My impressions of the Leatherman Supertool 300 (Pic heavy)
I am writing this mini review on the Leatherman Supertool 300 after I have done the Leatherman Surge in:
http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,25332.0.html I am not a regular review writer and I am not going to start right now, but I would like to give my thoughts on this forum as I may reach someone who might like to know more before he makes a decision (informed) before investing in a large multitool. I don’t want to show a video or project a lot of images showing the features of this tool. You can see youtube videos showing this for yourself as there are several videos showing that. I am also of the opinion that several people try to be the first to review a multitool and then they just show what features are built in, while they have just received the tool and have not used it even. To show only the features is an overview, while a review comments. I am of the opinion some people have not enough experience in their tool before they give a review. That's why I call my review my impressions.
To set the record straight....I bought my Leathermans to use and not to collect
I am still feeling exactly the same as quoted.
The Supertool is featuring the classic Leatherman PST/Supertool shape:
However the Locking mechanism is the same as the Core / Blast / Kick / Fuse. The Locking Mechanism is casted and not bend such as the Powertool of SOG and the cut-out in the handle is very tight fitting to prevent any play or rattle. The side part that is sticking out from the handle (and which is also going into the blades or tools) is of the same thickness of the blades to ensure sturdiness and strength. It also go in deep enough to ensure that it can not slip under pressure or stress. It is spring-loaded to assist. Some people have criticized the tool as the feel that the locking mechanism will hook onto something, but the corners are rounded off on the thumb pad part and I did not up to now found even once that it happened.
The tool is massive if compared to other tools:
Here you can see from left to right the Wave, Supertool 300, Surge and the Victorinox Swizztool. This tool is meant for people who work on construction sites, farmers, etc. where a heavy demand is claimed from the tool. This tool is not for sissies, but for serious work.
The handles are rounded off to protect your hands:
The Sideclip, PST1 & PST II was of similar design (smaller though) but the handles have bitten into the user’s palms when pressure was applied during use. This model will be easy on your hands.
The first thing that the user will notice when you open the tool is that the pliers is huge:
This is also the first model of Leatherman to feature replaceable wire cutters. If you damage them you can grind (sharpen) them a couple of times and / or replace them. You will have to buy it from Leatherman and the kit comes with the tool to tighten or loosen the blades. Immediately behind the pliers head, between the handles is another wire cutters and a crimper.
You can see that the pliers’ jaws are not so sharp nosed that the previous models, which indicates where and how the pliers was beefed up for the heavier workload it was designed for. It still carries Leatherman’s Guarantee! The tips feature fine teeth and the rounded jaws big heavy duty teeth.
The pliers head can open it’s jaws widely:
The user will not be able to grip the tool properly should it been able to open wider.
Compare with other tools and you will see the size:
From left to right: Wave, Supertool 300, Surge, SOG powerlock and Victorinox Swizztool. If compared to the Surge you can see that the pliers head was beefed up rather drastically.
The pliers head is solidly mounted in the handles:
There are no washers and the overlap of the handle is big enough to ensure rigidity. You can see the cams on the arms to enable Leatherman to use the pliers in future models (as indeed happened with the MUT) and to ensure the handles to lock on the pliers when opened (the cams have a duel function, it gives friction against the handles to grip it when opened and it forces the safety pins into the one hand opening oles of the knife blades on one hand opening models like the Wafe, Surge, MUT and Charge). This tool don’t feature plastic liners like the Core, Blast, fuse & Kick. The tool then behaves like if the handles are permanently fixed to the pliers and only move when braked free on the way to closing position.
The cams can be seen on the bottom arms of the pliers:
As the tool are opened the handles are turned over the cams,
Almost completely opened. The cams are almost completely covered by the handles. Here you have to force the handles further until the lock.
Completely locked. The handles’edges press against the shoulder of the pliers.
A handle ful of tools:
The handle is fully packed with tools. You can clearly see how the handle’s edge is rolled over to make it round. The serrated edge knife at bottom and wooden saw blades at top is of the maximum length possible.
The other handle is just as fully packed with tools:
The smooth edge knife and file is also of the maximum length.
Nail openings:
On both sides the knife blades feature large nail slots and the openings in the tool handles are large enough to enable opening of the blades with a gloved hand. The knife blade here shows the large nail slot and the nail nick in the wooden saw opposite. The file features the same nick in the opposite handle. All the other tools feature nail nicks as can be seen on the tool second from the top (rear). This is a two hand opening design (you have to use both hands to open the blade).
The smooth edge regular knife blade:
The blade is large and well defined and comes razor sharp. Note the little hole which keeps the knife blade from opening when you use the pliers.
Another view:
The knife is properly hollow grounded. Note the thickness of the blade that testifies of its strength. Note the locking mechanism. It goes into the blade deep enough to lock properly and it features a shoulder to press against if you apply force on the knife during heavy duty cutting. The edges of the locking clip go well into the handle on both sides – the pressure then is not on the hinge pin only but more on the solid br the goes into the blade and handle. There is no play at all.
Enough locking edges.
All the blades are oval shaped at the pivot so that the locking clip is relaxed and closed when the blades are closed (left side of clip). All the blades are closed on the right side of clip and you can see the locking clip slots.
Locking device (hidden):
The hidden locking device is indicated with the red arrow. This part is spring loaded and keeps the knife blade closed when you use the pliers and therefore you will not accidently cut yourself when the knife blade slides open. There are four of there par5ts in the tool, and hidden behind the rolled over edge.
The knife blade compared to other:
From top to bottom: Surge, Supertool 300 & Wave. The blade is relative large.
The serrated edge knife:
The blade is only sharpened on one side. Serrated pattern is well defined to secure a proper cutting ability. Tip is of sheep’s foot design so that it can be used for rescue work as well to cut seat belts. The first few mm of cutting edge is smooth to enable a sharp point.
Big nail slot and proper defined hollow grounded.
Two handed opening con:
The blade’s cutting edge (both blades0 is not flush with the handle of the tool.
You have to fold the tool open to get the cutting edge in line with the handle as ordinary fixed blade or one hand opening tools do. This may be a con for some people but I am of the opinion (and a lot of other users feel the same) that this is not a concern. The ST 300 is so sturdy as a whole that the abilities in terms of strength make up for the inability to open with one hand.
The file (three sided):
Diamond pattern file.
One angled pattern side.
Thin pattern side – can be used to cut small soft metal. This file does not feature a diamond side such as some other models do. However this file is very strong and is designed for hard use.
Lanyard ring:
Awl:
The awl is large and sturdy. The cutting edge and point is very able and sharp. There is a eyelet for string. This is more designed for attaching hides, canvas, etc. Not for sewing clothes. I have used it to drill holes in a plasic bucket to attach a wire handle. Also to drill an additional hole to a number plate to attach a cabvle tie in an emergency on a off road motorbike.
Medium and wide flat screw drivers:
Long and thick enough. Sturdy. Strong. Well defined tips.
Wooden saw:
Very sharp and long. The blade is hollow grounded. The teeth side is wider than the smooth side, so the blade will not be pinched if you cut wood. Cut green wood branches very well and the teeth do not clog up easily.
Small flat screw driver:
Strong. Well defined tip. Long enough.
Phillips screw driver:
Leatherman’s famous no #2 phillips screw driver. Strong. Long. Square shank. Can take Leatherman bit adapter.
Dual purpose bottle / tin opener / wire stripper:
Tin opener, that can also be used to open bottles. Th cap can be damaged by the sharp edge though.
The wire stripper notch is very sharp and works.
She can be closed in one step without problems:
The tip of the pliers jaw slides over the flat screw driver which is placed exactly in the centre. The jaw tip don’t wedge between tools or against them.
On the other side the jaw tip slides over the Phillips driver which is also placed exactly in the centre.
Another view. The tool can be forced to the closed position without the fear that the jaws may damage other tools or be damaged itself. No wedging is possible.
She can:
She can spread her legs together with the shoulders.
Now that her legs are more narrower towards each other,
She can take the Leatherman universal adapter.
Tightly gripped in position and it can now take any Leatherman bits or any standard ¼ inch bits.
At a 45 degree angle should you prefer it. Note the ring hole. A ring or a piece of string can be attach to enhance gripping, but it can be used just as is without any problems.
At a 90 degree angle for the most possible power. Enough to even break or damage bits or the screw head or slot.
The Leatherman bit kit can be bought separately. I prefer this universal bit adapter above the bit adapter as this can be used on more Leatherman models and can even be used as is.
CONS:
No scissors
No one hand opening.
Knifes’ cutting edge not flush with handles edge when closed and knife blades deployed.
Pros:
Very strong tool
Large (Huge)
Very large and strong pliers head
Replaceable wire cutters
Stronger locking mechanism for the tools and blades.
Good design.
No plastics like the Core, Blast, Fuse, Kick.
I am still using the Surge as my primary EDC but I have been carrying this also with me. I use a PockIts pouch that can take both. The only main con is the lack of scissors. In overall this is one of Leatherman’s top tools and it is of a fine finish and well designed.
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