January 2011

All round long term reliability

This is not a tale of an amazing rescue, nor one of a quirky nature. This is one of pure quality and robustness that is nearly non-existent in today's 'disposable' world. Around twelve (maybe more) years ago, I decided I had had enough of trapping my fingers in so-called multi-tools. Even before I had ever seen a real Leatherman, I had found multi-tools to be associated with the name, like Hoover and vacuum cleaners are. I'd just started to use the internet and I researched on the Leatherman site for the 'top of the range' tool. At that time there seemed only two options, the Leatherman Charge Ti, or the XTi. Having always been a believer that a knife can do the same job as a tiny pair of scissors, I chose the XTi.

Over the years and around the world, my Leatherman has always been nearby. Its uses have varied from emptying shotgun shells, cutting barbed wire, installing house electrics, pruning trees, even to using the diamond file on teeth! Throughout this time the Leatherman has been robust and never even shown a sign of weakness. In fact, the whole time I have owned this tool, the only time I have had to call customer support was when (through my own fault) the Leatherman fell off a ledge with the tiny screwdriver tool open. It hit the floor and snapped the bit. Expecting a hefty replacement cost, I called the UK distributor. Without question they sent a replacement at no charge. What more can I say?

A totally robust tool, full of features, and top quality customer service - Leatherman has it all. I have included a photo of my Leatherman. Slightly battered and worn, but pretty much as good as when I bought it (although having never sharpened any of the blades it probably is about time I treated it!).

Darryl L.

Kirton Lindsey, Lincolnshire, UK