Who still uses a Leatherman OST (Original Super Tool?)

orca8589 · Feb 10, 2016

I have an original (1st generation) Leatherman Super Tool, and I'm thinking of carrying it for my job (I start at Lowes next week.) The OST would be used for whatever jobs I'd run into in a retail environment: cutting cardboard, opening cartons, cutting straps, etc.

Does anyone still carry and use the OST? I've had the ST300, Surge, Wave (twice), Blast, Charge Ti, and several others, but I've always liked the clean look and feel of the 1st gen. PST & larger OST. The tool lock is tedious at times, but I like the fact that the lock doesn't sit proud of the handle. I normally wear gloves while using it, so the grip isn't much of an issue for me.

So, is the OST something I should put back into my work carry rotation, or do I really need to just upgrade to a more modern tool?

~Chris

znapschatz · Feb 10, 2016

orca8589 said:
I have an original (1st generation) Leatherman Super Tool, and I'm thinking of carrying it for my job (I start at Lowes next week.) The OST would be used for whatever jobs I'd run into in a retail environment: cutting cardboard, opening cartons, cutting straps, etc.

Does anyone still carry and use the OST? I've had the ST300, Surge, Wave (twice), Blast, Charge Ti, and several others, but I've always liked the clean look and feel of the 1st gen. PST & larger OST. The tool lock is tedious at times, but I like the fact that the lock doesn't sit proud of the handle. I normally wear gloves while using it, so the grip isn't much of an issue for me.

So, is the OST something I should put back into my work carry rotation, or do I really need to just upgrade to a more modern tool?

~Chris

An original ST was my (almost) daily carry for 9 years, and like you, I appreciated the clean look and feel of it, and thought the implement load out was just about perfect. Eventually, I replaced it with a Leatherman Charge TTi because of the one hand opening blades, a big deal for me when working on a ladder, keeping tension on rope or vines or any time I didn't have another hand available while busy with something. Early on, I got used to the clumsy and potentially unsafe closing procedure of the ST, although I never did get cut because of it, but I liked the mechanical simplicity of the arrangement. It took concentration to close it safely, though, which would pull my attention out of the job a bit while so doing. Even so, there were times I went back to the ST when I felt it more suitable for whatever. On one occasion it made a confidence inspiring fist load for a fight that fortunately didn't happen.

These days I use it rarely, but I'll never sell it off... too much history.
Some time later, I replaced the original with a Super Tool 300 because of the lock releases and the ability to accept the bit kit extension. It works well enough, but compared to the original, it's a klunker.

I'm glad to find that there are some folks who still appreciate the Super Tool. If you like it, go for it.

My Precious...

thumper47 · Feb 11, 2016

Glad to hear some folks still have these, and they are able to use them successfully!

I had 2 way back when, they did fine.

GIRLYmann · Feb 11, 2016

Back in the day,
The ost was THE undisputed mother of all plier multitools.
Felt heavy duty,
And weight heavy too.
As much as i liked what it packed,
I went back to the original as edc;
And carried the super on extended trips.
With absolute certainty that it would be an all bases covered thingy.
It worked well then as it does now and then.
If there was a tank of a multitool
The super was and still feels like it.

gohammergo · Feb 14, 2016

Love my original ST! I had always seen the Gerber tools advertised and always wanted one as a lad. Then I hired on to a carpentry crew, and they all had these things on their tool belts called "Leatherman" ? Hmmm. I'd never heard of such a thing. I asked one of the guys if he would pick one up for me when he had the chance, and wow, what an amazing thing. Best thing ever! This was just the original pst? Pocket survival tool was it called?

Then I found the Super Tool in my town, and never looked back. Big and heavy, but oh so capable. I carried that for years and years, until I found a Wave. Then I carried that for years and years. Now I am back to the Super Tool again, but the newer one. Not sure if it is a 200 or 300. Sometimes when I am out camping or hiking, I will bring out the original though, just for old times sake. Still love it and will never part with it!

znapschatz · Feb 14, 2016

Apparently, there are quite a few of us who have the same kind of experiences of and attitudes about our Super Tools. I suppose that's what makes a classic.

orca8589 · Feb 14, 2016

Good to know there are still folks carrying & using these. Thanks for all the responses.

I think I'll stick with my OST for now and revisit this topic again a few months down the road.

~Chris

Clvnst · Feb 25, 2016

Here's the one my father abused for years. I have it right now to see what I can do with the main blade on my edge pro.

orca8589 · Feb 25, 2016

Still looks pretty good. That serrated blade can have the tip turned down a little, into more of a sheepfoot, and the regular blade should sharpen up nicely. I have two old OST's (Original Survival Tool), and the blades take a pretty good edge.

I just realized that the acronym OST can be either the first generation Original Survival Tool or first generation Original Super Tool.

~Chris

Clvnst · Feb 26, 2016

That's a good idea on that serrated blade. I may give that a try. The picture really doesn't show how bad of shape that blade is in but I may try to do something with it.

robgmn · Feb 26, 2016

orca8589 said:
So, is the OST something I should put back into my work carry rotation, or do I really need to just upgrade to a more modern tool?

~Chris

I still use some tools that my grandfather used. If they work well, no need to upgrade.

But we don't discuss "need" much, do we (do I "need" 3 dozen pocketknives)?
I just sold off my last OST a few months ago. It hadn't gotten enough use since I bought Gerber multis (can open 'em one-handed).
I still have a mini super in my desk drawer that gets occasional use, and I'll probably have forever.

orca8589 · Feb 26, 2016

robgmn said:
I still use some tools that my grandfather used. If they work well, no need to upgrade.

But we don't discuss "need" much, do we (do I "need" 3 dozen pocketknives)?
I just sold off my last OST a few months ago. It hadn't gotten enough use since I bought Gerber multis (can open 'em one-handed).
I still have a mini super in my desk drawer that gets occasional use, and I'll probably have forever.

I have an old Kennedy #520 toolbox full of tools that my father-in-law used 50+ years ago, working on Air Force planes. Most of his old tools are just fine for my needs.

I also have a Gerber 400 Compact Multi-Plier that was a gift in 1998; got used a LOT for just about everything, but when I needed something a little larger, I bought a Gerber MP600. At the time (leading Boy Scouts), I needed one-hand-deploying pliers more than a one-hand-opening knife blade. Between me, my wife and my son, the MP600 gets beat on regularly around here but it's a love-hate relationship. There's a reason the guys over on multitool.org call the MP600's "Mr. Pinchy".

~Chris

znapschatz · Feb 26, 2016

orca8589 said:
Between me, my wife and my son, the MP600 gets beat on regularly around here but it's a love-hate relationship. There's a reason the guys over on multitool.org call the MP600's "Mr. Pinchy".

~Chris

That feature is what moved me permanently to Leatherman. A hand tool should be hand friendly. Not Gerber.

orca8589 · Feb 26, 2016

znapschatz said:
That feature is what moved me permanently to Leatherman. A hand tool should be hand friendly. Not Gerber.

I moved to Leatherman for much the same reason years ago, until the need for one-hand-opening pliers came up. If I wear my gloves, the Gerber is as useful as any other MT.

I'm kind of surprised that Gerber never really addressed that issue - or maybe they had so many other models they didn't need to? Who knows.

~Chris

echoscout · Mar 9, 2016

Great thread! I have over ten orginal SuperTools in my multitool collection. While I dont edc one I do carry one on occasion. Its a classic and great tool that still gets the job done. One of the nice things about it is it isnt to bulky like other large tools.

If you need one handed pliers the OHT is a good MT. Its what I edc most days in the last year.

znapschatz · Mar 9, 2016

echoscout said:
Great thread! I have over ten orginal SuperTools in my multitool collection. While I dont edc one I do carry one on occasion. Its a classic and great tool that still gets the job done. One of the nice things about it is it isnt to bulky like other large tools.

If you need one handed pliers the OHT is a good MT. Its what I edc most days in the last year.

I'm sure the OHT has its advantages, but the Super Tool opens mighty fine one-handed. That's how I opened mine most of the time by either "balisonging" it or using my leg as a helper. I find the ST300 to be a little harder to flip, but still manageable. I haven't had it as long, but in time, it will loosen up. Closing the OST implements was the issue and the main reason I went to the ST300.

echoscout · Mar 10, 2016

znapschatz said:
I'm sure the OHT has its advantages, but the Super Tool opens mighty fine one-handed. That's how I opened mine most of the time by either "balisonging" it or using my leg as a helper. I find the ST300 to be a little harder to flip, but still manageable. I haven't had it as long, but in time, it will loosen up. Closing the OST implements was the issue and the main reason I went to the ST300.

Agreed the OST balisongs rather nicely. Its how I open my ST300 I carry at work quite often. I brought up the OHT as an alternative to the Gerber Mr. Pinchy multiplier series of multitools mentioned in earlier posts. For those who like flicking sliding plier heads.

SAK Guy · Mar 12, 2016

I still have my first one.

I use it occasionally but it lives in an enhanced rifle scabbard I made up for my truck.

A buddy made that custom leather sheath back in '01.

Wardo46 · Mar 25, 2016

[QUOTE...Between me, my wife and my son, the MP600 gets beat on regularly around here but it's a love-hate relationship. There's a reason the guys over on multitool.org call the MP600's "Mr. Pinchy".

[/QUOTE]

I'm not 100% certain but I think it's only the original Gerber Multi-plier that is known as "Mr. Pinchy." Someone feel free to correct me if I'm wrong. :foot:

ThePeacent · Mar 26, 2016

I love my original, ST, but I just put it for sale on another forum just before I read this thread.

Really excellent, slim and beautiful functional tool.

Hopefully I will be able to step up the game with the funds, even though I really like it it's time for an upgrade to suit my needs.

It has been a loved companion, that's for sure.

These things do not have an expiration date, other than the one we decide to give them!