Best Leatherman Sheath?

[turnsouth]

The low quality sheaths are a reflection of Leatherman's confidence in their market position: they can throw in a cheap sheath as an afterthought and the masses will buy their product  I'm not sure which is more depressing; Leatherman or the masses.

The sheath should be a good as the tool!

This could be argued if LM's were only sold in the US, with their estimated 55% market share. But we have to take into account the 81 other countries where they are sold. With worldwide sales in mind, they really aren't in a place to be complacent in what people will buy. Especially in European countries where it's an uphill challenge against the Swiss.

[cerbera147]

I quite like the one that came with my k502x knife  Although the attachments at the back could be better.


Also quite fond of the Juice sheath and I'm sure the molle sheath is pretty good too.

[turnsouth]

I quite like the one that came with my k502x knife 

I was thinking the same thing. They really seem to be a good quality sheath. 

[shamus]

We used to have a bunch of different sheaths and now we’re trying to narrow them down to designs that fit more than 2 or three models.

 I can see the cost-benefit of having one sheath fit many tools, but but I prefer my sheath to fit the tool. If I need a bigger sheath to accommodate bits and things, then I can always buy another sheath.

Leatherman is always innovating their tools and trying new things. This a very good thing.  To give LM credit, I think their innovating at a rate exponentially higher than their Swiss counterparts. You don't see Victorinox trying things like the Juice, Skeletool, Crunch, etc.

For the most part, LM tools have improved in design as times goes on, but, imho,  the sheath designs have regressed. The sheaths went from being designed to fit the tool, to being pancake style pouches that are too bulky (unless you shove some bits in there, or a flashlight, or your lunch,   ).

Take a look at the original PST sheath:  dead simple, made well from thick leather and sturdy snaps instead of velcro, and they're still around doing their job.  The ingeniousness of the design lay in its simplicity and sturdy construction.  And there's a lot of love for that sheath.

So my preferences and bias lay in sheaths designed to fit their respective tool. But LM's  market research and cost-benefit analysis points in the opposite direction. *shrugs*

[turnsouth]

For the most part, LM tools have improved in design as times goes on, but, imho,  the sheath designs have regressed. The sheaths went from being designed to fit the tool, to being pancake style pouches that are too bulky...

I think a lot of that is a combination of:

• First: Lack of feedback from the customer. Just in my personal experience, I either like the sheath it came with, or go and buy something else. Never really thinking about complaining about it. But this is changing, mostly (I think), because of the near 27,000 LM fans on FaceBook have made LM more aware that sheaths can be quit personal.
• Second: Designers looking at sheaths as "Just a place to hold a well made tool"

...(unless you shove some bits in there, or a flashlight, or your lunch,   ).

 

[AHB]

Especially in European countries where it's an uphill challenge against the Swiss.

Is that a documented fact..??    Everyone I speak to knows Leatherman, but have to be explained about the Vic/Wenger MTs..

Take a look at the original PST sheath:  dead simple, made well from thick leather and sturdy snaps instead of velcro, and they're still around doing their job.

Exactly how SOG makes their sheaths today.. 

[turnsouth]

Especially in European countries where it's an uphill challenge against the Swiss.

Is that a documented fact..??    Everyone I speak to knows Leatherman, but have to be explained about the Vic/Wenger MTs..

I'm also taking into consideration SAK's. Just guessing from the sales figures. Victorinox published as 25.7 million knives a year, Leatherman 3.1 million (no official sales figures published, but estimated from the "12,000 tools a day" in the Leatherman Factory Tour Video)

An illustration from a FB user (not sure where in the world this is, but topical nonetheless):

"I have two 1-week old Leathermans and being a vic user for more than 2 decades, I've been comparing both brands in the past week I've been EDC'ing my Juice S2. After 6 days, I told my wife that for my purposes, the vic can do what the LMs can. But this afternoon, my sister's car broke down and I did things only my LMs could do! I was so happy with my LM that I brought it to the dinner table and showed it to everyone. Now, I think my dad wants one too!"

[Threeme2189]

I don't know about the rest of Europe and Asia, but here in Israel almost everyone knows what a Leatherman is.
Not that everyone has one, because they're expensive.
I guess they catch on because serving in the army is mandatory here.

[Xelkos]

Best overall Leatherman sheath...

Leather Charge


Charge TTi, Serac S2, Exotac nonoStiker, JSews Charge Saw

[colinoutdoors]

Best overall Leatherman sheath...

Leather Charge

I agree, love the Charge Leather sheath, nice setup you have there.