The Knifeless Fuse

prime77 · **on:** December 07, 2006, 12:13:07 AM

The LM website is updated with the Knifeless Fuse with an animated tool and a link to TSA's carry on regulations. I think it's a good idea. I wonder if you could get away with taking it a plane though?

J-sews · **Reply #1 on:** December 07, 2006, 02:17:18 AM

Interesting. I had not noticed the website change until you mentioned it.

Link: http://www.leatherman.com/products/tools/knifeless-fuse/default.asp

prime77 · **Reply #2 on:** December 07, 2006, 02:24:14 AM

Sorry, forgot to put the link in. Thanks J-Sews. I think a multitool with no blade makes some sense. What do you guys think.

Grant Lamontagne · **Reply #3 on:** December 07, 2006, 02:47:15 AM

Considering how many folks also carry a dedicated blade, it makes sense. But then I always thought that a multi blade was for all the "hard" work and the dedicated knife was for "sharp" work. Kind of like why some folks like to carry double bladed knives with different grinds.

Multi blades for the most part have pretty thick cross sections which creates drag when cutting, which is why they usually can't compete with a dedicated blade.

Def

J-sews · **Reply #4 on:** December 08, 2006, 03:27:38 AM

Quote from: prime77 on December 07, 2006, 12:13:07 AM

The LM website is updated with the Knifeless Fuse with an animated tool and a link to TSA's carry on regulations. I think it's a good idea. I wonder if you could get away with taking it a plane though?

I haven't done much flying lately, so I asked this question to a couple of the sales guys at work. They both had their doubts. Apparently, some of those TSA people think they are god. On a bad day, they have even been known to confiscate fingernail clippers! (So I'm told.)

I don't think I would risk trying to fly with a brand new Leatherman.

spunkyruss · **Reply #5 on:** December 16, 2006, 02:33:37 AM

I mentioned in a previous thread (http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,398.msg4645.html#msg4645) that I had concerns about TSA's interpretation of the Knifeless Fuse's size.

The Knifeless Fuse violates TSA's carry-on regulations in a way that requires no interpretation -it contains a metal saw. The third side of the file is a metal saw. All saws are prohibited as carry-on items, just like all knives. Leatherman replaced one prohibited implement with another. That's just plain stupid.

Including a link to TSA and an image of a commercial jet on the Knifeless Fuse product page strongly implies that the Knifeless Fuse complies with TSA carry-on regulations. That's just plain misleading.

I wish that I could say that I am surprised by Leatherman's actions, but I am not.

Leatherman has produced some fine products. I know that I'll ruffle some feathers by saying this, but Leatherman has changed and the company is far too focused on marketing -focused nearly to the point of tunnel vision. I'm not just shooting my mouth off when I say that the compnay has changed. If you haven't noticed the change then please take a look at the "New Directions" piece in the Leatherman Insider Dealer Newsletter which is publicly available on the Dealer Extranet (http://www.leatherman.com/dealer-extranet/default.asp) portion of their website.

Incidentally, the Dealer Extranet portion of Leatherman's website contains a wealth of information and images.

Grant Lamontagne · **Reply #6 on:** December 16, 2006, 02:59:58 AM

My grandfather once carried a chain saw on a trans Atlantic flight. As Carry On luggage, not checked. A real, functional chainsaw. And now you can't even have nail clippers...

As for Leatherman, well, marketing pretty well is everything nowadays...

Def

J-sews · **Reply #7 on:** December 19, 2006, 03:31:00 AM

I think a safer bet for guaranteed TSA approval would be a Knifeless Sawless Fileless Scissorless Fuse.

(Better known as..................a pair of pliers.)

spunkyruss · **Reply #8 on:** December 19, 2006, 05:20:24 AM

I would prefer to live in a world that still allowed Defender's grandfather to carry-on a chainsaw. I don't think that we would be any less safe.

I think that the only substantial differences in post 9/11 airline security are the air marshals, the increased security of cockpit doors, and (most importantly) the realization by average Americans that something like 9/11 can really happen. That third difference is very important. It even made a big difference on 9/11. The passengers on United Flight 93 realized that 9/11 was happening, and their actions changed history.

J-sews · **Reply #9 on:** December 19, 2006, 05:52:40 AM

I agree with you Russ. Our government has spent billions on technology and safety measures to keep sharp objects off from planes. But it has all been a "feel good" waste of time and money. Like you say, hijacking an airliner with nothing more than a razor knife will never happen again. The pilots would not allow it. Other passengers would not allow it. No one would turn over an airliner to a hijacker under threat of a nasty cut.

After 9/11, Mohammed Atta's deciples would get the crap kicked outta them if they ever whipped out a box cutter on an airplane again.

Grant Lamontagne · **Reply #10 on:** December 19, 2006, 12:19:09 PM

Without getting too political here, I can't see any seriously dangerous group even trying to hijack another plane with a box cutter. Copycats and limited resource individuals might try it again, but I doubt organized and well funded groups would bother.

9/11, like the great wooden horse of Troy was successful once because it was unexpected, and that's how most of the world's battles were won. Look at Hannibal and the elephants, Hitler's blitzgreigs (of course a concept learned from Napolean and Alexander of Macedon) and so on. Battles like the US invasion of Canada ended in failure because the element of surprise was lost.

If any terrorist faction wants to be successful in attacking anyone again, and creating 9/11 it will be from yet another unforseen angle, and not from hijacking planes and crashing them into buildings.

Def

plowboy · **Reply #11 on:** December 19, 2006, 10:29:33 PM

I agree that the new Leatherman would face challenges getting by TSA. Flying is quite a hassel these days. I've never had a chainsaw on an airplane, but I used to fly with a locking folder...not anymore.

It's interesting to hear that some of you, especially spunkyruss, thinks that Leatherman has changed directions. I must admit that I don't know since I've never owned a Leatherman or followed the company too closely. I am thinking of trying a Charge. The multitool section on bladeforums has often had negative comments about Leatherman. It seems to have many Vic folks on it...and I really like Vic tools and knives too.

Back to the point...Flying with a multitool...I think it is asking for trouble...even witht the new Leatherman. I regret the loss of freedom we've experienced; I really doubt we are any safer than before.

Fred · **Reply #12 on:** December 28, 2006, 02:35:19 AM

I concur. taking a multi on a plane is just asking for trouble, which is kind of dumb because if someone really wanted to cause any harm, not having a blade on a multi probably wouldn't stop them. honestly I think i'd rather be stabbed by the blade on a multitool than to have that seudo needlenose plier head rammed into my chest. if someone wants to stab and kill someone whether they are on a plane or not they won't worry about whether they have an actual weapon or whether they just have to improvise.

spirited · **Reply #13 on:** January 16, 2007, 01:18:10 PM

Hi,

I am a bit late to the party. I just discovered the knifeless Fuse. I am a bit confused about the saw remarks in this thread, I do not see a saw in Leatherman's description (I agree that that would be enormously stupid). They say they replaced the knife with a file blade, which does make some sense. I would guess this would appeal to knife enthusiasts who carry a good knife anyway and don't need a multitool with a knife, or to people in countries with ridiculous knife carrying regulations.

I do agree with the sentiment in this thread that I would not risk bringing this Fuse on a plane though. It is also a bit ironic because the tool I would want most of all on a plane, in case of an accident or what not, is a knife.

Grant Lamontagne · **Reply #14 on:** January 16, 2007, 08:50:24 PM

The metal files almost always incorporate a fine toothed metal saw along the bottom. I think that's the saw they are referring to.

Def

I'm Still Bison · **Reply #15 on:** February 21, 2007, 05:28:32 AM

Bumping back to the top..has anybody got their hands on one? How do you feel about the absent blade in everyday usage.Looking it over..it comes close to my ideal,because it would be paired with a Vic Farmer.

J-sews · **Reply #16 on:** February 23, 2007, 04:20:29 AM

There are a couple of eBay sellers who sell knives and multitools which have been confiscated by the TSA. I wonder how long before they will have a Knifeless Fuse up for sale?

Tom Munch · **Reply #17 on:** February 23, 2007, 04:34:55 AM

I've been thinking about it a lot lately & also carrying a dedicated folder. I really like having a knife that fits the hand right & is no compromise when i really need a knife. I could see the Knifeless Fuse having a real place in my rotation when I'm wanting to carry a dedicated knife.

I'm Still Bison · **Reply #18 on:** February 23, 2007, 05:38:28 AM

Quote from: Tom Munch on February 23, 2007, 04:34:55 AM

I've been thinking about it a lot lately & also carrying a dedicated folder. I really like having a knife that fits the hand right & is no compromise when i really need a knife. I could see the Knifeless Fuse having a real place in my rotation when I'm wanting to carry a dedicated knife.

Those are my basic sentiments..I'm wanting something with a file,to complement a Vic Farmer,for a low profile,fairly pocketable EDC.I'm willing to give up a redundant blade,in order to cover what I consider the possibilities

Gryffin · **Reply #19 on:** March 13, 2007, 05:26:19 AM

Quote from: prime77 on December 07, 2006, 12:13:07 AM

The LM website is updated with the Knifeless Fuse with an animated tool and a link to TSA's carry on regulations. I think it's a good idea. I wonder if you could get away with taking it a plane though?

Two thoughts....

Thought the First:
My "local" airport is Newark "Liberty". The TSA goons there are outta control. Every time I fly, they toss my briefcase as if it had "BOMB" stenciled across the front. They've given me a hard time over a 5mW laser pointer, CR123A batteries for my flashlight, and even a pen that looked too "threatening". Regs or no regs, I expect the smurfs would confiscate a Knifeless Fuse as a matter of course, just because it looks like the multitools they've been confiscating for years; arguing that it doesn't have a knife blade would accomplish little other than earn me a body cavity search.

Thought the Second:
While I can understand what Leatherman is trying to do here, I likewise hate to see them kowtow to this "security theater" mentality. If they really cared about their customers, they would be working to help convinces the TSA that reasonable-sized pocket knives, and knife blades on multitools, are no more dangerous than the 4" scissors that they now allow, rather than tacitly supporting and reinforcing the gummint's attitude that even the knife blade on a Vic Classic is a Weapon of Mass Destruction. By conforming to their paranoia, they're just legitimatizing it.

Anthony · **Reply #20 on:** March 13, 2007, 05:33:51 AM

Having a terrorist infect himself with ebola then taking a cross country trip on several planes and through several airports would do a little more harm than a terrorist with a Leatherman knife blade..

Sorry to digress...I don't own a Fuse, knifeless or otherwise, and I don't fly!

Tarrodemierda · **Reply #21 on:** July 24, 2008, 11:42:44 PM

had to search for correct...kida...thread.

so,this one is what i got yesterday,and i broke it apart,so i can remove/replace the knife for Rodions needs since he cant carry one with locking blade.

Mike, Lord of the Spammers! · **Reply #22 on:** July 24, 2008, 11:44:09 PM

That looks like edward scissorhands glove

Tarrodemierda · **Reply #23 on:** July 24, 2008, 11:46:50 PM

i actually got it from johnny depp after shooting that film

NOT.

Mike, Lord of the Spammers! · **Reply #24 on:** July 24, 2008, 11:53:58 PM

Quote from: Tarrodemierda on July 24, 2008, 11:46:50 PM

i actually got it from johnny depp after shooting that film

NOT.

Wow, I didn't know you moved in those sorta circles mate

Tarrodemierda · **Reply #25 on:** July 25, 2008, 12:43:56 AM

not in the big scene but ive done actinc,and been using lights etc in one small indie film group.last summer i was making a film called VERI (blood)

Rodion · **Reply #26 on:** July 25, 2008, 12:39:29 PM

Quote from: Tarrodemierda on July 24, 2008, 11:42:44 PM

had to search for correct...kida...thread.

so,this one is what i got yesterday,and i broke it apart,so i can remove/replace the knife for Rodions needs since he cant carry one with locking blade.

Oooh, that looks nice.

Tarrodemierda · **Reply #27 on:** July 25, 2008, 12:50:28 PM

im tryin get get some broken leatherman,from it i could salvage the file for your tool.

it really was a bit tight,that screw in it but i got it open without any bigger visual damage.

i juts wanted to post it to you,rodion,so u could see that im really workinng on it after i got that new here.

are you ok with slightly used sheath or do u want me to chase a new one for you?

Rodion · **Reply #28 on:** July 25, 2008, 02:21:53 PM

Worn sheath is just fine, thanks.

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