Leatherman Pulse

[Mercury]

That was the issue. You either loved the locking system or hated it. I love it, but to be honest and frank, the newer locking system is far more ergonomic and easier to use. It had its day, and now we are past it.

Agreed, the locks are a real issue for some folks.  Personally I really like them though.

Remember though Mercury that the PST bloodline runs from PST-PST II-Pulse up until 2004 where they are then all replaced by the Kick/Fuse/Blast group.  I'd say the only real step backwards was moving from the rolled edge of the Pulse to the Zytel of the newer tools.  Not that I think the Zytel doesn't work, but I do prefer the rolled edge.

Oh I agree.  The only drawback of the zytel line is the thickness.  The pulse is about the same size as the kick, but has all but one of the blast's tools, missing only the saw.  For my current needs at work, the slimness of the pulse beats the blast out for belt carry, while the tool loadout and locks beat out the kick.  Both my blast and kick are currently in my EDC bag, because sometimes I need two tools at a time while working on my fleet at work. 

My wife laughs when I say this, but the pulse is exactly what I have been looking for in an EDC MT.  I saw one over a year ago and have been pining for one ever since. 

I don't understand the move to zytel completely.  If they were willing to put rolled edges on the ST300, why have zytel at all?  I know, I know, Zytel came into play 6 years ago, but maybe LM will see the light and make a replacement for the blast and model it after the pulse and ST300 combined. 

Footnote, the datestamp on my pulse is 1000. 

[Charger]

Same here. 1000!

[Mercury]

Same here. 1000!

Sweet!  I think it's a sweet datestamp to have, as dorky as that sounds.  Here are some pics.  Sorry for the bad quality, I only have my Blackberry at the moment, so so Hi res.  One day I will get a good camera...

[loepis]

Congrats Mercury, nice Pulse indeed 

[Mercury]

This thing disappears on my belt, and I really like it overall.  I love the quality of the older LM's.  I have used the blade and scissors a lot since I got it, and the lock system doesn't seem to be any slower or more cumbersome than the newer ones. 

[DaveK]

That was the issue. You either loved the locking system or hated it. I love it, but to be honest and frank, the newer locking system is far more ergonomic and easier to use. It had its day, and now we are past it.

Agreed, the locks are a real issue for some folks.  Personally I really like them though.

Remember though Mercury that the PST bloodline runs from PST-PST II-Pulse up until 2004 where they are then all replaced by the Kick/Fuse/Blast group.  I'd say the only real step backwards was moving from the rolled edge of the Pulse to the Zytel of the newer tools.  Not that I think the Zytel doesn't work, but I do prefer the rolled edge.

Oh I agree.  The only drawback of the zytel line is the thickness.  The pulse is about the same size as the kick, but has all but one of the blast's tools, missing only the saw.  For my current needs at work, the slimness of the pulse beats the blast out for belt carry, while the tool loadout and locks beat out the kick.  Both my blast and kick are currently in my EDC bag, because sometimes I need two tools at a time while working on my fleet at work. 

My wife laughs when I say this, but the pulse is exactly what I have been looking for in an EDC MT.  I saw one over a year ago and have been pining for one ever since. 

I don't understand the move to zytel completely.  If they were willing to put rolled edges on the ST300, why have zytel at all?  I know, I know, Zytel came into play 6 years ago, but maybe LM will see the light and make a replacement for the blast and model it after the pulse and ST300 combined. 

Footnote, the datestamp on my pulse is 1000. 

The Zytel is an interesting thing to consider isn't it. I can see why it was used I think.....

My top pros and cons of Zytel liners in Leatherman tools:

Pro's

- Light;
- Comfortable as flexes slightly when really torquing down on something;
- Looks cool (well I think so);
- Accommodates the newer, much thicker LM components, where rolling the steel edges would require the Kick to be sort of ST300 thickness!

Cons

- Traps moisture between liner and steel handle - can get a bit horrible in there.
- More easily damaged than rolled steel edges.

On balance, I think the Zytel has it's place, personally I can take it or leave it

[Chako]

My bigget beef with zytel, depending on the specific tool (and not the model), sometimes the underside is very sharp as they only rounded the outside contact area, and not the inside area. Some Leatherman's with Zytel liners, are not much better then the old PST for cutting into the hand. This does not happen all the time, but with enough frequency to make it worrysome. Of all my Zytel liner tools, I have 3 to 4 that are like this. The rest are ok.

[DaveK]

Yes, I've heard of this, but don't seem to have any like it - I do like the comfort that Zytel adds.

[Mercury]

Yes, I've heard of this, but don't seem to have any like it - I do like the comfort that Zytel adds.

My kick does it a little, but my Blast is really comfortable.  I just like how slim the pulse is.  If I had the space, I would put the blast back on my belt but it just looks weird on my new work uniform.

[Gareth]

My bigget beef with zytel, depending on the specific tool (and not the model), sometimes the underside is very sharp as they only rounded the outside contact area, and not the inside area. Some Leatherman's with Zytel liners, are not much better then the old PST for cutting into the hand. This does not happen all the time, but with enough frequency to make it worrysome. Of all my Zytel liner tools, I have 3 to 4 that are like this. The rest are ok.

It's easily fixed though, all you need is a sharp knife or a bit of smooth sandpaper.  But I do agree that it makes the world of difference when the inside edge isn't sharp.

[Mercury]

After EDCing this pulse for a month now, I am still smitten with it.  It is very functional and I have totally gotten used to the locks.  They are second nature now.  I have definitely decided it will never leave my rotation.  Few tools can boast that accomplishment.   

[wvucyclist]

I guess I have the linage in my collection, PST-PSTII(brand new, got it today)-Fuse.  I added the file to the fuse, but it's not a diamond coated one  .  It's all give and take.  I like the lock and tools on the Fuse, but don't like the bulkiness or the zyrtel.  I like the rolled edges and the diamond coated file on the Pulse, plus it's smaller than the Fuse at the same weight, but the locks aren't quick and easy as they are on the fuse.  Both have play in the tools when locked, which is annoying, especially with the knife.  Onto the PST II, it has the largest scissors, is 30 grams lighter, and is thinner, the downside is no locking tools, and sharper edges to the handles.  For now, the PST II is my favorite, and I'm going to see how I can go about adding a clip to it.  Sorry for those looking, while the PST II is going to be the EDC, the Pulse isn't going up for sale.