Leatherman Roll Call - Page 4

Surgicalcric · 03-11-2008, 13:40

Have two, make that one now... Think one of the HN guys wanted one of mine more than I needed it, or so he thought.

I have had Gerbers, Leatherman, and a couple SOG's but like the Leathermans the best for their durability and handling.

Need to pick up another soon.

Crip

sofmed · 03-11-2008, 14:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by Surgicalcric

Need to pick up another soon.

Crip

Don't bother, Brother.

I already picked one up for your return CONUS, considering I wasn't around to give it to you when you graduated. Consider it my thank you for standing as a steadfast friend and a stellar example of what a QP should be.

Wishing you the best!

Mick

NoRoadtrippin · 03-15-2008, 19:16

I run a Gerber on my hip and a Leatherman Wave on my modular gear....

Has anyone seen the new Leatherman? I work at an outdoor shop on the civilian side of things...we haven't gotten our hands on it yet, but it seems to cut a lot of the fat out. Overall it looks like a pretty wicked tool. The only question is whether or not it also cuts out a lot of the durability...

http://www.leatherman.com/products/t...CX/default.asp

03-17-2008, 10:03

I still own my original PST from 1984. She's been back twice for repairs and updates. I know own approximately four other Leatherman tool and a Gerber.

militarymoron · 03-28-2008, 23:13

had an original leatherman PST since about '86, and a mini tool (which i carried on my keychain for years until it got lost). got an old wave when it first came out and that's what i usually have with me now (either on me or in my bag). got a charge TTi last year but i actually prefer the old wave with the non-detachable bits (don't like carrying the extra bits around).
no really good stories stand out, but i use the wave quite often (around the house and outside). having the wave with me has saved my butt from being stranded a couple of times when i had to fix things on my car and motorcycle (minor electrical or mechanical stuff). the pliers and screwdrivers are the most used items on my wave. I've chipped the smaller screwdriver blades and had to regrind them. i usually have a knife on me for cutting tasks.

**Bill Harsey** · 03-29-2008, 08:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by NoRoadtrippin

Has anyone seen the new Leatherman? I work at an outdoor shop on the civilian side of things...we haven't gotten our hands on it yet, but it seems to cut a lot of the fat out. Overall it looks like a pretty wicked tool. The only question is whether or not it also cuts out a lot of the durability...

Got one right here on the desk...

Claemore · 03-31-2008, 21:25

I have a Leatherman SuperTool I've had since 2001, and a Gerber, I don't remember when I picked up the Gerber. But back in 01 I saved a goat's life, or at least a pain in its neck.

I was the resident deputy in a small Wyoming town called Granger. I was on patrol near a large ranch with my window down, when I heard a plaintive bleating. I stopped my Bronco, got out and listened for it again. I was on a slight berm, it was a beautiful spring or summer day; of course the wind was blowing (it was Wyoming for the love of God). I heard it again, the goat could have been calling my name, for I went right to it. Its head was stuck in a wire fence in a position where it had to stand on its hind legs to keep from strangling. I tried to twist its head out of the fence, but due to its struggling and the crazy way the wire of the fence had been doubled over its neck- almost as if it had been done on purpose- like a human had had ulterior motives, if you know what I mean, and I think you do. I took out my trusty Leatherman Super Tool. But the wire was too thick, and the bleating was getting desperate. I had to work the wire cutters around the wire squeezing each time as hard as I could. Finally it snapped, the goat bleated its thanks, and trotted away. The wire cutters were damaged , receiving a notch in the blades, but hey I earned the admiration of goats everywhere. Hopefully.

HMass18Z · 04-01-2008, 10:43

I have a Leatherman SuperTool that I got back in 94 or 95 . . . and I have carried it every day since then. I have a Gerber Multi-Tool or two, one of which I am sure I have given to my son, then I always carry a Leatherman Micro-Tool in my pocket.

Rob_0811 · 04-10-2008, 13:12

I just ordered a Leatherman Charge TTi to replace the Wave that I stupidly mis-placed somewhere.

Can't wait to get it.

**Bill Harsey** · 04-16-2008, 10:57

Since Gerber Tools have been mentioned in this thread I would like to ask Mr. Jeff Freeman if he could help...
Any thoughts Jeff?

Jfreeman · 04-16-2008, 11:56

Since you asked, I will add these 4 things:

1. The Gerber "Leatherman" is known as the Multi-tool and/or the Multi-purpose tool. Tim was the inventor and original manufacturer of these tools and so his name stays attached and is often used (incorrectly) interchangeably when referring to these tools in general. It's a fine point but one worth noting. Not all "Cresent" wrenches are made by Cresent.

2. All mass-manufactured items go through an evolution. What was state of the art 5 years ago is now "yesterday's news" in many cases. If you look at the older Leathermans or Gerber MP's and compare them with the newer models, you will certainly notice changes/upgrades in either the designs or materials. Every year we come out with new tools that hopefully address some or all of the shortcomings of the previous year's model. If we didn't, we wouldn't be in business.

3. It is human nature to "broadcast" deficiencies or shortcomings of products. But when you have a minor single questionable experience with an item and then make the leap to blanket statements like "Gerber's MP tools are bad designs" or "all Ford trucks are P.O.S.'s", then you are drawing illogical conclusions. If something is truly wrong, or if something does not live up to your expectations, most manufacturers want to know about it. It would be a great courtesy to provide the information to the maker/manufacturer. If they then fail to explain and/or act on that information in a timely manner with replacements or subsequent newer or upgraded products then fire away.

4. I am sure Leatherman and most other reputable knife/tool/gear manufacturers want to do right by their customers and consumers. As for Gerber, the lifetime warranty means just that: if you ever break anything or something isn't working correctly or you notice some deficiency, just return the item along with a written note of explanation to 14200 SW 72nd Ave. Portland, OR 97224. They will either repair or replace the item with "same or better". If you have any questions or comments you can also call our consumer service center at 503-403-1206. The nice lady's name there is Donda and she really goes out of her way to make things right.

JF

Firebeef · 04-16-2008, 12:09

Leatherman Roll Call

How many of you carry a Leatherman Tool?

I just stumbled onto this thread.
My only question is: Does that mean there are people who DON'T have a Leatherman type tool??

**Dan** · 04-16-2008, 16:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dan

Used to carry a Gerber in the mid-90's, but later switched to Leatherman because of their bad tool design and bad company relations. Currently a Super Leatherman is the one that is near me at almost all times; carry is a T-2.

Since someone from Gerber is reading this thread; let me elaborate on my original post.

The Gerber Multi-tool I had was bought circa 1994, was about 2 months old, and broke in the first week of a long deployment in the mountains of a 3rd world country. I was cutting the wires on a standard ammo crate with the wire cutter of the Tool when the jaw hinge exploded apart, making the tool unusable as pliers or wire cutters. Upon return from my trip I let Gerber know what happened and the response was that I must have been mis-using the tool for it to break that way. I didn't reply to Gerber because of the tone of their reply and I wasn't interested in owning a Gerber that may break down range when it was needed most.

I soon after bought a Leatherman Tool and even though the Leatherman back then had a few issues (like pinching your hands at times) I never had it break from use and that Leatherman Tool I thought I actually abused at times. I do understand that Gerber Tools have evolved as have the Leatherman Tools and is why I own and still use the Super Leatherman Tool to this day.

Jfreeman · 04-17-2008, 09:24

Good points all. I completely understand how a bad experience can "foul the water" when it comes to consumer products.

I do know for a fact that the guys on the tool side of the house have been working hard over the past years to correct the problem that you noticed regarding the strength of the jaws and other implements.

Sorry for the fact that you got "blown off" by someone in customer service. That is not SOP and I would doubt if that person is still with the company. If you still have the tool, return it to the address noted earlier for a repair or replacement.

JF

NoRoadtrippin · 04-17-2008, 09:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill Harsey

Got one right here on the desk...

Mr. Harsey,

I should have known you would have one already. We did manage to get some in stock at the shop, but of course now I've only played with it and not worked with it.

Have you given an attempt at breaking it yet? I definitely like the size and weight of it. It seems to have potential as a solid tool. Any thoughts thus far?

Thanks!