Why does this happen?

Grant Lamontagne · **on:** October 03, 2006, 12:51:16 AM

Lately it seems that every time I get interested in a tool, it's been discontinued? I really liked the Gerber Clutch and it was done, and now I find myself fascinated with the SideClip, also discontinued. Ditto for the Kf4. Am I the touch of Death for tools? Do I only want what I can't have?

For those who don't have a SideClip, I suggest getting one anywhere you can find it. It's actually a really really good little tool. It's a full sized tool that is extremely slim, has the most important tools and is so light you will actually forget you have it in your pocket! It would be really cool to see a new one surface, maybe in aluminum or titanium, with a one handed opening blade like the Wave.... I doubt we'll see it, and if we do it's likely to be discontinued, so keep your eyes peeled!

Def

J-sews · **Reply #1 on:** October 03, 2006, 01:33:37 AM

If you don't already have one, a SideClip is definitely worth aquiring. It is a very minimalist tool, yet accomplishes most things that the bigger fatter heavier multis do.

~Bob

Grant Lamontagne · **Reply #2 on:** October 03, 2006, 02:00:14 AM

Isn't that what I said?

Def

J-sews · **Reply #3 on:** October 03, 2006, 02:19:36 AM

Sorry, one of these days I'm going to have to learn how to read! ;D

Seriously though, the SideClip has been discontinued by L'man for a few years now I believe. I'd love to see it reincarnated with locking blades and a file..........as long as they keep it as slim as it was before.

Grant Lamontagne · **Reply #4 on:** October 03, 2006, 02:34:34 AM

I was thinking that it would be a relatively simple matter to "turn" around one of the handle halves to allow a space for a one handed opening blade. It would be nice to have that diamond file instead of the thousand screwdrivers found on this and many other multis. I like to have a couple of different screwdrivers, but not at the expense of other tools. I'd happily give up two of the flatheads (or one that I have anyways!) in favor of a woodsaw and diamond file. Also, if they were to swap the can opener design to either a Victorinox/SOG type can opener, that would make up for at least part of the screwdriver loss. Or, a Victorinox type combo tool would be even better because then you'd have the can opener, bottle opener, wire stripper and screwdriver, all without extra size.

IMHO, that has always been where Leatherman keeps missing out. Their tools are often not very involved. Victorinox for example tries to fit as many different options in each implement to cover the maximum number of possibilities and situations without adding bulk. Some of the other manufacturers do this as well, either by "copying" a Victorinox type design or go to a lesser extent. Leatherman's sools seem to do their intended purpose and that's it. Seems almost like a bit of a waste to me.

Def

Grant Lamontagne · **Reply #5 on:** October 03, 2006, 02:35:29 AM

Quote from: J-sews on October 03, 2006, 02:19:36 AM

Sorry, one of these days I'm going to have to learn how to read! ;D

That's ok, I think you were just translating my rambling!

Def

LatinoHeat · **Reply #6 on:** October 03, 2006, 05:04:13 AM

Does the sideclip have those painful, sharp edged handles that the PST had, which dig into your hands when you squeeze the pliers?

J-sews · **Reply #7 on:** October 03, 2006, 05:27:34 AM

Ummmm, yes and no.

The SideClip does have the same handle-folding arrangement as the PST, where the palm of your hand goes against the inside edges of the handle when squeezing the pliers.

However, the sheet metal used to form the handles of the SideClip is 25% thicker than that of the PST. (16 gauge stainless on the SideClip, but only 18 gauge stainless on the PST.) It doesn't sound like much, but this thicker material seems to have a better edge radius on it, and doesn't dig into my palm like the old PST used to.

Grant Lamontagne · **Reply #8 on:** October 03, 2006, 12:12:59 PM

Plus the SideClip, being much lighter and thinner doesn't really make you feel like you'd want to squeeze the heck out of it. It doesn't scream "Heavy duty tool!" like some others do.

Def

LatinoHeat · **Reply #9 on:** October 04, 2006, 03:09:27 PM

Great, NOW I want a sideclip!!! I've become a multitoolaholic, the friggin multitool itch is flaring and I need to scratch it. THANKS ALOT guys!!! Bunch of enablers. LOL!!!

Grant Lamontagne · **Reply #10 on:** October 04, 2006, 03:15:11 PM

About to get worse... I'll be posting my review of the SideClip real soon...
Def

parnass · **Reply #11 on:** October 04, 2006, 03:19:00 PM

Quote from: Defender on October 03, 2006, 12:51:16 AM

Lately it seems that every time I get interested in a tool, it's been discontinued? ...

Consider the advantage -- You can find better prices on discontinued items.

Grant Lamontagne · **Reply #12 on:** October 04, 2006, 03:22:42 PM

Only until everyone else realizes they want them... then the price can go wayyyy up!
Def

joebw · **Reply #13 on:** October 04, 2006, 05:50:05 PM

A good alternative to the Sideclip is the Kick with the optional clip. A comparison is as follows

Sideclip
Needlenose Pliers
Regular Pliers
Wire Cutters
Hard-Wire Cutters
Drop-Point Knife
8 in. / 20 cm Ruler
Small Screwdriver
Medium Screwdriver
Large Screwdriver
Phillips Screwdriver
Can / Bottle Opener
Clip
Lanyard Attachment

Kick
Needlenose Pliers
Regular Pliers
Wire Cutters
Hard-Wire Cutters
Clip-Point Knife
Large Screwdriver
Small Screwdriver
Phillips Screwdriver
Ruler (8 inch/19 cm)
Bottle/Can Opener
Wire Stripper
Lanyard Attachment

Best - Joe