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Having a Three Way- Defender Style!

Poll

Which Tool Knife is Best?

Leatherman Expanse e55B
6 (40%)
Leatherman Crater c55Bx
4 (26.7%)
Kershaw Select Fire
5 (33.3%)

Total Members Voted: 15

ca Offline Grant Lamontagne

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Having a Three Way- Defender Style!
on: March 17, 2012, 12:22:58 AM
Anyone who has read recent threads knows that I am pretty pleased with the Select Fire from Kershaw.  Well, I have decided to see how it stacks up to the Leatherman versions- I have both the Crater and Expanse versions (c55Bx and e55B) and I am going to randomly swap from one to the other over the next little while and see what each one brings to the party.

The Kershaw has the reach and four bits going for it, plus a lot more blade.

The Crater has... well not a lot by comparison to the other two, but I kept it in as it's price range is a little closer to the Select Fire than the Expanse.

The Expanse has a nicer blade steel (154cm) although like the Crater it has a smaller blade in a handle the same size as the others.  The Expanse is also the only plain edge of the three and it has an extra double ended bit allowing it to compete on the same level as the Kershaw, at least as far as bit options go. 

I figure I'll test them all on various tasks and see what has the best screwdriving abilities, the best cutting (based on smoothness of cut and edge retention), bottle opening technique and overall convenience of carry.

Tale of the tape:

Kershaw
Bead blasted partially serrated blade
Liner lock
Tip down carry (reversible for lefties)
4 screwdriver bits plus 1/4" wrench
143.8g (5.07oz)

Crater
Bead blasted partially serrated blade
Back lock
Tip down carry
Sliding carabiner
One double ended flattened bit
155.7g (5.49oz)

Expanse
Plain edged 154cm polished blade
Back Lock
Sliding carabiner
Two double ended flattened bits
176.6g (6.23oz)

Some initial impressions:

Kershaw:
Better knife to handle ratio and the blade isn't as stiff allowing it to open with a small flick of the wrist.  Also, the bit driver seems like it would be superior due to the length and it's ability to take standard bits.

Crater:
Mid range pricing amongst the three knives the Crater doesn't really bring much to the table by comparison.  It has the least features (less screwdriver bits) and yet weighs in slightly heavier than the Select Fire.  This one will have a hard time proving itself worthwhile.

Expanse:
While it is a solid contender the Expanse will be hard pressed to justify its significantly higher price over the Select Fire.  There's no doubt it's a nicer knife, but will blade steel and prettiness be enough to overcome the price deficit and flat drivers?

I will admit to some bias here- I think very highly of the Select Fire, but will it stand up to the same use and abuse that the higher price Leatherman models will?  Will the Expanse justify it's price or will the Crater come from behind and prove that it is the best of both worlds?

My hope is to update this thread each day and provide feedback on what worked and what didn't.  Meanwhile, choose the one you think you like the best at the top.  I'll also post some pics tomorrow before I start working them.

Def
Leave the dents as they are- let your belongings show their scars as proudly as you do yours.


cy Offline dks

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Re: Having a Three Way- Defender Style!
Reply #1 on: March 17, 2012, 10:46:11 AM
I think a passaround is needed so that we can all test them and choose based on actual use experience rather than looks.  :think:

Right??   ???



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ca Offline Grant Lamontagne

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Re: Having a Three Way- Defender Style!
Reply #2 on: March 17, 2012, 12:16:26 PM
I think a passaround is needed so that we can all test them and choose based on actual use experience rather than looks.  :think:

Right??   ???



 :D

That is a possibility if enough people are interested.

Def
Leave the dents as they are- let your belongings show their scars as proudly as you do yours.


au Offline mvyrmnd

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Having a Three Way- Defender Style!
Reply #3 on: March 17, 2012, 12:40:39 PM
I'll be watching keenly. I love my Select Fire, and I want to see how it holds up to the other two.

It's a shame other manufacturers haven't tried this form factor...
Just don't say fecal coagulation.  :twak: - Mr. Whippy


ca Offline Grant Lamontagne

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Re: Having a Three Way- Defender Style!
Reply #4 on: March 17, 2012, 03:22:28 PM
There have been quite a few attempts into this market over the years, and none with any significant success.  Some were just inconvenient in that the user was required to grab the blade in order to use the wrench functions as in the case of the Weske Bicycle Knife.  Others, like the Surefire Delta were so expensive that you might as well just buy yourself a nice knife and a nice multitool and still have gas money.   ::)

There is still some progress being made in this direction though as we see more and more knives being manufactured that are predominantly knives but include an extra function or two like a bottle opener or screwdriver slot.  Despite Leatherman's more or less failed attempts (the original knife line was killed off and I think the Expanse models have also been cancelled) at this market there's obviously still something there or others wouldn't be working at it as well.

By the way, I'll be carrying the Crater today.

Def
Leave the dents as they are- let your belongings show their scars as proudly as you do yours.


be Offline Top-Gear-24

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Re: Having a Three Way- Defender Style!
Reply #5 on: March 14, 2018, 12:34:55 AM
So ... what are your thoughts on the Leatherman Expanse E55B Def ?   :pok:

I found one, old stock, so new in box, and I was wondering if this was a good way to spend the small knife/multitool budget I've left for the moment.  I've got about 4 or 5 knives/tools in mind I would like to buy, and I only have funds for one, so I'm doing some research first  ;).


us Offline SteveC

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Re: Having a Three Way- Defender Style!
Reply #6 on: March 14, 2018, 12:42:21 AM
 :worthless:


be Offline Top-Gear-24

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Re: Having a Three Way- Defender Style!
Reply #7 on: March 14, 2018, 12:44:51 AM
:worthless:

Well, since I haven't bought it (yet  ::)),  pics will be quite difficult  ;).

But if you were talking to Grant, I can only say ... +1  :D.


us Offline gerleatherberman

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Re: Having a Three Way- Defender Style!
Reply #8 on: March 14, 2018, 03:22:12 AM
I wonder if Grant still has it nearly six years later?  :D
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nz Offline zoidberg

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Re: Having a Three Way- Defender Style!
Reply #9 on: March 14, 2018, 08:00:51 AM
 :nothingtoadd:


be Offline Top-Gear-24

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Re: Having a Three Way- Defender Style!
Reply #10 on: March 14, 2018, 08:25:22 AM
I wonder if Grant still has it nearly six years later?  :D

I was hoping he could do a long term review on it  ;).


us Offline Blackbeard

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Re: Having a Three Way- Defender Style!
Reply #11 on: March 14, 2018, 09:15:35 AM
:nothingtoadd:

LOL,  :whistle: you could perhaps jump back to your moon thread and gives us an answer  :twak:


england Offline Kev D

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Re: Having a Three Way- Defender Style!
Reply #12 on: March 14, 2018, 09:48:06 AM
So ... what are your thoughts on the Leatherman Expanse E55B Def ?   :pok:

I found one, old stock, so new in box, and I was wondering if this was a good way to spend the small knife/multitool budget I've left for the moment.  I've got about 4 or 5 knives/tools in mind I would like to buy, and I only have funds for one, so I'm doing some research first  ;).

Where did you find one? I've been looking for one for a while as well


00 Offline Mechanickal

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Re: Having a Three Way- Defender Style!
Reply #13 on: March 14, 2018, 09:51:01 AM
What are the other contendors TG?


us Offline Poncho65

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Re: Having a Three Way- Defender Style!
Reply #14 on: March 14, 2018, 11:11:57 AM
So which of these wins :ahhh

 :facepalm:

 :D


us Offline Kampfer

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Re: Having a Three Way- Defender Style!
Reply #15 on: March 14, 2018, 11:33:14 AM
EDC: Black Talon, Black Cat, Spirit, LD02


ie Offline Don Pablo

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Re: Having a Three Way- Defender Style!
Reply #16 on: March 14, 2018, 11:36:03 AM
Victorinox, I'm rootin' 4 u!  8)


(Ok ok, that was actually painful to write. :dwts: )
Hooked, like everyone else. ;)

All hail the hook!


nz Offline zoidberg

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Re: Having a Three Way- Defender Style!
Reply #17 on: March 14, 2018, 11:56:28 AM
:nothingtoadd:

LOL,  :whistle: you could perhaps jump back to your moon thread and gives us an answer  :twak:

 :popcorn:


ie Offline Don Pablo

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Re: Having a Three Way- Defender Style!
Reply #18 on: March 14, 2018, 12:00:47 PM
:nothingtoadd:

LOL,  :whistle: you could perhaps jump back to your moon thread and gives us an answer  :twak:

 :popcorn:
You should wait until they're awl over the moon trying to figure it out.  :whistle:
Hooked, like everyone else. ;)

All hail the hook!


nz Offline zoidberg

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Re: Having a Three Way- Defender Style!
Reply #19 on: March 14, 2018, 12:06:58 PM
:nothingtoadd:

LOL,  :whistle: you could perhaps jump back to your moon thread and gives us an answer  :twak:

 :popcorn:
You should wait until they're awl over the moon trying to figure it out.  :whistle:

Yeah might just keep them in darkness for a while.


ie Offline Don Pablo

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Re: Having a Three Way- Defender Style!
Reply #20 on: March 14, 2018, 12:08:07 PM
:nothingtoadd:

LOL,  :whistle: you could perhaps jump back to your moon thread and gives us an answer  :twak:

 :popcorn:
You should wait until they're awl over the moon trying to figure it out.  :whistle:

Yeah might just keep them in darkness for a while.
Dark side of the moon...
Hooked, like everyone else. ;)

All hail the hook!


fi Offline AlephZero

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Re: Having a Three Way- Defender Style!
Reply #21 on: March 15, 2018, 12:57:26 PM
:nothingtoadd:

LOL,  :whistle: you could perhaps jump back to your moon thread and gives us an answer  :twak:

 :popcorn:
You should wait until they're awl over the moon trying to figure it out.  :whistle:

Yeah might just keep them in darkness for a while.
Dark side of the moon...

Well, that's where the sun doesn't shine... :whistle:
"Hoarder of weirdness,
Always posting random things,
I'm AlephZero" :ninja:


ie Offline Don Pablo

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Re: Having a Three Way- Defender Style!
Reply #22 on: March 15, 2018, 01:05:09 PM
:nothingtoadd:

LOL,  :whistle: you could perhaps jump back to your moon thread and gives us an answer  :twak:

 :popcorn:
You should wait until they're awl over the moon trying to figure it out.  :whistle:

Yeah might just keep them in darkness for a while.
Dark side of the moon...

Well, that's where the sun doesn't shine... :whistle:
Only metaphorically.
Hooked, like everyone else. ;)

All hail the hook!


fi Offline AlephZero

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Re: Having a Three Way- Defender Style!
Reply #23 on: March 15, 2018, 01:44:42 PM
:nothingtoadd:

LOL,  :whistle: you could perhaps jump back to your moon thread and gives us an answer  :twak:

 :popcorn:
You should wait until they're awl over the moon trying to figure it out.  :whistle:

Yeah might just keep them in darkness for a while.
Dark side of the moon...

Well, that's where the sun doesn't shine... :whistle:
Only metaphorically.

Depends on the "moon"...  :pok:
"Hoarder of weirdness,
Always posting random things,
I'm AlephZero" :ninja:


ie Offline Don Pablo

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Re: Having a Three Way- Defender Style!
Reply #24 on: March 15, 2018, 02:07:34 PM
:nothingtoadd:

LOL,  :whistle: you could perhaps jump back to your moon thread and gives us an answer  :twak:

 :popcorn:
You should wait until they're awl over the moon trying to figure it out.  :whistle:

Yeah might just keep them in darkness for a while.
Dark side of the moon...

Well, that's where the sun doesn't shine... :whistle:
Only metaphorically.

Depends on the "moon"...  :pok:
Don't blame me, awl I know about Pink Floyd is that one of his albums was called "dark side of the moon" and that he made some scary music videos.  :ahhh
Hooked, like everyone else. ;)

All hail the hook!


us Offline smiller43147

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Re: Having a Three Way- Defender Style!
Reply #25 on: March 15, 2018, 05:14:55 PM
There have been quite a few attempts into this market over the years, and none with any significant success.  Some were just inconvenient in that the user was required to grab the blade in order to use the wrench functions as in the case of the Weske Bicycle Knife.  Others, like the Surefire Delta were so expensive that you might as well just buy yourself a nice knife and a nice multitool and still have gas money.   ::)

There is still some progress being made in this direction though as we see more and more knives being manufactured that are predominantly knives but include an extra function or two like a bottle opener or screwdriver slot.  Despite Leatherman's more or less failed attempts (the original knife line was killed off and I think the Expanse models have also been cancelled) at this market there's obviously still something there or others wouldn't be working at it as well.

By the way, I'll be carrying the Crater today.

Def


Some of the Craters are still available, but not the one with the large bit holder.  I have that one, and I'm surprised that that's one of the models that they discontinued.  Anyone that has one of the LM MTs and a bit kit would be drawn to that model IMO.
- Steve


ca Offline Grant Lamontagne

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Re: Having a Three Way- Defender Style!
Reply #26 on: March 15, 2018, 07:20:35 PM
I don't even remember starting this thread.   :facepalm:

Def
Leave the dents as they are- let your belongings show their scars as proudly as you do yours.


es Offline ThePeacent

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Re: Having a Three Way- Defender Style!
Reply #27 on: March 15, 2018, 08:02:08 PM
I don't even remember starting this thread.   :facepalm:

Def

well you never finished it that's for sure  :pok:
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be Offline Top-Gear-24

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Re: Having a Three Way- Defender Style!
Reply #28 on: March 15, 2018, 08:05:58 PM
I don't even remember starting this thread.   :facepalm:

Def

well you never finished it that's for sure  :pok:

That, or we can expect an in-depth review on these knives in the near future  :pok:.


00 Offline Mechanickal

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Re: Having a Three Way- Defender Style!
Reply #29 on: March 16, 2018, 11:35:37 AM
Grant's comment points into 1 direction...
Ageing!

Or he was smurf faced back then...
Or now...

Those are posibilities too.

Or a sum of all 3! :ahhh


 

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