Your top 5 "Most Original Tools"

[NeitherExtreme]

So what do you think were the most original "outside the box" tools of their day? I'm not a historian like a few folks on the forum, so just go ahead and name the ones you can think of. I'll start...

1. PST
2. Spyderench
3. Crunch
4. Xtract
5. Roman Multitiool

[Grant Lamontagne]

I think you are quite right in your list as far as the really original tools go, but I think I would substitute the Roman one for either the Wenger SwissGrip or the SOG ToolClip- something with non folding pliers.  Also, while not a very radically spectacular design, the SwissTool did turn the multitool industry on it's ear when it was released, as did the Spirit.

I think i would also need to toss in the Micra somewhere in there as well, as it's been the definitive keychain multi for a long time, spawning numerous color variations, the Squirts, the CrossCut/Grip and numerous others.

Def

[NeitherExtreme]

I think i would also need to toss in the Micra somewhere in there as well, as it's been the definitive keychain multi for a long time, spawning numerous color variations, the Squirts, the CrossCut/Grip and numerous others.

Ah, the Micra... I forgot about that one...

But thats ok, 3 LMs on my list might have seemed a little stacked.

[Grant Lamontagne]

Maybe, but at least it's well deserved!

Heck, why not go four and add the Juice line?

Def

[tomcrx]

1. PST - Original
2. Paratool - Folding plier head
3. Bear BearJaws - outside opening tools
4. SOG Pocket Pliers - Compound Leverage
5. LM Wave - One-Handed Openeing Knife blade

6. Wenger Grip - Epitome of Non folding plier tool

[NeitherExtreme]

Good list.

3. Bear BearJaws - outside opening tools

Was this the first with outside-tools? I wasn't sure which one was the first, and I agree that the first outside-opener was a big step "outside-the-box". (Or should I say "outside-the-tool"  )

[J-sews]

How about:

SuperTool - first multitool with locking blades
BuckTool 360 - first tool with release mechanism for locking blades

[Benner]

I know it's not five but here are my thoughs;

The PST
Spyderench
Original Wave
Crunch

[Leatherman123]

I would say: PST, Mini-Tool, Core!, and the kershaw tool thats about it!

[Benner]

I am going to have to ask, why the Core? Surely that's just a re-vamped supertool200?  Or is it more than that?  (I'm just looking for more reasons to buy one.  )

[Viper]

It's just the upgraded version of the Supertool(s)

[Benner]

It's just the upgraded version of the Supertool(s)

So not "Most original" in your eyes then.

[Viper]

Not quite

But I'm not exactly Leatherman's largest fan in the first place, so my opinion might have some biased origins.

My top five (no order)

1. Whichever SOG was the first to have Compound leverage (PowerPlier?)
2. Paratool
3. Gerber MP600
4. Leatherman Wave (Pre-04)
5. Either PST or Toolclip 

[Benner]

I hadn't thought about the Gerber multiplier.

I think I'd make that my 5th on my list.  Very original in design.

[Swiss Man]

My father got this when he was in the Korean war. Just thought you would like to see it.   Swiss Man

[Benner]

Well that's pretty original!

Thanks for showing us.

[Anthony]

My father got this when he was in the Korean war. Just thought you would like to see it.   Swiss Man

Wow, that's an interesting peice!

[Viper]

SpydeRench prototype?     

[Tom Munch]

I've seen in a museum where a cabinet maker made a pair of pliers with one handle being another pair of pliers & that handle another pair of pliers through about 5 generations.  I've never seen a picture though.

[Tom Munch]

Here's a bad photo.

[Tom Munch]

A better photo.

[Tom Munch]

Better still.

[Mike D]

PST
Supertool
Wave
Swisstool
Powerlock
Powerassist...Hopefully

[lonediver]

How about:

SuperTool - first multitool with locking blades
BuckTool 360 - first tool with release mechanism for locking blades

Bob ,

I am trying to recall where Utica's locking  "L " - handle device came in ? They were all rather close about that time . Yes the Supertool preceded the Bucktool , but where was Utica's tool in this timeline ?

P.S.

So far as being the " first " with a locking device , who knows . I have a multi tool with with a locking device for all blades  that it patent date is Sept. 6 , 92 . And I believe that would be 1892

[Leatherman123]

benner, because it is so original! like nothing special- no bit drivers, polished finishes, etc. Just a very useful tool.. No eyeglass screwdrivers etc!

[Viper]

That's exactly what the first two Supertools were!

And while were at it, the Swisstool!

[J-sews]

How about:

SuperTool - first multitool with locking blades
BuckTool 360 - first tool with release mechanism for locking blades

Bob ,

I am trying to recall where Utica's locking  "L " - handle device came in ? They were all rather close about that time . Yes the Supertool preceded the Bucktool , but where was Utica's tool in this timeline ?

That's a good question    I can't seem to find any copyright dates or patent dates on the Kutmaster tools I have. I've no idea exactly when they were introduced.

I'm thinking mid-1990's though?

[J-sews]

.......So far as being the " first " the tool that I mentioned earlier beats these others hands down to that claim . If I can find my camera one of these days I will post some pics of it .

I'd like to see that.    (Is it one I know about?)

[lonediver]

.......So far as being the " first " the tool that I mentioned earlier beats these others hands down to that claim . If I can find my camera one of these days I will post some pics of it .

I'd like to see that.    (Is it one I know about?)

It should be , I believe that I told you about it some years ago . Somewhere ( I am not as organized as you ) I had a description of it , giving the name of manufacturer etc . . As it only has the patent stamping on the item itself which I have here in my hot little hands . As I posted earlier that stamp is ( Sept. 6 , 92 ) . Judging by its patina rest assured that its 1892 . So that precedes the others claim to first by some 100 years .

To describe its construction it has a rather deep , tapered metal " U channel " . Its 5 blades ( 3 putty/scraper type blades , part of the locking device catch and one knife blade are pinned/pivoting from the smaller of the tapered ends of the tool . On the wide end there is a pin for a fourth side that acts both as a cover for when the blades are folded into the handle and as a lock for when one or all the blades are folded out and yes the cover does have a lock that makes it quite impossible for the blades to collapse .

Can you picture it ?

[J-sews]

Can you picture it ?

Hmmm....sorry, my mind is drawing a blank.    I'll probably need to see the picture.