Multitool.org Forum
+-

Hello Lurker! Remove this ad and much more by logging in.


Ever wondered JUST how durable your PST is?

PST0500 · 12 · 1326
« previous next »
Pages: 1   Go Down

gb Offline PST0500

  • Newbie
  • *
    • Posts: 6
Ever wondered JUST how durable your PST is?
on: May 03, 2025, 12:03:17 AM
Hi all,

Just thought I would post a little story.... :) Almost 10 years ago, I got my first Leatherman of my very own - a May 2000 dated PST (hence my username). But I didn't go and buy it from a store, and it wasn't given to me either. I actually found it!

Near to my local area is a military training site, which has public access (only blank ammunition is fired, so there's nothing particularly dangerous when walking around the site). Every so often, the landowners of the site start deliberate controlled fires to keep down the vegetation and encourage regrowth, etc. These fires reveal a lot of old brass cartridge cases that have been built up over many decades of military training, but occasionally, something a little more interesting can be found...

This was exactly how I found the Leatherman back in June 2015. :D






The handles could open immediately after I picked it up. Once I got home and cleaned it, only the pliers needed a tiny squirt of WD-40, but it literally only took a minute to free it. All of the tools opened flawlessly (although a little stiff!) first time. From what I could tell, there was almost no wear whatsoever on any of the tools, not even a scratch on the screwdrivers or pliers. Going by this, I assume it was lost when it was brand new.

So, it sat outside in the ground for over 10, nearly 15 years, then it survived a fire when the vegetation around it was burnt. It's been in my pocket and used every single day for the last 10 years since I found it, and the only 'problem' in that time was the smallest screwdriver chipped on the corner after using it. It was only a tiny chip, which was easily filed square again. It looks like a brand new penny, works perfectly, and you'd never would have thought that it spent the first decade of its life in the dirt!






Now that is a quality tool.  Thanks Leatherman!  :salute:  8)

Best regards,

Simon

us Offline FolderBeholder

  • *
  • Absolutely No Life Club
  • *******
    • Posts: 7,662
Re: Ever wondered JUST how durable your PST is?
Reply #1 on: May 03, 2025, 12:51:38 AM
 :like:
Wow, great testament to the quality of Leatherman.  I bet they'd like to know this story.  :hatsoff:
Rest in peace ColoSwiss, you will always be remembered.
Merit Badges Participate  in Challenge thread and post a photo of a Classic SAK for thirty (30) consecutive days. For 30 consecutive days carry a SAK with a magnifying glass, and post a picture every day in the designated thread. Must start a thread with a photo of at least five (5) of your watches Participate in a Challenge thread, carry a Leatherman Bond, and post a photo every day for 30 consecutive days. Participate  in a Challenge thread and post a photo of a LM Pocket Survival Tool for thirty (30) consecutive days. Start a new thread and post a photo of the multitool for thirty (30) consecutive days. Start a new thread and post a photo of the multitool for thirty (30) consecutive days. Participate  in Challenge thread and post a photo of a MiniChamp SAK for thirty (30) consecutive days. Start a new thread with photos of a Japanese made PST in your collection Start a new thread and post a photo of a different SAK each day for thirty (30) consecutive days. Start a new thread and post a photo of an Executive or Director for thirty (30) consecutive days. Participate in a challenge thread and post a photo of a Victorinox 91mm XAVT/XL/XLT, 111mm Workchamp XL, Wenger/Delemont S54/Tool Chest Plus or Wenger Giant for thirty (30) consecutive days Start a new thread and post a photo of the 111mm sak for thirty (30) consecutive days. Start a new thread and post a photo of the minimal sak (2 layers or fewer) for thirty (30) consecutive days. Start a new thread with photos of at least 12 different 111mm models in your collection Start a new thread with photos of at least 5 different 111mm models in your collection Start a new thread and post a photo daily of any SAK 74mm or smaller ( you can switch it up daily ) for thirty (30) consecutive days. Start a new thread and post a photo of a Camper SAK for thirty (30) consecutive days. Test,please ignore Start a new thread with a photo of a modded knife or multitool with your EDC Start a new thread and post a photo of a flashlight as part of your EDC

us Offline Barry Rowland

  • *
  • Point Of No Return
  • **********
    • Posts: 30,718
  • Bon Journee!!
Re: Ever wondered JUST how durable your PST is?
Reply #2 on: May 03, 2025, 12:52:51 AM
Simon, I agree with you completely.  I've said it before on here: I could have stopped with a PST and not needed anything else.  That cleaned up well!
Barry
Merit Badges Start a thread with a photo of a repair you made with duct tape Participate  in Challenge thread and post a photo of a Classic SAK for thirty (30) consecutive days. Participate in a Challenge thread, carry at least one red edc item, and post a photo every day for 30 consecutive days.  Post a pic for Halloween of your pumpkin (or turnip or gourd or whatever you traditionally carve for Halloween!) being carved by any SAK, multitool, pocket or woods knife you may own!  Only available once a year Participate in a Challenge thread and post a photo of a SAK-alike, aka multi-layered, knife-based pocket tools for thirty (30) consecutive days. Participate in a Challenge thread, carry a keychain tool with pliers, and post a photo every day for 30 consecutive days Start a new thread and post a photo of any gear for thirty (30) consecutive days during the MTo anniversary month. For 30 consecutive days carry a SAK with a magnifying glass, and post a picture every day in the designated thread. Start a new thread and post a photo of the multitool for thirty (30) consecutive days. Must start a thread showing a photo of at least five BO tools Participate in a Challenge thread, carry a Victorinox Hiker, and post a photo every day for 30 consecutive days. Start a new thread and post a photo of the multitool for thirty (30) consecutive days. Participate in a Challenge thread, carry a Leatherman Bond, and post a photo every day for 30 consecutive days. Start a new thread with a photo showing the axe in use Participate in a Challenge thread and post a photo of  a Opinel  knife  for 30 days Start a new thread and post a photo of the multitool for thirty (30) consecutive days. Start a new thread and post a photo of the multitool for thirty (30) consecutive days. Participate  in Challenge thread and post a photo of a Vic Spirit MT for sixty (60) consecutive days. Start a new thread and post a photo of the multitool for thirty (30) consecutive days. Participate in a challenge by carrying  a Combo Edged knife or Multitool and post a photo of it  for thirty (30) consecutive days. Participate  in Challenge thread and post a photo of a MiniChamp SAK for thirty (30) consecutive days.

Offline kaevin

  • Hero Member
  • *****
    • Posts: 577
Re: Ever wondered JUST how durable your PST is?
Reply #3 on: May 03, 2025, 01:22:21 AM
That looks really great.  :multi: You did give it a little polish and it works out well
Merit Badges Start a new thread and post a photo of any gear for thirty (30) consecutive days during the MTo anniversary month. Participate in a Challenge thread, carry a SAK, duct tape, and paperclip, and post a photo every day for 30 consecutive days. Participate in a Challenge thread, carry a ratcheting tool, and post a photo every day for 30 consecutive days. Participate in a Challenge thread, carry a Leatherman Bond, and post a photo every day for 30 consecutive days. Must start a thread with a photo of at least five (5) of your watches Participate in a Challenge and post a photo of a Utility Knife for thirty (30) consecutive days. Participate  in a Challenge thread and post a photo of a LM Pocket Survival Tool for thirty (30) consecutive days.

us Offline LoopCutter

  • *
  • Zombie Apprentice
  • ********
    • Posts: 12,826
Re: Ever wondered JUST how durable your PST is?
Reply #4 on: May 03, 2025, 03:08:59 PM
They are a durable tool.

Abuse will break it, it is not a HEAVY DUTY tool as the Super Tool line up.  But the PST will deliver performance if applied against common sense.

All of mine, 7, I recall, date prior to yours, as they have no date codes.   Except PST II, 0298 in both handles.

Acquired each used via Auction site, no issues, except usually without the sheath.

So yes, the PST is pretty close to being bomb proof.
If I start and end the day above ground, it is a good day!

Hope yours is as good!

A SMART man always knows what to say!
   A WISE man knows whether or not to say it!!!
Merit Badges Participate in a challenge by carrying  a Combo Edged knife or Multitool and post a photo of it  for thirty (30) consecutive days. Participate in a Challenge thread, carry a Victorinox Cadet and post a photo every day for 30 consecutive days. Participate in a Challenge thread, carry at least one black edc item, and post a photo every day for 30 consecutive days.  Carry tools with single functions only. No multi-tools, no multi-layer Swiss Army Knives, no combo one-piece tools and post a photo for thirty (30) consecutive days. Participate in a Challenge thread, carry at least one red edc item, and post a photo every day for 30 consecutive days. Start a new thread with a photo of custom or non standard SAK scales in your collection Start a new thread with photos of a Japanese made PST in your collection Start a new thread or Post in a Challenge Thread and post a photo of a Spartan  for 30 days Start a new thread with photos of at least 6 SAKs of different frame lengths and/or shapes in your collection. Eg 58mm, 74mm, 84mm regular, 84mm slim, 85mm etc Participate in a Challenge thread and post a photo of a SAK-alike, aka multi-layered, knife-based pocket tools for thirty (30) consecutive days. Participate in a Challenge thread, carry a keychain tool with pliers, and post a photo every day for 30 consecutive days Participate in a Challenge thread, carry at least one green edc item, and post a photo every day for 30 consecutive days. Participate in a Challenge thread, carry a SAK, duct tape, and paperclip, and post a photo every day for 30 consecutive days. Participate in a Challenge thread, carry a Leatherman Bond, and post a photo every day for 30 consecutive days. Participate in a Challenge and post a photo of a Utility Knife for thirty (30) consecutive days. Participate  in Challenge thread and post a photo of a Delemont SAK for thirty (30) consecutive days. Participate in a challenge by carrying  a GEC knife and post a photo of it  for thirty (30) consecutive days. Participate in a Challenge thread and post a photo of  a Leatherman Micra  for 30 days Participate in a Challenge thread and post a photo of  a Opinel  knife  for 30 days Participate in a challenge by carrying  a 100mm or 108mm SAK and post a photo of it  for thirty (30) consecutive days. Participate  in Challenge thread and post a photo of a Vic Spirit MT for sixty (60) consecutive days.

us Offline JonesE

  • No Life Club
  • ******
    • Posts: 1,678
Re: Ever wondered JUST how durable your PST is?
Reply #5 on: May 03, 2025, 08:24:00 PM
Simon, Thanks for sharing your great story of how you found your PST. You did an incredible job of bringing it back to new condition. It just goes to show that with a little care and a bit of effort these tools will last many lifetimes.  :hatsoff:

JonesE
Merit Badges Participate in a Challenge thread, carry at least one red edc item, and post a photo every day for 30 consecutive days. Participate in a Challenge thread, carry a keychain tool with pliers, and post a photo every day for 30 consecutive days Start a new thread and post a photo of any gear for thirty (30) consecutive days during the MTo anniversary month. Start a new thread and post a photo of a traditional folder for thirty (30) consecutive days. Participate in a Challenge thread, carry knife/tool with a blade 4" or longer, and post a photo every day for 30 consecutive days. Start a new thread and post a photo of the multitool for thirty (30) consecutive days. Find him! Participate in a challenge by carrying  a Combo Edged knife or Multitool and post a photo of it  for thirty (30) consecutive days. Participate in a Challenge thread, carry a Leatherman Bond, and post a photo every day for 30 consecutive days. Participate in a Challenge and post a photo of a Utility Knife for thirty (30) consecutive days. Start a new thread and post a photo of the multitool for thirty (30) consecutive days. Participate in a Challenge thread and post a photo of  a Opinel  knife  for 30 days Start a new thread and post a photo of the multitool for thirty (30) consecutive days. Start a new thread and post a photo of the multitool for thirty (30) consecutive days. Participate  in a Challenge thread and post a photo of a LM Pocket Survival Tool for thirty (30) consecutive days.

us Offline Poncho65

  • Global Moderator
  • *
  • Just Bananas
  • *
    • Posts: 88,459
Re: Ever wondered JUST how durable your PST is?
Reply #6 on: May 04, 2025, 01:59:49 AM
 :o Cleaned up great :salute: :like: :like:
Merit Badges Find him! Post your pocket dump photos then challenge two more members who must post their pocket dump photos within 24hrs for you to get the badge. Must update or add a page on the Multitool.org Multitool Encyclopedia Participate in a Challenge thread, carry a ratcheting tool, and post a photo every day for 30 consecutive days. Participate in a Challenge thread, carry a Leatherman Bond, and post a photo every day for 30 consecutive days. Carry an orange item and post a picture of it everyday for 30 days. Start a thread with a photo of at least ten OPT's in your collection Participate in a challenge by carrying  a Leatherman Pulse or ST200 and post a photo of it  for thirty (30) consecutive days. Start a new thread and post a photo of the Leatherman MiniTool for thirty (30) consecutive days. In this challenge,  carry one(1) Pliers-based or Non-pliers multitool that we always have prejudice against, hate or even fear and post a picture everyday for 30 days Using EDC items randomly selected with a poker hand, post a photo of your EDC or a component of the EDC that got used during the course of the day for 4 weeks (or 30 consecutive days) In the spirit of the Batman utility belt. A 30 day challenge were you have to have at least 2 things clipped to your belt (preferably more). Start a thread and post a picture of your clipped gear each day for 30 days. Participate  in a Challenge thread and post a photo of a Leatherman Skeletool for thirty (30) consecutive days. Only for the 14th year Anniversary Challenge. Post a photo of any gear for thirty (30) consecutive days during the MTo anniversary month. You have one of your pictures in the 2020 calendar or in top three of the calendar poll in any month of the given year. Participate  in a Challenge thread and post a photo of a LM Pocket Survival Tool for thirty (30) consecutive days. Start a new thread and post a photo of the multitool for thirty (30) consecutive days. Start a new thread and post a photo of the LM Crunch  Multitool for fifteen (15) consecutive days. Start a new thread and post a photo of the keychain for thirty (30) consecutive days. Start a new thread and post a photo of the multitool for thirty (30) consecutive days. You have one of your pictures in the 2017 calendar or in top three of the calendar poll in any month of the given year.

us Offline Farmer X

  • *
  • Zombie Apprentice
  • ********
    • Posts: 13,744
  • Master of the unexciting
Re: Ever wondered JUST how durable your PST is?
Reply #7 on: May 04, 2025, 05:11:14 AM
If one only saw the after photo, one may never guess that PST was consigned to an indignant fate. I wonder why it wound up in that spot. Nice to see it went to an appreciative onwer! :salute:
USN 2000-2006

Culling of the knife and multi herds in progress...

If I pay five figures for something, it better have wings or a foundation!
Merit Badges Participants shall carry and use one Soldier knife, the model of their choosing, for the duration of the 90 days and post a picture each day. Participate  in Challenge thread and post a photo of a Farmer X SAK for thirty (30) consecutive days. Participate  in Challenge thread and post a photo of a Delemont SAK for thirty (30) consecutive days. Must put something in order and provide link to the post. Participate in a Challenge thread, carry at least one black edc item, and post a photo every day for 30 consecutive days.  Carry tools with single functions only. No multi-tools, no multi-layer Swiss Army Knives, no combo one-piece tools and post a photo for thirty (30) consecutive days. Start a new thread or Post in a Challenge Thread and post a photo of a Spartan  for 30 days Start a new thread with photos of at least 6 SAKs of different frame lengths and/or shapes in your collection. Eg 58mm, 74mm, 84mm regular, 84mm slim, 85mm etc Participate in a Challenge thread and post a photo of a SAK-alike, aka multi-layered, knife-based pocket tools for thirty (30) consecutive days. Find him! Participate in a Challenge thread, carry knife/tool with a blade 4" or longer, and post a photo every day for 30 consecutive days. Participate in a Challenge thread, carry at least one green edc item, and post a photo every day for 30 consecutive days. Participate in a Challenge thread, carry a Victorinox Hiker, and post a photo every day for 30 consecutive days. Must start a thread with a photo of at least five (5) of your watches Build your own version of an MRE using off-the-shelf components, post a photo of the completed MRE and store at room temperature for 6 days or more. Consume the MRE after the storage period and post pictures and descriptions of the contents. Take part in the christmas pool or a rak type giveaway. Those wanting to say thank you for a rak may also nominate for the santa. Participate in a Challenge and post a photo of a Utility Knife for thirty (30) consecutive days. Participate  in a Challenge thread and post a photo of a LM Pocket Survival Tool for thirty (30) consecutive days. Start a new thread and post a photo of the multitool for thirty (30) consecutive days. Start a new thread and post a photo of the pen for thirty (30) consecutive days. Start a new thread with photos of your zip ties in use

au Offline ReamerPunch

  • Thread Killer 2017
  • Global Moderator
  • *
  • Zombie Apprentice
  • *
    • Posts: 11,993
  • Born to multitask.
Re: Ever wondered JUST how durable your PST is?
Reply #8 on: May 04, 2025, 05:39:04 PM
That is just amazing, and it cleaned up so nicely! Fantastic job! :hatsoff:
Merit Badges Participate in a Challenge thread and post a photo of a tool made in a specific country for thirty (30) consecutive days. Participate in the Challenge thread and post a photo of a Flashlight for thirty (30) consecutive days. Participate in a Challenge, carry a fire-starting item and post a picture daily  (in use if possible) for 30 days. Lighters, matches, ferro rods, fire pistons, Signal, candles, sparkers, tinder, stoves, bowdrill sets. Carry an orange item and post a picture of it everyday for 30 days.  Carry tools with single functions only. No multi-tools, no multi-layer Swiss Army Knives, no combo one-piece tools and post a photo for thirty (30) consecutive days. Participate in a Challenge thread and post a photo of a SAK-alike, aka multi-layered, knife-based pocket tools for thirty (30) consecutive days. Participate in a Challenge thread and post a photo of  a Bladeless Multitool for 30 days For each of the 30 days, or for as many as you are able to, post a picture of: Progress- Meals- Activities- Gear and participate in the thread and encourage each other. Participate and contribute in Challenge thread and post a photo of either an Axe, MT/Folding knife or Fixed blade (picked at the beginning of challenge) for thirty (30) consecutive days. Start a new thread and post a photo of the multitool for thirty (30) consecutive days. Start a new thread and post a photo of the multitool for thirty (30) consecutive days. Participate in a Challenge thread and post a photo of a Roxon tool for thirty (30) consecutive days. Participate in a Challenge thread, carry at least one black edc item, and post a photo every day for 30 consecutive days. Participate in a Challenge thread, carry at least one red edc item, and post a photo every day for 30 consecutive days. Participate in a Challenge thread, carry at least one green edc item, and post a photo every day for 30 consecutive days. Participate in a Challenge thread, carry a SAK, duct tape, and paperclip, and post a photo every day for 30 consecutive days. Participate in a Challenge thread, carry a ratcheting tool, and post a photo every day for 30 consecutive days. ? Create and post MTO-oriented and tool-based memes in the main meme thread. Participate in a Challenge thread, carry a modular tool, and post a photo every day for 30 consecutive days. Find him!

us Offline IMR4198

  • *
  • Absolutely No Life Club
  • *******
    • Posts: 5,683
Re: Ever wondered JUST how durable your PST is?
Reply #9 on: May 04, 2025, 06:47:45 PM
Nice restoration.  It takes a long time for a sheath to get in that condition.  It's miraculous that the tool was in such good shape.  Since you already have several PSTs, it might be easier to find a beater PST that you could use to salvage parts from.  Who knows?  You might need some other pieces one day.  Best wishes.  G
Merit Badges Start a new thread with photos of at least 5 different Wenger models in your collection Start a new thread and post a photo daily of any SAK 74mm or smaller ( you can switch it up daily ) for thirty (30) consecutive days. Participate  in Challenge thread and post a photo of a Delemont SAK for thirty (30) consecutive days. Complete a 30 day challenge for carrying a different Multi tool each day of the week based on one of the daily carry threads Start a new thread and post a photo of any gear for thirty (30) consecutive days during the MTo anniversary month. Must start a thread with a photo of your EDC watch Start a new thread and post a photo of the multitool for fifteen (15) consecutive days. Must start new thread with photos of multitools (Magazine/Catalogue type photos) Start a new thread and post a photo of the multitool for seven (7) consecutive days. Participate in a challenge by carrying  a 100mm or 108mm SAK and post a photo of it  for thirty (30) consecutive days. Post your pocket dump photos then challenge two more members who must post their pocket dump photos within 24hrs for you to get the badge. Participate  in Challenge thread and post a photo of a Classic SAK for thirty (30) consecutive days. Participate  in Challenge thread and post a photo of a MiniChamp SAK for thirty (30) consecutive days. Participate in a Challenge thread and post a photo of a tool made in a specific country for thirty (30) consecutive days. ? Must update or add a page on SAKWiki Participate  in Challenge thread and post a photo of a SAK Soldier for thirty (30) consecutive days.  Carry tools with single functions only. No multi-tools, no multi-layer Swiss Army Knives, no combo one-piece tools and post a photo for thirty (30) consecutive days. Start a new thread with photos of at least 6 SAKs of different frame lengths and/or shapes in your collection. Eg 58mm, 74mm, 84mm regular, 84mm slim, 85mm etc Start a new thread with photos of your Buck knives in use Participate in a Challenge thread and post a photo of a SAK-alike, aka multi-layered, knife-based pocket tools for thirty (30) consecutive days.

gb Offline PST0500

  • Newbie
  • *
    • Posts: 6
Re: Ever wondered JUST how durable your PST is?
Reply #10 on: May 05, 2025, 12:50:05 AM
Thanks guys, thought you would find it interesting! It cleaned up super well, much better than I thought it would. I mean, who's going to put their cherished Leatherman in the dirt for 15 years as a 'stress test' to see how it holds up. lol.
 It was really just a light scrub in the sink with soapy water and a tooth brush, and a copper brush on the pliers. I give it a little polish with metal polish about once a year, just the keep down the slight scratches from use, but I try not to overdo it with that.

Quote from: Farmer X on May 04, 2025, 05:11:14 AM
If one only saw the after photo, one may never guess that PST was consigned to an indignant fate. I wonder why it wound up in that spot. Nice to see it went to an appreciative onwer! :salute:

I think it was an unfortunate loss for the original owner, which was probably a recruit while wading through the vegetation. Which begs the question - As the tool was still in its original sheath, why didn't they secure it on their belt? ???

Quote from: FolderBeholder on May 03, 2025, 12:51:38 AM
:like:
Wow, great testament to the quality of Leatherman.  I bet they'd like to know this story.  :hatsoff:

I did post it on Twitter some years ago. I sometimes post things that I find at the military training site, mainly the WW2 artefacts that I find. I posted it, and I didn't think much else of it, then a few hours later I saw Leatherman's official Twitter account shared it! There's only so much you can type in a 'tweet', but was cool that they saw it. :)

Best regards,

Simon


se Offline J2000E

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
    • Posts: 256
  • Old school Headmaster
Re: Ever wondered JUST how durable your PST is?
Reply #11 on: May 05, 2025, 02:18:38 PM
Wonderful story of how it got to you, nice of you to try to find its original owner (edit - posting it online) - and I am happy you got to keep it.
« Last Edit: May 05, 2025, 02:52:09 PM by J2000E »

Pages: 1   Go Up
 

Donations
Operational Funds

Help us keep the Unworkable working!
Donate with PayPal!
May Goal: $300.00
Due Date: May 31
Total Receipts: $101.45
PayPal Fees: $5.93
Net Balance: $95.52
Below Goal: $204.48
Site Currency: USD
32% 
May Donations

Community Links
Multitool.org
Multitool Gallery
Multitool Encyclopedia
SAKWiki
Swiss Army Knights

Powered by EzPortal