Comparing the old with the new…

[dmattaponi]

Even with so many similarities between the Bond and the PST, I can’t help but notice how much more robust the Bond pliers are, and how Leatherman really made an effort to upgrade the contours of the handle for comfort.  The Bond seems like a worthy successor, well maybe not so much a successor, as a worthy update.




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[Poncho65]

When that plier head came out in 2004 LM really made a big deal on how much stronger they were  I believe they said, at the time, that they were 40% stronger than previous plier heads or something like that

It is a really good plier head either way you go and I am glad they are using them on the Bond

I also agree that they are more comfortable to use but I never had a problem using the PST handles though 

[dmattaponi]

When that plier head came out in 2004 LM really made a big deal on how much stronger they were  I believe they said, at the time, that they were 40% stronger than previous plier heads or something like that

It is a really good plier head either way you go and I am glad they are using them on the Bond

I also agree that they are more comfortable to use but I never had a problem using the PST handles though 

The definitely look it.  I was happy to see this plier head used too.  I was content with it on my Blast. 


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[ThundahBeagle]

Just now finding out more about the Bond. This may have been covered in another post or thread (or a hundred) but I really have no idea why they didn't just call it the PST 1000 or something, then come out with another version next year that has very good little scissors and a diamond file called PST 2000. We all know it's a modern PST. Why call it something different?

Honest to God, when WILL they hire me as the "Big Ideas" guy? Or at least the "new tool naming" guy.

Cant find any on the shelves around here, which sucks.

[Chako]

To me, the Bond is more related to the Rebar than it is to a PST.

[ThundahBeagle]

To me, the Bond is more related to the Rebar than it is to a PST.

Does it not have the exact tool set as the original PST? None of which lock. Also, it doesn't have two blades, nor a saw. Just that the frame and tools are the modern versions...this is a modern PST in my book.

[Chako]

Yeah, however, the construction and look of the tool makes it a Rebar lite personally.

[Chako]

I see your point, but for purposes of my classifying it for my collection, I am sticking with the related more to the Rebar than the PST.

From top to bottom: PST, Bond, Rebar.
20210615_070222A by Chako, on Flickr

Yes, both the PST and Bond lack locking levers, and this is why they both feature scales on their sides. However, the construction of the Bond is very closely related to that of the Rebar.
20210615_070254A by Chako, on Flickr

Note the close resemblance to the Rebar in handle construction.
20210615_070319A by Chako, on Flickr

Much like the REV was to the Sidekick and Wingman, the Bond is to the Rebar.
20210615_070401A by Chako, on Flickr

You are correct in stating that the Bond's tool loadout is mostly the same with the PST. Here we see what comes with the PST.
20210615_070451A by Chako, on Flickr

Now for the Bond.
20210615_070654A by Chako, on Flickr

And the Rebar. The Bond's tools are the same as the Rebar, except the Rebar, being a higher multi-tool in the food chain, just has more tools.
20210615_070831A by Chako, on Flickr

[dmattaponi]

I kinda see both of your points of view.

Cosmetically and with the same modernized versions of the internal implements, the Bond is Rebar-ish.

BUT

Functionally/Design wise (almost identical toolset, narrower overall and flatter on one side, ruler on edge, slipjoint, more basic plier head) the Bond is more PST-ish.

If I’m remembering right, reviewers even compared the Rebar to the PST when it first came out suggesting that it was the modern incarnation of the PST.

At least that’s the way it seems to me.   Get rid of the large cutout on the side of the Bond and it would look less Rebarish.


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[Chako]

I am ok with people saying it is the new PST. However, I cannot based on its construction and lineage. The similarities are more than just that cutout.

[dmattaponi]

I am ok with people saying it is the new PST. However, I cannot based on its construction and lineage. The similarities are more than just that cut out.

Like

I also see some of that…construction wise.  It makes sense that Leatherman would stick with their more current fabrication techniques in newer models.

But on the other side of the coin, even Leatherman is billing the Bond as descending from the PST.


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[Poncho65]

I think it is a hybrid of the 2 but LM themselves have even said it is an updated PST Of course you can definitely see the Rebars influence as well

I am just happy that they finally made something like a PST with a clip

And great comparison pics

[Chako]

I am not arguing. Just to me, it is more related to the Rebar...so that is how in my mind, I will classify it. Nothing wrong comparing it to the PST. I definitely see it. 

[bobartig]

Does it not have the exact tool set as the original PST? None of which lock. Also, it doesn't have two blades, nor a saw. Just that the frame and tools are the modern versions...this is a modern PST in my book.

Nearly the same. The PST had 3 flathead divers, tiny, medium, large. The Bond is just medium Large. Design-wise the Bond is like 2/3 Rebar and 1/3 Kick, with a few throwbacks to the PST.

[dmattaponi]

Whether we think the Bond is more Rebar or PST, I just wanted to say that I think the more compact form factor of the Bond, combined with the pocket clip, make the Bond worth a look when you have the opportunity.


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[dmattaponi]

No doubt the Bond is built on the Rebar chassis, but performance wise it’s a beefed up PST :-)


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[bobartig]

No doubt the Bond is built on the Rebar chassis, but performance wise it’s a beefed up PST :-)

It's a Kick with a file and an AWL. FIGHT ME!!! er no, let's not fight 😅. I think everything with u-shaped handles and outside accessible tools when the pliers are open is arguably beefed up PST (Supertool line, Blast/Fuse/Kick, Rebar, Core, etc.), but we can see clear design influence from more recent models.

Look how gosh-durn similar they are!

Look at the slipjoint lock up. Behold!!

[ElevenBlade]

Nearly the same. The PST had 3 flathead divers, tiny, medium, large. The Bond is just medium Large. Design-wise the Bond is like 2/3 Rebar and 1/3 Kick, with a few throwbacks to the PST.

Very helpful observation here....  It's not infrequent that I've used a tiny screwdriver, particularly for eyeglasses.  A pliers-based MT is absolutely not my favorite form factor for this purpose.  I much prefer to use a LM Micra or a SAK.  The balance of the tool is better and thus much easier to use.  I avoid using the Wave for this purpose, and I'm glad the Bond doesn't take up space with this tool.   

[Poncho65]

It is definitely a close relative of the Kick the Kick was the straight replacement for the Sideclip and it was a very slimmed down PST

The whole Zytel series was trying to take steps away from the old school LM and LM themselves didn't realize that many didn't want to take a step in that direction 

It only took them 15 years to realize that and get back a PST replacement 

[dmattaponi]

It's a Kick with a file and an AWL. FIGHT ME!!! er no, let's not fight . I think everything with u-shaped handles and outside accessible tools when the pliers are open is arguably beefed up PST (Supertool line, Blast/Fuse/Kick, Rebar, Core, etc.), but we can see clear design influence from more recent models.

Look how gosh-durn similar they are!
(Image removed from quote.)
Look at the slipjoint lock up. Behold!!
(Image removed from quote.)

Lol, I hear you.   Nice, educational pics.


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[dmattaponi]

The whole Zytel series was trying to take steps away from the old school LM and LM themselves didn't realize that many didn't want to take a step in that direction 

It only took them 15 years to realize that and get back a PST replacement 

So true!


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[dmattaponi]

I see your point, but for purposes of my classifying it for my collection, I am sticking with the related more to the Rebar than the PST.

From top to bottom: PST, Bond, Rebar.
20210615_070222A by Chako, on Flickr

Yes, both the PST and Bond lack locking levers, and this is why they both feature scales on their sides. However, the construction of the Bond is very closely related to that of the Rebar.
20210615_070254A by Chako, on Flickr

Note the close resemblance to the Rebar in handle construction.
20210615_070319A by Chako, on Flickr

Much like the REV was to the Sidekick and Wingman, the Bond is to the Rebar.
20210615_070401A by Chako, on Flickr

You are correct in stating that the Bond's tool loadout is mostly the same with the PST. Here we see what comes with the PST.
20210615_070451A by Chako, on Flickr

Now for the Bond.
20210615_070654A by Chako, on Flickr

And the Rebar. The Bond's tools are the same as the Rebar, except the Rebar, being a higher multi-tool in the food chain, just has more tools.
20210615_070831A by Chako, on Flickr

Great comparison pics!  Thanks for sharing


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[Chako]

👍