February 2011

Old Leathermans Never Die

Several months back, I rescued a PST from the flea market, where some fool let it go for $5 just because it had a broken blade and a little oxidation. It reminded me of my first PST that I had when I was an Army Reservist back in the '80s. I used the hell out of that thing, then lost it somewhere along the way, which I really regret. I've had others since then; real Leatherman, cheap imitations and expensive imitations. But seeing this original one lying there in such a shoddy state, and so undervalued, made me feel like I had run across an old veteran who had been let go before his time because of a little battle damage.  I took him home and cleaned him up. A few drops of 3-in-1 had the joints opening and closing smoothly in no time. I took a file to the broken blade and turned it into a stubby Tanto. Then I put a shaving edge on it and put the able-bodied soldier back in service doing everything it was meant to, and other stuff it wasn't.

Before long I managed to torque the large flat head screwdriver out of shape on a really obstinate screw. I read the warranty on the website and thought I might have a shot at getting it replaced. But seeing as how my own stubbornness was to blame, and not the quality of the craftsmanship or materials, I was not inclined to take advantage of the good people of Portland. Instead, seeing as how I really had nothing to lose and I had an airplane trip coming up, I decided to make a few alterations to the PST in order to make it right with the folks at TSA. I removed the stubby blade and the bent screwdriver, along with the can opener and awl. I used my bench grinder to grind the bent screwdriver into a slightly shorter, straight screwdriver. Then I replaced the screwdrivers and file, using some washers borrowed from an imitation as spacers and reassembled my new best friend. Now he's ready for air travel (I hope), and should be able to pass freely through security, though I'm sure he will be eyed very closely. But just in case he doesn't make it, my new Camo Fuse and my Freestyle will be safe at home, waiting for me when I return. Hopefully I can remember to remove my Style CS from my keychain before leave for the airport...

Shane O.

San Antonio, TX