will we see 2013 leathermans announce at SHOT show

[baja820]

Probably trying to use up their stock of the old style pliers......

[Breezy12]

keep in mind that adding the replaceable wire cutters to the Wave/Charge will instantly cannibalize sales of the Rebar.  I have no idea what the actual numbers are, but I'm guessing that Rebar sales are still doing very well, whereas the ST300 sales have probably slowed down since it has been out for a few years now.  the Surge has been out longer than the ST300, so adding the replaceable cutters to the Surge could be a good way to revitalize a particular product without hurting the bottom line. 

I'm guessing that we'll see the replaceable cutters on the Wave/Charge models sometime in 2014... or maybe not until 2015, if we keep buying up Rebars for mods. 

[Outback in Idaho]

keep in mind that adding the replaceable wire cutters to the Wave/Charge will instantly cannibalize sales of the Rebar.  I have no idea what the actual numbers are, but I'm guessing that Rebar sales are still doing very well, whereas the ST300 sales have probably slowed down since it has been out for a few years now.  the Surge has been out longer than the ST300, so adding the replaceable cutters to the Surge could be a good way to revitalize a particular product without hurting the bottom line. 

I'm guessing that we'll see the replaceable cutters on the Wave/Charge models sometime in 2014... or maybe not until 2015, if we keep buying up Rebars for mods. 

Good points. Well said.
Is why I figured at least another year. Some countries it takes upwards of 6 months for products to arrive. So timing on new products/upgrades is critical to keep a potential product from going suddenly stagnant of something new about to debut.

[genevabuck]

keep in mind that adding the replaceable wire cutters to the Wave/Charge will instantly cannibalize sales of the Rebar.  I have no idea what the actual numbers are, but I'm guessing that Rebar sales are still doing very well, whereas the ST300 sales have probably slowed down since it has been out for a few years now.  the Surge has been out longer than the ST300, so adding the replaceable cutters to the Surge could be a good way to revitalize a particular product without hurting the bottom line. 

I'm guessing that we'll see the replaceable cutters on the Wave/Charge models sometime in 2014... or maybe not until 2015, if we keep buying up Rebars for mods. 

Good points. Well said.
Is why I figured at least another year. Some countries it takes upwards of 6 months for products to arrive. So timing on new products/upgrades is critical to keep a potential product from going suddenly stagnant of something new about to debut.

LOL.  Look at it this way.  The OHT was introduced at the last SHOT show and still isn't available retail. 

[Breezy12]

keep in mind that adding the replaceable wire cutters to the Wave/Charge will instantly cannibalize sales of the Rebar.  I have no idea what the actual numbers are, but I'm guessing that Rebar sales are still doing very well, whereas the ST300 sales have probably slowed down since it has been out for a few years now.  the Surge has been out longer than the ST300, so adding the replaceable cutters to the Surge could be a good way to revitalize a particular product without hurting the bottom line. 

I'm guessing that we'll see the replaceable cutters on the Wave/Charge models sometime in 2014... or maybe not until 2015, if we keep buying up Rebars for mods. 

Good points. Well said.
Is why I figured at least another year. Some countries it takes upwards of 6 months for products to arrive. So timing on new products/upgrades is critical to keep a potential product from going suddenly stagnant of something new about to debut.

Thanks Xelkos.    don't get me wrong -- I'm very excited for an update to the Wave/Charge; I just think we'll have to wait another year or two.

And genevabuck -- great point about the OHT. 

[Outback in Idaho]

Strangely enough there's not been any Leatherman contests in a while, unless missed them when I was fortunately working. Not seen one OHT tool in any contest.

OHT looks okay, but doesn't look Leatherman. The handle is too big, tools/pliers too small. Have to ask, what were they thinking? That's a Gerber feature.
Although wouldn't mind trying one out have no plans ever buying one. Past the Rebar, which was fortunate to find locally, there hasn't been a Leatherman tool that's stuck my fancy since ... ... Skeletool CX?

[GPDB]

At Leatherman site there is only a new look for Charge TTi, no replaceable cutters...

[bmot]

At Leatherman site there is only a new look for Charge TTi, no replaceable cutters...

There is, actually:

Tools:
Needlenose Pliers
Regular Pliers
154CM Replaceable Wire Cutters
154CM Replaceable Hard-wire Cutters
Stranded-wire Cutters
Electrical Crimper
420HC Knife
420HC Serrated Knife
Saw
Spring-action Scissors
Wood/Metal File
Diamond-coated File
Blade Exchanger
Large Bit Driver (I)
Small Bit Driver
Large Screwdriver
Awl w/ Thread Loop
Ruler (9 inch/22 cm)
Bottle Opener
Can Opener
Wire Stripper

So it says on http://www.leatherman.com/product/Surge

[Outback in Idaho]

At Leatherman site there is only a new look for Charge TTi, no replaceable cutters...

There is, actually:

Tools:
Needlenose Pliers
Regular Pliers
154CM Replaceable Wire Cutters
154CM Replaceable Hard-wire Cutters
Stranded-wire Cutters
Electrical Crimper
420HC Knife
420HC Serrated Knife
Saw
Spring-action Scissors
Wood/Metal File
Diamond-coated File
Blade Exchanger
Large Bit Driver (I)
Small Bit Driver
Large Screwdriver
Awl w/ Thread Loop
Ruler (9 inch/22 cm)
Bottle Opener
Can Opener
Wire Stripper

So it says on http://www.leatherman.com/product/Surge

Screen sniped

[GPDB]

I missed that one! they didn't update the pictures yet...

[stealth007s]

I missed that one! they didn't update the pictures yet...

Nope, still haven't yet I'm just wondering though, has the Surge been a "Heavy-Duty Tool" this whole time under that LM category? If so, I've never noticed it Still no replaceable cutters on the Charge?¿?

[coastalchris]

I missed that one! they didn't update the pictures yet...

Nope, still haven't yet I'm just wondering though, has the Surge been a "Heavy-Duty Tool" this whole time under that LM category? If so, I've never noticed it Still no replaceable cutters on the Charge?¿?

yes its always been a heavy duty tool. 

Show Starts tomorrow at 8:30am pacific-  you think we will know all the announcements shortly after or later in the week?

[baja820]

They removed 154cm replaceable wire cutters as a listed feature on the surge on the web page.

[Outback in Idaho]

They removed 154cm replaceable wire cutters as a listed feature on the surge on the web page.

Haha! They did. Guess we know they are watching.

[stealth007s]

Haha! They did. Guess we know they are watching. (Image removed from quote.)

I think so too HEY LEATHERMAN, PUT A STINKING FILE ON THE MUT!¡! Or at least an exchanger like the Surge has?¿?

[Outback in Idaho]

Blade Exchangers on Charges, not Waves.

And how about a diamond file on the Crunch already! Gawd, that thing is so short the file on it is about useless.

[Smaug]

The OHT was introduced at the last SHOT show and still isn't available retail.

False. I checked one out in person at BassPro last week when I bought my Surge.

[coastalchris]

Leatherman Sneak Peak from shot show 2013 

New Tools-
-one handed tools-
Cam- Archery tool
pump- Shotgun tool
rail - AR tool

OHT- now in silver
Charge tti- new scales, still 100% ti

Surge- Replaceable wire cutters, new blade exchanger with pressure bar uses standard tshank blades now as well as leatherman size tshank- out in july/aug-  will have black oxide model as well

Rapter- Medical shears multitool.. made for first responders-  Hard carry holster.

Official leatherman announcement video

[dks]

Many thanks!!

the Surge does get the replaceable cutters after all.....

[baja820]

Available in July or August 

[Mercury]

Yet another year without an update to the Wave/Charge or Juice lines.  Everyday tools are how Leatherman got where they are, why do they insist on creating Niche market items like the Raptor and the three listed above?  If they discontinue the wave line I am done with them. 

[coastalchris]

Yet another year without an update to the Wave/Charge or Juice lines.  Everyday tools are how Leatherman got where they are, why do they insist on creating Niche market items like the Raptor and the three listed above?  If they discontinue the wave line I am done with them.

Thats a bit of a overreaction.   Rebar is a every day tool, it needs at least a full year difference between a new wave so it doesnt compete with sales.  Besides the charge/wave are not in need of a update because they still sell well.  Next year we will get the updated plier head on the wave/charge.  Funny how you blame leatherman for not updating when they are the company that brought the new plier head you now want to the market. 

[Mercury]

Yet another year without an update to the Wave/Charge or Juice lines.  Everyday tools are how Leatherman got where they are, why do they insist on creating Niche market items like the Raptor and the three listed above?  If they discontinue the wave line I am done with them.

Thats a bit of a overreaction.   Rebar is a every day tool, it needs at least a full year difference between a new wave so it doesnt compete with sales.  Besides the charge/wave are not in need of a update because they still sell well.  Next year we will get the updated plier head on the wave/charge.  Funny how you blame leatherman for not updating when they are the company that brought the new plier head you now want to the market.

I disagree.  Having been a Leatherman user for nearly 20 years, and watching their quality go downhill in the last ten, I am distinctly disappointed in them.  And while the Rebar plier head may be theirs, the idea is NOT.  Gerber had replaceable cutters long before Leatherman. 

Others will agree, Leatherman is moving towards niche market tools fast.  The Sidekick, Wingman, style, Raptor, Z-rex,  and the new tools we got a sneek peek at are laughable compared to the true quality and basic design that put them at the top.  While I haven't gotten to sample the Raptor and Z-rex yet, those tools are not going to be massively successful because they aren't in demand.  The Z rex cannot compete against dedicated tools of the same purpose, because those are already well established.  The Raptor is going to be too cumbersome for what it does.  I have several friends in Fire/EMT service and they all took one look and said "Why? I have cutters that weigh nothing.  I don't need that."   The only folks that will buy them will be fanboys and collectors. 

I used to be a LM fanboy, when I first joined here.  Then I was shown the multitool world and realized that it's a lot of hype.  I love their tools still, and I carry a wave every day, but I am not impressed with them lately and I'm less impressed with people who fawn over them at every turn and pretend they understand marketing tactics.

The Wave is a fantastic tool, but you will notice the first one only made it 6 years before it got a makeover.  This one is on it's 9th.  It needs an awl and replaceable cutters.  Fact.

[AimlessWanderer]

Yet another year without an update to the Wave/Charge or Juice lines.  Everyday tools are how Leatherman got where they are, why do they insist on creating Niche market items like the Raptor and the three listed above?  If they discontinue the wave line I am done with them.

Thats a bit of a overreaction.   Rebar is a every day tool, it needs at least a full year difference between a new wave so it doesnt compete with sales.  Besides the charge/wave are not in need of a update because they still sell well.  Next year we will get the updated plier head on the wave/charge.  Funny how you blame leatherman for not updating when they are the company that brought the new plier head you now want to the market.

I disagree.  Having been a Leatherman user for nearly 20 years, and watching their quality go downhill in the last ten, I am distinctly disappointed in them.  And while the Rebar plier head may be theirs, the idea is NOT.  Gerber had replaceable cutters long before Leatherman. 

Others will agree, Leatherman is moving towards niche market tools fast.  The Sidekick, Wingman, style, Raptor, Z-rex,  and the new tools we got a sneek peek at are laughable compared to the true quality and basic design that put them at the top.  While I haven't gotten to sample the Raptor and Z-rex yet, those tools are not going to be massively successful because they aren't in demand.  The Z rex cannot compete against dedicated tools of the same purpose, because those are already well established.  The Raptor is going to be too cumbersome for what it does.  I have several friends in Fire/EMT service and they all took one look and said "Why? I have cutters that weigh nothing.  I don't need that."   The only folks that will buy them will be fanboys and collectors. 

I used to be a LM fanboy, when I first joined here.  Then I was shown the multitool world and realized that it's a lot of hype.  I love their tools still, and I carry a wave every day, but I am not impressed with them lately and I'm less impressed with people who fawn over them at every turn and pretend they understand marketing tactics.

The Wave is a fantastic tool, but you will notice the first one only made it 6 years before it got a makeover.  This one is on it's 9th.  It needs an awl and replaceable cutters.  Fact.

I take your point Sean, but I kinda disagree too. I think they have veered off into Crazyville with some of the tools they are introducing, and I do find it a little perplexing that they and targetting these rather limited markets. Quality ... I'm not going to argue with a decline, and that does correlate with what I've seen.

The Wave itself though is still one of the best tools out there on the market. Just because it's remained the same for 9 years doesn't mean it needs changing in my opinion - in fact if they changed it for changing it's sake, I'd be one of the first to be sceptical about it. Replacable cutters? To be honest I'd rather stick with a standard head on most of my tools. If I'm away from all my dedicated tools (which I am liabvle to be if I am using a multitool), the last thing I want is a multitool with a broken cutter insert. A dented burred cutter on a standard head I can still fudge a fix with until I can get it dressed out, but with a broken cutter ... that's no cutter at all. I do agree an awl would be a big improvement though

[dks]

  Maybe they need replaceable cutters with three sides that can be turned round when one side gets damaged  .....

How come nobody though of that before me  ??   


 

[AimlessWanderer]

Nobody has considered making three sides ones that don't shatter as far as I'm aware   

[dks]

Nobody has considered making three sides ones that don't shatter as far as I'm aware   

I did not expect that from a Gerber fanboy..... 

 

Maybe they can use the metal LM is using   

[AimlessWanderer]

Only time I've had an issue with them is when I was trying to grip something, and it went too deep in the jaws. One of the inserts crunched and fizzled away, but I still got a good grip on the chuck of metal I was trying to grasp. Had I needed cutters at the time, I'd have been struggling. In fairness wire cutters are not something I often need though, so I was OK - but if these had been standard cutters I might not have had a problem

[dks]

You are just super-strong, mate....   

You can probably cut metal using just your teeth...   

[Mercury]

I get your point Al, and I think I mis-spoke.  I do want an upgrade to the wave,but all I really want to see is a new set of inner tools.  I could do without the scissors and have an awl in place of them, and while replaceable cutters would be nice, I do not want the rebar plier head because the gripping area is sacrificed for the cutters.  If that is the only option then I would rather they kept the old plier head as well. 

My post may have come off a bit harsh and negative, but I AM frustrated with Leatherman.  I have loved their stuff for years and defended them as well, but its getting harder to do.  I realize that they aren't always going to put out tools I like, but the rebar was my unicorn and I was really disappointed when I got it.  I need to keep an open mind though and try the OHT before I say too much more.  Copycat or not it does look cool.

I am becoming a born again Vic fan though.  Sawman be proud...


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