Leatherman Kick, Fuse, and Blast.

[Chako]

Now here is a series that is near and dear to my heart. When I first started collecting Leatherman tools, I had assumed I would only need a few and I would be done. At the time, I was a bit naive when it came to Leatherman models. I thought all I would need was a single Kick, Fuse, and Blast model. You will see that there are many variations in this simple triad.

On top of that, when I first got these, I didn't much care for them. I simply did not like the nylon edging on the handles. I found them to be rather sharp. However, what I have found out, over time, they do tend to wear down a little. Not much, but enough to round the edges somewhat, making these some of the most comfortable Leathermans around. It also helps that the nylon is sculpted for fingers.

The nylon used is produced by DuPont and is trademarked under the name Zytel. The interesting thing about Zytel, it has fiberglass mixed in for added structural rigidity.

This series comprises of 3 tools. Well we can also add a forth to the mix, the larger Core which came out a year later and is a basically a Super Tool but featuring the construction of the smaller triad mentioned here. The smaller tools feature the Kick which is the smallest of the series. This is followed by the Fuse, and of course the larger Blast.

Before we start this, here are the Kick, Fuse, and Blast numbers in my collection:

Kick - 5
Fuse - 12
Blast - 9
Total - 26 

On top of that, there are no duplicates. This family blew away my concept of just having one of each and calling it a day. 

The Kick, Fuse, and Blast were all introduced in 2004, and sadly enough, are now discontinued. The Core was introduced a year later, and is also discontinued. Now onto the meat and potatoes of this overview.

Before we examine in closer detail the members of this series, there are a few things I would like to discuss first. There are basically two major changes found in all 3 models. One is focused on the plier heads. You could either get the regular plier head, or the cap crimper plier head. Usually, the cap crimper version is harder to find. I have found the stainless steel cap crimper versions tend to be the hardest to find. The Black Oxide versions tend to be more common, I guess because they are aimed at the military. The other big change is one of family run. Older tools feature the older locking mechanism lever. Newer tools feature an improved locking mechanism lever. I guess older versions tended to fail at the pivot point, necessitating a design revamp. So for a collector, you have non cap crimper pliers and cap crimper pliers, and old versus new locking mechanisms. Above all of that, there are many official versions and non official versions to wet the collectors appetite. More on that later.

The Kick is a bit different in that it is the only tool that does not feature locking tools via a lever. It is also different in that you could buy an accessory pocket clip that screwed into a convenient hole in one of the handle pivot points (think threaded hollow rivet). The pocket clip is a rarity in the Leatherman lineup, as it was only used on the much beloved and long discontinued Sideclip. One could almost think of the Kick as a replacement for the Sideclip in concept, even though construction varied greatly from the older Sideclip.



In the above photo of a Kick, you can clearly see the large gaping hole ready for a pocketclip. You can also clearly see the Zytel edging on the handles that are shaped for fingers.



And here we have that accessory pocket clip installed. Not only does it hide that unsightly hole, but it also gives you a new method of pocket carry. I have always wondered why they simply didn't sell the Kick with the pocket clip in the first place. I have also heard of people using the pocket clip as a wrench for some other leatherman tools. I haven't personally used one in such fashion so I can't verify the veracity of this claim. I have hear of people using two pocket clips to good effect though.



In the above photo, we have to BO tools, one featuring the regular plier head, and the other featuring the cap crimper plier head. They produced a stainless steel version of each as well.



I took a photo of this custom painted model to show you the difference between one of these and an official one. Most custom painted versions of these tools tend to have the Zytel painted as well, much like this example bought off of eBay. Surprisingly enough, there does not appear to be any official camo Kicks out in the wild. With that said, for the collector, there are 4 Kicks one needs, two stainless and two BO models with one each featuring the cap crimper.



And a few of the Kicks lined up. Some featuring the pocket clip.

The Fuse is the middle model in size and feature. Not only is the Fuse the middle of the line, it is also the tool that features the most variety for the collector out there. I have 11 different models, most of which are official with 2 customs thrown in for good measure. There is recent Orange version sold with a Led Lenser head lamp. Several camo versions, one featuring stainless tools, the other BO tools. The usual Stainless and BO tools featuring regular and cap crimper plier heads, and of course the knifeless Fuse model that features no blade. Throw into the mix old and new locking mechanisms, and one can see how the Fuse are legion for the collector to acquire.



Above, we see the rather fetching orange model, and next to that is a custom Texas Toolcrafter gold plated version. One of the camo models is also shown here next to a few BO models.



Here we see a few more camo Fuses. One being a custom job identified by the painted Zytel liners. You can also tell that the official Camo tool on the left features stainless steel tools and not the BO tools in the previous photo. Now I can't remember where the camo tools come from, as these tend to be specific store promos in the United States. You can't tell, but one of those stainless Fuse is the knifeless version.

The Blast is the big boy of this triad. Happily enough, there are fewer versions of the Blast out there, but like everything else of this family, there are still a surprising variety of them to collect.



Here we see two Fuses above, and 2 Blast bellow. You can't tell the different between them from this photo, but the Blast is thicker than the Fuse.



The above photo illustrates the visual difference between the older and newer style of locking mechanism. Remember that this difference is found only for the Fuse and Blast. The Kick does not feature a lever style locking mechanism. The stainless Blast on the left features the older mechanism. The stainless Blast on the right features the new and improved locking mechanism. The biggest difference is the cut out found in the newer mechanism. Noe also the larger pivot point of the newer design.

Now to compare the kIck, Fuse, and Blast to each other. All tools are the same size. However, they do vary in thickness, and also in tool load-out.



In the above photo, we have from bottom to top: Kick, Fuse, and Blast. Note that the Kick is lacking the lever style locking mechanism. This example also features the option pocket clip. The middle of the line Fuse, and the thicker Blast both feature the lever style locking mechanism.

It is time to look at the tool loadout of each model.

The Kick features the fewest secondary tools.



We have a knife, large and small flat head driver, lanyard, can opener, and a nice Phillips driver. This example also exhibits the cap crimper plier head.



The Fuse is one tool wider than the Kick, which allows it to add a very nice pair of scissors. The Knifeless Fuse exchanges the knife blade for a metal file.



The Blast is essentially one tool wider than the Fuse. This allows the Blast to add a metal file, a saw, and a small removable flat/Phillips eyeglass driver.

In summary, the Kick, Fuse, and Blast family is almost shockingly varied. In my collection, I have 25 different versions, many of which are cosmetic, but to the collector, there are many model versions to collect here.

For the Kick, I have:
1 stainless steel regular plier head
1 stainless steel CC head
1 BO regular plier head
1 BO CC head
1 Custom camo painted

For the Fuse, I have:
1 Orange painted model sold with a Led Lenser head mounted light
1 Texas Toolcrafter gold plated
1 stainless steel regular head
1 stainless steel CC head
1 BO regular head
1 BO CC head
2 Knifeless (one is my EDC)
1 Custom camo painted
1 Camo with BO tools
1 Camo with stainless steel tools
1 stainless steel with old locking mechanism

For the Blast, I have:
1 stainless steel regular head
1 stainless steel CC head
1 BO with regular head
1 BO with CC head
1 custom camo painted
1 Camo with BO tools
1 Camo with stainless tools
1 Texas Toolcrafter gold painted
1 custom red carbon fiber painted

So there you have it, even discounted the few custom models, you can see there is a nice variety to collect just in this family alone. I did not add the Core to this mix, but much like the rest, this larger tool also featured a CC head variant. A far cry from my thinking all I needed was a single example of each. Come to think of it, this is a bit overwhelming come to think of it.

[captain spaulding]

Damn you Chako!  I'm still trying to put together a complete Fuse collection. All I need is a Knifeless and a BO CC. 



IF ANYONE HAS A KNIFELESS OR BO CC LET ME KNOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Chako]

I could try and hunt town the new and old locking mechanisms for every model, but I have to draw the line somewhere. I am just happy to have a few of each.

[captain spaulding]

I could try and hunt town the new and old locking mechanisms for every model, but I have to draw the line somewhere. I am just happy to have a few of each.

Yea, I don't care about the old VS new locking mechanisms, but once my collection is complete I might go for it just because. 

[TK8383]

Chako,

All I can say about the depth of your collection is...  WOW!

Just when I think that I have more MTs than I should, you share another peek at your mass of multi-tools.

I'M NOT WORTHY!

Thanks for letting me live through your collection vicariously.

 

[Billy Ruffian]

Thanks Chako. That is great to read and answered a few questions I have about these models. Nothing like on your scale, but I am trying to put together all the official camo LM variants.
So, am I right in thinking that there is no official camo Blast in SS, just the BO version right? I have checked the timeline and the show-off thread but still thought I read on here somewhere that such a variant existed. Also, the camo Fuses I have (both BO and SS) are the regular plier head, did they also produce these with the CC head?? Cheers.

[Billy Ruffian]

Sorry, I didn't phrase that very well. What I meant to ask was, is your camo Blast with stainless tools an official release or is it a modded/painted version?

[Chako]

I had to go back and take a closer look at the two Camo Blasts. I made an error. I was sure there was a difference between the two Camo blast, however, they both feature BO tools inside. You are correct. Now I have to wonder why I have two copies. 

Of course I cannot now fix the original article. 

[colt 1911]

Chako what don't you have ? Your collection is amazing, how's the coating on that orange fuse ? Do you think it would hold up as a user ?


Swiss Army knives .

[Billy Ruffian]

Thanks Chako. You did have me worried there for a while, thinking there might be some rare variant of the Blast that I'd have to track down.

[Chako]

You know, now that has me thinking. I might have to buy another Blast and exchange the inside tools and pliers if at all possible with that extra camo tool. This way I could eliminate that duplicate. 

As for the orange, it might. I am not going to risk testing it out however.

[bmot]

You know, now that has me thinking. I might have to buy another Blast and exchange the inside tools and pliers if at all possible with that extra camo tool. This way I could eliminate that duplicate. 

That way you'll get to try the pocket clip wrench thing! 

[Chako]

I just bought a donor Blast off eBay. 

[Billy Ruffian]

Sorry mate, I am sort of responsible for that!

[sawman]

Excellent write-up and collection Chako! At first, I did not care for the zytel handles either, but I came to like them very much. The Fuse is one of my favorites (I only own one, the orange) and I really wish it were still being manufactured. These were good, light-weight tools with good tools and razor sharp blades.

[colt 1911]

Excellent write-up and collection Chako! At first, I did not care for the zytel handles either, but I came to like them very much. The Fuse is one of my favorites (I only own one, the orange) and I really wish it were still being manufactured. These were good, light-weight tools with good tools and razor sharp blades.

Is it a user ? If so how is the orange holding up ? I plan on buying one for EDC If it holds up fairly decent.


Swiss Army knives .

[sawman]

Excellent write-up and collection Chako! At first, I did not care for the zytel handles either, but I came to like them very much. The Fuse is one of my favorites (I only own one, the orange) and I really wish it were still being manufactured. These were good, light-weight tools with good tools and razor sharp blades.

Is it a user ? If so how is the orange holding up ? I plan on buying one for EDC I it holds up fairly decent.


Swiss Army knives .

No, I have not put it to use yet so no idea about the coating durability. 

[basilio]

The nylon used is produced by DuPont and is trademarked under the name Zytel. The interesting thing about Zytel, it has fiberglass mixed in for added structural rigidity.

A side note to this excellent comparison is that DuPont used to be (don't know if still is) also a military contractor.
In fact, the M9 bayonet procured first in 1986 by the US Army used to have the handle made of this material.
(I know because I used to be one of the biggest collector of that bayonet).
Sorry for the small off topic 

[CanadianLMfan]

So many tools!

[Chako]

No need to be sorry. I try not to have duplicates. Sometimes, they do creep in unfortunately. This way, I will have a Camo Blast with stainless tools, and a stainless Blast with camo tools. Duplicate elimination if all goes well. 

[RimfireNZ]

Thanks for the post Chako. I have a bit soft spot for the Blast family of LM's.

My first (and for a long time, only) LM was a kick. Then when I lost it I bought a kick, then a Blast... then another Blast, and I've finally just bought myself a Fuse tonight (my first BO LM ) so I have the whole family (might have to get a Core now too!). The Blast used to be my primary EDC before I got sick (Leatherman Fever) and had too many Leathermans to choose from.

It's nice seeing them all together like that. I love the gold Blast.

[Chako]

Here is the drawer shot.

[RimfireNZ]

Oh boy. I nearly had a crisis.

I've love to see a few shots of some of those fancy waves up in the top. That black/gold one looks awesome!

Those BO camo Fuse's (when you can get them) here are $120~ (probably $100USD). Not cheap.

[sawman]

Oh boy. I nearly had a crisis.

I've love to see a few shots of some of those fancy waves up in the top. That black/gold one looks awesome!

Those BO camo Fuse's (when you can get them) here are $120~ (probably $100USD). Not cheap.

I recently saw the camo Fuses on eBay for around $75. A little more than I'm willing to pay for a fuse.

[Chako]

Well go figure. When the Blast arrived, I noticed it had the new locking mechanism. When I went back to the collection and looked at my other one, it was a cap crimper model. So this non cap crimper Blast I was supposed to disassemble and reassemble using one of the camo tools won't happen. I did not have this one.   

[ducttapetech]

Cool! Now you have to get another one.

live from Nate's mobile

[Chako]

Maybe not. I tried using the pocket clips from the Kicks, and I will say, whoever said you could use them must have never tried it. There is a bend in the metal that overlaps the outer side of the tool to prevent the clip from turning overly much once installed that got in the way, making them unusable. I know if I tried pliers, I would wreck the knurled screws. On the plus side, I got a new addition that I hadn't planned for. 

[loki-mobile]

There were early versions of fuse and blast with stamped "Pat Pend" on the handles.

PS I for the complete collection kick / fuse / blast lacking Camo Blast, Fuse CC, Kick CC, Kick BO CC