Leatherman Style CS - Different "Blades"

[N_N_R]

Does anyone know why there are different types of blades on the Style CS?

This one has three "holes"/ one thumb-something, may be?



That one (like mine) doesn't have the larger "hole":

[Steinar]

I guess one of the experts will clarify, but I would guess the thumb-hole was for one-handed opening, thus making the blade illegal for EDC in e.g. Denmark, and the nail-nick therefore was for those markets. 

[N_N_R]

I guess one of the experts will clarify, but I would guess the thumb-hole was for one-handed opening, thus making the blade illegal for EDC in e.g. Denmark, and the nail-nick therefore was for those markets. 

Hm... sounds logic 

[getahl]

If memory serves, the one with the thumbhole was a promo pic, with a few prototypes floating around. One even escaped the factory and is in the hands of one of our own (sorry, can't recall who has it, but it's a beaut).

Unless LM has decided to change the CS in the last couple months, the one with the nail nick is the production model.

[N_N_R]

If memory serves, the one with the thumbhole was a promo pic, with a few prototypes floating around. One even escaped the factory and is in the hands of one of our own (sorry, can't recall who has it, but it's a beaut).

Unless LM has decided to change the CS in the last couple months, the one with the nail nick is the production model.

I see... thanks.

Btw, the tweezers also are/look different.

[Gareth]

Yeah, the 'thumb hole' was never actually released and was only ever a prototype.  That said there has indeed been one that ended up in the hands of one of our members.

Here is the preview that Grant and Bob got of the prototype back in 2010.

[Gareth]

And here is the thread where the factory escapee surfaced.

[MultiMat]

I would love to retro fit the OHO hole too one of my CS's  . The thing putting me off is I think you would still see/have the nail nick & that would look a bit naff 

[N_N_R]

Thanks for the replies! I feel enlightened now *goodme*

[tattoosteve99]

I think that those holes could be milled in with a carbide bit or end mill. Unless the width o the blade is bigger.

[Heinz Doofenshmirtz]

I'd be a lot happier with the CS if it had a decent blade.  The one in mine can't seem to hold an edge for more than a few uses, and it's hard to get a good edge on it, and I'm pretty proficient at sharpening. 

I'd gladly pay more for a CS with a larger blade, as there's room in the frame for about another 1/4" of blade, an OHO hole, and a better steel for the blade.  I'm not asking for VG10 or S30V or anything... even 8Cr13 would be better than the stock blade in them now.  The reason I stopped carrying my CS was that I use a blade pretty frequently along with scissors, and I just couldn't tolerate the POS stock blade the CS has.

(And I certainly wouldn't mind a more capable and finer point phillips driver either!  )