Leatherman Kick: Why the BAD rap???

sergemaster · **on:** March 11, 2015, 03:02:33 AM

Amici,
I hope I'm not necroposting here, but my subject line says it all... I cannot understand all the hate for this truly versatile yet lightweight tool.. There are folks here that will still sing the praises of their original PST, Sideclip, or even the much maligned Minitool.. All very similar to the Kick mind you, in one way or another.

But when it comes to the Kick, it gets stigmatized as the "girlie non-tool-multi tool" and that irks the heck outta me since I know first hand that it's all bunk..

So why all the hate for the Kick? Is it ignorance, or part of a former Soviet era plot to disparage a great all around yet very lightweight multi tool?

When will the haters finally stop kicking around the Kick?

Cheers,
Serge

Kampfer · **Reply #1 on:** March 11, 2015, 03:25:44 AM

I am guessing here:
Nothing wrong with the tool loadout, it is simple and basic. Some of us here like it that way.
Non-locking, not a big issue. Most SAK dont lock at all but there are people crazy about them.
I guess the real issue is, it uses the same frame from its bigger brothers Fuse & Blast but less tools.
In a way, same size, less tools, more empty spaces. MT Lovers have a problem with that.

bmot · **Reply #2 on:** March 11, 2015, 03:30:07 AM

Quote from: Kampfer on March 11, 2015, 03:25:44 AM

I am guessing here:
Nothing wrong with the tool loadout, it is simple and basic. Some of us here like it that way.
Non-locking, not a big issue. Most SAK dont lock at all but there are people crazy about them.
I guess the real issue is, it uses the same frame from its bigger brothers Fuse & ~~Blast~~ but less tools.
In a way, same size, less tools, more empty spaces. MT Lovers have a problem with that.

Not actually the Blast, that one is bigger to incorporate the extra tools

(Saw and file, iirc)

But yeah, the less nice thing about the Kick is that it has a huge washer instead of an extra, useful tool. Besides that, non locking, the format is generally quite nice and you'll see quite a few nice kick mods around, I think

Kampfer · **Reply #3 on:** March 11, 2015, 03:49:48 AM

Quote from: sergemaster on March 11, 2015, 03:02:33 AM

Why the BAD rap???

Because Nutnfancy doesn't like it!

If they made the frame thinner to fit the tools inside with no void space it would be great, just like the Sideclip with bigger pliers.

Chako · **Reply #4 on:** March 11, 2015, 03:55:57 AM

I like the Kick.

sergemaster · **Reply #5 on:** March 11, 2015, 03:58:39 AM

Bmot wrote:

Quote

But yeah, the less nice thing about the Kick is that it has a huge washer instead of an extra, useful tool..

Amici,
I would have to yield you that talking point regarding the washer/lanyard layout, and especially about a good mod. Has anyone dared to remove the washer and replace it with lets say a pair of scissors from a Fuse or Blast or possibly another similar sized tool? I think not, but it would be nice..

Regardless of that wasted space and the lack of scissors, one item that goes a long way that others in it's weight class lack, that is a usable and discreet pocket clip.... That alone gives it 10 + bonus points..

Makes you wonder WHY the folks at LM didn't bother to implement one for the slightly larger tools that are quite similar.. Again like the Fuse or the Blast..

Cheers,
Serge

Obi1shinobee · **Reply #6 on:** March 11, 2015, 04:05:58 AM

Quote from: Chako on March 11, 2015, 03:55:57 AM

I like the Kick.

Lynn LeFey · **Reply #7 on:** March 11, 2015, 04:08:02 AM

I had a kick. It just wasn't for me. That mostly came down to lack of scissors.

Less of a major issue, I didn't think the increased ergonomics, compared to a PST or PST II, was worth the added bulk.

Those are about the only downsides to the tool. Non-loncking has mostly never been a serious deal-breaker, but I just happened into a Rebar shortly after getting the Kick, and between the two, I was going to keep the Rebar.

I still have the Rebar, still have a PST II. I have nothing particular against the Kick. It just isn't for me.

bmot · **Reply #8 on:** March 11, 2015, 04:10:05 AM

Quote from: sergemaster on March 11, 2015, 03:58:39 AM

Bmot wrote:

Quote
But yeah, the less nice thing about the Kick is that it has a huge washer instead of an extra, useful tool..

Amici,
I would have to yield you that talking point regarding the washer/lanyard layout, and especially about a good mod. Has anyone dared to remove the washer and replace it with lets say a pair of scissors from a Fuse or Blast or possibly another similar sized tool? I think not, but it would be nice..

Cheers,
Serge

I am really quite sure people have done it. I tried it, haven't succeeded (yet)

But that mostly has to do with my lack of decent tools to loosen those knurly pivots...

Anyway, no energy for a search now, but I'm quite sure I've seen them

Kampfer · **Reply #9 on:** March 11, 2015, 05:13:44 AM

I have a couple kicks, I found nothing wrong with them.
As many of you know, I am crazy about Skeletool, which has the exact same tool loadout as Kick, except it has OHO locking blade.

Obi1shinobee · **Reply #10 on:** March 11, 2015, 06:47:10 AM

Quote from: Kampfer on March 11, 2015, 05:13:44 AM

I have a couple kicks, I found nothing wrong with them.
As many of you know, I am crazy about Skeletool, which has the exact same tool loadout as Kick, except it has OHO locking blade.

hellsing · **Reply #11 on:** March 11, 2015, 07:31:04 AM

I ve got one and I live it. It s very lightweight, and the loadout is correct for my office, so it in my bag all year. Good combo with a Micra, and leatherman do cheap pack with both.

pingu · **Reply #12 on:** March 11, 2015, 12:01:10 PM

I don't get this "hate" thing for a considered opinion about a particular MT. I had a Kick once, the usp was non-locking for legal UK EDC (though the non-locking status of a blade prevented from closing by closed handles is uncertain

).

Then I got a Fuse (or "Kick with scissors") which I made knifeless so locking tools was now an advantage and did I mention scissors. Kick was fine but I moved on. No hate implied.

Just like criticism of Juice seen as "hate"

. Not my MT for all tasks and especially camping but my frequent UK legal urban EDC, a task it excels in.

NKlamerus · **Reply #13 on:** March 11, 2015, 01:58:35 PM

Quote from: Chako on March 11, 2015, 03:55:57 AM

I like the Kick.

Chako you like anything Leatherman

Corwyn · **Reply #14 on:** March 11, 2015, 02:10:20 PM

Quote from: NKlamerus on March 11, 2015, 01:58:35 PM

Quote from: Chako on March 11, 2015, 03:55:57 AM
I like the Kick.
Chako you like anything Leatherman

Chako you like anything

Biker_Bob · **Reply #15 on:** March 11, 2015, 04:09:16 PM

It's probably just because it was the cheapest of the full size tools.
The Sporster 883 of the Leatherman range?

I had a kick as EDC for two years and loved it, the lack of weight and comfortable handles were the winner for me. The tool selection was just fine, occasionally I wished for scissors, but only occasionally. I'd still have a Kick except that I found a way to make a Crunch UK EDC legal so that's what I carry now.

BASguy · **Reply #16 on:** March 11, 2015, 04:43:02 PM

Quote from: Lynn LeFey on March 11, 2015, 04:08:02 AM

I had a kick. It just wasn't for me. That mostly came down to lack of scissors.

Less of a major issue, I didn't think the increased ergonomics, compared to a PST or PST II, was worth the added bulk.

Those are about the only downsides to the tool. Non-loncking has mostly never been a serious deal-breaker, but I just happened into a Rebar shortly after getting the Kick, and between the two, I was going to keep the Rebar.

I still have the Rebar, still have a PST II. I have nothing particular against the Kick. It just isn't for me.

Had a BO one for weekend carry wanted to like it, but lack of scissors with a space for scissors was a deal breaker.
I get more utility from my Deluxe Tinker so there is nothing I miss about it.
Leatherman scored with the Zytel IMO, but blew it with the giant spacer. Inexplicable how they messed that up so badly..... dumb.

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Higgins617 · **Reply #17 on:** March 11, 2015, 04:51:21 PM

Quote from: BASguy on March 11, 2015, 04:43:02 PM

Quote from: Lynn LeFey on March 11, 2015, 04:08:02 AM
I had a kick. It just wasn't for me. That mostly came down to lack of scissors.

Less of a major issue, I didn't think the increased ergonomics, compared to a PST or PST II, was worth the added bulk.

Those are about the only downsides to the tool. Non-loncking has mostly never been a serious deal-breaker, but I just happened into a Rebar shortly after getting the Kick, and between the two, I was going to keep the Rebar.

I still have the Rebar, still have a PST II. I have nothing particular against the Kick. It just isn't for me.
Had a BO one for weekend carry wanted to like it, but lack of scissors with a space for scissors was a deal breaker.
I get more utility from my Deluxe Tinker so there is nothing I miss about it.
Leatherman scored with the Zytel IMO, but blew it with the giant spacer. Inexplicable how they messed that up so badly..... dumb.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

In my uneducated, uninformed opinion. I'd say it was all to meet the price point and keep with the flow of the series. Sure they could fit scissors, but then where's the separation between that and the Fuse? I really wish they used the space in my Fuse to fit a file, but then Blast sales would have taken a hit. While I may not love it, I understand it, and they're still nice tools. Fuse has become my favorite and my definitive choice for EDC since about New Years. Hell, I dislike the fact that it has scissors so really it's a locking Kick

I would like to get a Blast at some point, or really just a Fuse with Saw and File and no scissors, but I'm a bafoon and would certainly ruin mine trying to do that.

Mr Biriyani · **Reply #18 on:** March 11, 2015, 08:52:19 PM

I have always liked the Kick. It´s a light good tool.
But the empty space and fat washers have always made me wonder if they couldn´t take all unnecessary washers away. The ones by the plier to and make the KIck 1-2 mm thinner without loosing any tools.
That would be even sweeter.

Mr Biriyani · **Reply #19 on:** March 11, 2015, 08:55:42 PM

Alwright the plier would be the limit so maybe only 1 mm but it would still be a difference.

Inky · **Reply #20 on:** March 11, 2015, 09:47:16 PM

I'm a big fan of the Kick, it's an ideal edc tool for here in the U K where it is ileagle to carry a locking tool in public. I carry a Fuse at work but day to day outside work I carry the Kick. I think it's a much better tool than the Juice S2 for example.

Philby · **Reply #21 on:** March 11, 2015, 09:57:49 PM

I also like the Kick!

Aloha · **Reply #22 on:** March 12, 2015, 12:13:58 AM

When I get home and remove my other tool from my belt I generally grab my Kick or PST. I noticed more and more it has been the kick. I can agree the space is wasted however like Higgins said its most likely due to a complete Zytel series more than anything.

I actually prefer using my SAK scissors so the Kick not having them is not a deal breaker. I have just enough tool to get most done while at home when paired with a good SAK.

Biker_Bob · **Reply #23 on:** March 12, 2015, 08:07:50 AM

Quote from: Inky on March 11, 2015, 09:47:16 PM

I'm a big fan of the Kick, it's an ideal edc tool for here in the U K where it is ileagle to carry a locking tool in public. I carry a Fuse at work but day to day outside work I carry the Kick. I think it's a much better tool than the Juice S2 for example.

Be careful with that, I stopped carrying my Kick because of the problem of the closed handles being viewed as a secondary locking mechanism. The law says the blade must completely fold away without requiring a second operation. On the Kick the blade doesn't fold completely unless you open the handles. It means that the only UK legal Leathermans currently in production are the Juice range, which have non-locking blades on the outside of the folded handles.

ToolJoe · **Reply #24 on:** March 12, 2015, 03:50:12 PM

I lean more towards the idea of carrying standalone pliers and a mt these days but if I was going to go with a pliers based mt, i'd probably want to try the Kick the most out of anything.

bitterchan · **Reply #25 on:** March 12, 2015, 06:38:54 PM

No empty spaces in this Kick

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rescue4500 · **Reply #26 on:** March 12, 2015, 07:36:53 PM

I may not use mine much but I love my kick!

av8r1 · **Reply #27 on:** March 13, 2015, 01:14:33 AM

I have no hatred for the Kick, but I prefer the fuse's tool loadout and locks. Biggest thing that turns me off about the whole Zytel line are the finger grooves cut into the scales, and that's on all three.

I was really getting into multitools right as LM was discontinuing the Zytels, so I don't own any of them. I would buy a lightly used Fuse if I had a reason to own one, but there on my desk sits my Wave.

Gareth · **Reply #28 on:** March 13, 2015, 02:02:24 AM

Having owned a Fuse and Blast before I got a Kick I was a little let down buy the much lighter blade and the fact the tools "clumped" together. $:-\$ Not a bad tool at all, but there was room for improvement IMO.