Thread: New Leatherman tool gripe

This is kind of a review and a gripe. I have owned multitools from Leatherman tool group for the last twenty years. I have thought a lot of the quality of the product. I have the original, the super tool, the double folding pocket tool, and the micra scissors. The original was purchased by my dad in the late eighties. Upon his death I sent it to Leatherman and had it reconditioned. I still carry it when I don’t want the weight or size of the larger super tool. Now the gripe. I have used the super tool hard every day I carry it. It had served me well and I thought I would replace it. It is discontinued and the replacement is the model called the Core. The quality of this tool was far below the original tool. The liners in the handle are plastic. The pliers were cast as opposed to machined jaws the tools were also cast. The knife blade appeared to have been sharpened on a bench grinder with a rough wheel, it looked serrated even though it wasn’t. I spent an evening with a DMT getting it smoothed out. And it wasn’t stamped made in USA anywhere on it. The website led me to believe that some lawsuit in California kept the USA stamp off them. The file that was good on the old super tool looks like a Cracker Jack prize in the Core. I use the file regularly. I Emailed Leatherman asking about rebuilding my old super tool and they replied that if the parts were not on hand to repair it they would send a Core for replacement. Well I think I would prefer a worn super tool to a new core. I guess I will look on ebay for a NOS super tool or look at other brands.

Don

Leatherman has been turning quite expensive recently. Their high end models (like the Wave) seem to be quite good. But their low end models (of which the Core might be one) aren't all that.

Reading this is a crying shame. I love my origional and have used it ffor fifteen years myself. But you are right when I look at any of the new models they seem overpriced to me and also not as utilitarian in function.

When I don't want the Leatherman in my pocket I carry a Vitronox(sp?) Swiss army knife in my pocket. I guess if my leatherman actually dies I will just get a more complete Swiss army knife from them.

I payed 59.00 US for the tool. I would have been willing to pay more if the quality could not be achieved at that price. They only make two tools in that size and the other is more $. The added cost is not quality but added bells and whisles I don't need, also has some loose parts such as driver bits. I dont need loose parts to drop, and it still has the plastic liners. I would say at the lower quality the next thing to go will be the 25 year warranty. This tool might be great for a camper or somone who carries it in the brief case to tighten the office chair up but I am an everyday user I keep american industry running. I need a good tool when hanging 60 feet in the air and have to cut a tie wire or turn a phillips screw and only have a wrench, hammer, and a Leatherman. The old super tool would do this I question the Core. In my job there is enough chance I don't need to question my tools.


Don

I'm rather impressed with my Gerber multi-tool. I can't remember which model it is at the moment. Built solid, comfortable grip, one hand opening of blade and scissors, replaceable tungsten cutting edge on the wire cutters, etc. My last leatherman just seemed rather "tinny" to me.

I will be lookin at the Gerber. I like the idea of a replaceable blade.

Don

+1 on the gerber

Look carefully at the packaging, I've noticed more and more of the multitools are now produced in China which were once made here, perhaps to "cut costs" but also tends to reduce quality a bit too, as the new Chinese manufacturer may or may not realize the importance we place on QUALITY with such tools.

I currently have a Leatherman "Wave" (not the fancy Titanium one or anything) and it is quite a good tool. I can also recommend the SOG tools as well. They are bulky but built like a tank.

John P.

I agree that the Leatherman company has a QC issue with lower end models, but the high end models continue to get better and better. I strongly recommend the Wave or the Crunch (vise grip style) over any tool, Gerber of SOG included. These tools are burly and all machined steel. The blades come near razor sharp.

I've read a few favorable reviews on the Swisstool, although it looks a little bulky for my needs.