will we see 2013 leathermans announce at SHOT show

[Outback in Idaho]

Sidekick & Wingman do have their place. They were geared for the an economical tools, down there with the el' cheap-o knock offs. Those with little funds or just getting into multitools have a much more affordable option with an outstanding 25 year warranty.
Do not see these as being much more then collectable or throw-aways for those of us that are already customers. Leatherman had used demographics int their marketing ploy to make an affordable solution. I have seen many of them sell around these parts because the fact they are affordable.

Once hooked they may do what a lot of have done. Buy more.



The Raptor has a hidden demographic that many may not see. There are companies such as Wal-Mart, Home Depot, and many other companies and organizations that will not allow their employees to carry a bladed tool. Now there is an option for one that denoted medical purposes. So for those that are in those retail/wholesale demographics, and for those that are CNA/hospice/support services may be able to still carry a heavier tool (with an outstanding warranty) on the job where-as before they could not.

I would personally like to have one to show other companies in the area to see if those would be acceptable for employee carry. Unsure what the price range is though. The ring cutter means a wire cutter. Scissors for general cutting. Strap cutter for nylon banding and box opening.
Scissors look so as not to be offensively imposing when being used. A customer seeing a facility employee whip out a pliers version tool then a blade could have a negative reaction. Same scenario with scissors, they are not going to react as much, as scissors are not programmed into minds as offensive weapons. - We, those of us that do know better are not in that equation. We see multitools for what they are. The public is hammered in by the media and the devolving human mindset to know any better. 


For the one new Cam, Pump. Rail - am going to sit back and watch. Am sure that is employed through the PocketToolX side with the Leatherman influence. Not seen tools like those before. As to my archery days I would look back and remember the negative comments about mechanical string releases and how people said they would not catch on. Now go to an archery shop and there are at least half a dozen or more types on display. - Those mechanical string releases did catch on, and grew in technology.
I do like the broad-head wrench tool idea. Sure would save getting cut up by one's own tools.    But are the tools going to be quiet when used? Deer & elk have them metal radar detectors going on.

[Outback in Idaho]

You are just super-strong, mate....   

You can probably cut metal using just your teeth...   

/snickering

[dks]

easy     

What metal did jaws use?? some secret supersteel I assume!

[Mercury]

I agree that the wingman and sidekick have their place, I just think it was a sellout move.  Thats just my opinion and you know what they say about opinions


As for the raptor, I will concede that it would make a great unobtrusive alternative to a pliers based tool, but thats not what its marketed for, and I don't know of too many companies here in the US that restrict employees that have a need for a blade anyways.  Walmart supplies box cutters and even when I worked for marriott (a no knife company BTW) I was issued a blast and carried it everwhere because I was in maintenance and needed it. 

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[Mr. Whippy]

What I don't understand is why there hasn't been a CIVILIAN version of the MUT.  I so want that hammer, but a lot of the other tools just have no use for me.

[AimlessWanderer]

I get your point Al, and I think I mis-spoke.  I do want an upgrade to the wave,but all I really want to see is a new set of inner tools.  I could do without the scissors and have an awl in place of them, and while replaceable cutters would be nice, I do not want the rebar plier head because the gripping area is sacrificed for the cutters.  If that is the only option then I would rather they kept the old plier head as well. 

My post may have come off a bit harsh and negative, but I AM frustrated with Leatherman.  I have loved their stuff for years and defended them as well, but its getting harder to do.  I realize that they aren't always going to put out tools I like, but the rebar was my unicorn and I was really disappointed when I got it.  I need to keep an open mind though and try the OHT before I say too much more.  Copycat or not it does look cool.

I am becoming a born again Vic fan though.  Sawman be proud...


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Point taken  Personally I wish they'd produce more bladeless options (which would link in with Xelkos' comments too), and also realise that many users would like scissors AND an awl (most of their tools it's an OR). As for the Rebar ... well the CS4 is my tormentor - perfect load out on paper, but with each implement carefully and lovingly scuppered to minimise usefulness and maximise frustration ... then put together my a baboon who operates machinery with his face (or at least I assume that's why he can't see the pigs ear he's just made of it) ... but I understand your disappointment all too well

[Mercury]

Well having just watched the demonstration julie did for the raptor, I can at least say I'm a little less disappointed in it.  I may actually buy one for my truck if the price isn't too high.   I still don't think it will sell very well.


As for the CS4, ROFl.  I agree.  I like the idea of the juice line but I usually just pick a SAK instead. 

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[kirk13]

I have to agree with Merc on a few things.I joined here pretty much as a LM fan boy,based on my PST,and my Wave2.IMO the Wave was and remains largely perfect,excepting its not UK legal.I think the Zytel tools that replaced the PST are greatly underated,and should have been tuned,rather than replaced by the Wingman/Sidekick.

Without reopening the Side/Wing debate,I do think they cheapen the LM brand a bit,maybe they should have been lauched as a sub brand,sort of an inverse of Toyota and Lexus?

Other tool launches have left me less than impressed.Skelis are cool,but lack utility.MUTs are hidiously expensive,and based arround the idea of owning an Armalite of some discription.While the Rebar might be a good tool,well so what?Its nothing new or different really.And theres the gerber,I mean OHT..why?Really Tim,WHY?

While I havnt seen the pix of the new releases for this year,given thier nature,they're of no interest to me.I want to see either a new PST...all it really needs are easier grip handles.I want to see a tool thats UK legal,or at least one thats non locking.I eckon I'm out of luck in the long term!

Oh,and like Merc,the Vic tools have reset my expectations all together.

Apologies,that may have turned into a rant

[stealth007s]

I think you're spot on with all of your observations Not really a rant

[Likeablefish]

 Just watched the LeathermanMedia shot sneak peak on youtube and theyre showing the facelift TTi, aluminium OHT and new Surge with ST300 head, looks very nice.

Oh and a bunch of others but i just skipped past them. 

[Mr. Whippy]

Well having just watched the demonstration julie did for the raptor, I can at least say I'm a little less disappointed in it.  I may actually buy one for my truck if the price isn't too high.   I still don't think it will sell very well.


As for the CS4, ROFl.  I agree.  I like the idea of the juice line but I usually just pick a SAK instead.  Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2

This.  The pliers don't hold up well to heavy use.  The other tools (other than the kF4 file) are a bit of a compromise.

[chris777]

What I don't understand is why there hasn't been a CIVILIAN version of the MUT.  I so want that hammer, but a lot of the other tools just have no use for me.

Same here, I think a standard sized C(ivilian )U.T. would sell well, with scissors an awl, and a file instead of a saw, or no knife as a carpentry type tool as well.  I like the surge and MUT but they are rather large for most users.

I'm slowly getting my kid on board But some more small squirt and or juice sized seem to appeal to my daughter.  I hope they have some more one piece tools up with some LM flavor.

[stealth007s]

The other one that I would like to see is a non-cap crimper plier on the Charge TTi What do non-EOD types use the cap crimper for anyways? My sentiments about the MUT as well LM is really limiting their market with gearing these tools toward the military/ police crowd

[Outback in Idaho]

Well, many invent uses for the cap crimper cause it is there.

Personally, over the years trying to straighten out or flatten pieces of sheet materials & wires I am finding it more annoying than advantageous. There is just over 0.25" of wasted space there. Been so wanting to fill the fissure with something that would hold up.

What you could use the cap crimper for: crimping smaller electrical terminals, making funny rings in rat tail combs when bored in the dunny, crimping those small round sinkers on fishing lines, pulling nails, holding something round, actuating pressurized stems on containers that lost their spray nozzle, gripping & adding torque to nut & screw drivers, grabbing paracord if you don't have a SAK hook. The V between the end of the cap crimper and the wider end of the pliers is great for crimping larger electrical terminals.

The crimper is not even EOD spec. So I too wonder what they were thinking... 
Charge TTi isn't even a EOD tool, and for the price ... would you even use it as an EOD device if it was??

[Mr. Whippy]

The other one that I would like to see is a non-cap crimper plier on the Charge TTi What do non-EOD types use the cap crimper for anyways? My sentiments about the MUT as well LM is really limiting their market with gearing these tools toward the military/ police crowd

The cap crimper is good for holding tightly round objects.  I use them to pull R clips off of farm equipment and lynch pins and holding nails when nailing in awkward spots.