Fellas I found one of these going by me cheap, its a 2003 stamped model. Wont post price as I am not in the US and it wouldnt mean much to you. I have only ever used the later versions( wave I think). Whats the opinion on the PST, still an ok multi tool compared to the modern stuff?
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original leatherman PST
- Thread starter mickb
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- May 17, 2013
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My first MT was a PST decades ago. Back then, there are only a very few choices for a plier based MT, so having a PST handy was a real game changer.
The PST is still a pretty good tool, but compared to newer models, there are two cons for me:
1) Unlike the new models which has tools accessible from the outside(blade, files, etc) Since all the tools are within the PST handle, you will have to unfold the pliers to get to any of them.
2) Since the tools are unfolded from inside, the edge of the blade will be facing one of the handle, slightly inconvenient depending on what you are cutting.
Borrowing a picture from Reddit, here you could see the difference.
The major Pro is the form factor, PST remains one of the slimmest full size MT there is.
The PST is still a pretty good tool, but compared to newer models, there are two cons for me:
1) Unlike the new models which has tools accessible from the outside(blade, files, etc) Since all the tools are within the PST handle, you will have to unfold the pliers to get to any of them.
2) Since the tools are unfolded from inside, the edge of the blade will be facing one of the handle, slightly inconvenient depending on what you are cutting.
Borrowing a picture from Reddit, here you could see the difference.
The major Pro is the form factor, PST remains one of the slimmest full size MT there is.
- Joined
- Sep 13, 2017
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- 9,052
I actually use my older originals Leathermans more than my newer ones.
I like how it's smooth and pocketable, and sorta sleek and plain looking.
I like how it's smooth and pocketable, and sorta sleek and plain looking.
- Joined
- Jul 5, 2014
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- 3,523
The only 'issue' I have with the PST is that the tools do not lock in place. So essentially all tools are in 'slipjoint' mode and this can be pretty frustrating when the tool in use folds.
If it's a user you want, have a look at the Leatherman Rebar, similar suite of tools, a bit bulkier, but tools lock in place.
If it's a user you want, have a look at the Leatherman Rebar, similar suite of tools, a bit bulkier, but tools lock in place.
Thanks for the heads up fellas, also the suggestion of the rebar. That one in particular is close enough to what I can afford so I might let the PST be. I dont own a lot of knives and mostly wanted a back-up for my leatherman wave. The Rebar looks like it will fit the bill. Any others in that size/price range to be aware of as well?
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- May 17, 2013
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I got my Rebar ages ago, and remembered it wasn't too expensive. But I just checked the pricing on big river site, and it was way, way higher than I remembered. Seems like there is a serious inflation of prices for all LM tools, even the entry level models are way higher than the past.
At that price range, I'd suggest to look around, for example, the Victorinox Spirit X. With 30 extra dollars, Spirit X is the one of the flagship models from Victorinox. I have collected more than dozens of LM tools and Victorinox Swisstools(plier-based mutltiool) over the years, and personally think the QC, fit and finish is way better on the Vic than the LM tools in the same price range(YMMV).
At that price range, I'd suggest to look around, for example, the Victorinox Spirit X. With 30 extra dollars, Spirit X is the one of the flagship models from Victorinox. I have collected more than dozens of LM tools and Victorinox Swisstools(plier-based mutltiool) over the years, and personally think the QC, fit and finish is way better on the Vic than the LM tools in the same price range(YMMV).
Hickory n steel
Gold Member
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- Feb 11, 2016
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Still a great tool that's very capable if you treat it right and have realistic expectations of it.
They got the job done throughout the 80's and most of the 90's, they still can today but people just expect more.
My favorite current model is the bond because it's basically an adaptation of the PST, I'm clearly not one of those people who really expect more in a multitool.
I will say that I find the Bond better than the PST though, and it's not even because of the rolled edges which are appreciated.
The PST awl is basically useless for anything but piercing a new hole into a belt, the current leatherman awl is excellent because it's fairly sharp and pointy.
They got the job done throughout the 80's and most of the 90's, they still can today but people just expect more.
My favorite current model is the bond because it's basically an adaptation of the PST, I'm clearly not one of those people who really expect more in a multitool.
I will say that I find the Bond better than the PST though, and it's not even because of the rolled edges which are appreciated.
The PST awl is basically useless for anything but piercing a new hole into a belt, the current leatherman awl is excellent because it's fairly sharp and pointy.
- Joined
- Dec 2, 2010
- Messages
- 526
Recently got a bond and yeah I'm of a similar opinion. I don't need locking, can do fine without (with care) and here in Ireland the stupid laws take a dim view of any knife so its mitigating factor if stopped.
My bond benefitted by running my diamond file from my surge along the inside of the rolled edges, it had a slight burr which ruined the ergos.
Myself I'd love an old pst as they very pocketable.