The Genus Owners Thread

[AHB]

Thanks to Dan (cerbera147) for providing the link to Amazon.de, I just got the LM Genus in the mail yesterday. 
Not only is the Genus an incredible piece of engineering, I also got it for 1/3 of the Danish retail price.. 
The Fit and finish of the tool is just perfect, so it would be a shame actually using it.. 
Oh, and thanks to DaveK & Bob for pushing me over the edge with their praise too.. Here's the link to Bob's review: Click..     


 




Since it's discontinued, get one while you can.. 

[DaveK]

Go cut stuff up with it!

[Chako]

I had a friend over to take a look at the MT/SAK collection. He loves gardening and is always out in his back yard doing something with plants. Well he fell in love with the Genus right away and ignored the other two twig cutters. It certainly means business.

[J-sews]

Congrats to all you fellow Genus admirers! I still maintain that this is the best built multitool ever. I could go on and on about how great it is.

[Raukodur]

need some compound leverage on that head to really snap through those branches.

[Metropolicity]

Necro thread.


SOON TO BE A GENUS OWNER!


Well, after I am done with it...REAPER OWNER!

[J-sews]

Congrats on finally tracking one down Eric! (sorry I wasn't able to help) I'll be looking forward to hearing what you think about it.

[Metropolicity]

Congrats on finally tracking one down Eric! (sorry I wasn't able to help) I'll be looking forward to hearing what you think about it.

Have to cast a wide net to catch all

It'll be in my hands soon! I even managed to get myself a couple of those diamond coated wrenches. I also picked up a new Felco blade for it. 

Time to myself a new skinth Quick Draw.

[AHB]

Congrats Eric.. It's a real workhorse and despite what I wrote back then it really earns its keep around the garden..

[Metropolicity]

Congrats Eric.. It's a real workhorse and despite what I wrote back then it really earns its keep around the garden..

That's what I am looking forward to doing with it.....well...sorta. I am more excited to take it apart, customize the handle tools, maybe get some parts cerakoted so it's a little less austere.


Maybe some acid green or orange.


I am just really excited to get my holy grail of MTs!

[Raukodur]

How does the Genus compare to geared cutters, which I would assume use compound leverage?

And apart from gardening, does it have any other uses with the cutter?

[Metropolicity]

How does the Genus compare to geared cutters, which I would assume use compound leverage?

And apart from gardening, does it have any other uses with the cutter?

Most gear cutters are larger and have longer handles. I have a few sets and they are wonderful.

Anything involving hoses or tubing the genus shines. Cutting zip ties too since you can get the anvil underneath it quite easily.

[Raukodur]

May I ask why it is your holy grail? It does strike me as odd that for someone who does so much modding, a niche tool like this is the grail.

[Metropolicity]

May I ask why it is your holy grail? It does strike me as odd that for someone who does so much modding, a niche tool like this is the grail.

It's is exactly that point. I can recreated nearly any load out or model of tool in the line up (and in some cases, atypical lay outs) but the Genus is unique in its application, design and quality.

I will never, in my life time, be able to build or manufacture such a product.

Since its discontinuation the hunt was also half the fun, not saying my collection is complete but a MT of this magnitude only comes around once and a while.

As your already stated, I am a modded at heart, and the plans are already in place to replace the inner tools with my own liking and sending some of the chassis to get cerakoted.

I enjoy using high end tools a lot and not often am I able to afford them

[Agonistes]

sigh.....now i want one of these, too....


why are all the amazing leatherman pruners discontinued?  why?

[Kukamunga]

Well, I finally wrangled one from eBay back in May this year and I have to say...it was TOTALLY worth it.  This is a tool I can honestly say I am completely satisfied with.  Used, but still - pricewise, a LOT better than what [ahem] some people are selling old stock new for [try $200].

It really does cut better than any pruner I've ever owned.  That and LM really worked out both the quality and design - in particular the ergonomics.  It is a seriously comfortable tool to use all day long.  Most tools like this need some kind of padding, but there's something about the Genus that just simply...rules.  Not blowing smoke.  Between the tool itself, the incredibly well designed tools-in-the-swiveling-handle, the way it fits in its sheath, to its operation...this thing is a mutha.   

The individual I bought it from -- I had to ask him after the fact if he'd left it out in the rain.  Not a big deal, as it turned out.  Found by chance a new Fein spring set and with a little clean up - it doesn't look brand new, but now used - but taken care of.  A little sharpening, a little micro lube.  Pretty much all set.

I do have a question though.  The swiveling handle is a little loosey goosey.  When you're using the pruner, it's virtually unnoticeable, but it is loose.  I tried getting other washers to either replace or add to the one at the top of the handle, but no luck.  Has anyone had this problem and done anything successfully to fix??

Anyway, I honestly look forward to using this great tool in the yard every time I go out.  Well done, LM!

Oh - a before and after pic:



This tool is a thing of beauty.

[Metropolicity]

It really does cut better than any pruner I've ever owned.

You gotta swap that blade out for a Felco #2....amazing! Best $15 upgrade you'll do.

I bought mine at Lee Valley.

I do have a question though.  The swiveling handle is a little loosey goosey.  When you're using the pruner, it's virtually unnoticeable, but it is loose.  I tried getting other washers to either replace or add to the one at the top of the handle, but no luck.  Has anyone had this problem and done anything successfully to fix??

There is a hex bolt (very small) located on the backside of the handle release button. If its not damaged, heat that sucker up and use a tight fitting hex key. That bolt holds both the button in and the handle.


There is a slight bit of play on mine as well as the recent prototype Genus I bought. Like you said..nothing really to worry about.

[Kukamunga]

Hey, thanks Metro; I appreciate your reply.  Haven't tried your fix [or the Felco], but will definitely give it a go.

Also - like your idea of the cerakote finish.  The handles on mine are somewhat beat up - so, that's not a bad idea at all.  Any reason you're not doing it yourself??  I have no clue how crappy it could turn out if I did it myself.  Complicated process?

Thanks again.

[Metropolicity]

Hey, thanks Metro; I appreciate your reply.  Haven't tried your fix [or the Felco], but will definitely give it a go.

Also - like your idea of the cerakote finish.  The handles on mine are somewhat beat up - so, that's not a bad idea at all.  Any reason you're not doing it yourself??  I have no clue how crappy it could turn out if I did it myself.  Complicated process?

Thanks again.

Quite complicated, while I maybe able to do a decent job, sometimes its easier to leave it to the professionals. It first gets shot with 100 grit media to even out the surface and remove any dirt etc, then it gets hit with a HVLP spray of cerakote and Jeff even goes in with an airbrush on those small hard to reach areas. Then it goes into an controlled oven for a predetermined amount of time.


It doesn't SOUND hard but if you saw his shop...it's quite an operation. The media blasting alone is worth the money!


I think black for the handles and acid green for the chassis, but last night I thought maybe I could go with Sentry Grey or something instead of black.

[Metropolicity]

Used the Reaper in an atypical fashion. Beerplumber once told me that he used bypass shears to cut tubing for installs. Worked great on this piece of garden hose to extended the suction pipe on our new turtle aquarium.

[Kukamunga]

You're going down a slippery slope there, Metro.  A GENUS for cutting garden hose...my, my-oh-my...

And - why are you barefoot using your Genus??  Clearly two violations in one shot.  Perhaps time for a Genus rescue from your house/shop me thinks...

i haven't checked out your fix yet, but I am still having just busloads of fun pruning.  So much so, in fact, that Genus is going on a little roadtrip with me and dog...to 'fix' all of the low-hanging branches-over-sidewalks that peoplez just can't bring themselves to cut.  Yeah - watch me!!

[Metropolicity]

You're going down a slippery slope there, Metro.  A GENUS for cutting garden hose...my, my-oh-my...

And - why are you barefoot using your Genus??  Clearly two violations in one shot.  Perhaps time for a Genus rescue from your house/shop me thinks...

i haven't checked out your fix yet, but I am still having just busloads of fun pruning.  So much so, in fact, that Genus is going on a little roadtrip with me and dog...to 'fix' all of the low-hanging branches-over-sidewalks that peoplez just can't bring themselves to cut.  Yeah - watch me!!

I am INSIDE my house


Pruners are pruners, I pruned a hose...so what?


Also...I have been doing that exact thing for a bit now...low hanging eye pokers I say.

[Kukamunga]

Added the Felco blade to Genus the other day.  I have to say, doing the pruning on the dogwalk is much faster and obviously then, much more stealthily covert.  You can't even say 'hit and run' - cuz no one even knows I was there.  It is AMAZING how little [to none] people prune the overhanging branches on their trees.  Shouldn't we have a National Prune Your Damned Tree Day??  It could coincide with National Talk Like a Pirate Day...

Next up is a sapling growing from an existing tree that is almost totally blocking the PUBLIC sidewalk.  Genus saw?  Do your stuff!  [Insert maniacal laugh here...]   

Furthering 'repair' will be a [probably] non-cerakote paint job...as I believe cerakoting is rather expensive.  Some kind of paint one of the big box stores tells me is good for anodized aluminum.  I'm a little excited!   

Anyone with paint ideas for other than cerakote?

[Metropolicity]

Added the Felco blade to Genus the other day.  I have to say, doing the pruning on the dogwalk is much faster and obviously then, much more stealthily covert.  You can't even say 'hit and run' - cuz no one even knows I was there.  It is AMAZING how little [to none] people prune the overhanging branches on their trees.  Shouldn't we have a National Prune Your Damned Tree Day??  It could coincide with National Talk Like a Pirate Day...

Next up is a sapling growing from an existing tree that is almost totally blocking the PUBLIC sidewalk.  Genus saw?  Do your stuff!  [Insert maniacal laugh here...]   

Furthering 'repair' will be a [probably] non-cerakote paint job...as I believe cerakoting is rather expensive.  Some kind of paint one of the big box stores tells me is good for anodized aluminum.  I'm a little excited!   

Anyone with paint ideas for other than cerakote?

I don't trust any other coating besides Cera now. I am going to plasti-dip the non tool handle for a more shock absorbing grip. It also comes in spray can which is much thinner but is just as grippy!

[Kukamunga]

I don't trust any other coating besides Cera now. I am going to plasti-dip the non tool handle for a more shock absorbing grip. It also comes in spray can which is much thinner but is just as grippy!

Plasti-dip isn't a bad idea.  Hmmm.  What, may I ask, are you planning on spending for a cera paint job, then?  I'm morbidly curious and somewhat ashamed that I'm thinking of my beloved Genus as simply $$$...

Eh...btw...is there somewhere on the forum et. al. that shows an ultra maroon, such as myself, how to quote - without quoting the entire previous post??  It's like rocket science for pete's sake!

[Breezy12]

Eh...btw...is there somewhere on the forum et. al. that shows an ultra maroon, such as myself, how to quote - without quoting the entire previous post??  It's like rocket science for pete's sake!

you mean like this? 

just hit the "quote" link on the post that you want to quote, then simply delete the text you don't want.  as long as you leave the quote blocks in place (the ones surrounded by [] brackets), the quote should show up fine. 

btw, I'm stalking watching this thread because I'm trying to join this exclusive club.  unfortunately, the last one I saw on ebay went for over $200. 

[Metropolicity]

Plasti-dip isn't a bad idea.  Hmmm.  What, may I ask, are you planning on spending for a cera paint job, then?  I'm morbidly curious and somewhat ashamed that I'm thinking of my beloved Genus as simply $$$...

I have a friend (Jeff Forbush) who takes care of me. It could be anywhere from $30-70 but it's guaranteed not to fade or tarnish. It's as strong as the substrate so on aluminum it's OK on steel it's just the best.

[Kukamunga]

btw, I'm stalking watching this thread because I'm trying to join this exclusive club.  unfortunately, the last one I saw on ebay went for over $200. 

Well, quotes' advice worked just fine - thanks.

Yeah; I got lucky for $85 on eBay.  All I did was used a saved search [an option they offer]...which, in turn, sent me an email when something matching went for sale.  Best of luck.  Don't know if I'd do 'two bills' for even a Genus.  Well -- brand new does make a difference.

[Breezy12]

btw, I'm stalking watching this thread because I'm trying to join this exclusive club.  unfortunately, the last one I saw on ebay went for over $200. 

Well, quotes' advice worked just fine - thanks.

Yeah; I got lucky for $85 on eBay.  All I did was used a saved search [an option they offer]...which, in turn, sent me an email when something matching went for sale.  Best of luck.  Don't know if I'd do 'two bills' for even a Genus.  Well -- brand new does make a difference.

no problem. 

I'll keep watching ebay, like I have been.  (I also use the saved searches.)  this last one that I saw was new-in-package, but still... like you said, I don't think I could justify two bills for a Genus. 

The funny thing is, I bought one for my mother as a birthday present a few years ago (when they were still in production), but never bothered to get one for myself. 

[hiljentaa]

why are all the amazing leatherman pruners discontinued?  why?

This boggles my mind as well. There are no other quality options out there for multi tool, or folding pruning shears out there.

I don't understand how LM could abandon the investment in the tooling they made for these products...