Leatherman

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KPMom20150156

5-Year Member
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Sep 20, 2011
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I purchased a leatherman for my son and it is on back order. The price was $125. I was just at Home Depot and saw a leatherman for $25. What's the difference? Does he need the $125 leatherman or the $25 leatherman?
 
There must be many varieties. Your post prompted me to go to Lows.com and I found a stainless steel model called the Wave for 74.98. But they also listed model called the Blast for 29 or 39. I am sure Cmakin, deep draft, Jdog, Deepsea and the others can shed some light on what varieties are best. Also which model is most useful for deckies or engine etc. I also recall, if you have the time, there has been much discussed in the about these tools and knifes. Happy shopping! I am buying ( foul weather gear) this :eek:
 
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Lynpar said:
There must be many varieties. Your post prompted me to go to Lows.com and I found a stainless steel model called the Wave for 74.98. But they also listed model called the Blast for 29 or 39. I am sure Cmakin, deep draft, Jdog, Deepsea and the others can shed some light on what varieties are best. Also which model is most useful for deckies or engine etc. I also recall, if you have the time, there has been much discussed in the about these tools and knifes. Happy shopping! I am buying ( foul weather gear) this :eek:
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Leatherman multis didn't catch on much back when I was still at sea. I do believe that I stated in another thread that I got by just fine with three things in my pockets. A flashlight, a knife and a pair of slip joint pliers (commonly called by their Channel Lock brand, or more sinister nicknames like Arkansas Knurling Tool, Mexican Nut Rounder, etc.).

As time went by, and I started surveying AND the equipment improved, I refined my pocket stuffers to a Spyderco knife and a Pelican flashlight. Both items are used quite a bit by commercial divers and I worked with many and still do. I still have both and still use them. I started using a Pelican light about 25 years ago when just about the only place you could get the replacement bulb was at a dive shop. They are much, much easier to find now and are really a marine surveyor's most essential tool. VERY important when crawling tanks.

I don't know that I would rush right out and get a Leatherman, to be honest. Outside of the "cool" factor, there may be much that one doesn't use on them outside of the blade. But that is just me.
 
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cmakin said:
Leatherman multis didn't catch on much back when I was still at sea. I do believe that I stated in another thread that I got by just fine with three things in my pockets. A flashlight, a knife and a pair of slip joint pliers (commonly called by their Channel Lock brand, or more sinister nicknames like Arkansas Knurling Tool, Mexican Nut Rounder, etc.).
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I started carrying a Leatherman when I was sailing Chief Mate back in the early 90's. I never went out on deck without one in the leg pocket of my Carhartt work pants. I think having one is more useful for deckies than engineers. I can't tell you the number of times I used the pliers, screwdriver heads and file blade on mine. It also has a good knife blade. Try opening a frozen shackle pin, pulling a hard to remove cotter pin from a safety shackle or cutting nicro wire if all you have is a knife. You may be taking a long walk back to the Bosun Locker for that 'Arkansas Knurling Tool' to get the job done.. You should be able to get the basic Leatherman for about $42. SOG also makes a good Multitool and West Marine sells a model that even has a marlinespike for about $50. He's the link.. http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wc...10540053&PID=4003003&SID=128h0qw7c6o87&CID=cj[/FONT]
 
Thank you for all the info. I had read the previous threads and had purchased the leatherman that was suggested. I was just wondering after seeing the $25 one if a $125 leatherman was really necessary. Thought maybe he could start with one a little less expensive that he could lose and then purchase his own later that, if more expensive and he used his own $$, had less chance of disappearing. Am using the site suggested. Appreciate your insight!
 
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Deep draft, thanks for the links. I opened the first link,,,and,,, how can I say this? OH HELL NO! He is sailing not joining the cast of The Deadliest Cathch! :eek:
Professional grade? You weren't a kiddin! I am scared now. Thanks!

Actually this first time out we are going through the KP coaches with the discount that is offered the students. But I will keep these links in mind when I want to scare the bejeebers out of myself.:redface:

Wow, I read through the catalog and price list. I will have DS take a look when he is home for what else he could use. These prices seem reasonable. I was surprised. Thanks again
 
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Lynpar said:
Wow, I read through the catalog and price list. I will have DS take a look when he is home for what else he could use. These prices seem reasonable. I was surprised. Thanks again
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Those Grundens 'oilskins' aren't really that expensive if you consider how well made and rugged they are and how long they'll last you.

Lynpar said:
Deep draft, thanks for the links. I opened the first link,,,and,,, how can I say this? OH HELL NO! He is sailing not joining the cast of The Deadliest Catch! :eek:
Professional grade? You weren't a kiddin! I am scared now. Thanks!

Actually this first time out we are going through the KP coaches with the discount that is offered the students. But I will keep these links in mind when I want to scare the bejeebers out of myself.:redface:
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Yeah, I especially like the two pictures at the bottom of their home page.. One with the guy working inside a crab trap and the other with a guy running from a boarding sea on the aft deck of his boat! That's dangerous work for sure! Or as I would say.. 'that's the REAL price of fish' :eek:
 
$25 vs. $125 Leatherman

For what it is worth, I have both an inexpensive and more expensive leatherman (I must be obvious to shop for as both were gifts!). The immediate difference I noted was the quality of the sheath which is far better on the more expensive one. But the real difference was noted after use. The cheap one loosened up after a few uses and even with locktite (almost as essential as JB Weld and duct tape) it rattles when used. The expensive one still works as good as the day I got it. I would look at the quality of the steel (make sure it is a tool grade steel with a good corrosion resistance). That should hold together given the hard use it could get.
 
Engraving

I took the leatherman by Things Remembered ( purchased at Target
for $50)and they engraved his last name & 2015 on it. :thumb:
He found the tool very helpful in KP100
 
Lynpar said:
He is sailing not joining the cast of The Deadliest Catch! :eek: Professional grade? You weren't a kiddin! I am scared now. Thanks
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sailing might not be quite as dangerous as the Deadliest Catch, but as an old Chief Mate once told me back when I was a young 3rd Mate.. "remember kid, you're goin' to sea not to Sunday School"...:biggrin:
 
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