New tool request for Leatherman

[DoctorGlass]

I would like to somehow post a petition for Leatherman's next multi-tool. Recently, TSA announced they would accept a pocket knives below 2.36 inch blade length (no fixed blades or razors). This a great niche in the market that no one is specifically addressing. Unfortunately, most of the tools have blades which are too long or else MUCH shorter. I would like to see something carefully made and sized for this specific purpose.

Here's my list of must-haves:
* Good but small pliers (ala Juice/Freestyle).
* ~2.25" blade - preferably combination, smooth tip w/ serrated heel (ala Skeletool).
* 2-side wood/metal file (ala Charge/PS4).
* Interchangeable bit driver (ala Charge).
* Driver for micro slotted/phillips (ala Charge/Surge).

Could take or leave
* Saw (Useful for some but not all).
* Scissors.
* Bottle/Can opener.
* Tweezers.
* Gut hook / strap cutter.
* Belt clip.

PLEASE NO!!!
* 4 different individual flat screwdrivers.
* Weird tiny forks/ cheese spreaders and similar gimmicks.
* Super-specific tools (ala MUT/EOD) - You dont take rifles on planes anyway.
* Cheapo scissors (ala Wingman) do it right or not at all.
* If you're going to put a saw on it, then it better be tough - these things see a LOT of force. Overall, the effectiveness of any ~2" saw is dubious.

General Notes:
* One tool w/ 4 uses >> 4 single-use tools. Size and weight matter.
* Leatherman is known most for making good pliers, never sacrifice here (or SAK becomes better)!
* Gerber used to be a premium brand but sucks these days due to cost cutting. There is plenty of market for premium tools.

Here's how to do it:
* Take the Cs4 and trim 1/4" +  from blade length, and maybe serrate the heel end - or better yet offer blade type as an option. 
* Stick a stud on the blade for one-hand opening.
* Replace the saw with a file.
* Remove the Phillips driver and awl and replace with multi-bit driver.
* Replace the 3 flat drivers with micro bit driver.
* Option: Add victorinox-esque eye-glass driver bit that screws into the corkscrew and insert your reversible flat/phillips micro screw-driver into this. You may then keep the saw as-is and replace flat drivers with a smaller (PS4-like) file.
* Neat trick: make the file removable for blade/scissors sharpening.
* Second neat trick: re-size slightly and remodel scales to have a bracket/slot to fit one bit-kit plastic thingy which will be held in place when tool is closed (no need for sheath to keep everything together).
* Extra-neat trick: make a modified Mako-style wrench/pry tool OPM which will hold a few bits and will fit into this bracket.

Do these things and you have a tool that easily fits into a pocket (or big keyring), can handle just about any job one might need to tackle in the field, and can be brought along easily when you travel.

Anyone have anything to add to this list? 

[baja820]

Wow! That is one heck of first post!

I totally agree however it seems like things aren't set in stone with the TSA. As soon as Leatherman reconfigured the Juice cs4 they would ban knives again...

[DoctorGlass]

Yeah, long post I know.

I actually have a bunch of these multitool things, but I've been increasingly bothered by the number of "tripped at the finish line" tools out there.

Things like "stick a bottle opener on it" for every one piece tool in existence bother me. If it doesn't work well don't do it, and I have like 3 bottle openers on me at any time. Also, I like the interchangeable bit drivers SO much, but they are on so few tools, and no small ones.

It's a good point about TSA being a bunch of - expletives omitted. I think most of these modifications stand on their own as a good idea even without TSA. And there is a BIG jump between the blade on medium size tools like charge/skeletool/juice which all have 2.6 inch blades down to the tiny micra/squirt line. Something in a ~2" size would be nice.

[Nhoj]

There is a niche for this now and they could advertise it as TSA approved. I would be worried that this list it too specific though as manufacturers can be reluctant to make changes even if it is innovation. New ideas are always welcome here though!

[smiller43147]

This is a real opportunity for ANY manufacturer who resizes the tools (or the knife) to meet TSA regulations.  I agree w/ earlier post that you'd want to wait until this becomes real.  A lot of people are objecting, and the recent common sense announcement could be recalled.

I like the original comments, except I hate combo blades.  Esp one that short.

Good opportunity to being back the Kick w/ a slightly shorter blade.

[Grant Lamontagne]

I hear you Doc- I'm sure Leatherman isn't asleep at the wheel.  They were one of the organizations that was helping to push such legislation, so I am certain they have a plan for it now that it's here.

I doubt it's a modded Juice as you were suggesting though, and here's why:

The slip jointed Juice blade is legal almost everywhere making the Juice models a big international seller.  Making it OH opening would limit it's market as would making it lock, and let's face it, if it's OH opening you probably want a lock on it too.

Offering blade choices means there has to be almost twice as many out there, which means a bigger investment and outlay which they may not be keen to do.

Def

[stealth007s]

I don't understand why a locking blade is illegal anywhere Locking blades are safer because they won't fold in on you when being used. And let's face it, criminals don't care about laws and rules

[Grant Lamontagne]

Yup.  I agree.  Unfortunately advocacy groups and governments are not known for their intelligence and/or logic when there's a good lynching to be had.

Def

[Tsquare]

I am not picky.  I would be happy if they would just bring back the pst with torx pivots.