SAK vs PST

[Gareth]

First of I'm going to have to admit that the SAK here is one of my own mods that I call a Master Mechanic.  As someone (Ben) pointed out it has a near identical tool line up to a PST.  To find a standard SAK with all these tools you would have to get a Craftsman which is a bit bigger as it includes a wood saw and scissors.  That said most of what I'm looking at are the individual tools.  So lets look at how they compare.


The Pliers:  This is a no brainer, the PST wins hands down.  I know I've (and others) have said elsewhere the grip is uncomfortable (and it is) but it can still be used as a full sized pair of pliers, the SAK just isn't in the same league.  Also the wire cutter can at least be seen without the use of a magnifying glass.


The Files:  A but closer this one but I would say I prefer the SAK.  I can't remember what I was filing but I seems to have been able to wear the teeth on the PST into uselessness, and as I have barely ever used the thing this doesn't seem to be great.  As to the SAK file I prefer the newer style over the old one myself.  Like I say very close and wouldn't be a deal breaker either way for me.


The Blades:  The SAK has 2:1 over the PST here.  The PST's blade is fine, takes a good edge, it's long enough for working with etc.  The only draw back is just what a PITA it is to get to, open the handles up, pull out the blade, push back all the tools you didn't want, close the handles.  I hadn't realised that the main blades on SAK's and PST's are effectively exactly the same size.   As for the SAK you get two options, big and small.  For me it's the ease of access that really wins it for the SAK, find the nail-nick and open, you have a knife.  The fact you have a second blade is just icing on the cake for me.  SAK the winner in this one.


Bottle/Can Opener:  Again I'm going to go for the SAK here,  simple because they have the best can opener (IMO) on any multi-tool.  Nothing wrong with the PST however, it works.  Lets be fair, it's not often that I have to use a can opener on a multi and if I did the PST would cover it.  As for getting into beers, both work.  Enough said I think.


The Phillips:  This one goes to the PST.  Leatherman really do make a good driver.  It fits both Phillips and Pozidrive head well and the fact it sits in-line, as well as being able to use the opposite leg for extra torque, gives the PST an easy victory.  Not that the SAK is bad.  The back mounted Phillips works fine, but the t-bar only position and the lack of reach works against it.  The saving grace is the small driver on the can opener, it help to make the SAK a versatile tool that can still manage most screws.
 

Flat Drivers:  A very close call.  The PST's drivers are better formed (squarer edges) and perhaps a better size range.  I do feel the largest is just a bit to thick though.  The SAK have the upper hand due to the ease of access again.  Gut feeling is for the PST, but ask me again tomorrow and I may give a different answer.


The Awl:  This may sound a bit personal but I have always been left bewildered by what Leatherman call an awl.  What is this blunt, chunky bit of metal for?  The SAK wins this one, being pointy and having a sharp edge means that this can mark and even cut through softer materials making this a tool, rather than just a poky thing.


The Size:  The PST is a full half inch longer and is also flatter and wider.  I think that if you can carry a four layer SAK in your pocket then you won't have any issues carrying the PST.  The P quite fairly stands for Pocket.  This still may be one of the great strengths of the PST compared to more modern Leathermans.


The Conclusion:  It's pretty simple really, if you are going to really use the pliers a lot then the PST is the only option.  If however the blades are your main tool then the SAK would be the one to go for.  Other than that each have their own strengths and weaknesses as I have outlined above, it's really up to you as to what you think is most important to your own needs.  Ben, I hope this helps.

[Mr. Whippy]

Excellent review.  I agree with the conclusion as well.

2 Wenger points:  For me, the Wenger bottle opener is the best, bar none.  Even better than the Vic version.  Something about the shape I think. 

Also, the slip joint pliers on the Wenger SAKs is slightly more versatile than the Vic version.  I also prefer the Wenger version of the wire cutter/stripper.  For electrical type work (small wire work) I prefer the S557 to the Vic SAKs or LMs.  When cable type work is involved, I have to reach for the Gerber cable cutter--by default.

[Gareth]

Excellent review.  I agree with the conclusion as well.

2 Wenger points:  For me, the Wenger bottle opener is the best, bar none.  Even better than the Vic version.  Something about the shape I think. 

Also, the slip joint pliers on the Wenger SAKs is slightly more versatile than the Vic version.  I also prefer the Wenger version of the wire cutter/stripper.  For electrical type work (small wire work) I prefer the S557 to the Vic SAKs or LMs.  When cable type work is involved, I have to reach for the Gerber cable cutter--by default.

I agree that the Wenger bottle opener is better than the standard Vic one.  That said I like the Vic combo tool even more, it may be an average (a best) can opener but it is a fantastic cap lifter. 

I really need to get a good look at Wenger's pliers they do look to be better thought out, but I thought the same about their scissors and was disappointed. 

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

Bloody great comparison mate

Really enjoyed it

[cliosguy]

great review mate

[Leatherman123]

Top notch comparison, I disagree with you regarding the file though.. In my experience, the Vic files chip this wear out quicker because their made of casehardened steel.. 

[Neil]

A very complete comparison Gareth   

I have to say I'd go with the PST's file as well as it has its teeth right to the tip, which is something I find very useful when try to clean corrosion from battery compartment terminals.

Neil

[Gareth]

Fair comments on the files guys, although I believe the newer style (not shown) of Vics file isn't case hardened.  Don't ask me to find a reference for that though as I'm sure it came from over on SOSAK and the search function is the stuff of nightmares. 

[Sean]

Nice review.    I really enjoy carrying my Vic Skipper I received in trade with Crouton.  It definitely has a large enough lightly scalloped blade and I really quite enjoy those small pliers it's equipt with as well.  I do find the drivers a little slippery when using the flat head but all in all a very nice alternative to carrying pliers around at times.

[cliosguy]

this review reminded me that i need to get me a craftsman

[Leatherman123]

My Handyman has the newer stile file. i think it's still casehardend, but it's a lot "stiffer" than the previous SAK file and it's a lot sharper. It reminds me of the Spirit's file! 

[nuphoria]

Good points there indeed. For me, I love the idea of having the SAK pliers in a slimish tool but if I really want pliers I carry something a bit bigger like the paratool. When I can live without them, a SAK wins hands down for me.

 

[Gareth]

My Handyman has the newer stile file. i think it's still casehardend, but it's a lot "stiffer" than the previous SAK file and it's a lot sharper. It reminds me of the Spirit's file! 

Fair enough but I think my point about the fact that my PST file is now useless still stands.  I am from an engineering background and don't in any way abuse my tools, but the PST file is now totally blunt after almost no use.  I wish I could remember exactly what I used it on, but in the end I'm still not impressed.

[Leatherman123]

Oh, I see what you mean...

[J-sews]

Good comparison of the awls Gareth, both in your text and the photos. Just my opinion, but Leatherman didn't learn to make an awl properly until the Core and Surge came out.

[Poncho65]

Good comparison of the awls Gareth, both in your text and the photos. Just my opinion, but Leatherman didn't learn to make an awl properly until the Core and Surge came out.

I do like the Core awl better but I carry a SuperTool and the awl is the same just a shade larger and I have never been failed by that style of awl in what I personally have asked of it

Saying that though. the review was superb Gareth I really enjoyed the read and it seem very non biased Clearly we know you are a SAK guy but you gave the PST the benefit of the doubt and for that I  you

[Ben X]

You are a saint Gareth 
I said it over in the other thread, and I'll say it again, thanks a million for the info and especially the shots! There's going the extra mile, and then there's this!

[Gareth]

You are a saint Gareth 
I said it over in the other thread, and I'll say it again, thanks a million for the info and especially the shots! There's going the extra mile, and then there's this!

You're very welcome Ben.  It's fun to do these things sometimes.