My Leatherman update

[kirk13]

A while back I traded some stuff with SAKnight for some classic LMs,but i havn't done any pix yet,so....







Mystery no date stamp/no marking MiniTool,Origional Supertool(Dow) date stamped 09/95-1095,PST stamped 05/96-06/96

Having done that,I thought I'd do a family shot.



Its funny when you realise you have a problem

My origional PST,my very first LM,stamped 03/03-04/03,PST2 stamped 04/98,Pulse stamped 10/00,Sideclip stamped 04/98-06/98,Micra 03/98 and BO Mini 04/98-06/98

It doesnt look so bad,but then theres the Squirts...




 

[Zed]

Very nice john  all great mt's 

[kirk13]

I still very much feel Leatherman have lost something...these older designs just feel soo much better in the hand.

[stealth007s]

I still very much feel Leatherman have lost something...these older designs just feel soo much better in the hand.

That's my thoughts exactly about the Juice line, well, until I got the KF4 and S2 a while back. I had the same idea about the Squirts too and then got a S4. They are not bad tools but at the time they were released just didn't fit my needs. Now, I love them. I really have no real need for the heavy duty or full size tools but they do come in handy when I do have a heavier job.


Sent from Endor via Schlapatok

[Chako]

Nice collection. What will be your next addition?

[Gareth]

I agree with the older LM's having something over the newer designs.  Can't tell you exactly what it is, it's not like the Blast, new Wave, Super Tool 300 etc are badly made, but they do lack a little 'something'.   If I had to pick either my pre-2001 or my post-2001 tools there would be no question; the pre-2001 every single time.

[Gryffin]

(Image removed from quote.)

Now, THAT's what I call "Family Values"!!!   

[baja820]

I love that Vauxhall side clip!

[David]

Nice Leathermans. Have to agree about the older ones have some thing the newer ones lack. I dug out my ST200 to use at work yesterday and as I held it in my hand I really noticed the difference between it and the ST300  I've been using since 09. While the 300 is easier to use and has better tools it lacks some thing the 200 has.        

[Mr. Whippy]

To me, although the new tools (especially the full sized tools) are better functionally, they lack the quiet, utilitarian look and feel of the early tools.

The older tools are more compact and evoke the same emotion that really old cast iron tools do for me, back to when tools were function first and foremost and marketing played a very minor role in the actual tool design. 

[Chako]

I agree. The newer Leatherman tools are...for lack of a better word...fancier. More intricate metal work, etc. The older tools were simple, utilitarian designs. I guess in some ways, that is progress. You always have to one up your gear to remain competitive, and/or to remain innovative. With that said, I do not mind the newer tools. I still have a Knifeless Fuse on my belt, and I can remember my great dislike of that series with the zytel handle trims. Over time, I have grown to love that series.

[kirk13]

I agree. The newer Leatherman tools are...for lack of a better word...fancier. More intricate metal work, etc. The older tools were simple, utilitarian designs. I guess in some ways, that is progress. You always have to one up your gear to remain competitive, and/or to remain innovative. With that said, I do not mind the newer tools. I still have a Knifeless Fuse on my belt, and I can remember my great dislike of that series with the zytel handle trims. Over time, I have grown to love that series.

I agree with you wholeheartedly about the Zytels.I have a modded Kick and Fuse,both bladeless.The Fuse in particular has never let me down,and is far better for applying force with the pliers.But the Skelis,Rebars,Wingman and Sidekick just don't inspire.Likewise the Zytels need breaking in.The old PST family tools are just good to go out of the box.

I wonder if Leatherman didn't miss a trick in not evolving the Pulse/ST200?

Oh,and as to the next one?Well a second Sideclip to modify as bladeless?Or a ST200 maybe

[David]

Got to agree about the Zytel series. I throughly disliked them in the beginning and called them "the plastic Leathermans." Over time I've come to appreciate them. I have a Kick that was modded by Dennis that is a favorite.   

[Gareth]

I have to admit I've not carried my modded Kick or Fuse in ages.  I'll need to give them another shot and see if I can get the love back.

[sawman]

That's a very nice collection you have there.  As for the zytel series, I sold all of mine as there was just no love for them (thick, extra plastic zytel taking up space where tools could go).  I find the new REBAR to be the ultimate multitool although I wish it had good scissors.

[Monrogue]

I agree with the older LM's having something over the newer designs.  Can't tell you exactly what it is, it's not like the Blast, new Wave, Super Tool 300 etc are badly made, but they do lack a little 'something'.   If I had to pick either my pre-2001 or my post-2001 tools there would be no question; the pre-2001 every single time.

I agree that the classic LMs have that 'something' that makes them special.  I love my PSTII, but I don't prefer to use it for much as the tools don't lock, and it doesn't take much force for them to fold in.  While I didn't buy it to really put it to any serious use (other than fiddling ), I don't see how anyone would have been able to rely on them for much if the tools fold in so easily.  It was brand new in blister packaging, so it's not like it was used and broken in to become loose.  However, mine could be an exception as I know LMs aren't all the same when it comes to tightness, etc.  I was just curious if you are refencing any non-locking LMs when you say you prefer pre-2001, or if you're talking about any locking varieties from that time. 

[Monrogue]

Oops, sorry for the double post   I thought the first one had timed out as it wasn't showing any progress, so I hit the "back" button and retyped it.  I didn't know it would post both.  If there is a way to remove the first one, then please do so (moderators I'm assuming can take care of this )

[Gareth]

Oops, sorry for the double post   I thought the first one had timed out as it wasn't showing any progress, so I hit the "back" button and retyped it.  I didn't know it would post both.  If there is a way to remove the first one, then please do so (moderators I'm assuming can take care of this )

What first post?

To answer the question; no it's not particularly to do with locking or not.  In fact my Favourite LM is the Pulse, the locking (and comfortable) version of your PST II.  I'm curious as to how old your PST II is, LM did a redesign of the screwdrivers to make it much less likely that they would fold in use. 

Shamelessly stolen from the PST chronology thread.  Older style drivers shown in top of the first two pics.

Here are some examples of the screwdriver differences. When pushed hard, the early screwdrivers tended to "pivot inwards" under pressure. This was improved on later models, which featured screwdrivers that pivoted outwards against the stop the harder they were pushed.  

Benner pictures
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(Image removed from quote.)


DaveK picture showing the three types of medium flathead screwdriver
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[Nhoj]

I wonder why the wave's large flat driver has that same bend if it locks. Is it so leatherman can put it on non-locking tools also?

[Monrogue]

Oops, sorry for the double post   I thought the first one had timed out as it wasn't showing any progress, so I hit the "back" button and retyped it.  I didn't know it would post both.  If there is a way to remove the first one, then please do so (moderators I'm assuming can take care of this )

What first post?

To answer the question; no it's not particularly to do with locking or not.  In fact my Favourite LM is the Pulse, the locking (and comfortable) version of your PST II.  I'm curious as to how old your PST II is, LM did a redesign of the screwdrivers to make it much less likely that they would fold in use. 

Shamelessly stolen from the PST chronology thread.  Older style drivers shown in top of the first two pics.

Here are some examples of the screwdriver differences. When pushed hard, the early screwdrivers tended to "pivot inwards" under pressure. This was improved on later models, which featured screwdrivers that pivoted outwards against the stop the harder they were pushed.  

Benner pictures
(Image removed from quote.)

(Image removed from quote.)


DaveK picture showing the three types of medium flathead screwdriver
(Image removed from quote.)

Thanks   My PSTII is dated 0997, so it's one of the older versions I think (in PSTII years anyway )  I have the older style screwdrivers (the top ones in the first two pics as you said), so that would explain it.  So that must mean that all PSTs before that change was implemented must have had tools that folded in easily? 

[David]

Monr you can find more PSTII date code info here.

[Monrogue]

Monr you can find more PSTII date code info here.

Thanks David

[Gareth]

My PST II originally had those older drivers as well and I can attest to the fact they do fold in all too easily.  

[Monrogue]

My PST II originally had those older drivers as well and I can attest to the fact they do fold in all too easily.

You say it originally had the older drivers.  Did you replace them with the newer, better ones?  I like the idea of the Pulse since it locks, but I really like the scissors on the PSTII, as well as the groove in the diamond file.  It looks like the Pulse has the newer style scissors that are rather small and not quite as nice (imo of course).

[Gareth]

My PST II originally had those older drivers as well and I can attest to the fact they do fold in all too easily.

You say it originally had the older drivers.  Did you replace them with the newer, better ones?  I like the idea of the Pulse since it locks, but I really like the scissors on the PSTII, as well as the groove in the diamond file.  It looks like the Pulse has the newer style scissors that are rather small and not quite as nice (imo of course).

I did replace the Phillips and main blade on my PST II.


The Pulse's scissors are a little interesting.  Yes, they are very like the later ones found on the Wave, Blast etc, but they are not quite the same either.  They are a fractionally chunkier version of the later scissors and, while it makes little practical difference, they do feel nice and solid.

[Monrogue]

My PST II originally had those older drivers as well and I can attest to the fact they do fold in all too easily.

You say it originally had the older drivers.  Did you replace them with the newer, better ones?  I like the idea of the Pulse since it locks, but I really like the scissors on the PSTII, as well as the groove in the diamond file.  It looks like the Pulse has the newer style scissors that are rather small and not quite as nice (imo of course).

I did replace the Phillips and main blade on my PST II.
(Image removed from quote.)

The Pulse's scissors are a little interesting.  Yes, they are very like the later ones found on the Wave, Blast etc, but they are not quite the same either.  They are a fractionally chunkier version of the later scissors and, while it makes little practical difference, they do feel nice and solid.

Yes that's right.  I think you and I had a conversation about our PSTII's a few weeks or more back   I remember you mentioning changing out the main blade and the datestamps, etc.  So the Pulse scissors are slightly chunkier huh?  The current scissor design works fine really, but just seem kinda underwhelming I guess, when compared to some others.  So how often do you actually carry/use your PSTII?

[Gareth]

Not, I have to admit, my most used MT.   Once every couple of weeks I guess.  I do have a few to pick from and they all need a turn at being carried.

[Monrogue]

Not, I have to admit, my most used MT.   Once every couple of weeks I guess.  I do have a few to pick from and they all need a turn at being carried.

Mine either really, but I love to just fiddle with it and admire it, which is really why I got it anyway.  I don't want to risk damaging a classic like that   I mostly carry it around home as it's slim and light enough to carry in my comfier pants.  Yeah, I have a few I like to try to rotate through my EDC lineup, but I find it comes down to either the Charge, Rebar or Spirit, along with a SAK or two

[Mr Biriyani]

I must say that this thread is great.
It just happend that I yesterday received a PST that I bought unseened online.
When i opened the package  I was suprised to see a serrated knife and scissors on the PST.
I understood nothing. 
Reading this made it clear that I received a PSTII without the name stamed on it.
Wich is great because I had none.
I have never seen that little notch on the medium screwdriver before. Why is it there ?

[Gareth]

I think that notch is just a different version of the nail nick, but I'll let a real LM expert confirm that.