Leatherman trimming or transitioning the product line?

[tosh]

Not looking for a argument, just stating my own views
The pliers on MT’s are pretty garbage - as a last resort then maybe, but 9.9/10 I’ll just go fetch real pliers.
If we are not using pliers then why tote the MT over a SAK?
I’m not knocking Tim, he’s made a fortune. Good for him. But C’mon can’t one of the big three ditch the dreary tool set and bring to the market something that really is indispensable.
The fancy steel used for blades is all well and good, but I’d much rather have the ability to swap a dull utility blade than the hassle of resharpening. Same goes for 2D bits?? Just why?? The universal standard is 1/4”, so let’s pop a pair of locking universal magnetic bit holders on shall we.
I tried to edc a MT, the pliers never once worked -  loosen nuts, cut braid...
At work I edc a Rolson box cutter and Gerber balance. The balance tweezers are outstanding, never do they fail to extract steel or wood splinters. The pliers are smurfe as is the blade. No full size LM MT  has tweezers, the ones on the micra are garbage.

[GearedForwards]

Not looking for a argument, just stating my own views
The pliers on MT’s are pretty garbage - as a last resort then maybe, but 9.9/10 I’ll just go fetch real pliers.
If we are not using pliers then why tote the MT over a SAK?
I’m not knocking Tim, he’s made a fortune. Good for him. But C’mon can’t one of the big three ditch the dreary tool set and bring to the market something that really is indispensable.
The fancy steel used for blades is all well and good, but I’d much rather have the ability to swap a dull utility blade than the hassle of resharpening. Same goes for 2D bits?? Just why?? The universal standard is 1/4”, so let’s pop a pair of locking universal magnetic bit holders on shall we.
I tried to edc a MT, the pliers never once worked -  loosen nuts, cut braid...
At work I edc a Rolson box cutter and Gerber balance. The balance tweezers are outstanding, never do they fail to extract steel or wood splinters. The pliers are smurfe as is the blade. No full size LM MT  has tweezers, the ones on the micra are garbage.

LM Tweezers are fantasic, as in the actual removable ones, the slanted tips are fantastic for grabbing things. You're entitled to your opinion of course, but it just seems like you're not the target audience. If you're happy toting around a bunch of dedicated tools that's great, not everyone is, to say that a MT is not as good as a dedicated tool is redundant. MTs are meant for ease of carry and verrsatility, if you know that you're going to be needing x tool in a trade setting then of course you'd be better off getting a good quality dedicated tool. But for people that don't regularly use pliers or at least don't want to always have to carry a tool bag around they're grand.

For a highlight on differing opinions: You like utility blades, which are hot disposible garbage of the knife world. It's great when you want to come home from work and turn off, but they're far from the best tool, they're the tool that takes the least maintenence. A dedicated knife is far superior to a utility balde or MT blade, but the MT blade gets the job done just fine a lot of the time. (To clarify I am and always have been a knife guy first, with a collection +100 with knives in and out of my collection ranging from $20 to $1500, so feel fairly qualified to evaluate different blades in this manner).

The goal of a MT is to be the tool you have when you need it, if you expect the best tool for the job then your expectations are misplaced.

[dmattaponi]

I do like old school multi tools best.  I think many of the current production stuff looks like the cheap junk of yesteryear...BUT I do find a multi tool eminently useful, and tend to go for my multi tool before going for a dedicated tool for most everyday tasks that pop up.  They’re convenient, and I just happen to have one in my pocket all the time.  For turning a screw around the house or office, or cutting a wire, etc., they work fine.  I wish Leatherman would make an stainless scaled Squirt, similar to the Micra.  I’d buy a bunch of them.


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[Chako]

My late father always had a Multi-tool on him along with a folding knife, and he was a tradesman. I asked him once, and He told me that it was quite common to see other folks wearing them on their belt for emergency use...like having the tool you need 6 floors down on a construction site. Folders were also quite popular with the local area construction workers as well.

[Poncho65]

I am a tradesman and I carry and use a MT quite a bit  more so when I was on the wall more but I use them to work and repair all types of things that we have at work I see others carrying a MT as well I have used and do use the pliers to cut tie wire, grab things with the plier tips and have used them to loosen nuts on equipment.  Utility blade knives have their place in the trades as well, if I know I am cutting something that will ruin a blade in a cut or 2 (either cutting tar based material or copper based material etc) I will use a utility blade knife I also would rather have modified needle nose pliers of a MT than blunt pliers any day of the week except in a few minor circumstances 

I read it as insulting .


I think just about everyone here would disagree that Leathermans or MT's in general are just " gadgets or a toy for mall ninjas. "

I'll leave it at that .

I am not from the city and we don't really have mall ninjas where I am from most people that have tools here use them MTs included I do work in cities but I am only around other trades people so I am not sure about mall ninjas there

[SteveC]

 


I'm also in the trades,  carpenter/painter/handyman. I carried a PST on my belt and used it almost everyday for 20 years before I got another Leatherman. I now have more than a few but I carry one everyday at work (usually a ST300 or a Rebar ) and it gets used most days.  I have seen plumbers, electricians, HVAC guys wearing a MT of some brand on their belt.  I've also rarely ran into a situation where I needed blunt nose pliers.

[Rab21]

I've worked in oil & gas or chemical manufacturing all my days on the shop floor and can count on one hand the times I've seen some one carrying a multitool.
In fact I think it would be twice.

Not that my roles would have much use as we were a bit more on the heavy side for tool use offshore and the chemical plants are too harsh on nice knives and tools.

However,  I carry a squirt in my jeans away from work and use it pretty much daily for one thing or another.

These days I also run a micro brewery and although I've got access to my toolbox I quite like a multitool in my pocket for quick  little jobs.
(im)patiently waiting on my new skeletool to turn up, then at least I'll always have a bottle opener on hand.

Great discussion though

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[John Worledge]

I run a large guesthouse in the West Country (uk)  have carried an MT for 11 yrs and have used it  most days. The advantage of always having tools handy is tremendous, it is my experience that 90% of the minor repairs i have can be completed with a good MT, the time saving is considerable during our busy periods time is alway a pressure.
On the subject of pliers, for the first time in 11yrs the Rebar pliers on my Charge let me down, i could not open the clips on the fuel pipe on my Honda XR250R, a trip to the toolbox for some conventional bull nose pliers was required,  as i say first time in 11yrs.

[Aloha]

My take on the OP question is I hope the R&D cost on the newer tools didn't in some way effect the retirement of certain tools.  I'm sure sales or lack thereof is the main reason.  With no real small MT like the Juice I wonder or rather am baffled by LM lack of development of that tool  .  I can understand the Style CS going away as the Micra is king as compared.  A small Squirt plier tool for me is such a win so I do hope tools like these are here to stay.   

[ElevenBlade]

My take on the OP question is I hope the R&D cost on the newer tools didn't in some way effect the retirement of certain tools.  I'm sure sales or lack thereof is the main reason.  With no real small MT like the Juice I wonder or rather am baffled by LM lack of development of that tool  .  I can understand the Style CS going away as the Micra is king as compared.  A small Squirt plier tool for me is such a win so I do hope tools like these are here to stay.   

   To a very large extent, the industry causes the change in the use.  Not long ago, the idea of bit drivers on a MT was absurd, until an ultraportable bit kit came along with a MT that had a bit adapter.  With that, it seems to me, that more people were using their MT for tasks that would normally have them reaching for their tool box.  What was an unassuming pocket carry (SAK) became a capable backup EDC (PST) and morphed into a heavy-duty took kit... leaving behind the weekend day-trippers that flocked to the PST.

Leatherman legitimately changed the way we all use multitools on a day to day basis.  September 11, 2001  changed that again.    Leatherman has had the opportunity to "normalize" MT use by keeping them familiar and accessible to the masses... and I do think that they have done this to some extent.

But this is why we can't have nice things.... I recently saw a comment from a man on another forum (and I trust that none of you wonderful people on MTo would say such a thing) stating something along the lines of "I've had the Juice XE6 for many years now.  It is marketed towards women for their purses because it's purple.  But I like it the best anyway because of the size and tool set".    

Unless everything is normal. nothing is normal.  Let that be a lesson.  This notwithstanding, that statement isn't even true, let alone justified.

The previous generation or two had no qualms about pulling out their pocketknife to do a little something here and there, and nobody ever batted an eye.  But nowadays, I look like a criminal when I take a MT out of my bag to fix the office's coffee machine. 

Candy coating MTs is a necessity in this day and age.  Overall appearance of tools is important, and if you can't beat them, join them... so to speak.  I feel that the days of "traditional folder" aesthetics are all but gone.  As hunting has become more technological, and bone, stag, ivory, and other materials become less fashionable, we have seen how knifes have changed in appearance.  Leatherman has run the gamut of form factors - from military to industrial to modernist to candy-coated.  Certainly, they need to maintain what sells... but in the meantime, I really believe that it is an investment in their own future to continue to offer the less popular tools that will be the ones that "you didn't know you needed".  Candy coating is the "other" form factor that people like.  the Juice matches my backpack, flashlight, even my sleeping bag... perfectly.  We have to get away from the pre-conceived "purpose of use" appearances of tools before we allow ourselves to use them. 

The Juice and the Squirt lines are not perfect by any means.  Most people won't take those to work with the expectation that they can get the job done.  But those same people that are buying the Surges and the Supertools for the job aren't the ones that are going to change the EDC culture for the general population.  The idea that someone has their work gear on them to assist in other day-to-day tasks for the rest of the day (as I did for a few years in the early 2000's) doesn't "normalize" it (it may even make you look like you can't put work aside when you should).  Having a small tool on you at all times in the bottom of your pocket that matches your running shoes.... a tool that you can send your daughter to college with to fix things in the dormitory... something that did the same small tasks that your grandfather did, but in an updated form factor that looks more like a reusable water bottle than a piece if the International Space Station... I really think that this would do more in the long run. 

[irongnome]

Not looking for a argument, just stating my own views
The pliers on MT’s are pretty garbage - as a last resort then maybe, but 9.9/10 I’ll just go fetch real pliers.
If we are not using pliers then why tote the MT over a SAK?
I’m not knocking Tim, he’s made a fortune. Good for him. But C’mon can’t one of the big three ditch the dreary tool set and bring to the market something that really is indispensable.
The fancy steel used for blades is all well and good, but I’d much rather have the ability to swap a dull utility blade than the hassle of resharpening. Same goes for 2D bits?? Just why?? The universal standard is 1/4”, so let’s pop a pair of locking universal magnetic bit holders on shall we.
I tried to edc a MT, the pliers never once worked -  loosen nuts, cut braid...
At work I edc a Rolson box cutter and Gerber balance. The balance tweezers are outstanding, never do they fail to extract steel or wood splinters. The pliers are smurfe as is the blade. No full size LM MT  has tweezers, the ones on the micra are garbage.

I have a Havalon Evolve that is pretty much exactly what you are describing.
It uses scalpel style blades instead of utility but still disposable.
I still carry my Surge as EDC. For me it works better.

[Rab21]

A removable scalpel or utility blade would be really good.

My work knife in the chemical plant is a stanley quickslide sport utility. It has a questionable combo blade , but it works on rope and boxes fine enough.  It also has a stanley style standard utility blade thats perfect for cutting open bags of chemicals which quickly ruin a knife.

A removable utility blade and standard 1/4" bit driver would make a great companion to a working multitool

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[irongnome]

A removable scalpel or utility blade would be really good.

My work knife in the chemical plant is a stanley quickslide sport utility. It has a questionable combo blade , but it works on rope and boxes fine enough.  It also has a stanley style standard utility blade thats perfect for cutting open bags of chemicals which quickly ruin a knife.

A removable utility blade and standard 1/4" bit driver would make a great companion to a working multitool

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You mean like this Irwin Tools FK250:
https://www.amazon.com/Irwin-Tools-FK250-1858320-Screwdriver/dp/B00CY8BJ06

I use it at work.
I think stanley also makes something similar

[Rab21]

That looks pretty handy

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[Huntsman]

Just come across this thread -
And to answer one question in the OP - It looks like new products coming along was one of the reasons for the cull ie the Bond
Although I was very sorry to see the ES4 go - I have one and use it all the time for electrical work around the house.
Also really sorry to see the Juices go - I really think that line could have gone places given the right target market - which I think should have been the outdoorsey climbing, hiking, paddling, biking set.

Anyway very interesting discussion folks in this thread  - And as always here - It is a case of each to his own or different strokes for different folks      

Although I gotta agree with Tosh on a couple of things:     Multitools are gadgets and they are bl00dy expensive. 

I'll never forget when I got my first multitool a LM Blast (I think) which morphed into a Wave pretty quickly.
I loved it - But one of the reasons was because it was gadgety -
But the thing is: It's an extremely good, well made, top quality gadget  ........ and for me around the house an MT is pretty much all I use.
I am pretty handy and do lots of jobs arond the house - But I am not a tradey and don't work in a factory - So don't need (although I do have) the dedicated tools.
I just love the convenience of having this tool in my pocket or on my belt or in a drawer - That can instantly address pretty much all my needs around the house and garden. 

However on the price I was pretty amazed -
Round about the time I got my Wave I also bought one of those 'all-in' tool sets for the back of my car - from B&Q (a big shed DIY retailer like Home Depot) 
It came in a plastic case and all the tools slotted into compartments in the case.
It had all the standard full sized tools: Hammer, screwdrivers, pliers (blunt nosed - ), utility knife, ruler, spirit level etc etc Maybe 10-15 tools altogether.
That set cost me about about £10-15 - made in China I guess - But the tools were definitely tough and good quality -  (not like those CAKs)
My Wave had cost me about £70.
And like for like - I think the tool set did have more functions overall eg the hammer at least   

That definitely got me thinking - So  5 times the price for less functionality       
However not for one minute did I regret getting the Wave      

[Max Stone]

Have to love the banter on this thread! So many different view points.

So here's my perspective: No one needs a multitool.

And here's my question: How much of an inconvenience would it be if you had no MTs on your person or in your house/car/bag?

Sure, there are hundreds of cases where the MT saved the day (even saved a life), but you could say the same for duct tape, which the world would certainly miss if it wasn't around.

OK - so this is a Multitool forum, and I have many (hundreds) in my collection and I love them all, but I know deep down that LM is just a big corporation trying to build profits, and the days of what the PST stood for (and even the Wave), are long gone. 

[ElevenBlade]

Have to love the banter on this thread! So many different view points.

So here's my perspective: No one needs a multitool.

And here's my question: How much of an inconvenience would it be if you had no MTs on your person or in your house/car/bag?

Sure, there are hundreds of cases where the MT saved the day (even saved a life), but you could say the same for duct tape, which the world would certainly miss if it wasn't around.

OK - so this is a Multitool forum, and I have many (hundreds) in my collection and I love them all, but I know deep down that LM is just a big corporation trying to build profits, and the days of what the PST stood for (and even the Wave), are long gone. 

You raise a good point.  The Original PST, was important when it was unique.  When the PST (and PST-2, and original Gerber MP) were replacing people's folding single-blade pocketknives, and their SAKs, they were relevant.  They offered something unique in that they could "fix things" better than the knife you had on you.  I can remember the first time I handled a PST.... I asked to borrow my friend's Lockback, with every intention of using it to tighten a screw.  He said he was carrying a Leatherman that day - not a Folding Hunter.   I was baffled and flummoxed and dumbfounded ... and sheepishly speechless when I quietly admitted to him that.... "Yes I'd like to borrow your Leatherman, because I need the screwdriver, not the blade, and it would be better if I didn't actually ruin your lockback"    

When it was somewhat unique was when it really mattered - back when you didnt know you needed it because you barely knew it existed. 

Now that there are a million options, any one of them is less relevant. 

Then there's the idea that we really don't need a multitool.  I'd tend to agree, but I think we just enjoy them too much to put them aside... even after a 30DC with no blade, or no pliers, or what-have-you, most of us are itching to get back to what we like to carry.  Our jobs usually supply us with the tools we need... and if they don't they should. 

It's a security blanket of sorts.  . 

[Shuya]

My 2 cents to the discussion around:

When Tim build his first MTs, the world was a bit different. He was first, the tool offered a gadget factor in a world where things still were made to be repaired to some extend.Suddenly having a small toolset when out and about was possible.

Today, well, things are designed in a different way mostly. Special screws, sometimes special-special screws that are made not to be unscrewed at all,  cheap stuff that is supposed to be tossed away, list goes on.
And more and more people are doing office jobs. You can clearly see the trend towards this target group in some tools.

Here in europe I rarely see MTs at all. The normal person doesnt even carry a knife.

Dont get me wrong, I have about 50 MTs (or more, lost count) and have a Wave with Bits in my working bag right now, and a Gerber MP600 in my working trousers when going to the shopfloor.
And a MT in my car or when out and about and weight is not an issue. Have even carried one when living the the parents-in-law on their property.
But the times I acutally "needed" pliers were limited.
The only real uses were when I helped friends move, when having a MT and some bits is realy helpfull while always have the toolbox around, for the quick cut or screw when up the ladder its nice to have. Or when at work (work as an engineer in a steel mill) I use the pliers to grab small hot things.

LM clearly has the tools for the military (ST series, Wave, Surge, ...), for the workman (wave, rebar, ST, Surge) and so on.
But Imho there still is a gap between the full sized tools and he keychain tools, once stuffed with the juice series that didnt really perform well.
I wish they would bring in some smaller tools, 3inch handles, compact with useable drivers.
The Bond ok, but personally I dont see the use of buying that over a rebar. Still the same size mostly with reduced toolset. 

And for military use: sure, they might come in handy, giving the average dude some tool will reduce friction in the process. But does the average grunt "need" one?
Havent been in the army at all, reading the reports here and on BF from former deployments most people just need a quality knife and maybe a can opener.


Edit:
Its a lot about marketing.
Somehow they even managed to sell knives with 10mm Screws and more than 4mm blade to desk jockeys thinking they need that (looking at Strider, Emerson, ...). Knive world is not about need, like many things, its about Want and Feel-better.
Otherwise lots of people just would go on with a simple slipjoint or SAK (or alike) for 99,9%.

[Steelej1976]

Not looking for a argument, just stating my own views
The pliers on MT’s are pretty garbage - as a last resort then maybe, but 9.9/10 I’ll just go fetch real pliers.
If we are not using pliers then why tote the MT over a SAK?
I’m not knocking Tim, he’s made a fortune. Good for him. But C’mon can’t one of the big three ditch the dreary tool set and bring to the market something that really is indispensable.
The fancy steel used for blades is all well and good, but I’d much rather have the ability to swap a dull utility blade than the hassle of resharpening. Same goes for 2D bits?? Just why?? The universal standard is 1/4”, so let’s pop a pair of locking universal magnetic bit holders on shall we.
I tried to edc a MT, the pliers never once worked -  loosen nuts, cut braid...
At work I edc a Rolson box cutter and Gerber balance. The balance tweezers are outstanding, never do they fail to extract steel or wood splinters. The pliers are smurfe as is the blade. No full size LM MT  has tweezers, the ones on the micra are garbage.

I keep my toolbox in the basement of my house and keep my Leatherman Wave with my wallet because I use it for work every day.  9.9/10 times the Wave gets the job done and I save a run downstairs, probably part of the reason I am getting fat 

[ElevenBlade]

I think we expect things from inanimate objects that they were never designed for, and then we say that the tool is garbage for any and all uses.

Multitools are designed to be pocketable tools to get you out of a bind - not do actual trades or machine / mechanical work.  The Leatherman PST - literally Pocket Survival Tool - is designed to get you to the next step, whatever that may be.  Tim Leatherman was already carrying a Scout Knife with him when he decided he needed a tool with pliers that could adjust old hotel plumbing (presumably until he checked out) or tweak his Fiat into shape to get to the next service station. 

Deciding that a tool is rubbish because it can't loosen a rusted bolt, or cut through braided wire, when it was never designed for that is off the mark.  If you are in a position to do such heavy work, you should be using real tools, or calling a person who can do the work properly. 

Sure, keep an MT on you if you don't want to fetch one from your house when you are already inside your house.  That's up to you.  But it's not a fault of the tool if it doesn't do the job.  You don't use a multotool to build a rocket, so what makes you think it will do anything you ask of it?

In my estimation. Multitiools are designed for the person who's away from their usual, and just need a quick fix to get to the next phase.  It was designed for the prepared traveler, not the plumbers and mechanics in mind.

[stugumby]

Was just on leatherman website and crater 33t are on sale, last numbers arent .99 they are.46, that usially indicated a clearance etc. Hope not those are great knives.

[Poncho65]

May be heading put the door

[ElevenBlade]

Was just on leatherman website and crater 33t are on sale, last numbers arent .99 they are.46, that usially indicated a clearance etc. Hope not those are great knives.

The Craters seem to be culled to make way for the T's and K's ... their newer models without pliers. 

[Poncho65]

 

[Aloha]

I believe I mentioned when I was younger late 80s, I worked in a machine shop.  There were lathes, press brakes, CNC punches, fastener machines, welding, chemical plating, and a lot more.  The guys all has big tool boxes and trucks with more tools on them.  The one tool I saw most was a caliper.  I did recall a few guys with sheath on their belts but my guess was it was a Buck knife.  I also carried a small knife. 

I never once saw a MT.  I also never saw a SAK.  We used dedicated tools at that shop and other shops I worked at.  I stopped working in that environment in early 90s.  When someone needed a tool they went to their tool box and got it.  Rarely did I ever see guys sharing tools.  I used the shops tools when I needed a tool.  It just wasn't something that was done in the shops I worked in.

Fast forward many years.  I was a chef so I never saw any MTs or pocket knives.  I was cycling a lot and had a few tools on my bike but they were specific to cycling. 

Fast forward again and I began side work as a security guard.  It was grave shift and it was then I got a folding pocket knife.  The job required one so I went to a local outdoor place and picked up what I thought was cool. 

Again fast forward.  I started my business and bought my first MT.  I was primarily because I didn't really "need" dedicated tools on my person and a MT was such a convenient "gadget".  I used pliers and drivers a lot. 

This was my first introduction into the world of MTs.  It was early 2000 now.  This was about the time I also got my first SAK. 

While I am relatively new to MT and SAKs I can attest to the fact that I use them as I did when I bought my first one.  It is for me convenient when I am away from my truck or up on a ladder or on a rooftop.  Do I need dedicated tools?  Yes and I have those as well.  I don't push my MT or SAK to do tasks they are not meant to do however I will push them. 

Things have changed since Tim designed and launched the beloved PST but for many there is still a place for them as a tool and not just a gadget. 

Heck I even see Tom Silva who is a master carpenter carry a Spirit or Swisstool on his tool belt.  I also see many Zoo workers also carry them.

[Syncop8r]

I also see many Zoo workers also carry them.

Same - me included. I got my first after being impressed seeing a fellow zoo keeper whip out a multitool and quickly fix something using several of its tools.

Tradesmen/women tend not to need multitools so much because they already carry their dedicated tools on their belt.
I see them as being used more by people who need tools on occasion but don't otherwise carry tools on their person.

[Syncop8r]

As to the OP.... when you step back and look, Leatherman produces a ridiculous variety of multitools (in my mind too many).
I guess it's all about trying new things to keep the market interested but at some stage sales drop off and a particular line becomes uneconomic to continue with.

[Aloha]

Same - me included. I got my first after being impressed seeing a fellow zoo keeper whip out a multitool and quickly fix something using several of its tools.

Tradesmen/women tend not to need multitools so much because they already carry their dedicated tools on their belt.
I see them as being used more by people who need tools on occasion but don't otherwise carry tools on their person.

 . 

[Aloha]

I hope like Victorinox they will up their quality if they want to focus on fewer MTs.

[ElevenBlade]

I believe I mentioned when I was younger late 80s, I worked in a machine shop.  There were lathes, press brakes, CNC punches, fastener machines, welding, chemical plating, and a lot more.  The guys all has big tool boxes and trucks with more tools on them.  The one tool I saw most was a caliper.  I did recall a few guys with sheath on their belts but my guess was it was a Buck knife.  I also carried a small knife. 

I never once saw a MT.  I also never saw a SAK.  We used dedicated tools at that shop and other shops I worked at.  I stopped working in that environment in early 90s.  When someone needed a tool they went to their tool box and got it.  Rarely did I ever see guys sharing tools.  I used the shops tools when I needed a tool.  It just wasn't something that was done in the shops I worked in.

Fast forward many years.  I was a chef so I never saw any MTs or pocket knives.  I was cycling a lot and had a few tools on my bike but they were specific to cycling. 

Fast forward again and I began side work as a security guard.  It was grave shift and it was then I got a folding pocket knife.  The job required one so I went to a local outdoor place and picked up what I thought was cool. 

Again fast forward.  I started my business and bought my first MT.  I was primarily because I didn't really "need" dedicated tools on my person and a MT was such a convenient "gadget".  I used pliers and drivers a lot. 

This was my first introduction into the world of MTs.  It was early 2000 now.  This was about the time I also got my first SAK. 

While I am relatively new to MT and SAKs I can attest to the fact that I use them as I did when I bought my first one.  It is for me convenient when I am away from my truck or up on a ladder or on a rooftop.  Do I need dedicated tools?  Yes and I have those as well.  I don't push my MT or SAK to do tasks they are not meant to do however I will push them. 

Things have changed since Tim designed and launched the beloved PST but for many there is still a place for them as a tool and not just a gadget. 

Heck I even see Tom Silva who is a master carpenter carry a Spirit or Swisstool on his tool belt.  I also see many Zoo workers also carry them.

Very relatable - not me in particular, but my best pals.

One good friend works in a machine shop.  he caries a Mercator because he want's to, and uses the shop tools for everything.

Two of my good friends are chefs.  (and do all aspects of the work since they don't have kitchen staff).  They, as well as a lot of chefs around here carry a one-hand opening pocketknife to open shipments, and packages of produce. 

Another friend does woodwork and also works in a lumber mill... he doesn't carry any multitool, but has tons of dedicated tools.  The only multitools he has are a Vic Classic in the tackle box and a Tinker in his backpacking gear. 

I took a vacation on a cruise ship once a couple years ago, and a bunch of the uniformed staff had Leatherman tools on them... I saw a few people carrying a Leatherman Wingman.

I think, across the industry... Leatherman makes no attempt to break into the dedicated tool market, Victorinox makes almost no attempt to break into the Leatherman market, and so on.