. . . for discontinuing the glorious Manager. Yes, its been a while. But grief is a long process. It rears its ugly head when you least expect it.It just proves my thesis yet again - that Victorinox, Leatherman and other manufacturers of awesome SAKs and MTs exist not to make great SAKs and MTs, but to make money for the shareholders.Often this benefits us greatly - but other times, it results in the untimely loss of a trusted friend.(Image removed from quote.) Victorinox Manager.
I know its not really the point you're making, but I believe Victorinox is a privately owned company. Their history suggests they prioritize maintaining their employees over short-term, unsustainable growth and profits.
Yes, I agree that long-term viability of the company is Vic’s main goal.It’s still disappointing when one of your favorite models gets discontinued, though, even if you believe it was done for sound business reasons.I do think it is prudent to lay in a lifetime supply of your favorite model(s) as possible, so you’ll never have to go without even if they get discontinued.I’m also hoping that this Vic custom shop thing becomes a reality.
Though, since my edc is a pioneer, a lifetime supply is basically one* *assuming I don't lose it
Well, assuming good quality tools to begin with, and that one doesn’t break the tool in an emergency or doing something stupid, I would guess loss is the most common reason for needing to replace a tool.Depending on how much the blade(s) get used, I could see them getting worn down over years (decades?) of use and sharpening.YMMV, but I usually consider three to be a lifetime supply for knives/MTs.
I do think it is prudent to lay in a lifetime supply of your favorite model(s) as possible, so you’ll never have to go without even if they get discontinued.
I will buy a few MTs or SAKs that are about to be discontinued or seem to be on the endangered species list, even if I don't particularly like them - like the Leatherman OHT, Crunch or Free P4. Once they are gone, they are generally gone forever, and I want to have a few in the Special Reserve Collection.
I picked up what could probably 2 or 3 lifetimes worth of Executives when they were discontinued. Debating doing the same with Rebars incase Leatherman goes full "lifestyle" mode and discontinues anything under $200.
Unfortunately, Leatherman doesn't give any warning when they discontinue things. Their MTs just start to show as unavailable on the website, and unavailable on Amazon and elsewhere. The Free P4 is not available on the Leatherman website, for example, which directs you to Amazon. That's a giant hint. A Leatherman customer service chick told me that they don't even know when this stuff will happen, because no one tells them. Spyderco gives you several months notice of what will be discontinued the following year, so you can load up if that's what you are into.I have the same strategy with MTs, SAKs, guns and ammo. Buy a little extra here and there over time when the feeling hits you - especially your favorites - then when the Crunch disappears or there is no ammo available, you don't go into panic mode.
@BPRoberts: Leatherman does seem to be a little too focused on fanboys with deep pockets. Yet I can't see every Leatherman selling for over $200 unless we experience absolutely insane hyperinflation.
They're just in a position where it's impossible to please everyone.
it perplexes me why they don't do more 58mm in alox as well. seems like those would sell well
I'm hoping like mad that the Alox Bantam sticks around, even if only as "dealer exclusive" runs.
most of Leatherman's stuff is made in China and some are parts made in China and assembled in the U.S. The days of Leatherman being 100% manufactured in U.S. are long gone and they are very deceptive about made in the U.S. Most of the the stuff is a mix of parts made in U.S. and China. SwissTool build quality is far superior to any Leatherman
most of Leatherman's stuff is made in China
Donations
Community Links
