a few leatherman flair questions

rescue4500 · **on:** February 15, 2019, 04:36:50 PM

ive been looking at the leatherman flair for a good while now, and i do want one to have eventaully, but i have a few questions

how well do the implements work?
does anyone actually use the spreader or the fork?
is it worth the average of 100 dollars?

im not looking for a shelf piece here im looking for a multitool to use when i take my daughter and wife on picnics and it seems like a great classic fit, also it will go great with my leatherman collection when its not in use

Poncho65 · **Reply #1 on:** February 15, 2019, 07:43:54 PM

They are a fine tool but I have never used the odd implements on them

I know some on here have though

to me it isn't worth the $100 but that is also a matter of opinion and YMMV

Hope you find one for a great deal

especially if you are going to use it

Aloha · **Reply #2 on:** February 15, 2019, 07:46:27 PM

Its a cool MT thats for sure. I can't imagine the spreader not working of the fork

. As for price, I do hope you find one less than what you say they are going for. I picked mine up very early on and had a heck of a time finding one at a price I was comfortable with.

RicHT · **Reply #3 on:** February 17, 2019, 08:19:38 AM

I have a flair, and although I have carried it, I personally would never have the need to use the quirky parts of it. Finally like most flair owners,
I bought it because it's different and collectable.....and a 'flair'.

For specific camping trips though, it would be a great choice and the tools would work exactly as needed.

Is it worth the money they demand? Well that's a matter of opinion. I believe it is as a collectors tool, but maybe not as a 'working tool'. That's just my opinion of course.

gerleatherberman · **Reply #4 on:** February 17, 2019, 08:59:59 AM

As others have said, it depends on how much you want one.
IMO. It isn't worth $100 unless it is NIB. You might look for one that needs some cleaning and polishing.

I got lucky and bought one local for $5 with a broken combo blade. I purchased a plain edge blade and put it in, but later found a PST fixer-upper that had a perfect combo blade. Put the combo blade in the Flair and Plain blade in the fixer PST 2. I have about $30 tied up in a near-mint Flair. But, stuff like that, takes patience.

pietervn · **Reply #5 on:** February 17, 2019, 10:35:08 AM

G'Day,

I like the Flair and use it sometimes. It is OK for food prep and the "fork" can pick little bits of food up. The tools work well, but if you going to use it for food stuff, be careful what you do with the rest of the tools. You don't really want "interesting" tastes with your picnic lunch!

If you buy second-hand make sure the cork-screw back spring is not broken. That cannot be fixed and I doubt if Leatherman will be able to replace the tool. As said before, put a PST blade in and you have a very nice tool, I am not a fan of the combo-blade. Oh and the pate-knife works well

Cheers,

Pete

dks · **Reply #6 on:** February 17, 2019, 11:38:27 AM

I have 2, one to use, one to save.

It is a fun tool to use and the cocktail size fork works OK for its size. You can use the pliers to move BBQ grates and the rest for eating, cutting etc. Great for BBQs and quirky.

The corkscrew, as mentioned, is the weakest link, so operate it carefully. If you want the corkscrew for heavy use, try the Opinel No 10 Corkscrew, or the much more expensive Victorinox.

How much you are willing to spend depends on you. They used to be cheaper 5+ years ago. Because they are not bought for heavy use they are generally found in good condition.