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Tool Talk => Leatherman Tools => Topic started by: J-sews on July 27, 2008, 10:03:51 PM

Title: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: J-sews on July 27, 2008, 10:03:51 PM
The original PST was a standard catalog item from 1983 when it was introduced to 2004 when it was discontinued. In those 21 years there were many subtle - and not-so-subtle - changes made to the legendary tool. Most were evolutionary sort of things that made the tool better, like the stronger plier head pivot in 2000, or the hard wire notch added in the early 1990's.

I'm trying to compile these changes and put together some sort of chronology time line. (With Roadie doing the actual time line art work of course!) :D

What follows is a list of PST features and my best guess as to when they were implemented. It starts with the original riveted tool of 1983 and then ends up with some of the final changes of the early 2000's. The dates are only educated guesses.

[Edit (3/2016, 8/2020): The list below is updated as per post #91 (9/2008) of this thread.
For a tabular/pictorial representation of this information (and a little more) look at the table added below.
This link (https://www.smartknives.com/Leatherman-Multi-Tools/PST.htm) to SmartKnives also has useful pictures of the evolution of the PST.]


PST CHRONOLOGY:

1] 1983 Made in USA for Cabelas
•   Knurled screw construction
•   No lanyard attachment
•   Small diameter plier pivot
•   Only LEATHERMAN cast into plier pivot
•   No hard wire cutter notch
•   One handle stamped: LEATHERMAN TOOL, US PAT 4238862, PORTLAND OR
•   Other handle marked CABELAS
•   Inch ruler only, no metric
•   No date codes
•   Drop point knife blade
•   Knife tang not stamped (blade etched LEATHERMAN USA)
•   Milled awl blade
•   Off center screwdrivers pivot IN
•   Can opener has left hand cut

2] Early to mid-1980’s
•   Knurled screw construction
•   No lanyard attachment
•   Small diameter plier pivot
•   LEATHERMAN USA cast into plier pivot
•   No hard wire cutter notch
•   One handle stamped: LEATHERMAN TOOL, US PAT 4238862, PORTLAND OR
•   Other handle stamped POCKET SURVIVAL TOOL
•   Inch ruler only, no metric
•   No date codes
•   Drop point knife blade
•   Knife tang stamped LEATHERMAN USA
•   Milled awl blade
•   Off center screwdrivers pivot IN
•   Can opener has left hand cut

3] Late 1985 – early 1989 Made in Japan concurrently
•   Riveted construction
•   Hollow base rivets
•   No lanyard attachment
•   Small diameter plier pivot
•   Staked plier pivot
•   Only LEATHERMAN cast into plier pivot
•   No hard wire cutter notch
•   One handle stamped: LEATHERMAN TOOL, US PAT 4238862, PORTLAND OR
•   Other handle stamped POCKET SURVIVAL TOOL
•   Inch ruler only, no metric
•   No date codes

(Note some Japan tools appear to have handles obtained from the same source as some USA tools)
•   Drop point knife blade
•   Knife tang stamped LEATHERMAN JAPAN
•   Milled awl blade
•   Off center screwdrivers pivot IN
•   Can opener has left hand cut

(Note Japan tools appear to have several of their blades obtained from the same source as USA tools)

4] Changes to tools produced in Japan:
•   Solid base rivets
•   Lanyard attachment added
•   One handle stamped: LEATHERMAN in large font. Also stamped TOOL, US PAT 4238862 (no PORTLAND OR)
•   Other handle left blank

5] Still more Japanese changes:
•   US PAT 4238862 replaced by REG’D TM 1325473
•   Can opener has right hand cut

6] Mid-1980’s changes to USA-made tools
•   Added lanyard attachment
•   Handle stampings: US PAT 4238862 no longer appears. (LEATHERMAN TOOL, PORTLAND OR remains)
•   Other handle blank

7] Later-1980’s changes
•   Handle stampings: REG’D TM 1325473 added
•   Ruler becomes inch/metric
•   Switch to saber-clip point knife blade
•   Knife tang stamped LEATHERMAN USA
•   Ground awl blade replaces milled awl
•   Can opener switched to right hand cut

8] November 1992:
•   Date codes added

9] Mid-1990's?
•   Opposite faces of handles stamped for the first time, with LEATHERMAN TOOL
•   Clip portion of knife blade made shorter (no longer a Saber)

10] 1996
•   Hard wire notch first appears
•   Handles no longer stamped with REG’D TM number

11] 1998??
•   New off-center screwdrivers pivot OUT (0997 earliest seen)

12] 2001??
•   New plier head has larger pivot (0301 earliest seen)
•   Hard wire cutter notch has cast in indicator arrow
•   Knife tang stamped LEATHERMAN only (USA dropped)

13] 2002?
•   LEATHERMAN TOOL cast into plier pivot (USA dropped)

14] 2004
•   PST Discontinued (1104 latest date code seen)


(https://forum.multitool.org/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=60256.0;attach=518440;image)

Quote
Click here for a larger copy of the image -> (https://forum.multitool.org/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=60256.0;attach=518440;image)

But I need some help. Please take a look at your PST (everybody has a PST don't they? ;)) and tell me where it fits in. Does your PST have:

•   Rivets or knurled screws?
•   Lanyard attachment?
•   (Old) small diameter or (new) large diameter plier pivot?
•   LEATHERMAN alone cast into plier pivot? Or with USA? Or TOOL?
•   A hard wire cutter notch?
•   Handles stamped with what? (see pictures in next post for examples)
•   Inch ruler only, or inch/metric?
•   Date codes?
•   Drop point knife blade or clip point? (saber?)
•   Knife blade tang stamped LEATHERMAN alone? Or with USA? Or JAPAN?
•   Screwdrivers: pivot-in or pivot-out?

Thanks in advance for your info! :)


 
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Leatherman123 on July 27, 2008, 10:06:19 PM
This is quite interesting! I have two PST's and I'll look at them thoroughly and get back to you!
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: J-sews on July 27, 2008, 10:08:35 PM
As regards stamping on PST's, there are quite a few variations. Here are just four of them:

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v307/jooliesews/Bobbys/Reviews/PSTa.jpg)
POCKET SURVIVAL TOOL, from the early- to mid-1980's (note inch ruler)


(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v307/jooliesews/Bobbys/Reviews/PSTb.jpg)
Large font LEATHERMAN, from the mid-1980's (inch ruler)


(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v307/jooliesews/Bobbys/Reviews/PSTc.jpg)
LEATHERMAN TOOL, standard font, from late 1980's thru 1990's (note inch/metric ruler)


(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v307/jooliesews/Bobbys/Reviews/PSTd.jpg)
No REG or PAT number, from early 2000's (inch/metric ruler)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Spoonrobot on July 27, 2008, 10:54:03 PM
 :salute:

Quote
PST #1
•   Rivets or knurled screws?
Knurled screws.
•   Lanyard attachment?
Yes
•   (Old) small diameter or (new) large diameter plier pivot?
Old
•   LEATHERMAN cast into plier pivot, along with USA or TOOL?
Yes, USA
•   A hard wire cutter notch?
Yes
•   Handles stamped with what? (see pictures in next post for examples)
Leatherman Tool, Portland OR
•   Inch ruler only, or inch/metric?
Inch/metric
•   Date codes? What are they?
0900/0900
•   Drop point knife blade or clip point?
Clip point
•   Knife blade tang stamped LEATHERMAN, JAPAN, or USA?
Leatherman -USA-

Quote
PST #2
•   Rivets or knurled screws?
Knurled screws.
•   Lanyard attachment?
Yes
•   (Old) small diameter or (new) large diameter plier pivot?
Old
•   LEATHERMAN cast into plier pivot, along with USA or TOOL?
Yes, USA
•   A hard wire cutter notch?
Yes
•   Handles stamped with what? (see pictures in next post for examples)
Leatherman Tool, Portland OR
•   Inch ruler only, or inch/metric?
Inch/metric
•   Date codes? What are they?
0298/0298
•   Drop point knife blade or clip point?
Clip point
•   Knife blade tang stamped LEATHERMAN, JAPAN, or USA?
Leatherman USA

Quote
PST #3
•   Rivets or knurled screws?
Knurled screws.
•   Lanyard attachment?
Yes
•   (Old) small diameter or (new) large diameter plier pivot?
Old
•   LEATHERMAN cast into plier pivot, along with USA or TOOL?
Yes, USA
•   A hard wire cutter notch?
No
•   Handles stamped with what? (see pictures in next post for examples)
Leatherman Tool, Portland OR, US REG TM 1325473
•   Inch ruler only, or inch/metric?
Inch/metric
•   Date codes? What are they?
0296/0296
•   Drop point knife blade or clip point?
Clip point
•   Knife blade tang stamped LEATHERMAN, JAPAN, or USA?
Leatherman USA

Quote
PST #4
•   Rivets or knurled screws?
Knurled screws.
•   Lanyard attachment?
Yes
•   (Old) small diameter or (new) large diameter plier pivot?
Old
•   LEATHERMAN cast into plier pivot, along with USA or TOOL?
Yes, USA
•   A hard wire cutter notch?
Yes
•   Handles stamped with what? (see pictures in next post for examples)
Leatherman Tool, Portland OR
•   Inch ruler only, or inch/metric?
Inch/metric
•   Date codes? What are they?
0596/0696
•   Drop point knife blade or clip point?
Clip point Saber
•   Knife blade tang stamped LEATHERMAN, JAPAN, or USA?
Leatherman USA
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on July 27, 2008, 10:59:25 PM
Except for the date codes my PST is same as Spoons PST #3 :)  A 94 model without Hard Wire Notch :D

PST #3
•   Rivets or knurled screws?
Knurled screws.
•   Lanyard attachment?
Yes
•   (Old) small diameter or (new) large diameter plier pivot?
Old
•   LEATHERMAN cast into plier pivot, along with USA or TOOL?
Yes, USA
•   A hard wire cutter notch?
No
•   Handles stamped with what? (see pictures in next post for examples)
Leatherman Tool, Portland OR, US REG TM 1325473
•   Inch ruler only, or inch/metric?
Inch/metric
•   Date codes? What are they?
0794/0794
•   Drop point knife blade or clip point?
Clip point
•   Knife blade tang stamped LEATHERMAN, JAPAN, or USA?
Leatherman USA
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: J-sews on July 27, 2008, 11:13:24 PM
Thanks Spoon and Poncho. Your information has already prompted some changes in my original post.

What now reads as this:

1992?
•   Date codes added

Mid-1990's?
•   Hard wire notch added
•   Handles no longer stamped with REG or PAT number
•   Backside of handles stamped for the first time, with LEATHERMAN TOOL
•   Clip portion of knife blade made shorter (no longer a Saber)



Used to read as this:

1992?
•   Date codes added
•   Hard wire notch added

Mid-1990’s?
•   Handles no longer stamped with REG or PAT number
•   Backside of handles stamped for the first time, with LEATHERMAN TOOL
•   Clip portion of knife blade made shorter. (no longer a saber)



Spoon, the fact that you have two 1996 tools, one with US REG TM markings and one without, would seem to indicate that is the year they dropped that info.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: woofer on July 28, 2008, 02:01:11 AM
Does your PST have:

•   Rivets or knurled screws?
Knurled
•   Lanyard attachment?
SYes
•   (Old) small diameter or (new) large diameter plier pivot?
Don't know, need basis of comparison
•   LEATHERMAN cast into plier pivot, along with USA or TOOL?
Leatherman and USA
•   A hard wire cutter notch?
No, only self-inflicted damage
•   Handles stamped with what? (see pictures in next post for examples)
Leatherman(R) Tool; US REG TM 1325473; PORTAND OR
•   Inch ruler only, or inch/metric?
Inch/Metric
•   Date codes? What are they?
0294/0394
•   Drop point knife blade or clip point?
Clip Point (I think)
•   Knife blade tang stamped LEATHERMAN, JAPAN, or USA?
Leatherman USA


Also has a Marlboro Country Store stamp on the reverse of the handle. It's amazing how many cigarette cartons you can find on the streets of NYC just walking around as a kid.

It's also notable that Spoon has two 96 PSTs, only with hard wire cutter and one without. Maybe that's the year it was added in?
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: J-sews on July 28, 2008, 02:16:42 AM

.......It's also notable that Spoon has two 96 PSTs, only with hard wire cutter and one without. Maybe that's the year it was added in?


Good catch Woofer, thanks! (chronology in first post has now been updated)

And thanks for the info. I'll snap some pics here so you know what I mean about plier pivots and knife blades.

Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: DaveK on July 28, 2008, 02:17:06 AM
Oookay:

PST 1 (Black Oxide)

•   Rivets or knurled screws?
Knurled
•   Lanyard attachment?
Yes
•   (Old) small diameter or (new) large diameter plier pivot?
Old (with cap crimper)
•   LEATHERMAN cast into plier pivot, along with USA or TOOL?
LEATHERMAN TOOL
•   A hard wire cutter notch?
No
•   Handles stamped with what? (see pictures in next post for examples)
US REG TM 1325473
•   Inch ruler only, or inch/metric?
Both
•   Date codes? What are they?
0493
•   Drop point knife blade or clip point?
Pointier than the regular (later) blade whatever that is!
•   Knife blade tang stamped LEATHERMAN, JAPAN, or USA?
Leatherman USA

I'll post some more up tomorrow Bob as it's late here!

Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: J-sews on July 28, 2008, 02:40:43 AM
Oookay:

•   LEATHERMAN cast into plier pivot, along with USA or TOOL?
LEATHERMAN TOOL


Dave, when you get a moment could you double check this? I would think a 1993 model would have USA cast on the plier pivot.
Thanks! :)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: J-sews on July 28, 2008, 02:44:43 AM
To elaborate on this business of pivots and blades, please see the following pics:

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v307/jooliesews/Bobbys/Reviews/Pliers.jpg)
Sometime around the year 2000? (need more date info please) they switched to the new style plier head, which is obviously stronger than the old one was.


(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v307/jooliesews/Bobbys/Reviews/Knives.jpg)
The middle style blade is nicknamed the "saber" because of its big sweeping clip point. Later on they made the clip point smaller (top picture)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: appletree_man on July 28, 2008, 02:45:52 AM
Knurled screws

Lanyard attachment

Large pivot (I think)

LEATHERMAN name around pivot, the other word is ground out as if the mold was altered

Hard wire cutter

Metric & inch ruler

Date codes, 0601 on both.

Clip point blade

Tang stamped LEATHERMAN USA
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: DaveK on July 28, 2008, 02:46:27 AM
Oookay:

•   LEATHERMAN cast into plier pivot, along with USA or TOOL?
LEATHERMAN TOOL


Dave, when you get a moment could you double check this? I would think a 1993 model would have USA cast on the plier pivot.
Thanks! :)


 :oops: Thought I was answering about the handle stampings - sorry. Yes, of course it is Leatherman USA.

Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: DaveK on July 28, 2008, 02:49:52 AM

LEATHERMAN name only around pivot, the other word is ground out as if the mold was altered


That's interesting. I've seen the Juice models with USA ground out, but never a PST. Keep hold of that one appletreeman ( or trade it with me :D ).

Bob - it is the middle of the three blades (sabre) on the PST I mentioned.

Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: J-sews on July 28, 2008, 02:55:07 AM

Bob - it is the middle of the three blades (sabre) on the PST I mentioned.



Ahh good, so we've narrowed it down to sometime after 1993 that they switched to the new knife blade. (Darn, I should have been asking about this from the start so we could see what Spoony's 1996's were)  :-\
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: J-sews on July 28, 2008, 02:56:22 AM

LEATHERMAN name only around pivot, the other word is ground out as if the mold was altered


That's interesting. I've seen the Juice models with USA ground out, but never a PST. Keep hold of that one appletreeman ( or trade it with me :D ).


Yes, I'd like to see a picture of that plier pivot ATM! :)


Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: appletree_man on July 28, 2008, 02:58:24 AM
Couple of snaps.

(http://i37.tinypic.com/2i7ltgz.jpg)

(http://i34.tinypic.com/2qcku0z.jpg)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: DaveK on July 28, 2008, 03:03:35 AM
For those that don't know, the "USA" was ground out on some tools at about the time of "that" court case. Best theory I've heard is that a large quantity of castings saying "USA" were still in stock in Oregon when the ruling / decision to drop the USA was made. Looks like they just ground it out to save getting any more fines.

Since then, the USA has been replaced by the word "TOOL", and many of the newer models simply say "LEATHERMAN" now.

Thanks fo rthe pics ATM.

Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Mike D on July 28, 2008, 03:09:34 AM
PST  (Black Oxide)

•   Rivets or knurled screws?
Knurled
•   Lanyard attachment?
Yes
•   (Old) small diameter or (new) large diameter plier pivot?
Old
•   LEATHERMAN cast into plier pivot, along with USA or TOOL?
LEATHERMAN USA
•   A hard wire cutter notch?
No
•   Handles stamped with what? (see pictures in next post for examples)
Leatherman Tool Portland Or us reg tm 1325473
•   Inch ruler only, or inch/metric?
Both
•   Date codes? What are they?
only one handle stamped 1292
•   Drop point knife blade or clip point?
Saber
•   Knife blade tang stamped LEATHERMAN, JAPAN, or USA?
Leatherman USA
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: appletree_man on July 28, 2008, 03:09:52 AM
Ah, I see.
By eye it was difficult to see if it was the mold that had been altered, or the actual finished pliers ground down. But from Dave's info and the closer photo it's the latter.

If anyone is still interested in it, i'd trade for a PST II  ;)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: woofer on July 28, 2008, 03:37:01 AM
I can confirm that my 0294/0394 PST has the smaller pivot, no hardwire notch, and the knife blade is of the saber-type.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: J-sews on July 28, 2008, 03:41:20 AM
I can confirm that my 0294/0394 PST has the smaller pivot, no hardwire notch, and the knife blade is of the saber-type.

Great thanks, that helps! :)

Keep 'em coming guys, who else has a PST?
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on July 28, 2008, 03:43:23 AM
 :o Can't believe you can tell that they ground it out :think: wonder why thy didn't try to cover it up a little :( Maybe they where flamed about having to take the made in USA part out  :pok: Most things that claim they are USA made really isn't anyway  >:( So why did California do that :twak: :D
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Spoonrobot on July 28, 2008, 03:26:58 PM

Bob - it is the middle of the three blades (sabre) on the PST I mentioned.



Ahh good, so we've narrowed it down to sometime after 1993 that they switched to the new knife blade. (Darn, I should have been asking about this from the start so we could see what Spoony's 1996's were)  :-\

My OP has been updated, the only one of four has the Saber blade.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Leatherman123 on July 28, 2008, 06:51:37 PM
AppleTree, is that the PST I traded you?
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: woofer on July 28, 2008, 07:02:40 PM
A possibly useful compilation of the info contributed in this thread thus far, in Excel spreadsheet, so that it's a bit easier to compare the tools. I like looking at puzzles during my lunch hour, so sue me. ???

*edit*
shoved the spreadsheet into a Word document due to forum limitations
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: appletree_man on July 28, 2008, 07:31:08 PM
AppleTree, is that the PST I traded you?
I'm not sure, i've had 4 pass through my hands over the months, this is the only one I have now.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: ringzero on July 28, 2008, 07:32:59 PM
Does your PST have:

•   Rivets or knurled screws?
•   Lanyard attachment?
•   (Old) small diameter or (new) large diameter plier pivot?
•   LEATHERMAN cast into plier pivot, along with USA or TOOL?
•   A hard wire cutter notch?
•   Handles stamped with what? (see pictures in next post for examples)
•   Inch ruler only, or inch/metric?
•   Date codes? What are they?
•   Drop point knife blade or clip point? (saber?)
•   Knife blade tang stamped LEATHERMAN, JAPAN, or USA?


-Rivets

-Lanyard attachment

-Old plier pivot

-Plier pivot (both sides):
"LEATHERMAN" (no USA)

-No hard wire notch

-Handle stamp (one side only):
"LEATHERMAN TOOL
REG'D TM 1325473"

-Inch ruled only

-Drop point blade

-Blade tang:
"LEATHERMAN
JAPAN"

.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Smitty44 on July 29, 2008, 02:27:44 AM
Does your PST have:

•   Rivets or knurled screws?
•   Lanyard attachment?
•   (Old) small diameter or (new) large diameter plier pivot?
•   LEATHERMAN cast into plier pivot, along with USA or TOOL?
•   A hard wire cutter notch?
•   Handles stamped with what? (see pictures in next post for examples)
•   Inch ruler only, or inch/metric?
•   Date codes? What are they?
•   Drop point knife blade or clip point? (saber?)
•   Knife blade tang stamped LEATHERMAN, JAPAN, or USA?
                        SMITTY44 INFO

-Knurled screws

-No Lanyard attachment

-Old plier pivot

-Plier pivot (both sides):
"LEATHERMAN" (no USA)

-No hard wire notch

-Handle stamp (one side only):
"LEATHERMAN TOOL (small print),US PAT 4238862,  Portland OR.
On the top handle CABELA'S,in large writing

-Inch ruled only

-Drop point blade, with LEATHERMAN  on side of blade,not stamped
                                          U.S.A.
-Blade tang:Blank

-Milled Awl blade

-Off center screwdrivers pivet in

-Can opener has left hand cut.

-Ordered from Cabela's late in 1983



.

Changed info from Ringzero's,no rivets,or Japan Blade,see above in blue.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: J-sews on July 29, 2008, 04:29:11 AM

-Rivets

-Lanyard attachment

-Old plier pivot

-Plier pivot (both sides):
"LEATHERMAN" (no USA)

-No hard wire notch

-Handle stamp (one side only):
"LEATHERMAN TOOL
REG'D TM 1325473"

-Inch ruled only

-Drop point blade

-Blade tang:
"LEATHERMAN
JAPAN"

.


Okay now thats a combination that I haven't seen before RZ. A "Japan" knife blade combined with handles that say "LEATHERMAN TOOL" and have an inch-only ruler. Any way you can post a picture of the handles, similar to those in Reply #3  ?? 
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: J-sews on July 29, 2008, 04:33:57 AM
                        SMITTY44 INFO

-Knurled screws

-No Lanyard attachment

-Old plier pivot

-Plier pivot (both sides):
"LEATHERMAN" (no USA)

-No hard wire notch

-Handle stamp (one side only):
"LEATHERMAN TOOL (small print),US PAT 4238862,  Portland OR.
On the top handle CABELA'S,in large writing

-Inch ruled only

-Drop point blade, with LEATHERMAN  on side of blade,not stamped
                                          U.S.A.
-Blade tang:Blank

-Milled Awl blade

-Off center screwdrivers pivet in

-Can opener has left hand cut.

-Ordered from Cabela's late in 1983


Wow, another oldy with LEATHERMAN TOOL stamped on the handle and yet an inch-only ruler. Amazing! :)


Ordered from Cabelas in 1983 eh Smitty? Surprising that it has knurled screws instead of rivets. That would suggest that Leatherman dropped the rivets earlier than I'd thought. :think:

Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: J-sews on July 29, 2008, 04:38:50 AM

Bob - it is the middle of the three blades (sabre) on the PST I mentioned.



Ahh good, so we've narrowed it down to sometime after 1993 that they switched to the new knife blade. (Darn, I should have been asking about this from the start so we could see what Spoony's 1996's were)  :-\

My OP has been updated, the only one of four has the Saber blade.

Hey, thats interesting!
One of your 1996 tools has no saber blade/no hard wire notch/handles stamped with reg number.
The other 1996 has yes saber/yes hard wire notch/no reg number.

That pretty well nails down 1996 as the year all three of those changes were made. :)

One last thing Spoony; are the screwdrivers on both models the same? (are they old pivot-in-under-pressure, or new pivot-out-under-pressure?)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: J-sews on July 29, 2008, 04:43:36 AM
A possibly useful compilation of the info contributed in this thread thus far, in Excel spreadsheet, so that it's a bit easier to compare the tools. I like looking at puzzles during my lunch hour, so sue me. ???

*edit*
shoved the spreadsheet into a Word document due to forum limitations

A spreadsheet is the right way to compile this info Woofer. Great idea! :)  I must admit to being Excell-challenged though. :(
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on July 29, 2008, 04:44:29 AM
Man J-sews this is an interesting post of the PST  :o I really like the PST but since I have been getting models with more on them it is kind of playing 2nd fiddle :( I need to get it out and about some this weekend maybe :) It really and truly under normal circumstances has everything would need :D But saw, scissors and diamond files and etc etc are nice if you have them  ::) :D
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Smitty44 on July 29, 2008, 05:41:09 AM
                        SMITTY44 INFO

-Knurled screws

-No Lanyard attachment

-Old plier pivot

-Plier pivot (both sides):
"LEATHERMAN" (no USA)

-No hard wire notch

-Handle stamp (one side only):
"LEATHERMAN TOOL (small print),US PAT 4238862,  Portland OR.
On the top handle CABELA'S,in large writing

-Inch ruled only

-Drop point blade, with LEATHERMAN  on side of blade,not stamped
                                          U.S.A.
-Blade tang:Blank

-Milled Awl blade

-Off center screwdrivers pivet in

-Can opener has left hand cut.

-Ordered from Cabela's late in 1983


Wow, another oldy with LEATHERMAN TOOL stamped on the handle and yet an inch-only ruler. Amazing! :)


Ordered from Cabelas in 1983 eh Smitty? Surprising that it has knurled screws instead of rivets. That would suggest that Leatherman dropped the rivets earlier than I'd thought. :think:


See LM history on attch link http://www.leatherman.com/about-leatherman/history/default.asp

see quote about Cabele's on the yr of 1983,neat history,thanks for the Post Bob
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: woofer on July 29, 2008, 07:31:56 AM
A spreadsheet is the right way to compile this info Woofer. Great idea! :)  I must admit to being Excell-challenged though. :(

The useful things about spreadsheets is that they take only minutes to update and clarify.

Attached file is an Excel spreadsheet, just change the file extesnion from doc to xls. Word is a pain.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: ringzero on July 29, 2008, 08:23:23 AM
Okay now thats a combination that I haven't seen before RZ. A "Japan" knife blade combined with handles that say "LEATHERMAN TOOL" and have an inch-only ruler. Any way you can post a picture of the handles, similar to those in Reply #3  ?? 


Sorry, not at the moment.  Pics would have to be via a cell phone camera.  It takes pics that are low resolution and rather blurred - really not worth the trouble to take and post.

I'll see about borrowing a decent camera to try and get a few pics that'll be worth posting.

Can you decipher the approx date of manufacture from that "REG'D TM" number?  Think LM has a record of when they switched over from stamping Trademark Numbers to Patent Numbers?

I don't see additonal numbers anywhere, including inside the handles.  Is there anywhere in particular to check for date codes that I might be overlooking?

Also, I'm still not clear on what year LM changed from using rivets to the knurled screws?

.
 

Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Roadie on July 29, 2008, 06:48:36 PM
Glad to see this project taking off :) Although have i been volunteered for something?!? :think: :o :D
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Spoonrobot on July 29, 2008, 10:22:00 PM

Bob - it is the middle of the three blades (sabre) on the PST I mentioned.



Ahh good, so we've narrowed it down to sometime after 1993 that they switched to the new knife blade. (Darn, I should have been asking about this from the start so we could see what Spoony's 1996's were)  :-\

My OP has been updated, the only one of four has the Saber blade.

Hey, thats interesting!
One of your 1996 tools has no saber blade/no hard wire notch/handles stamped with reg number.
The other 1996 has yes saber/yes hard wire notch/no reg number.

That pretty well nails down 1996 as the year all three of those changes were made. :)

One last thing Spoony; are the screwdrivers on both models the same? (are they old pivot-in-under-pressure, or new pivot-out-under-pressure?)

 :cheers:

Yup, drivers on both 96 models are the same; the older centerline pivot-in-under-pressure versions. The only PST I currently have with the newer drivers is the 00 model. *Adjusted down below.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: NeitherExtreme on July 29, 2008, 10:46:10 PM
•   Rivets or knurled screws?
Screws
•   Lanyard attachment?
Yes
•   (Old) small diameter or (new) large diameter plier pivot?
Old
•   LEATHERMAN cast into plier pivot, along with USA or TOOL?
LEATHERMAN         USA
•   A hard wire cutter notch?
No
•   Handles stamped with what? (see pictures in next post for examples)
"LEATHERMAN TOOL, standard font, from late 1980's thru 1990's"- Leatherman Tool, REG #, and Porland OR
•   Inch ruler only, or inch/metric?
Inch/Metric
•   Date codes? What are they?
1293    1193
•   Drop point knife blade or clip point? (saber?)
Saber
•   Knife blade tang stamped LEATHERMAN, JAPAN, or USA?
LEATHERMAN USA
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Spoonrobot on July 30, 2008, 12:08:25 AM
2000??
•   New off center screwdrivers pivot OUT

Hey Bob, I do have another PST in storage that I didn't give all the info on in the thread. Call it my PST #5. What I can tell from the pictures I posted a long time ago; it is a 0599 model with a newer-pivoting-out phillips and medium flathead drivers.

The flathead has the side nail nick and not the top nail-ridge like the 00 model I have. Hope this helps!
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: J-sews on July 30, 2008, 12:51:59 AM
Okay now thats a combination that I haven't seen before RZ. A "Japan" knife blade combined with handles that say "LEATHERMAN TOOL" and have an inch-only ruler. Any way you can post a picture of the handles, similar to those in Reply #3  ?? 

..........I'll see about borrowing a decent camera to try and get a few pics that'll be worth posting.


I'd really like to see that picture someday RZ. Hope you can borrow a camera someday soon. :)




Can you decipher the approx date of manufacture from that "REG'D TM" number?  Think LM has a record of when they switched over from stamping Trademark Numbers to Patent Numbers?


Google Patents has patent date information, but where does a person look to find Trademark info? ???



I don't see additonal numbers anywhere, including inside the handles.  Is there anywhere in particular to check for date codes that I might be overlooking?

Also, I'm still not clear on what year LM changed from using rivets to the knurled screws?



In a previous survey we did here at MTorg, the earliest date stamp anyone reported was 1292 (December 1992) Before then Leatherman did not stamp date codes, so trying to figure out feature introduction dates is almost pure guesswork.

My best guess as to when they discontinued rivets had been 1984/1985. But now Smitty reports that he has a PST from late 1983 that has knurled screws. Hmmm, that means the rivets were only used for about one year.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: J-sews on July 30, 2008, 12:57:19 AM
2000??
•   New off center screwdrivers pivot OUT

Hey Bob, I do have another PST in storage that I didn't give all the info on in the thread. Call it my PST #5. What I can tell from the pictures I posted a long time ago; it is a 0599 model with a newer-pivoting-out phillips and medium flathead drivers.

The flathead has the side nail nick and not the top nail-ridge like the 00 model I have. Hope this helps!

Good stuff. So far your 0599 is the earliest we've seen the out-pivoting screwdrivers.

(first post edited) :)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: J-sews on July 30, 2008, 01:03:44 AM
The first-post survey questions have evolved somewhat since we started. Here is the latest:

Please take a look at your PST and tell us where it fits in. Does your PST have:

•   Rivets or knurled screws?
•   Lanyard attachment?
•   (Old) small diameter or (new) large diameter plier pivot?
•   LEATHERMAN alone cast into plier pivot? Or with USA? Or TOOL?
•   A hard wire cutter notch?
•   Handles stamped with what? (see pictures in next post for examples)
•   Inch ruler only, or inch/metric?
•   Date codes?
•   Drop point knife blade or clip point? (saber?)
•   Knife blade tang stamped LEATHERMAN alone? Or with USA? Or JAPAN?
•   Screwdrivers: pivot-in or pivot-out?
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: DaveK on July 30, 2008, 01:41:46 AM
PST #2

•   Rivets or knurled screws?
Knurled screws
•   Lanyard attachment?
Yes
•   (Old) small diameter or (new) large diameter plier pivot?
Old
•   LEATHERMAN alone cast into plier pivot? Or with USA? Or TOOL?
USA
•   A hard wire cutter notch?
Yes
•   Handles stamped with what? (see pictures in next post for examples)
LEATHERMAN TOOL - PORTLAND OR
•   Inch ruler only, or inch/metric?
Both
•   Date codes?
0898
•   Drop point knife blade or clip point? (saber?)
Drop Point
•   Knife blade tang stamped LEATHERMAN alone? Or with USA? Or JAPAN?
LEATHERMAN -USA-
•   Screwdrivers: pivot-in or pivot-out?
Out

Bit earlier with the driver pivot!
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: J-sews on July 30, 2008, 01:49:26 AM
•   Date codes?
0898
•   Screwdrivers: pivot-in or pivot-out?
Out

Bit earlier with the driver pivot!

The bar just got raised another notch. :)


Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: DaveK on July 30, 2008, 01:50:04 AM
PST #3

•   Rivets or knurled screws?
Knurled screws
•   Lanyard attachment?
Yes
•   (Old) small diameter or (new) large diameter plier pivot?
New
•   LEATHERMAN alone cast into plier pivot? Or with USA? Or TOOL?
TOOL
•   A hard wire cutter notch?
Yes
•   Handles stamped with what? (see pictures in next post for examples)
LEATHERMAN TOOL - PORTLAND OR
•   Inch ruler only, or inch/metric?
Both
•   Date codes?
0402
•   Drop point knife blade or clip point? (saber?)
Drop Point
•   Knife blade tang stamped LEATHERMAN alone? Or with USA? Or JAPAN?
LEATHERMAN
•   Screwdrivers: pivot-in or pivot-out?
Out

Noticed a difference between the medium drivers on #2 (08/98) and #3 (04/02).

On the older one, the driver has a nail notch on top of the blade (so outside when closed) and is only chamfered on one side at the tip. The new one has the newer nail-nick on the side of the blade and is chamfered both sides at the tip.

Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: J-sews on July 30, 2008, 01:51:58 AM
Hmmmm, is that the same thing Spoonrobot was talking about a few posts ago?


2000??
•   New off center screwdrivers pivot OUT

Hey Bob, I do have another PST in storage that I didn't give all the info on in the thread. Call it my PST #5. What I can tell from the pictures I posted a long time ago; it is a 0599 model with a newer-pivoting-out phillips and medium flathead drivers.

The flathead has the side nail nick and not the top nail-ridge like the 00 model I have. Hope this helps!
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: DaveK on July 30, 2008, 02:10:50 AM
Hmmmm, is that the same thing Spoonrobot was talking about a few posts ago?


2000??
•   New off center screwdrivers pivot OUT

Hey Bob, I do have another PST in storage that I didn't give all the info on in the thread. Call it my PST #5. What I can tell from the pictures I posted a long time ago; it is a 0599 model with a newer-pivoting-out phillips and medium flathead drivers.

The flathead has the side nail nick and not the top nail-ridge like the 00 model I have. Hope this helps!

Yes that would be it. I took this pic a while ago, but it shows the differences a little:

(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e10/DaveK-ToolPics/pstmeddriver.jpg)

2nd from top is PST #3, 3rd one down is PST #2.

Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: J-sews on July 30, 2008, 02:13:36 AM
Oooh, so there were three medium screwdriver variations?  :o  Hang on, I gotta go check mine.......
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: DaveK on July 30, 2008, 02:16:24 AM
I shoudl add that the bottom PST in that pic is the cabela's anniversary one, I shan't bother doing that one as it is an after-the-event mish-mash of parts!

Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on July 30, 2008, 02:47:06 AM
My 0794 has the same screwdriver as the BO 1 in the above pic the one with the top nail nick hope this helps :)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on July 30, 2008, 02:49:07 AM
J-sews possibly does this thread need to be stickied so not to be lost in the mix :) I mean the PST did have a big hand in all this MT thing anyway ::)  and this is the largest collection of info on several PSTs that I have ever seen :D
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: J-sews on July 30, 2008, 02:50:18 AM
J-sews possibly does this thread need to be stickied so not to be lost in the mix :) I mean the PST did have a big hand in all this MT thing anyway ::)  and this is the largest collection of info on several PSTs that I have ever seen :D

Sure Poncho, good idea. Consider it stickified. :)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on July 30, 2008, 04:43:02 AM
J-sews possibly does this thread need to be stickied so not to be lost in the mix :) I mean the PST did have a big hand in all this MT thing anyway ::)  and this is the largest collection of info on several PSTs that I have ever seen :D

Sure Poncho, good idea. Consider it stickified. :)

Thanks Bob :salute:  :cheers: :cheers: :cheers: :D I think this and the pic post of the PST will be very interesting and informative can't wait to see all those PSTs  :o :D
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: woofer on July 30, 2008, 05:04:28 AM
So I imported the Excel spreadsheet I was running into GoogleDocs so that it can be a collaborative document and viewable by anyone who might not have excel, at:

http://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?key=pZt2yzMjYcAXMhpNS9kJBCw (http://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?key=pZt2yzMjYcAXMhpNS9kJBCw)

For now it's set to permit anyone to view, but only myself to edit. I'm a bit hesitant to open it up for editing by anyone, but if J-Sews or anyone want to put in info, just PM me. Probably going to stick charts in when I have a free minute in order to make it more visually appealing.

The only thing that doesn't really make sense is the blade types - they change from drop to saber to a somewhat random mishmash. Any idea why that happens?


*edit*
added in J-Sews' PSTs from his pictures thread with as much info as I could discern, it's under the second worksheet

*double edit*
okay so maybe I'm having a slow day. Anyhow, I've created a quick and dirty form for this project via GoogleDocs that will autofill the spreadsheet. If you could go to http://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?key=pZt2yzMjYcAXMhpNS9kJBCw&hl=en (http://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?key=pZt2yzMjYcAXMhpNS9kJBCw&hl=en) after posting your answer in the forum, that would be great.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: ringzero on July 30, 2008, 07:38:42 AM
Okay now thats a combination that I haven't seen before RZ. A "Japan" knife blade combined with handles that say "LEATHERMAN TOOL" and have an inch-only ruler.

I'd always assumed that my LM Tool was made in Japan and never thought any less of it for that.

Since there's no USA stamp on it anywhere, but there is that "JAPAN" stamped on the blade tang, I always thought the whole thing was made in Japan.

But, you say that only the blade was made in Japan and the rest of it was made in the USA?

I'd really like to see that picture someday RZ. Hope you can borrow a camera someday soon. :)

Should be able to borrow a camera from any of several sources - it's just a matter of logistics.  I do miss having my own camera around, if nothing else it comes in handy for documentation purposes like this.

My best guess as to when they discontinued rivets had been 1984/1985. But now Smitty reports that he has a PST from late 1983 that has knurled screws. Hmmm, that means the rivets were only used for about one year.

I've been racking my brain to try to pin down the year I bought my LM Tool.  As best I can remember, it was somtime between 1983-1985 inclusive.  I definitely recall having it on certain outdoor adventures after 1985.

.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: prime77 on July 30, 2008, 08:19:50 AM
The first-post survey questions have evolved somewhat since we started. Here is the latest:

Please take a look at your PST and tell us where it fits in. Does your PST have:

•   Rivets or knurled screws?
•   Lanyard attachment?
•   (Old) small diameter or (new) large diameter plier pivot?
•   LEATHERMAN alone cast into plier pivot? Or with USA? Or TOOL?
•   A hard wire cutter notch?
•   Handles stamped with what? (see pictures in next post for examples)
•   Inch ruler only, or inch/metric?
•   Date codes?
•   Drop point knife blade or clip point? (saber?)
•   Knife blade tang stamped LEATHERMAN alone? Or with USA? Or JAPAN?
•   Screwdrivers: pivot-in or pivot-out?
I'm know I'm late to the party Bob, but heres my PSTs
#1
Rivets
Lanyard attachment
Old diameter pivot head
plier head says leatherman alone
Know hard wire notch
handles stamped with Large LEATHERMAN TOOL
Inch only
No date code
Drop point blade
Blade stamped Leatherman alone
drivers pivot in

#2
Knurled screws
Lanyard attachment
old diameter plier pivot
plier head says leatherman USA
no hard wire notch
handles stamped with small leatherman Tool with the us reg TM number
inch and metric ruler
one handle has 0495 date code the other has no code
saber blade
leatherman USA on blade
drivers pivot in

#3
Knurled screws
Lanyard attachment
old diameter plier pivot
plier head says leatherman USA
no hard wire notch
handles stamped with small leatherman Tool
inch and metric ruler
one handle has 0696, the other 0496
clip point blade
leatherman USA on blade
drivers pivot in

#4
Knurled screws
Lanyard attachment
New diameter plier pivot
plier head says leatherman TOOL
yes hard wire notch
handles stamped with small leatherman Tool
inch and metric ruler
one handle has 0204, the other 0304
clip point blade
leatherman on blade
drivers pivot out




Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: DaveK on July 31, 2008, 12:46:37 AM
woofer - I wasn't clear about my PST #1(BO) - where you have the question mark in the "Handle Stamp: Portland, OR" you can enter "Yes".

Good job by the way - makes it much easier to follow than trying to compare all the forum posts - thanks.

Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: J-sews on July 31, 2008, 06:29:35 AM
Okay now thats a combination that I haven't seen before RZ. A "Japan" knife blade combined with handles that say "LEATHERMAN TOOL" and have an inch-only ruler.

I'd always assumed that my LM Tool was made in Japan and never thought any less of it for that.

Since there's no USA stamp on it anywhere, but there is that "JAPAN" stamped on the blade tang, I always thought the whole thing was made in Japan.

But, you say that only the blade was made in Japan and the rest of it was made in the USA?


Well now that's an interesting theory. Maybe only the knife blade was made in Japan? Could be! :-\



Hey RZ, just to be clear, is the LEATHERMAN  stamped in large letter font on your handle? Or small letter font?

Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: J-sews on July 31, 2008, 06:35:46 AM
Hey fellers, I have to leave for a couple days. I haven't gotten a chance to check out Woofer's spreadsheet yet. I also haven't checked out Joe's yet, and he sent it to me yesterday. :P

This project is exciting. Keep the fire burning under it until I get back on Saturday please. I'll have some more info to add then. :)

Bob


Oh, and somebody poke Benner and Def, I know they've got PST's and haven't reported in yet :pok: :pok: :D

Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: ringzero on July 31, 2008, 07:12:15 AM
Okay now thats a combination that I haven't seen before RZ. A "Japan" knife blade combined with handles that say "LEATHERMAN TOOL" and have an inch-only ruler.

I'd always assumed that my LM Tool was made in Japan and never thought any less of it for that.

Since there's no USA stamp on it anywhere, but there is that "JAPAN" stamped on the blade tang, I always thought the whole thing was made in Japan.

But, you say that only the blade was made in Japan and the rest of it was made in the USA?


Well now that's an interesting theory. Maybe only the knife blade was made in Japan? Could be! :-\



Hey RZ, just to be clear, is the LEATHERMAN  stamped in large letter font on your handle? Or small letter font?




No, no, no!  That's not my theory.  Someone - thought it was you - wrote about LM importing just the blades from Japan.

I've always assumed that my LM Tool was made in Japan.

The "LEATHERMAN" is stamped in a much bigger font than the "TOOL" on my LM Tool.

.


Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Benner on July 31, 2008, 02:26:07 PM
Hey fellers, I have to leave for a couple days. I haven't gotten a chance to check out Woofer's spreadsheet yet. I also haven't checked out Joe's yet, and he sent it to me yesterday. :P

This project is exciting. Keep the fire burning under it until I get back on Saturday please. I'll have some more info to add then. :)

Bob


Oh, and somebody poke Benner and Def, I know they've got PST's and haven't reported in yet :pok: :pok: :D



 :oops:  My bad.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: MultiMat on August 02, 2008, 05:17:26 PM
Couple of snaps.

(http://i37.tinypic.com/2i7ltgz.jpg)

(http://i34.tinypic.com/2qcku0z.jpg)
Also on my KF4  :o                                                                                                                                               http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll287/multimat426/multitools/77a5ab71.jpg[/img]](http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll287/multimat426/multitools/77a5ab71.jpg) (http://[IMG)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on August 03, 2008, 04:31:12 AM
 :o Guess they had to do that on several of the plier heads :pok: I would have hated to have been the guy who had that job :P :D Good pics there MM :salute: ;) :D
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Spoonrobot on August 03, 2008, 07:21:38 AM
I've got another PST on the way, will dutifully update when it arrives.  :salute:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: J-sews on August 03, 2008, 04:50:20 PM
I'm know I'm late to the party Bob, but heres my PSTs.....


Got 'em, thanks Prime. :)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: J-sews on August 06, 2008, 04:17:09 AM
NEWS BULLETIN:

Uh-oh. Looks like we've got to totally revamp the chronology in the first post, based on the information received in this thread HERE (http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,6065.new.html#new)

 :P :D
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: WH867 on August 07, 2008, 03:33:06 AM
Instead of listing everything I just took a few comparison pics. The one that is dated is # 0495.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: J-sews on August 07, 2008, 04:59:06 AM
I do like those big font LEATHERMAN models. :)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Spoonrobot on August 08, 2008, 07:17:38 AM
PST #6
•   Rivets or knurled screws?
Rivets
•   Lanyard attachment?
Yes
•   (Old) small diameter or (new) large diameter plier pivot?
Old
•   LEATHERMAN cast into plier pivot, along with USA or TOOL?
Yes, neither
•   A hard wire cutter notch?
No
•   Handles stamped with what? (see pictures in next post for examples)
LEATHERMAN TOOL, REG'D TM 1325473
•   Inch ruler only, or inch/metric?
Inch
•   Date codes? What are they?
N/A
•   Drop point knife blade or clip point?
Drop Point
•   Knife blade tang stamped LEATHERMAN, JAPAN, or USA?
Leatherman Japan
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: J-sews on August 09, 2008, 04:58:39 AM
PST #6
•   Rivets or knurled screws?
Rivets
•   Lanyard attachment?
Yes
•   (Old) small diameter or (new) large diameter plier pivot?
Old
•   LEATHERMAN cast into plier pivot, along with USA or TOOL?
Yes, neither
•   A hard wire cutter notch?
No
•   Handles stamped with what? (see pictures in next post for examples)
LEATHERMAN TOOL, REG'D TM 1325473
•   Inch ruler only, or inch/metric?
Inch
•   Date codes? What are they?
N/A
•   Drop point knife blade or clip point?
Drop Point
•   Knife blade tang stamped LEATHERMAN, JAPAN, or USA?
Leatherman Japan

Sounds like someone got a little something special in the mail today! 8)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: MultiMat on August 09, 2008, 05:19:56 AM
PST #6
•   Rivets or knurled screws?
Rivets
•   Lanyard attachment?
Yes
•   (Old) small diameter or (new) large diameter plier pivot?
Old
•   LEATHERMAN cast into plier pivot, along with USA or TOOL?
Yes, neither
•   A hard wire cutter notch?
No
•   Handles stamped with what? (see pictures in next post for examples)
LEATHERMAN TOOL, REG'D TM 1325473
•   Inch ruler only, or inch/metric?
Inch
•   Date codes? What are they?
N/A
•   Drop point knife blade or clip point?
Drop Point
•   Knife blade tang stamped LEATHERMAN, JAPAN, or USA?
Leatherman Japan
Photos man photos  :ahhh And congrats Spoony well done
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: woofer on August 09, 2008, 06:46:47 PM
Hmm. Unsure if it's effective use of time to update the compilation I started, in light of the fact that so many of the parts seem to depend on which parts were most readily available rather than consistent design choices.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: J-sews on August 09, 2008, 10:28:49 PM
Hmm. Unsure if it's effective use of time to update the compilation I started, in light of the fact that so many of the parts seem to depend on which parts were most readily available rather than consistent design choices.

The new info from Tim Leatherman really turns this project on its head doesn't it? :-\
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on August 10, 2008, 01:53:37 AM
@ least nobody thought we were close to finishing before he dropped the bomb about the PSTs ::) :D

Man if the project was coming to an end when we got that info then the whole thing would have to have been thrown out the window  :( @ least now some of it can be salvaged :cheers: ;)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: woofer on August 10, 2008, 09:29:56 AM
The collected information is most useful if you look at it from a perspective of "Where did LM get its supplies?" stance rather than "What did LM intentionally change?" position.

I had to admit, I kind of wish there were solid design considerations in the move from drop point to saber/clip point blades rather than have the reason be a simple supplier variance. :(
Major changes across the product line like the fat plier heads are so few and far between.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: J-sews on August 10, 2008, 01:26:13 PM
True, but there were a few purposeful evolutionary changes:

The addition of date coding in November '92
The addition of a hardwire notch to the wire cutter
The addition of the lanyard attachment
Others?

Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: J-sews on August 10, 2008, 04:20:16 PM
So according to Tim, the riveted tools are actually a parallel line on the PST family tree, not a sequential developement. (Which clears up a lot of confusion obviously.) So now I'm trying to re-write the chronology, but the question is, where to start??

I've been told that the first PST's did not have a lanyard attachment, and Tim tells us that they were made in USA with knurled screws, so therefore it seems as if either of these could have been the starting point:


(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v307/jooliesews/Bobbys/CabelasSmitty44.jpg)
Cabelas, Smitty44

•   Knurled screw construction
•   No lanyard attachment
•   Small diameter plier pivot
•   Only LEATHERMAN cast into plier pivot
•   No hard wire cutter notch
•   One handle stamped: LEATHERMAN TOOL, US PAT 4238862, PORTLAND OR
•   Other handle marked CABELAS
•   Inch ruler only, no metric
•   No date codes
•   Drop point knife blade
•   Knife tang not stamped (etched LEATHERMAN USA)
•   Milled awl blade
•   Off center screwdrivers pivot IN
•   Can opener has left hand cut


(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v307/jooliesews/Bobbys/Platypus.jpg)
J-sews #1

•   Knurled screw construction
•   No lanyard attachment
•   Small diameter plier pivot
•   LEATHERMAN USA cast into plier pivot
•   No hard wire cutter notch
•   One handle stamped: LEATHERMAN TOOL, US PAT 4238862, PORTLAND OR
•   Other handle stamped POCKET SURVIVAL TOOL
•   Inch ruler only, no metric
•   No date codes
•   Drop point knife blade
•   Knife tang stamped LEATHERMAN USA
•   Milled awl blade
•   Off center screwdrivers pivot IN
•   Can opener has left hand cut


Earliest generation PST's? What do you guys think?
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on August 11, 2008, 03:56:22 AM
 :o It is very possible J-sews that yours is as old :) What is the story of how you got that 1 or have you probably already told it :think: Seems to fit the bill as an old original PST though :cheers:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: J-sews on August 12, 2008, 04:40:16 AM
Well I am thinking that Smitty's is older, because the plier head on his only says LEATHERMAN, whereas the one pictured below that says LEATHERMAN USA. Plus Smitty was fairly certain that he purchased his PST in 1983, the year they were introduced.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: J-sews on August 13, 2008, 04:38:12 AM
Okay, here's my latest stab at a chronology. Take a look and see if your PST(s) fit in with what I have posted here. Let me know if anything needs to be changed. When we get it right I'll post it on the Encyclopedia. :)


PST CHRONOLOGY:

1) 1983 Made in USA for Cabelas
•   Knurled screw construction
•   No lanyard attachment
•   Small diameter plier pivot
•   Only LEATHERMAN cast into plier pivot
•   No hard wire cutter notch
•   One handle stamped: LEATHERMAN TOOL, US PAT 4238862, PORTLAND OR
•   Other handle marked CABELAS
•   Inch ruler only, no metric
•   No date codes
•   Drop point knife blade
•   Knife tang not stamped (blade etched LEATHERMAN USA)
•   Milled awl blade
•   Off center screwdrivers pivot IN
•   Can opener has left hand cut

2) Early to mid-1980’s
•   Knurled screw construction
•   No lanyard attachment
•   Small diameter plier pivot
•   LEATHERMAN USA cast into plier pivot
•   No hard wire cutter notch
•   One handle stamped: LEATHERMAN TOOL, US PAT 4238862, PORTLAND OR
•   Other handle stamped POCKET SURVIVAL TOOL
•   Inch ruler only, no metric
•   No date codes
•   Drop point knife blade
•   Knife tang stamped LEATHERMAN USA
•   Milled awl blade
•   Off center screwdrivers pivot IN
•   Can opener has left hand cut

3) Late 1985 – early 1989 Made in Japan concurrently
•   Riveted construction
•   Hollow base rivets
•   No lanyard attachment
•   Small diameter plier pivot
•   Staked plier pivot
•   Only LEATHERMAN cast into plier pivot
•   No hard wire cutter notch
•   One handle stamped: LEATHERMAN TOOL, US PAT 4238862, PORTLAND OR
•   Other handle stamped POCKET SURVIVAL TOOL
•   Inch ruler only, no metric
•   No date codes

(Note some Japan tools appear to have handles obtained from the same source as some USA tools)
•   Drop point knife blade
•   Knife tang stamped LEATHERMAN JAPAN
•   Milled awl blade
•   Off center screwdrivers pivot IN
•   Can opener has left hand cut

(Note Japan tools appear to have several of their blades obtained from the same source as USA tools)

4) Changes to tools produced in Japan:
•   Solid base rivets
•   Lanyard attachment added
•   One handle stamped: LEATHERMAN in large font. Also stamped TOOL, US PAT 4238862 (no PORTLAND OR)
•   Other handle left blank

5) Still more Japanese changes:
•   US PAT 4238862 replaced by REG’D TM 1325473
•   Can opener has right hand cut

6) Mid-1980’s changes to USA-made tools
•   Added lanyard attachment
•   Handle stampings: US PAT 4238862 no longer appears. (LEATHERMAN TOOL, PORTLAND OR remains)
•   Other handle blank

7) Later-1980’s changes
•   Handle stampings: REG’D TM 1325473 added
•   Ruler becomes inch/metric
•   Switch to saber-clip point knife blade
•   Knife tang stamped LEATHERMAN USA
•   Ground awl blade replaces milled awl
•   Can opener switched to right hand cut

8) November 1992:
•   Date codes added

9) Mid-1990's?
•   Opposite faces of handles stamped for the first time, with LEATHERMAN TOOL
•   Clip portion of knife blade made shorter (no longer a Saber)

10) 1996
•   Hard wire notch first appears
•   Handles no longer stamped with REG’D TM number

11) 1998??
•   New off-center screwdrivers pivot OUT (0997 earliest seen)

12) 2001??
•   New plier head has larger pivot (0601 earliest seen)
•   Hard wire cutter notch has cast in indicator arrow
•   Knife tang stamped LEATHERMAN only (USA dropped)

13) 2002?
•   LEATHERMAN TOOL cast into plier pivot (USA dropped)

14) 2004
•   PST Discontinued (1004 latest date code seen)

Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Benner on August 13, 2008, 10:22:40 PM
Sorry it's late, but here is my input.

The riveted PST obviously has no date mark, but the other was made in Dec 2000.

Here's some comparison pics for you.  :)

(http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t41/benniehunts/IMG_1083.jpg)

(http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t41/benniehunts/IMG_1084.jpg)

(http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t41/benniehunts/IMG_1085.jpg)

(http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t41/benniehunts/IMG_1086.jpg)

(http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t41/benniehunts/IMG_1087.jpg)

(http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t41/benniehunts/IMG_1088.jpg)

(http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t41/benniehunts/IMG_1089.jpg)

(http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t41/benniehunts/IMG_1090.jpg)

(http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t41/benniehunts/IMG_1091.jpg)

(http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t41/benniehunts/IMG_1092.jpg)

(http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t41/benniehunts/IMG_1093.jpg)

(http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t41/benniehunts/IMG_1094.jpg)

(http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t41/benniehunts/IMG_1097.jpg)

(http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t41/benniehunts/IMG_1098.jpg)

(http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t41/benniehunts/IMG_1099.jpg)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Smitty44 on August 14, 2008, 06:56:46 AM
The new info in Reply 81,looks good to me Bob,and thanks for all your wisdom and work on this subject that really started the multi era. :multi:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: J-sews on August 15, 2008, 02:24:59 AM
The new info in Reply 81,looks good to me Bob,and thanks for all your wisdom and work on this subject that really started the multi era. :multi:

Thanks Chief, but I consider it was a team effort! :cheers:


Sorry it's late, but here is my input.

The riveted PST obviously has no date mark, but the other was made in Dec 2000.

Here's some comparison pics for you.  :)


Great comparison pics Ben.  :)

So referring to Reply 81, do you see your riveted tool to be a category #5 and your newer tool to be a category #11  ?
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on August 15, 2008, 03:10:07 AM
If it helps any Bob my July 94 PST is only stamped on 1 side (not both) as per the question mark in cat 9 :) this may get you a little closer in pinpointing that as well ;)

Man that is a great timeline for the little ole PST great work there organizing it :cheers: It is sure to help identify many a PST in the future :cheers: :cheers: :cheers:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Benner on August 15, 2008, 12:10:55 PM
So referring to Reply 81, do you see your riveted tool to be a category #5 and your newer tool to be a category #11  ?

I'd say so.  :)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: DaveK on August 16, 2008, 10:57:56 PM
....(Note some Japan tools appear to have handles obtained from the same source as some USA tools)....

....(Note Japan tools appear to have several of their blades obtained from the same source as USA tools)....


Could these simply be warranty repairs? I.e. they were made in Japan, but were repaired in Portland?

Difficult isn't it?

Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: J-sews on August 17, 2008, 12:50:58 AM
....(Note some Japan tools appear to have handles obtained from the same source as some USA tools)....

....(Note Japan tools appear to have several of their blades obtained from the same source as USA tools)....


Could these simply be warranty repairs? I.e. they were made in Japan, but were repaired in Portland?


Hmmm, could be, but I don't think so. Check out the two below for instance. Top one is riveted, made in Japan. Bottom one is knurl screwed, made in USA. Look closely. The handles and plier heads came from distinctly different stamping and casting dies. Not surprising.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v307/jooliesews/Bobbys/BigFont1.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v307/jooliesews/Bobbys/Platypus.jpg)

Now look at the blades and drivers. The weird left-hand can opener, all the screwdrivers, and the knife blade are identical, right down to the grind marks. And it seems as if all the early PST's are this way, whether they are made in Japan or made in USA. So thats why I suggest these blades and tools came from the same source.  :-\
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: DaveK on August 17, 2008, 01:12:05 AM
Yeah I see what you mean..

We need to know form Tim. Did Portland ship some parts to the place in Japan. Or did they send dies? Or was some assembly of Japanese parts done in Portland?

Or something else?

Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on August 17, 2008, 08:49:20 AM
 ??? That's why I thought originally that they were all at least put together in Portland :think: still after an in depth answer from Tim LM and there are still alot of questions :( Well back on the case  :D so to speak ::)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: J-sews on September 18, 2008, 04:42:37 AM
....updated the very first post with the latest version of the timeline....
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Smitty44 on September 20, 2008, 06:10:54 AM
Thanks for the update Bob,looks real good,I was going to mod my Cabelas PST,and my PSTII by putting the the drop point blade and milled awl on the PSTII,but I think I'll hold off now,and keep it original. :salute:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: J-sews on September 20, 2008, 03:07:02 PM
Thanks for the update Bob,looks real good,I was going to mod my Cabelas PST,and my PSTII by putting the the drop point blade and milled awl on the PSTII,but I think I'll hold off now,and keep it original. :salute:

Eeeek! :o  Don't you dare mod that old PST chief! Sell it to me first, I'll get you a different one to mod! :police: :D
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: MultiMat on September 20, 2008, 03:16:11 PM
Thanks for the update Bob,looks real good,I was going to mod my Cabelas PST,and my PSTII by putting the the drop point blade and milled awl on the PSTII,but I think I'll hold off now,and keep it original. :salute:
Smitty you could of been the first member banned for desecrating a holy relic :P :D :D :D
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: eodtech on September 22, 2008, 08:30:35 AM
#1 Rivets or knurled screws? - rivets
•   Lanyard attachment? - yes
•   (Old) small diameter or (new) large diameter plier pivot? - OLD small diameter
•   LEATHERMAN alone cast into plier pivot? Or with USA? Or TOOL? - with USA
•   A hard wire cutter notch? - no
•   Handles stamped with what?  LEATHERMAN TOOL    PORTLAND OR.  on opposite faces of handles
•   Date codes? - 01/99
•   Drop point knife blade or clip point? (saber?) - shorter clipped area
•   Knife blade tang stamped - LEATHERMAN alone? Or with USA? Or JAPAN? = USA
•   Screwdrivers: pivot-in or pivot-out?  don't understand

#2. Rivets or knurled screws? - rivets
•   Lanyard attachment? - yes
•   (Old) small diameter or (new) large diameter plier pivot?  OLD smaller diameter
•   LEATHERMAN alone cast into plier pivot? Or with USA? Or TOOL? USA
•   A hard wire cutter notch? - no
•   Handles stamped with what? LEATHERMAN TOOL    PORTLAND OR.  on opposite faces of handles
•   Inch ruler only, or inch/metric?  inch / metric
•   Date codes?   11-99
•   Drop point knife blade or clip point? (saber?)    shorter clipped area
•   Knife blade tang stamped LEATHERMAN alone? Or with USA? Or JAPAN?  USA
•   Screwdrivers: pivot-in or pivot-out?  -  don't understand


#3. Rivets or knurled screws?  -  rivets
•   Lanyard attachment? yes
•   (Old) small diameter or (new) large diameter plier pivot?   OLD
•   LEATHERMAN alone cast into plier pivot? Or with USA? Or TOOL?  USA
•   A hard wire cutter notch? NO
•   Handles stamped with what? (see pictures in next post for examples) ( top line)Leatherman Tool - (bottom line )US REG TM 1325473  Portland OR.........ONLY ON ONE SIDE - ONLY ON ONE HANDLE
•   Inch ruler only, or inch/metric?  Inch / Metric
•   Date codes?  NONE
•   Drop point knife blade or clip point? (saber?)   -  Saber
•   Knife blade tang stamped LEATHERMAN alone? Or with USA? Or JAPAN?  - USA
•   Screwdrivers: pivot-in or pivot-out?   -  don't understand
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: eodtech on September 22, 2008, 09:15:29 AM
Couple of snaps.

(http://i37.tinypic.com/2i7ltgz.jpg)

(http://i34.tinypic.com/2qcku0z.jpg)
Also on my KF4  :o                                                                                                                                               http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll287/multimat426/multitools/77a5ab71.jpg[/img]](http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll287/multimat426/multitools/77a5ab71.jpg) (http://[IMG)

This is going back to my 1977 U S Customs Inspector training so bear with me on this explanation..  I would "guess" an US Customs Inspector got a hold of a shipments of  PST's that were coming back from a Japan assembly facility and refused entry because LM had been forged with "USA "on the head of the pliers.  ( Did the head get made in the USA or was the head forged in Japan and marked USA ?). The PST's  were probably denied entry into the USA because LM did not have proof they were forged in USA and sent to Japan for assembly. The plier head was was probably manufactured in the USA and sent over to Japan for assembly ( sloppy record keeping prevented LM from provoing this fact)- it was marked  forged "LEATHERMAN USA"". Hence, a greater percentage of the final product was in materials made and labor costs to assemble the PST's  in Japan  vs just the cost of the plier head that was made in the USA and sent over to Japan for assembly.  So U S Customs applies a formula based on what was sent to Japan vs what parts were made in Japan  + cost of assembly and they ruled that over 50% of the value in the merchandise was coming from Japan and so the PST could not be marked USA. So to fix the problem the PST's went into a U S Customs Bonded warehouse ( probably Seattle) and some one sat with a carbide metal cutting bit on a Dremal tools and removed the forged USA from the PST plier heads. Now LM has to properly label the either 'made in' OR 'assembled in' Japan and put gummed stickers on the tools and boxes, if they were shipped that way, before U S Customs would release them to Leatherman. There should be aUS Customs  "remarking order" on file at the Port Of Entry ( Seattle)  that these PST's came into  which would explain exactly in detail what if any problem existed , and all documentaion was processed with the case. That’s about all I can tell you about marking / remarking imported merchandise. One option the importer has ( provided they are not fakes or counterfeit merchandise is to export the merchandise to the country the shipment came from withoutgoing through the remarking effort). Then they can go back to Japan and it's between LM and the factory what happens to the PST's.

Hope this helps, of course there may have been other reasons, but I can't think of one right now
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: MultiMat on September 22, 2008, 01:08:14 PM
Was there not some crazy Californian law or reg that lead to Leatherman getting ride of the USA on there tools ? Gotta love lawyers >:(
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Benner on September 22, 2008, 01:21:18 PM
Was there not some crazy Californian law or reg that lead to Leatherman getting ride of the USA on there tools ? Gotta love lawyers >:(

All is revealed here http://tushnet.blogspot.com/2006/02/born-in-usa-but-not-stamped-here.html
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: MultiMat on September 22, 2008, 01:25:00 PM
Was there not some crazy Californian law or reg that lead to Leatherman getting ride of the USA on there tools ? Gotta love lawyers >:(

All is revealed here http://tushnet.blogspot.com/2006/02/born-in-usa-but-not-stamped-here.html
:cheers: Ben
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Freudian Frog on September 27, 2008, 05:06:05 AM
Mine is stamped 0397, and the philips head goes deep inside the hand (I'm assuming that's pivot-in?), as does the slim flat. The wider flat and mini flat is pivot-out though... ???

My lanyard attachment goes crooked out. Does anybody else have this?
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: DaveK on September 27, 2008, 01:29:24 PM
Mine is stamped 0397, and the philips head goes deep inside the hand (I'm assuming that's pivot-in?), as does the slim flat.

Yup - that's right.

The wider flat and mini flat is pivot-out though... ???

That's normal.

My lanyard attachment goes crooked out. Does anybody else have this?

Do you mean it's sticking out sideways maybe? That's cool too, just get another multi, grip it firmly and twist it into the position you want it. There's no locking notch or anything on the PST so it will just trun with encouragement. This is a prime example of why only owning one MT is not sufficient :D

Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Smitty44 on September 28, 2008, 09:49:40 PM
If they come out,a couple pic's of my youngest sons BO PST dated 1293,he picked it up at Fort Knox in Jul of 94,when he was training to be a Army Scout. :salute:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: J-sews on September 29, 2008, 03:58:01 AM
Yep, they came out just fine. 8)


Do you know if that PST was army issued, or did your boy buy it himself?
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Smitty44 on September 29, 2008, 05:56:53 AM



Do you know if that PST was army issued, or did your boy buy it himself?
[/quote]He bought it at the post exchange,his DI had one,so he thought he might need one too,and after reading the rest of these post,he's glad that he did. :salute:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on October 05, 2008, 05:17:12 AM
Very nice lookin BO PST he has there :drool: :D
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: DaveK on October 10, 2008, 01:25:45 AM
I thought I'd update all my PST info, given that I virtually doubled my collection yesterday!

I think this amounts to about 11 different variations, although some of the variation is quite subtle.

Here's the tools:

(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e10/DaveK-ToolPics/Vintage%20PST/pst_nums.jpg)

and here's all the details:

http://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?key=pORM7dlNnZgl-i-r3upmzew

In here tools 2 and 4 are the same, and 9 and 10 are the same, but otherwise each tool has at least one "unique" feature.

I'm not sure if there's anything in there that contradicts what we've established so far - I'm too tired to trust my observations by now  :P

Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Freudian Frog on October 10, 2008, 01:37:12 AM
Dave. This is important. I need your address. TELL ME IF YOU WANT TO LIVE. :ahhh
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: DaveK on October 10, 2008, 01:40:55 AM
Nope.

Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Freudian Frog on October 10, 2008, 01:45:28 AM
... how did you see through my ploy? ???
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: DaveK on October 10, 2008, 01:46:47 AM
Oh, I'm just very perceptive I guess :D

Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: J-sews on October 10, 2008, 05:32:25 AM
Good lord man you've cornered the market on those riveted versions! :o



Hmmm, I need to study that spreadsheet a bit and see how it compares to The Project.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Smitty44 on October 10, 2008, 05:47:45 AM
Dave you just got the catch of a life time,congrates &  :cheers:now you are making the rest of us  :drool:,enjoy. :salute:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on October 10, 2008, 06:07:34 AM
 :ahhh :ahhh :ahhh More pics to tease us Dave :pok: Now which 1 is mine again ::) :D No really :pok: :D Man you sure got a lot of PSTs now :o Amazing how many variations you have and there are probably more  :ahhh Kind of mind boggling isn't it ;) :D :D :D
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: DaveK on October 10, 2008, 02:24:26 PM
Poncho - I was truly amazed at the number of variations in there, and I agree that the mind does boggle at what might still be out there that we haven't "identified" yet.

The latest batch I bought were to some extent a known quantity, i.e. I knew at least that they were riveted, or had no branding on the handles, or no lanyard attachment. I also bought the one with "USA" ground out as a known quantity (thanks Appletree Man). Kwakster very kindly supplied me with the Stainless Cap Crimper model too, but the others were just random, speculative acquisitions.

If I have 11 variations on that basis, then there's sure to be other variations we don't know about - must be.

Bob - I will also comparing my list to the "known" list at some point, hopefully over this weekend. I'm pretty sure there are some differences, but it was late last night by the time I had finished, and was too tired to trust my judgement by then!

I hope there are some new things - that would make it a "proper" collection!#

Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Offroad on October 15, 2008, 07:19:00 PM
There are also variations of the Japan stamped knife blade
the lenght of the knife blade,the nail nick and the stamping  :-\
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: DaveK on October 15, 2008, 07:21:47 PM
There are also variations of the Japan stamped knife blade
the lenght of the knife blade,the nail nick and the stamping  :-\

Blimey.

So that's "Leatherman Japan", "Japan Leatherman" and simply "Leatherman" on the riveted tools then?

Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Offroad on October 15, 2008, 07:55:28 PM
There are also variations of the Japan stamped knife blade
the lenght of the knife blade,the nail nick and the stamping  :-\

Blimey.

So that's "Leatherman Japan", "Japan Leatherman" and simply "Leatherman" on the riveted tools then?




I am not sure, but those are the three variations i have
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: DaveK on October 15, 2008, 08:17:20 PM
Ok - the one with "Japan Leatherman" - how exactly is the patent number written on the handles?

I have noticed this pattern you see:

Patent TextBlade Tang
REG'D TM 1325473Leatherman Japan
US REG'D TM 1325473Leatherman
???3Japan Leatherman

This pattern seems to hold good on the tools I've seen in this site, but this is different again!

Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Offroad on October 15, 2008, 09:11:13 PM
Ok - the one with "Japan Leatherman" - how exactly is the patent number written on the handles?

I have noticed this pattern you see:

Patent TextBlade Tang
REG'D TM 1325473Leatherman Japan
US REG'D TM 1325473Leatherman
???3Japan Leatherman

This pattern seems to hold good on the tools I've seen in this site, but this is different again!





Patent Text                       Blade Tang
REG'D TM 1325473              Leatherman Japan
US REG'D TM 1325473          Leatherman
US PAT 4238862                 Japan Leatherman
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: DaveK on October 15, 2008, 10:45:56 PM
Hmmm - that's interesting. Does the tool have a lanyard attachment, and large font on the handles?

Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Offroad on October 15, 2008, 11:05:10 PM
Hmmm - that's interesting. Does the tool have a lanyard attachment, and large font on the handles?



Funny you should ask about that, it has indeed a lanyard attachment, the biggest i ever seen on a PST  :D
and that`s not all it also has hollow rivets on one side, and yes, LEATHERMAN (large fonts)  :)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: DaveK on October 15, 2008, 11:18:27 PM
You see I have a tool here that is the same as the one you describe, except the blade tang says "Leatherman", and it has "US REG'D TM 1325473" instead of a patent number.

It could just be that we're seeing the "chaos years" that Tim Leatherman told us about!

We need to collect all this info, and combine it with Bob's chronology project and come up with some kind of classification system. Bob has made huge strides towards that, but I'm sure I'm not the only one struggling to compile all this data and come up with something meaningful!

I'll have a think about setting up a database where we can all key in the relevant features of our PSTs and see what we can glean at the end....

We should also transfer this discussion to the chronology thread I reckon!
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Benner on October 15, 2008, 11:22:23 PM
That was more difficult than it looked.  :D
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: DaveK on October 15, 2008, 11:23:37 PM
That was more difficult than it looked.  :D

I can imagine - thanks Ben :salute:

Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Offroad on October 15, 2008, 11:27:34 PM
That was more difficult than it looked.  :D

I can imagine - thanks Ben :salute:



 :salute: indeed  :)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Offroad on October 15, 2008, 11:29:53 PM
I will post a picture of the big lanyard attachment later
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: DaveK on October 15, 2008, 11:45:02 PM
I will post a picture of the big lanyard attachment later

That would be cool. I'm looking at how to make a database accessible to all.........

Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Offroad on October 15, 2008, 11:59:09 PM
here it is  :-\
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Offroad on October 16, 2008, 12:22:24 AM
i have two of the Black Oxide PST with cap crimper made within the same year,
on closer inspection i saw that the plier heads are very different.
One of them is very "flat" compared to the other and little bit shorter, and the USA/LEATHERMAN marking i slightly moved
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: DaveK on October 16, 2008, 01:22:09 AM
I have something similar, but not quite the same. The pliers with SS finish are more "rounded":

Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: eodtech on October 16, 2008, 01:42:40 AM
PST markings

Knurled screw construction  -  NO date stamp
Handle stampings: REG’D TM 1325473 - Ruler is inch/metric   
Other 3 handles are blank - Knife tang stamped LEATHERMAN USA
LEATHERMAN USA cast into plier pivot - lanyard ring

(http://www.gulftel.com/gnoza/ebay/pst1.jpg)
(http://www.gulftel.com/gnoza/ebay/pst2.jpg)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: DaveK on October 16, 2008, 02:27:43 AM
I can't tell from your pics, does it have the hard wire notch in the cutters? I'm guessing not.

If that's correct, the lack of date codes and the presence of the metric ruler suggests that this tool was made in the late 1980s, before 1992.

It looks to be in great condition for its age!

Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: eodtech on October 16, 2008, 03:04:43 AM
I can't tell from your pics, does it have the hard wire notch in the cutters? I'm guessing not.

If that's correct, the lack of date codes and the presence of the metric ruler suggests that this tool was made in the late 1980s, before 1992.

It looks to be in great condition for its age!



thanx, I bought it last month at a pawn shop who is a LM dealer - it is new in box with all papers and leather sheath.
There is the hard wire notch / cutter in the head and  " Hard Wire Cutters " is listed on the front of the box.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: DaveK on October 16, 2008, 03:15:36 AM
I can't tell from your pics, does it have the hard wire notch in the cutters? I'm guessing not.

If that's correct, the lack of date codes and the presence of the metric ruler suggests that this tool was made in the late 1980s, before 1992.

It looks to be in great condition for its age!



thanx, I bought it last month at a pawn shop who is a LM dealer - it is new in box with all papers and leather sheath.
There is the hard wire notch / cutter in the head and  " Hard Wire Cutters " is listed on the front of the box.

Oh - that's the wrong answer :D

The hard wire notch isn't supposed to be there until after the date codes. You sure there are no date codes inside either handle?

Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: eodtech on October 16, 2008, 03:30:06 AM
I had a total of 5 new PST's I bought last month.

4 had rivets holding them together and date codes stamped in the handles,

The one with the knurled screw construction has no date code stamp,
It did have Knurled screw construction  -  NO date stamp
Handle stampings: REG’D TM 1325473 - Ruler is inch/metric   
Other 3 handles are blank - Knife tang stamped LEATHERMAN USA,
LEATHERMAN USA cast into plier pivot - lanyard ring.

There is the hard wire notch / cutter in the head and 
" Hard Wire Cutters " is listed on the front of the box.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on October 16, 2008, 04:27:40 AM
No date codes - I had a total of 5 new PST's - the other 4 had rivets and date codes, this on has none .

 :ahhh Great that sounds like another mystery 2 me :ahhh :D
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Benner on October 16, 2008, 07:45:31 AM
No date codes - I had a total of 5 new PST's - the other 4 had rivets and date codes,
this one with the knurled screw construction has no date code stamp .

Rivets WITH date codes?  That's new isn't it?

Any chance of some pics?
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Roadie on October 16, 2008, 11:07:48 AM
Rivets WITH date codes?  That's new isn't it?

Any chance of some pics?

Now this is why i have stayed right out of the thread and am just watching it go by and you lot getting even more confused as time goes by :D :D
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: DaveK on October 16, 2008, 02:39:58 PM
^^ Like they said. We were lead to believe that the rivets disappeared long before the date codes appeared - so that would change the thinking considerably!

Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on October 18, 2008, 06:39:37 AM
^^ Like they said. We were lead to believe that the rivets disappeared long before the date codes appeared - so that would change the thinking considerably!



No kidding that would put everything back on the proverbial drawing board :ahhh :ahhh :ahhh :D
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: J-sews on October 19, 2008, 10:42:04 PM
^^ Like they said. We were lead to believe that the rivets disappeared long before the date codes appeared - so that would change the thinking considerably!




No! Tell me it isn't so! (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v307/jooliesews/Bobbys/smileys/jawdrop.gif)


Rivets and date codes on the same tool? This cannot be! :ahhh
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: joebw on October 20, 2008, 12:48:00 AM
Hi EdoTech,

What are the date codes on the four riveted PST models?

Thanks - Joe
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on December 07, 2008, 02:35:52 AM
Hi EdoTech,

What are the date codes on the four riveted PST models?

Thanks - Joe

bump :D I don't think this ever got solved did it :think: :o :D
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: eodtech on December 07, 2008, 04:56:31 PM
Hi EdoTech,

What are the date codes on the four riveted PST models?

Thanks - Joe

Not sure now, they are all gone.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on December 11, 2008, 05:52:57 PM
Hi EdoTech,

What are the date codes on the four riveted PST models?

Thanks - Joe

Not sure now, they are all gone.

where did they go :ahhh :D
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: J-sews on February 22, 2009, 01:54:27 PM
An early-early one, with an original user's guide.  :)


(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v307/jooliesews/Bobbys/LeathermanPSTearly1980s.jpg)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Leatherman123 on February 22, 2009, 05:40:36 PM
How early is that one? Look at the can/bottle opener, it looks weird! As a matter of fact, all of that PST's tools look different!
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on February 22, 2009, 05:54:47 PM
 :ahhh That tool is awesome where did you happen upon that 1 Bob :ahhh :drool: :D
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: DaveK on February 22, 2009, 05:55:02 PM
An early-early one, with an original user's guide.  :)


(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v307/jooliesews/Bobbys/LeathermanPSTearly1980s.jpg)

Well that there is right at the top of my want list just now Bob. Until then, the closest I have is this one, which is identical, but has no markings except the US PAT number. It doesn't even say Leatherman. I'm not sure if it missed the machine, or maybe (and there are some signs to support this theory) some idiot removed the lettering  :think:

(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e10/DaveK-ToolPics/Vintage%20PST/earliest.jpg)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on February 22, 2009, 06:11:23 PM
 :ahhh Man how do you guys have all the old tools :ahhh

They are lovely pics though :drool: :D
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: J-sews on February 22, 2009, 08:24:36 PM
How early is that one? Look at the can/bottle opener, it looks weird! As a matter of fact, all of that PST's tools look different!

Yah, the can opener on the earliest PST's has a "left hand" cut to it. The ones that came along later have a right hand cut.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: J-sews on February 22, 2009, 08:29:06 PM

Well that there is right at the top of my want list just now Bob. Until then, the closest I have is this one, which is identical, but has no markings except the US PAT number. It doesn't even say Leatherman. I'm not sure if it missed the machine, or maybe (and there are some signs to support this theory) some idiot removed the lettering  :think:

(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e10/DaveK-ToolPics/Vintage%20PST/earliest.jpg)

Do you s'pose it had a company promotional name on it Dave, that someone polished off?

Yours does indeed have all the traits of an early-early: No lanyard ring, drop point knife blade, left hand can opener, "thin" heads on the knurled pivot screws, and a plier head that looks to have been belt sanded by hand. All the classic signs. :)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: DaveK on February 22, 2009, 11:47:02 PM
Do you s'pose it had a company promotional name on it Dave, that someone polished off?

It could be. The "grain" in the steel looks as though it's been sanded, but I can't see any trace of what they might have removed, which is a shame as I really want an example with "Pocket Survival Tool" on it.

But yes, it's definitely a very early model (no metric scale on ruler, saber blade etc) with little signs of actual use.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: DaveK on February 22, 2009, 11:49:28 PM
:ahhh Man how do you guys have all the old tools :ahhh

I can't speak for Bob, but my answer would be "Not by chance" :D

I personally have spent years trawling ebay, contacting seller and asking them to look out for things etc. It actually takes a lot of time and effort.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on February 23, 2009, 11:09:09 PM
:ahhh Man how do you guys have all the old tools :ahhh

I can't speak for Bob, but my answer would be "Not by chance" :D

I personally have spent years trawling ebay, contacting seller and asking them to look out for things etc. It actually takes a lot of time and effort.

I would say that Bob has done the same :D

I just have to get to it and start trawling Ebay and any other place that might have them :tu:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on February 24, 2009, 03:55:14 AM
 :think: Guys does this look like one?

(http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e276/poncho6556/PST1.jpg)
(http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e276/poncho6556/PST2.jpg)

I know this is an older model PST but until I get it I don't know how old and this is the only pics they had of it :)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Leatherman123 on February 25, 2009, 12:52:17 AM
It looks to me as if it has the left handed can opener? Not entirely sure!
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: DaveK on February 25, 2009, 12:53:21 AM
That looks pretty similar to the pic I put up above ponch. It has the old saber shaped blade, and the can opener looks like a very early one.

There doesn't appear to be a hard wire notch in the cutters.

It's hard to be certain, but I would definitely take a punt on that one I reckon (like that means much  ::)).

I hope it's a good one mate :tu:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on February 25, 2009, 01:54:23 AM
Thanks guys :tu: I hope it's an old one :ahhh

What about the sheath it says it's marked as well :think: Could it be a ver early sheath as well ??? :D
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: DaveK on February 25, 2009, 01:58:03 AM
I've got a sheath very similar to that poncho - but I can't tell if it's exactly the same. I bought it new quite recently.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: J-sews on February 25, 2009, 02:22:55 AM
That one does indeed look promising Poncho. :) I can't wait to see some clearer photos of it.

As regards the sheath...I've never seen an older Leatherman one like that :think:



Oh by the way Dave, we are calling those early blades "drop points." I've also seen where Leatherman and Cabelas referred to that shape as "spey points."

The "saber points" are the next series that have the really deep, long clipped area:



(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v307/jooliesews/Bobbys/Reviews/Knives.jpg)
The middle style blade is nicknamed the "saber" because of its big sweeping clip point. Later on they made the clip point smaller (top picture)

Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on February 25, 2009, 03:20:49 AM
I've got a sheath very similar to that poncho - but I can't tell if it's exactly the same. I bought it new quite recently.

 :tu: Thanks Dave :D

@ J-Sews  if my pictures take any clearer than theres :P :D
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on February 25, 2009, 04:59:04 AM
 :ahhh Upon looking into it some more I read on the 1st page of this thread and read the listing again and it said

LEATHERMAN TOOL US PAT. 4238862 PORTLAND OR. is on the handles :tu:

Which means it may be a mid to early 80s :drool: I am just hoping that this is all right (the listing I mean :ahhh ) :D

Can anybody tell I am a little excited :ahhh :ahhh :ahhh :D
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: J-sews on February 26, 2009, 01:22:50 AM
:ahhh Upon looking into it some more I read on the 1st page of this thread and read the listing again and it said

LEATHERMAN TOOL US PAT. 4238862 PORTLAND OR. is on the handles :tu:

Which means it may be a mid to early 80s :drool: I am just hoping that this is all right (the listing I mean :ahhh ) :D

Can anybody tell I am a little excited :ahhh :ahhh :ahhh :D

Try not to pee yourself Ponch! :D
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on February 26, 2009, 02:22:43 AM
:ahhh Upon looking into it some more I read on the 1st page of this thread and read the listing again and it said

LEATHERMAN TOOL US PAT. 4238862 PORTLAND OR. is on the handles :tu:

Which means it may be a mid to early 80s :drool: I am just hoping that this is all right (the listing I mean :ahhh ) :D

Can anybody tell I am a little excited :ahhh :ahhh :ahhh :D

Try not to pee yourself Ponch! :D

but they said it was mint condition :ahhh
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: DaveK on February 26, 2009, 02:50:22 AM
They always do ponch, they always do. Let's hope they don't mean a mint like a lifesaver / polo, i.e. there's a big hole in the middle ;)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: DaveK on February 26, 2009, 02:51:19 AM
Oh by the way Dave, we are calling those early blades "drop points." I've also seen where Leatherman and Cabelas referred to that shape as "spey points."

The "saber points" are the next series that have the really deep, long clipped area:

Of course they are. Sorry, minor brain fart there I think.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on February 26, 2009, 05:19:53 AM
They always do ponch, they always do. Let's hope they don't mean a mint like a lifesaver / polo, i.e. there's a big hole in the middle ;)

 :ahhh

I hope there isn't a hole in it  :o :D
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on February 27, 2009, 04:18:24 AM
 :ahhh :ahhh :ahhh It's here :ahhh :ahhh :ahhh

and it was in like new condition :o

•   Rivets or knurled screws?
Knurled screws
•   Lanyard attachment?
No
•   (Old) small diameter or (new) large diameter plier pivot?
Old
•   LEATHERMAN alone cast into plier pivot? Or with USA? Or TOOL?
Leatherman and USA
•   A hard wire cutter notch?
No
•   Handles stamped with what?
LEATHERMAN TOOL (not large font) US PAT 4238862 PORTLAND OR
•   Inch ruler only, or inch/metric?
Inch only
•   Date codes?
no datecodes
•   Drop point knife blade or clip point? (saber?)
Drop Point
•   Knife blade tang stamped LEATHERMAN alone? Or with USA? Or JAPAN?
LEATHERMAN -USA-
•   Screwdrivers: pivot-in or pivot-out?
In

pictures to follow :tu:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on February 27, 2009, 04:21:56 AM
Well here is a few group shots while I wait for the others to load in photobucket :D

The MTs pictured are my SideClip, my 1st PST, my PST II marked as a PST and my new Old PST :D

(http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e276/poncho6556/Picture528.jpg)
(http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e276/poncho6556/Picture527.jpg)
(http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e276/poncho6556/Picture504.jpg)
(http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e276/poncho6556/Picture503.jpg)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on February 27, 2009, 04:43:32 AM
 :pok: So here's what I got tell me what you think about the age it's just like the #2 model PST on the 1st page except it dosn't have anything printed on one of the handles?

The tool 8)
(http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e276/poncho6556/Picture509.jpg)

The Plier head (note scratches on plier head caused by rubbing of file when opening and closing)
(http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e276/poncho6556/Picture506.jpg)
(http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e276/poncho6556/Picture505.jpg)

Only writing Stamped on outside of tool
(http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e276/poncho6556/Picture511.jpg)

Note riveted Construction and no lanyard ring
(http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e276/poncho6556/Picture529.jpg)

Inches only Ruler
(http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e276/poncho6556/Picture519.jpg)

Leatherman USA stamped drop point knife blade
(http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e276/poncho6556/Picture513.jpg)
(http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e276/poncho6556/Picture510.jpg)

Left Handed can opener and in pivot drivers
(http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e276/poncho6556/Picture516.jpg)

Milled Awl
(http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e276/poncho6556/Picture515.jpg)

Tiny Screwdriver way to tiny :ahhh :D
(http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e276/poncho6556/Picture518.jpg)


Well there it is gentlemen what do you think about it? I am very pleased with it myself :ahhh

But you can't tell that can you :D


Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: J-sews on February 27, 2009, 07:04:27 AM
VERY NICE PONCHO!!! :tu:  You certainly scored a nice one there!! I'll bet there aren't many around that old which are in such great shape.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: J-sews on February 27, 2009, 07:06:36 AM
Say, there is one thing about these really early PST's that we haven't mentioned. On the insides of the handle channel, does yours by chance have somewhat of a bronze color to it?
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: DaveK on February 27, 2009, 12:19:13 PM
 :drool:

That is a great find poncho - well done mate :tu:

Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Gareth on February 27, 2009, 12:49:10 PM
Very nice mate.  :tu:  Someone has done a bit of a number on the blade edge though haven't they. :cry:  Still I'm sure you can sort that out.  :)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on February 27, 2009, 01:51:35 PM
Say, there is one thing about these really early PST's that we haven't mentioned. On the insides of the handle channel, does yours by chance have somewhat of a bronze color to it?

I have to wait when I get home and check :tu:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on February 27, 2009, 01:53:16 PM
Very nice mate.  :tu:  Someone has done a bit of a number on the blade edge though haven't they. :cry:  Still I'm sure you can sort that out.  :)

Funny thing about that Gareth it doesn't ever seem to have been sharpened ::) it is razor sharp and seems factory :think: I guess Tim just wasn't as effective of a sharpener in the early days :D Could be wrong though :think: ;)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Gareth on February 27, 2009, 03:23:07 PM
Very nice mate.  :tu:  Someone has done a bit of a number on the blade edge though haven't they. :cry:  Still I'm sure you can sort that out.  :)

Funny thing about that Gareth it doesn't ever seem to have been sharpened ::) it is razor sharp and seems factory :think: I guess Tim just wasn't as effective of a sharpener in the early days :D Could be wrong though :think: ;)

Really?  The grind line on your close-up looks kind of wonky.  As you say it could be that someone was having a bad day at the office.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on February 27, 2009, 04:06:09 PM
Very nice mate.  :tu:  Someone has done a bit of a number on the blade edge though haven't they. :cry:  Still I'm sure you can sort that out.  :)

Funny thing about that Gareth it doesn't ever seem to have been sharpened ::) it is razor sharp and seems factory :think: I guess Tim just wasn't as effective of a sharpener in the early days :D Could be wrong though :think: ;)

Really?  The grind line on your close-up looks kind of wonky.  As you say it could be that someone was having a bad day at the office.

A lot of these tools look "different" than what you normally see on a PST the blade almost looks handmade :)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: J-sews on February 28, 2009, 01:26:26 AM
Very nice mate.  :tu:  Someone has done a bit of a number on the blade edge though haven't they. :cry:  Still I'm sure you can sort that out.  :)

Funny thing about that Gareth it doesn't ever seem to have been sharpened ::) it is razor sharp and seems factory :think: I guess Tim just wasn't as effective of a sharpener in the early days :D Could be wrong though :think: ;)

Really?  The grind line on your close-up looks kind of wonky.  As you say it could be that someone was having a bad day at the office.

A lot of these tools look "different" than what you normally see on a PST the blade almost looks handmade :)

Speaking of hand made, how do your pliers look Poncho? Some of the early ones were clearly ground by hand, unlike the perfect robot-ground pliers of today's Leathermans.

(I'm not complaining mind you - I rather like the quaint hand-made appearance of some of the parts) :)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on February 28, 2009, 01:46:23 AM
 :think: Well my 1st PST was made in 94 and this one is a bit older but I was very use to the old plier head so this one (though it is different) doesn't strike me as much different :think: They do have a nicer looking squared shape than later ones :tu: You can sorta see what I mean in the pics :tu: and yeah I like the quant homemade feel as well :D

I also noticed that the handles are a bit more rounded

probably due to it being easier to bend that shape early on :)

but in hand in the closed position feel a bit nicer to hold compared to later models as well  :cheers:

is yours like that 2 Bob?
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on February 28, 2009, 02:46:58 PM
Say, there is one thing about these really early PST's that we haven't mentioned. On the insides of the handle channel, does yours by chance have somewhat of a bronze color to it?

I have to wait when I get home and check :tu:

I about forgot about this Bob :-[ It doesn't really have that bronze color you are talking about :think: In 1 corner of the channel it does seem a bit off color and sorta lean toward the color you're talking about though :) Don't know if that helps or not :ahhh :D
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Sean on March 13, 2009, 03:12:18 AM
Interesting reading on the pst.  Kept me going for part of an evening.  Here is mine.  07/95 vintage

sean
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on March 13, 2009, 09:34:38 PM
 :drool: I love that BO PST I may have 1 coming in the mail ::) but don't really know the condition :( I am just hoping for not to dogged out condition :D

Yours looks to be in really nice shape :tu:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Benner on March 13, 2009, 10:40:53 PM
Finally got round to taking some pictures of the one and only original Leathervan;

(http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t41/benniehunts/IMG_1740.jpg)

(http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t41/benniehunts/IMG_1738.jpg)

(http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t41/benniehunts/IMG_1737.jpg)

(http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t41/benniehunts/IMG_1735.jpg)

Hopefully I covered most of the variables in those.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: J-sews on March 14, 2009, 12:41:31 AM
Interesting reading on the pst.  Kept me going for part of an evening.  Here is mine.  07/95 vintage

sean

Nice looking BO pst there Sean! 8)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: J-sews on March 14, 2009, 12:43:23 AM
Finally got round to taking some pictures of the one and only original Leathervan;


Hopefully I covered most of the variables in those.

Great pics Ben! The dark background really sets it off nicely. :tu:


By the way, what is stamped on the blade tang on yours?
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Benner on March 14, 2009, 12:44:41 AM
Just "Leatherman" on the blade tang.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Sean on March 14, 2009, 01:40:10 AM
Interesting reading on the pst.  Kept me going for part of an evening.  Here is mine.  07/95 vintage

sean

Nice looking BO pst there Sean! 8)

thanks man!  :)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: DaveK on March 14, 2009, 01:57:27 AM
Interesting reading on the pst.  Kept me going for part of an evening.  Here is mine.  07/95 vintage

sean

Nice looking BO pst there Sean! 8)

thanks man!  :)

Very nice. Give it to me?







Worth a try!
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on March 14, 2009, 02:34:45 AM
 :think: Is the nail nick on your awl in the third pic going the length of the awl or is it just the pic playing with my mind :D

Nice pics by the way :o :D
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: DaveK on March 14, 2009, 03:30:06 AM
:think: Is the nail nick on your awl in the third pic going the length of the awl or is it just the pic playing with my mind :D

Nice pics by the way :o :D

It's not a nail nick as such, but you can see a "ridge" that runs along the length of the awl - yes. It's a characteristic of the early milled awls. Is yours not the same?
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on March 14, 2009, 04:01:58 AM
:think: Is the nail nick on your awl in the third pic going the length of the awl or is it just the pic playing with my mind :D

Nice pics by the way :o :D

It's not a nail nick as such, but you can see a "ridge" that runs along the length of the awl - yes. It's a characteristic of the early milled awls. Is yours not the same?

(http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e276/poncho6556/smack.gif) on further inspection mine is exactly the same ::) :oops: :D
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: DaveK on March 22, 2009, 11:26:30 PM
This tool has evaded my clutches for a very long time. Until yesterday. Now, it is mine. Oh yes.

(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e10/DaveK-ToolPics/pstlettering.jpg)

It is pristine. Obviously never used. And it has strange "hollow" screws on the reverse - which look cool  8)

(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e10/DaveK-ToolPics/pstbackhollowscrews.jpg)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Nikos on March 22, 2009, 11:42:05 PM
Is this a HollowMan then? :D
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: DaveK on March 22, 2009, 11:44:51 PM
It is, in fact, the dog's b*****ks. ;)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: J-sews on March 23, 2009, 01:47:10 AM
This tool has evaded my clutches for a very long time. Until yesterday. Now, it is mine. Oh yes.


It is pristine. Obviously never used. And it has strange "hollow" screws on the reverse - which look cool 8)



Oh....mah....gawd! :o  I've never seen THOSE before.








.... :bnghd:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: DaveK on March 23, 2009, 01:59:00 AM
Me neither!

Does, does.. does this mean I've a Leatherman that you don't have  :o  You sure you haven't just forgotten or something? :D

Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: J-sews on March 23, 2009, 02:22:18 AM
Me neither!

Does, does.. does this mean I've a Leatherman that you don't have  :o  You sure you haven't just forgotten or something? :D


 :twak:


Hmmm, sometimes I wish we had something more powerful than a twak.... >:( :D
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: WH867 on March 23, 2009, 09:59:48 PM
New arrival today compared with last weeks. 8).
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: DaveK on March 23, 2009, 10:03:26 PM
I can't make out Dennis - does it say Pocket Survival Tool on the handle? It looks as though there's some lettering there but it's a bit faint.

Whether it does or not - you've gotta love that drop point blade, no?

Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: WH867 on March 23, 2009, 10:06:55 PM
I can't make out Dennis - does it say Pocket Survival Tool on the handle? It looks as though there's some lettering there but it's a bit faint.

Whether it does or not - you've gotta love that drop point blade, no?


Yes, it does say Pocket survival tool.  The stamping is not as deep as later LMs.  I do like the blades
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: DaveK on March 23, 2009, 10:22:48 PM
I can't make out Dennis - does it say Pocket Survival Tool on the handle? It looks as though there's some lettering there but it's a bit faint.

Whether it does or not - you've gotta love that drop point blade, no?


Yes, it does say Pocket survival tool.  The stamping is not as deep as later LMs.  I do like the blades

Actually - I can see it now in the bottom picture! It looks similar to mine - you have to catch it in a certain light to make it really stand out. Does it have the "hollowed" screws on the back?

Hey - you know you get 20 questions when you post on this thread :D
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on March 23, 2009, 10:29:22 PM
Glad to see you finally got 1 Dave :tu: :D and it looks great :cheers:

and those look great as well Dennis :o :D

The blade on mine looks sharpened a little funny but I kid you not it is probably the sharpest knife I own :ahhh  ::)don't ask me how I know :o :D
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: DaveK on March 23, 2009, 10:31:51 PM
The blade on mine looks sharpened a little funny but I kid you not it is probably the sharpest knife I own :ahhh  ::)don't ask me how I know :o :D

Oh - has it "bonded" with you ponch?
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Benner on March 23, 2009, 10:34:14 PM
The blade on mine looks sharpened a little funny but I kid you not it is probably the sharpest knife I own :ahhh  ::)don't ask me how I know :o :D

Oh - has it "bonded" with you ponch?

That sounds really bad.  :D
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: DaveK on March 23, 2009, 10:36:06 PM
Only if you have a mind that operates at a certain level Ben  :twak:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Benner on March 23, 2009, 10:37:50 PM
Only if you have a mind that operates at a certain level Ben  :twak:

I do indeed have that level of mind.  :D
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on March 23, 2009, 10:38:01 PM
The blade on mine looks sharpened a little funny but I kid you not it is probably the sharpest knife I own :ahhh  ::)don't ask me how I know :o :D

Oh - has it "bonded" with you ponch?

Well I was playing around with it some the other day and it slipped just a little and slice the top layer of skin on 1 of my fingers off :o Luckily in my line of work that layer of skin is already dead :D so there was no blood ;) but I just stopped and looked and my eyes got big thought I had cut myself bad :D but nope luckily not

I thought I said don't ask :twak: :D

and I just picked up a no date code PST probably 1 right before they started dating them along with a BO PST circa 1993 :D but sadly the blade was broke in the black 1 :cry: I knew going in it was like that though but I also got a nice vintage nylon LM sheath with it :tu:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on March 23, 2009, 10:38:43 PM
Only if you have a mind that operates at a certain level Ben  :twak:

I do indeed have that level of mind.  :D

 :D
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: DaveK on March 23, 2009, 10:52:33 PM
a BO PST circa 1993 :D but sadly the blade was broke in the black 1 :cry: I knew going in it was like that though but I also got a nice vintage nylon LM sheath with it :tu:

Shame. Does it have a cap crimper?
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on March 24, 2009, 12:20:17 AM
a BO PST circa 1993 :D but sadly the blade was broke in the black 1 :cry: I knew going in it was like that though but I also got a nice vintage nylon LM sheath with it :tu:

Shame. Does it have a cap crimper?

Nope it has a regular plier head :)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: WH867 on March 24, 2009, 04:22:56 AM
I can't make out Dennis - does it say Pocket Survival Tool on the handle? It looks as though there's some lettering there but it's a bit faint.

Whether it does or not - you've gotta love that drop point blade, no?


Yes, it does say Pocket survival tool.  The stamping is not as deep as later LMs.  I do like the blades

Actually - I can see it now in the bottom picture! It looks similar to mine - you have to catch it in a certain light to make it really stand out. Does it have the "hollowed" screws on the back?

Hey - you know you get 20 questions when you post on this thread :D
No hollowed screws on this one.. But looks like it has seen very little use and is in   VGC so I'm happy. The lettering is plain but my close up camera skills kinda suck.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: J-sews on March 24, 2009, 12:03:58 PM
I can't make out Dennis - does it say Pocket Survival Tool on the handle? It looks as though there's some lettering there but it's a bit faint.

Whether it does or not - you've gotta love that drop point blade, no?


Yes, it does say Pocket survival tool.  The stamping is not as deep as later LMs.  I do like the blades

Actually - I can see it now in the bottom picture! It looks similar to mine - you have to catch it in a certain light to make it really stand out. Does it have the "hollowed" screws on the back?

Hey - you know you get 20 questions when you post on this thread :D
No hollowed screws on this one.. But looks like it has seen very little use and is in   VGC so I'm happy. The lettering is plain but my close up camera skills kinda suck.


Bah, what are you talking about? Those pics are great Dennis. :tu:


Hmmm, notice how "thin" the screw heads are on the early models. :)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: DaveK on March 25, 2009, 01:23:39 AM
a BO PST circa 1993 :D but sadly the blade was broke in the black 1 :cry: I knew going in it was like that though but I also got a nice vintage nylon LM sheath with it :tu:

Shame. Does it have a cap crimper?

Nope it has a regular plier head :)

Well that's one I've had no luck tracking down poncho - nice score :tu: We need to find you a blade!
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on March 25, 2009, 01:53:47 AM
a BO PST circa 1993 :D but sadly the blade was broke in the black 1 :cry: I knew going in it was like that though but I also got a nice vintage nylon LM sheath with it :tu:

Shame. Does it have a cap crimper?

Nope it has a regular plier head :)

Well that's one I've had no luck tracking down poncho - nice score :tu: We need to find you a blade!

That's why I needed PST parts ;) but I have a reg SS 1 coming from Neil so that'll do for now :tu: the finish on it's mighty rough as well so not a very good collection piece I may carry this 1 some :think: and guess what I just got a camo sheath to put it in as well ::) ;) :D
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on March 25, 2009, 01:58:27 AM
and here's a couple of pics of the predatecode PST I got in the same auction as the BO 1 with it's vintage sheath this 1 is in way better shape :D

(http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e276/poncho6556/Picture014-1.jpg)
(http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e276/poncho6556/Picture012-2.jpg)
(http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e276/poncho6556/Picture011-2.jpg)

and the sheath it's different than any other vintage LM I have seen as to date the insides are mesh :o :D
(http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e276/poncho6556/Picture010-3.jpg)
(http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e276/poncho6556/Picture009-2.jpg)
(http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e276/poncho6556/Picture008-4.jpg)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: DaveK on March 25, 2009, 03:16:41 AM
I really do like those sheaths with the old logos. Much better than that modern yellow monstrosity.

Looks like you got some great deals there ponch - well done mate  :salute:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on March 25, 2009, 05:56:29 PM
This sheath is not padded at all and is very flexible just nylon and mesh :) I like the look of it but the nylon ones of just a little later with the padding seem a little nicer :tu: like the camo one I have I mean ;)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: DaveK on March 25, 2009, 07:54:33 PM
This sheath is not padded at all and is very flexible just nylon and mesh :) I like the look of it but the nylon ones of just a little later with the padding seem a little nicer :tu: like the camo one I have I mean ;)

You're really taken with tha Camo aren't you :D I must admit, it is one of my favourites too.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on March 26, 2009, 03:30:19 AM
Well not thinking as I usually do I forgot to get any before pics of the BO PST :twak: :D but I have the ones from the Ebay auction they really don't show how bad the finish was on the BO PST but it was a little smurfy ::)

(http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e276/poncho6556/BOSSPST2.jpg)
(http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e276/poncho6556/BOSSPST1.jpg)

and since I was planning on making this 1 a user I thought what the hay I may try my hand at a little spray paining to liven the BO back up ::) :D and TBH it didn't turn out half bad :o once I get another blade in there it won't be in to bad shape ;) see what you guys think :tu:

(http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e276/poncho6556/Picture015-1.jpg)
(http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e276/poncho6556/Picture019.jpg)
(http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e276/poncho6556/Picture020.jpg)
(http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e276/poncho6556/Picture022.jpg)
(http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e276/poncho6556/Picture024.jpg)
(http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e276/poncho6556/Picture025.jpg)
(http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e276/poncho6556/Picture026.jpg)

not perfect by any means but it was in bad repair and at least it will look good for a little while ::) :D
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: J-sews on March 26, 2009, 03:33:58 AM
Looking good Ponch! :tu: :D   So flat black spray paint is it? Heck, that will probably hold up every bit as well as the original black oxide does! :P :D
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on March 26, 2009, 03:40:04 AM
Well it holds up on my brick hammers when I clean them up so I figured I would give it a try :D Already being BO helped quite a bit as well I am sure ;) A reg SS PST probably wouldn't take the paint very well ::)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on March 26, 2009, 03:40:52 AM
Owe and side by side with my BO  :ahhh :ahhh :ahhh !!!MINI!!! :ahhh :ahhh :ahhh they look almost identical in color :tu:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: MultiMat on March 26, 2009, 04:49:13 AM
Good one Ponch  :salute:.
I wonder if giving it a clear sealing top coat would help  :think: :think: :think:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: DaveK on March 26, 2009, 10:10:35 AM
It looks great poncho :tu:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on March 26, 2009, 09:51:04 PM
Good one Ponch  :salute:.
I wonder if giving it a clear sealing top coat would help  :think: :think: :think:

I may try it like this first and see how it holds up :D I can always sand on it some and respray it :tu:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: nuphoria on April 03, 2009, 04:20:16 AM
I thought I'd throw my 2 pence in here as I just picked up my first PST :)

I think it fits in to the scheme of things except for the pliers which are puzzling - old style, with notch but no arrow indicator. That make sense?! It also has "Transocean" printed on one handle - presumably a promo item.

•   Rivets or knurled screws?
knurled
•   Lanyard attachment?
yes
•   (Old) small diameter or (new) large diameter plier pivot?
old
•   LEATHERMAN alone cast into plier pivot? Or with USA? Or TOOL?
with USA
•   A hard wire cutter notch?
yes
•   Handles stamped with what? (see pictures in next post for examples)
LEATHERMAN TOOL, PORTLAND OR (both sides)
•   Inch ruler only, or inch/metric?
both
•   Date codes?
0499 0299
•   Drop point knife blade or clip point? (saber?)
short clip point
•   Knife blade tang stamped LEATHERMAN alone? Or with USA? Or JAPAN?
with USA
•   Screwdrivers: pivot-in or pivot-out?
pivot out

I think it has a right handed can opener - the one with the shorter blade section on it?
So, I assume a 99 model but does the rest tally up to your project?
It came with a nice leather sheath and is in excellent unused condition :)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: J-sews on April 03, 2009, 04:39:22 AM
'99 dates, old style plier head, hard wire notch...yep, that all checks out Nuphoria :)  Sounds like yours would have been one of the last ones made before they switched to the wider plier head (in early 2000)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: WH867 on April 03, 2009, 05:01:21 AM
I got this one marked Pocket Survival Tool today.  Very good shape.  Check out the hole in the pivot.

Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: nuphoria on April 03, 2009, 06:29:10 AM
'99 dates, old style plier head, hard wire notch...yep, that all checks out Nuphoria :)  Sounds like yours would have been one of the last ones made before they switched to the wider plier head (in early 2000)

Cool, thanks. So what are they worth (ball park)?
Need to figure out whether I keep it all shiny and new or use it  :think:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Craig on April 03, 2009, 09:02:13 PM
'99 dates, old style plier head, hard wire notch...yep, that all checks out Nuphoria :)  Sounds like yours would have been one of the last ones made before they switched to the wider plier head (in early 2000)

Cool, thanks. So what are they worth (ball park)?
Need to figure out whether I keep it all shiny and new or use it  :think:

I paid £20 for one in excellent condition. I don't know if that was more or less than the going rate but I've found it to be worth every penny and then some :D.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on April 03, 2009, 10:05:52 PM
'99 dates, old style plier head, hard wire notch...yep, that all checks out Nuphoria :)  Sounds like yours would have been one of the last ones made before they switched to the wider plier head (in early 2000)

Cool, thanks. So what are they worth (ball park)?
Need to figure out whether I keep it all shiny and new or use it  :think:

I paid £20 for one in excellent condition. I don't know if that was more or less than the going rate but I've found it to be worth every penny and then some :D.

Nuphoria that all depends on if you want to use it or not :D they can usually be had for a reasonable price so if your not to attached to it already you might want to use it :tu: If it was pre date codes I might differ on that opinion though ;) Since it is a bit newer I would personally use it :cheers:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Sean on April 03, 2009, 10:11:46 PM
I got this one marked Pocket Survival Tool today.  Very good shape.  Check out the hole in the pivot.



Never seen a plier head with that tiny hole in the middle of it.  Was that something left from the cast perhaps?
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: WH867 on April 04, 2009, 04:39:15 AM
I got this one marked Pocket Survival Tool today.  Very good shape.  Check out the hole in the pivot.



Never seen a plier head with that tiny hole in the middle of it.  Was that something left from the cast perhaps?
First one I have seen like this. So no idea. The other side is a little mushroomed.  That might be the wrong term. Hard to get a good picture of but its definately pushed in more in the center.  Maybe they just hit this plier head a little hard with the press. Or however they do it.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: J-sews on April 04, 2009, 05:26:35 PM
I got this one marked Pocket Survival Tool today.  Very good shape.  Check out the hole in the pivot.



Never seen a plier head with that tiny hole in the middle of it.  Was that something left from the cast perhaps?
First one I have seen like this. So no idea. The other side is a little mushroomed.  That might be the wrong term. Hard to get a good picture of but its definately pushed in more in the center.  Maybe they just hit this plier head a little hard with the press. Or however they do it.


Kinda concave is it then? I've never seen one like that before :think:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: WH867 on April 05, 2009, 01:41:09 AM
I got this one marked Pocket Survival Tool today.  Very good shape.  Check out the hole in the pivot.



Never seen a plier head with that tiny hole in the middle of it.  Was that something left from the cast perhaps?
First one I have seen like this. So no idea. The other side is a little mushroomed.  That might be the wrong term. Hard to get a good picture of but its definately pushed in more in the center.  Maybe they just hit this plier head a little hard with the press. Or however they do it.


Kinda concave is it then? I've never seen one like that before :think:
Just slightly.      What's your theory on the hole in the other side of the pivot?
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: J-sews on April 05, 2009, 01:58:05 AM
I got this one marked Pocket Survival Tool today.  Very good shape.  Check out the hole in the pivot.



Never seen a plier head with that tiny hole in the middle of it.  Was that something left from the cast perhaps?
First one I have seen like this. So no idea. The other side is a little mushroomed.  That might be the wrong term. Hard to get a good picture of but its definately pushed in more in the center.  Maybe they just hit this plier head a little hard with the press. Or however they do it.


Kinda concave is it then? I've never seen one like that before :think:
Just slightly.      What's your theory on the hole in the other side of the pivot?

Complete b.s. theory off the top of my head:  The pivot pins were probably mass produced on a screw machine (a type of high-production lathe) Maybe somehow the cutting tool that cuts the face dwelled for a moment in the very center, leaving a small pit?

Kinda like the opposite of what happened in this picture:


(http://www.mini-lathe.com/Mini_lathe/Reviews/A2Z_QCTP/face02.jpg)


Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on April 05, 2009, 02:08:28 AM
Good a theory as any :D
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: WH867 on April 05, 2009, 02:29:36 AM
Sounds good to me.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on April 12, 2009, 01:32:24 AM
Hey Bob I just got a 0393 and NA PST :D Yep 1 side has a datecode the other doesn't :ahhh :tu: and It also has a saber point blade :o So I guess that pretty well nails down that they swapped over from saber to clip point either sometime in 93 or at the first of 94 cause my other PST has (rather had when I first got it and not has again) a clip point blade :cheers:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: J-sews on April 12, 2009, 02:39:07 AM
Hey Bob I just got a 0393 and NA PST :D Yep 1 side has a datecode the other doesn't :ahhh :tu: and It also has a saber point blade :o So I guess that pretty well nails down that they swapped over from saber to clip point either sometime in 93 or at the first of 94 cause my other PST has (rather had when I first got it and not has again) a clip point blade :cheers:

Sounds like a real special one there Ponch! :tu:

BTW, the earliest actual date code anyone has reported is 1192
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on April 12, 2009, 02:52:56 AM
Guess that makes the 1 leg from 1092 and before :D I believe that when you asked the big man himself he said that is when they started doing it anywyas right :think: :D
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: J-sews on April 12, 2009, 03:59:13 AM
Guess that makes the 1 leg from 1092 and before :D I believe that when you asked the big man himself he said that is when they started doing it anywyas right :think: :D

Yes, that is correct. :)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: David on April 27, 2009, 04:02:44 AM
Here`s a PST I got in this week. It is in really good shape.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on April 27, 2009, 04:28:59 AM
 :tu: Very nice oldie David :cheers: It's funny how the really old ones aside from some differences in looks of the tools and some different pat numbers look exactly like the newer ones :o
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: J-sews on April 28, 2009, 04:34:06 AM
Nice vintage one there David! :tu:  What it's missing is what makes it the most valuable. :)   (the lanyard attachment)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on April 28, 2009, 04:52:46 AM
Nice vintage one there David! :tu:  What it's missing is what makes it the most valuable. :)   (the lanyard attachment)

Yeah that is always a good way to spot them even when they are closed :tu:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: David on April 28, 2009, 06:19:01 AM
Thank you Poncho and J-sews. I first noticed this one because the legs were a little wider than normal then noticed the lack of a landyard attachment plus the plier head had that look. Thats all I had to go by because in the photo none of the tools were opened up so could`nt see the can opener or knife blade. So I was hoping it was what it looked like and it was. I`m pleased with it. Plus I got it cheap. I guess one else knew what they were bidding on. But if it wasnt for this thread I wouldnt have known either. I`ve studied this thread alot. Thank you to every one who has contributed to it. It is a wealth of information that can be found no where else.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on April 28, 2009, 10:11:38 PM
I have learnt  alot because of this thread :tu:

I can spot an old PST at 50 paces now (figuratively speaking of course ;) :D )

The number of variations can become mind numbing though :ahhh :ahhh :ahhh :D
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: J-sews on April 29, 2009, 04:15:41 AM
I have learnt  alot because of this thread :tu:

I can spot an old PST at 50 paces now (figuratively speaking of course ;) :D )

The number of variations can become mind numbing though :ahhh :ahhh :ahhh :D


So that explains why my mind is so numb! :P
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on April 29, 2009, 04:47:19 AM
I have learnt  alot because of this thread :tu:

I can spot an old PST at 50 paces now (figuratively speaking of course ;) :D )

The number of variations can become mind numbing though :ahhh :ahhh :ahhh :D


So that explains why my mind is so numb! :P

 ::) :D

It is funny though that I can spot 1 on Ebay so easily now :o  :think: Just can't ever seem to win any of them >:( :D

I must be too cheap on them ::)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: DaveK on April 30, 2009, 01:59:58 AM
Nice score David :multi:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: turbov21 on May 07, 2009, 12:10:47 AM
Per Poncho65's request, here are some pictures of my riveted PST, which I got from WH867:

(http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii314/turbov21/multitools/pulse02.png)
That's the PST on the left, and a Pulse on the right.

(http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii314/turbov21/multitools/pulse01.png)
Left to right: LM Blast, SOG Powerlock, LM PST, LM Pulse

(http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii314/turbov21/multitools/pst01.png)
A close up.

(http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii314/turbov21/multitools/pst02.png)
Top to bottom: Blast, Crunch, PST.

(http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii314/turbov21/multitools/pst03.png)
Top to bottom: Blast, Crunch, PST.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on May 08, 2009, 04:13:25 PM
Thank you for the pics sir :salute: :D
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Dsorgnzd on June 23, 2009, 03:24:46 PM
•   Rivets or knurled screws?  Knurled screws.
•   Lanyard attachment?   Yes
•   (Old) small diameter or (new) large diameter plier pivot?   Old
•   LEATHERMAN alone cast into plier pivot? Or with USA? Or TOOL?  Leatherman USA
•   A hard wire cutter notch?  Yes, no arrow.
•   Handles stamped with what? (see pictures in next post for examples)  Leatherman Tool   Portland OR
•   Inch ruler only, or inch/metric?  Inch/metric
•   Date codes?  Yes, 1096 inside both handles.
•   Drop point knife blade or clip point? (saber?)  Clip point (shorter), half serrated
•   Knife blade tang stamped LEATHERMAN alone? Or with USA? Or JAPAN?  Leatherman USA

It also has scissors, and the diamond-coated file, so I've always assumed it is a PST II, but it isn't marked so.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Gareth on June 23, 2009, 04:07:06 PM
Someone who knows better might come along and tell you different, but I think the older PST II weren't marked as such.  It still sounds like a PST II to me.  (great tool BTW  :tu:)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Benner on June 23, 2009, 10:59:43 PM
Someone who knows better might come along and tell you different, but I think the older PST II weren't marked as such.  It still sounds like a PST II to me.  (great tool BTW  :tu:)

I believe you are right Gareth.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on June 24, 2009, 12:58:50 AM
Yep my PST II is marked like a reg PST as well :tu: Still a good find as I love that file :D :cheers:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: WH867 on August 01, 2009, 05:06:00 AM
More rivets. 8).
(http://i658.photobucket.com/albums/uu305/horsehunter64/101_3882.jpg)   
(http://i658.photobucket.com/albums/uu305/horsehunter64/101_3890.jpg)   
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: J-sews on August 01, 2009, 06:16:00 AM
More rivets. 8).

Nice! And more staked pivots too! :multi:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on August 01, 2009, 07:43:00 AM
 :tu: Sweet Dennis :cheers: I have a PST on the way possibly a riveted but can't get my hopes up to high as the pic wasn't the best :D I especially like the Pocket Survival Tool writing :drool: :D
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on August 08, 2009, 02:49:42 AM
Well I got the PST in and it was riveted and large font but the shape of the tool isn't the best :( you really can't tell from the pics I took :) Still it will fill the hole until I can get 1 in better shape :tu:

(http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e276/poncho6556/Picture001-4.jpg)

(http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e276/poncho6556/Picture006-6.jpg)

(http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e276/poncho6556/Picture008-7.jpg)

Also interesting is that the shape of the plier head in it is so much different than the 1 on my older PST :o

(http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e276/poncho6556/Picture009-5.jpg)

(http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e276/poncho6556/Picture011-5.jpg)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: J-sews on August 08, 2009, 03:05:46 PM
Congrats on scoring a big fonter Ponch! :cheers: Looks like that one has a bit of "history" to it. Maybe a little TLC with some WD40 and a toothbrush will help?

Yah, definitely a noticable difference in the plier heads. The Japanese made ones look more delicate. (elegant to look at, but probably not as good for hard duty?) :-\

Oh, and and funny that you have an old USA-made one without a lanyard ring, and an old Japanese one with! :)   
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on August 08, 2009, 05:23:55 PM
Thankfully the old USA 1 is near mint :drool: :D It would take more than a toothbrush to fix it I am afraid :( Part of the handle on the file side of the tool that holds the tools open in place is sadly gone :-[ Wasn't told in the description but I am sure they never checked it because it was a seizure :-\ It did come with a nice old school leather sheath though :tu:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: MultiMat on August 08, 2009, 06:19:35 PM
Welcome to the 'Rivet Club' Ponch  8) 8) 8) :tu: :D :D
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on August 08, 2009, 10:49:09 PM
Welcome to the 'Rivet Club' Ponch  8) 8) 8) :tu: :D :D

 :salute: Thank you sir :salute: Was there ever any doubt :D ;)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: MultiMat on August 27, 2009, 05:26:14 PM
Finally got around too taking some pics of my SS PST with CC.
http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll287/multimat426/cap%20crimpers/S6303236.jpg[/img]](http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll287/multimat426/cap%20crimpers/S6303236.jpg) (http://[IMG)
I was a bit surprised to see the difference in the crimping hole when comparing the common BO PST with CC , with the hen's teeth stainless version  :think:.
I had wondered whether the SS versions had just missed the BO bin when thrown by the factory worker  :P. Clearly when comparing the blade & tools the SS version is a lot older than the BO PST(date stamp 0300). Looking at Davek's BO PST with CC his crimper hole looks like the same as my older SS PST's one  :think: :think: :think: :think:. See below.
(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e10/DaveK-ToolPics/20080928web1.jpg)

Some other differences between my 2 Cap crimper PST's
Blade types
http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll287/multimat426/cap%20crimpers/S6303239-1.jpg[/img]](http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll287/multimat426/cap%20crimpers/S6303239-1.jpg) (http://[IMG)
Phillips head grind
http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll287/multimat426/cap%20crimpers/S6303262.jpg[/img]](http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll287/multimat426/cap%20crimpers/S6303262.jpg) (http://[IMG)
Awl grind
http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll287/multimat426/cap%20crimpers/S6303258.jpg[/img]](http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll287/multimat426/cap%20crimpers/S6303258.jpg) (http://[IMG)
There was some small differences in the two PST's taper on the straight screw drivers  :think:

http://(http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll287/multimat426/cap%20crimpers/S6303272-1-1.jpg)[/IMG]](http://[IMG]http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll287/multimat426/cap%20crimpers/S6303272-1-1.jpg)[/IMG] (http://[IMG)
The different blade types is covered by Bob at the start of the thread , can not have too many photos can we   ::) :D

Yes I have no life two times over  ::) :D :D :D :D :D
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: J-sews on August 27, 2009, 07:23:36 PM
Wow! That bit about the different style crimp holes is something I hadn't noticed before. Nice catch! As soon as I'm back home I'll check mine. :)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on August 28, 2009, 04:31:22 AM
Very cool MM :o :drool: I love the look of that SS CC PST :D Just love the PST period :cheers: Thanks for the pics :tu:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: jim guy on September 19, 2009, 06:51:44 AM
I have a ? about plier heads my pst is dated 0999 mine has the old style pliers but with the hard wire notch without the triangle pointing to it.It looks like any standard pst from that range leatherman usa on plier , leatherman tool portland oregon in small letters on handle, clip point blade leatherman usa on it.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on September 24, 2009, 04:17:35 AM
I have a ? about plier heads my pst is dated 0999 mine has the old style pliers but with the hard wire notch without the triangle pointing to it.It looks like any standard pst from that range leatherman usa on plier , leatherman tool portland oregon in small letters on handle, clip point blade leatherman usa on it.

The newer plier head came later :) Yours fits the bill of the datecode :tu: but a pic could help with your question a bit better :D
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: David on November 20, 2009, 06:41:26 PM
Here`s an early one
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Benner on November 20, 2009, 06:43:08 PM
Oooo nice  :tu:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: DaveK on November 20, 2009, 06:48:13 PM
That is indeed lovely that.

A very early model indeed :tu:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: J-sews on November 21, 2009, 02:50:11 AM
Oh my! :drool:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: MultiMat on November 21, 2009, 04:56:02 AM
Dave VERY VERY nice  :gimme:.
I did not know LM branded their blades like that  :o.
Very cool.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on November 21, 2009, 06:09:24 AM
 :ahhh :o Wow Dave very cool and there is another variation for us to write down :D How many is that now :think:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: DaveK on November 21, 2009, 12:52:21 PM
That's a whole new thing to look for I think.  :ahhh

Hold on to that one David (or give it me) :D
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: David on November 21, 2009, 05:44:32 PM
Well I was pleasantly surprised  :D  when this arrived the other day. The photo was alittle fuzzy and didnt show the etchlng on the knife blade. In fact I thought it was going to be a rivoted variation of the Pocket Survival Tool. But when I got it out of the sheath and saw knurled screws instead of rivots I opened the PST and there was no USA on the plier head I really was at a loss as to what I had. So opened the knife blade to see what was stamped on it an saw it was etched  :o. The only other etched knife blade I`ve seen was the picture of Smitty`s Cabelas PST. Then I started studying pictures in this thread and also noticed that Smittys Cabelas PST and Daves POCKET SURVIVAL TOOL do not have USA on the plier head either. So at this point I`ve assumed it`s an early version.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: J-sews on November 22, 2009, 01:39:20 AM
I think that's a pretty safe assumption! :gimme:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: DaveK on November 22, 2009, 02:03:09 AM
Errrrr - where are the extra pictures David - eh? eh?   :pok:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on November 22, 2009, 05:24:37 AM
I think that's a pretty safe assumption! :gimme:

Yeah that may have been 1 in the very earliest batches :o :ahhh :ahhh :ahhh Any case me likey :drool: :D
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Zed on November 30, 2009, 05:52:28 PM
This is so interesting i cant wait for the kids to go to bed so i can read the lot, still love my 98 wave after all these years, i still have its original box and leather holder and manual and catalog of extras of the time,

paul 
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: J-sews on December 02, 2009, 03:22:38 AM
This is so interesting i cant wait for the kids to go to bed so i can read the lot, still love my 98 wave after all these years, i still have its original box and leather holder and manual and catalog of extras of the time,

paul  

Can't wait to read 19 pages of drivvel about and old pair of pliers with some foldy blades? ???




(I like that Zed guy, he's my kind of people!) :D
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Zed on December 02, 2009, 07:11:25 AM
This is so interesting i cant wait for the kids to go to bed so i can read the lot, still love my 98 wave after all these years, i still have its original box and leather holder and manual and catalog of extras of the time,

paul  

Can't wait to read 19 pages of drivvel about and old pair of pliers with some foldy blades? ???

lol i need a life mate  :rofl: not just foldy blades but lots of flat screw drivers, you forgot about them lol

paul



(I like that Zed guy, he's my kind of people!) :D
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: AHB on December 02, 2009, 09:23:25 AM
(I like that Zed guy, he's my kind of people!) :D
He surely blends right in...  :D
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on December 03, 2009, 11:32:35 PM
(I like that Zed guy, he's my kind of people!) :D
He surely blends right in...  :D

You noticed it too :D :D
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: David on December 04, 2009, 05:02:11 PM
Got this one in yesterday.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: MultiMat on December 05, 2009, 01:19:20 AM
Dave at this rate you are going to out do the other Dave  :o :o :o :o :o.

BTW very nice pick up, I would love one of those originals  8) 8) 8) 8) 8) 8) :gimme: :gimme: :gimme:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: J-sews on December 05, 2009, 02:43:47 AM
Another nice one David! :tu: By our reckoning, that is one of the earliest models made in Japan. (no lanyard attachment)

Congrats! :cheers:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: DaveK on December 05, 2009, 02:04:17 PM
Nice one "other Dave" :tu:

Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: David on January 08, 2010, 08:21:21 PM
Here is an interesting PST. It has all the changes that came into place in the late 80`s except it still has inch only ruler.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: DaveK on January 08, 2010, 08:24:27 PM
I've got one like that. Weird isn't it  :think:

Nice find though David :tu:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: David on January 08, 2010, 08:31:31 PM
I've got one like that. Weird isn't it  :think:

Nice find though David :tu:

I`ve had this one for awhile and never noticed it till the other day. Had to do a double take to make sure I wasnt seeing things.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: David on January 08, 2010, 08:35:12 PM
This one is almost mint and still tight.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: AHB on January 08, 2010, 08:50:49 PM
This one is almost mint and still tight.
:gimme:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: MultiMat on January 09, 2010, 02:09:25 AM
This one is almost mint and still tight.

This is the one I would LOVE  :gimme: :gimme: :gimme: :gimme: :gimme: :drool: :D
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: J-sews on January 09, 2010, 03:14:19 AM
Wow, another sweetheart of a PST there Dave! :multi:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: DaveK on January 09, 2010, 03:19:19 AM
Very nice indeed  :multi:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: David on January 13, 2010, 10:27:52 PM
Finally found one of these, lanyard attachment and no US PAT 4238862 stamped on handle.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: DaveK on January 13, 2010, 10:39:07 PM
Nice one David  :cheers:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: J-sews on January 14, 2010, 03:34:18 AM
Nice! :tu: Any other variations you still need to get David?
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: David on January 14, 2010, 08:26:09 AM
Nice! :tu: Any other variations you still need to get David?

I`m looking for a BO and BO CC with the newer plier head  :think:  and a no date BO CC also. To many variations to keep track of.    :D
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Zed on January 14, 2010, 09:22:46 AM
(I like that Zed guy, he's my kind of people!) :D
He surely blends right in...  :D

You noticed it too :D :D

well did it and now got some more knowledge  :tu: very interesting read, problem now is i want more older LM's  :rofl: yesterday my wife picked up the kick from the kitchen side,she said so you got your LM back, she was very glad, of course i said yes i did ,  ::) luckily to her it looks the same as the wave, not sure ill get away with a skeletool  cx  :D but really want one, well my 40th in November so possibly a pressie  ;)  :multi:

paul   
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on January 15, 2010, 04:15:56 AM
Hey Dave :D both of ya :pok: How many PST variations do each of you have now :think: I am willing to say you might have most of the variations covered between the 2 of ya :D
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: DaveK on January 15, 2010, 10:55:27 AM
To be honest - I'm not really sure  :think:

I have a bunch more coming from GG soon, so I'll have a look through when they arrive, and list the differences.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on January 15, 2010, 02:16:52 PM
To be honest - I'm not really sure  :think:

I have a bunch more coming from GG soon, so I'll have a look through when they arrive, and list the differences.

 :o More :ahhh :ahhh :ahhh You will soon have enough PSTs to start a small army :D Can't wait to see them :tu:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: DaveK on January 15, 2010, 02:18:54 PM
I reckon David must have many more than me at the moment!
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Zed on January 17, 2010, 10:24:18 AM
Dave out of interest how much would i be looking at to buy a old PST ,

paul
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: DaveK on January 17, 2010, 08:14:08 PM
Dave out of interest how much would i be looking at to buy a old PST ,

paul

That's a very difficult thing to answer tbh Paul.

As they have been discontinued for so long, it really is a case of whatever you can find. Personally I probably wouldn't pay more than about 15 quid for one in reasonable shape, but if it was NIB, then maybe double that. It's hard to say really.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Zed on January 17, 2010, 08:45:35 PM
Dave out of interest how much would i be looking at to buy a old PST ,

paul

That's a very difficult thing to answer tbh Paul.

As they have been discontinued for so long, it really is a case of whatever you can find. Personally I probably wouldn't pay more than about 15 quid for one in reasonable shape, but if it was NIB, then maybe double that. It's hard to say really.

cheers mate, i did see one the other week for £20 but didnt have the money at the time  :-\ ill keep my eyes peeled,  :tu:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: DaveK on January 17, 2010, 08:54:46 PM
The "tools needed" forum here is always a good place to let people know what you're looking for.

People are really helpful in my experience here.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Zed on January 17, 2010, 08:56:15 PM
The "tools needed" forum here is always a good place to let people know what you're looking for.

People are really helpful in my experience here.

cheers dave once i get the funds up ill put up a post  :tu:


paul
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: minorca on January 30, 2010, 07:53:10 PM
Hello!  I address to you with the request. I have bought to the husband LeathermanTTI. But is cheaper than in all shops in Moscow. Everybody knows that avaricious pays twice, here and now I have understood that it has some difference. There is sign R instead of TM. Tell me please, is it a fake?
Thank you sorry for my English  :angel:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: DaveK on January 30, 2010, 08:23:52 PM
Hi and welcome :)

Do you have a picture of the TTi?

Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: minorca on January 30, 2010, 08:50:32 PM
I have the same picture  from internet, on the first picture there is sigh R and on the second thesigh TM after word Charge. What's the diffrence? May be one of them had been produced later than another one?

(http://keep4u.ru/imgs/b/2010/01/31/54/54366fd3d98bfda4787bbaaedb6b1d46.jpg) (http://keep4u.ru)

(http://keep4u.ru/imgs/b/2010/01/31/9e/9e8d36c4a3868fc6af5f6321342c38cc.jpg) (http://keep4u.ru)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: DaveK on January 30, 2010, 08:55:26 PM
Ah yes - I understand.

The older Tools were marked: Leatherman(R) Charge TM

From about 2005, that was changed to: Leatherman(R) Charge(R)

I'm sure it's not a fake :)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: minorca on January 30, 2010, 09:05:54 PM
Ufffff, thank you so much!
I've seen your diary and your collection, you're crazy and it's fantastic!  :climber:
Sorry for OFFtopic, but I couldn't not to tell my thanks to Dave!  :angel:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: DaveK on January 30, 2010, 09:07:04 PM
Lol. You're very welcome - thanks !
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: glkdc58 on February 01, 2010, 09:04:47 AM
Wow, great stuff.  Thanks to all who have contributed to this thread.  I'd been trying to piece together all the versions/variations of the PST on my own and had come up with only six, not including the BO versions.  This info is EXACTLY what  I was looking for.

On page 18 of this thread are a few posts regarding the PST II, stamped as a PST.  The consensus of the three or so posts is that this tool is in fact a PST II.  I had been considering it just the opposite, that this was a PST with the PST II tool set.  The website: smartknives.com describes four versions of the PST, one of which had the PST II tool set.

So, the question in my mind is this: is this truly yet another version/variation of the PST, or it a PST II dressed in a PST's clothing?     

(Reading Tim Leatherman's input really just whetted my appetite for more, a full "authorized" history of the PST and other early tools.  I wonder how much of it is documented, perhaps only piecemeal in some cardboard boxes in a dusty corner of a storage room at the Leatherman plant.  Perhaps the only complete history resides in Tim's head).   
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Gareth on February 01, 2010, 01:43:02 PM
My gut feeling is that they were playing with the idea of just updating the tool list for the PST (to what became the PST II), but then there was a decision to then run with both as an option hence having the PST and the PST II.

If that's the case then I suppose it could be argued that the PST marked units (but with the PST II tools) were just PSTs.   However as the original PST never went out of production I will always look at them as being separate tools and no matter what's stamped on the outside it's a PST II.

I'll be the first to admit this is all supposition on my part though. :)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: DaveK on February 01, 2010, 02:42:15 PM
It's highly feasible.

Think of this. The PST wasn't called the PST until the Minitool came out - it was simply marketed as "Leatherman Tool". Heh - deep or what?

Anyhoo, I forgot to update this thread a couple of weeks ago, when I discovered something new, but better late than never....

I was refurbing an old PST ready for a trade with another forum member and spotted something on the file that I hadn't seen before. This prompted me to dismantle the other example that I had in the drawer, and it was the same......

Here is the mid '80s US (or so I thought) PST:

(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e10/DaveK-ToolPics/PST%20Restoration/PST003.jpg)

And here's the little surprise that I found on the file tang:

(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e10/DaveK-ToolPics/PST%20Restoration/AllansOldPST008.jpg)

The stamped "JAPAN" is so close to the hole, that you simply can't tell it's there without taking it apart!

So, "LEATHERMAN USA" on the blade tang, "JAPAN" on the file. And I have two of them (until I ship one out at least).

Discuss!
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Gareth on February 01, 2010, 03:21:07 PM
My guess would be that while the rest of the tool was produced and assembled in the USA the file has obviously been sent over form Japan.  Perhaps as an over-run on what was required from the Japanese factory, or it's maybe it was because they didn't have the facility's to produce the files themselves.  Bob's story form Kutmaster suggests they were having a lot of parts subcontracted at one point anyway, so while some may have gone to other US companies perhaps they had to look to the Japanese to get this done.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: DaveK on February 01, 2010, 03:47:30 PM
It's highly possible. I have two here that are identical in every aspect. With "over 10 million" PSTs out there, that would be one hell of a coincidence if it were random, rather than a distinct configuration in the history.  :-\

In other words, if I have two, there will be more out there for sure.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: David on February 01, 2010, 06:32:15 PM
I went and looked at the two I have and can see the top os a JA poking out alittle on one of them.The other I cant tell without taking it apart. I`ve noticed that the early files were double cut on both sides and a change came to the single cut file to the outside. Then some time before the date codes were put in the handles they went to the double cut on the outside which are stamped LEATHERMAN. I have examples of these late 80`s early 90`s of this in Stainless and BO which I`ve meant to get posted but havent yet. With DaveK find these single cut outside file may all have JAPAN stamped on them   :think:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: J-sews on February 01, 2010, 06:37:45 PM
Interesting discovery Dave!  :salute:
I agree with Gareth. There must have been such a scramble for component parts back in the 80's that that they had them coming from every which direction. :P

And I doubt there was any effort whatsoever to keep different "generations" pure and seperate. When the assembly department started to run low on knife blades obtained from company A for instance, I'll bet they just brought in a bucket load of them from Company B and poured them into the same hopper. As long as all blades met a certain spec there was no need to keep them seperate. And so the finished tools coming off the line probably were made up of a hodge podge of different generation components.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: DaveK on February 01, 2010, 06:57:29 PM
David - I just checked, and your theory holds good with all of my PSTs. So I think we just found another way to date the "odd" ones a bit more finely - great spot.  :cheers:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on February 01, 2010, 07:48:17 PM
I have a few late 80s early 90s ones I will check when I get home as well :tu: I was looking at a couple the other day to see if anything was on the file of some of the older ones but didn't see anything but that may have been a riveted one :think: I can't remember for sure great spot guys :cheers:

an to the PST II question I have always considered it a PST II in a PST body  :D Someone just came up with the idea to rename it prob later though :)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: DaveK on February 01, 2010, 08:06:23 PM
Update: The "double double-cut" edged file on this oldie is marked Japan too.

I'm beginning to think that all files were Japanese until the early 90s........

(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e10/DaveK-ToolPics/PST%20Restoration/PST006.jpg)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on February 01, 2010, 08:14:56 PM
This would be easier if the "Japan" would have been stamped just a little higher :D Especially on the riveted ones ::) :D Still not home 2 see mine yet though :D
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Gareth on February 01, 2010, 10:58:02 PM
Do I remembering reading that LM were (are?) getting some files from Switzerland?  Or am I thinking of something completely different? :think:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on February 01, 2010, 11:19:22 PM
Well I checked my older knurled screw version and saw the tip end of a J on my file as well :cheers: The 1 I have that is riveted has some crud right there and I couldn't quite make anything out on it ::) More than likely it is there as well :tu:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: DaveK on February 01, 2010, 11:36:48 PM
This would be easier if the "Japan" would have been stamped just a little higher :D Especially on the riveted ones ::) :D Still not home 2 see mine yet though :D

Absolutely it would! I wouldn't have spotte dthis if I hadn't been stripping one down, and of course you don't get that option with the riveted versions.

Do I remembering reading that LM were (are?) getting some files from Switzerland?  Or am I thinking of something completely different? :think:

I remember someone mentioning it, but being sceptical myself. I certainly  haven't seen one without Japan or USA stamped on it amongst the probably 60 or 70 I've handled.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: MultiMat on February 02, 2010, 12:18:12 AM
I remember Spoony posting about LM sourcing files from Switzerland. Was it regarding the California made in USA issues  :think:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: DaveK on February 02, 2010, 12:24:42 AM
I can't remember, although if Spoony said it, it stands a chance it's right!
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Zed on February 28, 2010, 11:02:58 AM
Well i finally got to the end, i love reading this thread as its so interesting, ever learning, i can see why you guys get into wanting more models now, and there is so many,

question - pliers stamped leatherman tool, 2002 with hard wire notch plus arrow, was they like this until 04 ?

paul  :cheers:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: J-sews on April 11, 2010, 04:10:58 PM

question - pliers stamped leatherman tool, 2002 with hard wire notch plus arrow, was they like this until 04 ?


Yes, they kept that style head right up until the PST was discontinued in '04. Even the Cabelas Legacy PST's, which were assembled from parts leftover after 2004, used the new plier head:


(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v307/jooliesews/Bobbys/LeathermanPSTCabelasLegacy.jpg)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Zed on April 11, 2010, 04:46:55 PM

question - pliers stamped leatherman tool, 2002 with hard wire notch plus arrow, was they like this until 04 ?


Yes, they kept that style head right up until the PST was discontinued in '04. Even the Cabelas Legacy PST's, which were assembled from parts leftover after 2004, used the new plier head:


(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v307/jooliesews/Bobbys/LeathermanPSTCabelasLegacy.jpg)

 :tu:  cheers mate, the pst2 i have has LM usa on the pliers, its a 02 model, i do prefere having usa on the pliers, but all good  :cheers:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: ryan1835 on April 11, 2010, 05:14:31 PM

question - pliers stamped leatherman tool, 2002 with hard wire notch plus arrow, was they like this until 04 ?


Yes, they kept that style head right up until the PST was discontinued in '04. Even the Cabelas Legacy PST's, which were assembled from parts leftover after 2004, used the new plier head:


(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v307/jooliesews/Bobbys/LeathermanPSTCabelasLegacy.jpg)

well they certainly made that old stock worth a bomb :P
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: J-sews on April 11, 2010, 05:31:51 PM
well they certainly made that old stock worth a bomb :P

Clever of them wasn't it? ::)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: AHB on April 11, 2010, 05:51:04 PM
I miss Bowman... :-\  and the chance of getting my hands on his 007 Cabela..  :drool:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: DaveK on April 11, 2010, 09:12:53 PM
well they certainly made that old stock worth a bomb :P

Clever of them wasn't it? ::)

Only a total sucker would have bought those......    oh  ::)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: J-sews on April 12, 2010, 04:02:00 AM
well they certainly made that old stock worth a bomb :P

Clever of them wasn't it? ::)

Only a total sucker would have bought those......    oh  ::)

I've heard some guys even paid full price... ::)  (instead of waiting until later when they were heavily discounted) :cry:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: DaveK on April 12, 2010, 09:40:50 AM
What was full price? Can you remember?
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: ryan1835 on April 12, 2010, 07:53:50 PM
im guessing anywhere from £250 -500?
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: DaveK on April 12, 2010, 08:11:47 PM
I don't think they were that much (I'm sure mine wasn't)!
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: ryan1835 on April 12, 2010, 08:18:32 PM
im thinking of the anniversary models being more then :S ?
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: DaveK on April 12, 2010, 08:20:50 PM
Oh yes definitely.

I think I paid $80 for mine - not sure.

Here's the thread from that time: http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,5291.msg88982.html#msg88982
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: J-sews on April 13, 2010, 12:32:13 AM
Oh yes definitely.

I think I paid $80 for mine - not sure.

Here's the thread from that time: http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,5291.msg88982.html#msg88982


Ah yes, I remember that thread. :) Great write up and pictures by the way. :salute:

Anyhooo, the original asking price was *gulp* $149.00 :cry:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Gareth on April 13, 2010, 04:16:06 PM
OK I have a confession; I don't play with or carry my PST much. :-[  But I was using it this morning and noticed something for the first time, that is that the file has washers on both sides and so is non-clumping.  It's a 2002 PST and I was wondering if the earlier models were the same?
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Zed on April 13, 2010, 04:25:05 PM
OK I have a confession; I don't play with or carry my PST much. :-[  But I was using it this morning and noticed something for the first time, that is that the file has washers on both sides and so is non-clumping.  It's a 2002 PST and I was wondering if the earlier models were the same?

well my 01 pst2 doesnt clump on the file, and nor does the later 80's pst, possibly they all do this ?
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Gareth on April 13, 2010, 04:27:31 PM
OK I have a confession; I don't play with or carry my PST much. :-[  But I was using it this morning and noticed something for the first time, that is that the file has washers on both sides and so is non-clumping.  It's a 2002 PST and I was wondering if the earlier models were the same?

well my 01 pst2 doesnt clump on the file, and nor does the later 80's pst, possibly they all do this ?

Cheers Paul, at least it's not just me. :)  Is there an obvious gap on either side of the file where the washers are?
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Zed on April 13, 2010, 04:31:51 PM
OK I have a confession; I don't play with or carry my PST much. :-[  But I was using it this morning and noticed something for the first time, that is that the file has washers on both sides and so is non-clumping.  It's a 2002 PST and I was wondering if the earlier models were the same?

well my 01 pst2 doesnt clump on the file, and nor does the later 80's pst, possibly they all do this ?

Cheers Paul, at least it's not just me. :)  Is there an obvious gap on either side of the file where the washers are?

not a obvious gap but its there, i really must get them both out later and have a fiddle with the clumping situation , although i like clumping  :-\
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Gareth on April 13, 2010, 04:40:43 PM
OK I have a confession; I don't play with or carry my PST much. :-[  But I was using it this morning and noticed something for the first time, that is that the file has washers on both sides and so is non-clumping.  It's a 2002 PST and I was wondering if the earlier models were the same?

well my 01 pst2 doesnt clump on the file, and nor does the later 80's pst, possibly they all do this ?

Cheers Paul, at least it's not just me. :)  Is there an obvious gap on either side of the file where the washers are?

not a obvious gap but its there, i really must get them both out later and have a fiddle with the clumping situation , although i like clumping  :-\

AFAIK there's not much to be done, plus I'm not sure you'd want to get rid of it completely.  I don't fancy having to get out the medium flat or phillips driver if they didn't clump with the tools next to them.  The only one I'd really like to see pop out on it's own would be the knife (as I think they have done on the ST300).
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Zed on April 13, 2010, 04:45:16 PM
OK I have a confession; I don't play with or carry my PST much. :-[  But I was using it this morning and noticed something for the first time, that is that the file has washers on both sides and so is non-clumping.  It's a 2002 PST and I was wondering if the earlier models were the same?

well my 01 pst2 doesnt clump on the file, and nor does the later 80's pst, possibly they all do this ?

Cheers Paul, at least it's not just me. :)  Is there an obvious gap on either side of the file where the washers are?

not a obvious gap but its there, i really must get them both out later and have a fiddle with the clumping situation , although i like clumping  :-\

AFAIK there's not much to be done, plus I'm not sure you'd want to get rid of it completely.  I don't fancy having to get out the medium flat or phillips driver if they didn't clump with the tools next to them.  The only one I'd really like to see pop out on it's own would be the knife (as I think they have done on the ST300).

it doesnt pop out gareth , but i do like the way it locks back into position  :tu:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: DaveK on April 13, 2010, 07:26:14 PM
Yup - washers either side of the file is normal. I've seen it in the earliest models.

I'm not sure if it was a conscious effort to stop clumping, or more likely something to do with preventing the harder metal wearing down prematurely.

Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: ryan1835 on April 13, 2010, 10:40:50 PM
my ones from 93 and seems to attempt to stop the tools clumping but slightly fails  :rofl:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Gareth on April 13, 2010, 11:35:20 PM
Yup - washers either side of the file is normal. I've seen it in the earliest models.

I'm not sure if it was a conscious effort to stop clumping, or more likely something to do with preventing the harder metal wearing down prematurely.



Cheers Dave. :tu:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: DaveK on May 04, 2010, 02:47:05 AM
I will be doing a lot more work on this in the coming days, and (time permitting) will do an explanatory article here and on my blog, and maybe even a Youtube video to accompany it all in the next few days.

Most of you guys will know what it all means anyway I'm sure :)

I currently have 23 PSTs in my possession as I seem to have traded loads away lately  :ahhh - but here is my:

PST List @ 3rd May 2010 (http://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0AqPdJoekv-UvdHpMcmtWeUpTV0l3SUM0RUlPc2NVSmc&hl=en)

I need to adjust it slightly, as I've subsequently noticed that the stamping on the lower, reverse handles can vary to show the Reg TM etc too (so I need to add another column or two to the spreadsheet). But, it's a start :)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Pacu on May 04, 2010, 03:03:43 AM
nice listing..23 :o

 :ahhh
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: DaveK on May 04, 2010, 03:11:33 AM
I had 30 a few weeks ago  :think:

But I didn't part with any that I didn't have duplicates of, I'm sure of that ;)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: David on May 04, 2010, 03:19:00 AM
Dave that looks like alot of hard work. But a lot of useful information.     :tu:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: DaveK on May 04, 2010, 03:24:54 AM
Well, it's a start. I don't know about you, but I can't remember what I have and don't have, so I needed to list them anyway, but now that I have I can start to categorise and highlight the differences a bit.

The closer you look, the more you notice differences in blade shapes, drivers and so on. I'm not 100% sure, but I think I've identified a 4th blade shape, sort of half way between the "Sabre" and the final clip point shape. I'll have another look tomorrow, but I have two that possibly fall into that category.

I started logging the files according to your discovery about single / double cut teeth, and may have spotted something new there too - more work to be done!
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: J-sews on May 04, 2010, 04:38:34 AM
Wow, there's a lot of info contained in that spreadsheet Dave. :salute: Hopefully JoeBW will stop by, as he has put together a similar spreadsheet on his PST's.  :)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: David on May 04, 2010, 05:52:40 AM
Well, it's a start. I don't know about you, but I can't remember what I have and don't have, so I needed to list them anyway, but now that I have I can start to categorise and highlight the differences a bit.

The closer you look, the more you notice differences in blade shapes, drivers and so on. I'm not 100% sure, but I think I've identified a 4th blade shape, sort of half way between the "Sabre" and the final clip point shape. I'll have another look tomorrow, but I have two that possibly fall into that category.

I started logging the files according to your discovery about single / double cut teeth, and may have spotted something new there too - more work to be done!

It gets harder all the time.

Your right about that.

Looking forward to see what you determine on the blade shape.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: DaveK on May 05, 2010, 03:35:40 AM
Yeah, I need to get focussed!

I've started typing, and will try to cover everything, but it might take me a while. I'm trying to make it a History article, rather than just reeling off what I have / haven't got, a sort of consolidated version of this thread really, with bits that I've noticed myself and on other threads here all included.

With pics of course.

I'm doing it on my blog initially but will try and do a "forum version" too, and maybe a version for the Wiki. It depends how easy it is to reformat the pics so it all stays legible. It's going to be quite long I think.....
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: ryan1835 on May 05, 2010, 09:40:29 PM
i think there might be 3 different phillips drivers at least?

this is me guessing, the one on my pst is as you know dave the old sort centered and quite pointy the one on my sideclip, which im presuming was used on psts too? its a off centred one thats quite blunt is there a off centered pointy one ?
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: DaveK on May 05, 2010, 09:52:28 PM
I shall have a look as I go through Ryan :tu:

In the meantime, tell me what you think of this as a diagram:

(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e10/DaveK-ToolPics/Leatherman/PST%20History/PSTAnatomy.jpg)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: ryan1835 on May 05, 2010, 09:53:28 PM
i like it, well thought out  :)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: AHB on May 05, 2010, 09:54:56 PM
Good work Dave.  :tu:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: DaveK on May 05, 2010, 09:57:15 PM
The pic is to make the words make sense when I start going on about plier markings and fasteners and Had wire cutter notch etc.

Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: ryan1835 on May 05, 2010, 10:00:55 PM
i was going to say put knurled screw instead of fastener, but then thats not what was always used so i say it would be great for someone who     has not come across a pst before
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: DaveK on May 05, 2010, 10:03:49 PM
i was going to say put knurled screw instead of fastener, but then thats not what was always used so i say it would be great for someone who     has not come across a pst before

Exactly! You got your screws, hollow screws, rivets and hollow rivets (that we know about)!
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: ryan1835 on May 05, 2010, 10:07:08 PM
what about the hollow rivetd screws?
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: DaveK on May 05, 2010, 10:17:22 PM
..and the screwed rivets?
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: ryan1835 on May 05, 2010, 10:22:31 PM
 :D

and the oh wait :P
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: J-sews on May 06, 2010, 04:55:59 AM
Great idea with the demo picture Dave!  :tu:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Zed on May 06, 2010, 01:43:19 PM
I shall have a look as I go through Ryan :tu:

In the meantime, tell me what you think of this as a diagram:

(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e10/DaveK-ToolPics/Leatherman/PST%20History/PSTAnatomy.jpg)

thats great Dave, just printing it out  :tu:

paul
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: DaveK on May 06, 2010, 02:02:46 PM
I'll send you a bill for the royalties Paul ;)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Zed on May 06, 2010, 02:11:58 PM
I'll send you a bill for the royalties Paul ;)

 :ahhh  :D  i owe ya mate  ;) do you except all major credit cards and PST's  :rofl:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on May 06, 2010, 10:55:09 PM
Very comprehensive Dave :o Will be a great help in determining age of some PSTs that otherwise would just be educated guesses at best :D Can't wait to see it all when completely finished :cheers:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: DaveK on May 06, 2010, 11:42:11 PM
It's coming along, but I'm not happy with the pictures I'm getting at the moment. Need to fix up my lamps or wait until the weekend and get outside I think :-\

The wordy bits are coming together though :tu:

Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Dunc on May 07, 2010, 09:05:21 AM
Looks really good Dave , I'm looking to expand my PST collection so this will be a great help  :tu:

Dunc :tu:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on May 07, 2010, 10:15:04 PM
It's funny looking back to 2 years ago how little we really knew about the PST until a few threads like this 1 shed so much light on them :cheers:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: DaveK on May 11, 2010, 03:10:13 AM
Well, I'm starting to think I imagined the 4th blade type  :think:

I'm sticking with three for now, but who knows :D
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: J-sews on May 11, 2010, 03:30:27 AM
Well, I'm starting to think I imagined the 4th blade type  :think:

I'm sticking with three for now, but who knows :D

Were you thinking of a PST II combo blade perhaps? :think:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: DaveK on May 11, 2010, 04:01:40 AM
No, it was a bit more subtle than that.

I thought I'd spotted a sort of "halfway" between the sabre and the final clip point blades, not quite the usual one or the other. But it was late, so maybe I was just tired - very odd :-\
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: DaveK on May 26, 2010, 09:43:59 PM
At the meet on Saturday, I saw a PST that belonged to Tony that was every bit as interesting as I'd hoped.

I'd asked Tony to bring it along, based on some comments he'd made about it on another thread some time ago - I suspected it might be a bit special....

(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e10/DaveK-ToolPics/Leatherman/PST/UKMeet2010013.jpg)

As you can see, it's unused as Tony received it as a gift from his parents in the late 80s. Consequently, it has no date codes (pre-1992)......

(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e10/DaveK-ToolPics/Leatherman/PST/UKMeet2010016.jpg)

It has the "saber blade" and tools that are consistent with a late 80s PST, but has both cm and inches on the ruler - this would suggest a very late 80s model with the metric scale on there.

(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e10/DaveK-ToolPics/Leatherman/PST/UKMeet2010015.jpg)

BUT - this PST has the original plier heads, without any TOOL or USA markings, as used on the early PSTs. I haven't seen this plier head on a tool that doesn't also have the drop point blade, old style awl etc. Has anyone else?

The fact that it is still with its original box too made me want to throw it in the back of the Landrover and clear off with it - but Tony's a big bloke :D

Discuss!
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: ryan1835 on May 26, 2010, 09:46:24 PM
other then it being mint and probably worth a bit?

its very nice  :D

and throws another spanner in the works for you and bob :D
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: DaveK on May 26, 2010, 09:50:27 PM
No spanners.

We called it the "missing link" on Saturday. It must have been one of the last tools with those pliers to leave Oregon!

Cracking piece for a collection, and it's nice that Tony has cherished it all these years, as opposed it sticking it in a 240v socket :D
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: ryan1835 on May 26, 2010, 09:52:22 PM
lol, i dread to think what my charge will look like in 28 years time, thats if its still recognizable
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: DaveK on May 26, 2010, 09:53:48 PM
Well quite!
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: AHB on May 26, 2010, 09:56:43 PM
That's an interesting PST allright..  :drool: I can't believe you didn't wrestle him for it Dave..  :D
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: DaveK on May 26, 2010, 09:58:18 PM
You didn't see the size of the bloke Allan  ::)

(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e10/DaveK-ToolPics/70bbe542.jpg)

Guess which one is Tony :D
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: ryan1835 on May 26, 2010, 10:03:29 PM
couldn't you have used one of john's magic potions to daze him?
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: AHB on May 26, 2010, 10:15:15 PM
Damn, he really is a big fella...  :o 
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: DaveK on May 26, 2010, 10:18:21 PM
Indeed he is - so the PST was safe :D
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Sparky415 on May 26, 2010, 10:21:28 PM
Damn, he really is a big fella...  :o 

If only you had said you liked it at the time Dave  ::)

I've put a lot of things in socket's but never a leatherman  :ahhh

Oi I'm not that bloody big, it was a trick of the light!
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: DaveK on May 26, 2010, 10:22:47 PM
Sad part is I was standing on Ben's toolbox :P
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Sparky415 on May 26, 2010, 10:29:59 PM

I have just spat beer on my keyboard... :rofl:

I'm Standing on Ruby, good dog. Stay!  :cheers:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: David on May 26, 2010, 11:46:33 PM
Reckon thats a nice one Sparky.    :tu:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: MultiMat on May 27, 2010, 02:06:34 AM
Sad part is I was standing on Ben's toolbox :P

I think Mike is fondling Ben's toolbox  :o :P :D :D.


I reckon Leatherman had no qualms about mixing & matching new with old parts when assembling PST's :think:. :think: :think:
Nice odd one Sparky  8) 8)   
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: WH867 on May 27, 2010, 05:34:21 AM






As you can see, it's unused as Tony received it as a gift from his parents in the late 80s. Consequently, it has no date codes (pre-1992)......

(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e10/DaveK-ToolPics/Leatherman/PST/UKMeet2010016.jpg)

It has the "saber blade" and tools that are consistent with a late 80s PST, but has both cm and inches on the ruler - this would suggest a very late 80s model with the metric scale on there.

(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e10/DaveK-ToolPics/Leatherman/PST/UKMeet2010015.jpg)

BUT - this PST has the original plier heads, without any TOOL or USA markings, as used on the early PSTs. I haven't seen this plier head on a tool that doesn't also have the drop point blade, old style awl etc. Has anyone else?

The fact that it is still with its original box too made me want to throw it in the back of the Landrover and clear off with it - but Tony's a big bloke :D

Discuss!
:think: Other than condition it looks pretty close to this one which you already own. Just not in your possession yet 8).
(http://i658.photobucket.com/albums/uu305/horsehunter64/dscn2065.jpg)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: David on May 27, 2010, 10:51:49 AM
It also looks alot like this one I got off of Dennis a while back
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: DaveK on May 27, 2010, 10:56:56 AM
:think: Other than condition it looks pretty close to this one which you already own. Just not in your possession yet 8).
(http://i658.photobucket.com/albums/uu305/horsehunter64/dscn2065.jpg)

It was that seemingly odd combination that drew me to it Dennis - but I am hoping so!

It also looks alot like this one I got off of Dennis a while back

Cool - so that's (possibly) three I know about now :D
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: DaveK on June 20, 2010, 02:29:06 AM
An update :)

The PST that Dennis sent me is indeed exactly like the one Tony had, and after a little TLC (well total strip down and rebuild) looks to be in almost as good condition too - thanks Dennis :tu:

Dave's PST List (https://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0AqPdJoekv-UvdHpMcmtWeUpTV0l3SUM0RUlPc2NVSmc&hl=en#gid=0) is now updated, with the new arrival listed as #24

My potted history of the PST hasn't progressed much due to work commitments and the nice weather :D
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Pacu on August 06, 2010, 04:47:22 PM
so how hard is it to snag a pst that is stamped with pocket survival tool on it?  i just trolled ebay for a bit ...no luck. Do they come up that often on there ?
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: David on August 06, 2010, 06:22:22 PM
so how hard is it to snag a pst that is stamped with pocket survival tool on it?  i just trolled ebay for a bit ...no luck. Do they come up that often on there ?

They dont pop up everyday. They are out there but you must be persistent in your hunt to bag one.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: MultiMat on August 06, 2010, 06:43:42 PM
so how hard is it to snag a pst that is stamped with pocket survival tool on it?  i just trolled ebay for a bit ...no luck. Do they come up that often on there ?

They dont pop up everyday. They are out there but you must be persistent in your hunt to bag one.

Or have help  ;) :D :salute:


Dennis had these rare beauties up for sale the other day
http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,21728.0.html (http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,21728.0.html)  :o :o :o :o
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: AHB on September 03, 2010, 06:48:29 PM
Finally... Stainless CC PST 0696/0796.  :tu:
(http://lh4.ggpht.com/_62BM8mgZsqk/TIElo8GT1sI/AAAAAAAAGMg/KKjOZKHjGwM/s800/DSC06751.JPG)

(http://lh3.ggpht.com/_62BM8mgZsqk/TIElr21-PkI/AAAAAAAAGMQ/lLz1b57nVvY/s800/DSC06754.JPG)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: David on September 03, 2010, 07:38:19 PM
Nice one Allan   8)    :tu: 
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: AHB on September 03, 2010, 07:43:13 PM
Thanks David. :)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Dunc on September 03, 2010, 08:30:33 PM
 :drool: :drool: :drool:   :gimme:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on September 03, 2010, 09:58:57 PM
Nice 1 Allan :tu: I need 1 of those and the SuperTool SS CC and would be very happy :D Wait maybe I need a BO PST CC as well :think: Anyhoo still would be happy with either of the 1st 2 :D
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Sazabi on September 03, 2010, 10:04:15 PM
Nice 1 Allan :tu: I need 1 of those and the SuperTool SS CC and would be very happy :D Wait maybe I need a BO PST CC as well :think: Anyhoo still would be happy with either of the 1st 2 :D

I posted an auction to a BO CC PST over in Deals & Auctions; you may be interested in that, Poncho. :tu:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on September 03, 2010, 10:16:46 PM
Nice 1 Allan :tu: I need 1 of those and the SuperTool SS CC and would be very happy :D Wait maybe I need a BO PST CC as well :think: Anyhoo still would be happy with either of the 1st 2 :D

I posted an auction to a BO CC PST over in Deals & Auctions; you may be interested in that, Poncho. :tu:

May check it out :cheers:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: J-sews on September 04, 2010, 05:20:41 AM
Finally... Stainless CC PST 0696/0796.  :tu:
(http://lh4.ggpht.com/_62BM8mgZsqk/TIElo8GT1sI/AAAAAAAAGMg/KKjOZKHjGwM/s800/DSC06751.JPG)

(http://lh3.ggpht.com/_62BM8mgZsqk/TIElr21-PkI/AAAAAAAAGMQ/lLz1b57nVvY/s800/DSC06754.JPG)

That sure is a beauty one Allan! 8)


<sigh> I remember looking at these on eBay about 7-8 years ago, when they were far more commonly available. The photos on eBay were really small and crappy back then, nowhere near the resolution they are these days. So I never knew the crimper holes had a cast ridge around the center like they do, it just looked like a drilled hole through the plier jaws. :P Anyhow, I can remember thinking why the h*ll would anyone want a "crimper" version with a big ol' hole drilled in the jaws? ::)

By the time I realized the crimper version was something special, they were scarce as rocking horse poo! :bnghd: :D

 
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Dunc on September 04, 2010, 04:43:39 PM
Is the SS CC as rare or rarer then the BO non CC model ?

Dunc
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: AHB on September 04, 2010, 06:00:43 PM
According to DaveK it is..  ;)  8)

1. Stainless
2. BO CC
3. BO
4. Stainless CC

Where 1 is most common, and 4 is like rocking horse sh1t :D

Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Dunc on September 04, 2010, 06:08:59 PM
According to DaveK it is..  ;)  8)

1. Stainless
2. BO CC
3. BO
4. Stainless CC

Where 1 is most common, and 4 is like rocking horse sh1t :D


 :ahhh :ahhh :ahhh :ahhh  You've hit a 4  :tu:

Dunc
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: AHB on September 04, 2010, 06:24:16 PM
According to DaveK it is..  ;)  8)

1. Stainless
2. BO CC
3. BO
4. Stainless CC

Where 1 is most common, and 4 is like rocking horse sh1t :D


 :ahhh :ahhh :ahhh :ahhh  You've hit a 4  :tu:

Dunc
With those four bases covered I just need a hollow knurled screw PST..   :) 
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Dunc on September 04, 2010, 06:29:00 PM
According to DaveK it is..  ;)  8)

1. Stainless
2. BO CC
3. BO
4. Stainless CC

Where 1 is most common, and 4 is like rocking horse sh1t :D


 :ahhh :ahhh :ahhh :ahhh  You've hit a 4  :tu:

Dunc
With those four bases covered I just need a hollow knurled screw PST..   :) 

Well done  :tu:  What about a Japan model ?
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: stack on September 05, 2010, 11:58:22 PM
I had some free time today so I have decided to add my pst's to this tread. This will be image heavy and I will give what info I can. If I miss something let me know. My camera is not the greatest so im sorry in advance for any poor photos.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: stack on September 06, 2010, 12:03:39 AM
(http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/12overunder/psts001.jpg) (http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/12overunder/psts002.jpg) (http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/12overunder/psts003.jpg) (http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/12overunder/psts004.jpg) (http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/12overunder/psts005.jpg) (http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/12overunder/psts006.jpg)                                                                                   
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: stack on September 06, 2010, 12:07:30 AM
(http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/12overunder/psts007.jpg) (http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/12overunder/psts008.jpg) (http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/12overunder/psts009.jpg) (http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/12overunder/psts010.jpg) (http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/12overunder/psts011.jpg) (http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/12overunder/psts012.jpg) (http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/12overunder/psts013.jpg)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: stack on September 06, 2010, 12:11:06 AM
(http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/12overunder/psts014.jpg) (http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/12overunder/psts015.jpg) (http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/12overunder/psts016.jpg) (http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/12overunder/psts017.jpg) (http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/12overunder/psts018.jpg) (http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/12overunder/psts019.jpg)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: stack on September 06, 2010, 12:13:45 AM
(http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/12overunder/psts020.jpg) (http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/12overunder/psts021.jpg) (http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/12overunder/psts022.jpg) (http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/12overunder/psts023.jpg) (http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/12overunder/psts024.jpg) (http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/12overunder/psts025.jpg)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: stack on September 06, 2010, 12:16:49 AM
(http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/12overunder/psts026.jpg) (http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/12overunder/psts027.jpg) (http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/12overunder/psts028.jpg) (http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/12overunder/psts029.jpg) (http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/12overunder/psts030.jpg) (http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/12overunder/psts031.jpg) (http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/12overunder/psts032.jpg) (http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/12overunder/psts033.jpg)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: stack on September 06, 2010, 12:24:15 AM
OK, so first off I would like to say that using plano boxes is a good way to keep your tools organized and they stack up nice. (http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/12overunder/psts001.jpg)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: stack on September 06, 2010, 12:38:34 AM
(http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/12overunder/psts003.jpg)  (http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/12overunder/psts004.jpg)    These are my pocket survival tools. The one on the left is hollow screwed, has a drop point blade, no lanyard, inch ruler, no hard wire notch, no dates, left hand can opener, small hindge, and marked Leatherman Tool, US pat 4238862, Portland Or on one handle, Pocket survival tool on the other. The handles are plain on the back side. The blade tang says leatherman and I cant tell if it says USA on it. It also has a milled awl. The other two are the same except they have sollid knurled screws.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: stack on September 06, 2010, 12:50:40 AM
Next is a tool I think from the mid 80's. (http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/12overunder/psts011.jpg)    It has Leatherman tool, no pat, and portland or on one handle, the other plain. It has a drop point blade, inch ruler, left hand can opener, lanyard loop, leatherman USA on the knife tang, small plier hindge says leatherman and USA, and the back handles are plain.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: stack on September 06, 2010, 01:08:37 AM
Next up is four japan leathermans  (http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/12overunder/psts014.jpg)  (http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/12overunder/psts015.jpg)      The one on the left is hollow riveted. It says Leatherman in large font, tool, US pat 4238862 on one handle, other handle plain, no portland or. It has a drop point blade, leatherman on knife tang, inch ruler, lanyard loop, back handles plain. Right hand can opener. I think most of the hollow riveted tools had left hand can openers. The second one is the same except the handle says US regd tm 1325473 and it has sollid rivets. The third is the same as the second one except the knife tang says leatherman japan. And the fourth one is the same as the third except the handle dropped the us and just says reg tn 1325473 and the knife tang says leatherman japan. The plier hindge just says leatherman on all four.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: stack on September 06, 2010, 01:28:07 AM
Well if I didnt bore you yet heres the next tool   (http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/12overunder/psts020.jpg)   This tool says leatherman tool, US pat 1325473, portland or. on one handle. The other handle is plain. The back handle says marlboro country store. This tool has a sabor blade, lanyard loop, right hand can opener,no hard wire notch, date code 0294 and o194, reg awl. small hindge says leatherman and USA, inch/metric ruler, sollid screwsand L shaped phillips and med screwdriver.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: stack on September 06, 2010, 01:42:23 AM
Next is a no date code tool (http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/12overunder/psts023.jpg)  This tool came in a box that said 1985 leatherman tool co. but I beleave it is a 1991 because the paperwork inside the box has a date of 1991 on the bottom of it. This tool says leatherman tool. US reg tm 1325473 , portland or on one handle, the other handle plain. It has a sabor blade, inch/metric ruler, lanyard loop, no hard wire notch, L shaped phillips and med screwdriver, solid screws, and back handles plain. The hindge is small and says leatherman and USA. The knife tang also says leatherman USA. also reg awl.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: stack on September 06, 2010, 01:53:01 AM
(http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/12overunder/psts024.jpg)  The one I have on the left is a 1999 tool. It has a small hindge that says leatherman and USA on it. It says leatherman tool, no trade mark, portland or on one handle, the other plain. The back handle says the same thing. It has a clip blade that says leatherman USA on it, inch/metric ruler, straight screwdrivers, no hard wire notch, lanyard loop and solid screws. The date code is 1199 in both handles.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: stack on September 06, 2010, 02:06:56 AM
The middle tool and the last tool are from 2003. The middle tool has date codes of 0303 and 0703. It has a large hindge that says leatherman and tool. It has a clip blade and the tang says leatherman. The handle says leatherman tool, no trade mark, portland or on one handle and the other handle plain. the back of the tool is the same. It has a inch/metric ruler, plain awl, solid screws, hard wire notch, lanyard loop. The other is the same except the back handle is plain and date code is 0803.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: stack on September 06, 2010, 02:20:36 AM
I have also taken picks of some of my leather sheaths because there is also a pattern with them. The early tools such as pocket survival tools seem to come with sheaths that just say leatherman with no trade mark (R) Then they added the (R) maybe mid or late 80,s. I have also noticed rounded rivets on the back of the sheaths. I have a no date code from 91 with flat rivets on the back of the sheath. Also my 94 ect... There must be some kind of pattern here. I have recieved tools with other sheaths but they might not be the original to the tool. I could be wrong  though so make note that this is only what i have observed.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: David on September 06, 2010, 02:34:32 AM
Stack you got a nice collection of PSTs started there.   :tu:  The early ones are really   8)  arent they.   :)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: stack on September 06, 2010, 02:35:05 AM
(http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/12overunder/psts007.jpg) (http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/12overunder/psts008.jpg) (http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/12overunder/psts009.jpg) (http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/12overunder/psts010.jpg) (http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/12overunder/psts011.jpg) (http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/12overunder/psts012.jpg) (http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/12overunder/psts013.jpg)
 knife tip is not missing but it looks like it from the picture.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: David on September 06, 2010, 02:38:31 AM
(http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/12overunder/psts007.jpg) (http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/12overunder/psts008.jpg) (http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/12overunder/psts009.jpg) (http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/12overunder/psts010.jpg) (http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/12overunder/psts011.jpg) (http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/12overunder/psts012.jpg) (http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/12overunder/psts013.jpg)
  knife tip is not missing but it looks like it from the picture.

I`ve seen several of the early knife blades ground like that.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: stack on September 06, 2010, 02:55:57 AM
Thanks and yes, very cool! :tu: I cant seem to get enough of them though. I would still love to get my hands on a cabelas and or a signature blade model. Also a japan pocket survival tool. I know im greedy but I would sure love to have them. Some of the tools I have are in used good condition but I got a great deal on some of them. And some of them are like new. And Ive seen some of yours and all I can say is  :drool: :drool: :drool: :drool: :drool:        Dave
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on September 06, 2010, 02:58:13 AM
Very awesome PSTs stack :o :D Thanks for all the nice pics and for sharing :tu:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: stack on September 06, 2010, 03:00:05 AM
 :tu:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: J-sews on September 06, 2010, 07:36:24 AM
Fabulous pics Stack! :cheers:


I still need to get me one of those with the hollow knurled screws! :drool:


Quote
(http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/12overunder/psts004.jpg)

Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: WH867 on September 06, 2010, 07:55:20 AM
Fabulous pics Stack! :cheers:


I still need to get me one of those with the hollow knurled screws! :drool:


 


[/quote]
The cool kids have a PST with both Hollow screws and Leatherman on the blade  :pok: :pok: :D 8)
(http://i658.photobucket.com/albums/uu305/horsehunter64/dscn1231.jpg)
(http://i658.photobucket.com/albums/uu305/horsehunter64/dscn1224.jpg)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: David on September 06, 2010, 06:32:33 PM
Dennis that PST is  8)   8)  indeed
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: J-sews on September 06, 2010, 06:33:06 PM
I'm not a cool kid. :cry: :cry:





 :D
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: AHB on September 06, 2010, 07:18:53 PM
I still need to get me one of those with the hollow knurled screws! :drool:
Me too...  :gimme:

Amazing collection Stack..  :salute:




Well done  :tu:  What about a Japan model ?
Like these..?  ;)

(http://lh4.ggpht.com/_62BM8mgZsqk/S-WO2gSoYyI/AAAAAAAAFl8/eZe9BOPiNrg/s800/DSC05677.JPG)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: stack on September 06, 2010, 08:25:57 PM
Dennis, That is awsome :drool:  I have a friend that has two with leatherman on the blade but his handles dont say leatherman tool. They have the us pat and portland Or but other than that the handles are plain. AHB, those japan tools look like they are in great shape. Does your hollow riveted tool have a right or left handed can opener on it?  All great tools :cheers:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: David on September 06, 2010, 08:54:28 PM
Stack its interesting that your US Pat, hollow rivoted, lanyard attachment has a right hand can opener. Mine has a left hand can opener. There is also a hollow riveted varition that is marked with US REG`D TM 1325473 w/right hand can opener. Lots of varitions over the years. The hunt continues   :D
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: DaveK on September 06, 2010, 08:56:47 PM
Woah - great PST collection stack. Very impressive  :cheers:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: stack on September 06, 2010, 09:29:48 PM
Stack its interesting that your US Pat, hollow rivoted, lanyard attachment has a right hand can opener. Mine has a left hand can opener. There is also a hollow riveted varition that is marked with US REG`D TM 1325473 w/right hand can opener. Lots of varitions over the years. The hunt continues   :D
   That is interesting indeed. Now I have more to keep an eye out for. :D   Dave K., If I can impress a vet. like your self, Im on the right track! Thanks  :cheers:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Dunc on September 06, 2010, 10:07:19 PM
Wow Stack very impressive  :o  Thanks for sharing  :tu:

Dunc
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: AHB on September 07, 2010, 07:07:53 AM
AHB, those japan tools look like they are in great shape. Does your hollow riveted tool have a right or left handed can opener on it?  All great tools :cheers:
Right handed.  :)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: AHB on October 03, 2010, 03:12:51 PM
I finally found the time ( ::)) to make the classic PST shot.. ;)

12 unique PST's. Let me know what's missing (besides the hollow knurled screw).. :)

(http://lh6.ggpht.com/_62BM8mgZsqk/TKh-9qZj2eI/AAAAAAAAGUA/Tj_JojBgYd0/s800/DSC06920.JPG)

(http://lh3.ggpht.com/_62BM8mgZsqk/TKh_CylL0VI/AAAAAAAAGUI/_MzQdmQt84U/s800/DSC06922.JPG)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: J-sews on October 03, 2010, 03:24:01 PM
Great shot Allan! :tu:


I'll need to check through mine and see if there are any missing.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Dunc on October 03, 2010, 09:28:56 PM
Superb Allan  :tu:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: David on October 03, 2010, 11:42:29 PM
Allan nice shot of your PSTs.   8)   :tu:  Off hand heres some I dont see:

POCKET SURVIVAL TOOL, USA plier head, US PAT, knurled, with or without LEATHERMAN U.S.A. etched knife blade

POCKET SURVIVAL TOOL, Leatherman only plier head, US PAT, hollow rivets, Leatherman Japan knife blade tang stamp

riveted, Leatherman only plier head, US PAT, Leatherman knife tang stamp, lanyard attachment, hollow rivets

riveted, Leatherman only plier head, US PAT. Japan Leatherman knife tang stamp, large hole lanyard attachment

USA plier head, no US PAT, knurled, landyard attachment, Leatherman USA knife blade tang stamp

All the above have the drop point knife blade and left hand can opener. I dont have an example of the fourth one listed. Info on it can be found on pages eight and nine of this thread. I have only seen one for sell and missed out on it. Hope that helps out a little.

I forgot the new plier head with USA milled out. I do not have this one either and have never seen one for sell. Info starts on page two of this thread. I know of two of these one stainless and one BO.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: ryan1835 on October 04, 2010, 12:38:16 AM
I finally found the time ( ::)) to make the classic PST shot.. ;)

12 unique PST's. Let me know what's missing (besides the hollow knurled screw).. :)

(http://lh6.ggpht.com/_62BM8mgZsqk/TKh-9qZj2eI/AAAAAAAAGUA/Tj_JojBgYd0/s800/DSC06920.JPG)

(http://lh3.ggpht.com/_62BM8mgZsqk/TKh_CylL0VI/AAAAAAAAGUI/_MzQdmQt84U/s800/DSC06922.JPG)

No 24k pst allan
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: stack on October 05, 2010, 04:21:05 AM
Also no cabelas and no no date code with old plier head, leatherman only. Very impressive collection my friend! :tu:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: AHB on October 06, 2010, 06:45:15 PM
Thanks guys, it's good to know which PSTs to look out for..  :tu:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: stack on October 08, 2010, 02:51:57 AM
Well, I got four more psts. :D  Heres the picks.   (http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/12overunder/newpsts060.jpg) (http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/12overunder/newpsts063.jpg)  (http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/12overunder/newpsts064.jpg)  (http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/12overunder/newpsts061.jpg)  (http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/12overunder/newpsts067.jpg)   :mail:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: stack on October 08, 2010, 02:55:55 AM
And more.  (http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/12overunder/newpsts070.jpg)  (http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/12overunder/newpsts073.jpg)  (http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/12overunder/newpsts071.jpg)  (http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/12overunder/newpsts072.jpg)  (http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/12overunder/newpsts068.jpg)  (http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/12overunder/newpsts069.jpg)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: stack on October 08, 2010, 02:59:01 AM
And last but not least.  (http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/12overunder/newpsts075.jpg)  (http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/12overunder/newpsts076.jpg)  (http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/12overunder/newpsts077.jpg)    ;)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: David on October 08, 2010, 06:35:52 AM
Nice additions to your collection Stack!     8)     :tu:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: stack on October 08, 2010, 10:17:08 PM
Thank you.  :tu:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: AHB on October 10, 2010, 09:03:58 AM
Very nice Stack..  :tu:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: stack on October 10, 2010, 06:26:57 PM
Thanks AHB.  :tu:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: David on October 13, 2010, 08:33:03 AM
I finally found the time ( ::)) to make the classic PST shot.. ;)

12 unique PST's. Let me know what's missing (besides the hollow knurled screw).. :)

(http://lh6.ggpht.com/_62BM8mgZsqk/TKh-9qZj2eI/AAAAAAAAGUA/Tj_JojBgYd0/s800/DSC06920.JPG)

(http://lh3.ggpht.com/_62BM8mgZsqk/TKh_CylL0VI/AAAAAAAAGUI/_MzQdmQt84U/s800/DSC06922.JPG)



Allan, you really have a   8)   collection of PSTs there buddy.   :tu:  The more I looked at your pic the more I realized how nice it is.   :)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: AHB on October 13, 2010, 09:38:29 PM
I finally found the time ( ::)) to make the classic PST shot.. ;)

12 unique PST's. Let me know what's missing (besides the hollow knurled screw).. :)

(http://lh6.ggpht.com/_62BM8mgZsqk/TKh-9qZj2eI/AAAAAAAAGUA/Tj_JojBgYd0/s800/DSC06920.JPG)

(http://lh3.ggpht.com/_62BM8mgZsqk/TKh_CylL0VI/AAAAAAAAGUI/_MzQdmQt84U/s800/DSC06922.JPG)



Allan, you really have a   8)   collection of PSTs there buddy.   :tu:  The more I looked at your pic the more I realized how nice it is.   :)
Thanks David.   :)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: genevabuck on October 21, 2010, 07:51:47 PM
I need some help identifying the era of this PST:

•   Rivets or knurled screws?
Solid Rivets•   Lanyard attachment?
Yes•   (Old) small diameter or (new) large diameter plier pivot?
Old  •   LEATHERMAN cast into plier pivot, along with USA or TOOL?
LEATHERMAN  •   A hard wire cutter notch?
No•   Handles stamped with what? (see pictures in next post for examples)
Leatherman Tool us reg tm 1325473•   Inch ruler only, or inch/metric?
Inch only•   Date codes? What are they?
No date codes•   Drop point knife blade or clip point?
Drop Point•   Knife blade tang stamped LEATHERMAN, JAPAN, or USA?
"Leatherman"
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: stack on October 21, 2010, 11:28:33 PM
I think you have a Japan pst. Is the leatherman on the handle in big font? If so, I think the one you have was made somewhere between 86 and 88?  Im not 100% sure but thats my guess.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: genevabuck on October 22, 2010, 12:21:20 AM
I think you have a Japan pst. Is the leatherman on the handle in big font? If so, I think the one you have was made somewhere between 86 and 88?  Im not 100% sure but thats my guess.

Yes, the LEATHERMAN on the handle is in big font.  Neither the blade or file are stamped with Japan though.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: stack on October 22, 2010, 12:45:24 AM
The file may be stamped low where the handle hides it. The blade can come with or without the Japan under the leatherman stamp. I have both. Still made in Japan. The big font Leathermans were made in Japan between 1985 through 89. The early ones I think had the hollow rivets. The blade on mine does not say Japan on it. I have two that are like yours, one has japan and one doesnt. I also have one that just  says reg. tradmark 13..... not us reg., and that has the japan on the blade. So somewhere in the middle of this run they added the japan on the blade.  Hope that helps. :)    Im only giving my thoughts on this so maybe one of the other members will step in and help.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: genevabuck on October 22, 2010, 02:34:52 AM
Thanks, I appreciate it.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: David on October 22, 2010, 07:49:31 AM
I have a few of those riveted PST`s. Here are some observations. Riveted (hollow) PST`s stamped US PAT 4238862 can have Leatherman only or Japan stamped on the knife blade either above or below Leatherman. Riveted (solid) PST`s stamped REG`D TM 1325473 have Japan stamped on the knife blade below Leatherman. Riveted (hollow or solid) PST`s stamped US REG`D TM 1325473 have only Leatherman stamped on the knife blade. These observations are not set in stone as I`m sure there can be some exceptions out there some where. But hold true to the ones I have on hand at the moment.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: genevabuck on October 25, 2010, 09:32:03 PM
Another question:  I also have an older style PST that says POCKET SURVIVAL TOOL on the side.  I was looking at the file and noticed that both sides were a cross-cut type (no wood file).  Are they all like this, or is it some sort of factory defect?
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: stack on November 01, 2010, 07:45:04 PM
I think it could be either way. Not sure though.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: stack on November 01, 2010, 07:52:08 PM
well, I just got this tool. :D 8) 8) 8)  (http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/12overunder/oldpst011.jpg)  (http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/12overunder/oldpst010.jpg)    (http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/12overunder/oldpst008.jpg)   (http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/12overunder/oldpst004.jpg)   (http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/12overunder/oldpst009.jpg)    (http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/12overunder/oldpst003.jpg)    (http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/12overunder/oldpst001.jpg)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: stack on November 01, 2010, 07:56:14 PM
It has solid screws, It doesnt have leatherman tool on the handle or portland origon. I think its safe to say its old. :mail: :D 8)  I would also like to add that I finally moved up to sr member! :o :drink:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: AHB on November 01, 2010, 08:22:36 PM
It has solid screws, It doesnt have leatherman tool on the handle or portland origon. I think its safe to say its old. :mail: :D 8)  I would also like to add that I finally moved up to sr member! :o :drink:
Which means the right thing to do is sending that mighty fine stamped PST to me to celebrate..  :pok: :pok: :D :D

Good work Stack.. :cheers:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Smitty44 on November 01, 2010, 08:27:45 PM
Congrats Stack you have one of the very original PST's,and it looks in great condition. :salute:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: stack on November 01, 2010, 09:06:06 PM
It has solid screws, It doesnt have leatherman tool on the handle or portland origon. I think its safe to say its old. :mail: :D 8)  I would also like to add that I finally moved up to sr member! :o :drink:
Which means the right thing to do is sending that mighty fine stamped PST to me to celebrate..  :pok: :pok: :D :D

Good work Stack.. :cheers:
    :D
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: stack on November 01, 2010, 09:12:51 PM
It has been sharpened and there are some light surface scratches. Overall though, pretty good shape. I just happy I found one to go in my collection. :)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on November 01, 2010, 09:48:48 PM
Another nice oldie there Stack :cheers: You have quite a collection now don't ya :D
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: stack on November 01, 2010, 09:57:45 PM
Another nice oldie there Stack :cheers: You have quite a collection now don't ya :D
Thanks Poncho65  :tu:   There are many more I want but getting this one is a real load off my shoulders.  The hunt continues.   :2tu:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: J-sews on November 02, 2010, 01:47:46 AM
Good one Stack! :tu: Is that the one I saw up for sale recently? (the one somebody outbid me on?) ::) :D Congrats buddy! :drool:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: stack on November 02, 2010, 02:22:45 AM
 :think: :think: :D Yes I just won this one. At least you know someone got it that really appreciates it for what it is.  :tu: I guess it was just my turn to win won.  :)  Thanks!
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: David on November 02, 2010, 05:58:01 AM
Thats a good one there Stack.    8)    :tu:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: stack on November 02, 2010, 06:26:47 AM
Thats a good one there Stack.    8)    :tu:
   Thanks. :tu:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Smitty44 on November 02, 2010, 06:54:03 PM
I just rechecked my US Pat,#,and it is the same as yours Stack,mine was sold out of Cabela's catalog, so yours was probably sold out of Earl Winter mail order catalog in 1983 also,Congrats again,that means that yours and mine are the two oldest ones in the forums.

 :salute:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: stack on November 02, 2010, 10:36:29 PM
 :sa: WOW!  :cheers: That is awsome and I love this thread. If it were not for this thread I would not know what to look for. Thanks M.T.O. :tu:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: 1983 Leatherman Man on November 22, 2010, 07:40:35 PM
 :multi: Hello Everyone!! I'm thinking I will recieve an early Christmas Present from my wife,(now I owe her,lol), of a very early Leatherman pst. Mine will vary slightly from the Chronology here, but thinking I may be able to shed some more light on the early Model PST. Interested!?! They may be for sale in the future...may I post a for sale item here? Thanks guys for any help. (newby here  :tu:)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: AHB on November 22, 2010, 07:46:35 PM
Welcome..  :tu:
Items for sale can be posted here: Multitools for Sale (http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/board,7.0.html), but please share some more info on your PSTs.. :)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: 1983 Leatherman Man on November 22, 2010, 07:54:52 PM
Think I'm getting a very early 1983? Leatherman pst soon.  :drool: Mabey I can re-shed some light on the subject. At a later date, it might come up for sale. Can I list it here or somewhere? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks guys. :multi:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: 1983 Leatherman Man on November 22, 2010, 08:01:37 PM
Welcome..  :tu:
Items for sale can be posted here: Multitools for Sale (http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/board,7.0.html), but please share some more info on your PSTs.. :)
Thanks for the quick response. I shoud be able to pick this gem up right after Christmas, (thought sooner  :( ) I'm very excited, I'm thinkin' I'll get the box too! I will be able to share pictures at that time too if that is permissable?
Little side note: the last post I see is from July '08. Am I missing something? ???)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Kender on December 22, 2010, 07:34:26 PM
I've got three, but two are identical with the exception that one of them has a "Marlboro Country Store" logo engraved on one side.  My father got it for me out of the old Marlboro catalog when I was a kid first Leatherman, first multitool, best friend.)  I found one that (I think) is the same model, non-Marlboro version, at a pawn shop for $12 and snatched it up.  And just the other day I got two Leatherman tools off of Craigslist...  At first I was disappointed because I was led to believe they were both Super Tools, when in fact one was a Super Tool and one was a PST...  But since it's a different version of the PST, I'm less disappointed since it has a place in my growing collection.

PST #1 (I believe this to be the "Type 5" in the first post of the thread)
•   Rivets or knurled screws?
Rivets.
•   Lanyard attachment?
Yes.
•   (Old) small diameter or (new) large diameter plier pivot?
Old.
•   LEATHERMAN alone cast into plier pivot? Or with USA? Or TOOL?
Just "Leatherman", no USA or TOOL.
•   A hard wire cutter notch?
No (but there is a notch in the jaw where someone tried to cut hard wire... grr.)
•   Handles stamped with what? (see pictures in next post for examples)
Large "LEATHERMAN (R)", small "TOOL", below is smaller "US REG'D TM 1325473", reverse blank.
•   Inch ruler only, or inch/metric?
Inch only.
•   Date codes?
Nada.
•   Drop point knife blade or clip point? (saber?)
Drop point.
•   Knife blade tang stamped LEATHERMAN alone? Or with USA? Or JAPAN?
Knife tang sports just the word "LEATHERMAN".
•   Screwdrivers: pivot-in or pivot-out?
Maybe I missed something somewhere, but I don't understand this question.

And the other two that I have, inc. the "Marlboro Country Store" one (I think these are Type 7):
•   Rivets or knurled screws?
Screws.
•   Lanyard attachment?
Yes.
•   (Old) small diameter or (new) large diameter plier pivot?
Old.
•   LEATHERMAN alone cast into plier pivot? Or with USA? Or TOOL?
"LEATHERMAN" and "USA", no "TOOL".
•   A hard wire cutter notch?
No.
•   Handles stamped with what? (see pictures in next post for examples)
Small-font "LEATHERMAN(R) TOOL", and below it "US REG TM 1325473" on the left and "PORTLAND OR" on the right.  One has the "Marlboro Country Store" logo etched into the other side, otherwise blank.
•   Inch ruler only, or inch/metric?
Inch/metric.
•   Date codes?
No.
•   Drop point knife blade or clip point? (saber?)
Saber.
•   Knife blade tang stamped LEATHERMAN alone? Or with USA? Or JAPAN?
LEATHERMAN USA
•   Screwdrivers: pivot-in or pivot-out?
Still don't get it.

Also, I didn't go through the entire thread, but there are several additional differences that I noticed between these two models:

In the trademark line, the Type 5 has "US REG'D", whereas the type 7 just has "US REG" (it dropped the " 'D")

The Type 5's file's "tang" is not stamped, but the Type 7's is stamped "LEATHERMAN" (but not "LEATHERMAN USA" like the blade).

The outside of the plier jaws on the Type 5 are much more angular than the Type 7's, which are much smoother and rounder.

The orientation of the files is reversed.  On the Type 5, if you hold the tool with the pliers facing to your left and open the file so that it points away from you, the "cross pattern" of the file will face up, and the "/" pattern will face down.  On the Type 7, the "/" pattern will face up, and the cross pattern will face down.

Also, the file on the Type 5 appears to be slightly (about 1/32nd or even 1/64th) thicker than the Type 7.  The notch ground into the outer side of the file (to pull it out of the tool) on the Type 5 is also about twice the size of the Type 7's notch.

The Phillips screwdriver on the Type 5 does not have a stamp on its "tang", but the Type 7's has an "F" inside of a circle stamped on one side.

The two models have can openers with similar shapes but that are visibly rather different.

As with the file, the notches on the large slotted screwdriver and the knife blade are much larger on the Type 5.

The awls are different (as noted in the first post of the thread)

The other thing that I have noticed is that the Type 5 (Japanese-made) model has a little bit of difficulty closing because of the positioning of the awl.  The pliers have to displace the awl a bit to close, and as a result when you unfold the tool, the awl and surrounding tools come out a little bit.  I don't know if this is a problem with the design of the Type 5 PSTs or if it's just a defect with the one I have.

I hope this helps!

(Oh, and hi, I'm new here.)

Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: AHB on December 22, 2010, 07:41:37 PM
Welcome to MTO Kender.. :tu:
Any pics of those PSTs..?
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Kender on December 23, 2010, 01:03:38 AM
Not at the moment, but when I get home from work, I'll see what I can do!

I'll do a side-by-side comparison of a few of the differences I noticed.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: J-sews on December 23, 2010, 01:21:42 AM
Here are some examples of the screwdriver differences. When pushed hard, the early screwdrivers tended to "pivot inwards" under pressure. This was improved on later models, which featured screwdrivers that pivoted outwards against the stop the harder they were pushed. :) 

Benner pictures
(http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t41/benniehunts/IMG_1091.jpg)

(http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t41/benniehunts/IMG_1097.jpg)


DaveK picture showing the three types of medium flathead screwdriver
(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e10/DaveK-ToolPics/pstmeddriver.jpg)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Kender on December 23, 2010, 06:05:25 AM
Ah, I see.  All three of my PSTs have the older "Pivot in" style then.

Working on getting some photos of the three I have.  I noticed that the two Type 7s that I have are practically identical, except that one (as mentioned earlier) has an F stamped on the tang of the Phillips driver, and the other one (now that I'm home to take a look at it) instead has a "2".  They otherwise appear identical with the exception of a slight difference in the shape of the plier jaws (one is just slightly more angular than the other).

Anyhow, I'll have pictures up for those major differences between the Type 5 and Type 7.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Kender on December 23, 2010, 06:45:58 AM
Alright, I have a few photos.  Sorry for the poor quality, but I haven't got great lighting conditions for an impromptu shoot and had to use the camera on my phone, as I can't seem to find my "real" camera...

Anyhow, here's what we've got.

(http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv231/kendermaille/Casings.jpg)

First off, a comparison of the casings.  You can't see the top one very well, but it's the Type 7, and below is the Type 5.  If you look closely, notice that the trademark line dropped the " 'D" from "REG'D".  Also, the Type 5 doesn't have the "PORTLAND OR" stamp.

(http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv231/kendermaille/Pliers.jpg)

Okay, second:  notice the shape of the pliers.  The outside of the jaws is smooth on the Type 7 (left) but very angular on the Type 5 (right).

(http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv231/kendermaille/Files.jpg)

A few things here.

First:  Notice the stamp on the bottom of the file on the left (Type 7).  It's absent on the Type 5 (right).

Second:  Notice the patterning.  Both tools are oriented the same way, but the orientation of the files is reversed.  On the Type 7, when oriented like this we see the cross-pattern side of the file.  On the Type 5, we see the one-way pattern.  Each file has the opposite pattern on its reverse.

Third:  Notice the size of the thumbnail grooves.  The Type 7's are about half the size of the Type 5's.

(http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv231/kendermaille/Phillipsstamps.jpg)

This is a picture of both PSTs I have that I believe to be Type 7s (the Type 5 is not in the photo).  This is a closeup of both of the Phillips screwdriver bases.  Note that one has an "F" stamped on it, and the other a "2".

I'm not sure what the markings on the Phillips screwdriver mean.  Does anyone have any idea?
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Kender on December 23, 2010, 07:08:17 AM
Instead of listing everything I just took a few comparison pics. The one that is dated is # 0495.

I just realized that in this post (two years ago), WH847 posted pic for pic EXACTLY what I just took pictures of.  X.x...

Except for the phillips screwdrivers.

I also noticed one distinct difference, however.  My Type 5 says "US REG'D...", but his lacks the "US" part.

That suggests that there may be two "Type 5" tools: one with "US" and one without.

EDIT:

I can't believe I never saw it for all these years AND missed it when I was looking closely earlier today:  My Marlboro Country Store edition PST DOES have date codes: 1294 on one side, 1094 on the other.  The other USA PST that I have does not have date codes (I looked this time) meaning they ARE different models after all.  So, to revise, I have...

PST Type 5
PST Type 7
PST Type 8

I've noticed that both my Type 7 and Type 8 say "US REG", not "US REG'D".  Any idea when the 'D was dropped?
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: darkhawk on January 01, 2011, 12:12:46 AM
hay i just got my first PST 2, I know I know but better late than never

Well thanks to this post I found it was a tenth version and from 96
thanks
i took her appart to clean and buff and got it moving real smooth.
I love the size its really quite compact.
anyhow thank for helping me learn what kind I got!
I actually like this version alot says leatherman tool, metic/imp scales, simple clean looking says USA and not all ground out. 0496/0496, blade has i believe saber with a searated bottem half.  score. lucky find!

peace

Oh and I called leatherman to ask about a new knife and they said if i send it in ill get a blast in return and there is no parts there to maintian mine. In Canada anyway.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: woofer on January 01, 2011, 11:02:28 AM
hay i just got my first PST 2, I know I know but better late than never

Well thanks to this post I found it was a tenth version and from 96
thanks
i took her appart to clean and buff and got it moving real smooth.
I love the size its really quite compact.
anyhow thank for helping me learn what kind I got!
I actually like this version alot says leatherman tool, metic/imp scales, simple clean looking says USA and not all ground out. 0496/0496, blade has i believe saber with a searated bottem half.  score. lucky find!

peace

Oh and I called leatherman to ask about a new knife and they said if i send it in ill get a blast in return and there is no parts there to maintian mine. In Canada anyway.

wow, blast from the past.  FYI, darkhawk, that GoogleDoc hasn't been updated in a VERY long time.  I started to try to record the changes, but realized that the components don't necessarily follow an easy chronology.  I don't recall where in this thread it's stated, but I believe that someone from Leatherman did affirmatively say that the various tools could have been used/introduced at any given year.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: darkhawk on January 01, 2011, 01:03:05 PM
oh interesting
ya total blast from the past I put an add on Kijiji looking for used leathermans and this was what i got. HA I actually really like it
Took her all apart cleaned it, got t looking great and the only damage it had was the blade i think was sharpened with a file or on a brick, but i got a decient edge on her so far. part of the charm of a used old tool.
As for the google doc thingy ya no porb i was not sure what it was fully but thought why not fill it in, people alwasy say search things before posting.
ok peace :)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: robibotti on January 10, 2011, 08:24:04 PM
this is like mine and it's date is 0395
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v307/jooliesews/Bobbys/Reviews/PSTc.jpg)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Kender on January 13, 2011, 05:27:01 AM
Today I received what I think is a PST II that I purchased on eBay, but I was under the impression that PST IIs had always had a "PST II" logo on them.  It has all of the tools that the PST II is described as having.

Also, curiously, it is stamped with logo and trademark information on both sides, unlike the three PSTs that I own.

Both scales feature a date code of 0196.

Can anyone clear up my confusion?
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: J-sews on January 13, 2011, 05:56:50 AM
At first the PST II's received the same exact handles as the regular PST's. It was only later that they got there own special handles stamped PST II  :)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Kender on January 13, 2011, 06:06:48 AM
Cool.   :)  Thanks.

I'm pretty pleased, as I got it for about $16 from eBay.  It wasn't listed as a PST II, which is why I suspect it didn't go any higher.  It's in pretty rough shape, though.  The large slotted screwdriver is twisted up (but still fits in the scales fine) and the small one is broken off.  The scales are also very loose, but I should be able to tighten them up alright.  With a little work maybe I can straighten out that screwdriver and grind down a new tip onto the small one, like I had to do with my first PST...
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: stack on January 19, 2011, 01:51:19 AM
Nice group there Kender. :tu:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Kender on January 22, 2011, 02:44:44 AM
Thanks!   :cheers:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: darkhawk on January 22, 2011, 04:47:42 AM
Hay
I love this PST, 10 doller investment bit of effort in cleaning it up!
ok sure its not a great pic but i have it all cleaned up no rust or crud!
the blade was real bad and i have to spend a little longer in it but its close!

The pliers where bad to all mangled  i worked them nice and square, the blade was sharpened with a brick im convinced and the were stained and gunked up but now im loving them.


Oh and my pliers have usa in them but I read and saw some did not like are roughly ground out.  why i could not find it.  I would be so annoyed if that was my tool!

peace
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Kender on January 22, 2011, 05:01:13 AM
That there appears to be a PST II, friend.  Very nice for $10!  Looks like you've done a pretty good job of cleaning it up. :cheers:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: darkhawk on January 22, 2011, 05:07:24 AM
Oh ya sorry it is a PST II
It has come along very nice!
 
Next is a sheath
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: darkhawk on February 09, 2011, 11:49:36 AM
Hay
excuse my ignorance but why do some PST's have the USA ground out?
Thanks
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Dunc on February 09, 2011, 12:13:50 PM
Hay
excuse my ignorance but why do some PST's have the USA ground out?
Thanks

Its because some parts were made outside the U.S , and a California Court descision ruled they could no longer have U.S.A on the tools . Despite the tools being 100% assembled in America . Heres a quote from the Leatherman Website going into more detail .

Quote
May, 2005, Portland, OR—A Los Angeles Superior Court judge has found that between April of 1997 and April of 2002, Leatherman Tool Group, Inc. violated a unique California law concerning the ability of companies to represent their products as “Made in USA.” The court in Colgan v. Leatherman Tool Group held that under California law Leatherman engaged in false or misleading advertising by representing that certain of its tools were “Made in USA.” As a result, the court directed the company to pay approximately $13 million in restitution. Leatherman is disappointed with the ruling and intends to file an appeal.

A recent Associated Press story about the ruling gave the distinct impression that Leatherman brand multi-tools are, for the most part, made outside the United States. This is false.

The unique California law at issue prohibits companies from selling in California any product represented as “Made in USA” if “any article, unit, or part” of the product was “substantially made, manufactured, or produced outside of the United States.” As interpreted by one California judge, the law prohibits a “Made in USA” representation of a product even if the only foreign content in the product is a single screw.

These Leatherman tools were all built and assembled by U.S. workers at U.S. factories using primarily parts made entirely in the United States and some parts processed, in part, in Western Europe, Mexico, or Canada. Unfortunately, Leatherman is not able to procure all of its component parts in the United States because of quality, technological, or economic considerations. But Leatherman Tool Group has never shipped a job overseas, and the company remains committed to keeping and creating as many jobs here as possible.

“As proud as I am of the invention of the Leatherman tool, I am even more proud of the hundreds of American jobs I have created,” said company founder and president Tim Leatherman. “I am disappointed in the court’s ruling for a number of reasons, but I am especially disappointed that the court disregarded a ruling issued by a federal judge in 1997 stating that our representation that the Leatherman PST tool was made in the United States was ‘neither false nor misleading.’”


Hope this helps .


Dunc
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: darkhawk on February 09, 2011, 10:08:25 PM
Hay great
thanks alot! :D
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Pacu on May 05, 2011, 02:11:42 AM
wonder who Colgan was in Colgan vs Leatherman Tool Group?
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: J-sews on May 08, 2011, 09:40:03 PM
wonder who Colgan was in Colgan vs Leatherman Tool Group?

It was a class action suit, so "Colgan" was probably just some average Joe who bought a Leatherman tool. Then some ambulance-chasing scumbag of a lawyer saw a way to make a bunch of money off a trivial thing that wasn't hurting anyone. They sue Leatherman on behalf of all the hundreds of thousands of Californians who had purchased Leatherman tools, represented by this individual named Colgan. The judge rules in favor of "the people", Leatherman pays a huge fine, the scumbag lawyers takes their inflated fee out of the settlement, and the hundred thousand people they represented each get 7 dollars and 32 cents* (or some such nonsense) >:(


*no actual facts here, just my cynical guess as to what really happened >:(     


Bob----> :twak: <------lawyers
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: enki_ck on May 08, 2011, 11:14:44 PM
Yeah, but not only PSTs were affected. I just got a juice KF4 that has the USA ground out of the pliers.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: David on May 08, 2011, 11:20:33 PM


Bob----> :twak: <------lawyers


Let the festivities begin.     :duel:   :D    :D     
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: J-sews on May 09, 2011, 02:13:20 AM


Bob----> :twak: <------lawyers


Let the festivities begin.     :duel:   :D    :D   

Oop, sorry! :P (I had a bad experience once) :( :D
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: The Copilot on July 11, 2011, 11:09:09 PM
Found an old post on BladeForums ( http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/521159-A-letter-from-Leatherman-gt-early-PST-s-were-quot-Made-in-Japan-quot (http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/521159-A-letter-from-Leatherman-gt-early-PST-s-were-quot-Made-in-Japan-quot) ) that contained a response from someone at Leatherman Tool regarding PSTs that were made in Japan:

Quote
"We're back in the office after the Christmas Holiday-hope your Holidays were blessed. Are you ready for a story? As I told you, I have been with the company almost since its inception, 22 years. In the very beginning, Tim Leatherman found it difficult to keep up with production. The demand for his invention, the Pocket Survival Tool, was almost immediate, and with 11 people out in the shop at that time, we could not meet the demand. He contracted w/a company in Japan (that country was known at that time for their cutlery) and it became Leatherman Tool Japan (this partnership only lasted for 3 years or so at which time we decided to do everything USA). The tool that they made was ever so slightly different, in particular the rivets that are in the handle & hold the parts together. So, long story short, I believe you have that older Japan tool. The value was the same, just the place it was manufactured. I think you should definitely consider that tool a collector's item! The reason you are not seeing the "R" on the sheath is probably because a tools has to have "tm" markings until the patent is final, and it took a long while for Tim Leatherman to get the initial patent. It was most likely pending at that point. I hope I've explained this well enough. Happy New Year to you."

If this information is to be believed, does it imply that Japan PSTs with hanles marked "Reg'd TM 1325473" predate those marked "US PAT 4238862"?  In otherwords, would the trademark imprint have come before the patent imprint?  Your thoughts??
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: The Copilot on July 11, 2011, 11:51:31 PM
Guess the theory above doesn't hold any water.  I looked up the patent and trademark applications online.  The patent (#4238862) was applied for on 7/13/1978 and granted on 12/16/1980.  The trademark (#1325473) was filed on 4/23/1984 and registered on 3/19/1985.  So I think the writer from Leatherman may have been confused on the chronology.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: J-sews on July 12, 2011, 02:07:40 AM
More good info Copilot, thanks! :tu:

And we know that the Japanese company was Mitsuboshi Cutlery Co  :salute:

Scroll down a bit on this page on their website....I wonder if they also helped out with some Leatherman Mini Tools? :o

http://www.mitsuboshicutlery.jp/company/index_english.html (http://www.mitsuboshicutlery.jp/company/index_english.html)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: rayraychil on September 14, 2011, 11:48:27 PM
I have got hold of what I think may be an early PST II except there is no PST II marked on the handles but the tools in the handles all match my own PST II the blade has the part serration an medium flat screwdriver is off set so it does not close on you while using it.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: David on September 15, 2011, 12:18:39 AM
I have got hold of what I think may be an early PST II except there is no PST II marked on the handles but the tools in the handles all match my own PST II the blade has the part serration an medium flat screwdriver is off set so it does not close on you while using it.


Here are a couple threads that will help answer your question. 

http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,15080.0.html (http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,15080.0.html)

http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,15102.0.html (http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,15102.0.html)

 :)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Accujohn on September 20, 2011, 07:59:22 PM
Here are some details of my 1984 pst
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Accujohn on September 20, 2011, 08:00:20 PM
more details of my 1984 pst
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Accujohn on September 20, 2011, 08:01:03 PM
more details of my 1984 pst
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: J-sews on September 23, 2011, 03:22:31 AM
That is indeed a special one John! 8) POCKET SURVIVAL TOOL stamping, spey point knife, milled awl, left hand can opener, no lanyard attachment....they just don't come any more classic than that! :salute:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: David on September 23, 2011, 07:20:05 AM
Ahh the classic and in good condition to boot.  :tu:     :)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Accujohn on September 24, 2011, 08:07:19 AM
Ahh the classic and in good condition to boot.  :tu:     :)

Definitely not Mint, but not not very used. Thanks!
Title: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Accujohn on October 03, 2011, 05:57:58 AM
Do any of the earliest 1983-84 no lanyard PSTs ever come up for sale?
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: J-sews on October 03, 2011, 06:43:15 AM
Do any of the earliest 1983-84 no lanyard PSTs ever come up for sale?


They do on ebay, and surprisingly often. :salute: But you gotta check through a lot of auctions to find them. :-\
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Dunc on November 07, 2011, 04:28:07 PM
Files , not sure if this has been discussed before but have a look at this rather poor photo of  two PSTs . The one on the left is a 2001 model the other is a no date model . As you can see the saw teeth on the right hand file only go around 4 fifths of the way down the edge .Is this the norm ?


(http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b176/ebbingtide/Photo-0052.jpg)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: David on November 12, 2011, 06:57:59 AM
Dunc I`ll go see if I can find some PSTs to check the files. I`ll be back in a bit.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: David on November 12, 2011, 07:29:12 AM
The no dates with the file double cut to the outside seem to mostly be as the one in your pic but not all of them. I found some like that with 93 and 94 date codes also.    :)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Dunc on November 12, 2011, 01:39:21 PM
Dunc I`ll go see if I can find some PSTs to check the files. I`ll be back in a bit.


Thanks David  :tu:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Accujohn on November 12, 2011, 11:00:27 PM
saw and old pst yesterday... no date, with lanyard but drop point knife. had a broken part though. $10 but passed
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Adam Clark on December 08, 2011, 09:25:04 PM
•   Lanyard attachment?

yes

•   (Old) small diameter or (new) large diameter plier pivot?

small

•   LEATHERMAN alone cast into plier pivot? Or with USA? Or TOOL?

LEATHERMAN TOOL

•   A hard wire cutter notch?

hard wire notch w/ arrow indicator

•   Handles stamped with what? (see pictures in next post for examples)

LEATHERMAN TOOL PORTLAND, OR

•   Inch ruler only, or inch/metric?

inch/metric

•   Date codes?

0696

•   Drop point knife blade or clip point? (saber?)

Clip point (not saber)

•   Knife blade tang stamped LEATHERMAN alone? Or with USA? Or JAPAN?

LEATHERMAN USA
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Adam Clark on December 12, 2011, 01:45:27 AM
You guys are doing great on this chronology project!!!!!!! It's been really helpful. :cheers:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: David on December 12, 2011, 06:26:00 AM
Is there any particular PST your interested in Adam? The Project has been a big help to me also.   :)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: stack on December 15, 2011, 01:08:50 AM
 David Hi,    I am interested in better picture's of those cabela's tool's with sheath's. :pok: :pok:  Did you just find them or did you have them? I would love to get my hand's on a sheath like that for my old cabelas pst. I never see them come up for auction. :( The old cabelas seem's to be much more scarce than the pocket survival tool.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: David on December 15, 2011, 02:15:35 AM
Stack the top sheath came from Dennis. It had no tool with it. The bottom sheath had the riveted PST that is pictured with it. I won it off ebay a while back. I`ve seen one other on ebay and it had a riveted PST with it also. I`m assuming the riveted PST`s from Cabelas had logo`d sheaths since the PSTs were not logoed. Until we get more intel that`s all I know at the moment.   :)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: stack on December 15, 2011, 02:27:57 AM
 Thank's  for the info and picture. :tu: I think I did see the one one ebay awhile back that was the riveted tool.  I will have to keep my eye's open for one. :D  Very 8)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Dunc on January 13, 2012, 07:57:40 PM
Something I noticed the other day is there doesn't seem to be as much clearance in the lanyard rings on the older model i.e you need a smaller ring to go through older models . Its not the size of holes its more the angle but you can't really see by looking . I only noticed while trying to attach some lanyards .
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: bdjeep on February 01, 2012, 04:08:55 AM
I posted this one in another thread, its date code is 1297.  I bought it new in early 1998.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Smitty44 on February 05, 2012, 06:08:40 AM
I posted this one in another thread, its date code is 1297.  I bought it new in early 1998.
The PST that you are showing is the PSTII that came out in 1996,the original PST did not have the scissors or the diamond file,the PSTII is still one of my favorites,I'm EDCing it now. :salute:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Frankctz on March 22, 2012, 08:32:52 PM
Very good info, subscribed to follow up...
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: mqqn on July 16, 2012, 07:20:55 AM
Hi folks -

I tool some pictures of my PSKs for this thread -

1 -
•   Rivets or knurled screws? Knurled
•   Lanyard attachment? yes
•   (Old) small diameter or (new) large diameter plier pivot? old small
•   LEATHERMAN alone cast into plier pivot? Or with USA? Or TOOL? with USA
•   A hard wire cutter notch? no
•   Handles stamped with what? (see pictures in next post for examples) Leatherman Tool (small font) Portland Ore
•   Inch ruler only, or inch/metric? SAE Inch only
•   Date codes? No
•   Drop point knife blade or clip point? (saber?) first version drop point
•   Knife blade tang stamped LEATHERMAN alone? Or with USA? Or JAPAN? Leatherman USA
•   Screwdrivers: pivot-in or pivot-out? In I believe

Pictures -

(http://www.iammoon.com/albums/multitools/Leatherman/PST%20Second%20Version%20Early%2080s/slides/DSC_7016.JPG)

(http://www.iammoon.com/albums/multitools/Leatherman/PST%20Second%20Version%20Early%2080s/slides/DSC_7020.JPG)

(http://www.iammoon.com/albums/multitools/Leatherman/PST%20Second%20Version%20Early%2080s/slides/DSC_7021.JPG)

(http://www.iammoon.com/albums/multitools/Leatherman/PST%20Second%20Version%20Early%2080s/slides/DSC_7028.JPG)

best regards -

mqqn
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: David on July 16, 2012, 07:51:28 AM
Nice oldie mqqn!   :tu:    :)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Gareth on July 16, 2012, 08:23:45 AM
That looks to be in excellent condition mqqn. :tu:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: J-sews on July 17, 2012, 03:19:25 AM
Small font Leatherman, with an inch-only ruler. You don't see those very often. :salute: 
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: mqqn on July 18, 2012, 03:44:16 AM
Thanks Gentlemen - Here is the next one, an early Japan made model -

•   Rivets or knurled screws? Rivests  hollow
•   Lanyard attachment? yes
•   (Old) small diameter or (new) large diameter plier pivot? old small
•   LEATHERMAN alone cast into plier pivot? Or with USA? Or TOOL? Alone
•   A hard wire cutter notch? no
•   Handles stamped with what?  Leatherman (r) (large) Tool (small) US PAT423886(?) las digit not readable
•   Inch ruler only, or inch/metric? SAE Inch only
•   Date codes? No
•   Drop point knife blade or clip point? (saber?) first version drop point
•   Knife blade tang stamped LEATHERMAN alone? Or with USA? Or JAPAN? Japan Leatherman
•   Screwdrivers: pivot-in or pivot-out? In

Note - this variation has hollow rivets and no "Portland Ore" on the handle.

Pictures -

(http://www.iammoon.com/albums/multitools/Leatherman/PST%20Early%20Japan%20hollow%20rivet%20early%2080s/slides/DSC_7011.JPG)

(http://www.iammoon.com/albums/multitools/Leatherman/PST%20Early%20Japan%20hollow%20rivet%20early%2080s/slides/DSC_7012.JPG)

(http://www.iammoon.com/albums/multitools/Leatherman/PST%20Early%20Japan%20hollow%20rivet%20early%2080s/slides/DSC_7013.JPG)

(http://www.iammoon.com/albums/multitools/Leatherman/PST%20Early%20Japan%20hollow%20rivet%20early%2080s/slides/DSC_7007.JPG)

(http://www.iammoon.com/albums/multitools/Leatherman/PST%20Early%20Japan%20hollow%20rivet%20early%2080s/slides/DSC_7009.JPG)

(http://www.iammoon.com/albums/multitools/Leatherman/PST%20Early%20Japan%20hollow%20rivet%20early%2080s/slides/DSC_7010.JPG)

best

mqqn
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: J-sews on July 18, 2012, 04:18:25 AM
Mmmmmm, hollow rivets :drool: :drool:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: enki_ck on July 18, 2012, 04:55:47 AM
Now that's how you make an introduction. :salute: Great stuff there. Welcome to the forum, mqqn. (http://i493.photobucket.com/albums/rr294/nickpong/Smiley/welcome.gif)
Title: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: AHB on July 18, 2012, 08:37:24 AM
A pair of great PSTs.. :tu:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: stack on July 18, 2012, 10:13:18 PM
 Nice pst's you have there! :tu:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Yalius on August 23, 2012, 10:05:16 AM
While we're on the subject, I was wondering if someone might be able to give me a hand figuring out the date of the PST I've acquired. It's a little bit off from every one I've compared it to thus far.

•   Rivets or knurled screws? Knurled screws
•   Lanyard attachment?        Yes
•   (Old) small diameter or (new) large diameter plier pivot?     Small diameter pivot
•   LEATHERMAN alone cast into plier pivot? Or with USA? Or TOOL?    "Leatherman USA"
•   A hard wire cutter notch?      Yes
•   Handles stamped with what?     "Leatherman® Tool / US REG TM 1325473 / Portland OR"
•   Inch ruler only, or inch/metric? Inch / Metric
•   Date codes?   None
•   Drop point knife blade or clip point? (saber?)    Saber
•   Knife blade tang stamped LEATHERMAN alone? Or with USA? Or JAPAN?  "Leatherman USA"
•   Screwdrivers: pivot-in or pivot-out?     Pivot-in with half nicks.

What befuddles me is the hard-wire notch, USA stamp and no date codes in the handles.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Gareth on August 23, 2012, 09:46:41 PM
Could it be a later replacement pliers head?  Just a guess.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Yalius on August 24, 2012, 08:59:06 AM
Could it be a later replacement pliers head?  Just a guess.

How definitive might that guess be? The way I acquired it, there's plenty of room for the possibility of a Frankenstein.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: David on August 24, 2012, 07:16:33 PM
Thanks Gentlemen - Here is the next one, an early Japan made model -

•   Rivets or knurled screws? Rivests  hollow
•   Lanyard attachment? yes
•   (Old) small diameter or (new) large diameter plier pivot? old small
•   LEATHERMAN alone cast into plier pivot? Or with USA? Or TOOL? Alone
•   A hard wire cutter notch? no
•   Handles stamped with what?  Leatherman (r) (large) Tool (small) US PAT423886(?) las digit not readable
•   Inch ruler only, or inch/metric? SAE Inch only
•   Date codes? No
•   Drop point knife blade or clip point? (saber?) first version drop point
•   Knife blade tang stamped LEATHERMAN alone? Or with USA? Or JAPAN? Japan Leatherman
•   Screwdrivers: pivot-in or pivot-out? In

Note - this variation has hollow rivets and no "Portland Ore" on the handle.

Pictures -

(http://www.iammoon.com/albums/multitools/Leatherman/PST%20Early%20Japan%20hollow%20rivet%20early%2080s/slides/DSC_7011.JPG)

(http://www.iammoon.com/albums/multitools/Leatherman/PST%20Early%20Japan%20hollow%20rivet%20early%2080s/slides/DSC_7012.JPG)

(http://www.iammoon.com/albums/multitools/Leatherman/PST%20Early%20Japan%20hollow%20rivet%20early%2080s/slides/DSC_7013.JPG)

(http://www.iammoon.com/albums/multitools/Leatherman/PST%20Early%20Japan%20hollow%20rivet%20early%2080s/slides/DSC_7007.JPG)

(http://www.iammoon.com/albums/multitools/Leatherman/PST%20Early%20Japan%20hollow%20rivet%20early%2080s/slides/DSC_7009.JPG)

(http://www.iammoon.com/albums/multitools/Leatherman/PST%20Early%20Japan%20hollow%20rivet%20early%2080s/slides/DSC_7010.JPG)

best

mqqn


Good score on this one. This variation of the riveted PST's is a hard one to find. They do not show up very often.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Gareth on August 24, 2012, 07:20:46 PM
Could it be a later replacement pliers head?  Just a guess.

How definitive might that guess be? The way I acquired it, there's plenty of room for the possibility of a Frankenstein.

Oh it's just a wild stab in the dark, nothing to back it up other than it is at least plausible. :D
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: trouthunter on September 03, 2012, 03:21:09 AM
My new favorite go to tool

(http://i1156.photobucket.com/albums/p561/trouthunter7/2012-08-30105003.jpg)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Gareth on September 03, 2012, 07:50:39 AM
A very nice looking Japanese made PST mate. :hatsoff:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: trouthunter on September 03, 2012, 02:08:35 PM
A very nice looking Japanese made PST mate. :hatsoff:

Thank you, it is in pretty good shape for its age.  I am very happy with it.
Title: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: AHB on September 03, 2012, 02:40:14 PM
Gotta love those PSTs.. :tu:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: BenH on September 08, 2012, 04:12:41 PM
Here's mine - I hope it helps! Got it a couple of days ago at a market in Oxford for £9. The leather sheath is slightly damaged but I still think it was a good deal

•   Rivets or knurled screws? Knurled screws
•   Lanyard attachment?        Yes
•   (Old) small diameter or (new) large diameter plier pivot?    Old
•   LEATHERMAN alone cast into plier pivot? Or with USA? Or TOOL?    "Leatherman USA"
•   A hard wire cutter notch?      Yes
•   Handles stamped with what?     "Leatherman® Tool / Portland OR"
•   Inch ruler only, or inch/metric? Inch / Metric
•   Date codes?   0201
•   Drop point knife blade or clip point? (saber?)    Newer clip point
•   Knife blade tang stamped LEATHERMAN alone? Or with USA? Or JAPAN?  "Leatherman -USA-"
•   Screwdrivers: pivot-in or pivot-out?     All pivot out, large with nail nick, medium with nail hook on top, small with no nick. Philips marked B on nail nick side, 3 on the other.

It's been a couple of days since I read the whole thread, so I can't remember if it's been discussed, but it seems interesting that this early '01 model has the old style head, but with the hair wire notch. To me that suggests that maybe the notch is machined rather than cast, and the notch became a part of the process before the new head castings were introduced, unless they retooled the head casts twice in very quick succession...

Cheers,
Ben
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: David on September 08, 2012, 04:40:39 PM
Ben the hard wire notch was added in 1996 if I remember correctly. Do you have a pic of the plier head?
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: BenH on September 09, 2012, 02:05:33 AM
Silly me - looked back and I'd misread it.  :facepalm: you're right, hard wire notch added in 1996, hard wire notch indicator arrow added in 2001 (presumably as part and parcel of the new head design, not as a separate modification). So really it's just a totally normal old head, made within a few months of their being phased out!

Ben
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: chickford on October 16, 2012, 02:14:22 AM
Just had this one arrive, seems to have some of the Late 80's characteristics but not all

•   Rivets or knurled screws?
Screws
•   Lanyard attachment?
Yes
•   (Old) small diameter or (new) large diameter plier pivot?
Old
•   LEATHERMAN alone cast into plier pivot? Or with USA? Or TOOL?
LEATHERMAN USA
•   A hard wire cutter notch?
No
•   Handles stamped with what? (see pictures in next post for examples)
REG'D TM 1325473 LEATHERMAN TOOL PORTLAND OR
•   Inch ruler only, or inch/metric?
Inch only
•   Date codes?
No
•   Drop point knife blade or clip point? (saber?)
Drop point
•   Knife blade tang stamped LEATHERMAN alone? Or with USA? Or JAPAN?
LEATHERMAN USA
•   Screwdrivers: pivot-in or pivot-out?
In

It also has a milled awl and left-hand cut can-opener
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: deputy tom on December 26, 2012, 05:14:34 AM
Tagged.tom.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Monrogue on January 14, 2013, 03:58:09 PM
I have a new, unopened PST II coming in mail that I will check out, but does that count for this project, or is it only regular PSTs? 
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: AHB on January 30, 2013, 12:07:23 PM
Updated PST circle pic.. :)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: DaveK on January 30, 2013, 01:06:36 PM
ooh.  I like that :)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Monrogue on January 30, 2013, 04:58:12 PM
Wow, you have a lot of PSTs AHB :tu:  Nice pics :cheers:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: David on January 30, 2013, 06:17:14 PM
 8) pic!
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: J-sews on January 31, 2013, 03:39:17 AM
Gonna be needing a fish eye lens if that circle gets much bigger Allan :D
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: THE_LONGBOW on February 01, 2013, 04:50:33 AM
I have a question about the number or letter on the Phillips bit on the PST. I have a late 80's PST, on the Phillips bit there is circle with a #4. Does anyone know the significance of this number. I do not think it has to do with size as a #4 Phillips would be much larger.
 The only place I could find anything on these numbers was page 34 post 503 of this thread. And it was only briefly talked about.

(http://i461.photobucket.com/albums/qq340/THE_LONGBOW/P1070663i_zps750dc5f8.jpg)

(http://i461.photobucket.com/albums/qq340/THE_LONGBOW/P1070664i_zps8b6495e6.jpg)

Then I have a Sept. 1994 PST with what appears to be an F in the circle.

(http://i461.photobucket.com/albums/qq340/THE_LONGBOW/P1070666i_zps079f5015.jpg)

(http://i461.photobucket.com/albums/qq340/THE_LONGBOW/P1070665i_zps96091744.jpg)



Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: baja820 on February 01, 2013, 04:59:41 AM
My 1194 PST has the circle F as well..... hmmmm
(http://i671.photobucket.com/albums/vv78/baja820/2013-01-31_19-55-38_242_zps893fe3a9.jpg)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Grumman N32Romeo on February 02, 2013, 03:21:27 AM
12] 2001??
•   New plier head has larger pivot (0601 earliest seen)
•   Hard wire cutter notch has cast in indicator arrow
•   Knife tang stamped LEATHERMAN only (USA dropped)

I just got a new (to me) PST.  Date code 0601.  Still says "Leatherman USA" on the knife Tang.  Stamped "E" on the screwdriver.

Rich
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: nuphoria on February 02, 2013, 05:04:49 PM
Welcome to MTO :cheers:

Got any pics for us?
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: David on February 05, 2013, 07:55:44 PM
Here is a riveted POCKET SURVIVAL TOOL. There is nothing special about it other than some one polished it up and stuck this MADE IN JAPAN sticker on it trying to enhance it's value. A while back one of these with a stickers on it brought a tidy sum. Obviously this one didn't go for very much or I wouldn't have it.    :)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: J-sews on February 06, 2013, 02:57:29 AM
Looks great David! :tu: Those "Pocket Survival Tool" ones are pretty special.  :)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Monrogue on February 06, 2013, 04:45:38 PM
Yeah, I'd like to get my hands on one of the "Pocket Survival Tool" versions.   :drool:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Grumman N32Romeo on February 07, 2013, 03:26:31 AM
Here is my date code 0601.  This is 4th PST I have had in the last 30 years or so.  I was sad that they don't make the PST anymore.  I looked at the new models but got this one off e-bay.  I also have a Super Tool, but prefer the PST to carry on my belt.  It gets almost daily use.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Gareth on February 08, 2013, 11:33:37 AM
A belated welcome to the forum Rich. :cheers:  I know what you mean about how well the PST sits on your belt, very few modern MT's are so neat and slim. 8)

As to your USA blade stamp, I'd put that down to a transitional period where they still had old and new stock sitting on the warehouse shelves.  Just a guess though. :)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Mr Biriyani on February 28, 2013, 05:10:31 PM
I pickt this Pst Yesterday. Not in great condition but ok, the tools are intact. Some small rust spots though. I think it´s early 90:s and I like it!
Clip point blade, no stamp on the backside. No date. Small lanyard hole. A mysterious nr 5 stamped to the phillips driver.

What I was thinking of is the pocketwrench that came with it. Is that something Leatherman provided or is it the former owner that put it there?
It is perfectly sized and slips in to the pouch together with the tool.
In the early nineties I bought a gerber and sticked to it until  a year ago but a lot of my colleges had leatherman and the pocketwrench seems familiar somehow.
Does anybody know ?
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Gareth on February 28, 2013, 08:09:51 PM
As far as I know Leatherman never supplied a Pocketwrench with any tool.  I'm going to say with some certainty that this is something the previous owner put in there. :)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Mr Biriyani on March 02, 2013, 11:03:19 AM
As far as I know Leatherman never supplied a Pocketwrench with any tool.  I'm going to say with some certainty that this is something the previous owner put in there. :)
Thank You Gareth for the answer. :cheers:
I thought so because the length and width are exactly the same and fits so perfect in the pouch. I think I will keep it in there anyway. :)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: David on March 09, 2013, 07:29:43 AM
Here is an interesting riveted PST. It has the US PAT 4238862 stamp, lanyard attachment, right hand grind can opener, Leatherman only on knife blade tang and hollow rivets. Transitional piece or put together with left over parts?     :think:    :)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: MDC85 on March 23, 2013, 02:31:00 PM
On most PST's I see The name leatherman on both sides, 1 of my 2 pst's only has it on one side ,
What is the reason ?

(http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af47/MDC85/20130323_143439.jpg)
(http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af47/MDC85/20130323_143445.jpg)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: MDC85 on April 02, 2013, 09:00:28 PM
 does anyone know this one ?

(http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af47/MDC85/T2eC16JHJHYE9nzpcwZBRWyHvlRIQ60_85.jpg)

(http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af47/MDC85/T2eC16Vy8E9s2fjtdyBRWyH0cvhw60_852.jpg)

(http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af47/MDC85/T2eC16JHJHgE9n0yEY5BRWyHy7LjQ60_85.jpg)

(http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af47/MDC85/T2eC16dHJIQE9qUHuFHkBRWyHKn-g60_85.jpg)

(http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af47/MDC85/T2eC16JHJIIE9qTYI5fUBRWyHqW7sw60_85.jpg)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: AHB on April 02, 2013, 09:22:47 PM
It's a Flair, not a PST mate. :) Try using the search function and you'll find loads of info..
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: MDC85 on April 02, 2013, 09:24:28 PM
I Thought it was a special edition pst .  :whistle: my bad
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Nhoj on April 02, 2013, 09:25:54 PM
How much did you pay for the flair? They can go for a pretty good sum.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: MDC85 on April 02, 2013, 09:27:51 PM
it is on sale for €50 ,

did not buy it ( yet )
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: hennypenny on May 12, 2013, 09:10:22 PM
I got this one marked Pocket Survival Tool today.  Very good shape.  Check out the hole in the pivot.
Can anyone explain about the hole in the pivot? I have the same hole on my Mini Tool with no date code, so I assume it's a very early one.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: aeromys on May 18, 2013, 03:13:29 PM
Hi, just joined and adding my old PST to the list  :)

•   Rivets or knurled screws? Knurled
•   Lanyard attachment? Yes
•   (Old) small diameter or (new) large diameter plier pivot? Small
•   LEATHERMAN alone cast into plier pivot? Or with USA? Or TOOL? Leatherman USA
•   A hard wire cutter notch? No
•   Handles stamped with what? (see pictures in next post for examples) LEATHERMAN(r) TOOL  US REG TM 1325473  PORTLAND OR
•   Inch ruler only, or inch/metric? inch/metric
•   Date codes? 1292
•   Drop point knife blade or clip point? (saber?) Saber
•   Knife blade tang stamped LEATHERMAN alone? Or with USA? Or JAPAN? LEATHERMAN USA
•   Screwdrivers: pivot-in or pivot-out? pivot-in

The Phillips has a small "I" cast into it

Cheers,
Dave

Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Zed on May 19, 2013, 06:08:36 AM
Welcome Dave  :cheers: introduce yourself in the new member section  :salute:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Gareth on May 19, 2013, 09:49:58 AM
Welcome to the forum Dave. :cheers:  Nice looking PST you've got there. :tu:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Mercury on June 09, 2013, 06:45:51 PM
I got this one marked Pocket Survival Tool today.  Very good shape.  Check out the hole in the pivot.
Can anyone explain about the hole in the pivot? I have the same hole on my Mini Tool with no date code, so I assume it's a very early one.

That hole is probably from a centering pin on the bucking bar they used to squash the rivet.  I would imagine they usually get ground off with the rest of the rivet tail after riveting, so finding one with the depression could be a rare thing.  Of course I could be totally wrong, that's just what it looks like to me.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Monrogue on July 18, 2013, 05:05:04 AM
Just got me a PST :D

•   Rivets or knurled screws? Knurled
•   Lanyard attachment? Yes
•   (Old) small diameter or (new) large diameter plier pivot? Large
•   LEATHERMAN alone cast into plier pivot? Or with USA? Or TOOL? Leatherman Tool
•   A hard wire cutter notch? Yes
•   Handles stamped with what? (see pictures in next post for examples) LEATHERMAN(r) TOOL  PORTLAND OR
•   Inch ruler only, or inch/metric? inch/metric
•   Date codes? 0797 & 0304
•   Drop point knife blade or clip point? I believe drop point?
•   Knife blade tang stamped LEATHERMAN alone? Or with USA? Or JAPAN? LEATHERMAN USA
•   Screwdrivers: pivot-in or pivot-out? pivot-in on flatheads/pivot-out on phillips

The Phillips has a small "D" cast into it

Here are some pics of the PST.  I'm a bit disappointed that it's a later model with the newer, larger pliers though.  The seller's pic showed the older style, but he had a few in stock, so I'd say he had some like mine.  Oh well.  I can eventually get another one if I really want to.  There's really nothing wrong with it, it's in great condition, but those pliers just don't seem to belong on a PST imo.  It's also got conflicting date codes.  One handle is 0797, and the other is 0304 (which I think is the correct one due to the pliers).  Second pic has PSTII behind PST.  Notice the PSTII opens slightly further than the PST.  Another odd note:  the Phillips driver is the older style, but it's on the handle with the 0797 datecode???  PST's has a D on it and PSTII's has a 6.  Not sure what that means.  The file isn't bad though.  I can use the finer side as a nail file, which I didn't think would work.

(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/07/18/ysygava4.jpg)(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/07/18/a5ydy6aj.jpg)(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/07/18/4y7ebesy.jpg)(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/07/18/py7yrazu.jpg)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Gareth on July 18, 2013, 07:12:13 PM
Quote
Date codes? 0797 & 0304
:o  Those are some pretty disparate dates.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Monrogue on July 18, 2013, 07:39:21 PM
Quote
Date codes? 0797 & 0304
:o  Those are some pretty disparate dates.

Yeah they are.  I'm wondering if the seller had a few warranty repaired PSTs, which may explain the different dates on each handle, as well as the older style phillips being on the 0304 dated handle (which is what I meant to say in my post above, but stated the older dated handle instead).  I also didn't include the pic showing the pliers of both PST and PSTII opened, but I can't upload it right now, so I'll have to try to remember to do it tonight.  Also, I didn't mention that the medium flathead, with the pivot in (which I believe is the newer style) is on the older 0797 handle.  This PST seems to be a frankensteined version with parts from various PST eras.  I guess that makes it kinda cool in a way :think:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Monrogue on July 19, 2013, 12:53:49 AM
Here is the open plier pic I mentioned, and the medium flathead (newer style correct?)

Sent from my XT901 using Tapatalk 2
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Monrogue on July 19, 2013, 01:02:00 AM
Oh and I just noticed that the small flatheads are different too.  PST in front.

Sent from my XT901 using Tapatalk 2

Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Bibliojim on July 22, 2013, 04:40:25 PM
I will post my "Marlboro" pix asap. However, please explain the nuance "pivot in or pivot out"

Jim
dryfire@dryfire.is
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: bmot on July 22, 2013, 04:52:23 PM
I will post my "Marlboro" pix asap. However, please explain the nuance "pivot in or pivot out"

Jim
dryfire@dryfire.is


Newer screwdrivers on the PST are bent(?) so that the line the force down is given on is on the side of the pivot it doesn't turn to, so that it'll close less easy.
*some searching later*


this should help explaining it:


Here are some examples of the screwdriver differences. When pushed hard, the early screwdrivers tended to "pivot inwards" under pressure. This was improved on later models, which featured screwdrivers that pivoted outwards against the stop the harder they were pushed. :)   
Benner pictures
(http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t41/benniehunts/IMG_1091.jpg)
(http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t41/benniehunts/IMG_1097.jpg)
DaveK picture showing the three types of medium flathead screwdriver
(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e10/DaveK-ToolPics/pstmeddriver.jpg)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Bibliojim on July 22, 2013, 05:06:03 PM
Sooooooo, my Marlboro STRAIGHT screwdrivers are "pivot in" ????????????????????????

Jim
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: bmot on July 22, 2013, 05:44:24 PM
I'm sure, when you post pics, we'll see it ;)  :tu:  But it could very well be that some of the screwdrivers in your pst pivot in, and some pivot out. On mine, only the large and medium flatheads pivot out, the Phillips and small flat pivot in.

Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Monrogue on July 22, 2013, 05:48:02 PM
Here is the open plier pic I mentioned, and the medium flathead (newer style correct?)

Sent from my XT901 using Tapatalk 2

I may have misunderstood the whole "pivot in/out" thing as well.  So is the screwdriver I showed in the second pic of the above post that contains the text I quoted (couldn't quote the pic as well I guess) a pivot in or out?  I think I called it in, but now I think it's an out :think: ???
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: bmot on July 22, 2013, 05:58:24 PM
Here is the open plier pic I mentioned, and the medium flathead (newer style correct?)

Sent from my XT901 using Tapatalk 2

I may have misunderstood the whole "pivot in/out" thing as well.  So is the screwdriver I showed in the second pic of the above post that contains the text I quoted (couldn't quote the pic as well I guess) a pivot in or out?  I think I called it in, but now I think it's an out :think: ???


That's a 'pivot out' screwdriver. It turns to the outside when you put force on it, hence the name. (it pivots out when under force) The older ones turn inside (they 'pivot in'). It all comes from the verb 'to pivot', not from the noun 'pivot'. (if I'm right, of course ;) )
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Monrogue on July 22, 2013, 06:13:34 PM
Here is the open plier pic I mentioned, and the medium flathead (newer style correct?)

Sent from my XT901 using Tapatalk 2

I may have misunderstood the whole "pivot in/out" thing as well.  So is the screwdriver I showed in the second pic of the above post that contains the text I quoted (couldn't quote the pic as well I guess) a pivot in or out?  I think I called it in, but now I think it's an out :think: ???


That's a 'pivot out' screwdriver. It turns to the outside when you put force on it, hence the name. (it pivots out when under force) The older ones turn inside (they 'pivot in'). It all comes from the verb 'to pivot', not from the noun 'pivot'. (if I'm right, of course ;) )

Makes perfect sense.  I was thinking of it in the noun sense of the word, which reverses what the intended meaning is here.  Thanks for clearing that up for me :salute:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Bibliojim on July 23, 2013, 03:31:39 AM
 knurled screws
•   Lanyard attachment? Yes
•   (Old) small diameter  plier pivot?
•   LEATHERMAN cast into plier pivot with USA?
•   A hard wire cutter notch? No
•   Handles stamped with
US REG TM 1325473   LEATHERMAN TOOL   PORTLAND OR
 Reverse side blank   Date 0594
Other handle: Very faintly etched Marlboro Country Store
Reverse side blank Date 0494

•   Inch ruler only, or inch/metric? Both
•   Date codes? See above
•   Drop point knife blade or clip point? (saber?) See pix and decide
•   Knife blade tang stamped LEATHERMAN  with USA
•   Screwdrivers: pivot-in or pivot-out?
Ay, there's the rub. Nouns, verbs, straight, bent, innies. outies, Bob Newhart.........

Old, OCD, collector of things, new to Leathermans, more than pleased with this flea market Marlboro Leatherman purchase. Found this site, well there you go.
Sent a Blast for repair, received a new Rebar in it's place. Not for this pilgrim, PST forever. Who needs a new Rebar, will trade?
Hello everybody.
Your friend Jim

“Where is everybody?”           Enrico Fermi 1950
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: bmot on July 23, 2013, 05:02:40 PM
That looks like 'pivot in' screwdrivers  :salute:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Aloha on August 23, 2013, 06:23:23 AM
Black Oxide Non Cap Crimper

•   Rivets or knurled screws?
Knurled screws.

•   Lanyard attachment?
Yes

•   (Old) small diameter or (new) large diameter plier pivot?
Old

•   LEATHERMAN cast into plier pivot, along with USA or TOOL?
USA

•   A hard wire cutter notch?
No

•   Handles stamped with what?
Leatherman Tool, Portland OR, US REG TM 1325473

•   Inch ruler only, or inch/metric?
Inch/metric

•   Date codes? What are they?
None

•   Drop point knife blade or clip point?
Saber

•   Knife blade tang stamped LEATHERMAN, JAPAN, or USA?
Leatherman USA

please correct me if I made a mistake pictures included. Im excited this is my first PST 
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: David on September 06, 2013, 06:32:21 PM
This PST has no markings on it except the Pat. number and a former owners initials. DaveK has a pic of one in post #149. Even the sheath does not have Leatherman on it.  Any one care to speculate on where these fit into the chronological order.     :think:     :)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Gareth on September 10, 2013, 07:34:40 PM
This PST has no markings on it except the Pat. number and a former owners initials. DaveK has a pic of one in post #149. Even the sheath does not have Leatherman on it.  Any one care to speculate on where these fit into the chronological order.     :think:     :)

Interesting.  Dave seemed to think that the markings had possibly been ground off his, but with yours being the same that seems less likely. :think:


@Aloha; nice BO PST mate, it looks like it's in great condition as well. :cheers:  Nice nails too. :D
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: David on September 10, 2013, 07:46:00 PM
This PST has no markings on it except the Pat. number and a former owners initials. DaveK has a pic of one in post #149. Even the sheath does not have Leatherman on it.  Any one care to speculate on where these fit into the chronological order.     :think:     :)

Interesting.  Dave seemed to think that the markings had possibly been ground off his, but with yours being the same that seems less likely. :think:

I have a idea but wanted to wait to see what others thought about it.     :)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Gareth on September 10, 2013, 07:49:58 PM
Go on, what are you thinking?  Employee special?  Pre production? :pok:  :)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: enki_ck on September 10, 2013, 07:52:45 PM
Military issue? I think I read somewhere that the US military issue gear has/had to be free from any branding/manufacturer names. Or was that just for watches? :think:
Title: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Nhoj on September 10, 2013, 09:10:29 PM
This PST has no markings on it except the Pat. number and a former owners initials. DaveK has a pic of one in post #149. Even the sheath does not have Leatherman on it.  Any one care to speculate on where these fit into the chronological order.     :think:     :)
That's the same as my minitool. :think: Except mine doesn't even have a patent number.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Monrogue on September 10, 2013, 10:18:01 PM
I'm hoping to have a PST to add later tonight :mail:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Monrogue on September 11, 2013, 05:12:42 AM
I got my PST today, and it looks to be in great condition, and I think it's an older one.  Here's the info:

Rivets or knurled screws? Knurled
•   Lanyard attachment? Yes
•   (Old) small diameter or (new) large diameter plier pivot?  Old small pivot
•   LEATHERMAN alone cast into plier pivot? Or with USA? Or TOOL? Leatherman USA
•   A hard wire cutter notch? No
•   Handles stamped with what? (see pictures in next post for examples) LEATHERMAN(r) TOOL  US REG TM 1325473  PORTLAND OR on front; nothing on the back
•   Inch ruler only, or inch/metric? inch/metric
•   Date codes?  None
•   Drop point knife blade or clip point?  Saber :D (I think)
•   Knife blade tang stamped LEATHERMAN alone? Or with USA? Or JAPAN? LEATHERMAN USA
•   Screwdrivers: pivot-in or pivot-out? pivot-in

Here are some pics.  Can anyone confirm if the blade is a Saber point for sure?

Left is my other PST, and right is this new one

(http://i1326.photobucket.com/albums/u649/khtibbetts/MTs-SAKs/IMG_20130910_225322_777_zps4c7926a2.jpg) (http://s1326.photobucket.com/user/khtibbetts/media/MTs-SAKs/IMG_20130910_225322_777_zps4c7926a2.jpg.html)
Saber blade?
(http://i1326.photobucket.com/albums/u649/khtibbetts/MTs-SAKs/IMG_20130910_225549_876_zpsa75b2a3d.jpg) (http://s1326.photobucket.com/user/khtibbetts/media/MTs-SAKs/IMG_20130910_225549_876_zpsa75b2a3d.jpg.html)
Pliers
(http://i1326.photobucket.com/albums/u649/khtibbetts/MTs-SAKs/IMG_20130910_230127_450_zps52ff69d1.jpg) (http://s1326.photobucket.com/user/khtibbetts/media/MTs-SAKs/IMG_20130910_230127_450_zps52ff69d1.jpg.html)
(http://i1326.photobucket.com/albums/u649/khtibbetts/MTs-SAKs/IMG_20130910_230035_172_zps8d64ef2a.jpg) (http://s1326.photobucket.com/user/khtibbetts/media/MTs-SAKs/IMG_20130910_230035_172_zps8d64ef2a.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Aloha on September 11, 2013, 04:47:44 PM
@Gareth
thank you I fancied up a bit for the picture  ::)
the PST I received was in near mint condition other than some wear marks on the plier which looks to be only from it being opened.  all others implements are unused as far as I can tell.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: David on September 11, 2013, 06:53:36 PM
Nice no date PST MR.      :tu:     :)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Monrogue on September 11, 2013, 10:28:09 PM
Nice no date PST MR.      :tu:     :)

Thanks:))

Sent from my XT901 using Tapatalk 2

Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: kirk13 on September 12, 2013, 12:53:23 AM
This PST has no markings on it except the Pat. number and a former owners initials. DaveK has a pic of one in post #149. Even the sheath does not have Leatherman on it.  Any one care to speculate on where these fit into the chronological order.     :think:     :)
That's the same as my minitool. :think: Except mine doesn't even have a patent number.

Sounds like my SS Mini
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: lowtech on September 13, 2013, 03:03:05 PM
I have received a PST which is obviously made in Japan (Riveted, blade tang says Japan).
Is this Tool worth more than a US made PST of teh same age and condition?

I am asking because i received it in a trade, and if it is worth more, I´d liek to compensate my trade-partner for that.

Thanks.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: gregozedobe on September 13, 2013, 06:17:30 PM
I have received a PST which is obviously made in Japan (Riveted, blade tang says Japan).
Is this Tool worth more than a US made PST of teh same age and condition?

I am asking because i received it in a trade, and if it is worth more, I´d liek to compensate my trade-partner for that.

Thanks.

I've paid a bit more ( +20 to 30% ) for my Japanese PSTs than for similar US made ones.  They seem less common.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: lowtech on September 13, 2013, 09:36:49 PM
Ok, so I´ll think of a little extra to send over. Thank you!
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: David on September 16, 2013, 10:59:38 PM
Go on, what are you thinking?  Employee special?  Pre production? :pok:  :)

This is just some random thoughts and I have no evidence to confirm any of this speculation. My thinking at the moment is this one and DaveK's may be some of the later Early Winters PST's. The first of the Early Winters Pst's had no markings and no USA on the plier head and Leatherman USA etched on  the knife blade. The later ones of these may be like the the one of DaveK and mine. The very early PST's went through a lot of rapid changes to fill orders. So maybe that is what we have here? What ever the truth may be it is an interesting peice of PST history    :think:    :shrug:    :)   
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: mr626 on November 12, 2013, 05:33:24 AM
I'll update this post with the textual info later on, but they say a picture tells a thousand words..
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Bibliojim on November 24, 2013, 05:02:34 PM
My PST flea find this morning. Very nice condition.
Rivets or knurled screws? Knurl
•   Lanyard attachment? Yes
•   (Old) small diameter or (new) large diameter plier pivot? Old/Small
•   LEATHERMAN alone cast into plier pivot? Or with USA? Or TOOL? w/USA
•   A hard wire cutter notch? No
•   Handles stamped with what? (see pictures in next post for examples) Leatherman Tool   US REG TM 1325473   Portland OR
•   Inch ruler only, or inch/metric? Inch/Metric
•   Date codes? NO
•   Drop point knife blade or clip point? (saber?) Drop Point
•   Knife blade tang stamped LEATHERMAN alone? Or with USA? Or JAPAN? w?USA
•   Screwdrivers: pivot-in or pivot-out? Pivot In


Disclosure: I have more MT's than for personal use. :)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: gregozedobe on December 13, 2013, 04:11:21 AM
This PST has no markings on it except the Pat. number and a former owners initials. DaveK has a pic of one in post #149. Even the sheath does not have Leatherman on it.  Any one care to speculate on where these fit into the chronological order.     :think:     :)

Interesting.  Dave seemed to think that the markings had possibly been ground off his, but with yours being the same that seems less likely. :think:

And now there are 3   :D 

I just won one of these on ebay after paying much more than I hoped to - damn those PST collectors with bulging wallets (probably someone from MTo too  >:(  )
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: David on December 13, 2013, 07:29:42 AM
Great score there Greg! Even has the old brown sheath with no markings.    8)      :tu:  I bid on it earlier but got out of my price range real quick. Glad it is going to a good home.    :)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: gregozedobe on December 13, 2013, 11:25:13 AM
Great score there Greg! Even has the old brown sheath with no markings.    8)      :tu:  I bid on it earlier but got out of my price range real quick. Glad it is going to a good home.    :)

Thanks.  I've asked the seller if she knows anything of the history of this tool and I'll pass it on if she has anything useful to say.

Yes, the PST sheaths had an evolution of their own -  I think the earlier ones I have go something like this (and I hope more knowledgeable people will correct any errors):

Brown Leather sheath - no markings at all, plain closure stud

Brown Leather sheath - "LEATHERMAN" no (R) for Registered Trademark,  plain closure stud (eg "US PAT 4238862" PSTs, some Japanese PSTs))

Brown Leather sheath - "LEATHERMAN(R)" , plain closure stud   (eg some Japanese PSTs)

Brown Leather sheath - "LEATHERMAN(R)" , "LEATHERMAN" on closure stud

Black Leather sheath - "LEATHERMAN(R)" , "LEATHERMAN" on closure stud

Black Nylon Sheath with red "LEATHERMAN (R)", "TOOL GROUP INC", "PORTLAND OREGON" and white tool logo, velcro closure.  This is on a NIB PST that appears to be a Japanese PST (except it doesn't have "JAPAN" stamped on the tang of the knife blade).  The box is marked (C) 1985

Green Camo Nylon sheath, no markings, velcro closure (on a BO CC PST dated 05/99/0799)


I advise caution in relying heavily on these examples, as most of these tools have been in circulation for many years, with plenty of opportunities for previous owners to mix sheaths and tools in any combination that suited them.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: bdAmmo on December 27, 2013, 10:32:16 PM
Thought this might be of some interest. It came from a Spring, 1985 Cabela's catalog.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: J-sews on December 28, 2013, 10:57:39 PM
Congrats on the logoless PST's David and Greg! :cheers: I'd forgotten about DaveK's, and have never seen one myself. Man, those things must be as rare as rocking horse poo! :o
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: detron on December 31, 2013, 05:04:27 PM
The PST I got from Sazabi


Rivets or knurled screws? Knurl
•   Lanyard attachment? Yes
•   (Old) small diameter or (new) large diameter plier pivot? Old/Small
•   LEATHERMAN alone cast into plier pivot? Or with USA? Or TOOL? w/USA
•   A hard wire cutter notch? No
•   Handles stamped with what? (see pictures in next post for examples) Leatherman Tool   US REG TM 1325473   Portland OR   Back side is blank
•   Inch ruler only, or inch/metric? Inch/Metric
•   Date codes? 0195 / 0295
•   Drop point knife blade or clip point? (saber?) Saber  I think.
•   Knife blade tang stamped LEATHERMAN alone? Or with USA? Or JAPAN? With USA
•   Screwdrivers: pivot-in or pivot-out? Pivot In

If I have any of this wrong, please let me know, and if anyone has any further info on where the plier head USA was milled away (way back in this thread) I am curious.

(http://i833.photobucket.com/albums/zz255/detronphillips/multitools/PST/20131231_090156.jpg) (http://s833.photobucket.com/user/detronphillips/media/multitools/PST/20131231_090156.jpg.html)

(http://i833.photobucket.com/albums/zz255/detronphillips/multitools/PST/20131231_090217.jpg) (http://s833.photobucket.com/user/detronphillips/media/multitools/PST/20131231_090217.jpg.html)

(http://i833.photobucket.com/albums/zz255/detronphillips/multitools/PST/20131231_090232.jpg) (http://s833.photobucket.com/user/detronphillips/media/multitools/PST/20131231_090232.jpg.html)

(http://i833.photobucket.com/albums/zz255/detronphillips/multitools/PST/20131231_090301.jpg) (http://s833.photobucket.com/user/detronphillips/media/multitools/PST/20131231_090301.jpg.html)

Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Monrogue on December 31, 2013, 06:44:30 PM
Hey Detron,
Yours sounds an awful lot like the one I got, shown below with all the info.  Your blade does look like mine.  I consider mine to be the Saber point blade as the info would indicate that this is the version with the saber point.  It hasn't been confirmed by anyone here, but I think it is.  Mine also has no dates on it.  Gotta love the incredible variations on the PST :tu:


I got my PST today, and it looks to be in great condition, and I think it's an older one.  Here's the info:

Rivets or knurled screws? Knurled
•   Lanyard attachment? Yes
•   (Old) small diameter or (new) large diameter plier pivot?  Old small pivot
•   LEATHERMAN alone cast into plier pivot? Or with USA? Or TOOL? Leatherman USA
•   A hard wire cutter notch? No
•   Handles stamped with what? (see pictures in next post for examples) LEATHERMAN(r) TOOL  US REG TM 1325473  PORTLAND OR on front; nothing on the back
•   Inch ruler only, or inch/metric? inch/metric
•   Date codes?  None
•   Drop point knife blade or clip point?  Saber :D (I think)
•   Knife blade tang stamped LEATHERMAN alone? Or with USA? Or JAPAN? LEATHERMAN USA
•   Screwdrivers: pivot-in or pivot-out? pivot-in

Here are some pics.  Can anyone confirm if the blade is a Saber point for sure?

Left is my other PST, and right is this new one

(http://i1326.photobucket.com/albums/u649/khtibbetts/MTs-SAKs/IMG_20130910_225322_777_zps4c7926a2.jpg) (http://s1326.photobucket.com/user/khtibbetts/media/MTs-SAKs/IMG_20130910_225322_777_zps4c7926a2.jpg.html)
Saber blade?
(http://i1326.photobucket.com/albums/u649/khtibbetts/MTs-SAKs/IMG_20130910_225549_876_zpsa75b2a3d.jpg) (http://s1326.photobucket.com/user/khtibbetts/media/MTs-SAKs/IMG_20130910_225549_876_zpsa75b2a3d.jpg.html)
Pliers
(http://i1326.photobucket.com/albums/u649/khtibbetts/MTs-SAKs/IMG_20130910_230127_450_zps52ff69d1.jpg) (http://s1326.photobucket.com/user/khtibbetts/media/MTs-SAKs/IMG_20130910_230127_450_zps52ff69d1.jpg.html)
(http://i1326.photobucket.com/albums/u649/khtibbetts/MTs-SAKs/IMG_20130910_230035_172_zps8d64ef2a.jpg) (http://s1326.photobucket.com/user/khtibbetts/media/MTs-SAKs/IMG_20130910_230035_172_zps8d64ef2a.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: detron on December 31, 2013, 06:48:53 PM
Hey Detron,
Yours sounds an awful lot like the one I got, shown below with all the info.  Your blade does look like mine.  I consider mine to be the Saber point blade as the info would indicate that this is the version with the saber point.  It hasn't been confirmed by anyone here, but I think it is.  Mine also has no dates on it.  Gotta love the incredible variations on the PST :tu:


I got my PST today, and it looks to be in great condition, and I think it's an older one.  Here's the info:

Rivets or knurled screws? Knurled
•   Lanyard attachment? Yes
•   (Old) small diameter or (new) large diameter plier pivot?  Old small pivot
•   LEATHERMAN alone cast into plier pivot? Or with USA? Or TOOL? Leatherman USA
•   A hard wire cutter notch? No
•   Handles stamped with what? (see pictures in next post for examples) LEATHERMAN(r) TOOL  US REG TM 1325473  PORTLAND OR on front; nothing on the back
•   Inch ruler only, or inch/metric? inch/metric
•   Date codes?  None
•   Drop point knife blade or clip point?  Saber :D (I think)
•   Knife blade tang stamped LEATHERMAN alone? Or with USA? Or JAPAN? LEATHERMAN USA
•   Screwdrivers: pivot-in or pivot-out? pivot-in

Here are some pics.  Can anyone confirm if the blade is a Saber point for sure?

Left is my other PST, and right is this new one

(http://i1326.photobucket.com/albums/u649/khtibbetts/MTs-SAKs/IMG_20130910_225322_777_zps4c7926a2.jpg) (http://s1326.photobucket.com/user/khtibbetts/media/MTs-SAKs/IMG_20130910_225322_777_zps4c7926a2.jpg.html)
Saber blade?
(http://i1326.photobucket.com/albums/u649/khtibbetts/MTs-SAKs/IMG_20130910_225549_876_zpsa75b2a3d.jpg) (http://s1326.photobucket.com/user/khtibbetts/media/MTs-SAKs/IMG_20130910_225549_876_zpsa75b2a3d.jpg.html)
Pliers
(http://i1326.photobucket.com/albums/u649/khtibbetts/MTs-SAKs/IMG_20130910_230127_450_zps52ff69d1.jpg) (http://s1326.photobucket.com/user/khtibbetts/media/MTs-SAKs/IMG_20130910_230127_450_zps52ff69d1.jpg.html)
(http://i1326.photobucket.com/albums/u649/khtibbetts/MTs-SAKs/IMG_20130910_230035_172_zps8d64ef2a.jpg) (http://s1326.photobucket.com/user/khtibbetts/media/MTs-SAKs/IMG_20130910_230035_172_zps8d64ef2a.jpg.html)

one of my date codes was so faint I almost missed it several times.  also, my date codes are under all the tools, not in the middle of the handle.

Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Monrogue on December 31, 2013, 07:12:22 PM
Oh really?  I'll have to check mine out again to make sure I just didn't miss some very faint date codes.  Cool PST you got there anyway :tu:  Is this your first PST?
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: detron on December 31, 2013, 07:14:31 PM
Oh really?  I'll have to check mine out again to make sure I just didn't miss some very faint date codes.  Cool PST you got there anyway :tu:  Is this your first PST?

Yes, it is my first ever.  in the mid to late 90's I had a few Gerbers here and there, but this is my first PST.  My first Leatherman was a Kick in 2008 or so. (Never used) and then I bought a Surge in the Summer.  the Surge did it for me, I was hooked.  (I still have that Kick, not a bad MT)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Monrogue on December 31, 2013, 07:27:30 PM
Oh really?  I'll have to check mine out again to make sure I just didn't miss some very faint date codes.  Cool PST you got there anyway :tu:  Is this your first PST?

Yes, it is my first ever.  in the mid to late 90's I had a few Gerbers here and there, but this is my first PST.  My first Leatherman was a Kick in 2008 or so. (Never used) and then I bought a Surge in the Summer.  the Surge did it for me, I was hooked.  (I still have that Kick, not a bad MT)

Ah...so do you like it?  I find them interesting, and there's just something about the classic, tools on the inside look that I like :D
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: detron on December 31, 2013, 07:30:30 PM
Oh really?  I'll have to check mine out again to make sure I just didn't miss some very faint date codes.  Cool PST you got there anyway :tu:  Is this your first PST?

Yes, it is my first ever.  in the mid to late 90's I had a few Gerbers here and there, but this is my first PST.  My first Leatherman was a Kick in 2008 or so. (Never used) and then I bought a Surge in the Summer.  the Surge did it for me, I was hooked.  (I still have that Kick, not a bad MT)

Ah...so do you like it?  I find them interesting, and there's just something about the classic, tools on the inside look that I like :D

I do like them.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Mango808 on January 02, 2014, 10:02:56 PM
Here is my 2nd PST info bought early 1996, as my first PST bought in 1993 was stolen. I actually lost this one once at Edson Range Camp Pendleton, CA in 2000 during the Crucible (one of many). Got it back 2 or 3 cycles later from a Field Hat who remembered seeing my last name on it.


Does your PST have:

•   Rivets or knurled screws? Knurled
•   Lanyard attachment?
•   (Old) small diameter or (new) large diameter plier pivot? Small
•   LEATHERMAN alone cast into plier pivot? Or with USA? Or TOOL? LEATHERMAN with USA
•   A hard wire cutter notch? No
•   Handles stamped with what? (see pictures in next post for examples) LEATHERMAN(R) TOOL  US REG TM 1325473  PORTLAND OR
•   Inch ruler only, or inch/metric? inch/metric
•   Date codes? 1195/1195
•   Drop point knife blade or clip point? (saber?) clip point
•   Knife blade tang stamped LEATHERMAN alone? Or with USA? Or JAPAN? LEATHERMAN with USA
•   Screwdrivers: pivot-in or pivot-out? pivot-in

Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: gregozedobe on February 23, 2014, 03:35:21 PM
Just won a rare PST on fleabay. 

From looking at the seller's single photo it is:
Japanese PST
with a (small) lanyard attachment,
no "Pocket Survival Tool" or "Portland OR",
in nice condition (well the handles look OK, it wasn't opened so I won't know about the components until I get it). 

According to the seller it has
hollow rivets :D  and
US PAT 4238862 :D,
with just "leatherman" stamped on the knife tang.

So maybe a version 4 but with hollow rivets from v3 ?
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: derekmac on February 23, 2014, 03:38:04 PM
Nice find! :tu:


Sent from my iPhone 5 using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: J-sews on February 23, 2014, 05:46:36 PM
Yes that does sound like an unusual combination. Congrats! :tu:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: David on February 23, 2014, 07:32:02 PM
Greg does it have large font LEATHERMAN on one handle?
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: gregozedobe on February 24, 2014, 12:54:27 AM
Greg does it have large font LEATHERMAN on one handle?

Yep, also "US PAT 4238862", "(R) tool" in smaller font (no "Portland OR"), while the other handle is blank (so no "Pocket Survival Tool", which is why I thought it might be a version 4 even though it has hollow rivets).

Have a look (you'll need to zoom in to see any details):

http://www.ebay.com/itm/351002155313
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: David on February 24, 2014, 01:24:15 AM
Okay I remember that one now. I have a couple of those if you'd like I can post some pics for you to study and :drool: over  while you wait.     :)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: David on February 25, 2014, 06:53:46 PM
Here ya go buddy. These could give you an idea of what you have coming. The only difference is the can opener. The one on the left in pic three has the older left hand cut. I consider these to be transitional models of the riveted PST.    :)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: David on March 03, 2014, 08:24:47 PM
This one arrived today    :mail:     :)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: enki_ck on March 03, 2014, 08:59:17 PM
Grandpa PST. :cheers:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: AHB on March 03, 2014, 09:00:22 PM
This one arrived today    :mail:     :)
If you ever stumble upon a spare, please let me know buddy..   ;) :)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Monrogue on March 03, 2014, 09:12:47 PM
Nice one David :tu:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: David on March 03, 2014, 09:18:00 PM
Thank you everyone! I've been after one of these oldies for a while. I pasted on one a couple years ago because it had a name engraved on it.and A dealer won it cheap and when he relisted it it sold for $300+ if I remember correctly. This seller had both pics of the back side. where you couldn't see the etched baled and blank handles except for the Pat#. His BIN price was high enough no one jumped on it. I'm not sure how I came across it as it was not listed as a PST, Tool, or Pocket Survival Tool. It was listed as a Leatherman utility knife. after asking some questions I bought it and hoped they were truthful. They were so now i finally have one.   :)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: gregozedobe on March 03, 2014, 11:12:30 PM
Thank you everyone! I've been after one of these oldies for a while. I pasted on one a couple years ago because it had a name engraved on it.and A dealer won it cheap and when he relisted it it sold for $300+ if I remember correctly. This seller had both pics of the back side. where you couldn't see the etched baled and blank handles except for the Pat#. His BIN price was high enough no one jumped on it. I'm not sure how I came across it as it was not listed as a PST, Tool, or Pocket Survival Tool. It was listed as a Leatherman utility knife. after asking some questions I bought it and hoped they were truthful. They were so now i finally have one.   :)

Congratulations !!!!  :drool:

Some of my best finds have been with listings with odd titles (that reduces the competition).  So these "white whales" are out there, you just have to keep looking (and hoping you find them first   :pok: ).  I'll keep looking ......
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Monrogue on March 13, 2014, 03:10:51 AM
Here's the info on my brand new BO PST:

Rivets or knurled screws? Knurled
•   Lanyard attachment? Yes
•   (Old) small diameter or (new) large diameter plier pivot? Small
•   LEATHERMAN alone cast into plier pivot? Or with USA? Or TOOL? LEATHERMAN with USA
•   A hard wire cutter notch? No
•   Handles stamped with what? (see pictures in next post for examples) LEATHERMAN(R) TOOL  US REG TM 1325473  PORTLAND OR
•   Inch ruler only, or inch/metric? inch/metric
•   Date codes? 0893/0993
•   Drop point knife blade or clip point? (saber?) Saber I think
•   Knife blade tang stamped LEATHERMAN alone? Or with USA? Or JAPAN? LEATHERMAN with USA
•   Screwdrivers: pivot-in or pivot-out? pivot-in
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: detron on March 13, 2014, 03:24:59 AM
Here's the info on my brand new BO PST:  (just like Monrogue's) 

Rivets or knurled screws? Knurled
•   Lanyard attachment? Yes
•   (Old) small diameter or (new) large diameter plier pivot? Small
•   LEATHERMAN alone cast into plier pivot? Or with USA? Or TOOL? LEATHERMAN with USA
•   A hard wire cutter notch? No
•   Handles stamped with what? (see pictures in next post for examples) LEATHERMAN(R) TOOL  US REG TM 1325473  PORTLAND OR
•   Inch ruler only, or inch/metric? inch/metric
•   Date codes? 0893/NONE
•   Drop point knife blade or clip point? (saber?) Saber I think
•   Knife blade tang stamped LEATHERMAN alone? Or with USA? Or JAPAN? LEATHERMAN with USA
•   Screwdrivers: pivot-in or pivot-out? pivot-in
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Monrogue on March 13, 2014, 03:39:46 AM
Detron, yours has a handle with no date code?
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: detron on March 13, 2014, 03:48:43 AM
Detron, yours has a handle with no date code?

yes,  I think it might have been faint and then the BO might have made it fainter or invisible
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Monrogue on March 13, 2014, 03:55:01 AM
Detron, yours has a handle with no date code?

yes,  I think it might have been faint and then the BO might have made it fainter or invisible

On mine the 0893 date code is more difficult to see than the 0993, but not like yours I'd say.  It's just as possible it's just not dated anyway.  So I'd say this seller's stash is likely made up of these older versions.  That was a pretty sweet deal then as far as I'm concerned :tu:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: David on March 13, 2014, 06:19:01 AM
Sounds like both of you got a  8)  BO PST.    :tu:    :)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Monrogue on March 13, 2014, 01:34:30 PM
Sounds like both of you got a  8)  BO PST.    :tu:    :)

Yup :D
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: detron on March 14, 2014, 01:04:38 AM


Rivets or knurled screws? Rivets
•   Lanyard attachment? Yes
•   (Old) small diameter or (new) large diameter plier pivot? Small
•   LEATHERMAN alone cast into plier pivot? Or with USA? Or TOOL? LEATHERMAN alone
•   A hard wire cutter notch? No
•   Handles stamped with what? (see pictures in next post for examples) LEATHERMAN(R) TOOL  US REG'D TM 1325473 Large LEATHERMAN
•   Inch ruler only, or inch/metric? inch Only
•   Date codes? NONE
•   Drop point knife blade or clip point? (saber?) Drop point
•   Knife blade tang stamped LEATHERMAN alone? Or with USA? Or JAPAN? LEATHERMAN alone
•   Screwdrivers: pivot-in or pivot-out? pivot-in
[/quote]

(http://i833.photobucket.com/albums/zz255/detronphillips/multitools/Japanese%20PST/20140313_182203.jpg) (http://s833.photobucket.com/user/detronphillips/media/multitools/Japanese%20PST/20140313_182203.jpg.html)

(http://i833.photobucket.com/albums/zz255/detronphillips/multitools/Japanese%20PST/20140313_182219.jpg) (http://s833.photobucket.com/user/detronphillips/media/multitools/Japanese%20PST/20140313_182219.jpg.html)

(http://i833.photobucket.com/albums/zz255/detronphillips/multitools/Japanese%20PST/20140313_182231.jpg) (http://s833.photobucket.com/user/detronphillips/media/multitools/Japanese%20PST/20140313_182231.jpg.html)

(http://i833.photobucket.com/albums/zz255/detronphillips/multitools/Japanese%20PST/20140313_182253.jpg) (http://s833.photobucket.com/user/detronphillips/media/multitools/Japanese%20PST/20140313_182253.jpg.html)

(http://i833.photobucket.com/albums/zz255/detronphillips/multitools/Japanese%20PST/20140313_182344.jpg) (http://s833.photobucket.com/user/detronphillips/media/multitools/Japanese%20PST/20140313_182344.jpg.html)

(http://i833.photobucket.com/albums/zz255/detronphillips/multitools/Japanese%20PST/20140313_182351.jpg) (http://s833.photobucket.com/user/detronphillips/media/multitools/Japanese%20PST/20140313_182351.jpg.html)

(http://i833.photobucket.com/albums/zz255/detronphillips/multitools/Japanese%20PST/20140313_182421.jpg) (http://s833.photobucket.com/user/detronphillips/media/multitools/Japanese%20PST/20140313_182421.jpg.html)

(http://i833.photobucket.com/albums/zz255/detronphillips/multitools/Japanese%20PST/20140313_182444.jpg) (http://s833.photobucket.com/user/detronphillips/media/multitools/Japanese%20PST/20140313_182444.jpg.html)

(http://i833.photobucket.com/albums/zz255/detronphillips/multitools/Japanese%20PST/20140313_182454.jpg) (http://s833.photobucket.com/user/detronphillips/media/multitools/Japanese%20PST/20140313_182454.jpg.html)

I do not think the file was ever used

(http://i833.photobucket.com/albums/zz255/detronphillips/multitools/Japanese%20PST/20140313_182533.jpg) (http://s833.photobucket.com/user/detronphillips/media/multitools/Japanese%20PST/20140313_182533.jpg.html)

(http://i833.photobucket.com/albums/zz255/detronphillips/multitools/Japanese%20PST/20140313_182553.jpg) (http://s833.photobucket.com/user/detronphillips/media/multitools/Japanese%20PST/20140313_182553.jpg.html)

(http://i833.photobucket.com/albums/zz255/detronphillips/multitools/Japanese%20PST/20140313_182714.jpg) (http://s833.photobucket.com/user/detronphillips/media/multitools/Japanese%20PST/20140313_182714.jpg.html)

Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Monrogue on March 14, 2014, 01:23:00 AM
Nice one Detron :tu:  I like the more jagged/square look to the various edges of the plier head.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: gregozedobe on April 14, 2014, 01:51:46 AM
I won an interesting (very) old PST today, it had the usual old style tools, with the only stamping on the handles being the minimalist  "USA PAT 4238862".

What makes this "4238862-only" PST different (to the other two very similar PSTs I have) is that this one has "Leatherman USA" stamped on only one side of the pliers (and on the opposite side to the 4238862 on the handles to boot)

Has anyone else seen this before ?  Or have I picked up a factory error or something ?

For the photo enthusiasts, have a look at

http://www.ebay.com/itm/371039909116 and click on "See original listing"



And if you want some quiet amusement, check out the bidding by j***t ( 165 )   ::)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Monrogue on April 14, 2014, 02:08:02 AM
That's definitely an interesting PST Greg :tu:  Not one I've seen before, but I'm no aficionado either...
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: hrvstmn31 on April 14, 2014, 05:31:35 AM
I won an interesting (very) old PST today, it had the usual old style tools, with the only stamping on the handles being the minimalist  "USA PAT 4238862".

What makes this "4238862-only" PST different (to the other two very similar PSTs I have) is that this one has "Leatherman USA" stamped on only one side of the pliers (and on the opposite side to the 4238862 on the handles to boot)

Has anyone else seen this before ?  Or have I picked up a factory error or something ?

For the photo enthusiasts, have a look at

http://www.ebay.com/itm/371039909116 and click on "See original listing"



And if you want some quiet amusement, check out the bidding by j***t ( 165 )   ::)
He really couldn't decide on a price could he? He obviously wanted it and you still won awesome! :tu:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: David on April 14, 2014, 06:48:35 AM
I won an interesting (very) old PST today, it had the usual old style tools, with the only stamping on the handles being the minimalist  "USA PAT 4238862".

What makes this "4238862-only" PST different (to the other two very similar PSTs I have) is that this one has "Leatherman USA" stamped on only one side of the pliers (and on the opposite side to the 4238862 on the handles to boot)

Has anyone else seen this before ?  Or have I picked up a factory error or something ?

For the photo enthusiasts, have a look at

http://www.ebay.com/itm/371039909116 and click on "See original listing"



And if you want some quiet amusement, check out the bidding by j***t ( 165 )   ::)


Nice score Greg! I was watching that one and would have made a run on it because of the plier head but had a bigger fish to fry. My guess is the plier head was a manufactoring error. They were so behind in orders in those days it proably got run any way. If the seller had of listed it better it would have gone much higher. I git a good laugh out of people who bid like J***t(165).
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: gregozedobe on April 14, 2014, 10:13:03 AM
And if you want some quiet amusement, check out the bidding by j***t ( 165 )   ::)
He really couldn't decide on a price could he? He obviously wanted it and you still won awesome! :tu:
S/He was a looong way off winning when they gave up :D
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: gregozedobe on April 14, 2014, 10:17:39 AM
Nice score Greg! I was watching that one and would have made a run on it because of the plier head but had a bigger fish to fry. My guess is the plier head was a manufactoring error. They were so behind in orders in those days it proably got run any way. If the seller had of listed it better it would have gone much higher. I git a good laugh out of people who bid like J***t(165).
Thanks David. The mis-listings are the ones that often go cheaper than they would if they were listed with more relevant info in the title (and I'm perfectly happy with that state of affairs as it reduces the competition and therefore the price I end up paying if I win).

Would the "bigger fish" have been somewhat aged and in a Cabela's leather sheath by any chance ?   :pok:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: David on April 14, 2014, 05:52:15 PM
Nice score Greg! I was watching that one and would have made a run on it because of the plier head but had a bigger fish to fry. My guess is the plier head was a manufactoring error. They were so behind in orders in those days it proably got run any way. If the seller had of listed it better it would have gone much higher. I git a good laugh out of people who bid like J***t(165).
Thanks David. The mis-listings are the ones that often go cheaper than they would if they were listed with more relevant info in the title (and I'm perfectly happy with that state of affairs as it reduces the competition and therefore the price I end up paying if I win).

Would the "bigger fish" have been somewhat aged and in a Cabela's leather sheath by any chance ?   :pok:



Most likely.    :D  It was not list good either. Otherwise I proably would not have won it. Still paid a hefty price. If the PST had of been listed right it would have brought much more. Like you I'm always quite happy with miss listed tools.   :D
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Monrogue on April 15, 2014, 04:47:05 AM
Here is my latest PST, thanks to the generosity of a fellow member and friend :salute:

•   Rivets or knurled screws? Knurled
•   Lanyard attachment?  Yes
•   (Old) small diameter or (new) large diameter plier pivot? Small
•   LEATHERMAN alone cast into plier pivot? Or with USA? Or TOOL? LEATHERMAN with USA
•   A hard wire cutter notch? Yes
•   Handles stamped with what? (see pictures in next post for examples) LEATHERMAN(R) TOOL  PORTLAND OR
•   Inch ruler only, or inch/metric? inch/metric
•   Date codes? 0999/1199
•   Drop point knife blade or clip point? (saber?) Not sure, but the normal type one, not the saber blade
•   Knife blade tang stamped LEATHERMAN alone? Or with USA? Or JAPAN? LEATHERMAN with USA
•   Screwdrivers: pivot-in or pivot-out? pivot-out


(http://i1326.photobucket.com/albums/u649/khtibbetts/MTs-SAKs/IMG_20140414_152531_535_zps21253a2c.jpg) (http://s1326.photobucket.com/user/khtibbetts/media/MTs-SAKs/IMG_20140414_152531_535_zps21253a2c.jpg.html)
(http://i1326.photobucket.com/albums/u649/khtibbetts/MTs-SAKs/IMG_20140414_152722_102_zps0549a3fc.jpg) (http://s1326.photobucket.com/user/khtibbetts/media/MTs-SAKs/IMG_20140414_152722_102_zps0549a3fc.jpg.html)
(http://i1326.photobucket.com/albums/u649/khtibbetts/MTs-SAKs/IMG_20140414_152806_628_zpsed20f2e1.jpg) (http://s1326.photobucket.com/user/khtibbetts/media/MTs-SAKs/IMG_20140414_152806_628_zpsed20f2e1.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: David on April 15, 2014, 06:27:14 AM
Good looking PST MR!     :)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Monrogue on April 15, 2014, 06:50:01 AM
Good looking PST MR!     :)

Thanks David :salute:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: gregozedobe on April 30, 2014, 04:22:12 PM
Just won an oldie on the bay of thieves:

US Pat 4 238 862

"Leatherman Tool" no (R)  "Portland OR"

Drop point blade

Left hand can opener

"Leatherman" only on pliers (no "USA" but I'm pretty sure it isn't Japanese)

"Cabela's" on sheath and stamped (not etched) on handle



and ....






wait for it .....








HOLLOW KNURLED SCREWS  !!!!!!!     :ahhh  :ahhh  :ahhh  :ahhh 
(I've been looking for one of these for what seems like forever)

I'm more than a little excited and anticipatory, and I can't wait to get my hands on this one (but I'll have to - Matt will see it well before I do)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Breezy12 on April 30, 2014, 08:07:22 PM
I'm more than a little excited and anticipatory, and I can't wait to get my hands on this one (but I'll have to - Matt will see it well before I do)

if Greg asks nicely, I can probably be persuaded to post some pics of this one when it arrives. :D
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: gregozedobe on May 01, 2014, 01:16:17 AM
I'm more than a little excited and anticipatory, and I can't wait to get my hands on this one (but I'll have to - Matt will see it well before I do)

if Greg asks nicely, I can probably be persuaded to post some pics of this one when it arrives. :D

Pretty, pretty, pretty,  please  ?  (was that nice enough ?)  :rofl:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: David on May 01, 2014, 06:55:59 AM
Good score Greg. I expected to see more action on that one. I'm sure your happy most the big dogs were napping.    :D     It would be nice to see some good pics of it as the auction pics were awful.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: gregozedobe on May 01, 2014, 08:48:11 AM
Good score Greg. I expected to see more action on that one. I'm sure your happy most the big dogs were napping.    :D     It would be nice to see some good pics of it as the auction pics were awful.
Thanks David, I was hoping not too many big bidders would notice it, but if necessary I was prepared to pay over double what it ended up going for.  Mind you, I did invoke my "ebay buyers cartel" agreement with one of my usual competitors (thereby saving me $60  :tu:  ).

I'm hoping the "big dogs" are still snoozing for the next one I'd really like to win, but we'll see what happens when it ends  ;) 
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Breezy12 on May 01, 2014, 09:50:21 AM
I'm more than a little excited and anticipatory, and I can't wait to get my hands on this one (but I'll have to - Matt will see it well before I do)

if Greg asks nicely, I can probably be persuaded to post some pics of this one when it arrives. :D

Pretty, pretty, pretty,  please  ?  (was that nice enough ?)  :rofl:

I suppose that will suffice. :D :rofl: :cheers:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Breezy12 on May 01, 2014, 11:20:11 PM
ask, and ye shall receive...

(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5536/13897429839_942f4e775d_h.jpg)

(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5508/14084534214_958f4a80d1_h.jpg)

(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7037/13897451820_08888123c7_h.jpg)

(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7302/14084529334_66c6acb1c1_h.jpg)

(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2935/14084036755_e1ad553f7a_h.jpg)

(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5238/14104113923_ca60746e40_h.jpg)

(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7193/14084534074_ec6b15c149_h.jpg)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: gregozedobe on May 02, 2014, 02:06:19 AM
ask, and ye shall receive...
Thanks Matt, that should keep all the "must-have-pics" people happy (and keep me going for a while too  :D  )
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Monrogue on May 02, 2014, 04:09:38 AM
Very cool PST fellas :tu:  Enjoy it Greg :)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: gregozedobe on May 05, 2014, 01:34:28 PM
Just won an oldie on the bay of thieves:

US Pat 4 238 862
"Leatherman Tool" no (R)  "Portland OR"
Drop point blade
Left hand can opener
"Leatherman" only on pliers (no "USA" but I'm pretty sure it isn't Japanese)
"Cabela's" on sheath and stamped (not etched) on handle
HOLLOW KNURLED SCREWS  !!!!!!!     :ahhh  :ahhh  :ahhh  :ahhh 
(I've been looking for one of these for what seems like forever)

I'm more than a little excited and anticipatory, and I can't wait to get my hands on this one (but I'll have to - Matt will see it well before I do)
I'm obviously on a roll, I've just won another interesting old (and rare) PST on the bay of thieves:

"US Pat 4 238 862", "Leatherman Tool" no (R),  "Portland OR" on one handle
"Pocket Survival Tool" on the other handle
Drop point blade with "Leatherman, USA" laser(?) etched on the main blade
Left hand can opener
"Leatherman" only on pliers (no "USA" but I'm pretty sure it isn't Japanese)

and ....

HOLLOW KNURLED SCREWS  !!!!!!!     
(yes that's right, a second one with hollow knurled screws !  I guess I'm now officially allowed to hang out with the other "cool kids" with their hollow knurled screws PSTs  :pok:   :rofl:  )

For those with a compulsion to sight photos:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/121329285657 (click on "see original listing" to see all the photos)


They say good things come in threes, I can't wait to see what the 3rd PST is  ;)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Voodoo7818 on May 16, 2014, 08:23:46 PM
Hi everyone, I'm new to the forum and the Leatherman MT collector's circle.  I just obtained my first leatherman PST yesterday and I can't wait to receive it in the mail.  Bought it from good ole' Ebay.  Though I cannot say I have yet reached "Hallowed Ground" of obtaining and owning the original PST with the "Personal Survival Tool" stamped on the handle, my 1st PST is a LARGE Lettered LEATHERMAN Japanese model - US REG'D TM 1325473.  It's a beauty indeed!

Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Voodoo7818 on May 16, 2014, 08:30:43 PM
I do have a quick question......which PST would be harder to come by

(a) Black Oxide PST / dated stamped / ruler in inches/cm

(b) PST /ruler in inches only / no date stamp / No TM #s / No TM symbol after Letterman.

Thanks for your help on this.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Monrogue on May 16, 2014, 09:19:47 PM
I do have a quick question......which PST would be harder to come by

(a) Black Oxide PST / dated stamped / ruler in inches/cm

(b) PST /ruler in inches only / no date stamp / No TM #s / No TM symbol after Letterman.

Thanks for your help on this.

Hi, and welcome to the forum Voodoo :cheers:  I would say the BO PST would be easiest to find, and here is a link to several still available.  This is where I got mine, and I believe it fits the criteria you mentioned.  http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,50863.0.html
Actually, that is a link to the thread I created for it, but the link is right there :)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Philby on May 16, 2014, 09:51:39 PM
I think you need to get whatever you can find :pok: happy hunting :salute:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: gregozedobe on May 17, 2014, 01:57:42 AM
I do have a quick question......which PST would be harder to come by

(a) Black Oxide PST / dated stamped / ruler in inches/cm

(b) PST /ruler in inches only / no date stamp / No TM #s / No TM symbol after Letterman.

Thanks for your help on this.

Welcome to the best forum for MT enthusiasts  :cheers:  And you are off to a good start with a JPST (Japanese PST) :tu:

I believe (b) are quite a bit harder to find than the BO PSTs, but the BO PSTs often sell for higher prices; possibly because the "Leatherman Tool" without the "(R)" symbol PSTs aren't very obvious until you look closely.  They are also quite a bit older ( with the old, "soft" style knife blade, inches only ruler, left hand can opener) compared with all the more recent BO PSTs I've seen.

If you are intending to bid on this one please let me know and I won't raise my bid (I have a couple already and I'm happy to see it go to someone who will appreciate it, plus there's no sense paying more than you need to when the highest bidder will win it regardless):
http://www.ebay.com/itm/390841218442
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Philby on May 17, 2014, 11:39:23 AM
this is the best topic on the best forum :salute:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: gregozedobe on May 23, 2014, 03:10:29 AM
They say good things come in threes, I can't wait to see what the 3rd PST is ;)

And now I know  :D

I just bought an old JPST with US PAT 4238862, "Japan, Leatherman" on the knife tang, and a LARGE lanyard ring  :D :D :D :D :D :D
(the PST experts will all know what a find this one is)

All requests for photos should go to Matt (but give it a few days to arrive before you start pestering him).

I have flushed out quite a few nice old 4238862 PSTs recently from their various hiding places, but this one may the rarest.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Aloha on May 23, 2014, 04:04:33 AM
 :2tu: Well done.  I cannot wait to see the likes of that amazing JPST. 
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Monrogue on May 23, 2014, 06:01:16 AM
:2tu: Well done.  I cannot wait to see the likes of that amazing JPST.

+1 to that.  You've had some great PST scores lately Greg :tu:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: gregozedobe on May 23, 2014, 06:07:51 AM
Thanks Guys, the interesting ones seem to come in runs, and lately has been a particularly good run (but bad for my PayPal account  ;) ).
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: gregozedobe on May 26, 2014, 05:00:40 PM
:2tu: Well done.  I cannot wait to see the likes of that amazing JPST.

It looks a lot like David's:

http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,32257.msg539231.html#msg539231
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: airlock on July 04, 2014, 06:50:08 AM
ebay find 2 days left http://www.ebay.com/itm/Leatherman-PST-w-Pocket-Survival-Tool-Handle-Stamp-A-Nice-Tool-/141334105365?&autorefresh=true
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: gregozedobe on July 09, 2014, 12:39:21 PM
Does anyone know what the handle markings were on the original 1983 Early Winters (catalogue) PSTs ? 

I mean the actual production ones that were sold, not the pre-production prototypes used for the photos in the catalogues (I believe the pre-production versions were different in several ways) .  I've seen photos of the Cabela's catalogue production version from back then, but can't recall ever seeing anything on the Early Winters version.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: N_N_R on July 16, 2014, 10:17:34 AM
Ok, so that's what I got from Aloha  :drool: A tool I'd only seen in videos, because it was discontinued far before I actually got into MTs. I'm in love :D It's so slim, smooth and... harmonic in comparison to today's modern "curvy" tools. It reminds me a lot of the Micra, just it's its bigger bro :D So, I wasn't sure what exactly people need in this topic, so I just decided to post some pictures and share my excitement :D

(http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg95/nikoleta_rangelova/160720141410_zpsb1bef549.jpg)
(http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg95/nikoleta_rangelova/160720141409_zps4b53a0f3.jpg)
(http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg95/nikoleta_rangelova/160720141397_zps71199eac.jpg)
(http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg95/nikoleta_rangelova/160720141404_zps785d687f.jpg)
(http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg95/nikoleta_rangelova/160720141407_zpsda41ec7b.jpg)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Monrogue on July 16, 2014, 02:27:48 PM
Nice PST NNR, and very generous of Aloha to send it to you :tu:  There's something about the PST that is special, and it really is a good little tool that is easy to carry.  Hope you enjoy it :)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Philby on July 16, 2014, 02:32:33 PM
Welcome to the club! :salute: No shortage of P.S.T lovers here.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: ducttapetech on July 16, 2014, 04:51:02 PM
Nice PST NNR. You are one step closer to getting a Surge.

That's us mobile.

Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Cupboard on August 17, 2014, 06:19:07 PM
Did any PSTs have the larger small flat driver that the Sideclip has?
IMO it's a really nice size, the normal PST small one being a bit too small.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: detron on August 17, 2014, 06:30:55 PM
Ok, so that's what I got from Aloha  :drool: A tool I'd only seen in videos, because it was discontinued far before I actually got into MTs. I'm in love :D It's so slim, smooth and... harmonic in comparison to today's modern "curvy" tools. It reminds me a lot of the Micra, just it's its bigger bro :D So, I wasn't sure what exactly people need in this topic, so I just decided to post some pictures and share my excitement :D


very nice,  and yes, Aloha is a very generous member, and has brightened up many peoples lives (mine included)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Mercury on August 17, 2014, 06:52:33 PM
Did any PSTs have the larger small flat driver that the Sideclip has?
IMO it's a really nice size, the normal PST small one being a bit too small.

I'm not aware of that driver being on anything other than the sideclip.  I could be wrong though.  I personally love the small flat driver on the PST, it's usually one of the things that makes me pick the PST for carry .
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: bdAmmo on August 17, 2014, 07:56:36 PM
Did any PSTs have the larger small flat driver that the Sideclip has?
IMO it's a really nice size, the normal PST small one being a bit too small.

If you're talking about the flat driver by the can opener on the Sideclip, then no.

I agree, the small flat driver on the Sideclip is a pretty useful size.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Philby on August 17, 2014, 09:41:25 PM
Is it the same small driver on the OG wave? I'll check latter.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: gregozedobe on August 25, 2014, 07:04:22 AM
This week I've had a (small) invasion by LM's "hollow men" (but I don't mind)  :D

#701 USA PST v2 hollow knurled screws
#706 JPST v3 hollow rivets
#705 JPST v4 hollow rivets ( & "large" lanyard, 4238862, knife tang: "Japan, Leatherman" )
#697 JPST v5 hollow rivets

It will be some time before I actually get to handle these, but I'm looking forward to the arrival down-under of the invasion force  :)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: SteveC on December 30, 2014, 08:35:20 PM
PST date stamp 11/94 on one handle and 12/94 on the other. I've had this one since I bought it new in 1995.

(http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k115/asc67/Multi%20tools%20and%20Knifes/IMG_4277_zps52cd44ac.jpg)
(http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k115/asc67/Multi%20tools%20and%20Knifes/IMG_4278_zpsb37c4a2d.jpg)
(http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k115/asc67/Multi%20tools%20and%20Knifes/IMG_4279_zps9349ef95.jpg)



PST date stamp 07/94 . I got this one recently from E-bay.

(http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k115/asc67/Multi%20tools%20and%20Knifes/IMG_4117_zps6ce7413c.jpg)
(http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k115/asc67/Multi%20tools%20and%20Knifes/IMG_4124_zpsc8c8a83f.jpg)
(http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k115/asc67/Multi%20tools%20and%20Knifes/IMG_4126_zps124fe886.jpg)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: David on December 30, 2014, 08:40:30 PM
Nice PST Steve.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: SteveC on December 30, 2014, 10:36:56 PM
Nice PST Steve.

Thanks !
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: gregozedobe on December 31, 2014, 01:08:10 AM
A couple of golden oldies  :tu:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Monrogue on December 31, 2014, 02:08:02 AM
Cool PSTs Steve :tu:

Also, congrats to Greg for 2K posts :cheers:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: SteveC on December 31, 2014, 02:41:35 PM
Cool PSTs Steve :tu:

Also, congrats to Greg for 2K posts :cheers:
 

 :2tu:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: gregozedobe on December 31, 2014, 04:14:34 PM
Also, congrats to Greg for 2K posts :cheers:

Thanks Guys  :-[

While I'm here I might as well tell you about my latest odd-ball PST ( I do like the unusual ones  :D )

This looks just like a regular v7 PST except for the pliers, which only have "Leatherman" on them (no "USA" like you'd expect). 

They look like the standard rounded USA made pliers (ie not Japanese pliers), and the whole tool looks totally unused and unmarked, so I don't think it is a parts bin special or repair job.  The casting for the word "Leatherman" is different (slightly smaller font) to that on my really early PSTs (the other USA PSTs that I have that don't have "USA" on the pliers), and they have been ground slightly rounder on the outside of the jaws.

All in all it is a bit of a puzzle to me. Anyone else have one or seen one like this ?
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: David on January 01, 2015, 04:23:53 AM
Posts 389, 405 and 465 of this thread.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: gregozedobe on January 01, 2015, 03:06:28 PM
Posts 389, 405 and 465 of this thread.
Yes that looks like it (and I'm very impressed that you both knew of them AND exactly where to look  :tu: )

Would you agree that the pliers are a bit different to the "Leatherman" only pliers on the really early PSTs ?  I wonder why they later made (an obviously small number of) pliers without the "USA" on them.

It is almost like Leatherman were anticipating the kerfuffle they had years later about putting "USA" on pliers that weren't 100% made in the USA (when they had to grind out the "USA" on a whole lot of made but unsold MTs after they lost a court case).
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: David on January 01, 2015, 07:14:35 PM
I'll have to go dig mine out and look at it and compare it to some others. I always figured Leatherman was just using up old parts.    :)  Leatherman might have had different vendors supplying them and machines wear so there can be small differences very easily.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: David on January 04, 2015, 12:40:35 AM
These four PSTs left to right:

1 blank handles except for US Pat #, no USA plier head, etched knife blade
2 POCKET SURVIVAL TOOL, no USA plier head, etched knife blade
3 late 80's PST, no USA plier head
4 POCKET SURVIVAL TOOL, US Pat #, USA plier head

The plier head stampings on 1 and 2 are different than 3 and 4. There was a change of tooling or vendors. It seems to me there was a transition from one to the other. Plier heads 1 and 2 are more blocky than the rounder 3 and 4. I'm still of the opinion that Leatherman was using up old plier heads on PST #3. There you have it. Let the discussion begin.    :D
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: bdAmmo on January 05, 2015, 02:37:58 AM
These four PSTs left to right:

1 blank handles except for US Pat #, no USA plier head, etched knife blade
2 POCKET SURVIVAL TOOL, no USA plier head, etched knife blade
3 late 80's PST, no USA plier head
4 POCKET SURVIVAL TOOL, US Pat #, USA plier head

The plier head stampings on 1 and 2 are different than 3 and 4. There was a change of tooling or vendors. It seems to me there was a transition from one to the other. Plier heads 1 and 2 are more blocky than the rounder 3 and 4. I'm still of the opinion that Leatherman was using up old plier heads on PST #3. There you have it. Let the discussion begin.    :D

That's my guess as well. The different vendors (mentioned here... http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,6065.new.html#new) would explain the slight differences in the font.

When they received a box of plier heads in, they probably just dumped them in a big bin and grabed the ones on top to assemble the tools. Maybe a few of the older plier heads remained in the bin when it was nearly empty and they dumped in a new batch to fill it up. A couple years later when they finally got to the bottom of the bin, there lies the old plier heads. Just a theory  :D.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: bdAmmo on January 05, 2015, 02:47:30 AM
Has anyone ever seen a PST marked POCKET SURVIVAL TOOL with a lanyard ring?

How about black oxide... does anybody know when Leatherman started making BO PSTs?

Just curious :whistle:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: David on January 05, 2015, 06:05:15 AM
Has anyone ever seen a PST marked POCKET SURVIVAL TOOL with a lanyard ring?

How about black oxide... does anybody know when Leatherman started making BO PSTs?
Just curious :whistle:

In the late 80's from what I've seen. I have several no date BO PST's. Never seen or heard of one before then. While we are on the no date late 80's PST one way to date them a little is that the ones with the single cut file to the outside are older than the ones with the double cut to the outside.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: gregozedobe on January 05, 2015, 06:19:14 AM
Has anyone ever seen a PST marked POCKET SURVIVAL TOOL with a lanyard ring?
Well I've got one, but I'm a bit suspicious of my particular PST (#644) because it has a saber-clip point blade which I understood weren't made until later. 

The screws on the component end of the handles show definite signs of being opened using pliers or similar (the knurling is slightly "chewed").

However the screws on the plier & lanyard end show no signs of ever having been opened (but that doesn't mean they weren't).

This tool has "LEATHERMAN TOOL" with no (R)  and also "US PAT 4138862" and "PORTLAND OR" stamped on the bottom handle.

How about black oxide... does anybody know when Leatherman started making BO PSTs?

Just curious :whistle:

Hmm, I'm guessing you are referring to that rarity you just won on the bay of fleas  :pok: 

Extra good find  :tu:  :tu:  :tu:  :salute:  :salute:  :salute:

I've never seen such an early PST with a BO finish.  My guess it is either a prototype/pre-production tool made by Leatherman, or else it is an after-market BO treatment.  It may be worth asking CJ Goodrich if he knows anything about it ?
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: bdAmmo on January 07, 2015, 03:43:09 AM
Has anyone ever seen a PST marked POCKET SURVIVAL TOOL with a lanyard ring?

How about black oxide... does anybody know when Leatherman started making BO PSTs?
Just curious :whistle:

In the late 80's from what I've seen. I have several no date BO PST's. Never seen or heard of one before then. While we are on the no date late 80's PST one way to date them a little is that the ones with the single cut file to the outside are older than the ones with the double cut to the outside.

Good to know, thanks David :salute:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: bdAmmo on January 07, 2015, 03:54:47 AM
Has anyone ever seen a PST marked POCKET SURVIVAL TOOL with a lanyard ring?
Well I've got one, but I'm a bit suspicious of my particular PST (#644) because it has a saber-clip point blade which I understood weren't made until later. 

The screws on the component end of the handles show definite signs of being opened using pliers or similar (the knurling is slightly "chewed").

However the screws on the plier & lanyard end show no signs of ever having been opened (but that doesn't mean they weren't).

This tool has "LEATHERMAN TOOL" with no (R)  and also "US PAT 4138862" and "PORTLAND OR" stamped on the bottom handle.

How about black oxide... does anybody know when Leatherman started making BO PSTs?

Just curious :whistle:

Hmm, I'm guessing you are referring to that rarity you just won on the bay of fleas  :pok: 

Extra good find  :tu:  :tu:  :tu:  :salute:  :salute:  :salute:

I've never seen such an early PST with a BO finish.  My guess it is either a prototype/pre-production tool made by Leatherman, or else it is an after-market BO treatment.  It may be worth asking CJ Goodrich if he knows anything about it ?

Thanks again Greg :salute: 

The PST you mentioned does sound a bit pieced together unfortunately.

I'm hoping the one I have on the way doesn't give me the same impressions. It does have all the correct parts (blade, old style can opener, milled awl) but that lanyard ring has me suspicious.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: bdAmmo on January 12, 2015, 07:09:38 AM
The details on my latest:

Rivets or knurled screws? Thick knurled screws
•   Lanyard attachment? Yes
•   (Old) small diameter or (new) large diameter plier pivot? Small
•   LEATHERMAN alone cast into plier pivot? Or with USA? Or TOOL? LEATHERMAN USA
•   A hard wire cutter notch? No
•   Handles stamped with what? "Upper" LEATHERMAN TOOL PORTLAND OR "Lower" POCKET SURVIVAL TOOL
•   Inch ruler only, or inch/metric? Inch only
•   Date codes? No
•   Drop point knife blade or clip point? (saber?) Old drop point
•   Knife blade tang stamped LEATHERMAN alone? Or with USA? Or JAPAN? LEATHERMAN USA
•   Screwdrivers: pivot-in or pivot-out? Pivot in


Oh, I almost forgot to mention.... it's a black oxide PST :D
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: David on January 15, 2015, 08:08:22 AM
Nice score there Pat! Hope you post a pic some day. i saw the auction pic but you take better pics.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: NKlamerus on January 18, 2015, 06:22:18 PM
Sorry for le Interruptiones. Regular thread will be back on schedule shortly.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: AHB on January 18, 2015, 06:25:22 PM
I've got 2 on the way here. One looks like it's been swapped head wise?

 Here are some photos that he sent me. This is all I have until they get here.
Looks like you got two Super Tools on the Way, not PST's buddy..  :)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: NKlamerus on January 18, 2015, 06:25:47 PM
I've got 2 on the way here. One looks like it's been swapped head wise?

 Here are some photos that he sent me. This is all I have until they get here.
Looks like you got two Super Tools on the Way, not PST's buddy..  :)
Ah jesh. Wrong thread. My b!!
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: bdAmmo on January 19, 2015, 12:15:23 AM
Nice score there Pat! Hope you post a pic some day. i saw the auction pic but you take better pics.

I finally got around to taking a few pictures.

(http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/ae191/bdAmmo/imagejpg5_zps25458c7a.jpg) (http://s971.photobucket.com/user/bdAmmo/media/imagejpg5_zps25458c7a.jpg.html)

(http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/ae191/bdAmmo/imagejpg3_zps7b827ff6.jpg) (http://s971.photobucket.com/user/bdAmmo/media/imagejpg3_zps7b827ff6.jpg.html)

(http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/ae191/bdAmmo/imagejpg1_zpsab831d0d.jpg) (http://s971.photobucket.com/user/bdAmmo/media/imagejpg1_zpsab831d0d.jpg.html)

(http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/ae191/bdAmmo/imagejpg2_zps48c90467.jpg) (http://s971.photobucket.com/user/bdAmmo/media/imagejpg2_zps48c90467.jpg.html)

(http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/ae191/bdAmmo/imagejpg4_zps16a992b0.jpg) (http://s971.photobucket.com/user/bdAmmo/media/imagejpg4_zps16a992b0.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Monrogue on January 19, 2015, 02:24:45 AM
Sweet pics Pat.  The BO PSTs look nice :)

Sent from my XT901 using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: David on January 19, 2015, 04:20:15 AM
Good pics Pat of an interesting PST. That is the earliest BO PST I've seen. The lanyard attachment has me   :think:    If they were working on a tool for a military contract the lanyard may have been one of the military requirements? Any way great score on that one.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: gregozedobe on January 19, 2015, 04:34:12 AM
Good pics Pat of an interesting PST. That is the earliest BO PST I've seen. The lanyard attachment has me   :think:    If they were working on a tool for a military contract the lanyard may have been one of the military requirements? Any way great score on that one.
Definitely an interesting old PST.  The top handle looks like a v6 : no (R) stamp, no US PAT 4238862, with lanyard attachment, but the bottom handle looks like a v2 with its "POCKET SURVIVAL TOOL" stamp.  :think:  :tu:
Title: JPST v4 with unusual can opener
Post by: gregozedobe on January 21, 2015, 09:48:40 AM
This (recently sold on eBay) JPST v4 has a very unusual can opener:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/271737316090

Click on "See original listing" and look at the last two photos in the series to see detail.

I've never seen a PST can opener with a profile like this one, has anyone else ?


I wonder if the winning bidder is a member of MTo ?  If not they should be, they have won quite a few nice collectible MTs recently  :tu:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: David on January 21, 2015, 07:43:14 PM
Saw it and bid on it early. No can opener is worth that kind of money to me. Looks like a Monday morning grind to me. I have that PST with left and right hand ground can openers.   :)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: loki-mobile on January 22, 2015, 09:36:17 AM
Also, congrats to Greg for 2K posts :cheers:

Thanks Guys  :-[

While I'm here I might as well tell you about my latest odd-ball PST ( I do like the unusual ones  :D )

This looks just like a regular v7 PST except for the pliers, which only have "Leatherman" on them (no "USA" like you'd expect). 

They look like the standard rounded USA made pliers (ie not Japanese pliers), and the whole tool looks totally unused and unmarked, so I don't think it is a parts bin special or repair job.  The casting for the word "Leatherman" is different (slightly smaller font) to that on my really early PSTs (the other USA PSTs that I have that don't have "USA" on the pliers), and they have been ground slightly rounder on the outside of the jaws.

All in all it is a bit of a puzzle to me. Anyone else have one or seen one like this ?

I would like to see some photos of the PST.
PS I have such PST with pliers old model (until 2001) with a stamp "Leatherman Tool"
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: magpie215 on February 18, 2015, 08:52:13 PM

•   Rivets or knurled screws?knurled
•   Lanyard attachment?yes
•   (Old) small diameter or (new) large diameter plier pivot? Old
•   LEATHERMAN alone cast into plier pivot? Or with USA? Or TOOL?leatherman usa
•   A hard wire cutter notch?yes
•   Handles stamped with what? Leatherman tool Portland or
•   Inch ruler only, or inch/metric? Inch/metric
•   Date codes?0897
•   Drop point knife blade or clip point? (saber?)drop
•   Knife blade tang stamped LEATHERMAN alone? Or with USA? Or JAPAN?leatherman usa
•   Screwdrivers: pivot-in or pivot-out? Not sure??????  How do I tell?
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: rishardh on June 12, 2015, 12:24:12 PM

Thank you J-Sews and everyone who contributed to this thread. This is a great source of information because there are so many variations of the PST. I was able to identify my early-mid 80s PST and also confirm accuracy of the ones listed on evil-bay.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: wowaboro on September 13, 2015, 06:42:40 PM
Have someone CC and BO CC PST's (or at least their photos) which has been produced during period 0202 - 1004?
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: srjamieson on October 28, 2015, 04:57:56 AM
Thanks for all the hard work on the chronology,
Here is my Leatherman group photo so far
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: trfkcop on November 02, 2015, 12:03:35 AM
PST #1
•   Rivets or knurled screws?
Knurled screws.
•   Lanyard attachment?
Yes
•   (Old) small diameter or (new) large diameter plier pivot?
Old
•   LEATHERMAN cast into plier pivot, along with USA or TOOL?
Yes, USA
•   A hard wire cutter notch?
Yes
•   Handles stamped with what?
Leatherman Tool, Portland OR
•   Inch ruler only, or inch/metric?
Inch/metric
•   Date codes? What are they?
0793/0793 (I have another same except date codes 0195/0195)
•   Drop point knife blade or clip point?
Clip point
•   Knife blade tang stamped LEATHERMAN, JAPAN, or USA?
Leatherman -USA-
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: gregozedobe on November 02, 2015, 12:47:37 AM
There are some photos and details (eg dates in handles) of some Cap Crimper PSTs in this thread:

http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,62846.0.html
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: rovot on November 17, 2015, 08:34:40 PM
I Got lucky last weekend at our local flea market and scored this PST for 10 bucks (CAD)
It was super tight and a bit dirty. Blade tip broken. Cleaned and lubed at home and now loves and dig the classic look. I don't know if I want to send this in for blade replacement, cause they told me (LM Warranty), they can try and repair it. But as I've read here...the blade might not get the original PST Blade. So I'm still thinking, should I send it or not?  :think: :ahhh. :D  :multi:

PST #1
•   Rivets or knurled screws? Knurled screws.
•   Lanyard attachment? Yes
•   (Old) small diameter or (new) large diameter plier pivot? Old
•   LEATHERMAN cast into plier pivot, along with USA or TOOL? Yes, USA
•   A hard wire cutter notch? Yes
•   Handles stamped with what? Leatherman Tool, Portland OR
•   Inch ruler only, or inch/metric? Inch/metric
•   Date codes? What are they? 0796
•   Drop point knife blade or clip point? Can't tell on mine, tip broken
•   Knife blade tang stamped LEATHERMAN, JAPAN, or USA? Leatherman

PHOTOS:

(http://i.imgur.com/7yi9l8w.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/noLBEM8.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/Yj2ob2S.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/Ms353ZE.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/ID87on1.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/rU7BIMx.jpg)

 :cheers:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: neillcurrie on December 03, 2015, 03:19:23 PM
Got this in a sorry state the other day. Rusted out, tweaked plier tips, tools were in excellent shape though. Lots of buffing later, let me present:

•   Rivets or knurled screws?
Rivets, solid, not hollow.
•   Lanyard attachment?
Yes, small hole variety.
•   (Old) small diameter or (new) large diameter plier pivot?
Small
•   LEATHERMAN alone cast into plier pivot? Or with USA? Or TOOL?
Leatherman.
•   A hard wire cutter notch?
No
•   Handles stamped with what? (see pictures in next post for examples)
US Reg'd TM 1325473
•   Inch ruler only, or inch/metric?
Inch only.
•   Date codes?
No
•   Drop point knife blade or clip point? (saber?)
Think it's sabre?
•   Knife blade tang stamped LEATHERMAN alone? Or with USA? Or JAPAN?
Leatherman, only.
•   Screwdrivers: pivot-in or pivot-out?
Not sure how to determine this.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: SteveC on December 03, 2015, 03:24:34 PM
Nice old PST  :cheers:

Great job of cleaning her up  :tu:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: wowaboro on December 09, 2015, 07:51:42 PM
Not found in this thread previously  ???

(https://img-fotki.yandex.ru/get/3607/11586821.3/0_1d4912_8e362cbd_X5L.jp)
Date codes: 0695 0695


(https://img-fotki.yandex.ru/get/6737/11586821.4/0_1d4913_c4a17342_X5L.jpg)
Date codes: 0795 0695
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: bdAmmo on December 10, 2015, 04:13:54 AM
Good eye for details!  How has that been overlooked for so long?
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: HarleyXJGuy on December 10, 2015, 07:00:40 AM
This thread is awesome and I need more PSTs.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: David on December 10, 2015, 07:26:00 AM
Interesting, looks like the TM stamp got turned around in the stamp in mid 1995.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: SteveC on January 10, 2016, 09:24:09 PM
Interesting, looks like the TM stamp got turned around in the stamp in mid 1995.

Or maybe short for MultiTool     ;)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: gregozedobe on January 13, 2016, 10:04:26 AM
I just received a PST v2 with an unusual sheath. It appears to be a std early brown PST leather sheath but the only markings on it is "AL" inside a 5 point star, located just above the clip.  It looks like it could be the original sheath that came with the tool (certainly it is old and well worn).  The PST is just a std v2, no extra markings, stampings or etching that I could see.

Anybody come across one of these before or has any info ?
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: wowaboro on January 23, 2016, 03:25:03 PM
Another PST arrived to my collection.
Date codes: 0497 0997

(https://img-fotki.yandex.ru/get/70180/11586821.4/0_1e17b3_83821594_X5L.jpg)

(https://img-fotki.yandex.ru/get/70872/11586821.4/0_1e17b4_760f5aaa_X5L.jpg)

Very strange item. Or maybe not? ;)

Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: wowaboro on January 25, 2016, 10:03:09 PM
Hmm  :think:
Let's take a closer look

(https://img-fotki.yandex.ru/get/3900/11586821.4/0_1e17d1_9a2bff1e_orig)

Maybe it's absolutelly usual, but I've never seen this stamp font on PST ???
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: David on January 25, 2016, 10:19:02 PM
If I'm looking at it correctly I have several pieces stamped like that in the 1999 to 2000 time frame.   :)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: SteveC on January 25, 2016, 10:21:05 PM
The OO's in tool look different
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: wowaboro on January 25, 2016, 10:28:50 PM
If I'm looking at it correctly I have several pieces stamped like that in the 1999 to 2000 time frame.   :)

David, thanks for guiding  :cheers:
I checked again my 1999-2000 PSTs and found BO and BO CC with that font  :)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: David on January 25, 2016, 10:35:07 PM
The OO's in tool look different

Missed that. They do look different. I may not have that.


If I'm looking at it correctly I have several pieces stamped like that in the 1999 to 2000 time frame.   :)

David, thanks for guiding  :cheers:
I checked again my 1999-2000 PSTs and found BO and BO CC with that font  :)



Now I got to go look again.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: SteveC on January 25, 2016, 10:42:31 PM
The R is angular as well as the O's  , in the Portland also.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: David on January 25, 2016, 10:49:18 PM
On second look I dont have any stamped that way with the differnt OO's or R's.     :)  Where are these PST's coming from? The reason I ask is I'm wondering if they were marked that way for a certain market.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: wowaboro on January 26, 2016, 08:09:26 AM
On second look I dont have any stamped that way with the differnt OO's or R's.     :)  Where are these PST's coming from? The reason I ask is I'm wondering if they were marked that way for a certain market.

I thought that you have a few 1999-2000 PSTs with this strange font  :facepalm: :)
It is unlikely that tools with this marking were designed for specific markets, all 3 my I bought on US eBay.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: David on January 26, 2016, 08:40:37 AM
On second look I dont have any stamped that way with the differnt OO's or R's.     :)  Where are these PST's coming from? The reason I ask is I'm wondering if they were marked that way for a certain market.

I thought that you have a few 1999-2000 PSTs with this strange font  :facepalm: :)
It is unlikely that tools with this marking were designed for specific markets, all 3 my I bought on US eBay.


You didnt say what was different  and I didnt notice the strange OO's or R's till Steve pointed it out. I had to look twice.   :D  Thats interesting.

Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: wowaboro on January 26, 2016, 09:58:36 AM
You didnt say what was different  and I didnt notice the strange OO's or R's till Steve pointed it out. I had to look twice.   :D  Thats interesting.

IMHO the difference is obvious  :)
I try to share here some strange, unique, non standard and etc. PST's modifications.
For usual and standard PSTs there are others topics.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: David on January 26, 2016, 07:01:15 PM
Are these stange OO's stamps on both sides of the PST or just on the back side of the PST that is shown?
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: wowaboro on January 26, 2016, 07:13:30 PM
Are these stange OO's stamps on both sides of the PST or just on the back side of the PST that is shown?

Only on back sides strange angled font, on front sides - standard rounded font.
Date codes of frames with angled font:
SS - 0997
BO - 0399
BO CC - 0399

(https://img-fotki.yandex.ru/get/64354/11586821.4/0_1e2130_f55317fc_X5L.jpg)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: wowaboro on January 26, 2016, 07:14:17 PM
del
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: David on January 26, 2016, 07:23:23 PM
Thanks for the info and pic.   :tu:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: gregozedobe on January 27, 2016, 01:17:21 AM
Are these stange OO's stamps on both sides of the PST or just on the back side of the PST that is shown?

Only on back sides strange angled font, on front sides - standard rounded font.
Date codes of frames with angled font:
SS - 0997
BO - 0399
BO CC - 0399

I just checked my PSTs from around the same dates, and I could only find one with the angular font R and O's, it was also a BO CC - 0399 (# 3R purchased from US ebay).
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: SAK Guy on January 27, 2016, 01:53:33 AM
Are these stange OO's stamps on both sides of the PST or just on the back side of the PST that is shown?

Only on back sides strange angled font, on front sides - standard rounded font.
Date codes of frames with angled font:
SS - 0997
BO - 0399
BO CC - 0399

(https://img-fotki.yandex.ru/get/64354/11586821.4/0_1e2130_f55317fc_X5L.jpg)

Looking at the name spacing, one can only arrive at one conclusion...

These are all LEAT HERMAN Tools.....now.....the question becomes....who is Leat Herman? ???


 :D You'll never un-see it now....
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: David on January 27, 2016, 10:07:00 AM
Are these stange OO's stamps on both sides of the PST or just on the back side of the PST that is shown?

Only on back sides strange angled font, on front sides - standard rounded font.
Date codes of frames with angled font:
SS - 0997
BO - 0399
BO CC - 0399

(https://img-fotki.yandex.ru/get/64354/11586821.4/0_1e2130_f55317fc_X5L.jpg)

Looking at the name spacing, one can only arrive at one conclusion...

These are all LEAT HERMAN Tools.....now.....the question becomes....who is Leat Herman? ???


 :D You'll never un-see it now....


 :D
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: wowaboro on January 27, 2016, 09:28:20 PM
Another "angular font" PST bought today.
Production period: 0398 - 0700
It's in addition to couple of my BO "angular font" PSTs  :)

(http://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/Hm4AAOSw-zxWpZQI/s-l1600.jpg)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: SteveC on January 27, 2016, 09:40:39 PM
Are these stange OO's stamps on both sides of the PST or just on the back side of the PST that is shown?

Only on back sides strange angled font, on front sides - standard rounded font.
Date codes of frames with angled font:
SS - 0997
BO - 0399
BO CC - 0399

(https://img-fotki.yandex.ru/get/64354/11586821.4/0_1e2130_f55317fc_X5L.jpg)

Looking at the name spacing, one can only arrive at one conclusion...

These are all LEAT HERMAN Tools.....now.....the question becomes....who is Leat Herman? ???


 :D You'll never un-see it now....

Wow ! good eye on the spacing.  :tu:

And your'e right , can't be unseen   :facepalm:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Amoto on January 28, 2016, 11:26:53 PM
Found one SS dated 0897/0897 with angled font of "O" pictured by WOWABORO
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: SteveC on January 28, 2016, 11:28:34 PM
Found one SS dated 0897/0897 with angled font of "O" pictured by WOWABORO

Pics  :pok:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Amoto on January 29, 2016, 04:09:38 AM
Found one SS dated 0897/0897 with angled font of "O" pictured by WOWABORO

Pics  :pok:
Tried, fail. Grand kids were around but - too young to help me, kids to busy. Latest on weekend going start posting pictures (hopefully). They will show to me what I done wrong(again).
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Locomotiveman on February 08, 2016, 10:51:07 PM
My Leatherman Specs. This is my first time here other than New Member Intro. Locomotiveman Tom
Rivets or Knurled:  Knurled
Lanyard Attach:     YES
Small Pivot:           YES
Leatherman Cast:   LEATHERMAN USA
Hard Wire Notch:    NO
File Hatching:         1 Direction Inside. 2 Direction Outside
Handle Stamped:    LEATHERMAN (R)  PORTLAND OR  both sides
Inch Ruler:             Inch/Metric
US Reg. TM:           NO
DATE CODE:           0696
Drop Point:             Clipped
Blade Tang:            LEATHERMAN USA
Phillips Stamp:        2
CanOpenerBevel      Right Side.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Locomotiveman on February 08, 2016, 10:59:14 PM
My PST's DATE CODE of 0696 tells me it is one of the last before certain Major Changes. Is that true. If so..what changes definitely occurred after 1996..or is has it been a guessing game? Locomotiveman Tom
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Locomotiveman on February 09, 2016, 02:10:58 AM
Hey. Now I have my 5 posts logged in. OK then...QUESTION: What does the 2 stamped on the tang of the Phillips screw driver signify? DATE CODE 0696 Locomotiveman Tom
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: SteveC on March 04, 2016, 08:12:53 PM
BO Cap Crimper date codes 0796 0397.

(http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k115/asc67/Multi%20tools%20and%20Knifes/PST%20PST%20II/DSC05955_zps4xumuoda.jpg) (http://s86.photobucket.com/user/asc67/media/Multi%20tools%20and%20Knifes/PST%20PST%20II/DSC05955_zps4xumuoda.jpg.html)

Handles have a shiny BO coating unlike any of my other BO Leatherman. Looks sort of like the BO spirits I seen pics of. The tools have the regular flat looking coating.

(http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k115/asc67/Multi%20tools%20and%20Knifes/PST%20PST%20II/DSC05954_zpsfudjr8b3.jpg) (http://s86.photobucket.com/user/asc67/media/Multi%20tools%20and%20Knifes/PST%20PST%20II/DSC05954_zpsfudjr8b3.jpg.html)

(http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k115/asc67/Multi%20tools%20and%20Knifes/PST%20PST%20II/DSC05949_zpscxushjhs.jpg) (http://s86.photobucket.com/user/asc67/media/Multi%20tools%20and%20Knifes/PST%20PST%20II/DSC05949_zpscxushjhs.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on March 04, 2016, 10:49:14 PM
Hey. Now I have my 5 posts logged in. OK then...QUESTION: What does the 2 stamped on the tang of the Phillips screw driver signify? DATE CODE 0696 Locomotiveman Tom

That is a number 2 size Phillips head  :tu:  That is the most common size of Phillips head screws as well :D
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on March 04, 2016, 10:51:17 PM
Hey. Now I have my 5 posts logged in. OK then...QUESTION: What does the 2 stamped on the tang of the Phillips screw driver signify? DATE CODE 0696 Locomotiveman Tom

That is a number 2 size Phillips head  :tu:  That is the most common size of Phillips head screws as well :D

Actually back one page one of the Phillips head drivers has a three on it so I may be wrong about the 2  :facepalm: :whistle: :D
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: chrono on March 06, 2016, 03:40:41 AM
Got myself a brand new stainless PST for $50 without box. The seller claimed as 1983-1985 production. From what you guys have found so far (which makes my head spin  :ahhh), mine is actually of later 1980 production.
•   Lanyard attachment? Yes
•   (Old) small diameter or (new) large diameter plier pivot? Small
•   LEATHERMAN alone cast into plier pivot? Or with USA? Or TOOL? LEATHERMAN with USA
•   A hard wire cutter notch? No
•   Handles stamped with what? LEATHERMAN(R) TOOL  US REG TM 1325473  PORTLAND OR (other three sides left blank)
•   Inch ruler only, or inch/metric? inch/metric
•   Date codes? none
•   Drop point knife blade or clip point? (saber?) Saber
•   Knife blade tang stamped LEATHERMAN alone? Or with USA? Or JAPAN? LEATHERMAN with USA
•   Screwdrivers: pivot-in or pivot-out? pivot-in

I am also waiting on an identical PST with BO finish and with the box. The box is white with "LEATHERMAN TOOL" in red font. The seller claimed 1985 vintage. It will be interesting to see the year printed on the box. Will post some pics later.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on March 06, 2016, 04:45:41 AM
Got myself a brand new stainless PST for $50 without box. The seller claimed as 1983-1985 production. From what you guys have found so far (which makes my head spin  :ahhh), mine is actually of later 1980 production.
•   Lanyard attachment? Yes
•   (Old) small diameter or (new) large diameter plier pivot? Small
•   LEATHERMAN alone cast into plier pivot? Or with USA? Or TOOL? LEATHERMAN with USA
•   A hard wire cutter notch? No
•   Handles stamped with what? LEATHERMAN(R) TOOL  US REG TM 1325473  PORTLAND OR (other three sides left blank)
•   Inch ruler only, or inch/metric? inch/metric
•   Date codes? none
•   Drop point knife blade or clip point? (saber?) Saber
•   Knife blade tang stamped LEATHERMAN alone? Or with USA? Or JAPAN? LEATHERMAN with USA
•   Screwdrivers: pivot-in or pivot-out? pivot-in

I am also waiting on an identical PST with BO finish and with the box. The box is white with "LEATHERMAN TOOL" in red font. The seller claimed 1985 vintage. It will be interesting to see the year printed on the box. Will post some pics later.

Yeah just from the Saber blade alone I can tell you it isn't 83-85  :-\ They didn't start putting dates on them until around 93 I think.  It is hard for someone to date a PST from that 10 year period but MTO has done a very good job in getting a ballpark on the year even without the date codes :salute:

I would like to see that BO PST you have coming and the box :o
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: jerseydevil on March 06, 2016, 05:00:55 AM
My housemate actually has a PST that has no date marks. Unfortinately, he's i the hospital fighting blood poisoning as of last night. :(  I hope he gets better to the point where I can take a pic of the tool.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on March 06, 2016, 05:14:28 AM
My housemate actually has a PST that has no date marks. Unfortinately, he's i the hospital fighting blood poisoning as of last night. :(  I hope he gets better to the point where I can take a pic of the tool.

Hope he is OK :-[
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Barry Rowland on March 11, 2016, 07:10:04 PM
+1 on that.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: chrono on March 17, 2016, 01:26:22 AM


Yeah just from the Saber blade alone I can tell you it isn't 83-85  :-\ They didn't start putting dates on them until around 93 I think.  It is hard for someone to date a PST from that 10 year period but MTO has done a very good job in getting a ballpark on the year even without the date codes :salute:

I would like to see that BO PST you have coming and the box :o
Almost forgot about this thread  :D

Since the last time I posted, I acquired another 3 PST  :facepalm: (1 PST and 1 PST II already arrived, 1 PST II on the way). Honestly, I never thought of adding old/ classic Leatherman to my collection, but it started with a PST II, and another, and another....  :facepalm:

Anyway, these are five PSTs I currently have at hand. All new. From left to right:
- Late 80s BO PST (no date code) with original sheath and box. The box has "1985 LEATHERMAN TOOL GROUP INC" on it. The tool is so old, there is no oil on it. The black oxide is dried up, and rubs on my fingers as powder.
- Late 80s SS PST (no date code) with original sheath. This is the PST I mentioned in my previous post.
- 0794 SS PST, with Marlboro Country Store engraving. CNC advancement at Leatherman can be seen with the smooth polished contour on the plier head here
- 0596 SS PST II with original sheath. The crack is rather unfortunate, but luckily only on the top coating (?)
- 0501 SS PST II with nylon sheath. The first one that starts this PST-madness  :ahhh

Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Barry Rowland on March 18, 2016, 11:19:51 AM
Nice collection!
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: SteveC on March 19, 2016, 08:31:50 PM
Nice collection!

+1  :cheers:

Put some Mink oil/leathercream on those sheaths so they don't crack anymore.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on March 25, 2016, 04:16:55 AM


Yeah just from the Saber blade alone I can tell you it isn't 83-85  :-\ They didn't start putting dates on them until around 93 I think.  It is hard for someone to date a PST from that 10 year period but MTO has done a very good job in getting a ballpark on the year even without the date codes :salute:

I would like to see that BO PST you have coming and the box :o
Almost forgot about this thread  :D

Since the last time I posted, I acquired another 3 PST  :facepalm: (1 PST and 1 PST II already arrived, 1 PST II on the way). Honestly, I never thought of adding old/ classic Leatherman to my collection, but it started with a PST II, and another, and another....  :facepalm:

Anyway, these are five PSTs I currently have at hand. All new. From left to right:
- Late 80s BO PST (no date code) with original sheath and box. The box has "1985 LEATHERMAN TOOL GROUP INC" on it. The tool is so old, there is no oil on it. The black oxide is dried up, and rubs on my fingers as powder.
- Late 80s SS PST (no date code) with original sheath. This is the PST I mentioned in my previous post.
- 0794 SS PST, with Marlboro Country Store engraving. CNC advancement at Leatherman can be seen with the smooth polished contour on the plier head here
- 0596 SS PST II with original sheath. The crack is rather unfortunate, but luckily only on the top coating (?)
- 0501 SS PST II with nylon sheath. The first one that starts this PST-madness  :ahhh

And that's how it starts :ahhh You get 1 then another and another, then 1 at a time isn't enough and you have to start getting 2 or 3 at a time :sa: :D :rofl:

Those are all really nice chrono :cheers:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Monrogue on April 05, 2016, 04:32:19 AM
I think I have the version 5 listed for the Japanese PST.

•   Rivets or knurled screws?    Rivets
•   Lanyard attachment?     Yes
•   (Old) small diameter or (new) large diameter plier pivot?     Small
•   LEATHERMAN alone cast into plier pivot? Or with USA? Or TOOL?     Leatherman alone
•   A hard wire cutter notch?      No
•   Handles stamped with what? (see pictures in next post for examples) LEATHERMAN in large font, REG'D TM 1325473
•   Inch ruler only, or inch/metric?    Inch only
•   Date codes?    None
•   Drop point knife blade or clip point? (saber?)     Drop point
•   Knife blade tang stamped LEATHERMAN alone? Or with USA? Or JAPAN?     Leatherman Japan
•   Screwdrivers: pivot-in or pivot-out?    Pivot in

That milled awl is quite sharp, and a big difference from the version on other PSTs.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Monrogue on April 05, 2016, 04:44:57 AM
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160405/f5645b73343f080f72c3da7a9ba8b76e.jpg)


Sent from my SM-G920R4 using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: wowaboro on April 08, 2016, 11:40:51 AM
Another Holy Grail arrived today  :)
NIB Leatherman PST / Black Oxide / Cap Crimper / Ground out USA on pliers head.
Date codes: 0103 0103.

(https://img-fotki.yandex.ru/get/31237/11586821.5/0_1ec0cf_1938b7a_orig)

(https://img-fotki.yandex.ru/get/29408/11586821.5/0_1ec0ca_4f64b797_orig)



PS
I have a request to the owners of "Ground out USA" PSTs.
Please, add here pictures and date codes of your items.
It's one of the most unexplored parts of PST chronology  :cheers:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: zoidberg on April 09, 2016, 02:15:47 PM
That looks super cool, congrats.   :cheers:   :cheers:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: SteveC on April 09, 2016, 02:31:34 PM
That looks super cool, congrats.   :cheers:   :cheers:

+1   nice score W  :cheers:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Demon27 on April 11, 2016, 02:40:13 PM
I don't mean to hijack the thread but I have an 04/96 PST never used in mint condition with leather pouch. Any ideas what I might be able to sell it for?
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: gregozedobe on April 11, 2016, 03:41:44 PM
I don't mean to hijack the thread but I have an 04/96 PST never used in mint condition with leather pouch. Any ideas what I might be able to sell it for?

Look on ebay by using advanced search and checking the "sold listings" button.  Unless it has cap crimper pliers or BO finish it isn't a particularly rare version.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: SteveC on April 11, 2016, 03:52:32 PM
I don't mean to hijack the thread but I have an 04/96 PST never used in mint condition with leather pouch. Any ideas what I might be able to sell it for?

$35 give or take a few bucks.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on April 11, 2016, 09:39:19 PM
I don't mean to hijack the thread but I have an 04/96 PST never used in mint condition with leather pouch. Any ideas what I might be able to sell it for?

$35 give or take a few bucks.

That was about my guess as well :tu:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Philby on April 13, 2016, 11:37:55 AM
Anyone read this story about the first  PST sold? PST 001#. http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/531577-Leatherman-PST-001-(1983)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on April 13, 2016, 04:28:29 PM
Thanks for the pic and the link with the story Philby :cheers:

Been cool to have been the guy that got the first Leatherman :o :ahhh :ahhh :ahhh
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: samek on April 14, 2016, 02:19:35 PM
•  •   Rivets or knurled screws? Screws
•   Lanyard attachment? Yes
•   (Old) small diameter or (new) large diameter plier pivot? Small
•   LEATHERMAN alone cast into plier pivot? Or with USA? Or TOOL? LEATHERMAN USA
•   A hard wire cutter notch? No
•   Handles stamped with what? (see pictures in next post for examples) Center: LEATHERMAN ® TOOL  left: US REG TM 1325473 right: PORTLAND OR
•   Inch ruler only, or inch/metric? inch/metric
•   Date codes? 0693/0693
•   Drop point knife blade or clip point? (saber?) Clip point (saber)
•   Knife blade tang stamped LEATHERMAN alone? Or with USA? Or JAPAN? LEATHERMAN USA. File stamped: LEATHERMAN
•   Screwdrivers: pivot-in or pivot-out pivot in
•   Can opener: Right hand cut

Samek
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: wowaboro on April 15, 2016, 07:24:09 PM
Three oldies  :)

(https://content-7.foto.my.mail.ru/mail/wowaboro/_myphoto/b-40.JPG)

(https://content-25.foto.my.mail.ru/mail/wowaboro/_myphoto/b-41.JPG)

(https://content-11.foto.my.mail.ru/mail/wowaboro/_myphoto/b-42.JPG)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Philby on April 15, 2016, 09:03:48 PM
 :drool: :drool: :drool:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on April 16, 2016, 01:52:11 AM
Very nice wowaboro :tu:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: gregozedobe on April 16, 2016, 03:05:36 AM
Three oldies  :)
Cool PSTs  :tu:

The "US Pat 4238862"-only PSTs are interesting to me, and the one with with "Leatherman, USA" etched on the blade is particularly interesting, as it seems to indicate these were made very early in the LM PST production runs.

I've often wondered why LM produced a PST without any "Leatherman" branding on the handles ( I have a few myself, and while not common they do pop up every now and then).  Was it made for a particular reseller to re-badge as their own (but who never went through with the contract) or are these actually the long-lost Early Winters catalogue version ?  I've never even seen a photo of the actual production PSTs made for the Early Winters catalogue, only the pre-production version shown in ads.

Can anyone shed light on this small mystery ?
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: wowaboro on April 16, 2016, 06:39:57 PM
Cool PSTs  :tu:

The "US Pat 4238862"-only PSTs are interesting to me, and the one with with "Leatherman, USA" etched on the blade is particularly interesting, as it seems to indicate these were made very early in the LM PST production runs.

I've often wondered why LM produced a PST without any "Leatherman" branding on the handles ( I have a few myself, and while not common they do pop up every now and then).  Was it made for a particular reseller to re-badge as their own (but who never went through with the contract) or are these actually the long-lost Early Winters catalogue version ?  I've never even seen a photo of the actual production PSTs made for the Early Winters catalogue, only the pre-production version shown in ads.

Can anyone shed light on this small mystery ?

Hmm, maybe you right, Greg  :cheers:
On pictures from Early Winters catalogue, PST has no one inscription - no stamps on handles, no etched on blade, no cast on pliers and even nothing on leather sheath. Just clear visual sample. And as you say, for all these years, nowhere no even just the one photo of real metal PST like on EW ad.
Now I'm sure on 99%, when "real metal" EW PSTs arrived to stores, it's been this "US PAT 4238862 only" modification. There is simply no other variants.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Barry Rowland on April 17, 2016, 12:25:49 PM
We got my Dad's PST from that catalog sometime in late '84 but unfortunately I lost it after he gave it to me.  I don't remember anything unusual markings wise, which makes that blade marking all the more fascinating.  I'm a huge PST/PST II fan, and love this thread!
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on April 17, 2016, 03:57:57 PM
Those advertising pics are great wowaboro :cheers: The PST is one of my all time favs and just a classic that even with a the few flaws it has can be carried still in this day and age and still be very helpful with day to day life :tu:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: wowaboro on April 17, 2016, 04:46:10 PM
Those advertising pics are great wowaboro :cheers: The PST is one of my all time favs and just a classic that even with a the few flaws it has can be carried still in this day and age and still be very helpful with day to day life :tu:

Thanks, Poncho  :cheers:
I love PST - from him all multitool's history was started and now it's very interesting object for collecting.
But my EDC, for many years - Juice SC2  :salute:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on June 17, 2016, 03:22:55 PM
If you haven't checked the first page in a while there is an awesome PST chronology diagram created by Huntsman edited into the first post that can be used as a great reference in your PST hunting :cheers:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: wowaboro on June 17, 2016, 07:16:23 PM
If you haven't checked the first page in a while there is an awesome PST chronology diagram created by Huntsman edited into the first post that can be used as a great reference in your PST hunting :cheers:

Thanks, Poncho, but I have my own PST working table  :cheers:
Just for sample, it's preview, unfinished and therefore so poorly visible ;) variant:

(https://img-fotki.yandex.ru/get/143523/11586821.5/0_1f5a86_4c275eef_X4L.jpg)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on June 17, 2016, 07:40:25 PM
If you haven't checked the first page in a while there is an awesome PST chronology diagram created by Huntsman edited into the first post that can be used as a great reference in your PST hunting :cheers:

Thanks, Poncho, but I have my own PST working table  :cheers:
Just for sample, it's preview, unfinished and therefore so poorly visible ;) variant:

(https://img-fotki.yandex.ru/get/143523/11586821.5/0_1f5a86_4c275eef_X4L.jpg)

Yes but you are a bit more into the variants than most :whistle:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Huntsman on June 26, 2016, 09:48:55 AM
If you haven't checked the first page in a while there is an awesome PST chronology diagram created by Huntsman edited into the first post that can be used as a great reference in your PST hunting :cheers:

Thanks for the plug Poncho

However I think my Chronology is the kindergarten/new starter's version

Wowbaro's is the PhD version
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: ReamerPunch on June 30, 2016, 11:39:38 AM
•   Rivets or knurled screws?   
knurled screws

•  Lanyard attachment?   
 Yes

•   (Old) small diameter or (new) large diameter plier pivot? 
   Small

•   LEATHERMAN alone cast into plier pivot? Or with USA? Or TOOL?     
Leatherman USA

•  A hard wire cutter notch?     
 Yes (no indicator)

•   Handles stamped with what?
LEATHERMAN® TOOL PORTLAND OR

•  Inch ruler only, or inch/metric? 
Inch/metric

•   Date codes?   
1000 on handle with blade
0900 on handle with file

  Drop point knife blade or clip point? (saber?)     
Drop point

•  Knife blade tang stamped LEATHERMAN alone? Or with USA? Or JAPAN? 
   Leatherman USA on blade
Leatherman on file

•   Screwdrivers: pivot-in or pivot-out?   
I don't know what this means.

My Philips is not that square pivot side, like SOG makes. It's the other design. C on one side, 3 on the other.
This one:
(http://i.imgur.com/w6rWEnT.png)

Not this one:
(http://i.imgur.com/ID87on1.jpg)

So happy with this. Great condition, and loki's wrenches fit this.  :cheers: So awesome!   :D
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on June 30, 2016, 11:53:45 AM
 :think: I think that this probably has knurled screws instead of rivets,  correct?  Other than that it probably has the newer clip point as well :think: and possibly the larger pivot, I am just goin by the datecodes of it mind you though ;)

Still a PST is great to receive any day of the week :cheers:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: ReamerPunch on June 30, 2016, 12:01:47 PM
:think: I think that this probably has knurled screws instead of rivets,  correct?  Other than that it probably has the newer clip point as well :think: and possibly the larger pivot, I am just goin by the datecodes of it mind you though ;)

Still a PST is great to receive any day of the week :cheers:

oops. yes, knurled screws. same size as charge/rebar. fit perfectly in loki's wrenches.

I'm pretty sure it has the small pivot plier, but I don't have another one to compare it to. Just a Sideclip, which has the exact same size pivot.

What does pivot-in and pivot-out drivers mean?
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Huntsman on June 30, 2016, 02:23:00 PM
Hi RP

I had the same question myself when I started getting interested in PSTs

And I have seen the question in this thread a couple of times too – So here is what I think is the answer - See the photo below
Pivot in on the left, on an old JPST - Pivot out on the right, on a 2004 PST II
Although if I am correct you have pretty much answered the question yourself above!!  :tu:  :D

(http://i1027.photobucket.com/albums/y339/SAKHuntsman/Misc/LM%20PST%20Pivot%20Out%20In_zpshg50bxu2.jpg) (http://s1027.photobucket.com/user/SAKHuntsman/media/Misc/LM%20PST%20Pivot%20Out%20In_zpshg50bxu2.jpg.html)

And here is my theory as to why !!

The screwdriver tips have to be against the handles when folded way so that the plier head will fit. So the initial design was as seen on the left.

The problem with this design is that when you open the tool the centre of the driver is above the pivot slightly to the inside of the handles, so as you bear down on a screw the centre of the force will be on the inside of the pivot, which of course will make the driver want to fold.

So LM came up with this ingenious design where the driver is still against the handle when folded away. However when you fold it out the centre of the driver is above the outside of the pivot. So now when you drive down on a screw the centre of the force is on the outside of the pivot and this tends to force the driver to stay open.

Brilliant – Although surprising it took them 15 years to come up with this.

This design has been somewhat negated by locking tools – But you still see it on the Juice drivers, and just today I noticed that the Wave flat driver has a similar design, even though it is locking.

Note this is just my uneducated guess  :o – I am sure an expert will be along soon !!  :tu:

PS. And I just noticed that the PST II flat driver is a little bent - Sometimes easier to see things on a piccie - Better fix that!
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: ReamerPunch on June 30, 2016, 03:10:33 PM
Great pics, thanks!
Your theory sounds bulletproof, if it is not correct I'll be amazed. Makes perfect sense, and you explained it beautifully.  :hatsoff:
That pic should be in the OP, so people can see what pivot in/out means, maybe with other pics, showcasing the different variants of features?

I should have gone through this thread before ordering my PST, but I was too damn impressed with it.
I am glad I ended up with the pivot out drivers. It's a beauty. Great condition, slim design, compact with the old sheath, loki's wrenches fit it perfectly. Disassembled it, cleaned it, put it back together. Great tool, sad to see it discontinued, like many others.

I'll hunt down a mini, Pulse/ST 200, Blast, OG Wave, and of course a PST II, for discontinued tools. And maybe a JPST, if I get lucky.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on June 30, 2016, 07:21:53 PM
Great pics and explanation Huntsman :cheers:

Happy hunting RP :tu:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on July 09, 2016, 05:43:35 AM
Just went back through a lot of this thread and it sure brought back a lot of memories for me :dd:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: hugos on July 28, 2016, 12:44:09 AM
Recently aquired(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160727/98016bcc0ba347ede7640c7d3dd01684.jpg)(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160727/690809d9dfa38593391252096bf0bcea.jpg)(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160727/335a4bbb9134cd22ead1e845fde47a20.jpg)


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: DaveK on July 28, 2016, 12:47:54 AM
Nice PST II Hugos :)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on July 28, 2016, 12:55:48 AM
Nice PST II Hugos :)

Yes it is :cheers:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: hugos on July 28, 2016, 01:04:34 AM
Thanks Gents, it came with a lot of play on the plier head, but LM replaced it with a new one, as well as a new blade. I then took it apart and cleaned it. Now one of my prized collection pieces, and Friday carry.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on July 28, 2016, 04:08:41 PM
Thanks Gents, it came with a lot of play on the plier head, but LM replaced it with a new one, as well as a new blade. I then took it apart and cleaned it. Now one of my prized collection pieces, and Friday carry.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Glad they could sort it out for you :cheers: and that it's in your EDC rotation :tu:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Chinese Buffet on August 04, 2016, 05:57:15 AM
Just picked this bad boy up today...

•   Rivets or knurled screws?
Knurled

•   Lanyard attachment?
Yes

•   (Old) small diameter or (new) large diameter plier pivot?
Small diameter

•   LEATHERMAN alone cast into plier pivot? Or with USA? Or TOOL?
LEATHERMAN USA

•   A hard wire cutter notch?
No

•   Handles stamped with what? (see pictures in next post for examples)
One side of first handle stamped: LEATHERMAN TOOL, PORTLAND OR REG’D TM 1325473. The reverse side of this handle is blank.
The other handle is blank.

•   Inch ruler only, or inch/metric?
Inch / Metric

•   Date codes?
0493 on one handel only (knife blade side)

•   Drop point knife blade or clip point? (saber?)
Saber

•   Knife blade tang stamped LEATHERMAN alone? Or with USA? Or JAPAN?
LEATHERMAN USA

•   Screwdrivers: pivot-in or pivot-out?


This is a BO PST without cap crimper.

Pics to come shortly...


Cheers,
CB
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: wowaboro on August 04, 2016, 09:23:47 AM

•   Date codes?
0493 on one handle only (knife blade side)

This is a BO PST without cap crimper.

I'm sure on 100% other (file) handle also has date code.
It's maybe bad visible, but it there is  :)
You may try to wipe the internal surface of the handle.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Chinese Buffet on August 05, 2016, 05:19:05 AM
Photos as promised...

(http://i1304.photobucket.com/albums/s540/chinesebuffet888/IMG_0306_zps3ubvrqoi.jpg)

(http://i1304.photobucket.com/albums/s540/chinesebuffet888/IMG_0297_zpsd66icugt.jpg)

(http://i1304.photobucket.com/albums/s540/chinesebuffet888/IMG_0298_zpsxp1l1zxe.jpg)

(http://i1304.photobucket.com/albums/s540/chinesebuffet888/IMG_0301_zpsbm30dsh8.jpg)

(http://i1304.photobucket.com/albums/s540/chinesebuffet888/IMG_0304_zpsei94jxny.jpg)

(http://i1304.photobucket.com/albums/s540/chinesebuffet888/IMG_0303_zpskjll6fys.jpg)

Tool is old but seems like it wasn't used much or at all.

@wowaboro: Do you think it is possible that the BO coating covered the date?


CB
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on August 05, 2016, 05:32:27 AM

•   Date codes?
0493 on one handle only (knife blade side)

This is a BO PST without cap crimper.

I'm sure on 100% other (file) handle also has date code.
It's maybe bad visible, but it there is  :)
You may try to wipe the internal surface of the handle.

I had a SS PST which David has now :cheers: That only had a datecode in one handle and this one would be in the date range where they might have been a few non dated handles still left in the bin :think:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on August 05, 2016, 05:34:26 AM
Photos as promised...

(http://i1304.photobucket.com/albums/s540/chinesebuffet888/IMG_0306_zps3ubvrqoi.jpg)

(http://i1304.photobucket.com/albums/s540/chinesebuffet888/IMG_0297_zpsd66icugt.jpg)

(http://i1304.photobucket.com/albums/s540/chinesebuffet888/IMG_0298_zpsxp1l1zxe.jpg)

(http://i1304.photobucket.com/albums/s540/chinesebuffet888/IMG_0301_zpsbm30dsh8.jpg)

(http://i1304.photobucket.com/albums/s540/chinesebuffet888/IMG_0304_zpsei94jxny.jpg)

(http://i1304.photobucket.com/albums/s540/chinesebuffet888/IMG_0303_zpskjll6fys.jpg)

Tool is old but seems like it wasn't used much or at all.

@wowaboro: Do you think it is possible that the BO coating covered the date?


CB

It is possible that the BO coating is hiding the date code but they only started putting the dates on them a little while prior to this :tu:

A very nice example you have there 8)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: David on August 05, 2016, 07:05:51 AM

I had a SS PST which David has now :cheers: That only had a datecode in one handle and this one would be in the date range where they might have been a few non dated handles still left in the bin :think:

I still have that one Poncho! In fact its in front of me at the moment the date code in the knife blade handle is 0393. I have another stainless one that is 1292 in knife blade handle and no date code in the other. Date codes were started in late 1192. It wouldnt be unusual to have handles with and without on the same tool from that time period.    :)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: wowaboro on August 05, 2016, 09:05:22 AM
I have another stainless one that is 1292 in knife blade handle and no date code in the other. Date codes were started in late 1192. It wouldnt be unusual to have handles with and without on the same tool from that time period.    :)

Yes, factory produced "One handle date" PSTs may have 1192 or 1292 code only.
If some PST has other date code on one handle only, it's means that item was repaired etc.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on August 05, 2016, 07:41:00 PM
I have another stainless one that is 1292 in knife blade handle and no date code in the other. Date codes were started in late 1192. It wouldnt be unusual to have handles with and without on the same tool from that time period.    :)

Yes, factory produced "One handle date" PSTs may have 1192 or 1292 code only.
If some PST has other date code on one handle only, it's means that item was repaired etc.

Is that a fact from LM or a hypothesis of yours :think: they pick the parts from a big bin and I can guarantee that some of the handles without dates would have been in the bottom for a few to several months ;) If I remember correctly that PST was period correct with everything of an early 90's PST  :tu:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: wowaboro on August 05, 2016, 07:54:07 PM
Yes, factory produced "One handle date" PSTs may have 1192 or 1292 code only.
If some PST has other date code on one handle only, it's means that item was repaired etc.

Is that a fact from LM or a hypothesis of yours :think:

It's a fact. One handle dated PSTs (1192 or 1292) - it's transitional modification between both undated handles and both dated handles modifications.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on August 05, 2016, 08:01:33 PM
Yes, factory produced "One handle date" PSTs may have 1192 or 1292 code only.
If some PST has other date code on one handle only, it's means that item was repaired etc.

Is that a fact from LM or a hypothesis of yours :think:

It's a fact. One handle dated PSTs (1192 or 1292) - it's transitional modification between both undated handles and both dated handles modifications.

So your saying they threw out all the undated handles that were already made just to make sure that they had dates in both handles ???

I wouldn't think they would spend the time sending them back through just to put a date on them if they didn't have one :think:

Have you emailed them and asked them this ??? :D
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: wowaboro on August 05, 2016, 08:13:08 PM
It's a fact. One handle dated PSTs (1192 or 1292) - it's transitional modification between both undated handles and both dated handles modifications.

So your saying they threw out all the undated handles that were already made just to make sure that they had dates in both handles ???

I wouldn't think they would spend the time sending them back through just to put a date on them if they didn't have one :think:

Have you emailed them and asked them this ??? :D

I don't know what happened on LM factory and what they thought about :D
But all what I wrote above just a fact  :)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Aberdrew13 on August 06, 2016, 12:27:11 AM
I'm going to need some help with this one....

I just got a JPST and it doesn't really fit any of the categories.

(http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff210/aberdrew13/Mobile%20Uploads/20160805_170706_zpsgggfielv.jpg) (http://s237.photobucket.com/user/aberdrew13/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160805_170706_zpsgggfielv.jpg.html)

It's got the hollow rivets of a 3 (I think....this is my first hollow rivet PST)

(http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff210/aberdrew13/Mobile%20Uploads/20160805_173915_zpsqg9gtolb.jpg) (http://s237.photobucket.com/user/aberdrew13/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160805_173915_zpsqg9gtolb.jpg.html)
(http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff210/aberdrew13/Mobile%20Uploads/20160805_173919_zpskeh4h9sq.jpg) (http://s237.photobucket.com/user/aberdrew13/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160805_173919_zpskeh4h9sq.jpg.html)

It's has the lanyard attachment of a 4 and 5.

The knife blade is only stamped Leatherman.

(http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff210/aberdrew13/Mobile%20Uploads/20160805_173939_zpsdgvfbccx.jpg) (http://s237.photobucket.com/user/aberdrew13/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160805_173939_zpsdgvfbccx.jpg.html)

It's got a right-hand cut can opener.

(http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff210/aberdrew13/Mobile%20Uploads/20160805_173959_zpsvgq3vboo.jpg) (http://s237.photobucket.com/user/aberdrew13/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160805_173959_zpsvgq3vboo.jpg.html)

It's got staked plier pivots, and the plier head only says Leatherman.

(http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff210/aberdrew13/Mobile%20Uploads/20160805_174026_zpsslgzzs1a.jpg) (http://s237.photobucket.com/user/aberdrew13/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160805_174026_zpsslgzzs1a.jpg.html)
(http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff210/aberdrew13/Mobile%20Uploads/20160805_174037_zpshuq8kfud.jpg) (http://s237.photobucket.com/user/aberdrew13/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160805_174037_zpshuq8kfud.jpg.html)

It's has the handle stampings of a 5.
(http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff210/aberdrew13/20160805_183100_zpsinq62ebt.jpg) (http://s237.photobucket.com/user/aberdrew13/media/20160805_183100_zpsinq62ebt.jpg.html)


So, what do the gurus think?
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on August 06, 2016, 01:13:40 AM
I know it is a very nice looking old PST :cheers: :tu:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: wowaboro on August 06, 2016, 05:13:21 AM
I'm going to need some help with this one....

I just got a JPST and it doesn't really fit any of the categories.

It's got the hollow rivets of a 3 (I think....this is my first hollow rivet PST)
It's has the lanyard attachment of a 4 and 5.
The knife blade is only stamped Leatherman.
It's got a right-hand cut can opener.
It's got staked plier pivots, and the plier head only says Leatherman.
It's has the handle stampings of a 5.

I don't know how about 3,4,5 etc, my own JPST classification now counted 19 pcs  ;)
Yours item is #16 (US REG’D TM 1325473, hollow rivets, lanyard attachment, LEATHERMAN on blade tang).
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: gregozedobe on August 06, 2016, 02:25:57 PM
I'm going to need some help with this one....

I just got a JPST and it doesn't really fit any of the categories.

So, what do the gurus think?

I'm not sure I'm qualified to be an official MTo "guru" but according to my version of the PST classification system I'd call that an early hollow rivet JPST v5.  All my v3 and v4 JPSTs have "hollow" rivets, and 3 of my 16 v5 JPSTs also have hollow rivets, so my theory is that fairly early in the production of v5 JPSTs they stopped staking the back side rivets, and from then on all v5 JPSTs had solid rivets (and this is by far the most common variant of JPSTs).  Of course I could be wrong ;)

Congratulations on having a fairly rare variant JPST.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Aberdrew13 on August 06, 2016, 03:53:29 PM
Thanks for sharing some knowledge with me guys.

I've also got a 5, so I was a little surprised at the similarities and differences. 

Here's to tracking down some more!  :cheers: :cheers: :drink:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: wowaboro on August 07, 2016, 07:41:56 PM
Another interesting PST, which I haven't seen before:

(http://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/TWQAAOSwU-pXp2AN/s-l1600.jpg)

(http://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/EhkAAOSw-itXp2AK/s-l1600.jpg)

This is standard modification with stamps on handles: POCKET SURVIVAL TOOL / LEATHERMAN TOOL / US PAT 4238862 / PORTLAND OR and cast on pliers head: LEATHERMAN USA, but... with Hollow Screws on pivots.
I couldn't resist and immediately bought it  :)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: gregozedobe on August 08, 2016, 04:45:17 AM
Another interesting PST, which I haven't seen before:

This is standard modification with stamps on handles: POCKET SURVIVAL TOOL / LEATHERMAN TOOL / US PAT 4238862 / PORTLAND OR and cast on pliers head: LEATHERMAN USA, but... with Hollow Screws on pivots.
I couldn't resist and immediately bought it  :)

Good find  :tu:  Most of these very early PSTs with hollow screws seem to have "Leatherman" only pliers (the ones I've had a chance to look closely at, anyway), so this one may have been built at a transition time while they were still doing hollow screws, but were changing over to the "Leatherman, USA" pliers (as on all the later US PSTs).
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: wowaboro on August 09, 2016, 12:32:59 PM
Most of these very early PSTs with hollow screws seem to have "Leatherman" only pliers

I have one Cabela's stamped PST with hollow screws and "LEATHERMAN USA" on pliers.
But you're right, Greg, most of hollow screws PSTs has pliers with "LEATHERMAN" only  :cheers:


And some strange eBay auction, мaybe I missed something  :think:
Why this standard PST sold as expensive?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/222203817161?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: gregozedobe on August 09, 2016, 06:20:06 PM
And some strange eBay auction, мaybe I missed something  :think:
Why this standard PST sold as expensive?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/222203817161?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

Beats me. From the photos with the listing it looks like a standard USA PST v2 - not a very common variant, but to my mind certainly not rare enough to attract such high bidding prices.  I have seven the same that I'd be happy to sell for that price  ;)

Maybe it had hollow knurled screws and the competing bidders had asked the seller for more photos ?
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on August 09, 2016, 07:21:53 PM
I would say couple people got in a bid war on it and drive the price up :facepalm:

The sheath is a bit different though so that may have also contributed to it :think:

How many of those sheaths with the different looking gold lettering do you guys have :D
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: SteveC on August 09, 2016, 07:53:13 PM

There were two of those in this lot and they went for less.


http://www.ebay.com/itm/Leatherman-original-multi-tool-lot-of-6-plus-cases-/272325833028?nma=true&si=%252BpBzadE%252FnhyyU9aujtEtHW%252BRkoY%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on August 09, 2016, 08:34:10 PM

There were two of those in this lot and they went for less.


http://www.ebay.com/itm/Leatherman-original-multi-tool-lot-of-6-plus-cases-/272325833028?nma=true&si=%252BpBzadE%252FnhyyU9aujtEtHW%252BRkoY%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557

Whomever got that lot did very good :o :cheers:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: SteveC on August 09, 2016, 08:37:27 PM
yes they did, I made a run at it but got outbid in the last seconds.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on August 09, 2016, 09:38:00 PM
yes they did, I made a run at it but got outbid in the last seconds.

Snipers usually always get me in the last few seconds as well :facepalm:

Which they have probably saved me thousands of dollars over the years though :whistle: :D
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Aberdrew13 on August 12, 2016, 01:54:37 AM
I had bid up to $130 on that lot, but someone wanted it more.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Paolo Enrico Pasco on August 15, 2016, 05:33:41 AM
1980s?
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160815/954e9485d73a1abf55785f6cb5b9b743.jpg)
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160815/7e7f0871f7fd4d38ebbde55f62b1cd1f.jpg)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Paolo Enrico Pasco on August 15, 2016, 05:35:33 AM
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160815/fc55f7a490ea5b1d800460889b20dbf5.jpg)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Huntsman on August 15, 2016, 07:00:11 AM
1980s?

I am not an expert - But I'd say more likely to be early 90s -
Metric/Imperial ruler / sabre shaped blade / US REG TM stamp
Take a look at the table in the first post of this thread.

Has it got date codes stamped inside the handle? It is quite likely to have these - given its other features.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Paolo Enrico Pasco on August 15, 2016, 10:29:43 AM
Thanks for the reply.
Doesn't have date codes inside the handles... It has Leatherman USA markings on the pliers and blade base, wire cutters doesn't have the stripper provision at the bottom part and no arrows.
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160815/b665d661bb699bc492cab64493198425.jpg)(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160815/5fa845ecdd2fbca8f141dc71086b627a.jpg)(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160815/67d9e41b3bc4b87fe6bd509e577f6b95.jpg)(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160815/2d3b53f738962725c614fa24273d24a0.jpg)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: gregozedobe on August 15, 2016, 11:07:59 AM
Looks like a later version 7 to me (double cut file on the outside), so possibly 1990's to Oct 1992.  Nice clear photos BTW, makes it much easier to identify MTs when you can see the details clearly :tu:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Paolo Enrico Pasco on August 15, 2016, 08:07:43 PM
After reading the op, I think mine's on this?
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160815/31342f4ccf2bdd9c0796f4c65f4cf90e.jpg)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on August 15, 2016, 08:18:16 PM
After reading the op, I think mine's on this?
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160815/31342f4ccf2bdd9c0796f4c65f4cf90e.jpg)

That would put it to late 80's all the way up until they started date stamping them in October of 1992 :tu: A very nice PST to have :cheers:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on August 15, 2016, 08:19:05 PM
After reading the op, I think mine's on this?
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160815/31342f4ccf2bdd9c0796f4c65f4cf90e.jpg)

That would put it to late 80's all the way up until they started date stamping them in October of 1992 :tu: A very nice PST to have :cheers:

Which is very close to what Gregozedobe dated it :cheers:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: SteveC on August 15, 2016, 08:25:26 PM
Nice one Paolo  :cheers:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Joe Alex-Louena Vera on October 03, 2016, 05:22:28 PM
Can't wait to get more info on my leatherman tool
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Joe Alex-Louena Vera on October 03, 2016, 05:24:15 PM
I'll send pic's as soon as able to.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Joe Alex-Louena Vera on October 03, 2016, 06:00:39 PM
.......
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Joe Alex-Louena Vera on October 03, 2016, 06:03:54 PM
 :salute:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Joe Alex-Louena Vera on October 03, 2016, 06:04:24 PM
 :multi:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Joe Alex-Louena Vera on October 03, 2016, 06:12:11 PM
What do I need to do to attach pics.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: SteveC on October 03, 2016, 06:15:17 PM
The easiest way is to host them on imgur,photobucket or the like and link them here or you can attach them but you may have to resize them this way.


Welcome to the forum  :cheers:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Joe Alex-Louena Vera on October 03, 2016, 06:40:35 PM
Thanks for the heads up
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: SteveC on October 04, 2016, 01:46:27 AM
Thanks for the heads up

You're welcome    :cheers:

Let's see what you got  :pok:

Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on October 10, 2016, 03:32:53 PM
Thanks for the heads up

You're welcome    :cheers:

Let's see what you got  :pok:

Welcome to :MTO: Joe :tu:

Been a week do you have it for pics yet ???

 :D
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: wowaboro on December 28, 2016, 08:30:47 PM
Another, at first glance, usual item joined to my collection.
But most interesting it's the earliest modification of Clip Point (Saber) knife blade:
(https://content-28.foto.my.mail.ru/mail/wowaboro/_myphoto/b-158.JPG) (https://content-28.foto.my.mail.ru/mail/wowaboro/_myphoto/b-158.JPG)
On blade tang stamped:
LEATHERMAN U.S.A. (not LEATHERMAN USA as usual).
I think, no, I'm sure - it's one of the most rarest PST's ever.
I've seen only one SS and only one BO, fortunately I have them both  :)


Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Aloha on January 03, 2017, 08:14:48 PM
I have a PST with knife tang also stamped with U.S.A. as well.  The blade is not a clip ( saber ) nor is there any PAT number on the handles. Its a pre dated PST.


I also have one stamper -USA-
 
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: wowaboro on January 03, 2017, 08:30:00 PM
I have a PST with knife tang also stamped with U.S.A. as well.  The blade is not a clip ( saber )...

On all PST's Drop Point blades (as yours) stamped U.S.A. - it's usual.
But PST's Clip Point (Saber) blades with stamp U.S.A. (not USA as usual) - it's very very rare.


...nor is there any PAT number on the handles. Its a pre dated PST.

Please, add photo of this PST.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Aloha on January 03, 2017, 08:47:05 PM
I have a PST with knife tang also stamped with U.S.A. as well.  The blade is not a clip ( saber )...

On all PST's Drop Point blades (as yours) stamped U.S.A. - it's usual.
But PST's Clip Point (Saber) blades with stamp U.S.A. (not USA as usual) - it's very very rare.


...nor is there any PAT number on the handles. Its a pre dated PST.

Please, add photo of this PST.

Great info thank you. 

I will take a picture and post this PST soon.  :salute:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Huntsman on January 19, 2017, 07:15:42 AM
In March last year, Zoidy updated the first post in this thread with a tabular representation of the data.

Since then the table has had over 3.5k downloads ...... That's over 10 per day - Wow   :o

So this thread is still very much alive and it looks like we are providing good information/service to the Internet masses  :tu:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on January 19, 2017, 12:15:45 PM
In March last year, Zoidy updated the first post in this thread with a tabular representation of the data.

Since then the table has had over 3.5k downloads ...... That's over 10 per day - Wow   :o

So this thread is still very much alive and it looks like we are providing good information/service to the Internet masses  :tu:

That is crazy :o Have you seen the other thread with Japanese PST info yet :think: It is one that was started to update the JPST info and has been very interesting so far :like: :like:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: darkencypher on January 19, 2017, 10:05:51 PM
Hello Gents!

Any help with this one?  Thanks :)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: darkencypher on January 19, 2017, 10:06:35 PM
Here's a few more if it helps.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: wowaboro on January 19, 2017, 10:24:02 PM
Hello Gents!
Any help with this one?  Thanks :)

Hello, what help you need?  :)
I only can say it's usual PST, produced during period 0396 - 0696.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: darkencypher on January 19, 2017, 11:24:00 PM
Hello Gents!
Any help with this one?  Thanks :)

Hello, what help you need?  :)
I only can say it's usual PST, produced during period 0396 - 0696.

Thanks for the response!  So does 0396 - 0696 mean March of 1996 through June 1996?
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: SteveC on January 19, 2017, 11:32:04 PM
There will be a date code on the back inside of the handles .
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: SteveC on January 19, 2017, 11:33:00 PM
Welcome to the forum  :cheers:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: gregozedobe on January 19, 2017, 11:35:34 PM
Hello Gents!
Any help with this one?  Thanks :)

Hello, what help you need?  :)
I only can say it's usual PST, produced during period 0396 - 0696.
Thanks for the response!  So does 0396 - 0696 mean March of 1996 through June 1996?


Correct.  Early build PSTs didn't have dates, but later PST handles had 4 digit date codes in the format MMYY
I believe this wasn't the actual date the whole tool was assembled, but was the date the handles were made.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on January 20, 2017, 04:45:36 AM
Welcome to :MTO: darkencypher  :cheers: and glad you got your answer :tu:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Huntsman on January 20, 2017, 06:13:44 AM
Hello Gents!
Any help with this one?  Thanks :)
Hello, what help you need?  :)
I only can say it's usual PST, produced during period 0396 - 0696.
Thanks for the response!  So does 0396 - 0696 mean March of 1996 through June 1996?

Welcome to the forum darkencypher

Wowabaro can identify the age of a PST just by looking at it  :o  :salute:
Most of us just check the date codes inside the handles  ;)
Date codes were introduced in Nov 92 - So as yours is later than that date - if you look inside the handles (under the tools on the bottom) you should see the date stamps
As Greg said they are sometimes different due to different handle production dates

Let us know what they are - and therefore if Wowabaro is correct !!  -
Note: He will be !!
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: darkencypher on January 20, 2017, 07:39:28 PM
Hello Gents!
Any help with this one?  Thanks :)
Hello, what help you need?  :)
I only can say it's usual PST, produced during period 0396 - 0696.
Thanks for the response!  So does 0396 - 0696 mean March of 1996 through June 1996?

Welcome to the forum darkencypher

Wowabaro can identify the age of a PST just by looking at it  :o  :salute:
Most of us just check the date codes inside the handles  ;)
Date codes were introduced in Nov 92 - So as yours is later than that date - if you look inside the handles (under the tools on the bottom) you should see the date stamps
As Greg said they are sometimes different due to different handle production dates

Let us know what they are - and therefore if Wowabaro is correct !!  -
Note: He will be !!

He was correct!  My stamp is 0596.  Does that mean May of 1996?  Incredible!  :)  Thanks for the info Wowaboro and Gregozedobe.  And thanks for the warm welcome, Huntsman, Steve and Poncho65

BEST REGARDS

Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on January 20, 2017, 09:54:59 PM
They sure know there PSTs around here :dd: :D :like:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: gregozedobe on January 23, 2017, 10:47:02 AM
Here is an interesting JPST version 3] currently on offer on ebay:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/322393314638

What I found interesting was the "Made in Japan" sticker placed over the "Portland OR" (2nd photo).  Even back then there must have been some sensitivity about passing off MTs made overseas as US made.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: 71spud on January 24, 2017, 06:13:08 PM
Does anyone have the link for the updated PST chronology spreadsheet?  Thanks!
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on January 24, 2017, 11:07:25 PM
Does anyone have the link for the updated PST chronology spreadsheet?  Thanks!

It's in the first post of this thread :D

Unless you are looking for the Japanese PST speadsheet and it is on the first page of that thread :tu:

Here :cheers:

http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,70158.0.html
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Zed on February 04, 2017, 01:59:52 PM
0897 code MAMIYA Advertisements  :tu: box pic not mine but shows what box etc it would of had new  :salute:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Zed on February 04, 2017, 02:01:16 PM
More  :salute:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: wowaboro on February 04, 2017, 03:12:44 PM
Another pearl added to my collection  :P

(https://content-21.foto.my.mail.ru/mail/wowaboro/_myphoto/b-165.JPG) (https://content-21.foto.my.mail.ru/mail/wowaboro/_myphoto/b-165.JPG)

(https://content-21.foto.my.mail.ru/mail/wowaboro/_myphoto/b-167.JPG) (https://content-21.foto.my.mail.ru/mail/wowaboro/_myphoto/b-167.JPG)

(https://content-9.foto.my.mail.ru/mail/wowaboro/_myphoto/b-166.JPG) (https://content-9.foto.my.mail.ru/mail/wowaboro/_myphoto/b-166.JPG)

(https://content-10.foto.my.mail.ru/mail/wowaboro/_myphoto/b-168.JPG) (https://content-10.foto.my.mail.ru/mail/wowaboro/_myphoto/b-168.JPG)

(https://content-26.foto.my.mail.ru/mail/wowaboro/_myphoto/b-169.JPG) (https://content-26.foto.my.mail.ru/mail/wowaboro/_myphoto/b-169.JPG)

It's only third BO PST with Drop Point blade I've ever seen.
First - strange bdAmmo's item with handles from different production periods:
http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,5877.msg1026520.html#msg1026520
Second - my BO JPST:
http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,32257.msg1202567.html#msg1202567
And third - this one.
But, maybe I'm wrong and someone has other BO Drop Point blade PSTs?
If so, please, share your items  :salute:


Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: SteveC on February 04, 2017, 03:24:02 PM
Nice score wow  :like: :tu:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on February 04, 2017, 03:30:50 PM
Bob (J-sews) may have one :think: But I may be wrong about that :shrug:

Either way they are rare wowaboro and that is very cool indeed 8)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on February 04, 2017, 03:32:20 PM
Zed that Mamiya PST is also a nice one and I can't wait to see pics from you when it gets here :tu: :like: :like:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: gregozedobe on February 04, 2017, 03:36:56 PM
Nice score wow  :like: :tu:

+1   Those early BO PSTs are quite rare  :tu:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Zed on February 07, 2017, 01:16:23 PM
Zed that Mamiya PST is also a nice one and I can't wait to see pics from you when it gets here :tu: :like: :like:

Thanks poncho,they are my pics  :D I've carried it daily since getting it  :salute:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on February 07, 2017, 10:08:45 PM
Zed that Mamiya PST is also a nice one and I can't wait to see pics from you when it gets here :tu: :like: :like:

Thanks poncho,they are my pics  :D I've carried it daily since getting it  :salute:

Ok gotcha :cheers: I need to get one of mine out and carry it :tu: Maybe for throwback Thursday :think:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Zed on February 08, 2017, 05:08:37 AM
Zed that Mamiya PST is also a nice one and I can't wait to see pics from you when it gets here :tu: :like: :like:

Thanks poncho,they are my pics  :D I've carried it daily since getting it  :salute:

Ok gotcha :cheers: I need to get one of mine out and carry it :tu: Maybe for throwback Thursday :think:

I find the pst a good very compact MT if you can do without a few tools like a saw ,my dime has scissors so that's covered,it's my only MT that will fit in my little pouch that clips inside my front jeans pocket,a pouch that usually carried my stockman,I'm making a new pouch at the moment for it and for my spirit 👍
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on February 08, 2017, 05:57:07 AM
Zed that Mamiya PST is also a nice one and I can't wait to see pics from you when it gets here :tu: :like: :like:

Thanks poncho,they are my pics  :D I've carried it daily since getting it  :salute:

Ok gotcha :cheers: I need to get one of mine out and carry it :tu: Maybe for throwback Thursday :think:

I find the pst a good very compact MT if you can do without a few tools like a saw ,my dime has scissors so that's covered,it's my only MT that will fit in my little pouch that clips inside my front jeans pocket,a pouch that usually carried my stockman,I'm making a new pouch at the moment for it and for my spirit 👍

Sounds good and I can't wait to see pics of the new sheath :cheers: :cheers: :like:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on February 08, 2017, 05:58:33 AM
Zed that Mamiya PST is also a nice one and I can't wait to see pics from you when it gets here :tu: :like: :like:

Thanks poncho,they are my pics  :D I've carried it daily since getting it  :salute:

Ok gotcha :cheers: I need to get one of mine out and carry it :tu: Maybe for throwback Thursday :think:

I find the pst a good very compact MT if you can do without a few tools like a saw ,my dime has scissors so that's covered,it's my only MT that will fit in my little pouch that clips inside my front jeans pocket,a pouch that usually carried my stockman,I'm making a new pouch at the moment for it and for my spirit 👍

Sounds good and I can't wait to see pics of the new sheath :cheers: :cheers: :like:

Been meaning to mod my PST 1.5 with a saw and never have gotten around to it yet :think:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: AlxI on March 01, 2017, 11:06:48 PM
Hello there,
New joiner writing from France, owner of a PST II for many years, here are my specs:

•   Rivets or knurled screws?
screws
•   Lanyard attachment?
yes
•   (Old) small diameter or (new) large diameter plier pivot?
large
•   LEATHERMAN alone cast into plier pivot? Or with USA? Or TOOL?
LEATHERMAN TOOL
•   A hard wire cutter notch?
yes
•   Handles stamped with what? (see pictures in next post for examples)
LEATHERMAN PST II ; PORTLAND OR
•   Inch ruler only, or inch/metric?
inch/metric
•   Date codes?
0302 / 0302
•   Drop point knife blade or clip point? (saber?)
drop point and dented like a saw... not sure how to describe, but it cuts like hell !
•   Knife blade tang stamped LEATHERMAN alone? Or with USA? Or JAPAN?
LEATHERMAN
•   Screwdrivers: pivot-in or pivot-out?
Not sure waht this is...

pictures:

(https://i58.servimg.com/u/f58/12/87/37/62/img_1415.jpg)
(https://i58.servimg.com/u/f58/12/87/37/62/img_1416.jpg)
(https://i58.servimg.com/u/f58/12/87/37/62/img_1414.jpg)
(https://i58.servimg.com/u/f58/12/87/37/62/img_1413.jpg)

Hope it helps  :)
AlxI
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on March 03, 2017, 09:58:58 PM
Great pics of that PST II :dd:

Already welcomed you in another thread and thanks for joining in :tu:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: wowaboro on May 29, 2017, 07:06:13 PM
Couple of rarities  :)
BO: 0103 0103
SS: 0504 0304

(https://content-25.foto.my.mail.ru/mail/wowaboro/_myphoto/b-206.JPG) (https://content-25.foto.my.mail.ru/mail/wowaboro/_myphoto/b-206.JPG)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: gregozedobe on May 30, 2017, 03:57:53 AM
Couple of rarities  :)
BO: 0103 0103
SS: 0504 0304

Very nice (and very uncommon)  :drool:   :salute:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: zoidberg on May 30, 2017, 04:00:29 AM
Couple of rarities  :)
BO: 0103 0103
SS: 0504 0304

Very nice (and very uncommon)  :drool:   :salute:

+1   :like:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on June 02, 2017, 04:49:11 AM
The SS one is probably some of the last ones made period :o Wonder what is the latest (newest) datecode with the regular run of PSTs :think:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: wowaboro on June 02, 2017, 09:03:52 AM
Wonder what is the latest (newest) datecode with the regular run of PSTs :think:

All PST's pliers heads with Cap Crimpers was regular (small) size till end of production (1004). Large pliers heads has only flat jaws.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on June 03, 2017, 04:24:39 AM
Wonder what is the latest (newest) datecode with the regular run of PSTs :think:

All PST's pliers heads with Cap Crimpers was regular (small) size till end of production (1004). Large pliers heads has only flat jaws.

Figured you might know ;) That is why I asked :o :like:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Huntsman on June 03, 2017, 05:52:06 AM
Figured you might know ;) That is why I asked :o

Or check the first post in this thread  ;)   :D   :o  !!!
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on June 03, 2017, 06:07:59 AM
Figured you might know ;) That is why I asked :o

Or check the first post in this thread  ;)   :D   :o  !!!

:doh: :D

Who is gonna do a silly thing like actually read though :think: :whistle: :D
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: gerleatherberman on June 24, 2017, 06:26:06 AM
3] Late 1985 – early 1989 Made in Japan concurrently
•   Riveted construction
•   Hollow base rivets
•   No lanyard attachment
•   Small diameter plier pivot
•   Staked plier pivot
•   Only LEATHERMAN cast into plier pivot
•   No hard wire cutter notch
•   One handle stamped: LEATHERMAN TOOL, US PAT 4238862, PORTLAND OR
•   Other handle stamped POCKET SURVIVAL TOOL
•   Inch ruler only, no metric
•   No date codes[/b]
(Note some Japan tools appear to have handles obtained from the same source as some USA tools)
•   Drop point knife blade
•   Knife tang stamped LEATHERMAN JAPAN
•   Milled awl blade
•   Off center screwdrivers pivot IN
•   Can opener has left hand cut

(Note Japan tools appear to have several of their blades obtained from the same source as USA tools)

On the pictures, one is dated 05/95 on right and one not dated on left. Left one has solid rivets, leatherman tool us reg'd tm 1325473 on one side of one handle.
Has the sharp awl as well. Blade has different shape and inches only ruler.
The 1995 is marked leatherman tool us reg tm 1325473 on one side of both handles, and also has knurled screws and a short almost useless awl.
One handle is marked 0495 for the date and 0595 one the other handle.
They have identical phillips drivers and can opener. The older pst has no writing  on the file and seems less agressive. Also, the files are opposite eachother. Cross file faces into the tool and the 95 model file faces the outside of the handle. Pictures of them attached. Forgive the condition on the older pst, as it saw two years of hard use before it was retired. I got it a few years ago and it was almost brand new and I did not know what I had. Now I am starting the MT hobby, I know it was not the right tool for the job I had and it suffered greatly. Pulling staples, nails, etc. Drivers used as pry bars, phillips stripped, and I did not do rust prevention on it.

Also, is there any correlation between the age and how far the handles are spread apart? The older pst is very hard to squeeze and the 1995 pst has closer handles and is easier to operate. Is this the way it is supposed to be?
Many thanks in advance!
EDIT: I tried to determine the age by the chart and info, but I did not see info regarding the handle spread.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on June 24, 2017, 01:11:27 PM
Great looking PSTs :o The handle splay is in all the older model PSTs and I am about to start work or I would look more closely at the pics and see if we could possibly put a date on the older one :salute: Thanks for sharing though :tu:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Huntsman on June 24, 2017, 01:34:46 PM
Welcome to the forum - Thanks for posting

Yeah

I think the left hand one is a Japanese PST - You can tell by the large lettering for 'LEATHERMAN' on the handles
Can you see JAPAN on the blade?

I think the JPSTs had the wider spread - But I am no expert - Wait for one of the gurus to come along

PS. No need to quote the whole of the first thread :twak:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: gerleatherberman on June 24, 2017, 01:44:06 PM
Great looking PSTs :o The handle splay is in all the older model PSTs and I am about to start work or I would look more closely at the pics and see if we could possiblt put a date on the older one :salute: Thanks for sharing though :tu:
Thank you for the responses and kind words! I will take some better (non phone cam) pics this evening.
I have since bought a surge, sp300, rebar, oht, skeletool, wingman, squirt es4, micra, and juice xe7. But, whenever I need to look sharp, the pst and it's almost unnoticeable leather sheath still gets some action.
Thank you huntsman, and I will edit out the original quote. I should have thought that through a bit better. Haha. EDIT: Too late to modifiy, but maybe mod can clean up the first post being overly quoted, if they do not mind of course.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: SteveC on June 24, 2017, 02:01:27 PM
Nice PST's  glbm    :tu: :tu:


Welcome to the forum   :cheers:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on June 24, 2017, 05:05:42 PM
Edited :salute: Doing this from my phone so little harder than from a regular computer or laptop ::) :D Hopefully I kept the info that needed to be :D
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on June 24, 2017, 05:09:16 PM
In regards to the splay I also have a very early PST with knurled screws instead of rivets (USA made :tu: ) and the splay is also wider than the newer model PSTs :tu:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: gerleatherberman on June 25, 2017, 03:17:34 AM
Thank y'all for the info and responses! Now I know! I had believed all pst' had the wide splay until I got the 1995 model. That was definitely an improvement!  :like:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Advanced Knife Bro on September 09, 2017, 03:53:31 PM
I haven't read the entirety of the thread, but I have a PST with a date code of 0601, and my blade says "Leatherman" and "USA."  If you look close you can see both in the same shot.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: SteveC on September 09, 2017, 03:55:32 PM
Welcome to the forum AKB   :cheers:

Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Advanced Knife Bro on September 09, 2017, 04:00:06 PM
Welcome to the forum AKB   :cheers:

Hey there!  The PST was my first pocket knife purchased as an adult... so I'm not sure why I never signed up here before. 
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Aloha on September 09, 2017, 04:03:29 PM
Welcome. 
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on September 09, 2017, 04:19:27 PM
Welcome to :MTO: and great MT the PST :tu: :like:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Sam Lim on September 18, 2017, 01:39:12 PM
Just received a large batch of PSTs today!

Most are in decent quality. Interestingly, 4 of them are of  different built/time. 2 does not have date codes. I have quite a bit of PSTs in my collection. These are a rather interesting find to add on!

One in particular have only inches measurement on the handle and have rather rounded frame. Gotta look at the time line to figure things out.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on September 18, 2017, 07:24:35 PM
Once you get them sorted through I would love to see pics of each one :tu: :like: :like:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Sam Lim on September 18, 2017, 08:20:11 PM
Once you get them sorted through I would love to see pics of each one :tu: :like: :like:

👌
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Sam Lim on September 19, 2017, 03:06:37 PM
OK. Out of the 5 PSTs, 2 are a later version from 02 and 03. Another is from 94, which are rather common.

The other 2 are more interesting. Based on the chronological details, top one is from the early 80's,  bottom is from the late 80's if I am not wrong. Both are not date stamped.

Bought them off Ebay. At an incredible price of about $80USD. Along with a used S2, s4 squirt and 2 Styles. The 2 Styles are damaged so the very kind seller refunded me $15. All in all, I paid about $65USD for the whole batch. I think I found gold on eBay...  :D
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on September 19, 2017, 06:38:52 PM
Yes, that is a very good deal :tu: :like: :like:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: wowaboro on September 19, 2017, 10:24:00 PM
The other 2 are more interesting. Based on the chronological details, top one is from the early 80's,  bottom is from the late 80's if I am not wrong. Both are not date stamped.

Top ~ 1985-1986
Bottom ~ 1991-1992
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Sam Lim on September 20, 2017, 01:34:56 AM
The other 2 are more interesting. Based on the chronological details, top one is from the early 80's,  bottom is from the late 80's if I am not wrong. Both are not date stamped.

Top ~ 1985-1986
Bottom ~ 1991-1992

The number of variations over the many years..  :ahhh
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Fuzzbucket on October 10, 2017, 10:00:26 PM
I have a PST related question if i may...

The first PSTs had a straight phillips driver with a PH1 tip and that was eventualy replaced with the offset phillips with a combo PH1/ PH2 tip. Was there ever an intermediate one, as in a straight driver with the combo tip?

Cheers!
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on October 11, 2017, 04:14:10 AM
I don't think so :think: but some of the major PST collectors may be along to correct me :D
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Fuzzbucket on October 11, 2017, 02:52:39 PM
Thanks Poncho, I guess the only way to find out is to buy a PST from about 97-ish... for research purposes of course!
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on October 11, 2017, 05:18:39 PM
Of course :salute: :D
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: wowaboro on October 11, 2017, 08:08:22 PM
Another one ultra rare BO PST with drop point knife blade added to my collection:
(https://content-21.foto.my.mail.ru/mail/wowaboro/258/b-446.JPG) (https://content-21.foto.my.mail.ru/mail/wowaboro/258/b-446.JPG)
(https://content-9.foto.my.mail.ru/mail/wowaboro/258/b-447.JPG) (https://content-9.foto.my.mail.ru/mail/wowaboro/258/b-447.JPG)

Now them became two (of three)
(https://content-18.foto.my.mail.ru/mail/wowaboro/258/b-448.JPG) (https://content-18.foto.my.mail.ru/mail/wowaboro/258/b-448.JPG)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: SteveC on October 11, 2017, 08:34:52 PM
 :like: :tu:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on October 11, 2017, 09:09:17 PM
Very nice wowaboro 8) :like: :like:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: gregozedobe on October 12, 2017, 04:50:21 AM
You have a knack for finding some rare ones (and I know that can take a lot of time & effort)  :salute:  :tu:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: wowaboro on October 12, 2017, 11:29:19 PM
Thanks guys  :cheers: 
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Barry Rowland on October 18, 2017, 08:43:19 PM
I'm late but I  :like: that wowaboro!!
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Sam Lim on December 07, 2017, 12:54:32 PM
Hey guys need some help to identify the manufacturing date for this. Tried looking at the first post but some features doesn't match up.. Or maybe I am a little blind.. Got it off Ebay. Not the best condition specimen, but probably not that commonly seen. Thanks in advance! As far as I can tell, there's only "leatherman"  stamped on the blade. 
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: gregozedobe on December 07, 2017, 02:32:35 PM
Hey guys need some help to identify the manufacturing date for this. Tried looking at the first post but some features doesn't match up.. Or maybe I am a little blind.. Got it off Ebay. Not the best condition specimen, but probably not that commonly seen. Thanks in advance! As far as I can tell, there's only "leatherman"  stamped on the blade.

That is what I call a Japanese v5 PST.  There are no dates on the handles, but it was the last PST that was made for Leatherman in Japan. I would guesstimate as late 80's to early 90's.  Some v5s had "hollow" rivets (the very early ones ?), but most had solid rivets like your example.

It is the most common JPST, but still not that common (there are a lot more PSTs made in the US).  A nice piece of LM history  :tu:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Sam Lim on December 07, 2017, 02:50:37 PM
Hey guys need some help to identify the manufacturing date for this. Tried looking at the first post but some features doesn't match up.. Or maybe I am a little blind.. Got it off Ebay. Not the best condition specimen, but probably not that commonly seen. Thanks in advance! As far as I can tell, there's only "leatherman"  stamped on the blade.

That is what I call a Japanese v5 PST.  There are no dates on the handles, but it was the last PST that was made for Leatherman in Japan. I would guesstimate as late 80's to early 90's.  Some v5s had "hollow" rivets (the very early ones ?), but most had solid rivets like your example.

It is the most common JPST, but still not that common (there are a lot more PSTs made in the US).  A nice piece of LM history  :tu:

👌 thanks! It's really confusing when there are so many versions but then thats what makes them so collectable!
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: wowaboro on December 07, 2017, 04:23:18 PM
Hey guys need some help to identify the manufacturing date for this. Tried looking at the first post but some features doesn't match up.. Or maybe I am a little blind.. Got it off Ebay. Not the best condition specimen, but probably not that commonly seen. Thanks in advance! As far as I can tell, there's only "leatherman"  stamped on the blade.

That is what I call a Japanese v5 PST.  There are no dates on the handles, but it was the last PST that was made for Leatherman in Japan. I would guesstimate as late 80's to early 90's.  Some v5s had "hollow" rivets (the very early ones ?), but most had solid rivets like your example.

It is the most common JPST, but still not that common (there are a lot more PSTs made in the US).  A nice piece of LM history  :tu:

I agree with Greg in everything, except that it was the last PST that was made for Leatherman in Japan.
Last JPST version has "REG’D TM 1325473" on handles.
On Sam Lim's item is "US REG’D TM 1325473" - it's penultimate version of JPST and was produced in second half of 80's.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Sam Lim on December 07, 2017, 06:23:54 PM
Hey guys need some help to identify the manufacturing date for this. Tried looking at the first post but some features doesn't match up.. Or maybe I am a little blind.. Got it off Ebay. Not the best condition specimen, but probably not that commonly seen. Thanks in advance! As far as I can tell, there's only "leatherman"  stamped on the blade.

That is what I call a Japanese v5 PST.  There are no dates on the handles, but it was the last PST that was made for Leatherman in Japan. I would guesstimate as late 80's to early 90's.  Some v5s had "hollow" rivets (the very early ones ?), but most had solid rivets like your example.

It is the most common JPST, but still not that common (there are a lot more PSTs made in the US).  A nice piece of LM history  :tu:

I agree with Greg in everything, except that it was the last PST that was made for Leatherman in Japan.
Last JPST version has "REG’D TM 1325473" on handles.
On Sam Lim's item is "US REG’D TM 1325473" - it's penultimate version of JPST and was produced in second half of 80's.

Thanks! I had to re-read what you wrote and look up on "penultimate". Thats some deep vocabulary you have there.. 👍
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: wowaboro on December 07, 2017, 06:41:16 PM
Thanks! I had to re-read what you wrote and look up on "penultimate". Thats some deep vocabulary you have there.. 👍

I thought how to write: last but one, next-to-last, second-to-last, second-last etc., but all online russian-to-english translators says this rich word: "penultimate" :)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: wowaboro on February 26, 2018, 06:41:11 PM
Really rare and very interesting addition to my collection.
Till now I thought that earliest CC PSTs was made in ~1990-91  :think:
But this BO oldie says that he was produced in late 1980's (~1986-89):
(https://content-5.foto.my.mail.ru/mail/wowaboro/258/b-529.JPG) (https://content-5.foto.my.mail.ru/mail/wowaboro/258/b-529.JPG)

(https://content-23.foto.my.mail.ru/mail/wowaboro/258/b-528.JPG) (https://content-23.foto.my.mail.ru/mail/wowaboro/258/b-528.JPG)

(https://content-9.foto.my.mail.ru/mail/wowaboro/258/b-530.JPG) (https://content-9.foto.my.mail.ru/mail/wowaboro/258/b-530.JPG)

and most joyful, I have a couple of them  :P
(https://content-5.foto.my.mail.ru/mail/wowaboro/258/b-531.JPG) (https://content-5.foto.my.mail.ru/mail/wowaboro/258/b-531.JPG)

Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Barry Rowland on February 26, 2018, 07:29:25 PM
 :like:. Nice ones!!!
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: SteveC on February 26, 2018, 07:54:43 PM
Great additions to your collection !   :cheers: :like: :tu:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: gregozedobe on February 26, 2018, 11:50:36 PM
Great Find - well done !    :tu:  :tu:  :tu:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on February 27, 2018, 03:28:48 AM
2 very nice additions to the collection wow :o :dd: :like:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Shadowtek on February 28, 2018, 01:10:08 AM
Hello everyone! This thread is amazing, I recently inherited what looks like a brand new original PST and I was trying to figure out the year. It even has the original manual with it.

I think it’s a late 80’s US based on reading a lot of this thread but haven’t found one like this anywhere. BOTH handles are stamped the exact same Leatherman Tool, US Reg TM 1325473, Portland,OR. Ruler has inches and metric, knurled screws, drop point blade not clip, left hand?Can opener, small pivot, and no date stamp. Knife blade and pliers say Leatherman USA. Here are some pics, any guesses on year?

Also there’s very faint markings on one of the handles backsides that I can’t make out looks like just something ghosting into the metal.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: wowaboro on February 28, 2018, 10:13:20 AM
Hello everyone! This thread is amazing, I recently inherited what looks like a brand new original PST and I was trying to figure out the year. It even has the original manual with it.

I think it’s a late 80’s US based on reading a lot of this thread but haven’t found one like this anywhere. BOTH handles are stamped the exact same Leatherman Tool, US Reg TM 1325473, Portland,OR. Ruler has inches and metric, knurled screws, drop point blade not clip, left hand?Can opener, small pivot, and no date stamp. Knife blade and pliers say Leatherman USA. Here are some pics, any guesses on year?

Also there’s very faint markings on one of the handles backsides that I can’t make out looks like just something ghosting into the metal.

1. Your item with clip point (saber) or short clip point knife blade - NOT drop point.
Please, add photo with full view of knife blade (on both your pictures blade type is not visible).
2. Your item have a date codes, it's may be poor visible, but they are there.

Anyway, it's quite usual version that was produced during period from 0495 to 0995 if it's clip point (saber) or from 0895 to 0396 if it's short clip point PST.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on February 28, 2018, 11:51:55 AM
Welcome to :MTO: :cheers: wowaboro is always great at placing dates in these :salute: It would help if the whole knife was in view though :cheers: It does look like it would have datecodes in the handles to me as well :think: Check in them with a flashlight to make sure :tu: It is a very nice looking PST though :drool: :like:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Shadowtek on February 28, 2018, 03:01:14 PM
Hello everyone! This thread is amazing, I recently inherited what looks like a brand new original PST and I was trying to figure out the year. It even has the original manual with it.

I think it’s a late 80’s US based on reading a lot of this thread but haven’t found one like this anywhere. BOTH handles are stamped the exact same Leatherman Tool, US Reg TM 1325473, Portland,OR. Ruler has inches and metric, knurled screws, drop point blade not clip, left hand?Can opener, small pivot, and no date stamp. Knife blade and pliers say Leatherman USA. Here are some pics, any guesses on year?

Also there’s very faint markings on one of the handles backsides that I can’t make out looks like just something ghosting into the metal.

1. Your item with clip point (saber) or short clip point knife blade - NOT drop point.
Please, add photo with full view of knife blade (on both your pictures blade type is not visible).
2. Your item have a date codes, it's may be poor visible, but they are there.

Anyway, it's quite usual version that was produced during period from 0495 to 0995 if it's clip point (saber) or from 0895 to 0396 if it's short clip point PST.

Wow, so you are 100% right I think, I finally found the freaking date stamp and feel like a moron. It's got 0895 stamped on it. So i guess the rest is normal for it? here's a better picture of everything. I was on mobile before and it didn't play nice with the images.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Shadowtek on February 28, 2018, 03:27:33 PM
Hello everyone! This thread is amazing, I recently inherited what looks like a brand new original PST and I was trying to figure out the year. It even has the original manual with it.

I think it’s a late 80’s US based on reading a lot of this thread but haven’t found one like this anywhere. BOTH handles are stamped the exact same Leatherman Tool, US Reg TM 1325473, Portland,OR. Ruler has inches and metric, knurled screws, drop point blade not clip, left hand?Can opener, small pivot, and no date stamp. Knife blade and pliers say Leatherman USA. Here are some pics, any guesses on year?

Also there’s very faint markings on one of the handles backsides that I can’t make out looks like just something ghosting into the metal.

1. Your item with clip point (saber) or short clip point knife blade - NOT drop point.
Please, add photo with full view of knife blade (on both your pictures blade type is not visible).
2. Your item have a date codes, it's may be poor visible, but they are there.

Anyway, it's quite usual version that was produced during period from 0495 to 0995 if it's clip point (saber) or from 0895 to 0396 if it's short clip point PST.


Actually the plot thickens more, one handle says 0795 and one says 0895
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on March 02, 2018, 02:56:57 AM
Hello everyone! This thread is amazing, I recently inherited what looks like a brand new original PST and I was trying to figure out the year. It even has the original manual with it.

I think it’s a late 80’s US based on reading a lot of this thread but haven’t found one like this anywhere. BOTH handles are stamped the exact same Leatherman Tool, US Reg TM 1325473, Portland,OR. Ruler has inches and metric, knurled screws, drop point blade not clip, left hand?Can opener, small pivot, and no date stamp. Knife blade and pliers say Leatherman USA. Here are some pics, any guesses on year?

Also there’s very faint markings on one of the handles backsides that I can’t make out looks like just something ghosting into the metal.

1. Your item with clip point (saber) or short clip point knife blade - NOT drop point.
Please, add photo with full view of knife blade (on both your pictures blade type is not visible).
2. Your item have a date codes, it's may be poor visible, but they are there.

Anyway, it's quite usual version that was produced during period from 0495 to 0995 if it's clip point (saber) or from 0895 to 0396 if it's short clip point PST.


Actually the plot thickens more, one handle says 0795 and one says 0895

Very normal to have handles with different datecodes in each side :salute:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Shadowtek on March 02, 2018, 03:06:00 AM
Thanks! Didn’t know that, I’m learning so much.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: tango44 on March 05, 2018, 09:07:30 PM
A $1,200 PST...

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Rare-Leatherman-PST-Pocket-Toolchest-Sold-by-Early-Winters-Catalog-Super-Nice/132526688935?hash=item1edb34caa7:g:FQsAAOSwI39anI9z
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on March 06, 2018, 12:05:01 AM
A $1,200 PST...

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Rare-Leatherman-PST-Pocket-Toolchest-Sold-by-Early-Winters-Catalog-Super-Nice/132526688935?hash=item1edb34caa7:g:FQsAAOSwI39anI9z

 :facepalm:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: gregozedobe on March 06, 2018, 03:21:07 AM
A $1,200 PST...

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Rare-Leatherman-PST-Pocket-Toolchest-Sold-by-Early-Winters-Catalog-Super-Nice/132526688935?hash=item1edb34caa7:g:FQsAAOSwI39anI9z

Hmmm.   :think:

The seller claims this is an Early Winter's catalog version (from the very beginning of PST production).  I'm not 100% convinced, even though he has what seems to be legit Early Winter's doco with it.

I have two reasons for my doubts:

1  Many of the very early PSTs I've seen have "hollow" knurled screws, "Leatherman" only (no USA) pliers, and some have "Leatherman, USA" etched on the main part of the knife blade.  This example has none of these characteristics.

2  This particular PST variant ie with only "US PAT 4238862" and a name stamped on the handles (No "Leatherman", mo Personal Survival Tool", no "Oregon, USA") is not particularly rare - I have 4 and I've seen quite a few more that I could have purchased.  I have a theory that there was a large batch of these tools ordered from Leatherman, personalised and given out to many people as some kind of reward or promotion.  Most I've looked at don't seem to have been used much at all.

I'd be very interested in hearing opinions from other people.   ???
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: tango44 on March 06, 2018, 04:18:15 PM
Did Leatherman had an official contract in the past to provide tools to the Army?
Does anybody have info about this?
Thank you.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: wowaboro on March 06, 2018, 07:57:45 PM
A $1,200 PST...

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Rare-Leatherman-PST-Pocket-Toolchest-Sold-by-Early-Winters-Catalog-Super-Nice/132526688935?hash=item1edb34caa7:g:FQsAAOSwI39anI9z

Hmmm.   :think:

The seller claims this is an Early Winter's catalog version (from the very beginning of PST production).  I'm not 100% convinced, even though he has what seems to be legit Early Winter's doco with it.

I have two reasons for my doubts:

1  Many of the very early PSTs I've seen have "hollow" knurled screws, "Leatherman" only (no USA) pliers, and some have "Leatherman, USA" etched on the main part of the knife blade.  This example has none of these characteristics.

2  This particular PST variant ie with only "US PAT 4238862" and a name stamped on the handles (No "Leatherman", mo Personal Survival Tool", no "Oregon, USA") is not particularly rare - I have 4 and I've seen quite a few more that I could have purchased.  I have a theory that there was a large batch of these tools ordered from Leatherman, personalised and given out to many people as some kind of reward or promotion.  Most I've looked at don't seem to have been used much at all.

I'd be very interested in hearing opinions from other people.   ???

Greg, I think it's a lot easier ;)
It's really a PST for the Early Winter's. Just they were a few modifications (as like for Cabela's). Earliest and rarest have only "LEATHERMAN" on pliers, etch on knife blade and earliest (lightly gold) file, later (and not very rare) have "LEATHERMAN TOOL" on pliers and later types files. With hollow screws these tools were not.
By my calculations exist 5 different variants of this Eearly Winter's PSTs (I have 4).
Item on eBay is latest variant of EW PST, in addition with some name engraved - 1200$ it's just insanely overprice  :D
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: gregozedobe on March 07, 2018, 01:52:32 AM
A $1,200 PST...

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Rare-Leatherman-PST-Pocket-Toolchest-Sold-by-Early-Winters-Catalog-Super-Nice/132526688935?hash=item1edb34caa7:g:FQsAAOSwI39anI9z

Hmmm.   :think:

The seller claims this is an Early Winter's catalog version (from the very beginning of PST production).  I'm not 100% convinced, even though he has what seems to be legit Early Winter's doco with it.

I have two reasons for my doubts:

1  Many of the very early PSTs I've seen have "hollow" knurled screws, "Leatherman" only (no USA) pliers, and some have "Leatherman, USA" etched on the main part of the knife blade.  This example has none of these characteristics.

2  This particular PST variant ie with only "US PAT 4238862" and a name stamped on the handles (No "Leatherman", mo Personal Survival Tool", no "Oregon, USA") is not particularly rare - I have 4 and I've seen quite a few more that I could have purchased.  I have a theory that there was a large batch of these tools ordered from Leatherman, personalised and given out to many people as some kind of reward or promotion.  Most I've looked at don't seem to have been used much at all.

I'd be very interested in hearing opinions from other people.   ???

Greg, I think it's a lot easier ;)
It's really a PST for the Early Winter's. Just they were a few modifications (as like for Cabela's). Earliest and rarest have only "LEATHERMAN" on pliers, etch on knife blade and earliest (lightly gold) file, later (and not very rare) have "LEATHERMAN TOOL" on pliers and later types files. With hollow screws these tools were not.
By my calculations exist 5 different variants of this Eearly Winter's PSTs (I have 4).
Item on eBay is latest variant of EW PST, in addition with some name engraved - 1200$ it's just insanely overprice  :D

That sounds logical - even in the very early days LM were changing things frequently on the PSTs they were building.  Just to satisfy my PST curiosity, what are the 5 different variations that you know of ?

And thanks for the above info Vladimir,  :tu:  it is always good to learn more about this deceptively simple looking tool that brought plier-based MTs into the mainstream market   :D
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: tango44 on March 07, 2018, 03:14:28 PM
A $200 PST, is this the new limited production collector item?
Thank you.

https://www.sportsmanswarehouse.com/sportsmans/Leatherman-PST-Tool/productDetail/Full-Size-Multi-Tool/prod99999056490/cat100817
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Shadowtek on March 07, 2018, 03:22:31 PM
A $200 PST, is this the new limited production collector item?
Thank you.

https://www.sportsmanswarehouse.com/sportsmans/Leatherman-PST-Tool/productDetail/Full-Size-Multi-Tool/prod99999056490/cat100817

Yep this is the 35th limited edition one. The collector limited edition is only available from Leatherman.com and Leatherman.ca. They are only making 500 of the limited collector ones but they cost $275 and come in a wooden display box with sheath. No one seems sure how many of the $200 ones will be out there, but they are the ones released worldwide.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: tango44 on March 07, 2018, 03:31:41 PM
Thank you for clarifying this for me, what are the main differences between them?
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Shadowtek on March 07, 2018, 04:44:08 PM
Thank you for clarifying this for me, what are the main differences between them?

Heritage Limited Edition- $200, available worldwide, comes in cardboard box with brown leather OG sheath and has Tim’s signature etched in handle.

Collector Edition - $275, only available in US/Canada(unless you get creative) limited to 500 pieces. It comes in wood display case, has Tim’s signature etched in handle, numbered up to 500 (etched/printed inside handle), has collectible coin and T-shirt. Also comes with OG brown Leather sheath and has letter of authenticity with Tim’s signature I think.

Aside from the numbering out of 500 the tools are identical I believe.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: tango44 on March 07, 2018, 04:50:27 PM
Thank you.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: wowaboro on March 07, 2018, 06:45:38 PM
Just to satisfy my PST curiosity, what are the 5 different variations that you know of ?

It's small part (only Early Winters variants) of my PST working table at the moment (changes are possible, green colored items that I have):
(https://content-7.foto.my.mail.ru/mail/wowaboro/258/b-537.jpg) (https://content-7.foto.my.mail.ru/mail/wowaboro/258/b-537.jpg)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Huntsman on March 07, 2018, 11:48:25 PM
The novices work is in the first post of this thread

Here we see a glimpse of the master's work  !!   ::)   
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: gregozedobe on March 08, 2018, 03:18:43 AM
Just to satisfy my PST curiosity, what are the 5 different variations that you know of ?

It's small part (only Early Winters variants) of my PST working table at the moment (changes are possible, green colored items that I have):
(https://content-7.foto.my.mail.ru/mail/wowaboro/258/b-537.jpg) (https://content-7.foto.my.mail.ru/mail/wowaboro/258/b-537.jpg)

Thanks for that.   :tu:    I'll look at my examples and see what I have.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Lynn LeFey on March 09, 2018, 12:31:56 AM
Did Leatherman had an official contract in the past to provide tools to the Army?
Does anybody have info about this?
Thank you.

As far as I know, Leatherman never had a contract to supply multitools to the U.S. military. Gerber beat them out with the MPT5.  I discuss that in the linked thread, 'Gerber MPT vs Leatherman PST'
https://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,76277.0.html
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: ThePeacent on March 09, 2018, 01:42:48 PM
Did Leatherman had an official contract in the past to provide tools to the Army?
Does anybody have info about this?
Thank you.

As far as I know, Leatherman never had a contract to supply multitools to the U.S. military. Gerber beat them out with the MPT5.  I discuss that in the linked thread, 'Gerber MPT vs Leatherman PST'
https://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,76277.0.html

Isn't the OHT Military issue nowadays? I think I read it somewhere  :think:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: wowaboro on March 24, 2018, 04:26:31 PM
Recently I bought new in blister packaged PST w/Nylon sheath. The date codes I can't see, because I don't want to damage the packaging. I think it's one of the latest releases before the end of their production and anyway not later than 1004 (october 2004).
(https://content-15.foto.my.mail.ru/mail/wowaboro/258/b-540.JPG) (https://content-15.foto.my.mail.ru/mail/wowaboro/258/b-540.JPG)

(https://content-7.foto.my.mail.ru/mail/wowaboro/258/b-542.JPG) (https://content-7.foto.my.mail.ru/mail/wowaboro/258/b-542.JPG)

but when I looked closer, I noticed this:
(https://content-19.foto.my.mail.ru/mail/wowaboro/258/b-541.JPG) (https://content-19.foto.my.mail.ru/mail/wowaboro/258/b-541.JPG)

(https://content-1.foto.my.mail.ru/mail/wowaboro/258/b-544.JPG) (https://content-1.foto.my.mail.ru/mail/wowaboro/258/b-544.JPG)

2007!!?? What would that mean?  ??? :think:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: SteveC on March 24, 2018, 04:39:10 PM
 :o

 :think:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: gregozedobe on March 25, 2018, 06:24:05 AM
Recently I bought new in blister packaged PST w/Nylon sheath. The date codes I can't see, because I don't want to damage the packaging. I think it's one of the latest releases before the end of their production and anyway not later than 1004 (october 2004).

2007!!?? What would that mean?  ??? :think:

And if you look further along that same line you see "0907" which in LM-speak usually means September 2007.

All very strange indeed  ???

If it was mine I would have great difficulty in not opening the package to see what date stamps are on the handles ........
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on March 25, 2018, 03:38:37 PM
I bought a Supertool 200 NIP 1005 datecodes and a Grey Kf4 NIP (didn't look for it for the datecodes) in blister packs just like that around 2008-09 and the ST200 packaging has 2008 on it :salute: They also had PSTs :cheers: I bought a ST200, a couple of the Kf4s (one for a member here :tu: ) but I didn't get a PST :facepalm: as I had been looking for older ones at the time and that one was still a bit higher than what I wanted to pay considering they had on been discontinued a few years at that time :tu: So I would say it is the latest datecode on a PST with newer packaging to get rid of the remaining stock after the big discontinuing of 04/05 :salute:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: SteveC on March 25, 2018, 03:48:46 PM

I bought a Supertool 200 NIP 1005 datecodes and a Grey Kf4 NIP (didn't look for it for the datecodes) in blister packs just like that around 2008-09 and the ST200 packaging has 2008 on it :salute: They also had PSTs :cheers: I bought a ST200, a couple of the Kf4s (one for a member here :tu: ) but I didn't get a PST :facepalm: as I had been looking for older ones at the time and that one was still a bit higher than what I wanted to pay considering they had on been discontinued a few years at that time :tu: So I would say it is the latest datecode on a PST with newer packaging to get rid of the remaining stock after the big discontinuing of 04/05 :salute:


That sounds like a plausible explanation.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: mlw270win on March 28, 2018, 08:06:55 PM
Iam fairly new to the Leatherman multitool and this chronology project has been very interesting and helpful. Thanks
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Huntsman on March 28, 2018, 09:55:11 PM
Welcome to MTo mlw270win

And thanks for your feedback - Much appreciated.

Stick around and dig around - There's a wealth of information in this forum -

We have great community with some extremely knowledeable members - And we have a lot of fun too!
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on March 29, 2018, 12:38:54 AM
Welcome to :MTO: mlw :cheers:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: wowaboro on April 02, 2018, 07:37:44 PM
Just two PSTs and 35 years between them  :)

(https://content-9.foto.my.mail.ru/mail/wowaboro/258/b-546.JPG) (https://content-9.foto.my.mail.ru/mail/wowaboro/258/b-546.JPG)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on April 02, 2018, 07:46:03 PM
Just two PSTs and 35 years between them  :)

(https://content-9.foto.my.mail.ru/mail/wowaboro/258/b-546.JPG) (https://content-9.foto.my.mail.ru/mail/wowaboro/258/b-546.JPG)

:dd: :like: :like:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Sam Lim on April 10, 2018, 03:58:10 PM
Just two PSTs and 35 years between them  :)

(https://content-9.foto.my.mail.ru/mail/wowaboro/258/b-546.JPG) (https://content-9.foto.my.mail.ru/mail/wowaboro/258/b-546.JPG)

 :o
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Barry Rowland on April 10, 2018, 04:00:07 PM
I'm always amazed at all the many changes made to the PST over the years of production.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: SteveC on April 10, 2018, 04:05:59 PM
 :like: :tu:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on April 10, 2018, 04:13:22 PM
I'm always amazed at all the many changes made to the PST over the years of production.

There have been many small changes for sure :o Some more noticeable than others :cheers:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on April 10, 2018, 04:13:50 PM
Guess we have 1000 replies to this thread now :dd: :like: :like: :like:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Barry Rowland on April 12, 2018, 06:52:41 AM
 :like: 1001 now! :D
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: wowaboro on May 03, 2018, 08:22:04 PM
Finally I gathered all variants (four of four) of JPSTs with "POCKET SURVIVAL TOOL" on handles  8)

(https://content-6.foto.my.mail.ru/mail/wowaboro/258/b-548.JPG) (https://content-6.foto.my.mail.ru/mail/wowaboro/258/b-548.JPG)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on May 04, 2018, 12:10:23 PM
Another great pic wow :tu: :drool: :like:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: ThePeacent on May 04, 2018, 12:21:09 PM
A-WESOME  :like:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: gregozedobe on May 04, 2018, 02:30:34 PM
Finally I gathered all variants (four of four) of JPSTs with "POCKET SURVIVAL TOOL" on handles  8)

As far as PSTs go, "YOU DA MAN"   :salute:   :tu:

It looks a bit confusing when PSTs made in Japan have "USA" on the plier heads.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Huntsman on May 05, 2018, 12:07:56 AM
Nice one :tu:

But come on Wow - Lay out the differences for us novices!!! They all look the same to me !!   ;)
Looks like they all have solid rivets and LM Japan on the blade, the small LEATHERMAN TOOL handle stamp (which is ususual for Japan made - right?), and even PO (Portland Oregon) on the handle, which is surprising!!

Although I can see the left two have USA on the plier head.
I am guessing the trademark/patent handle stamp is different? Lanyard?  - What else ???

Hmm - Just zoomed in on the pic - Nope - They all have US PATENT - Although I can see the rightmost file has a different cut!!

Thanks mate 

PS. And how do you know you have 'all four' ?  ???   :o   And there isn't another variation hiding out there !!

EDIT: PPS - How many in the collection now    ???    :D
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: gregozedobe on May 05, 2018, 03:20:25 AM
Have a closer look at the tang on the files, also I'd be very surprised if all 4 don't have the indent in the rivets on the "back side" handles (which we call "hollow" rivets, even though they aren't really hollow).
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Huntsman on May 05, 2018, 05:41:56 AM
Thanks Greg - Have I got it now  ???

PST       Pliers            File     
1 LM USAPattern1
2 LM USAPattern1
MiJ Stamp
3 LM Pattern2
4 LM Pattern3

All my PSTs have LEATHERMAN stamped on the files except the JPST (- Thanks again Greg :D ) - which has no stamp
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: wowaboro on May 05, 2018, 08:10:01 AM
The differences between "POCKET SURVIVAL TOOL" JPSTs:

JPST       Pliers                             File tang stamp     
1LEATHERMAN USA - (hidden)
2LEATHERMAN USAMADE IN JAPAN
3LEATHERMAN - (hidden)
4LEATHERMANMADE IN JAPAN


EDIT: PPS - How many in the collection now    ???    :D

Now in my collection 146 PSTs (131 USPSTs and 15 JPSTs)  :)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: gregozedobe on May 05, 2018, 02:50:14 PM
Now in my collection 146 PSTs (131 USPSTs and 15 JPSTs)  :)

You have more than me  :salute:  , I have only(!) 118 PSTs  (86 x USPSTs and 43 JPSTs)   

Good to see that not all PSTs reside in the US   ;)   :pok:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: wowaboro on May 05, 2018, 08:48:53 PM
You have more than me  :salute:  , I have only(!) 118 PSTs  (86 x USPSTs and 43 JPSTs)   

All my 146 PSTs - it's unique, no double items, what about yours 118?  ;)  :cheers:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: gregozedobe on May 06, 2018, 10:36:29 AM
You have more than me  :salute:  , I have only(!) 118 PSTs  (86 x USPSTs and 43 JPSTs)   

All my 146 PSTs - it's unique, no double items, what about yours 118?  ;)  :cheers:

I'm sure you have way more PST variants than me    :salute:  , I have lots of duplicates, particularly the JPSTs (and also a severe lack of the enthusiasm & energy that would be needed to thoroughly inspect and classify and count the variants).  However, I believe I have the SS Gerber Mr Pinchy v1.x  territory reasonably well covered (mainly because there aren't so many variants)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Sam Lim on May 06, 2018, 12:29:19 PM
That's insane! 100+ PSTs!! All different?!? I guess the 2 of you will have to lay them all out and snapshot them or no one here will believe you!  :whistle:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on May 06, 2018, 04:00:23 PM
I would love to see a pic or 2 of at least part of each of your collections even :dd: :like:

:popcorn:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: wowaboro on May 06, 2018, 09:17:28 PM
Oops, I forgot add to my count Heritage and Collector's Edition PSTs :facepalm:
Correct quantity of my PSTs - 148 pcs  :)

(https://s124iva.storage.yandex.net/rdisk/503d3154a3a67ab4547dbb54fa5e1b1c1df2bb1feccfaf237b7691981bd913ff/5aef93ad/gn-IfB9r8XhX9T-2BnNvburJCpJWBmwpPQ92xfQ4e8ufa2XVkwph8wphn2di2b9QGpWzV-ImrjN62t1sTf3xKw==?uid=11586821&filename=Leatherman_PST_Collection_146%20pcs_06%2005%202018_small_wm.jpg&disposition=inline&hash=&limit=0&content_type=image%2Fjpeg&fsize=6851809&hid=d434dd71d93c7c8b3ae54584b5b77a46&media_type=image&tknv=v2&etag=ebd5ada20a397227559786a314cfce5a&rtoken=9SYRfSW1cIfC&force_default=yes&ycrid=na-ec538e9c608956132fe3e12366c5162b-downloader4h&ts=56b92271a8540&s=73380dcddf84d180ee138fa7ab46a68f153d8c85742d19d29e8041b3eb5e263f&pb=U2FsdGVkX1-MB_ddSf3EMw2-GmJ9Jai9AEKZ545ilyvPzm3MlhNSUKDqGDL6QtH7h9T0d6I9yAN-Mc-HMYd2YHj7RR55k6gGTrT_lYurj_c) (https://s124iva.storage.yandex.net/rdisk/503d3154a3a67ab4547dbb54fa5e1b1c1df2bb1feccfaf237b7691981bd913ff/5aef93ad/gn-IfB9r8XhX9T-2BnNvburJCpJWBmwpPQ92xfQ4e8ufa2XVkwph8wphn2di2b9QGpWzV-ImrjN62t1sTf3xKw==?uid=11586821&filename=Leatherman_PST_Collection_146%20pcs_06%2005%202018_small_wm.jpg&disposition=inline&hash=&limit=0&content_type=image%2Fjpeg&fsize=6851809&hid=d434dd71d93c7c8b3ae54584b5b77a46&media_type=image&tknv=v2&etag=ebd5ada20a397227559786a314cfce5a&rtoken=9SYRfSW1cIfC&force_default=yes&ycrid=na-ec538e9c608956132fe3e12366c5162b-downloader4h&ts=56b92271a8540&s=73380dcddf84d180ee138fa7ab46a68f153d8c85742d19d29e8041b3eb5e263f&pb=U2FsdGVkX1-MB_ddSf3EMw2-GmJ9Jai9AEKZ545ilyvPzm3MlhNSUKDqGDL6QtH7h9T0d6I9yAN-Mc-HMYd2YHj7RR55k6gGTrT_lYurj_c)

Lines 1-2:  Drop point blade PSTs (26 of 34)
Line 3:  Drop point blade JPSTs (15 of 16)
Lines 4-7:  Clip point (Saber) blade PSTs (50 of 55)
Lines 8-11:  Short clip point blade PSTs (55 of 66) + Heritage and Collector's Edition PSTs (2 of 2)
Total: 148 of 173


Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on May 06, 2018, 10:33:51 PM
Very great pic wow :o 8) :like:

Thanks for the pic  :like: :like:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: SteveC on May 06, 2018, 10:41:21 PM
   









                                                                                   Wow !








Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Huntsman on May 07, 2018, 12:08:32 AM
A - M - A - Z - I - N - G

You are truly dedicated to your hobby and goal Mr. Wow -  wow indeed !!   :o

And we all appreciate it, and you sharing with us - Thanks  :tu:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: wowaboro on May 07, 2018, 07:18:13 AM
Thanks guys!  :cheers:
I see some problem with picture visible in this post (https://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,5877.msg1692439.html#msg1692439), I try to share it once again.

Preview / Small size picture:
(https://content-28.foto.my.mail.ru/mail/wowaboro/258/b-554.jpg) (https://content-28.foto.my.mail.ru/mail/wowaboro/258/b-554.jpg)

Link to download full size picture (https://yadi.sk/i/kj5aiux33VTR5m)

Lines 1-2:  Drop point blade PSTs (26 of 34)
Line 3:  Drop point blade JPSTs (15 of 16)
Lines 4-7:  Clip point (Saber) blade PSTs (50 of 55)
Lines 8-11:  Short clip point blade PSTs (55 of 66) + Heritage and Collector's Edition PSTs (2 of 2)
Total: 148 of 173
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Huntsman on May 07, 2018, 09:57:00 AM
Good to see that not all PSTs reside in the US   ;)   :pok:
In fact here's the question ...  ???

Are the greatest  two PST collections (ie most extensive) in the world outside of the US ?    :pok:    :)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Sam Lim on May 08, 2018, 12:01:30 PM
Wow. I am actually lost for words.

Just wow... *picking up my jaw from the floor.. *
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Andreas TTI on June 16, 2018, 01:29:42 PM
Here is one more PST variation. You might not have it yet in the chronology project.
There is a limited heritage PST and a limited PST collectors edition (500 pieces)...
Now I found the heritage PST with no printed Leatherman signature on the handle.
This tool was the first price in a game on the Leatherman Heritage tour through Europe...
Mr. Timothy S. Leatherman personally offers to sign this tool by engraving.
Those tools are marked with "Limited Edition", no serialnumber inside the handles, just the production code 0717...
It comes in the wooden collectors edition box, with leather sheath and metall coin. Also inside was a picture card of Tim, personally signed on the backside and a PST sticker marked "Limited Edition" but even there is no signature on the sticker handle...
A very good advertising campaign, and now kind of unique pieces...
Maybe someone has more information about this "rare" edition.
Thanks in advance!  :multi:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Andreas TTI on June 16, 2018, 01:31:45 PM
Some more pictures... :salute:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: wowaboro on June 16, 2018, 07:42:49 PM
Now I found the heritage PST with no printed Leatherman signature on the handle.
Those tools are marked with "Limited Edition", no serialnumber inside the handles, just the production code 0717...
It comes in the wooden collectors edition box, with leather sheath and metall coin. Also inside was a picture card of Tim, personally signed on the backside and a PST sticker marked "Limited Edition" but even there is no signature on the sticker handle...

What price of this item?
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Andreas TTI on June 16, 2018, 09:46:06 PM
Now I found the heritage PST with no printed Leatherman signature on the handle.
Those tools are marked with "Limited Edition", no serialnumber inside the handles, just the production code 0717...
It comes in the wooden collectors edition box, with leather sheath and metall coin. Also inside was a picture card of Tim, personally signed on the backside and a PST sticker marked "Limited Edition" but even there is no signature on the sticker handle...

What price of this item?

It was for free.
I won it on a Heritage party in Germany, location was the Roadrunners Club Berlin.
It starts with a lottery on facebook. We won a trip to Berlin and the invitation to the 35th Anniversary Heritage Party. They gave us black Leatherman coins for free food and beverages.
My girlfriend also won a PST. We met Tim on that event. We had a great day!
2nd price at the game was a Leatherman backpack, 3rd price was a Leatherman wallet... Never saw this PST version before. Of course I have the heritage PST and the Collectors Edition, but this one I saw first time.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: wowaboro on June 16, 2018, 10:13:53 PM
Congrats to you, Andreas and your girlfriend too  :)
I saw this version of Heritage PST maybe half year ago (in january) and all this time I am waiting when it's will be available for purchase.
So, I will wait further :(
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on June 17, 2018, 05:16:59 AM
More great pics Andreas :like: :like:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Andreas TTI on June 17, 2018, 07:40:34 PM
Congrats to you, Andreas and your girlfriend too  :)
I saw this version of Heritage PST maybe half year ago (in january) and all this time I am waiting when it's will be available for purchase.
So, I will wait further :(
Thank you, wowaboro... And good luck for your search.
I'm just wondering how many "new" PST are around...
All Heritage and Collectors Edition PST I found had the production code 0717 inside the handles. No one knows how many PSTs the Leatherman factory is able to manufacture in just one month... :-\
Maybe thats the point of calling it "Limited Edition" ???
10000 pieces? 20000 pieces? Less than 5000 pieces?
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Andreas TTI on July 08, 2018, 02:14:11 AM
Congrats to you, Andreas and your girlfriend too  :)
I saw this version of Heritage PST maybe half year ago (in january) and all this time I am waiting when it's will be available for purchase.
So, I will wait further :(
Hey wowaboro,
Here is an update to the Heritage PST (no signature) in the wooden box (not collectors edition PST)... It is limited on only 400 pieces worldwide and was never for sale, only promotional gift or the 1st prize in a lottery on Tim's 35th anniversary "heritage tour" through several countries.
Well, this could be a rare piece of metal... :multi:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: wowaboro on July 08, 2018, 08:56:15 AM
Here is an update to the Heritage PST (no signature) in the wooden box (not collectors edition PST)... It is limited on only 400 pieces worldwide and was never for sale, only promotional gift or the 1st prize in a lottery on Tim's 35th anniversary "heritage tour" through several countries.

Andreas, where this information from?
Most likely you right about "no signature Heritage PST" in wooden box, just these boxes are strictly a certain number. But, what about "no signature Heritage PST" in paper box (as usual Heritage PST)? As I know, they also exist ;)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: ThePeacent on July 08, 2018, 04:02:43 PM
Congrats to you, Andreas and your girlfriend too  :)
I saw this version of Heritage PST maybe half year ago (in january) and all this time I am waiting when it's will be available for purchase.
So, I will wait further :(
Hey wowaboro,
Here is an update to the Heritage PST (no signature) in the wooden box (not collectors edition PST)... It is limited on only 400 pieces worldwide and was never for sale, only promotional gift or the 1st prize in a lottery on Tim's 35th anniversary "heritage tour" through several countries.
Well, this could be a rare piece of metal... :multi:

in Barcelona's case they were the 2nd and 3rd prizes of the lottery at the Tim Leatherman event. One of the winners dropped the set  :ahhh :D I guess out of being nervous  :facepalm:

the 1st prize was a trip for two persons to the LM Factory in Portland OR  :tu:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Andreas TTI on July 08, 2018, 08:25:54 PM
Here is an update to the Heritage PST (no signature) in the wooden box (not collectors edition PST)... It is limited on only 400 pieces worldwide and was never for sale, only promotional gift or the 1st prize in a lottery on Tim's 35th anniversary "heritage tour" through several countries.

Andreas, where this information from?
Most likely you right about "no signature Heritage PST" in wooden box, just these boxes are strictly a certain number. But, what about "no signature Heritage PST" in paper box (as usual Heritage PST)? As I know, they also exist ;)

Ok... :tu:
I have never seen a heritage pst with no signature in the paper box design packing... I only know about the collectors edition pst in wooden box (500pcs, signature, limited number inside handles), heritage pst in paper box (25000+ pieces or way more, signature, no limited number inside the handles) and the heritage pst in wooden box (400pcs, no signature, no limited number inside the handles)...
The Leatherman Facebook page Germany is talking about 400 pcs worldwide for the version with no signature on handle in the wooden box. On the heritage party in Roadrunners club Berlin I was asking the promoter of the event, he was also talking about 400pcs and only 20 of them made it to Germany...
Of course I'm not sure if this is correct. Maybe I'm wrong. :oops: :salute:
Would be great if you could share some pictures of the design you have. :)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: wowaboro on July 09, 2018, 10:22:07 AM
The Leatherman Facebook page Germany is talking about 400 pcs worldwide for the version with no signature on handle in the wooden box. On the heritage party in Roadrunners club Berlin I was asking the promoter of the event, he was also talking about 400pcs and only 20 of them made it to Germany...
Of course I'm not sure if this is correct. Maybe I'm wrong. :oops: :salute:
Would be great if you could share some pictures of the design you have. :)

Thanks for info, Andreas :tu:
I think LM was ordered 1000 wood boxes from third-party manufacturer, 500 pcs for Collector's Edition PST (for sale), 400 pcs for "No signature Heritage PST" (for gifts and prizes) and 100 pcs for some other purposes  :)
 
But "No signature Heritage PST" themselves, I think, was made more than 400, maybe 1000, maybe more. And some part of that number will be in paper boxes. Now I'm in waiting mode :), but after a while, I hope, I can share proofs  ;)


 

Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: EMZ on July 19, 2018, 05:03:58 PM
LM PST BO DAK
A few days ago I found this Leatherman PST Black Oxide in my mail... Well, I had to pay for it of course, however I think (hope) it was a bargain.
Anyway, this PST BO has a pouch with the gold-colored Netherlands Defence Forces "interservice" logo printed on the flap.
Handles are inside dated 0696 and 0896.
The pliers have the notch.
The tool itself has a NSN inscripted in one of the handles: NSN 5110-01-321-8805, which is odd because the "01" means it is registered for the US.

Has anyone seen such a Dutch Army Knife LM PST before???
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: SteveC on July 19, 2018, 05:10:56 PM
Very cool find !   
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on July 20, 2018, 04:25:24 AM
Very cool find !

What Steve said :o :like: :like:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: gregozedobe on July 20, 2018, 08:01:49 AM
LM PST BO DAK
A few days ago I found this Leatherman PST Black Oxide in my mail... Well, I had to pay for it of course, however I think (hope) it was a bargain.
Anyway, this PST BO has a pouch with the gold-colored Netherlands Defence Forces "interservice" logo printed on the flap.
Handles are inside dated 0696 and 0896.
The pliers have the notch.
The tool itself has a NSN inscripted in one of the handles: NSN 5110-01-321-8805, which is odd because the "01" means it is registered for the US.

Has anyone seen such a Dutch Army Knife LM PST before???

That is a rare find indeed.   :salute:  :salute:  :salute:

There don't seem to be many PSTs with NATO (NSN) markings around (at least I haven't seen many photos of them). 

The US part of the No only means the US was the first country to register that particular tool with NATO, and any other countries will use that same number.

I have an older PST with NATO NSN 786-5369 ^ 1992 markings.  I believe it was originally issued to Portsmouth (UK) navy divers.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Sam Lim on July 21, 2018, 11:02:21 AM
Recently I received a PST 2 in pretty much almost new condition or with very little use. I have never come across one that's very highly polished. Not sure if it's stock from factory or someone decided to do it after. It looks really well done. Date coded reads 11/02.

It's there anything that's special about this?
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on July 22, 2018, 01:59:34 AM
Looks to be in pristine condition to me :dd: :like: Probably nothing extraordinarily different about it but it is over 15 years old so there is that :cheers: :like:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Sam Lim on July 22, 2018, 04:00:04 AM
Looks to be in pristine condition to me :dd: :like: Probably nothing extraordinarily different about it but it is over 15 years old so there is that :cheers: :like:

 :salute:
Hmm... It doesn't quite show in the pics but the finishing is almost like chrome plating kind of shiny...  :think:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: SteveC on July 22, 2018, 01:47:51 PM
Someone may have taken it to the buffing wheel. Very nice BTW !   :like:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: wowaboro on July 23, 2018, 08:58:17 PM
As I've promised (to Andreas TTI), I've share the proofs of existing of "No signature Heritage PST" packed in paper box.
So far, I have item signed for some Melissa, but I hope someday Tim gets to Moscow and I will have the same, but "to Vladimir"  :)

(https://content-11.foto.my.mail.ru/mail/wowaboro/490/b-637.JPG) (https://content-11.foto.my.mail.ru/mail/wowaboro/490/b-637.JPG)


Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Andreas TTI on July 27, 2018, 05:20:29 PM
As I've promised (to Andreas TTI), I've share the proofs of existing of "No signature Heritage PST" packed in paper box.
So far, I have item signed for some Melissa, but I hope someday Tim gets to Moscow and I will have the same, but "to Vladimir"  :)

(https://content-11.foto.my.mail.ru/mail/wowaboro/490/b-637.JPG) (https://content-11.foto.my.mail.ru/mail/wowaboro/490/b-637.JPG)
Thats great! You are right :salute:
I need one of those... :drool: Congratulations.
If I find one in Germany I will tell you :multi:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: 8Agent6 on November 07, 2018, 03:23:52 AM
Hey everyone. I have had my PST for m20 years or so. It was given to me, as far as I can remember, in the late 1990's. It wasn't new. I was interested to see if I could find out when it was made when I found this thread. Great work. I still cant quite place it though. Here are the details:



•   Rivets or knurled screws?
Knurled

•   Lanyard attachment?
Yes

•   (Old) small diameter or (new) large diameter plier pivot?
Old

•   LEATHERMAN cast into plier pivot, along with USA or TOOL?
LEATHERMAN USA

•   A hard wire cutter notch?
No

•   Handles stamped with what? (see pictures in next post for examples)
Leatherman tool, (no reg TM number) front and back stamped

•   Inch ruler only, or inch/metric?
Both

•   Date codes? What are they?
No

•   Drop point knife blade or clip point?
Not sabre later shorter clip area

•   Knife blade tang stamped LEATHERMAN, JAPAN, or USA?
Leatherman USA

I don't have any photos to share as yet. Can anyone help placing it in the timeline?

Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Huntsman on November 07, 2018, 03:43:02 AM
Hi Mate

Welcome to the forum
I am a novice PST guy and someone else will be along soon - Show us pics and wowbaro will tell you the year and probably the month !
But I'll have a go

So it's is a later model - Post late  80s - As it has the metric and imperial ruler
And possibly from the mid 90s as both handles are stamped
And of course pre mid 90s as you had it then and it does not have the hard wire notch

Are you sure there are no date codes stamped inside the handles - Sometimes they are very faint and almost impossible to see
Use some light and an eyeglass to check

And the handles just say LEATHERMAN  TOOL - Right ??  With no PORTLAND OR and no  US REG TM 1325473  - If so that would be very strange !!

I'll wait for the experts

Pictures needed !!!
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: 8Agent6 on November 07, 2018, 04:37:43 AM
Hi Huntsman thnks for the fast reply.

A couple of things the handle does have LEATHERMAN TOOL and PORTLAND OR. one handle is stamped on front and back. No trade mark stamp

You are right about the date code. I think I can see a very faint one. I will check it out with a magnifying glass and better light later.

No hardwire notch

Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on November 07, 2018, 04:47:53 AM
Pics will help for sure :think: I would say mid 90's though possibly 93 or so :salute: I am sure some light and a mag glass will reveal the datecodes :tu:

Also welcome to :MTO: :cheers:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: lovecraft25 on February 09, 2019, 11:02:47 AM
12] 2001??
•   New plier head has larger pivot (0601 earliest seen)
•   Hard wire cutter notch has cast in indicator arrow
•   Knife tang stamped LEATHERMAN only (USA dropped)

Leatherman PST II (0301 / 0801)

(https://i.postimg.cc/5202s5Vc/1.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/qzPrR3qQ)

(https://i.postimg.cc/7PnPDtP8/2.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/pyyMJZnq)

(https://i.postimg.cc/jdqxj6CW/3.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Lh7KC1tR)

(https://i.postimg.cc/3R6bf71v/DSC09098.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/wyXV3CSq)

--> Concerning the large pivot plier head, now you can replace "0601 earliest seen" by "0301earliest seen" ;-)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Huntsman on February 09, 2019, 12:49:32 PM
Nice pics and good info ^^^  LC25  - Thanks - But drat I'll have to change the chart !!   :pok:
- OP updated
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Max Stone on February 09, 2019, 03:03:21 PM
Not sure when they dropped the fish hook file groove. This PST II from 0903 has nice aggressive file and plain diamond surface.  :tu:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: SteveC on February 09, 2019, 03:06:37 PM
 :like: :tu:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: wowaboro on February 09, 2019, 03:38:53 PM
Not sure when they dropped the fish hook file groove.

Approximately since mid-2002.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Max Stone on February 09, 2019, 03:48:31 PM
 :tu:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Barry Rowland on February 09, 2019, 04:26:21 PM
 :tu:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: wowaboro on April 25, 2019, 06:00:44 PM
I finally got it  :)
Really first ever Cabela's PST (serif font of etching on knife blade) with first original leather sheath (large snap cap, clear and off-center Cabela's logo, no spacers inside on rivets).

(https://content-21.foto.my.mail.ru/mail/wowaboro/258/b-748.JPG) (https://content-21.foto.my.mail.ru/mail/wowaboro/258/b-748.JPG)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on April 25, 2019, 07:19:14 PM
Congrats on that one, wow :salute: :drool: :like:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Max Stone on April 25, 2019, 11:08:42 PM
I finally got it  :)
Really first ever Cabela's PST (serif font of etching on knife blade) with first original leather sheath (large snap cap, clear and off-center Cabela's logo, no spacers inside on rivets).


That's about as cool as a Leatherman gets! Well done, great find. Looks in great condition too!  :like:

First time I've seen the centre hole in the pivot?  ???
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: wowaboro on April 25, 2019, 11:28:36 PM
Quote from: Max Stone
First time I've seen the centre hole in the pivot?  ???

On early PST's pliers heads (~1983 - 1984) this centre hole in the pivot is usual and often.
Later PSTs and JPSTs hasn't these holes.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Barry Rowland on April 25, 2019, 11:37:09 PM
I agree!!
Congrats on that one, wow :salute: :drool: :like:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Huntsman on April 26, 2019, 01:54:46 AM
I finally got it  :)
Really first ever Cabela's PST (serif font of etching on knife blade) with first original leather sheath (large snap cap, clear and off-center Cabela's logo, no spacers inside on rivets).

Wow .... erm  ....   Wow  :)

Congratulations - Although I'm surprised you did not have this already.
I guess the features you describe above are different form the other early Calelas PSTs
It's the first time I have seen the blade etching (although, I note, it is in my table in the first post!! .....  I had to check !!  ;) )

It's great to see you still getting excited about a single PST - given your collection  :D  - So I guess this was a bit of a Holy Grail !!   :tu:
And it's in great condition.

It's an amazing bit of history - I wonder how many of these are around the world? - I bet TL has one !!! 
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: wowaboro on April 26, 2019, 06:36:59 PM
Although I'm surprised you did not have this already.
I guess the features you describe above are different form the other early Calelas PSTs
It's the first time I have seen the blade etching (although, I note, it is in my table in the first post!! .....  I had to check !!  ;) )

Of course, I already had few Cabela's PSTs, but this one has earliest and rarest knife blade with serif font ethching.
Sans serif font etching more common and occurs on later PSTs.

(https://content-3.foto.my.mail.ru/mail/wowaboro/258/b-749.JPG) (https://content-3.foto.my.mail.ru/mail/wowaboro/258/b-749.JPG)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Thatperson on July 15, 2019, 06:37:08 AM
Of course, I already had few Cabela's PSTs, but this one has earliest and rarest knife blade with serif font ethching.
Sans serif font etching more common and occurs on later PSTs.

(https://content-3.foto.my.mail.ru/mail/wowaboro/258/b-749.JPG) (https://content-3.foto.my.mail.ru/mail/wowaboro/258/b-749.JPG)
I have one of those early ones but I'm not sure if it's the first batch that came out since none of the handles have the Leatherman brand on the handles at all. Only says Leatherman USA on the blade and it says Leatherman on the pliers.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Thatperson on July 15, 2019, 06:39:21 AM
I just have no idea why the handles are blank, although it does have the patent but I think that's it
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: gerleatherberman on July 15, 2019, 06:46:14 AM
I just have no idea why the handles are blank, although it does have the patent but I think that's it
Got any photos of it?
Sounds like an interesting example. :)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: wowaboro on July 15, 2019, 07:03:54 AM
I just have no idea why the handles are blank, although it does have the patent but I think that's it

If it's like on the picture, you have one of the earliest PST which was produced for Early Winters stores in 1983 -1984.

(https://content-21.foto.my.mail.ru/mail/wowaboro/258/b-751.JPG) (https://content-21.foto.my.mail.ru/mail/wowaboro/258/b-751.JPG)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Thatperson on July 15, 2019, 07:50:17 AM
Got any photos of it?
Sounds like an interesting example. :) Looks just like the picture above
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Barry Rowland on July 15, 2019, 06:39:06 PM
That was the version my Dad had.  He was so thrilled with it!
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Thatperson on July 15, 2019, 06:46:03 PM
That was the version my Dad had.  He was so thrilled with it!
I wonder how many are left out there. It's been 35 years and they didn't make too many.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Barry Rowland on July 15, 2019, 06:47:46 PM
I wonder too....most were well used.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Thatperson on July 15, 2019, 07:04:26 PM
I wonder too....most were well used.
Yup, the one I have has a broken screwdriver and the pliers are super worn. It has a lot of scratches and it can flip open like a butterfly knife.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Barry Rowland on July 15, 2019, 07:05:36 PM
I love the look of the early ones. 
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: gregozedobe on July 16, 2019, 03:37:13 AM
I wonder how many are left out there. It's been 35 years and they didn't make too many.

They used to turn up on the bay of thieves every now and then ( I have 4 that I purchased late 2013 to early 2014) but are much less common these days.

Many of the ones I've seen have the owner's name stamped on the handles, so maybe Early Winters used to do that for free ?
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: gerleatherberman on July 21, 2019, 10:40:47 AM
These are the file versions I currently have, but am wondering how many file variations there are out there?

(http://imgur.com/LGnnIDF.jpg)
(http://imgur.com/tC5jnBy.jpg)
(http://imgur.com/iBIr2mF.jpg)
(http://imgur.com/9tnO3zW.jpg)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: wowaboro on July 21, 2019, 10:57:45 AM
These are the file versions I currently have, but am wondering how many file variations there are out there?

By my current count:
US PST (1983 - 2017) - 25 file variations (5 double/double cut, 10 single/double, 10 double/single)
Japan PST (1984 -1989) - 6 file variations (2 double/double, 4 single/double)
PST II (1995 - 2004) - 3 file variations (diamond/double)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: gerleatherberman on July 21, 2019, 11:06:34 AM
Thank you, wowaboro!  :salute:

That is quite a lot.  :o

Are all of the variations fairly obvious, or are some only noticeable by serious PST collectors?
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: wowaboro on July 21, 2019, 11:22:44 AM
Thank you, wowaboro!  :salute:

That is quite a lot.  :o

Are all of the variations fairly obvious, or are some only noticeable by serious PST collectors?

Here are my signs for file variations:

Front side cut
Back side cut
Cutting part lenght
Single cut direction
Single cut coarseness
Blade length
Blade tip form
Metal saw edge form
Nail nick length and width
Tang edge form
Tang length (for PSTII)
Tang stamp
Tang stamp font size
Tang stamp side
Tang surface
Groove position (for PST II)

Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: gerleatherberman on July 21, 2019, 11:31:58 AM
Very cool! Thank you again, wowaboro!  :cheers:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Max Stone on July 21, 2019, 12:28:34 PM
I’ve just had to reset my view of how little I know about PST variations.  :facepalm:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: gregozedobe on July 21, 2019, 01:17:54 PM
I’ve just had to reset my view of how little I know about PST variations.  :facepalm:

I suspect that wowaboro may know more about PST variations than any other person on earth   :salute:  :hatsoff:

And he has definitely got  the most impressive PST collection that I know of   :tu: (and I have over 100 PSTs, so I'm no dilettante in this particular field).
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Max Stone on July 21, 2019, 05:42:45 PM
No smurfing gregozedobe! Impressive indeed  :iagree:

We need a sticky Hall of Fame thread for you PST Masters.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: gerleatherberman on July 21, 2019, 06:41:04 PM
The wowaboro Juice collection is incredible as well. :drool:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Huntsman on July 21, 2019, 10:23:20 PM
I suspect that wowaboro may know more about PST variations than any other person on earth   :salute:  :hatsoff:

Including anyone in Portland!! :pok:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Raoul Octav on July 24, 2019, 02:40:13 PM
Q? Why do the Japan PST's have rivets instead of sexbolts? what was the reason behind?
Logically for me, LMN used sexbolts in order to be able to ease the repair process due to the warranty offered, yet the rivets, contradicts this logic (in my mind)
So, what was so special about the Japan/(maybe Asian) market.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on July 24, 2019, 07:46:10 PM
It was just easier for them to get rivets back in those days vs the knurled screws :cheers: LM had such a high demand for the PST that they couldn't handle the orders coming in so they had to outsource them to keep up with the demand  :salute:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Raoul Octav on July 25, 2019, 06:46:16 AM
Hmmm, From manufacturing point of view it makes sense to use rivets instead of screws, possible the machines and raw material were at hand, and no screw producer had to be found. This for Japan.
Yet than, if the demand was so high, why not use rivets in the US too, because... Altough the production line was, using rivets could help the building time and also drop the manufacturing cost
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on July 25, 2019, 11:36:33 AM
:shrug: It may boil down to the fact that LM had enough of the screws for what they were producing in house but not enough to send to the Japan manufacturing :dunno:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: X-Factor on July 29, 2019, 05:05:47 PM
What's up all - new member and new Leatherman obsessive. Been stalking this thread in particular for a while as I try to build a vintage collection. I've got a very small collection so far - hunting a 1983 Cabelas currently. This thread is absolutely invaluable.....

My search has shown me that another potential factor of change is the sheaths; earlier iterations had more basic Leatherman stamps vice the Leatherman with the TM mark on the sheath. This after the Cabelas stamp, obviously. I'm not sure when that happened but it seems to have been in the mid 80s. Anyone have any more input? OP doesn't seem to talk about it.

I'll post a pic of the collection once some missing pieces come in.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on July 29, 2019, 05:46:57 PM
Welcome to :MTO:  cant wait to see the collection  :like: :popcorn:

We have an old school LM sheath thread around here somewhere  :think: I think I remember where and will post a link :tu:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on July 29, 2019, 05:50:20 PM
Here is one :cheers:

https://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,72454.0.html

And another :cheers:

https://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,73928.0.html

And yet another :ahhh

https://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,73929.0.html

And a PST and a PST II thread for good measure :D

https://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,73468.0.html

https://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,78946.0.html
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Max Stone on July 29, 2019, 07:28:32 PM
Welcome X-F  :MTO:
Good luck with the hunting.  :salute:
And December we’re doing a PST challenge...
https://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,82188.msg1977752.html#msg1977752 (https://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,82188.msg1977752.html#msg1977752)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Jaypeebee on July 30, 2019, 08:30:03 PM
Welcome X- factor, nice to see new members  :tu:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: X-Factor on August 03, 2019, 12:13:58 AM
Ok. So. Here's a list of what I have....only been at it a couple short months, hard to find older PSTs it seems:

- PST - early/mid 80s
- PST - earlier Japanese version (no lanyard + hollow rivets)
- PST - 0497/0797, Cabelas marked
- Micra from 2000
- Charge Plus TTi
- Surge LE (black & white)

Not sure how best to post pics to illustrate the older PSTs but it's fairly clear to me about their age given the info in the OP. The oldest is also marked with "Castle Engineering Co / Lakewood, Co" (top/bottom handles on reverse).

I could share pics easily via IG dm I think

Still hunting an 83 Cabelas PST......
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Max Stone on August 03, 2019, 08:36:56 AM
So the journey has begun. We need to see pics  :popcorn:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: gerleatherberman on August 03, 2019, 03:15:13 PM
Ok. So. Here's a list of what I have....only been at it a couple short months, hard to find older PSTs it seems:

- PST - early/mid 80s
- PST - earlier Japanese version (no lanyard + hollow rivets)
- PST - 0497/0797, Cabelas marked
- Micra from 2000
- Charge Plus TTi
- Surge LE (black & white)

Not sure how best to post pics to illustrate the older PSTs but it's fairly clear to me about their age given the info in the OP. The oldest is also marked with "Castle Engineering Co / Lakewood, Co" (top/bottom handles on reverse).

I could share pics easily via IG dm I think

Still hunting an 83 Cabelas PST......
:like:

Amazing start to the collection so far, X-Factor! :o :like: :drool:

Good luck on your quest to get the tools you are looking for! :)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on August 03, 2019, 03:44:46 PM
So the journey has begun. We need to see pics  :popcorn:

 :iagree: :like:

 :popcorn:

And hope you can track down the ones you want :salute: :tu:

And welcome to  :MTO:  :cheers:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: X-Factor on August 04, 2019, 07:30:25 PM
Hopefully this works...I took some decent pics (not sure if Imgur will butcher them) of my older PST. I date it to around 84-85 based on the OP but I offer it to the forum experts to say one way or another.

http://imgur.com/gallery/MVntatf

If this works I'll do my Japan PST next - that's a real stunner!

** I'm not the original owner of any of my vintage pieces, just a collector **
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: X-Factor on August 04, 2019, 07:57:21 PM
Also, I found this on EBay. Not sure HOW rare it is but the condition is awesome. Too pricey for my blood though....

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F254319905491
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: gerleatherberman on August 04, 2019, 08:47:33 PM
Hopefully this works...I took some decent pics (not sure if Imgur will butcher them) of my older PST. I date it to around 84-85 based on the OP but I offer it to the forum experts to say one way or another.

http://imgur.com/gallery/MVntatf

If this works I'll do my Japan PST next - that's a real stunner!

** I'm not the original owner of any of my vintage pieces, just a collector **
That is a nice example, X-Factor! :like:

Looking forward to seeing your JPST! :popcorn:

The JPST, with its' rivets and large font, is the best looking PST version IMO. :)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: X-Factor on August 04, 2019, 08:51:06 PM
That is a nice example, X-Factor! :like:

Looking forward to seeing your JPST! :popcorn:

The JPST, with its' rivets and large font, is the best looking PST version IMO. :)

Thanks! Glad the pics worked minus getting brutalized by the Imgur "community"

The JPST I have is the open rivets/no lanyard one, making it one of the earlier JPST iterations I believe. I'll work on those pics. ;)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: X-Factor on August 04, 2019, 09:07:30 PM
As promised, my JPST. I think this is an earlier JPST from 85-86 based on the OP criteria but on top of that the condition is amazing! I need to clean the leftover weird adhesive from the handle but otherwise it's practically unused.

http://imgur.com/gallery/MsR4H2D

Let me know your thoughts!
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: gerleatherberman on August 04, 2019, 09:53:38 PM
As promised, my JPST. I think this is an earlier JPST from 85-86 based on the OP criteria but on top of that the condition is amazing! I need to clean the leftover weird adhesive from the handle but otherwise it's practically unused.

http://imgur.com/gallery/MsR4H2D

Let me know your thoughts!
Wow. Very nice! Don't see a lot of the really early ones!  :o
Thank you for sharing! :cheers:

I've just got JPSTs with the large font w/ Lanyard ring right now. But, the large font is a favorite of mine. Though, an early one is on the want-list right now.  :ahhh

This photo has one of them in it.
(https://i.imgur.com/UwBHBG0.jpg)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: X-Factor on August 04, 2019, 09:56:02 PM
Wow. Very nice! Don't see a lot of the really early ones!  :o
Thank you for sharing! :cheers:

I've just got JPSTs with the large font w/ Lanyard ring right now. But, the large font is a favorite of mine. Though, an early one is on the want-list right now.  :ahhh

This photo has one of them in it.
(https://i.imgur.com/UwBHBG0.jpg)

whats the one on the right? is that the ressiue that Tim signed a while back? I saw one of those for $800 on ebay the other day. Insane.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: wowaboro on August 04, 2019, 10:12:36 PM
whats the one on the right? is that the ressiue that Tim signed a while back? I saw one of those for $800 on ebay the other day. Insane.

https://www.leatherman.com/collectors-edition-pst-532.html?dwvar_532_color=10&cgid=multi-tools#start=1
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: X-Factor on August 04, 2019, 10:22:40 PM
https://www.leatherman.com/collectors-edition-pst-532.html?dwvar_532_color=10&cgid=multi-tools#start=1

Thats what I figured. Cool but not one I'm into lol
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: gerleatherberman on August 04, 2019, 10:25:51 PM
whats the one on the right? is that the ressiue that Tim signed a while back? I saw one of those for $800 on ebay the other day. Insane.
Indeed it is the reissue. But, eBay sellers have been trying to juice them for a while for insane amounts. Like Wowaboro posted, LM still has some for less than eBay sellers are asking. Since I am not a big fan of storing packaging, I found a site that had the LE PST for $150 shipped. It was new in box with sheath, but iust didn't have the presentation box and doodles that come with the more expensive one. :ahhh

https://www.leatherman.com/collectors-edition-pst-532.html?dwvar_532_color=10&cgid=multi-tools#start=1
Thank you, wowaboro! :salute:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: gerleatherberman on August 04, 2019, 10:28:55 PM
Thats what I figured. Cool but not one I'm into lol
Said the same thing for months, but eventually saw one for $150 and couldn't help myself.  :facepalm:
The fit & finish of the LE is incredibly good. The pliers head doesn't even touch any implements when folded up. :)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on August 05, 2019, 03:17:37 AM
Great example of an early PST :like: I have a very early one but it doesn't have Pocket Surival Tool on it :dd: :drool:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: X-Factor on August 06, 2019, 01:37:44 AM
Is there any idea on how many black oxide PST with cap crimpers were made?

What seem to be the most rare combos?
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: gregozedobe on August 06, 2019, 03:58:09 AM
Is there any idea on how many black oxide PST with cap crimpers were made?

What seem to be the most rare combos?

Lots of BO PST CC tools were made, I think the CC is more common than the standard pliers in BO PSTs.

Rarest would be BO JPST (only one known)

Then i think the SS JPST "large lanyard" would be next, then the SS PST CC (but these aren't super rare).

But it depends on how fine a division you draw with minor variants (it is a "lumpers" vs "splitters" thing as far as classification goes).  As an example, I have an old PST with NATO NSN 786-5369 ^ 1992 markings which is the only one I know of, but to some people it would just be a version 7 SS PST.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: ABURABURA on August 15, 2019, 12:08:57 AM
I have these Leatherman tools.  Anyone know why are the blades different.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: SteveC on August 15, 2019, 12:16:28 AM
ABURABURA, please edit your post. We do not allow solicitation in our forums. If you want to sell an item list it in the appropriate forum which is the B&S and list a price.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: ABURABURA on August 15, 2019, 01:30:19 AM
ABURABURA, please edit your post. We do not allow solicitation in our forums. If you want to sell an item list it in the appropriate forum which is the B&S and list a price.
  :think: :hatsoff:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Huntsman on August 15, 2019, 03:01:54 AM
I have these Leatherman tools.  Anyone know why are the blades different.

Check out the date stamps and the table in the first post in this thread  - That should help
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: cbhargrave on November 14, 2019, 01:19:45 PM
Just picked this up, 0996 and 0197 so assuming its a 96/97 pst. It also has durr dental so assuming some promotional item maybe?(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191114/5d9dbb354460fde95ba8f2c53ebac22f.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191114/847da6aed5653456218dbb676ce369e2.jpg)

Sent from my LG-H870 using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: SteveC on November 14, 2019, 01:54:50 PM
Nice PST cb and welcome to the forum !   :cheers:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Barry Rowland on November 14, 2019, 02:12:53 PM
 :iagree: Welcome aboard!
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on November 14, 2019, 05:54:02 PM
Congrats on the PST  :like: and welcome to :MTO:  :cheers:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Ivo on November 25, 2019, 12:50:07 PM
Just picked this up, 0996 and 0197 so assuming its a 96/97 pst. It also has durr dental so assuming some promotional item maybe?(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191114/5d9dbb354460fde95ba8f2c53ebac22f.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191114/847da6aed5653456218dbb676ce369e2.jpg)

Sent from my LG-H870 using Tapatalk

Welcome cbhangrave , that's a nice PST  :tu: :like: :cheers:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: McStitchy on January 11, 2020, 08:11:20 PM
Hi guys,

I've just noticed the following difference on the PST handles at the pliers ends.

The lower one is dated...
blank/0793

The middle one is dated...
0696/0896

The upper one is dated...
0197/0297

It seems that somewhere between 07 '93 and 06 '96 the cut-out for the pliers locking area has been widened.

Is this somehow of interest to this project?
I couldn't find this info in the data-table on page one  :salute:

Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Rapidray on January 11, 2020, 08:13:48 PM
Great observation  :cheers:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: McStitchy on January 11, 2020, 08:15:29 PM
Uh... also just seen on the data-sheet that they started the BO treatment on the PST after '93.
Do I read that correctly?

One of my BO's is 07 '93
So that could be dated down a bit then  :hatsoff:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: McStitchy on January 11, 2020, 08:17:47 PM
Great observation  :cheers:

Thanks Ray... had my glasses on today   :D
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: wowaboro on January 11, 2020, 08:31:37 PM
It seems that somewhere between 07 '93 and 06 '96 the cut-out for the pliers locking area has been widened.

More precisely:
XX83 - 0395 - narrow slot for pliers on handles
0495 - 1004 (0717) - wide slot for pliers on handles
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: McStitchy on January 11, 2020, 08:40:13 PM
Thanks wowaboro :tu:

And would you have any idea about the earliest BO PST versions maybe?
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Rapidray on January 11, 2020, 09:14:54 PM
Thanks Ray... had my glasses on today   :D
:rofl: :rofl: :rofl:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: wowaboro on January 11, 2020, 09:36:06 PM
And would you have any idea about the earliest BO PST versions maybe?

I think earliest BO PSTs were made around 1986, at least in my collection the oldest BO PSTs (USA and Japan made) from that period.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: McStitchy on January 11, 2020, 11:19:04 PM
Cheers wowaboro  :cheers:

Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Barry Rowland on January 11, 2020, 11:52:23 PM
Neat stuff!
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Huntsman on January 12, 2020, 12:27:50 AM
Hi guys,
I've just noticed the following difference on the PST handles at the pliers ends.
......
It seems that somewhere between 07 '93 and 06 '96 the cut-out for the pliers locking area has been widened.
Is this somehow of interest to this project?
I couldn't find this info in the data-table on page one 
More precisely:
XX83 - 0395 - narrow slot for pliers on handles
0495 - 1004 (0717) - wide slot for pliers on handles

Great detail guys.
Is it just the slot that widened or the plier head itself? - I assume just the slot.
I'll get the sheet updated if I can.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: McStitchy on January 12, 2020, 01:27:42 AM
Hey Huntsman,

the plier head should have the same thickness.
Maybe a slightly different shape at the part that locks to the handle  :dunno:

Thanks for updating the sheet  :hatsoff:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Huntsman on January 12, 2020, 02:31:06 AM
Thanks McS

Yes I had a look at mine - And saw the same overall thickness, but the 'lug' that locates into the handles is wider to match the wider 'slot'

Wow - What a subtle change!!
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: David on January 12, 2020, 05:00:27 AM
Hi guys,

I've just noticed the following difference on the PST handles at the pliers ends.

The lower one is dated...
blank/0793

The middle one is dated...
0696/0896

The upper one is dated...
0197/0297

It seems that somewhere between 07 '93 and 06 '96 the cut-out for the pliers locking area has been widened.

Is this somehow of interest to this project?
I couldn't find this info in the data-table on page one  :salute:

Good observation.   :tu:   Yes it is of interest. It may not be in this thread but I'm fairly certain this has been brought up in the past.     :)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: McStitchy on January 12, 2020, 10:22:25 AM
Thanks McS

Yes I had a look at mine - And saw the same overall thickness, but the 'lug' that locates into the handles is wider to match the wider 'slot'

Wow - What a subtle change!!

 :salute:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: McStitchy on January 12, 2020, 10:27:04 AM
Good observation.   :tu:   Yes it is of interest. It may not be in this thread but I'm fairly certain this has been brought up in the past.     :)

 :iagree:
I took me a week to discover it on my PST's though  ::)  :D
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: The Copilot on February 07, 2020, 06:13:27 PM
Lots and lost of great info here on the Leatherman PST.

I've always been fascinated with information about the early days of the company, and the original sales orders that were placed by Cabela's and Early Winters.  Those tools have been discussed (and shown) here, but I've seen very little about in the form of actual production numbers for those contracts. Just exactly how many tools were sold by Cabela's and Early Winters in those early days?  I ran across some of that some information in a book titled "Inventors at Work: The Minds and Motivation Behind Modern Inventions" by Brett Stern (Apress; 1st ed. edition October 15, 2012).  Chapter 14 of the book focuses on Tim Leatherman and takes the form of an interview between him and the author.  I won't quote the text verbatim, but here is a summary of some of the the numbers:

Cabela's
-Original order for the Leatherman Pocket Survival Tool was placed on 5/26/1983
-Order quantity was for 500 tools at a unit cost of $24.00 each, for a total order amount of $12,000.00
-Delivery date of tools to Cabela's was set for December 1983.
-Cabela's sold their 500 tools quickly and quickly placed reorders

Early Winters
-Original order for the Leatherman PST placed while Cabela's order was in production (Summer 1983)
-Initial order quantity was 250 tools
-Delivery date of tools to Early Winters was set for December 1983
-Approximately 12/28/1983 Early Winters called Leatherman to inquire about their order.  The 250 tools had all been pre-sold and they submitted a second order for 500 more units.
-The first week of January 1984 Early Winters submitted a third order for an additional 750 tools.
-In late January 1984 Early Winters submitted a fourth order for an additional 1,000 tools.

The first year that Leatherman was in production (1983-1984) their goal was to produced 4,000 tools.  In the end they made and sold almost 30,000 tools!
The following year (1984-1985) they sold 70,000 tools

While the Cabela's and Early Winters Leatherman tools remain scarce and sought-after today, we now have a better feel for the quantities of tools that were produced and sold in those early years.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on February 07, 2020, 08:39:56 PM
Great info :cheers: :like: Thanks for sharing :tu:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Huntsman on February 07, 2020, 08:44:25 PM
Great post Mr. Co-pilot - Thanks so much for this - Fascinating stuff

Love the TL and LM early days stories!!
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Max Stone on February 07, 2020, 09:52:29 PM
Great information indeed  :like:

I’ve come across the book before and found some interesting info on how they went big and then small with their next MTs.

We really should start a list of these books and historical references. Sept 1997 Field & Steam is another one I need to find in print form:

 https://books.google.co.za/books?id=J2rlrdSc1cYC&pg=PA78&lpg=PA78&dq=gerber+multi+plier+press+release&source=bl&ots=qHPMotVQVl&sig=ACfU3U2DAx_t6hwbryFa1hE88-3TX-W-9Q&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwin2bzy8eHmAhXQIVAKHd2RDWIQ6AEwGnoECAgQAw#v=onepage&q=gerber%20multi%20plier%20press%20release&f=false (https://books.google.co.za/books?id=J2rlrdSc1cYC&pg=PA78&lpg=PA78&dq=gerber+multi+plier+press+release&source=bl&ots=qHPMotVQVl&sig=ACfU3U2DAx_t6hwbryFa1hE88-3TX-W-9Q&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwin2bzy8eHmAhXQIVAKHd2RDWIQ6AEwGnoECAgQAw#v=onepage&q=gerber%20multi%20plier%20press%20release&f=false)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: McStitchy on February 07, 2020, 11:12:48 PM
Thank you very much CoPilot. That's very interesting indeed  :tu: :like:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: McStitchy on February 07, 2020, 11:14:22 PM
Great information indeed  :like:

I’ve come across the book before and found some interesting info on how they went big and then small with their next MTs.

We really should start a list of these books and historical references. Sept 1997 Field & Steam is another one I need to find in print form:

 https://books.google.co.za/books?id=J2rlrdSc1cYC&pg=PA78&lpg=PA78&dq=gerber+multi+plier+press+release&source=bl&ots=qHPMotVQVl&sig=ACfU3U2DAx_t6hwbryFa1hE88-3TX-W-9Q&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwin2bzy8eHmAhXQIVAKHd2RDWIQ6AEwGnoECAgQAw#v=onepage&q=gerber%20multi%20plier%20press%20release&f=false (https://books.google.co.za/books?id=J2rlrdSc1cYC&pg=PA78&lpg=PA78&dq=gerber+multi+plier+press+release&source=bl&ots=qHPMotVQVl&sig=ACfU3U2DAx_t6hwbryFa1hE88-3TX-W-9Q&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwin2bzy8eHmAhXQIVAKHd2RDWIQ6AEwGnoECAgQAw#v=onepage&q=gerber%20multi%20plier%20press%20release&f=false)

Uh? Never thought about the possible existence of books to this  :like:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: ABURABURA on February 13, 2020, 10:49:30 PM
I can get a early leatherman with the code 4238862 stamp on the handles. Should I buy it for 60 dollars.?  Is the price high?
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Max Stone on February 13, 2020, 10:54:55 PM
I’d say that’s too high. $40-50 will buy you a good sample. But if it’s in excellent condition and supplied with the original leather sheath, maybe...  :dunno:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: ABURABURA on February 13, 2020, 11:00:26 PM
I’d say that’s too high. $40-50 will buy you a good sample. But if it’s in excellent condition and supplied with the original leather sheath, maybe...  :dunno:
thank you for the info Max! :tu: :tu:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Max Stone on February 13, 2020, 11:02:55 PM
You are welcome  :hatsoff:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: jnoxyd on February 22, 2020, 09:10:07 PM
I can get a early leatherman with the code 4238862 stamp on the handles. Should I buy it for 60 dollars.?  Is the price high?
It depends what you want ;) PST for collection or EDC? 4238862 on handles have only early PSTs and this price is reliable for good quality one. Do you have picture? Maybe it has also CABELA'S on handle? Or large letters with hole rivets? Anyway 60$ is good price for collectors. (https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200222/8ce801bf78e781054fcb0c8fa60b4caf.jpg)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: X-Factor on June 10, 2020, 08:21:32 PM
So the journey continues.... Found what I believe to be a 1984 PST on Ebay. AMAZING condition but lacks the sheath. Had to snag that and an original 1996 Micra with box and papers.... The collection grows:

84 PST
85 PST
86 JPST
97 PST

96 Micra
00 Micra

Charge + TTi

Surge LE
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on June 10, 2020, 08:55:49 PM
Very nice, X-F :like: Can't wait for some pics :dd: :tu:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: X-Factor on June 14, 2020, 02:27:29 AM
Mail call! Got this PST off EBay. Outstanding nearly unused. No sheath and I paid a fortune but I think its a near mint 1984. Thoughts?

https://imgur.com/gallery/styXa0y
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: McStitchy on June 14, 2020, 10:47:18 AM
Should be spot on... great  :like:
Congrats!
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: gregozedobe on June 14, 2020, 01:36:10 PM
Mail call! Got this PST off EBay. Outstanding nearly unused. No sheath and I paid a fortune but I think its a near mint 1984. Thoughts?

Nice early PST, and in pretty good shape considering it's age.  Did you get a sheath with it ?
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on June 14, 2020, 03:44:55 PM
Don't think he did ;)

Awesome find, X-F :like:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: X-Factor on June 15, 2020, 11:46:29 AM
Won a down-to-the-wire auction last night on another 1984 - this one well used BUT has sheath and original papers! Paid far less than the other 84 that I just got, too. Once I have all in hand I'll do a family photo. Turning into a legit collection now I think....
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: gregozedobe on June 15, 2020, 12:53:25 PM
Won a down-to-the-wire auction last night on another 1984 - this one well used BUT has sheath and original papers! Paid far less than the other 84 that I just got, too. Once I have all in hand I'll do a family photo. Turning into a legit collection now I think....

Watch out, looking for different PST variants can be a bit addictive   :pok:

I'm trying to limit myself to the 128 I currently have, and I'm not the worst PST addict around here !  (and yes, I have lots of duplicates, not quite sure why   ???  )
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: X-Factor on June 15, 2020, 01:02:23 PM
Watch out, looking for different PST variants can be a bit addictive   :pok:

I'm trying to limit myself to the 128 I currently have, and I'm not the worst PST addict around here !  (and yes, I have lots of duplicates, not quite sure why   ???  )


Honestly my goal is still to find an '83 Cabelas. I have a really nice older JPST as well that I got by accident for peanuts, so that was a win. If you're familiar with the "pearl of great price" parable thats my thought process lol


I'll keep buying older and nicer ones to improve the collection until I find my grail. Rare things are my obsession.


Do y'all carry your vintage PSTs? I prefer my Charge + TTi or Surge LE for daily use (Micra stays on my keychain as well).
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Huntsman on June 16, 2020, 02:17:35 AM
^^^ I carry my black PST (5/93) everyday in my man-bag* - Although I do not need to use it a lot (- desk jockey)

*Well I used to when I was allowed out of the house!!

And I was lucky enough to get it signed by the man himself when he was in Sydney in 2018
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: gregozedobe on June 16, 2020, 05:04:10 PM

Honestly my goal is still to find an '83 Cabelas. I have a really nice older JPST as well that I got by accident for peanuts, so that was a win. If you're familiar with the "pearl of great price" parable thats my thought process lol


I'll keep buying older and nicer ones to improve the collection until I find my grail. Rare things are my obsession.


Do y'all carry your vintage PSTs? I prefer my Charge + TTi or Surge LE for daily use (Micra stays on my keychain as well).

Keep looking, the early Cabela's Catalogue PSTs do turn up occasionally.  The just as early Early Winter's catalogue PST seems to be a little more common.  Look for an old PST with only "US PAT 4238862" (no other markings on handles).

My only EDC is an LM Squirt P4.  But I do have several Crunches, Charges and ST300's stashed around the house and in vehicles where they are easily to get at if needed.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: X-Factor on June 16, 2020, 05:57:53 PM
Keep looking, the early Cabela's Catalogue PSTs do turn up occasionally.  The just as early Early Winter's catalogue PST seems to be a little more common.  Look for an old PST with only "US PAT 4238862" (no other markings on handles).

My only EDC is an LM Squirt P4.  But I do have several Crunches, Charges and ST300's stashed around the house and in vehicles where they are easily to get at if needed.


Wow really? ONLY the US PAT # on both handles? thats good to know
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: wowaboro on June 16, 2020, 06:06:33 PM
Wow really? ONLY the US PAT # on both handles? thats good to know

They ;)
(https://content-15.foto.my.mail.ru/mail/wowaboro/258/b-270.JPG) (https://content-15.foto.my.mail.ru/mail/wowaboro/258/b-270.JPG)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: X-Factor on June 16, 2020, 06:38:43 PM
They ;)


beautiful. I'd pay good money for one of those lol
(https://content-15.foto.my.mail.ru/mail/wowaboro/258/b-270.JPG) (https://content-15.foto.my.mail.ru/mail/wowaboro/258/b-270.JPG)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: wowaboro on June 16, 2020, 11:51:50 PM
I'd pay good money for one of those lol
I have a couple of those for sale. But now postal shipment between Russia and USA is unpredictable and with long delays.
I stopped all international sales. When it will return to normal condition (I hope in 1-2 months), I can sell this PST to you.

Sorry for offtop  :hatsoff:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: cody6268 on June 17, 2020, 12:24:50 AM

Honestly my goal is still to find an '83 Cabelas. I have a really nice older JPST as well that I got by accident for peanuts, so that was a win. If you're familiar with the "pearl of great price" parable thats my thought process lol


I'll keep buying older and nicer ones to improve the collection until I find my grail. Rare things are my obsession.


Do y'all carry your vintage PSTs? I prefer my Charge + TTi or Surge LE for daily use (Micra stays on my keychain as well).

Yes, when weight and thickness are of concern, and I need pliers. Wave is too heavy (though in jeans with the clip, it isn't!), Juice too light duty, Leap feels like it came from a bargain bin with its flexible nylon handles.  Rebar is sometimes a tad too heavy, and the Kick doesn't have a file or awl.  Thus, I use the PST. I have a pre-date code and a 1996 that see a lot of use. Used to have a PST II as well. That's the perfect EDC Leatherman for me. But, I used it for parts due to some other issues it had.  I also have a 1999 Wave and a 1995 Mini Tool (out of warranty as of this month!) as frontline users.  But, these all have issues that make them not exactly mint collectibles (both PSTs have blade issues; the older one has twisted pliers), Mini has a scratched blade, and someone chipped the tiny screwdriver on the Wave and scratched up the main blade.   

The PST is exactly what it is--a POCKET SURVIVAL TOOL. It will get you out of a bind, without having to sheath up. Weighs not much more than any comparable 4" closed pocketknife and is just as slim.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: X-Factor on June 17, 2020, 12:40:36 AM
I have a couple of those for sale. But now postal shipment between Russia and USA is unpredictable and with long delays.
I stopped all international sales. When it will return to normal condition (I hope in 1-2 months), I can sell this PST to you.

Sorry for offtop  :hatsoff:


sounds like a plan....
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Huntsman on June 17, 2020, 12:59:59 AM
The PST is exactly what it says -- a POCKET SURVIVAL TOOL. It will get you out of a bind, without having to sheath up. Weighs not much more than any comparable 4" closed pocketknife and is just as slim.

That's exactly why I carry mine every day (minor rewording!) - So small and light - But packed with capability.

The only downside is somewhat uncomfortable handles - if you have to squeeze really hard on the pliers - But I can live with that

I do miss scissors - So PST II is good - Although I would have dropped a flat SD, instead of the awl, to accommodate the scissors
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: SteveC on June 17, 2020, 01:51:50 AM
That's exactly why I carry mine every day (minor rewording!) - So small and light - But packed with capability.

The only downside is somewhat uncomfortable handles - if you have to squeeze really hard on the pliers - But I can live with that

I do miss scissors - So PST II is good - Although I would have dropped a flat SD, instead of the awl, to accommodate the scissors

Or ditch the can opener and add an awl   ;)

That's what I did  :tu:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: X-Factor on June 19, 2020, 09:48:16 PM
Here's my current collection of PSTs:


Vintage Leatherman PST collection https://imgur.com/gallery/unOFGTb

Years are estimates of course, but:


1984 with sheath and papers
1984
1985ish with sheath (engraved for "Castle Engineering")
1986ish JPST with sheath


I can take more pics of any but all seem to be pretty standard iterations.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on June 20, 2020, 01:08:12 AM
Those are some very nice pieces  8) :like:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: jcintra91 on June 25, 2020, 02:58:59 AM
So I've posted on the forum before on other topics but wanted to share my pst. Funny thing is I found my pst last year while fishing. It had a good amount of rust. I was able to remove a bunch of it but the rust already managed to eat away at the metal beyond repair. Its stamped 0601/0801 so i know its from 01. Although it wasnt in good shape. I used it for 7 months as my edc while I worked as a nuicance trapper and it worked flawlessly. Since then I upgraded to the supertool 300 last month and bought both the premium leather sheath. Just bought another pst on ebay but it had the ford logo on it and it also said econoline. Does anyone know anything about it? Would love the feedback.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on June 25, 2020, 03:26:39 AM
Great pic of that PST :like:

Congrats on the ST300 as well :tu:

Leatherman have been used by a lot of companies over the year with many different companies and brands on them :salute: Ford apparently bought some of them and had them branded :cheers:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: jcintra91 on June 25, 2020, 03:33:11 AM
Great pic of that PST :like:

Congrats on the ST300 as well :tu:

Leatherman have been used by a lot of companies over the year with many different companies and brands on them :salute: Ford apparently bought some of them and had them branded :cheers:

Thanks wish I would of found the pst in better shape but none the less a great find. so far I'm loving the ST300. I saw a few photos of pst's with the ford logo but couldn't find any info on them. I saw one photo where the gentleman said his was stamped in 99, hopefully the one I just purchased turns out to be genuine. Any idea where I can get more info on the history of the ford stamping?
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: jcintra91 on June 25, 2020, 04:07:49 AM
•   Rivets or knurled screws?
knurled screws
•   Lanyard attachment?
yes
•   (Old) small diameter or (new) large diameter plier pivot?
new
•   LEATHERMAN alone cast into plier pivot? Or with USA? Or TOOL?
Leatherman usa
•   A hard wire cutter notch?
yes
•   Handles stamped with what? (see pictures in next post for examples)
Leatherman Portland Oregon
•   Inch ruler only, or inch/metric?
inch/metric
•   Date codes?
0601/0801
•   Drop point knife blade or clip point? (saber?)
clip
•   Knife blade tang stamped LEATHERMAN alone? Or with USA? Or JAPAN?
Leatherman USA
•   Screwdrivers: pivot-in or pivot-out?
pivot out
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on June 25, 2020, 04:18:47 AM
You might email Ford :think: LM doesn't keep records on this sort of thing... at least I don't think they do :shrug:

Never hurt to email them and ask though :cheers:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: jcintra91 on June 25, 2020, 05:12:35 AM
You might email Ford :think: LM doesn't keep records on this sort of thing... at least I don't think they do :shrug:

Never hurt to email them and ask though :cheers:
:cheers: I'll give it a shot doesnt hurt to ask
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Acd on August 25, 2020, 02:14:46 AM
Hey there fellow PST fans. Looks like this thread is still going. Is the admin still collecting info on PST’s? If so and before I give in on my 4 PSTs I need clarification on the “screwdriver” pivot in or out topic. It is not clear to me how to know if it does or not. Can some describe or post a picture on how to determine if the screwdrivers pivoting in or out.  Ty
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Huntsman on August 25, 2020, 02:42:14 AM
Hi and welcome Acd,

We are not collecting this info for research any more
However there is still a very active group following this thread and we all still love the PST and are very interested to see what people have
- So post away   :tu:
- There is also a group of members here who still prefer and carry the PST!!

Here is a pivot in / out  photo - The later one (pivot out) is on the right
There was a discussion on this somewhere - Maybe even in this thread
We believe that this design change was done to make it much less likely for the screwdriver to fold in when applying downward pressure
And there is a similar design on some SDs today - even on the locking tools!
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Acd on August 26, 2020, 05:02:06 PM

Here is a pivot out / in photo - The later one on the right

Thx for the reply. I have read through a bunch of the thread here but, will admit not the whole thing. A lot has been said over the years. A lot of good things that is. It’s been an interesting read.

So just to be clear. You are saying that the newer model (pictured on the right side) is pivoting ? Which way?
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on August 26, 2020, 05:24:13 PM
Pivot out is on the right and pivot in is on the left :cheers:

Welcome to :MTO: Acd :tu: If you have questions most of us here will help if we are able to do so :cheers:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Acd on August 26, 2020, 08:14:10 PM
I have 4 plus one PSTII but, the only PST I have interest in learning more about would be my early one with rivets and no date code. Did someone happen to complete the spreadsheet that helps to identify dates/time frame of tool updates and changes?

If you would like, I can fill out the list of questions for the early PST I have. Maybe you guys can help identify its age just by that?  Let me know
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on August 26, 2020, 08:41:37 PM
If it has rivets then it is a Japanese made PST and made in the mid to late 80's :cheers: We have a few experts that can get you down to the year and some even to the month :o :D I am not one of those though :shrug: :rofl:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Heywood Floyd on August 26, 2020, 11:30:22 PM
I have 4 plus one PSTII but, the only PST I have interest in learning more about would be my early one with rivets and no date code. Did someone happen to complete the spreadsheet that helps to identify dates/time frame of tool updates and changes?

If you would like, I can fill out the list of questions for the early PST I have. Maybe you guys can help identify its age just by that?  Let me know
Perhaps you'll find this URL of interest ...
https://www.smartknives.com/Leatherman-Multi-Tools/PST.htm
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Acd on August 27, 2020, 12:42:33 AM
Perhaps you'll find this URL of interest ...
https://www.smartknives.com/Leatherman-Multi-Tools/PST.htm

Yep that is good info.
So I think mine is a “Reg'd TM trademark text with Leatherman Japan on blade tang“. From what is written it was made around 1985-88? Can anyone clarify?
Also, I know there is a bit of rejuvenation/interest in PSTs. What would be an estimate of resale for something like this (and other versions)?
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Huntsman on August 27, 2020, 12:43:33 AM
I have 4 plus one PSTII but, the only PST I have interest in learning more about would be my early one with rivets and no date code.
Did someone happen to complete the spreadsheet that helps to identify dates/time frame of tool updates and changes?
If you would like, I can fill out the list of questions for the early PST I have. Maybe you guys can help identify its age just by that?  Let me know

When you say complete the spreadsheet - Do you mean the spreadsheet on page one of this thread? - And if so what do you mean by complete?
This spreadsheet gives a pretty high level view of the major generational changes to the PST as discussed on the first page
I don't think we are planning to change it any more.

However other members here have a way more detailed breakdown - I can't remember the exact number - But it is something like 150 variations or more

So I would suggest posting your questions here and if they don't get responded to - We'll give the gurus a nudge!!
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Huntsman on August 27, 2020, 03:47:03 AM
Perhaps you'll find this URL of interest ...
https://www.smartknives.com/Leatherman-Multi-Tools/PST.htm

Thanks for this Heywood - I know smartknives, but never looked at their PST info!
It's a very nice page so I added a link to the first post in this thread!
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Heywood Floyd on August 27, 2020, 06:04:32 AM
Thanks for this Heywood - I know smartknives, but never looked at their PST info!
It's a very nice page so I added a link to the first post in this thread!
Stoked to be of assistance mate. Cheers!
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Acd on August 28, 2020, 01:50:54 AM
Is anyone able to help clarify/confirm the age of my PST above?
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: gregozedobe on August 28, 2020, 05:30:12 PM
Yep that is good info.
So I think mine is a “Reg'd TM trademark text with Leatherman Japan on blade tang“. From what is written it was made around 1985-88? Can anyone clarify?
Also, I know there is a bit of rejuvenation/interest in PSTs. What would be an estimate of resale for something like this (and other versions)?

AFAIK the Japanese made LM PSTs changed from "US PAT 4238862" to "US REG'D TM 1325473" around late 1989, and these were the final JPST version (I call them version 5) before production reverted to US only. The latest ones made had "REG'D TM 1325473"  (no "US").  So your JPST looks like it was made some time after late 1989.  wowaboro has looked at the versions, variants and dates in much more detail than me, so maybe he can narrow it down further.

The v5 seems to be the most common JPST, although there were a few rarer variants mode with "hollow" rivets.

I have no idea of the current market prices for a v5 JPST, but JPSTs generally sold for more than common PSTs back when I was actively collecting.  The earlier (v3 & v4) JPSTs are less common, and often fetched higher prices than the v5, and any JPST with  "hollow" rivets often was more sought after as well.

A look on ebay for "sold" JPSTs may give you some guidance on recent actual sale prices (as opposed to the opportunists who put a crazy price on something and hope some sucker takes the bait).

I hope that info helps ....
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Acd on August 29, 2020, 02:07:14 AM
 :tu:  Thanks for the great info :tu:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: mrphotomatic on November 02, 2020, 05:52:04 PM
From a friends wedding…gift to the groomsmen, back in 1999.

•   Rivets or knurled screws?
knurled screws
•   Lanyard attachment?
yes
•   (Old) small diameter or (new) large diameter plier pivot?
OLD (with cap crimper)
•   LEATHERMAN alone cast into plier pivot? Or with USA? Or TOOL?
LEATHERMAN USA
•   A hard wire cutter notch?
yes
•   Handles stamped with what? (see pictures in next post for examples)
LEATHERMAN® TOOL PORTLAND OR (angular font)
•   Inch ruler only, or inch/metric?
inch/metric
•   Date codes?
0299 / 0399
•   Drop point knife blade or clip point? (saber?)
Clip
•   Knife blade tang stamped LEATHERMAN alone? Or with USA? Or JAPAN?
LEATHERMAN USA
•   Screwdrivers: pivot-in or pivot-out?
Out
•   Screwdriver Letter / Digit (front/back)
C/2
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on November 03, 2020, 01:09:26 AM
Is it Black Oxide or Stainless Steel  :think:

Otherwise it is still sweet with the cap crimper :like:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: gregozedobe on November 03, 2020, 01:26:32 AM
Is it Black Oxide or Stainless Steel  :think:

Otherwise it is still sweet with the cap crimper :like:

IIRC the SS CC PSTs were much less common than the BO CC Version (presumably because they were seen as less "tactical" ;) )
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Richs1023 on November 12, 2020, 03:52:55 AM
Well, better late than never...

•   Rivets or knurled screws?
Knurled screws

•   Lanyard attachment?
Yes

•   (Old) small diameter or (new) large diameter plier pivot?
Old small diameter pivot

•   LEATHERMAN alone cast into plier pivot? Or with USA? Or TOOL?
Leatherman USA

•   A hard wire cutter notch?
No

•   Handles stamped with what? (see pictures in next post for examples)
Leatherman Tool  US Registered TM 1325473 Portland OR

•   Inch ruler only, or inch/metric?
Inch / metric

•   Date codes?
None

•   Drop point knife blade or clip point? (saber?)
Saber clip point

•   Knife blade tang stamped LEATHERMAN alone? Or with USA? Or JAPAN?
LEATHERMAN USA

•   Screwdrivers: pivot-in or pivot-out?
pivot-in
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on November 12, 2020, 03:57:54 AM
Sounds like a nice one, Rich :like: and welcome to :MTO: :cheers:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Huntsman on November 12, 2020, 11:45:15 AM
Pivot out is on the right and pivot in is on the left :cheers:

Thanks Ponch - I still get confused by this - Corrected my original post !
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: EMZ on January 08, 2021, 09:31:08 PM
LM PST BO DAK
A few days ago I found this Leatherman PST Black Oxide in my mail... Well, I had to pay for it of course, however I think (hope) it was a bargain.
Anyway, this PST BO has a pouch with the gold-colored Netherlands Defence Forces "interservice" logo printed on the flap.
Handles are inside dated 0696 and 0896.
The pliers have the notch.
The tool itself has a NSN inscripted in one of the handles: NSN 5110-01-321-8805, which is odd because the "01" means it is registered for the US.

Has anyone seen such a Dutch Army Knife LM PST before???

At the request of MTO member Wowaboro I share with you some more pictures of the Dutch Army Leatherman. Enjoy!
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: EMZ on January 08, 2021, 09:37:28 PM
And some more.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: wowaboro on January 08, 2021, 09:56:41 PM
LM PST BO DAK
A few days ago I found this Leatherman PST Black Oxide in my mail... Well, I had to pay for it of course, however I think (hope) it was a bargain.
Anyway, this PST BO has a pouch with the gold-colored Netherlands Defence Forces "interservice" logo printed on the flap.
Handles are inside dated 0696 and 0896.
The pliers have the notch.
The tool itself has a NSN inscripted in one of the handles: NSN 5110-01-321-8805, which is odd because the "01" means it is registered for the US.

Has anyone seen such a Dutch Army Knife LM PST before???


At the request of MTO member Wowaboro I share with you some more pictures of the Dutch Army Leatherman. Enjoy!

Thanks, Jan  :tu:
I specifically asked you to make more detailed photos because I had some doubts about your description. And I was right  ;)
1. Date codes: 0696 and 0895.
2. Pliers haven't the notch.
Now everything fell into place.
Thank you again  :cheers:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on January 09, 2021, 12:07:57 AM
Sweet PST,  EMZ :drool: :like: :like:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: McStitchy on January 09, 2021, 01:00:27 AM
The BO PST is one of my favourites!

That one looks neat. Congrats EMZ  :like:
Did it come with a sheath?
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: gregozedobe on January 09, 2021, 05:44:23 AM
And some more.

Interesting NSN  :tu:

I have an older SS PST that I am told was issued to Portsmouth UK navy divers.

It is marked:  NSN 786-5369 ^ 1992
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: wowaboro on January 09, 2021, 09:42:11 AM
Did it come with a sheath?

Yes, with leather sheath:
https://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,5877.msg1733128.html#msg1733128
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: McStitchy on January 09, 2021, 11:49:13 AM
Thanks a lot wowaboro  :hatsoff:
They've used the original with an additional stamp I see.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: SteveC on January 09, 2021, 01:51:12 PM
Sweet PST,  EMZ :drool: :like: :like:


 :iagree:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: donaldc on February 24, 2021, 03:28:52 AM
wonderful timeline info. thank yu.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: jcintra91 on April 22, 2021, 10:20:05 PM

•   Rivets or knurled screws?
rivets

•   Lanyard attachment?
Yes

•   (Old) small diameter or (new) large diameter plier pivot?
Old small diameter pivot

•   LEATHERMAN alone cast into plier pivot? Or with USA? Or TOOL?
Leatherman

•   A hard wire cutter notch?
No

•   Handles stamped with what? (see pictures in next post for examples)
Leatherman Tool  US PAT 4238862

•   Inch ruler only, or inch/metric?
Inch

•   Date codes?
None

•   Drop point knife blade or clip point? (saber?)
DROP point

•   Knife blade tang stamped LEATHERMAN alone? Or with USA? Or JAPAN?
LEATHERMAN

•   Screwdrivers: pivot-in or pivot-out?
pivot-in


Don't know if my Leatherman is mid to late 80s USA or Jap made, can anyone help with that????
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: wowaboro on April 22, 2021, 10:27:59 PM
Mid 80's, US PAT..., hollow rivets, Japan made PST
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: McStitchy on April 22, 2021, 10:36:22 PM
That is a Japan made PST (JPST) for sure.
Are the rivets hollow on the other side?
If so then it could be one of the very first outsourced to Japan I guess  :think:

Edit: wowaboto beat me to it  :hatsoff:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: jcintra91 on April 22, 2021, 11:07:11 PM
Mid 80's, US PAT..., hollow rivets, Japan made PST

Thanks you

That is a Japan made PST (JPST) for sure.
Are the rivets hollow on the other side?
If so then it could be one of the very first outsourced to Japan I guess  :think:

Edit: wowaboto beat me to it  :hatsoff:


Yes it is. Bought it off of ebay and it wasn't in the description about it being a Japanese version.  Guess I lucked out.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on April 23, 2021, 02:15:05 AM
All the big font LM that I have ever seen are from Japan :salute: as well as the riveted ones :think: :tu:

Nice find :like:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: jcintra91 on April 23, 2021, 02:28:02 AM
All the big font LM that I have ever seen are from Japan :salute: as well as the riveted ones :think: :tu:

Nice find :like:


Thanks poncho
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: xfile on May 04, 2021, 04:38:08 AM
Does anyone know this version of PST?
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on May 04, 2021, 04:57:03 AM
Very cool :o Thanks for sharing :salute: Can't help you with any extra info on it though :dunno:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Huntsman on May 04, 2021, 07:05:55 AM
Looks like JPST branding !!
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: gregozedobe on May 04, 2021, 07:56:14 AM
Looks like a later JPST to me (in a very nice case).
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on May 04, 2021, 12:35:00 PM
I guess I was assuming most knew that it was JPST from the large font on it :think: I never need to assume things like that I guess :whistle: :facepalm: :oops: :D
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Huntsman on May 04, 2021, 12:38:03 PM
You know what they say about    ass  u   me   !!   :pok:

Is it really gold coloured - Or is that just some sort of reflection of the red felt on the steel?
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on May 04, 2021, 12:40:54 PM
I know, I know ::) :facepalm: :D

I think it is the lighting that makes it the gold color in this instance but maybe xfile will be along to clarify :think: A lot of my older pics ended up with the gold tone whether I wanted them to or not :ahhh
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: wowaboro on May 04, 2021, 01:46:27 PM
I think that this is not a trick of the light, snap cap on the sheath just steel without gold shades.
Most likely it's really gold color. In Japan were sold Mini Tools with gold (rather like a gold) coating:
https://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,83044.msg2034924.html#msg2034924
Maybe such golden JPSTs also existed  ??? :think:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on May 04, 2021, 04:51:56 PM
Awesome if it is Gold color  :o :drool: :like: :like:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: gregozedobe on May 05, 2021, 05:59:21 AM
To my eyes it looks like a regular SS JPST, I think the red is a reflection from the red lining.  Look more closely at the second pic and you'll see what I mean.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: xfile on May 07, 2021, 01:57:46 AM
Yes, it's a Japanese version. I just bought it, but I haven't got it yet. The seller doesn't have any other picture details, I think it's slightly golden. I don't know the specific reason.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on May 07, 2021, 03:45:44 AM
That is awesome if it is gold :o Let us know when you get it :salute: Congrats on getting that as well :tu: :like:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: bobartig on May 17, 2021, 01:37:03 AM
I managed to score this beauty recently, but I don't know how to determine the relative age of Cabela's stamped PSTs. Does anybody know? Based on reading much of this thread and several others on this forum, I've determined that the lack of blade etch and the tang stamp make this a less rare variety, and probably not near the original '83 runs. is that correct? Also, I've never seen one with the 'World's Foremost Outfitters' handle stamp, either, so I don't know how that factors into dating.

(https://i.imgur.com/NDqDfNt.jpg)
This sheath didn't come with it, but is from a similar time period.

(https://imgur.com/ScFpvHS.jpg)
I can't tell if this is a sloppy factor edge, or if it was resharpened at some point. The additional grinding appears to match the look of other older droppoint blades I've seen from this era.

(https://imgur.com/FZKlOsF.jpg)
trying to show a bit of the tang stamp.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on May 17, 2021, 01:40:10 AM
You have a very early one :o I know it is 85 or before but not sure how before :think:

Very awesome find  :drool: :like: :like:

Thanks for sharing :hatsoff:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: McStitchy on May 17, 2021, 08:44:29 AM
 :iagree:   ....very nice bobartig  :like:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: SteveC on May 18, 2021, 09:55:24 PM
 :iagree:  (https://i.imgur.com/0KOPAuV.png)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: David on May 20, 2021, 02:43:43 AM
I guessing mid 84 give or take a little. The very early ones didnt have USA on the plier head and some other differences.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: bobartig on June 09, 2021, 10:14:12 PM
So, I just picked up another 'Pocket Survival Tool' PST. It's in pretty good shape for a 30+ year old piece of steel, but nowhere near minty. What's weird is the file appears to be heat anodized a light bronze color. I'm assuming someone took a torch to their PST for some reason, but does anyone know if PSTs were sold that way? Here's a couple pics next to another PST of similar age. It's not a trick of the light, it's got a copper-y bronze coloration. 🤔:

(https://i.imgur.com/aHdgYmt.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/rUdFe2d.jpg)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Huntsman on June 10, 2021, 12:23:14 AM
Interesting

It's not just a bit of rust/oxiidisation is it?   :think: :think:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: bobartig on June 10, 2021, 01:30:02 AM
Interesting

It's not just a bit of rust/oxiidisation is it?   :think: :think:

I don't know, but the rest of the tool doesn't have it at all, it's extremely uniform over the entire file (including the flat tang and the nail nick area), and two weeks of ballistol bath hasn't done a thing to it. 🤷🏻‍♂️
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: wowaboro on September 14, 2021, 10:31:54 PM
PST's CC Pliers

(https://content-19.foto.my.mail.ru/mail/wowaboro/258/b-992.jpg) (https://content-19.foto.my.mail.ru/mail/wowaboro/258/b-992.jpg)(https://content-19.foto.my.mail.ru/mail/wowaboro/258/b-993.jpg) (https://content-19.foto.my.mail.ru/mail/wowaboro/258/b-993.jpg)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: SteveC on September 15, 2021, 01:50:54 AM
 :like: :tu:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on September 15, 2021, 02:59:58 AM
Awesome pics as always, wow 8) :drool: :like: :like:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: McStitchy on September 15, 2021, 08:27:05 AM
 :iagree: :like: 
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: 1912er on September 16, 2021, 03:27:27 AM
Hi folks! Just want to say i joined the other day.Ive only got 4 psts,but i love them too and always looking for them.Tough to find up here in ontario Canada This was quite the read all these pages but enjoyed it and learned lots.....Ben
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Huntsman on September 16, 2021, 08:22:40 AM
Welcome 1912er - As you can guess - We all love the PSTs here - And this is a great thread!

Welcome to the club !!    :salute:    :tu:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Huntsman on September 16, 2021, 08:23:53 AM
PST's CC Pliers

Nice pics Wow  - But hard to tell the differences    :think:

I think I worked out that 4 onwards added the hard wire notch; 5 onwards added the inner crimper; 6 has the USA sratched out 

But I give in on the differences betrween 1,2 and 3 ?  Can you enlighten us please?   ???
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on September 16, 2021, 02:17:33 PM
Welcome to  :MTO:  1912er :cheers:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: wowaboro on September 16, 2021, 04:15:37 PM
But I give in on the differences betrween 1,2 and 3 ?  Can you enlighten us please?   ???

Read the descriptions more carefully ;)

Photo for an example with the indication:
(https://content-5.foto.my.mail.ru/mail/wowaboro/258/b-1001.jpg) (https://content-5.foto.my.mail.ru/mail/wowaboro/258/b-1001.jpg)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Huntsman on September 17, 2021, 05:12:32 AM
Hmm ........................... So you expect me to see something that is not even there    :pok:      ???      ;)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: wowaboro on September 17, 2021, 06:36:12 AM
Hmm ........................... So you expect me to see something that is not even there    :pok:      ???      ;)

In my opinion, everything is extremely clear  :pok:  ;)
Once again for an example:
(https://content-27.foto.my.mail.ru/mail/wowaboro/258/b-1034.jpg) (https://content-27.foto.my.mail.ru/mail/wowaboro/258/b-1034.jpg)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: McStitchy on September 17, 2021, 08:42:45 AM
Ahaha... now I see it. The brackets actually describe it graphically  :2tu:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Huntsman on September 17, 2021, 10:15:28 AM
Hmm ........................... So you expect me to see something that is not even there    :pok:      ???      ;)

This was a joke  .........  Hence the   .......  :pok:      ???      ;)

And of course the thing that 'is not there' is ....... a blank ...... in the key/description ...... ie there is nothing there - a blank is a nothing   :D   
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: SteveC on September 17, 2021, 01:41:00 PM
Hi folks! Just want to say i joined the other day.Ive only got 4 psts,but i love them too and always looking for them.Tough to find up here in ontario Canada This was quite the read all these pages but enjoyed it and learned lots.....Ben


Welcome !    :cheers:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Qubit on October 12, 2021, 11:58:03 AM
Thought I'd just add my PST in here even though no longer collecting data.   Ive checked and looked under light and magnification and only 1 side is dated - 01/93  - the other side definitely has no date in the handle.  It also has what I believe is the clip/saber point blade.    She needed a bit of cleaning up when she arrived but is now looking in good shape and ready for this years PST challenge  :D

(https://i.imgur.com/TMOeFQwl.jpg)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on October 12, 2021, 05:18:01 PM
Always good to have more data :cheers: The ones around that time period were known to have one handle with and another without dates stamped inside :tu: Probably used some of the last handles that they had without a stamp on them at that time :salute:

Great pic  :like:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: McStitchy on October 12, 2021, 06:32:25 PM
All nice and shiny. Great job  :tu:
I have one like that too, from '93 where one handle is older with no date stamp  :hatsoff:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Qubit on October 12, 2021, 07:41:06 PM
Always good to have more data :cheers: The ones around that time period were known to have one handle with and another without dates stamped inside :tu: Probably used some of the last handles that they had without a stamp on them at that time :salute:

Great pic  :like:

Figured that it was something like that!  Must admit the knife blade is awesome, just finished sharpening and it cuts really nicely.   :D


Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Qubit on October 12, 2021, 07:47:41 PM
Quote from: McStitchy link=topic=5877.msg2286900#   date=1634056345
All nice and shiny. Great job  :tu:
I have one like that too, from '93 where one handle is older with no date stamp  :hatsoff:


And here I was thinking it was some kind of rarity! lol   :facepalm:     I didn't have to polish it just dismantle and clean, quite pleased.  Only the file was covered in various layers of crud  :dunno:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on October 12, 2021, 08:41:33 PM
Still a bit of a rarity :cheers: not to many of them I have heard of over the years :think: I did have one but sent it to another member here,  years ago, after they sent me a tool I had been after for a while  :woohoo:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Huntsman on October 13, 2021, 10:11:30 AM
Nice Qubit   :pok:    :tu: 
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Qubit on October 13, 2021, 08:05:55 PM
Nice Qubit   :pok:    :tu:

Cheers!   :D   :tu:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Film School EDC on January 20, 2022, 05:13:22 AM
Really grateful for this thread. I inherited my grandfather's PST from 2000, and it's in beautiful condition, likely never used.

Hope this helps!

Date Code: 0700/0500
•   Rivets or knurled screws?
          Knurled Screws
•   Lanyard attachment?
          Yes
•   (Old) small diameter or (new) large diameter plier pivot?
          Old style (small)
•   LEATHERMAN alone cast into plier pivot? Or with USA? Or TOOL?
          Leatherman and USA
•   A hard wire cutter notch?
          Yes
•   Handles stamped with what? (see pictures in next post for examples)
          No reg or patent number, like your last picture.
•   Inch ruler only, or inch/metric?
          Inch and metric
•   Date codes?
          0700 on knife handle, 0500 on file side.
•   Drop point knife blade or clip point? (saber?)
          Clip point, newer version.
•   Knife blade tang stamped LEATHERMAN alone? Or with USA? Or JAPAN?
          Leatherman USA
•   Screwdrivers: pivot-in or pivot-out?
          If I'm understanding this correctly they all pivot out. (https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220120/32d686a6e602cae8a4cd1d85b649bb2c.jpg)

Sent from my LE2115 using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on January 20, 2022, 12:06:11 PM
Welcome to :MTO:  Film :cheers:

That is a great thing to inherit :salute: I have my grandfather's PST as well and that is what got me into MTs to begin with :tu:

You have a very nice example as well :like:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Farmer X on April 12, 2022, 02:22:52 AM
I received a Japanese PST earlier today. Here are its pertinent details:

•   Rivets or knurled screws: Rivets
•   Lanyard attachment: Yes
•   (Old) small diameter or (new) large diameter plier pivot: :dunno: Hopefully the photos will clearly show that.
•   LEATHERMAN alone cast into plier pivot? Or with USA? Or TOOL: LEATHERMAN alone
•   A hard wire cutter notch: No
•   Handles stamped with what? (see pictures in next post for examples): Leatherman Tool and Reg'd TM only
•   Inch ruler only, or inch/metric: Inch only
•   Date codes: If so, I haven't found 'em. I'm saying no.
•   Drop point knife blade or clip point? (saber): Drop
•   Knife blade tang stamped LEATHERMAN alone? Or with USA? Or JAPAN: Leatherman Japan
•   Screwdrivers: pivot-in or pivot-out: See answer about pliers pivot.

  [ This attachment cannot be displayed inline in 'Print Page' view ]  

  [ This attachment cannot be displayed inline in 'Print Page' view ]  

  [ This attachment cannot be displayed inline in 'Print Page' view ]  

  [ This attachment cannot be displayed inline in 'Print Page' view ]  
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on April 12, 2022, 12:57:21 PM
Congratulations,  Farmer :woohoo: :drool: :like: :like:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Huntsman on April 12, 2022, 01:51:15 PM
Nice Farmer X - Looks like someone did a bit of damage sharpening that blade...

That's a small diameter plier pivot - The larger ones came in way after the JPSTs - See OP.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Farmer X on April 12, 2022, 06:05:27 PM
Looks like someone did a bit of damage sharpening that blade...
Indeed they did. Aloha told me that prior to him acquiring the JPST, some clod took it to a grinder. Not the appropriate tool for the job! :twak:

Of course, I'd open the chart in a new tab but look at it after I posted photos.  I now know that is has the small pliers pivot, screwdrivers that pivot in, and no date codes. It's a PST "Japanese changes II."
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: rajiz on July 04, 2022, 09:34:26 PM
Hello from Finland. Hope i found a nice pst. can you tell me more about this?  [ This attachment cannot be displayed inline in 'Print Page' view ]    [ This attachment cannot be displayed inline in 'Print Page' view ]    [ This attachment cannot be displayed inline in 'Print Page' view ]    [ This attachment cannot be displayed inline in 'Print Page' view ]  
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: SteveC on July 04, 2022, 09:39:56 PM
Hello and welcome to the forum   :cheers:

Very nice PST and sheath from 1995  :tu:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on July 04, 2022, 11:14:09 PM
 :iagree: and welcome to  :MTO:  :cheers:

Very nice PST :like:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Huntsman on July 05, 2022, 12:38:45 AM
Hi - Welcome to MTo
Very nice PST from July 95
The chart on the first post shows you where it fits into the PST history

Did you just get it?
Very unusual to find a PST as new and in its box with instructions etc etc if so
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Legend on July 06, 2022, 03:47:50 PM
I want to love this thread so much, but I feel many of my prized PST’s are not represented.

Early Winters PST w/ Blade Etched

Identical PST as mentioned above, no etch, with USA added

JPST US Pat 4238862 w/ Large Lanyard ring on wrong handle.

CC PST much earlier than 1993

1986 BO PST w/ POCKET SURVIVAL TOOL spelled out

I know everyone has been working very hard for an amazingly long time on this, and I’d love to see a renewed effort from everyone to truly blow it out.  I’d personally love to reference this amazing chart, but most every time I come to look at it, I get the feeling that it is oversimplified and what I’m looking for isn’t represented.

I realize that progress and identification is the whole point of this thread, so I will do my part and post photos and descriptions of the tools listed above.  Hopefully we can all benefit and I look forward to seeing the chart become more comprehensive as we move forward.

Thank you to everyone for the incredible work over the years.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Aloha on July 06, 2022, 03:53:30 PM
Pictures would be great.  I'm sure others will pop in but from your post you might very well have some rare versions that few of us have seen.   :salute:
Title: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Legend on July 06, 2022, 06:42:51 PM
1986 POCKET SURVIVAL TOOL - Black Oxide

Rivets / Knurled Screws: Knurled

Lanyard Specifics: No Lanyard Attachment

Plier Pivot Size / Identifiers: Small Plier Pivot, (LEATHERMAN) ( USA ) on Both Sides

Hard Wire Cutter Notch: No

Handle Stamps / Markings: TOP / POCKET SURVIVAL TOOL, BOTTOM / US PAT, LM T, OR

Ruler: SAE

Date Codes: N/A

Blade Style: Drop Point

Blade Tang Stamp: LEATHERMAN U.S.A.

Screwdriver Pivot (In / Out): In

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220706/ef886a9a457330e1b7619e77fd2b6ef2.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220706/0823f5e89cfb0459ce86862d66be4b7e.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220706/07c7bbf250875a21110c41ac61750939.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220706/d38824bc0a1c95abf0931dde3ff757d1.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220706/586334276272f5046820a9533036b605.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220706/ded9e86ad845f1bf5de08c5c582d5585.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220706/116af8dba45f620ee6d4583234796782.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220706/c896ebbd9dce451c4e0ca888b4f1a660.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220706/288fd7f3840b60c771e0027bf5dada19.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220706/74e91ee7982515232000719161eb4014.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220706/5b4e6ac8c24a36bf01daae76403ee777.jpg)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Legend on July 06, 2022, 08:34:17 PM
Based on my post above, Black Oxide should be listed as first appearing in 1986. 

The 2021 Version 6 of the chart in post #1 mentions it starting around 1993 if I recall, it is in the bottom right hand corner to f the chart.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on July 06, 2022, 11:13:46 PM
Great pics :cheers: I am sure some of the info might just have been missed being included over the years  :think: I know that I have seen much older PSTs in BO for sure but not sure how old of one I have seen with cap crimper :think:

Any info and pics on the PST is always welcomed though :like:
Title: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Legend on July 06, 2022, 11:23:29 PM
Thanks Poncho, I certainly have a SAE (Inches Only) ruler version of the Cap Crimper in Black Oxide from 1988 and I believe [mention]wowaboro [/mention] has already documented a SS and BO from 1988 in his PST Components Guide.  I’ll get photos of mine for review but I think it’s safe to say 1993 can be updated to 1988 after review.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on July 06, 2022, 11:28:51 PM
If anyone has one and has it documented,  it is more than likely, wowaboro :cheers:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Legend on July 07, 2022, 04:16:32 AM
1988-90 Black Oxide w/ Cap Crimper

Knurled Screws

Has Lanyard: Small

Plier Pivot Small, (LEATHERMAN) ( USA )

Hard Wire Cutter Notch: No

Handle Stamps / Markings: REG’D, LM T, OR

Ruler: SAE Only

Date Codes: N/A

Blade Style: Clip Point - Long

Blade Tang Stamp: Leatherman USA

Screwdriver Pivot (In / Out): In

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220707/500bf213231cb2fc64cd530821f216c0.jpg)

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220707/d0128c73d3e609ebfab654603b0a773d.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220707/d82daf5c9bfb37d74e25c56583a8bd3e.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220707/25205ee393befebbc081683d230653f7.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220707/8e85f2cc324128c52abc2bde5412d8a0.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220707/2446c1cfd88e77bda338bc889aa952da.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220707/a2a88f209f0d1091a59ea64caaf7452f.jpg)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on July 07, 2022, 01:10:03 PM
A very nice one :tu: :like:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: SteveC on July 07, 2022, 01:38:41 PM
 :iagree: :tu:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: z50 on October 05, 2022, 08:19:33 AM
I hope this helps  ~ It's like a #3 1/2

Hollow Rivets
Large Lanyard on Opposite Side
Small Pivot
Leatherman Only on Pivot
No Hard Wire Notch
On Handles: Leatherman Large Letter Tool
US Pat 4238862   No Portland OR
Inch Only
No Date
Drop Point
Blade marked Japan Leatherman
Left Hand Can Opener
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Huntsman on October 05, 2022, 12:39:16 PM
Thanks Z50 - That's great

And welcome to MTo - The best and most knowledgeable place on the net for multitools 
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on October 05, 2022, 04:10:35 PM
Welcome to  :MTO:  :cheers: and great pics of a great tool, z50 :like: :like:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: wowaboro on October 08, 2022, 09:55:09 PM
Thanks to Brenton (Legend), it turned out quite unexpectedly that the latest production date of the PST is not 1004, as it was thought all these years, but 1104. He discovered and bought one on ebay, and I rechecked my old stocks and also found this rarity.  Now I will correct all my records :)
(https://content-27.foto.my.mail.ru/mail/wowaboro/258/b-1040.jpg) (https://content-27.foto.my.mail.ru/mail/wowaboro/258/b-1040.jpg)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Legend on October 08, 2022, 10:16:07 PM
Thanks to Brenton (Legend), it turned out quite unexpectedly that the latest production date of the PST is not 1004, as it was thought all these years, but 1104. He discovered and bought one on ebay, and I rechecked my old stocks and also found this rarity.  Now I will correct all my records :)
(https://content-27.foto.my.mail.ru/mail/wowaboro/258/b-1040.jpg) (https://content-27.foto.my.mail.ru/mail/wowaboro/258/b-1040.jpg)
We all know who the true Legend is.  .  …but yes, we shall rewrite history with these 1104 PST.

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20221008/ab3ff4ed4b8be13746b3f90f02de3431.jpg)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on October 08, 2022, 11:30:40 PM
That is great that something new like this was found out about the PST :woohoo:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Huntsman on October 08, 2022, 11:42:58 PM
Thanks to Brenton (Legend), it turned out quite unexpectedly that the latest production date of the PST is not 1004, as it was thought all these years, but 1104. He discovered and bought one on ebay, and I rechecked my old stocks and also found this rarity.  Now I will correct all my records :)

That's amazing - Thank you Legend and Wowbaro - We had better update our records too
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: nakken on October 09, 2022, 11:16:42 AM
Well done fellas, and congrats on an amazing find :tu:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: SteveC on October 09, 2022, 01:54:22 PM
 :iagree: :tu:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Frenchephaistos on November 21, 2022, 09:59:44 PM
Late to the game, but here is my first PST1 :

•   Rivets or knurled screws? Rivets, no hollow base as far as I can see
•   Lanyard attachment? Y
•   (Old) small diameter or (new) large diameter plier pivot? Not sure
•   LEATHERMAN alone cast into plier pivot? Or with USA? Or TOOL? LEATHERMAN® TOOL REG'D TM1325473 (does not say US)
•   A hard wire cutter notch? N
•   Handles stamped with what? (see pictures in next post for examples) Big letters Leatherman mid 80's ?
•   Inch ruler only, or inch/metric? Grr… Inch only
•   Date codes? N
•   Drop point knife blade or clip point? (saber?) Drop point
•   Knife blade tang stamped LEATHERMAN alone? Or with USA? Or JAPAN? Japan
•   Screwdrivers: pivot-in or pivot-out? pivot in

I'm guessing I got a Japanese changes II, right ?

Apart from the inches only, this thing is a beaut'.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on November 22, 2022, 12:16:53 AM
Congrats Frenche :woohoo: would love to see a pic of it and if it has rivets then it should be a Japanese PST :tu: :like:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Bobby Moody on November 22, 2022, 05:39:51 AM
Here is mine. Just joined message me and i will send the pics. Hope this helps as it is as old as I am.
LINK REMOVED
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on November 22, 2022, 12:20:00 PM
Welcome to :MTO:  :cheers:

Being as you are new, we don't allow advertising on the forum as it is member supported  :tu:

If you wish to advertise then you need to contact the site owner Grant Lamontagne to discuss payment to advertise :salute:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Frenchephaistos on November 22, 2022, 08:45:13 PM
OK, here are some pics.  [ This attachment cannot be displayed inline in 'Print Page' view ]  

Now, to get my JPST badge…
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Frenchephaistos on November 22, 2022, 08:51:44 PM
Got luck on mine, it was part of an exchange (I got my first PST from Aloha and he started the fever), cause I felt I needed a backup and get my hands on a PST 1… It was a Japan one, didn't even know that before I opened the package.
 :multi:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on November 22, 2022, 10:24:54 PM
That is great, Frenche :woohoo: Looks to be in great shape as well :tu: :like: :like:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Bsamps on February 18, 2023, 01:32:44 AM
Well I'm brand new here, and probably wont frequent these pages, but wanted to offer another PST example I inherited from my father. Also has the original leather case!

I think I'm looking at an early JPST, post 1985 but pre 1988. Pretty much identical to the Japanese PSTs I see in this thread but no Japan on the blade tang.

Is that still a JPST or am I looking at a rando US PST?
No service or replacement parts to my knowledge.

•   Rivets or knurled screws?
Rivets, solid
•   Lanyard attachment?
Yes, small
•   (Old) small diameter or (new) large diameter plier pivot?
Old, small
•   LEATHERMAN alone cast into plier pivot? Or with USA? Or TOOL?
LEATHERMAN (no extra spacing)
•   A hard wire cutter notch?
No
•   Handles stamped with what?
LEATHERMAN (big) Tool (small)
US REG'D TM 1325473

•   Inch ruler only, or inch/metric?
Inch
•   Date codes?
None
•   Drop point knife blade or clip point? (saber?)
Drop point
•   Knife blade tang stamped LEATHERMAN alone? Or with USA? Or JAPAN?
LEATHERMAN
•   Screwdrivers: pivot-in or pivot-out?
Pivot In
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on February 18, 2023, 02:47:10 AM
Welcome to :MTO:  great JPST, Bsamps :like: :like:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Legend on April 13, 2023, 04:36:36 AM
// PST Finishes

“Most have seen a Stainless Steel and Black Oxide finish on a Pocket Survival Tool. 

The 24k Gold Plated version was produced for the 10th Anniversary of Leatherman Tool Group, limited to 200 pieces. 

There is however a lesser known Diamond Like Coating (DLC) finish which was first developed to meet U.S. Armed Forces standards for wear resistance in black tools issued.  Seen here, third from the left, is a 0696 PST as issued to the United States Marine Corps.”

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230413/9dea0b99ee24472c9da8be274200eea2.jpg)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on April 13, 2023, 12:07:44 PM
// PST Finishes

“Most have seen a Stainless Steel and Black Oxide finish on a Pocket Survival Tool. 

The 24k Gold Plated version was produced for the 10th Anniversary of Leatherman Tool Group, limited to 200 pieces. 

There is however a lesser known Diamond Like Coating (DLC) finish which was first developed to meet U.S. Armed Forces standards for wear resistance in black tools issued.  Seen here, third from the left, is a 0696 PST as issued to the United States Marine Corps.”

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230413/9dea0b99ee24472c9da8be274200eea2.jpg)

I think Steve has what could be considered the DLC finish and I have one that has one BO handle and one DLC :think:

Great pic :drool: and congratsbl on getting those :salute: :woohoo: :like: :like:

:nanadance:             :nanadance:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: SteveC on April 13, 2023, 01:51:37 PM
// PST Finishes

“Most have seen a Stainless Steel and Black Oxide finish on a Pocket Survival Tool. 

The 24k Gold Plated version was produced for the 10th Anniversary of Leatherman Tool Group, limited to 200 pieces. 

There is however a lesser known Diamond Like Coating (DLC) finish which was first developed to meet U.S. Armed Forces standards for wear resistance in black tools issued.  Seen here, third from the left, is a 0696 PST as issued to the United States Marine Corps.”

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230413/9dea0b99ee24472c9da8be274200eea2.jpg)



The one I have has date codes of 0696 and 0397





Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Barry Rowland on April 13, 2023, 02:31:10 PM
 :like:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on April 13, 2023, 02:57:48 PM
Always great to see that one, Steve :tu: :like:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Legend on April 13, 2023, 03:43:11 PM
I love it!  There’s always more to discover. 
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Barry Rowland on April 13, 2023, 05:23:29 PM
 :iagree: It's amazing the variations
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Legend on April 14, 2023, 03:25:16 AM
Here’s another one from the collection here that I’ve only seen in catalog photos like the last picture below.

This PST has the original font LEATHERMAN U.S.A. etched into the blade and an original style sheath with larger brass button.

Also pictured, an early set of instructions which stated a 30-day money back guarantee.

Per Tim, “I’d forgotten we offered the 30-day money back guarantee.  I don’t remember anyone taking us up on it.”

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230414/6e37e9ec8a4e5a4a35329662efbfcf33.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230414/c3974f1429deb4a031b6a5baea1455ef.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230414/ab7afbd46010969a254906be0fd8c3fb.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230414/bcf380ee5b1f60f431da870751dd5155.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230414/2cb9f05e75a22d08da4b0b1d2cf0469e.jpg)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Barry Rowland on April 14, 2023, 03:39:22 AM
It's hard to imagine just how revolutionary that tool was in those days.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Legend on April 14, 2023, 03:46:54 AM
I agree.  It was leaps and bounds above the competition.  A whole new product category and I love honoring the innovation of it.  Tim was a true maverick and any married man can truly respect Chau’s contribution as well.  What a team.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Barry Rowland on April 14, 2023, 04:23:09 AM
Exactly!  She stood with him through thick and thin.  They're a great team!
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on April 14, 2023, 12:12:34 PM
 :iagree: and more great pics, Legend :salute: :like: :like:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: gregozedobe on April 15, 2023, 01:20:10 PM
// PST Finishes

“Most have seen a Stainless Steel and Black Oxide finish on a Pocket Survival Tool. 


There is however a lesser known Diamond Like Coating (DLC) finish which was first developed to meet U.S. Armed Forces standards for wear resistance in black tools issued.  Seen here, third from the left, is a 0696 PST as issued to the United States Marine Corps.”

:tu:
Yes, The DLC PSTs seem to be rather rare.  Thanks for the extra info about them. I often wondered why they were made when LM already made BO ones.  I have one stamped 0997/0198. 
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Legend on April 15, 2023, 03:18:50 PM
:tu:
Yes, The DLC PSTs seem to be rather rare.  Thanks for the extra info about them. I often wondered why they were made when LM already made BO ones.  I have one stamped 0997/0198.
Can you share some side by side photos?
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: SteveC on April 16, 2023, 01:46:35 PM
Here’s another one from the collection here that I’ve only seen in catalog photos like the last picture below.

This PST has the original font LEATHERMAN U.S.A. etched into the blade and an original style sheath with larger brass button.

Also pictured, an early set of instructions which stated a 30-day money back guarantee.

Per Tim, “I’d forgotten we offered the 30-day money back guarantee.  I don’t remember anyone taking us up on it.”

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230414/6e37e9ec8a4e5a4a35329662efbfcf33.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230414/c3974f1429deb4a031b6a5baea1455ef.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230414/ab7afbd46010969a254906be0fd8c3fb.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230414/bcf380ee5b1f60f431da870751dd5155.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230414/2cb9f05e75a22d08da4b0b1d2cf0469e.jpg)



The star of your collection !  :dd:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Legend on April 16, 2023, 03:30:49 PM
Definitely.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Aloha on May 09, 2023, 03:39:13 PM
Man just caught up on some amazing contributions to this fabulous thread.

So many great PSTs  :hatsoff:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on May 09, 2023, 05:40:04 PM
 :iagree: :woohoo:

We also need PST number 1 in here since Andreas has it :ahhh
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Legend on July 06, 2023, 02:08:26 AM
Can someone check all these for me??

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230706/4ee128bac3e045341842e4fdca3013c6.jpg)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on July 06, 2023, 03:32:02 AM
I think they go in most categories :whistle: :D

 :drool: :like: :like:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: SteveC on July 07, 2023, 01:06:44 AM
Can someone check all these for me??

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230706/4ee128bac3e045341842e4fdca3013c6.jpg)

Send them all to me and I'll check them all thoroughly   :tu:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Legend on July 07, 2023, 01:12:38 AM
Send them all to me and I'll check them all thoroughly   :tu:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Huntsman on July 07, 2023, 07:14:12 AM
Send them all to me and I'll check them all thoroughly   :tu:

Damm beat me to it Steve

Looks like there are some classic oldies in there - Nice
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Legend on July 07, 2023, 03:23:28 PM
Damm beat me to it Steve

Looks like there are some classic oldies in there - Nice
Thanks Huntsman.
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Aloha on July 07, 2023, 07:52:18 PM
LEGEND. 

 :drool:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Barry Rowland on July 08, 2023, 01:31:55 PM
 :iagree: :drool:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Frenchephaistos on August 01, 2023, 06:03:36 PM
 :drool:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: VICMAN on November 10, 2023, 02:46:16 PM
When I bought my Leatherman Pocket Survival tool no one knew who Leatherman was.

I had happened to read about the Pocket Survival Tool in one of the Knife magazines I subscribed to and i was in our local Montgomery Wards store one day in the sporting goods section and they had one Leatherman Pocket Survival Tool sitting on a shelf in a case and it was closed so nobody recognized what it was, but I did and I bought it on the spot.

I carried it for years before I met anyone else who had one.

"The earliest Leatherman PSTs are stamped US PAT
4238862 and LEATHERMAN TOOL on one arm, and
POCKET SURVIVAL TOOL on the other. They have a
rather primitive drop point blade, pliers with a
square profile near the pivot, an awl with ragged
mill marks, and a can opener bevel that faces out.
Early PSTs lack the small lanyard ring that is included
on every later version."

Here is a source with quite a lot of information on the PST.

https://smartknives.com/Leatherman-Multi-Tools/PST.htm

Click on pictures for full picture
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: VICMAN on November 10, 2023, 02:55:47 PM
Here are 4 more pictures of my Vintage PST

Click on pictures for full picture
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Legend on November 10, 2023, 03:21:18 PM
When I bought my Leatherman Pocket Survival tool no one knew who Leatherman was.

I had happened to read about the Pocket Survival Tool in one of the Knife magazines I subscribed to and i was in our local Montgomery Wards store one day in the sporting goods section and they had one Leatherman Pocket Survival Tool sitting on a shelf in a case and it was closed so nobody recognized what it was, but I did and I bought it on the spot.

I carried it for years before I met anyone else who had one.

"The earliest Leatherman PSTs are stamped US PAT
4238862 and LEATHERMAN TOOL on one arm, and
POCKET SURVIVAL TOOL on the other. They have a
rather primitive drop point blade, pliers with a
square profile near the pivot, an awl with ragged
mill marks, and a can opener bevel that faces out.
Early PSTs lack the small lanyard ring that is included
on every later version."

Here is a source with quite a lot of information on the PST.

https://smartknives.com/Leatherman-Multi-Tools/PST.htm

Click on pictures for full picture
That’s a beauty.  So cool to hear your story and that you bought yours new at the store!
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: VICMAN on November 10, 2023, 04:05:07 PM
That’s a beauty.  So cool to hear your story and that you bought yours new at the store!

Thank you Legend! :cheers:

I can remember how I felt the day I bought it like it was yesterday. :)

Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on November 11, 2023, 01:04:43 AM
That’s a beauty.  So cool to hear your story and that you bought yours new at the store!

 :iagree:

Awesome story,  awesome tool and awesome pics 8) :like: :like:

:nanadance:         :nanadance:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Legend on November 11, 2023, 04:54:45 AM
It goes without saying that this thread in itself is Legendary.  Each of you played a crucial part in its development from jsews and DaveK to wowoboro. 

I wanted to express my gratitude to everyone here in helping create an expanded, alternate look at inspecting PSTs.

This book was written with the help of many of you, especially wowoboro and his extensive work.  Tim Leatherman himself contributed greatly and we can all be proud with how far this thread has taken the subject of PST variations.  This one is for us.

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20231111/97c9562f2ad2a0715b2417207211aefd.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20231111/208386b51f87d18cac7025ef661c5126.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20231111/0fb4a5d275ae1ad689b76d824dc13cbf.jpg)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: VICMAN on November 11, 2023, 05:01:01 PM
:iagree:

Awesome story,  awesome tool and awesome pics 8) :like: :like:

:nanadance:         :nanadance:

Thank you Poncho! :cheers:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: FolderBeholder on November 12, 2023, 05:26:28 AM
Does anyone have some photos they can share of the early boxes the PSTs were sold in?
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: SteveC on November 12, 2023, 05:50:00 AM
Wowboro had a thread but all his pics are gone

A quick google

https://www.google.com/search?sca_esv=581632289&rlz=1C1CHBF_enUS901US901&sxsrf=AM9HkKlTYo6mZ6dzV62CZutcitagGNuRkA:1699764071565&q=Leatherman+PST+boxes&tbm=isch&source=lnms&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwj54L_N0r2CAxVvg4kEHfK4DVUQ0pQJegQICxAB&biw=1601&bih=767&dpr=1.2#imgrc=gjIyMqftqZ6_cM



(https://preview.redd.it/old-stock-as-new-leatherman-pst-ii-v0-bv6w82kbw9ib1.jpg?width=3072&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=36227e70026586da514f83a636d27c328fe521c0)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: SteveC on November 12, 2023, 05:51:17 AM





(https://preview.redd.it/ended-up-picking-up-the-pst-it-looks-brand-new-with-only-v0-t4bmlqy9myhb1.jpg?width=640&crop=smart&auto=webp&s=09feb484a468e208674a2a6e6c346defcf12857d)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: FolderBeholder on November 12, 2023, 03:39:51 PM
Thank you for the pics SteveC. 
Does anyone know what the first box was of the PST from Cabelas or the first box from ones early in the PST release?  Is it one of the ones posted above?
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on November 12, 2023, 04:11:28 PM
I believe the oldest of those would be the last one that Steve posted  :salute:

I forget which box is actually the oldest but I believe there is one that is older :think:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: SteveC on November 12, 2023, 06:03:20 PM
Thank you for the pics SteveC. 
Does anyone know what the first box was of the PST from Cabelas or the first box from ones early in the PST release?  Is it one of the ones posted above?

Try sending wowaboro a message, he would know.

https://forum.multitool.org/index.php?action=profile;u=7586
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: FolderBeholder on November 12, 2023, 06:12:29 PM
I'll do that now, thank you!  :hatsoff:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: SteveC on November 13, 2023, 05:29:48 AM
I'll do that now, thank you!  :hatsoff:

Let us know what you find out   :tu:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: FolderBeholder on November 14, 2023, 08:11:34 PM
Let us know what you find out   :tu:
Member wowaboro sent me this photo.  It is his photo of a first box that the first ones came in, see-through top.

Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: SteveC on November 14, 2023, 11:00:47 PM
Cool !   :dd:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on November 15, 2023, 03:35:02 AM
Yeah that is the one I had in mind :tu: :like: :like:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: McStitchy on November 15, 2023, 10:03:28 AM
Very fancy that  :like:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Huntsman on December 09, 2023, 02:35:40 PM
When I bought my Leatherman Pocket Survival tool no one knew who Leatherman was.

Nice story  and history Vicman - Can I now call you LMman ?   ???   ;)

So when was this?  ???  Not long after 1983 I guess?    :think:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Huntsman on December 09, 2023, 02:39:56 PM
PS. Gear to see all this action in this thread

Hey and what is that book? Have I missed something here?  ???
Is it available for purchase?
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on December 09, 2023, 05:58:29 PM
PS. Gear to see all this action in this thread

Hey and what is that book? Have I missed something here?  ???
Is it available for purchase?

The book should still be available to buy :think: Contact member Legend about it, he is the author and has had a collaboration with a few members here and also Tim Leatherman himself :woohoo: I have one of them and it is a great book  :salute: :like:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: cshowalter on December 18, 2023, 05:19:14 PM
 Great resource I got this yesterday for $6.00 and I am trying to figure out how old it is. Doesn't fit into all the details.


2] Early to mid-1980’s
•   Knurled screw construction
Yes

•   No lanyard attachment
Yes

•   Small diameter plier pivot
Yes

•   LEATHERMAN USA cast into plier pivot
Yes

•   No hard wire cutter notch
Yes

•   One handle stamped: LEATHERMAN TOOL, US PAT 4238862, PORTLAND OR
No us pat

•   Other handle stamped POCKET SURVIVAL TOOL
No

•   Inch ruler only, no metric
Yes

•   No date codes
Yes

•   Drop point knife blade
Yes

•   Knife tang stamped LEATHERMAN USA
Yes

•   Milled awl blade
Not sure

•   Off center screwdrivers pivot IN
Not sure

•   Can opener has left hand cut
Not sure

  [ This attachment cannot be displayed inline in 'Print Page' view ]  
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on December 18, 2023, 06:50:20 PM
Welcome to :MTO: cshowalter :cheers: that is a very awesome price for any PST, let alone an early example like that one :woohoo: :like: :like:

Also, just from looking the last 3 criteria should be Yes :cheers:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: cshowalter on December 18, 2023, 07:01:12 PM
So any idea the year since it doesn't have US Pat on it or a lanyard
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: wowaboro on December 18, 2023, 07:06:16 PM
So any idea the year since it doesn't have US Pat on it or a lanyard
1986-1987
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: ed_is_dead on January 16, 2024, 12:20:39 AM
Great resource I got this yesterday for $6.00 and I am trying to figure out how old it is. Doesn't fit into all the details.


2] Early to mid-1980’s
•   Knurled screw construction
Yes

•   No lanyard attachment
Yes

•   Small diameter plier pivot
Yes

•   LEATHERMAN USA cast into plier pivot
Yes

•   No hard wire cutter notch
Yes

•   One handle stamped: LEATHERMAN TOOL, US PAT 4238862, PORTLAND OR
No us pat

•   Other handle stamped POCKET SURVIVAL TOOL
No

•   Inch ruler only, no metric
Yes

•   No date codes
Yes

•   Drop point knife blade
Yes

•   Knife tang stamped LEATHERMAN USA
Yes

•   Milled awl blade
Not sure

•   Off center screwdrivers pivot IN
Not sure

•   Can opener has left hand cut
Not sure

  [ This attachment cannot be displayed inline in 'Print Page' view ]
Helluva bargain fella. Enjoy it, looks mint.
Colum
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: DaveK on March 26, 2024, 12:01:58 PM
It's been a few weeks since I last visited  :whistle: - but I had to pop-in to congratulate Brenton and everyone else involved on the Leatherman Pocket Survival Tool Inspection Report.

My copy arrived just now and it is beautifully put together and I can't wait to start getting into the fine details after work.

Well done everyone  :cheers:

(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/e10/DaveK-ToolPics/IMG_3074.HEIC)
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Poncho65 on March 26, 2024, 01:29:39 PM
Great to see you Dave :cheers: The book is great! :like: :like:
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: DaveK on March 26, 2024, 01:54:00 PM
Great to see you Dave :cheers: The book is great! :like: :like:

Likewise Poncho - its been a while!
Title: Re: Leatherman PST chronology project
Post by: Legend on March 26, 2024, 03:01:49 PM
It's been a few weeks since I last visited  :whistle: - but I had to pop-in to congratulate Brenton and everyone else involved on the Leatherman Pocket Survival Tool Inspection Report.

My copy arrived just now and it is beautifully put together and I can't wait to start getting into the fine details after work.

Well done everyone  :cheers:

(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/e10/DaveK-ToolPics/IMG_3074.HEIC)


Exciting.  Glad it arrived safely!