how can leatherman sell the idea of all inside opening tools?

[Raukodur]

I can't help but compare the new rebar to the spirit.

There are definite advantages to the all outside opening construction of the spirit, and the tapered handle design, so it is more comfortable in your hand when using the pliers.

My question is, how could leatherman advertise, or maybe even change the rebar, so that while still keeping the all inside opening design, it can be said to have its own advantages over the all outside opening design?

Or are there reasons users prefer the all inside opening design anyway, and what are the reasons for that aesthetic or functional?

[Accujohn]

If you slip or drop your outside opening MT, it could virtually fly open and turn into spinning propellor of death. I like that rush

[gustophersmob]

They do have a safety advantage, IMO, as shown in this thread

[Raukodur]

jokes aside  any real reasons?

I guess what I am asking is to imagine if you have to choose between an all inside opening tool like the rebar, or an all outside opening tool like the spirit (the reason for using these two is because they are similar sizes); would you go for the rebar, and if so, why?

(I realise this is a nonsense question for the most of you, since you would buy both, but let us imagine you could only get one or the other)

[gustophersmob]

jokes aside  any real reasons?

I guess what I am asking is to imagine if you have to choose between an all inside opening tool like the rebar, or an all outside opening tool like the spirit (the reason for using these two is because they are similar sizes); would you go for the rebar, and if so, why?

(I realise this is a nonsense question for the most of you, since you would buy both, but let us imagine you could only get one or the other)

I was actually kind of serious about the safety thing   

Seriously, though, if we're comparing the Rebar to the Spirit, I wouldn't mind all inside opening tools if they opened as smoothly as the Spirit's. 

As an example, the Blast I just got is a real nail breaker, so much so that I can't get out the scissors or the mini bit driver without using some other object.

So, if the Rebar is like the Blast, I would prefer the Spirit setup, but mainly for the smoothness of the tool, not really because of the inside vs. outside opening.

Although I think the large handle cutouts on the Rebar to easily open the blades would be much more useful on an outside opening design.

I think that made sense 

[J-sews]

My brother-in-laws are both plumbers who work on large construction projects. While they are running pipe, other tradesmen are cutting and placing ceramic tile, sheet rock wall panels, pouring cement, etc. Their work environment is filthy, dusty, gritty.

Both guys carry Leathermans, one a SuperTool, the other a Core. They insist on having multitools that close up all of the blades into a metal box, to help keep the dirt out. 

[Accujohn]

I can't be too serious about about anything... But there is a point to the humor: some worry about safety issues on outside opening tools. Recently, however, i picked up a swisstool which is outside opening but it's virtually impossible to have it happen accidently

[Vadim]

Why I prefer a ST300:

1.Like J-sews said: "...having multitools that close up all of the blades into a metal box, to help keep the dirt out. "

2.And this - Safety.

[Carlos]

I think the safety concern is a little bit pushed. I.e. although it's true to some point, that should be no major concern on practice (note that the other thread was a lock failure), otherwise people wouldn't use any folders because they all have the "dangerous" close movement.

The "keep the dirt out" seems a plausible reason to me. I've never though on that.

Other reason might be to allow access to the tools while having the pliers open. So while we're using the pliers, we can also screw (hey this doesn't sound very good hm?), for example, and keep switching with other tools.

The leatherman site has a picture showing that feature.

[Mercury]

I have been a long time advocate of all inside tools for the simple reason of safety.  The convenience offered by a OHO MT is outweighed for me by the very real possibility of accidentally opening a blade and not knowing it.  I cut my thumb on a skeletool by doing this.  I realize that it is probably more due to my form than the tool's build, but for me the inside tools are better. 

That, and I actually like the traditional style.  They are much more comfortable when using the tools(not the pliers, the actual tools) and when the tool becomes loose with age and use(as MANY pst/supertool users can attest to) there is minimal risk for the blades flopping out on accident. 

Some people get along fine with the OHO tools and that's great.  The spirit doesn't really work for me because it's too polished.  It slips around in my hand and that's dangerous.  The drivers don't grip as good as Leatherman's drivers IMHO, and the pliers aren't needlenose.  The Rebar offers a classic look with rock solid, grippy tools, and a finish that won't leave it slipping in your hand.  That and it has better pliers with replaceable wire cutters that have yet to be offered on any other Leatherman other than the ST300.  It also has both a Serrated and PE drop point blade, not just a butterknife style blade. 

Don't get me wrong, the spirit is an awesome tool, I just prefer the Closed LM design. 

[Mike]

Tools selection and full size phillips and flat screwdrivers are more important to me than inside versus outside opening tools. I do not need outside opening, one handed blades as I always have a dedicated knife on me, sometimes more than one.  Others desire the outside opening one handed blades and/or tools because it suites them better. There is no right or wrong answer. I think it's like most things ...... personal preference. It's all about compromises and what your needs are.

Mike

[Ombudsman]

It wouldn't surprise me if next year they come up with a OHO variation similar to the Bear Jaws or the LeatherJaws mod.

[jekostas]

Lower cost and simpler locks are another two reasons.

[Grant Lamontagne]

Just for the record, the only time I ever got stitches from a multitool it was from an inside opening PST II.  The only way they could really be safer is if the handles locked together somehow and couldn't be opened, similar to the sliding head Gerbers.

Def

[Mercury]

Just for the record, the only time I ever got stitches from a multitool it was from an inside opening PST II.  The only way they could really be safer is if the handles locked together somehow and couldn't be opened, similar to the sliding head Gerbers.

Def

I learned yesterday to keep my gerber pliers locked when using the screwdrivers.  The handles flopped open and when I grabbed them and squeezed them back together the pliers bit me! 

[jerseydevil]

I don't get along all that well with most OHO tools. The reason? I'm a lefty, and tools such as the Wave, Skeletool, etc are not set up right for me. I keep a dedicated knife on me for this reason, so any other advantages to the Wave and such are negated by that. My MT is more there as deep backup after my SAK, and pliers aren't needed all that often. So, I have no problem with inside opening tools. My favorite multi is the MP450, with the Kick second.

[David]

They sell because there are a lot of people out there like me who do not care if their MT components is outside accessible or not. I`m not against outside accessible components. I just do not feel it is necessary for every MT to have outside accessible components.       

[Beerplumber]

I've been down on the ST300 for a while now but I'm realizing it's the clumping I don't get along with. Assuming the REBAR "features" clumping I will be keeping my Spirit.

... and still buying a Rebar...


Stay multi my friends

[AimlessWanderer]

They sell because there are a lot of people out there like me who do not care if their MT components is outside accessible or not. I`m not against outside accessible components. I just do not feel it is necessary for every MT to have outside accessible components.       

  Best answer so far 

[trouthunter]

I can't help but compare the new rebar to the spirit.

There are definite advantages to the all outside opening construction of the spirit, and the tapered handle design, so it is more comfortable in your hand when using the pliers.

My question is, how could leatherman advertise, or maybe even change the rebar, so that while still keeping the all inside opening design, it can be said to have its own advantages over the all outside opening design?

Or are there reasons users prefer the all inside opening design anyway, and what are the reasons for that aesthetic or functional?

I don't mean to be thik or out of place here but when you say Spirit are you talking about a Victorinox Spirit?

[J-sews]

I can't help but compare the new rebar to the spirit.

There are definite advantages to the all outside opening construction of the spirit, and the tapered handle design, so it is more comfortable in your hand when using the pliers.

My question is, how could leatherman advertise, or maybe even change the rebar, so that while still keeping the all inside opening design, it can be said to have its own advantages over the all outside opening design?

Or are there reasons users prefer the all inside opening design anyway, and what are the reasons for that aesthetic or functional?

I don't mean to be thik or out of place here but when you say Spirit are you talking about a Victorinox Spirit?

Yes, I'm pretty sure he was referring to the Vic Spirit multitool.

[Adam Clark]

I love my ST300.... I kind of prefer my MT's to have inside tools instead of outside (I carry a pocket clipped knife, so in a pinch, I have a blade to quickly deploy if need be).

The reason I like my MTs like that has pretty much already been stated ---> You drop the tool, blades tend to open or get scuffed/chipped etc.....
I'll tell you one thing I've NEVER had to worry about with my ST300... and that's interior blades and drivers  opening on drop impact

Now... if I decided not to carry a pocket knife that day, and only carried my MT.... I'd carry the Wave with the outside accessible blades.
I've found the Wave to be tough as nails all around, and very secure for an outside accessible MT.

[gafftapegreenia]

When I used to carry only a Blast I got pretty darn quick at opening the knife blade. One you get the muscle memory for it its just as quick.

As for Spirit vs. Rebar, for me its more an argument about implement design, and I personally just like the way Leatherman does their implements.