

Me too.
I just have backup for my secondary, and tertiary too

That's... Erhhh... Enough said...

turnsouth · **Reply #13 on:** October 31, 2009, 10:36:07 PM

Quote from: Smitty44 on October 31, 2009, 05:04:07 AM

I prefer the working tools on the Core more than the Wave,and let us know how the snaps work out if you do that mod.

I sure will Chief.

turnsouth

turnsouth · **Reply #14 on:** October 31, 2009, 10:38:39 PM

Here are a couple of pics of the Core living in the Nylon "pancake" sheath:

From the back, here you can see what I was talking about with the horizontal "plank" effect:

And from the front, you can see what I mean about the flap not forming to the sheath:

I've decided what I'm going to do is wear it for a week, and let the nylon take a "set". Then I'm going to remove the Velcro, and put a 5/8" snap on either side just below the Leatherman label.

I'll be sure to post pictures, and information about the mod.

turnsouth

rp252 · **Reply #15 on:** November 01, 2009, 08:13:47 PM

Good stuff mate, the tools on the Core are very good. Looking forward to see how you fare with the different carry options.

getpower · **Reply #16 on:** November 02, 2009, 07:35:41 AM

Looks good man. Can't wait to hear how you like the Core and how you use it in the upcoming days.

Agree that it's a really good tool.

Kinda wish that I got mine warrntied before the ST 300 was gonna come out.

Singh · **Reply #17 on:** November 02, 2009, 01:43:46 PM

The Core is a good tool.. the best that Leatherman has right now. Awhile back I compared the Core and Swisstool RS: http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,6601.msg118039.html#msg118039.

Gareth · **Reply #18 on:** November 02, 2009, 04:40:58 PM

Quote from: shamus on November 02, 2009, 01:43:46 PM

The Core is a good tool.. the best that Leatherman has right now. Awhile back I compared the Core and Swisstool RS: http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,6601.msg118039.html#msg118039.

I missed that first time around, nicely put.

turnsouth · **Reply #19 on:** November 02, 2009, 04:56:23 PM

Quote from: shamus on November 02, 2009, 01:43:46 PM

The Core is a good tool.. the best that Leatherman has right now. Awhile back I compared the Core and Swisstool RS: http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,6601.msg118039.html#msg118039.

Good review, I can see what you mean about the file, but I'm a pessimist and keep that attitude with all the fold-out tools. If it's a worn file, or a chip in the blade, or even a bent screwdriver, I always keep at least one duplicate tool in reserve, so I can send the worn/broken one off for repair.

Poncho65 · **Reply #20 on:** November 03, 2009, 12:09:47 AM

Quote from: getpower on November 02, 2009, 07:35:41 AM

Looks good man. Can't wait to hear how you like the Core and how you use it in the upcoming days.

Agree that it's a really good tool.

Kinda wish that I got mine warrntied before the ST 300 was gonna come out.

Tell them you really like it and don't wanna part with it

They sent me my Core back fixed just last month as I said I didn't want a Surge as a replacement

the ST300 was already out so I figured I would get 1 of those but glad I got my Core back

joebw · **Reply #21 on:** November 03, 2009, 12:52:51 AM

Hi All,

Yes, the Core is a great tool. However, the SuperTool 300 is, in fact, an upgraded Core and blows the socks off the Core in my view.

Best - Joe

Poncho65 · **Reply #22 on:** November 03, 2009, 03:52:38 AM

Quote from: joebw on November 03, 2009, 12:52:51 AM

Hi All,

Yes, the Core is a great tool. However, the SuperTool 300 is, in fact, an upgraded Core and blows the socks off the Core in my view.

Best - Joe

I agree Joe I love my ST300 and carry it everyday

I am glad to have kept the Core mainly because it is or at least will be in the near future a retired LM

For some reason I can't quite warm up to it or the ST200

I like the first in it's line and the last

Farmer · **Reply #23 on:** November 04, 2009, 01:45:58 PM

Poncho I couldnt agree with you more. The original and the 300 are excellent IMO. I would probably like the 200 more if didnt have the thumb locks and used the original locking system. Guess with would only be an original with curved grips then though.

Singh · **Reply #24 on:** November 05, 2009, 01:33:29 PM

Quote

The original and the 300 are excellent IMO.

I have an original Supertool and it's great. It lives in semi-retirement in the toolbox but is still used aorund the house qute a bit.

I had a Core, but replaced it with the Swisstool RS (which is my main MT). The new ST300 looks very promising, and it's good that Leatherman dropped the plastic inserts.

DaveK · **Reply #25 on:** November 05, 2009, 03:11:51 PM

Quote from: shamus on November 05, 2009, 01:33:29 PM

......and it's good that Leatherman dropped the plastic inserts.

What makes you say that Shamus? I think the Zytel makes a positive difference, moreso on the Kick and Blast, but I don't find it to be a problem on the Core.

Poncho65 · **Reply #26 on:** November 05, 2009, 11:46:09 PM

Quote from: DaveK on November 05, 2009, 03:11:51 PM

Quote from: shamus on November 05, 2009, 01:33:29 PM
......and it's good that Leatherman dropped the plastic inserts.

What makes you say that Shamus? I think the Zytel makes a positive difference, moreso on the Kick and Blast, but I don't find it to be a problem on the Core.

I have never had any problem with the Zytel on my Core or Blast

Singh · **Reply #27 on:** November 06, 2009, 12:52:49 PM

What makes you say that Shamus?

Personal preference really. The plastic inserts make the tool thicker than what is should be and not as strong as it's supposed to be. I like all-steel in my tools.

django.cj · **Reply #28 on:** November 06, 2009, 02:17:49 PM

Quote from: shamus on November 06, 2009, 12:52:49 PM

What makes you say that Shamus?

Personal preference really. The plastic inserts make the tool thicker than what is should be and not as strong as it's supposed to be. I like all-steel in my tools.

The tools really determine the thickness. The zytel just fills in the corresponding space on top.

I think the reaction against the inserts is purely emotional. If it actually caused weakness, it would have failed for at least someone on these boards.

My Core is in mu EDC rotation with my Spirit. Sadly my Wave hasn't had much work lately. This economy is tough on everyone, man and tool alike.

DaveK · **Reply #29 on:** November 06, 2009, 04:27:24 PM

That's true about the thickness django. The Zytel on teh Core does act as a spacer at the plier end of the tool, but is actually very thin along the length of the handle - doesn't add much thickness at all really.

What it does do is act as a sort of shock absorber, making the tool a bit more comfortable than one that uses steel spacers (e.g. the Mini).

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