Ramblings on multitool styles

[Don Pablo]

Disclaimer:
I now have exactly one multitool, with another on the way, hence I am qualified to critique multitool styling. 

When I look at Leatherman multitools, the models that I like the styling of, in the closed position, are the more original ones, the PST, Micra, the MiniTool, etc. 
The plier heads on those look kind of weird IMHO though. 
I guess thats what happens when your first more-than-a-glimpse exposure to multitool plier heads comes in the form of the version introduced in 2004.

Then more recent, the Zytel line, in which you find the Kick, my only multitool. You can see the PST and SideClip in it still, just with the Zytel inserts.
Its interesting. 

But now... The only model in production with a semblance of the old style seems to be the Rebar.  (Aside from the Micra, the "sole survivor")
The rest are kind of not so nice.... Does that make me an old fogey?

In Contrast! Lets look at SOG.
I love the PowerAccess styling in pictures, and as far as I'm concerned, the more like a star destroyer SOGs models look, the better. 
Is that strange?

[Fortytwo]

I too am fond of the older Leatherman models and I think the SwissTool pushes the same kind of aesthetic. But I don't really agree on the more recent SOG models, I much prefer the no-nonsense designs of the older models. Even if some of those models sometimes seem to push the function over form to the point where the function (ergonomics) is limited.

[Poncho65]

I love the older style LM as well That is the reason I love the Rebar so much

[ThundahBeagle]

This does not make you an old fogey. It makes you a purist. I have a number of old school Leatherman tools . To me they are perfect because Function has a capital F.  As in Function THEN form. Simplicity. K.I.S.S.

Never thought I would like a newer style outside opening tool. But the Surge has really grown on me. I often thought about picking up a Rebar or maybe an ST 300, exactly because they seem like the old school designs

[AimlessWanderer]

This does not make you an old fogey. It makes you a purist. I have a number of old school Leatherman tools . To me they are perfect because Function has a capital F.  As in Function THEN form. Simplicity. K.I.S.S.

Never thought I would like a newer style outside opening tool. But the Surge has really grown on me. I often thought about picking up a Rebar or maybe an ST 300, exactly because they seem like the old school designs

Handle one first if you can, Beagle. The newer designs have a lot more hotspots than the older ones. Some folks don't mind it, but some folks do.

[gerleatherberman]

I like the older styles for slower tasks, but the wave, surge, and OHT have a lot of advantage when it comes to tool access on the fly. The hotspots are not really an issue to me when I can pop a blade, saw, files, etc without unfolding the tool and positioning it to use it. The only way I can conclude from reading and observing is to at least try a tool in hand. I never knew what I liked until I started getting used tools to use and collect. I was happy with a Gerber pinchy until I tried a LM PST. Then I tried many many others and settled on several tools. They vary greatly in style and form, but jive with me well enough to be in rotation. The best LM tool styled like a PST is the Rebar. It is fantastic and was only dethroned when another user sent me a SwissTool. But, for the weight and function, the Rebar holds its' own IMO.
The PST is great for infrequent use, but the lack of locks and sharp handles when using pliers make it a poor choice for using at my job. I eventually settled on the Wave for my work, even though it is not as pretty as a PST.
My fav LMs are the Wave, Surge, Rebar, and SuperTool 300. I cannot comment on keychain tools though, because I never use the ones I have.
Weight vs. Function for LM for me; the Wave and Rebar can't be touched. IMHO of course. 
Then there are Gerber, Victorinix, and SOG. I like the look of SOG, but the files blow and the pliers don't open far enough for what I consider HD work. But, good for fine details work. Gerber makes some good tools, but the MP600, Center Drive and Diesel are my top picks for them. Victorinox is EXPENSIVE, but very nice. However, make sure you have finger nails, or you won't be able to open the tools. And keep the SwissTools oiled or you will lose your finger nails quickly. The SwissTool and spirit are fine tools, but keep in mind, the steel is slightly softer than the other brands. The softness and polish does make them actually nearly rust proof!
Anyway, I guess what I'm trying to convey is, the form will fade(the new toy feel goes away) and function will be the only reason to carry an MT with you. But, what you feel best fits your job (or reasons) to have one is most important. The looks are secondary, unless of course, you don't really use an MT, then whatever looks cool.

[Syncop8r]

Disclaimer:
I now have exactly one multitool, with another on the way, hence I am qualified to critique multitool styling. 

So until recently you had no multitools?
Funny, I thought maybe you had some SAKs. 

[Douglas]

Anyway, I guess what I'm trying to convey is, the form will fade(the new toy feel goes away) and function will be the only reason to carry an MT with you. But, what you feel best fits your job (or reasons) to have one is most important. The looks are secondary, unless of course, you don't really use an MT, then whatever looks cool.

Great compairison and well put conclusion.  I'm enjoying the LM Surge so far but it as yet has not dethroned my Swisstool.  It's still at this point not a fair statement though as I have 20 years with my ST and 2 days with the Surge.
Time will tell...

[Don Pablo]

Disclaimer:
I now have exactly one multitool, with another on the way, hence I am qualified to critique multitool styling. 

So until recently you had no multitools?
Funny, I thought maybe you had some SAKs. 

You know what I meant. 
I had no plier based multitools.

[Syncop8r]

Disclaimer:
I now have exactly one multitool, with another on the way, hence I am qualified to critique multitool styling. 

So until recently you had no multitools?
Funny, I thought maybe you had some SAKs. 

You know what I meant. 
I had no plier based multitools.

That's better. You still get a  though.

[gerleatherberman]

Anyway, I guess what I'm trying to convey is, the form will fade(the new toy feel goes away) and function will be the only reason to carry an MT with you. But, what you feel best fits your job (or reasons) to have one is most important. The looks are secondary, unless of course, you don't really use an MT, then whatever looks cool.

Great compairison and well put conclusion.  I'm enjoying the LM Surge so far but it as yet has not dethroned my Swisstool.  It's still at this point not a fair statement though as I have 20 years with my ST and 2 days with the Surge.
Time will tell...

Thank ya, Sir! Indeed, I can understand, as I have already slipped the SwissTool on my belt instead of a couple of others since the end of the challenge. The big SwissTool has SO many tools on board. The Surge is bigger and stronger, but it really has a much lower tool count if you don't also carry the bit set. The Wave is not as big or HD as the SwissTool, so it is even less functional compared to the Surge. The MT world can be cruel sometimes. Lots of choices and none are perfect. 

[ThundahBeagle]

This does not make you an old fogey. It makes you a purist. I have a number of old school Leatherman tools . To me they are perfect because Function has a capital F.  As in Function THEN form. Simplicity. K.I.S.S.

Never thought I would like a newer style outside opening tool. But the Surge has really grown on me. I often thought about picking up a Rebar or maybe an ST 300, exactly because they seem like the old school designs

Handle one first if you can, Beagle. The newer designs have a lot more hotspots than the older ones. Some folks don't mind it, but some folks do.

Thanks for the advice, Fiddy, will do. There is an Army and Navy surplus up the highway from here where I can get my hands on them

[ThundahBeagle]

I've said this before and say it again...Zytel and Outside open tools are not old school to me. You may notice, the date at about which Leathermans first OOT tools appeared coincides with a stark uptick of "tactical" pocket knives being presented on the market. What tools are outside and one handed? The knives. Not the plyers (in most cases), which are Leathermans signature tool, not a screwdriver, not even a saw or scissors. The knives. But frankly, the knives are most likely used far less then the plyers or screwdrivers, etc. I believe Leatherman did that to compete with tactical pocket knife companies, and no other reason. And of courses, the Wave was a hit. But I wish they had more options for actual TOOLS to be one hand opening, as opposed to just the "weapon" type components. The saw of the Surge is outside, but I need two hands to open it. The serrated blade, opened wonderfully. Why can't my saw?

PST users have long either took the thin edged handles in stride or put on a work glove,or wrapped the handle in whatever kerchief or oily rag was in our back pockets. I mean, we WORKED with the PST and the Original Super Tool, didn't we?

The Surge, although a "new school one hand open", is truly a beast, and all function first. Everything is built around function and strength. Getting to love it. Just have to keep pulling up my pants.

The Blast, I like the tool load out very much. Wish the scissors were bigger, and not a fan of the Zytel. They could have just rolled the edges over like the Super Tool 200...

In the end, though, they are all Leathermans and I have not yet been disappointed with any of mine.

Not a fan is the look and feel of things like Skeletool and Signal, though.

[Syncop8r]

The saw of the Surge is outside, but I need two hands to open it. The serrated blade, opened wonderfully. Why can't my saw?

I can open both the saw/file and the scissors on the Surge with one hand (middle finger to start, thumb to finish).