Best Leatherman Sheath?

[turnsouth]

The low quality sheaths are a reflection of Leatherman's confidence in their market position: they can throw in a cheap sheath as an afterthought and the masses will buy their product  I'm not sure which is more depressing; Leatherman or the masses.

The sheath should be a good as the tool!

This could be argued if LM's were only sold in the US, with their estimated 55% market share. But we have to take into account the 81 other countries where they are sold. With worldwide sales in mind, they really aren't in a place to be complacent in what people will buy. Especially in European countries where it's an uphill challenge against the Swiss.

[cerbera147]

I quite like the one that came with my k502x knife  Although the attachments at the back could be better.


Also quite fond of the Juice sheath and I'm sure the molle sheath is pretty good too.

[turnsouth]

I quite like the one that came with my k502x knife 

I was thinking the same thing. They really seem to be a good quality sheath. 

[Singh]

We used to have a bunch of different sheaths and now we’re trying to narrow them down to designs that fit more than 2 or three models.

 I can see the cost-benefit of having one sheath fit many tools, but but I prefer my sheath to fit the tool. If I need a bigger sheath to accommodate bits and things, then I can always buy another sheath.

Leatherman is always innovating their tools and trying new things. This a very good thing.  To give LM credit, I think their innovating at a rate exponentially higher than their Swiss counterparts. You don't see Victorinox trying things like the Juice, Skeletool, Crunch, etc.

For the most part, LM tools have improved in design as times goes on, but, imho,  the sheath designs have regressed. The sheaths went from being designed to fit the tool, to being pancake style pouches that are too bulky (unless you shove some bits in there, or a flashlight, or your lunch,   ).

Take a look at the original PST sheath:  dead simple, made well from thick leather and sturdy snaps instead of velcro, and they're still around doing their job.  The ingeniousness of the design lay in its simplicity and sturdy construction.  And there's a lot of love for that sheath.

So my preferences and bias lay in sheaths designed to fit their respective tool. But LM's  market research and cost-benefit analysis points in the opposite direction. *shrugs*

[turnsouth]

For the most part, LM tools have improved in design as times goes on, but, imho,  the sheath designs have regressed. The sheaths went from being designed to fit the tool, to being pancake style pouches that are too bulky...

I think a lot of that is a combination of:

• First: Lack of feedback from the customer. Just in my personal experience, I either like the sheath it came with, or go and buy something else. Never really thinking about complaining about it. But this is changing, mostly (I think), because of the near 27,000 LM fans on FaceBook have made LM more aware that sheaths can be quit personal.
• Second: Designers looking at sheaths as "Just a place to hold a well made tool"

...(unless you shove some bits in there, or a flashlight, or your lunch,   ).

 

[AHB]

Especially in European countries where it's an uphill challenge against the Swiss.

Is that a documented fact..??    Everyone I speak to knows Leatherman, but have to be explained about the Vic/Wenger MTs..

Take a look at the original PST sheath:  dead simple, made well from thick leather and sturdy snaps instead of velcro, and they're still around doing their job.

Exactly how SOG makes their sheaths today.. 

[turnsouth]

Especially in European countries where it's an uphill challenge against the Swiss.

Is that a documented fact..??    Everyone I speak to knows Leatherman, but have to be explained about the Vic/Wenger MTs..

I'm also taking into consideration SAK's. Just guessing from the sales figures. Victorinox published as 25.7 million knives a year, Leatherman 3.1 million (no official sales figures published, but estimated from the "12,000 tools a day" in the )

An illustration from a FB user (not sure where in the world this is, but topical nonetheless):

"I have two 1-week old Leathermans and being a vic user for more than 2 decades, I've been comparing both brands in the past week I've been EDC'ing my Juice S2. After 6 days, I told my wife that for my purposes, the vic can do what the LMs can. But this afternoon, my sister's car broke down and I did things only my LMs could do! I was so happy with my LM that I brought it to the dinner table and showed it to everyone. Now, I think my dad wants one too!"

[Threeme2189]

I don't know about the rest of Europe and Asia, but here in Israel almost everyone knows what a Leatherman is.
Not that everyone has one, because they're expensive.
I guess they catch on because serving in the army is mandatory here.

[Outback in Idaho]

Best overall Leatherman sheath...

Leather Charge


Charge TTi, Serac S2, Exotac nonoStiker, JSews Charge Saw

[colinoutdoors]

Best overall Leatherman sheath...

Leather Charge
(Image removed from quote.)

I agree, love the Charge Leather sheath, nice setup you have there.

[The Copilot]

Kicking an old thread up for some air here, but a couple of years ago, after carrying one my Leatherman Surge and bit kits in a "Premium Leather and Nylon" sheath for an extended period of time, I sent both the sheath and a lengthy bunch of review comments back to Leatherman (at my expense) to provide them with field-tested feedback on the sheath and what I thought could be improved on it.  Much to my disappointment, the company never even took the time to acknowledge the receipt of my work.  Who knows, maybe they just tossed it all in the "circular file"  Even if they didn't value the comments I was at least hoping they would have sent me an email to say thanks for the time and effort that went in to providing the feedback.   I really wish that Leatherman would put as much effort into the design and materials of their sheaths as they do into their tools.  It would be nice to see sheaths back in the lineup that were comparable to the quality on the leather ones provided with the PST and the Original Wave.  Some of those sheaths are now beyond the 30 year mark and are still in service.  The "Premium Leather and Nylon" sheath that I field-tested didn't even make it two years.  Highly disappointing.

[ThePeacent]

I like the leather Charge/Wave sheath (as well as the nylon version) because it has a backpocket for a bit kit and two elastic side pockets for small flashlight, small pen or whatever you to carry.  If I'm not carrying a bit kit, the backpocket holds a PocketWrench II perfectly.

That's my favorite too, and the LM sheath I carry the most. The pocket is perfect for my mini prybar, the ST300 or Rebar bit extender and drivers or the saw blades for  my Gerber MP800. It's really well made, and durable IME.

On the topic as well, I'd say that LM sheaths are my least favorite. I have about 40 sheaths, the 10 that get most carry time are either Gerber or SOG (or other brands), I love the flatness but sturdy stitching of Gerber's and the quality leather and strong snap button of my SOG's.
I have a few old leather, button snap LM sheaths but they're not in the best shape, and when sheath carrying I often pack the AAA light, SAK or other(s) in the same sheath so having additional space or side pockets is a plus for me.

I am not a fan of velcro, and I've tossed the few "modern LM Pancake" sheaths I have as they rarely fit my tools, the high (long) ones don't fit and the smallish ones wiggle and move around, the velcro is really noisy and there are no horizontal carry options (my favorite method))

[SteveC]

[SteveC]

I like the leather Charge/Wave sheath (as well as the nylon version) because it has a backpocket for a bit kit and two elastic side pockets for small flashlight, small pen or whatever you to carry.  If I'm not carrying a bit kit, the backpocket holds a PocketWrench II perfectly.

That's my favorite too, and the LM sheath I carry the most. The pocket is perfect for my mini prybar, the ST300 or Rebar bit extender and drivers or the saw blades for  my Gerber MP800. It's really well made, and durable IME.

On the topic as well, I'd say that LM sheaths are my least favorite. I have about 40 sheaths, the 10 that get most carry time are either Gerber or SOG (or other brands), I love the flatness but sturdy stitching of Gerber's and the quality leather and strong snap button of my SOG's.
I have a few old leather, button snap LM sheaths but they're not in the best shape, and when sheath carrying I often pack the AAA light, SAK or other(s) in the same sheath so having additional space or side pockets is a plus for me.

I am not a fan of velcro, and I've tossed the few "modern LM Pancake" sheaths I have as they rarely fit my tools, the high (long) ones don't fit and the smallish ones wiggle and move around, the velcro is really noisy and there are no horizontal carry options (my favorite method))

I like this version as well, i use it for my MP600

[captain spaulding]

I love the OG Wave sheath. I also surprisingly like the nylon pancake style. Fits well and is flat to the body which is what I look for in a sheath.

[Poncho65]

Kicking an old thread up for some air here, but a couple of years ago, after carrying one my Leatherman Surge and bit kits in a "Premium Leather and Nylon" sheath for an extended period of time, I sent both the sheath and a lengthy bunch of review comments back to Leatherman (at my expense) to provide them with field-tested feedback on the sheath and what I thought could be improved on it.  Much to my disappointment, the company never even took the time to acknowledge the receipt of my work.  Who knows, maybe they just tossed it all in the "circular file"  Even if they didn't value the comments I was at least hoping they would have sent me an email to say thanks for the time and effort that went in to providing the feedback.   I really wish that Leatherman would put as much effort into the design and materials of their sheaths as they do into their tools.  It would be nice to see sheaths back in the lineup that were comparable to the quality on the leather ones provided with the PST and the Original Wave.  Some of those sheaths are now beyond the 30 year mark and are still in service.  The "Premium Leather and Nylon" sheath that I field-tested didn't even make it two years.  Highly disappointing.

Hard to beat the old sheaths and I also wish they would put more thought into their current sheath lineup Maybe they will use your feedback even if they didn't come back at you with an email about it

[SteveC]

[Poncho65]

(Image removed from quote.)

Wow Steve That is an awesome shot and it had to take a while to set up

[SteveC]

Thanks ! 

[aluminated]

(Image removed from quote.)

Wow Steve That is an awesome shot and it had to take a while to set up

Somehow reminds me of both a herding event and any Esther Williams movie.
Great shot.

FWIW, yesterday I had a very experienced seamstress who has sewed everything from wedding dresses to dentist's chair upholstery examine and compare Leatherman nylon pancake sheath 930381 (gray lettering and logo) which is replacing nylon pancake sheath 930711 (yellow lettering and logo.)
While there are small differences, the quality of the two was, for all intents, identical. While that's not saying much, at least the sheaths are further degrading in workmanship.

[danilo]

I have a charge leather and nylon sheath, it is nice and functional, but i started to fall apart months after it's first day... I have replaced it with a skinth, and of course that is another story.

I like, tgough, the simple, all-leather sheath that came with the crunch. not as many pockets, but it seems more robust...

[MadPlumbarian]

(Image removed from quote.)

Wow Steve That is an awesome shot and it had to take a while to set up

+1
Dang
JR

[gerleatherberman]

LM still makes a top notch leather box sheath. I buy a black leather box sheath for most of my LMs. A great $13-14 spent per box. The older ones are slightly better, but also aren't designed as well. The sides come up all the way and make removing the tool cumbersome! The newer ones breath better and have easy access to the tool. Any space to spare can be fixed with felt dots glued where needed in the box sheath. Like my ST200 in a ST300 box sheath. Three dots and no shakey.
The newer ones can differ in thickness. Using all of a leather hide cuts cost, so cheap like myself will still buy the sheaths. A sheath made like the 90s boxes would run $25 or so with only choice leather cuts.
I have new box sheaths thicker than my early ones and others that are thinner. They all ride well and don't flop around like those damn nylon pouches that come standard as the cheaper option. I see dudes all the time with LMs flopping around in a nylon sheath, because they are cheap, dont care, need the little side pockets, or may not know better. I still have not seen the newer cheaper nylon pouches fit tight on the belt in vertical carry after a few weeks. I just use the cheap nylon sheaths to store my LMs in, because they do breath better. When I carry a LM in a box sheath, I throw a very small silicon moisture absorber in it to help dry up my sweat moisture.
Here are some of the boxes I carry them in! There is a leather/nylon hybrid on the top left. Used only for the surge with the bit kit. That sheath has four thin points of connection to the belt loop on the back, so it sags after a while. This was resolved with a few washers rivets.

[gerleatherberman]

These two are the most common floppy sheaths I have. One came with a ST300 and one came with my wave.
Neither get put on my belt. I need my MT to hug my belt. 

[SteveC]

LM still makes a top notch leather box sheath. I buy a black leather box sheath for most of my LMs. A great $13-14 spent per box. The older ones are slightly better, but also aren't designed as well. The sides come up all the way and make removing the tool cumbersome! The newer ones breath better and have easy access to the tool. Any space to spare can be fixed with felt dots glued where needed in the box sheath. Like my ST200 in a ST300 box sheath. Three dots and no shakey.
The newer ones can differ in thickness. Using all of a leather hide cuts cost, so cheap like myself will still buy the sheaths. A sheath made like the 90s boxes would run $25 or so with only choice leather cuts.
I have new box sheaths thicker than my early ones and others that are thinner. They all ride well and don't flop around like those damn nylon pouches that come standard as the cheaper option. I see dudes all the time with LMs flopping around in a nylon sheath, because they are cheap, dont care, need the little side pockets, or may not know better. I still have not seen the newer cheaper nylon pouches fit tight on the belt in vertical carry after a few weeks. I just use the cheap nylon sheaths to store my LMs in, because they do breath better. When I carry a LM in a box sheath, I throw a very small silicon moisture absorber in it to help dry up my sweat moisture.
Here are some of the boxes I carry them in! There is a leather/nylon hybrid on the top left. Used only for the surge with the bit kit. That sheath has four thin points of connection to the belt loop on the back, so it sags after a while. This was resolved with a few washers rivets.

I have to disagree about the new leather ones being top notch.

The difference in quality between the old ones and the new ones are the leather. The old ones are genuine cowhide, the new ones are bonded leather. Not even close in durability or feel of real leather of the original sheaths with the gold lettering. Some of the early yellow logo sheaths still used real leather but they transitioned into the bonded leather.

[gerleatherberman]

LM still makes a top notch leather box sheath. I buy a black leather box sheath for most of my LMs. A great $13-14 spent per box. The older ones are slightly better, but also aren't designed as well. The sides come up all the way and make removing the tool cumbersome! The newer ones breath better and have easy access to the tool. Any space to spare can be fixed with felt dots glued where needed in the box sheath. Like my ST200 in a ST300 box sheath. Three dots and no shakey.
The newer ones can differ in thickness. Using all of a leather hide cuts cost, so cheap like myself will still buy the sheaths. A sheath made like the 90s boxes would run $25 or so with only choice leather cuts.
I have new box sheaths thicker than my early ones and others that are thinner.

I have to disagree about the new leather ones being top notch.

The difference in quality between the old ones and the new ones are the leather. The old ones are genuine cowhide, the new ones are bonded leather. Not even close in durability or feel of real leather of the original sheaths with the gold lettering. Some of the early yellow logo sheaths still used real leather but they transitioned into the bonded leather.

Actually I agree, but I did cover that point. I quoted myself above your reply. It is a price issue. But, for $13-$14, the new LM box sheaths are top notch. Not enough people would be willing to shell out $25 plus for one made like or similar to the old boxes. They even go as high as $75 for high end third party cases.

I should have been more clear. For the money the new ones are great.
The worn one in my photo is over two years on my belt. Sweaty, caught on stuff, etc; it survived and still looks ok.

[SteveC]