Leatherman Bond Full Review
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- Опубликовано: 2 авг 2024
- The Newest Multitool from Leatherman, The Leatherman Bond, has arrived. This video is a full review of the Leatherman Bond Multitool. Leatherman are a the market leader multitool manufacturer and this new Leatherman is the only UK legal everyday carry Leatherman in the range. The Bond is the perfect EDC companion and a perfect choice for those travelling to the UK and Europe from the United States as well as those backpacking, camping, travelling and working in the UK.
My name is Jonathan, I have a passion for all things 'gadget, travel and EDC' which has filled both my personal and work life for many years. This includes sourcing, reviewing and product development and the creation of two UK national retail chains. Find out more here: • About Jon Gadget - Who...
This channel is here to help you find great travel and carry gear on the back of solid and detailed reviews along with years of experience. I also hope to give you ideas and inspiration when it comes to everyday carry gear, travel gear and gadgets, which make life a little bit easier and perhaps more fun.
I welcome any feedback on my videos or the channel in general. Thank you for taking the time to read this.
🐦 You can find me on twitter at:
/ jongadget
Product links:
www.leatherman.co.uk/products...
Contents of this video to help you navigate:
00:00 Intro
00:38 Unboxing
01:46 First Impressions
04:30 Operation
09:02 Toolset
17:23 Bond vs PST
19:01 Competition
21:31 The Good and The Bad
23:42 Final Thoughts
24:40 Outro
Product Sourcing:
When it comes to sourcing a product for review, I will usually either purchase an item personally or reach out to a supplier requesting a sample for review. Most suppliers, after seeing the channel, are supportive if they are confident in their product, appreciating the value of greater exposure.
I am sometimes asked to review a product by a supplier which I will only agree to if the product fits the channel and I believe will be of interest to you, my audience. Also the product needs to be worthy of a review. It is not in my interest to review inferior or poor quality products and therefore as you might expect many requests are politely declined.
Any sponsored videos (paid for reviews) are clearly stated as such so there can be no misunderstanding. Even with sponsored reviews I will only agree to a sponsorship on products and services which I believe will be of genuine interest to viewers.
I will always make reference in the video to products which have been provided for review by a supplier and I always make it clear to the supplier that they cannot influence or be involved in the review in any way if they choose to supply a product.
Sometimes a supplier will provide a link to the product or the supplier which I am happy to include in the description. Sometimes I will be provided with an affiliate link so I can earn a commission on sales and this helps to support channel costs but never at the expense of an honest review.
If a product I have reviewed is available from Amazon I will often include an Amazon link in the description. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. If you purchase a product or service with the links that I provide I may receive a small commission. There is no additional charge to you.
Comments:
I really appreciate the feedback in the comments - I find it a source of knowledge and inspiration - so thank you to all of you who take the time to contribute. I have recently found that if I continue to respond to all the comments as the number of videos builds, it takes time away from being able to produce new content which would be very counter productive! - so my aim is to read everything I can and reply when I can, after each video goes live, until the next video goes live a week later. I'll see how that works out 😊
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Excellent and detailed review. Relaxing to watch. I received my bond just a few hours ago from HH in the UK. With the exception of the rough edge to the file when closed flush into the handle, the other concerns you rightly raise are not apparent. The tools are much firmer when not in use and don't have the play seen on your sample. There is enough movement to get a grip to initially deploy each tool but nothing is loose or sloppy. This is clearly great for prospective buyers. In addition the handles, when folded back up do not have the horizontal cross play that you show so well in the your review. This is very reassuring. I think you should reach out to Leatherman and have your possibly early example exchanged. This review is so valuable because it gives a guide to owners of what they should expect to receive. Thank you for posting mate.
Thanks for the feedback Tiresias, really valuable. I think other prospective buyers will want to read this as reassurance. Thanks for kind comments about the video too 🙏
@@JonGadget
No problem, a pleasure. Just keep doing what you do. People appreciate honesty and no BS.
@@JonGadget Hi Jon. Thanks so much for the meticulous and thorough review! I just saw a review of the Bond from TX Tool Crib (ruclips.net/video/F6lTdO8Cj8s/видео.html). At the 9'48" mark in his video, he opines that the tools in the handle are specifically designed not to contact the locking mechanism right away so that the tools are more easily accessible. And at the 12'53" mark (again, in his video), he shows the same looseness of the knife blade, so your experience was not unique ... and definitely one I do not wish to duplicate! Hopefully Leatherman will address this promptly.
Yeah, there are different stiffness of tools..
If the tools are loose you can use leatherman warranty to fix the problem
Ben @ TXToolCrib did a review on the Leatherman Bond a little while ago now and he too had the exact same problems Jon had shown in this video. The slop and looseness in this tool seems to be a common problem experienced by numerous people. I certainly hope Leatherman corrects this issue quickly as I believe this is a very good tool solution for the European and UK market...
"Bond, Leatherman Bond" wow that was great 👍
😬
I have a Leatherman PST that I bought back about 1992. I think it is still my favorite full sized multi tool due to its compact size and light weight while still having a good compliment of useful tools. I have carried it fairly regularly and it still looks and works great. For smaller jobs I like to carry my Squirt ps4. Interesting and thorough review!
Thanks for the feedback 🙏 Yes PST is great and PST II has scissors as well - I am lucky enough to have both and they are the ones I carry for exactly same reasons. PS4 is in my small EDC kit and other great tool 👍
Thanks for this it was a good honest and complete review of a tool I am seriously thinking of buying and now probably will thanks to you .I only discovered you today but I will be watching more of your work and of course I have subscribed and will be looking for future reviews with the same attention to detail.Thank you .
Thanks Richard, great to get that feedback, it's hard to know whether I am getting the right balance of detail vs length of vid and delivery etc. so feedback is really helpful.
Hi Jonathan! New subscriber here. Love the “James Bond” intro there, specially with that natural British accent, such a joy to hear. Anyways, I like how you do these gear reviews, in such a simple way, very straightforward, I feel the sincerity. 👍🏼👍🏼 to you! Your new number one fan from the Philippines. 🇵🇭
Hi Atong from the Philippines - such a lovely place and lovely people - many thanks for the kind comments and feedback and also for subscribing 🙏
Thanks for the great review. I was looking at the leathermans but I actually like the older style so great timing. Glad they brought back the simple form factor, it just looks much nicer imo.
Glad to be of help 👍
Great review. One of the best I’ve seen for intelligent, helpful content.
Really kind comment, thank you 🙏
very good review-subbed. I got mine this morning from Heinnie and I'm impressed. the blade wasn't exactly shaving sharp but that was quickly fixed. Mine doesn't have the sideways play when closed, but yours did appear to be more shiny lol. I think the non locking blade will be the Bonds big selling point in nanny culture countries, which unfortunately seem to be on the rise these days. Keep up the great work!
Thanks Shifty and appreciate the Sub. Agree re non-locking, should make this a success. Where you tools as loose as mine?
Stumbled on RUclips Chanel recently. Glad I did:). Your Review was in my opinion very Gold. You showed us a good overview and told us the good & bad. Thanks for that.
Thank you for the feedback 🙏
I recently reviewed the Bond on my channel and after using it even more I really like it. I think adding scissors to it would have made it almost perfect, but I really enjoy it as it is.
great to hear 👍
A year on I've bought one of these. The tools on mine are not loose at all, au contraire they're a bit of a bugger to get out lol but I'd rather that than the other way around! Also the protruding knife point issue has been resolved, presumably because they tightened up all the tools. Otherwise no surprises, it's very similar to my Rebar although the plier head is a tad slimmer and finer plus the middle bit is larger as it doesn't have the removable wire cutters, so it's actually better suited to dealing with nuts and bolts than the Rebar, which is great as it's in my bike EDC tool pouch with repair kit and other bits and bobs. The Rebar is now with my bugout/camping/survival gear which it is better suited for than the Bond.
Thanks for the great review, Reverend!
My pleasure! 🙏
Thanks for the video. Your reviews are fantastic and have greatly influenced my EDC purchases. I have not yet obtained a Bond, but did notice that a pocket clip specific for it is offered by Leatherman and includes the corresponding T6 screws as well as a torx wrench for installation. By the way, I love the RovyVon A8!
Thanks for the feedback George, really appreciated 👍
This is an excellent video. Good use of switching the angles and very engaging. I’ve just ordered the bond and it is my first ever multi-tool minus the odd swiss army knife as a kid! I’m very excited to get it and being in the UK it’ll be my edc for personal and work! Also £50 on tactree, can’t complain 👊 before this released i was considering rebar knifeless and buying a separate knife so this basically is exactly what i needed/wanted 👍
Thanks again for the review!
Thanks for the feedback Jack - really pleased the video was of help - enjoy your first Leatherman I'm sure you'll love it
@@JonGadget do you have a review of the leatherman raptor shears? If not could you do one please?
Love the detail and “chapters” of the review
@@jjgkicker thanks Jack, I will put it on the list to review 👍
Great review, thanks for sharing!👍
Thank you Tom 😃
Well timed review, I was just looking at this on Heinnie Haynes. Thank you
You're welcome 👍
Did you buy? I'm on the HH website too, thinking! Though my main EDC now is a Gerber 600 Bladeless and a SAK Handyman & a Manager.
So close to my all-time favorite: the Leatherman SideClip. Slim and had all the tools I needed, most importantly the "3D" Phillips screwdriver. I'm not sure the pliers got as much use. Carried it for fifteen years before someone nicked it. 😢
Love this tool, had it for about 6 months now. I ended up swapping the straight blade for the Rebars serrated sheep's foot blade and the file for the Rebars saw. I carried the ST300 for years, swap that out, didn't needed that much tool for EDC...
great video, just got one for my birthday, love the fact it's a copy of the original, the newer ones are all getting just a bit too complicated , this has exactly what i need , all be it scissors would have been nice. Doesn't seem to have the problem with the loose tools and the fact that it's a legal EDC makes it just perfect for me , now i just have to get it all working nice and freely , a few hours playing with it me thinks :)
Length always helps. So true
... I have had my Leatherman BOND for a couple of months now, I purchased the bit extender, the pocket clip and a medium Cordura sheath as well. I put a 1mmx4mm strong magnet inside the BOND near the tip of the blade. I also carry a Victorinox "Huntsman" SAK with the new pocket clip and I put that in the small sheath that the BOND came with. Both tools are a perfect EDC and fit snugly on my belt with no problems sitting down or driving etc (they are not bulky). Great tools and perfect for every day tasks. BTW I have had a Victorinox "Climber" SAK for 20 years and have purchased the "NanoClip" by Key|Smart for it. I have looped the Victorinox Lanyard around the end of the NanoClip and its works perfectly in the pocket when I am not carrying the others.
Great feedback - thanks for sharing - I'm sure others appreciate it too - nice idea with the magnet 👍
Great review! I could see having that one tucked away in a vehicle in an emergency/backup role. I currently have my 1999 PST II in the glovebox of my vehicle for that purpose.
For the price it is really good. I love the PST II - great to have those scissors.
I just picked up one and all the tools are quite firm in the handle, still nervous about the knife coming out if i drop i, just something ill have to be aware of. Apart from that I love it, very minimal just like the pst.
Enjoyed this 😃
I can see the initial looseness of the tools for those of us who have trouble getting the tools out. However, your comment about the possibility of the knife easily slipping up an posing a cut hazard is well taken.
🙏
Nice reviewdio. Really makes me appreciate my Rebar with its serrated blade, and saw and lock mechanisms, but I understand the philosophy behind creating the Bond….esp. for LM fans living outside of the US. The Bonds build quality looks equal to that of the Rebar at least in your video. Would be nice if LM added the threaded pocket clip mount holes to the Rebar moving forward.
Great comments, thanks for sharing 👍
I would also rather have the clip than the sheath. I wish there was room for a saw myself. Scissors would be nice, but a saw would be my preference. Would also prefer the philips+micro flat head of the pst. Will likely buy one. My rebar saw broke so I practically have the bond tool set. Good thing for the warranty.
interesting feedback - thanks for sharing Ryan
Ordered this model the day it was available on the site, hope they make more like this, and maybe future models could be called the "Royale" or "Skyfall" or "Spectre"
Great idea! I would be really interested to know if your tools are as loose as the ones on mine when you get it. Still a great tool for the price but would be interesting to know.
You talk me into it. I'm buying one!
I'm sure you will be happy 👍
Acquistata da un giorno ed è stupenda..è leggera sottile,bellissima…la sintesi del multitool😍
Thanks for the great review. I wish they would have put the tools on the outside like the Swiss Tools
I don't really mind internal tools but I have to say quality and finish of Vic Spirit X is superb
Great review, really well presented. I’m wondering if the initial looseness is to aid deployment. One of my LM tools is a swine to get the tools out the handles, almost remove my nails doing so. I think the Bond is a really nice product, reminds me of the Blast, kick & fuse range.
More recent ones have been tighter according to the feedback so I think I was unlucky - blade sticking out still worries me though!
Had mine delivered today from Hennie Hays. Mine is as tight as a drum. Very pleased with it. Way better than my Wingman in every respect. Better tools, better engineering, better finish.
Excellent review. Well done. Would be great to see you do a review of any of the Swiss Tools from Victorinox and how they compare to Leatherman.
Good idea - I have both so a comparison would be worth doing 😁
I rounded off the top of end of the blade, turning it into a sort of wharncliffe. If it slips above the edge of the grip, it pushes right back in when grasping the handles. No catching of the tip.
Was looking for something like this for my EDC. I own a Supertool (the original one from the 90s) and a Wave 1st Gen. Both were a bit too bulky and heavy, additionally the Wave was out because of the one-hand-opening and locking blade (I'm German, and knives are only legal here if they're two-hand-opening, or don't lock when they're one-hand-opening). I was just about ordering the Bond when my eyes fell on the Rebar in the knifeless version. And since Leatherman doesn't produce these anymore I was lucky to get a remainder 50% off. ^^
Meets all my EDC needs, because I always carry a legal pocket knife with me anyway.
You have made a wonderful video
Thank you 🙏
Nice review. I was looking at this, but the loose tools may be a deal breaker. Thank you.
I think later ones are better 🤞
Another great review, surprised how loose the tools were because every tool in my wave+ is ridiculously tough to get out even 2+ years later.
Hi Kixson, yes it surprised me too! I think it can be sorted quite easily.
@@JonGadget
In your opinion, what measure to sort the looseness tools problem?
@@kamalnadir6127 Could be tightened with the right tool - but blade issue would require a bit of re-engineering to the blade at the pivot point in my view.
Hi Jonathan, as always, thank you for another great review. Could you offer a brief comment on a Knifeless Rebar vs Bond. Here in Canada they are $108 & $81 respectively. Thanks, Jonathan Walsh NB, Canada 🇨🇦 Update: 30/4/23: I received my “Bond” this week. In 2 words, “Love it!” None of the “flex” noted in Jonathan’s early version. It was a toss up between the Bond & Rebar (knifeless for a change), but I think I’ll bite the bullet and get a Rebar to add to the collection. Cheers
Good review. You can still get the original PST. It's known as the heritage and costs a fortune. I'm still using the original PST and this looks like a nice replacement.
Thank you - yes, good option - I still use PST and PST II too!
I bought a Bond yesterday in a sale for £36 and even at that low price I'm not happy with it. The play with the tools is even more substantial when it's in hand, and you're right Jon the blade went straight through my thumb. And, 5 minutes after opening it a copper washer fell out. I emailed Leatherman to complain because I feel ripped off. I'll see what they say because I may just say sod this I'm going back to Victorinox
I think it’s lose to make it easier to get out with gloves or weaker hands. Everyone remembers trying to not rip a nail off on a super tight pen knife
It might be...... but feels wrong and the blade popping out cannot be good! Easy to fix though I think.
I agree. Many complaints about breaking nails.
It is a bargain Leatherman. The looseness is a positive to me! Nothing to "fix" save for personal preference. Which is fine.
420 HC when heat treated well is a proven good steel. Progress has given us many better steels, but they don't cancel the older steels. Multitool blades are not for daily continuous use anyway.
Budget tools are going to be limited.
Ironically, the non-locking blade holds so sturdily that it is almost as bad a locking blade in the wrong hands.
@@davidsiegel9847 good feedback David 👍
The Bond has been updated, I got one from Go Outdoors fro £40.80 and it has had the blade issue resolved, but boy was it tight, needed to buy the toools to adjust the opening and closing to tune it in, but then also used them on my Rebar. Cheers
Thanks for the review sir 😊
Been a good mental break from recent events
I sometimes feel like something small can just make me dislike a product entirely. And it's very frequent for me in EDC gear. Seeing the knife being so floppy at the opening is simply not okay in my book. Hope that would be fixed by them!
Hi Eyal. Yes, I think they are going to have to fix this - I think a few engineering tweaks will sort it quite easily. Thanks as always for watching and comments.
Good review! My bond tools arent that loose when pulling them out are realy tight and sturdy
Great review. Does the bit extender work with this though? I have seen people saying it doesn't....in limbo with regards to buying a bit kit. Thanks.
Have you ever considered doing a review on the Gerber Dual Force multi tool? It would be appreciated.🤔
really happy to see you got yours brother! The intro was sweet...But don't get the Curl...its going to disappoint. Hearing you Say "bond" is just soooo much more fitting lol.
Thanks 😃🙏 Good point re Curl!
My Bond is very tight and the fitment is excellent. My original PSTII cutter is is going strong
Amigo,realmente pienso que es una Rebar,pero sin bloqueos en sus herramientas.Tengo conmigo a diario una ,y aqui en mi pais,no es ilegal llevar cuchillos con bloqueo,de todos modos me gusta la Bond,su calidad es exelente como todas las Leatherman.Gracias por mostrar,un saludo desde Argentina.
Thanks Pedro, it is very close to the Rebar 👍
Excellent review, best I have see on this so far. When is the global launch?
Hi Marc, global launch was today at 6pm UK time
@@JonGadget Cool, many thanks 👍
My Leatherman Rebar has what one might call locking pliers; it takes some effort to fold them back up. Does the Bond have that feature?
I have come to dislike the sheath that came with my Rebar, and any sheath that positions any part of the knife/tool above the belt. A pocket clip might be better, but I'd honestly prefer to have neither, and just make a sheath that's to my liking (or have one made).
A great, detailed review. Thanks for sharing it!
Yes - the pliers 'click' into place and take a bit of effort to fold back again. I'll belt carry a Surge if I am doing stuff but otherwise I keep LM in bag and pocket carry a SAK.
As far as UK friendly tools I have some comments as many look at the Bond for this reason.
Besides the Bond consider:
In the UK a blade-less multitool seems like it would be appealing. I mean a bunch of locking tools and you can just carry any non- locking knife you like maybe a SAK Compact if your tool doesn't have scissors for example or a SAK Walker if your multitool doesn't have a saw, or a SAK Waiter so you can open a beer or bottle of wine without getting a bigger tool out... There is still a tool-less Rebar and there used to be a tool-less Fuse or get a SOG and just remove the knife, replace it with something else if you wish as they sell individual impliments. If you could find a Leatherman Leap it allows you to remove the knife and is lightweight... Also there was a Leatherman Kick that had no locking blades including the knife and some (few) had pocket clips (sold separately). It just had screwdrivers, a knife and of course and plier head but it was light. Speaking of old tools if one could find a PST, PST 2, Sideclip, or even a Gerber MPT (copy of PST) they'd all work in the UK I believe.
So I hope I gave you some UK friendly ideas to ponder...
I had high hopes for this and purchased one as soon as they became available. I was quite disappointed as I felt it was a step down in quality for Leatherman. I much prefer the Sidekick or Wingman which are only slightly more expensive but better. I think it being UK legal for EDC is a major selling point though.
Hi Peter - I prefer the Bond over Sidekick/Wingman but I did have some issues with it as you will know - UK legal is a big plus as you say
I have the PSTii from 20 year ago glad they are updating the model for a more comfortable grip but wish they had kept the scissors. You missed out the fact it also has a ruler on the back.
Yes, good point with the ruler 👍 I also prefer the PST II as I like the scissors too and it is a little more compact with the flat sides.
If this BOND sell well in UK , mainland Europe and the rest of the world AS IT WILL SURE DO, we might see a revival of the PSTII (BONDII) and the original supertool in this format ( may be the Leatherman Q ?). I see a sea of old timer hands rubbing in anticipated satisfaction.
Thanks for the vid, any chance you have a poor example? Really fancy one of these but put off a little, especially with the blade issue.
I measured 168g for the tool with clip..not sure how accurate that is. Also..my tools were very tight, I'm surprised to see yours so loose. I also noticed the edges of the rolled frame to be sharpish..but nothing too bad...easy file fix.. but how loose yours is...that is unusual. More often than not its on the other end of the spectrum. As far as handle wiggle, its common with the Rebar as well..I've never seen it NOT present. I think it has something to do with the geometry of the frame.
Thanks for the feedback and info. I'm pleased other people seem to be indicating theirs is OK - it's possible I might just have been unlucky. If it had torque bolts (even security or 5 point) I could have tried tightening it but I don't have a tool for the bolts on this. I think you might be right regarding the geometry and the 'wiggle' - that profile could easily allow for more flex in that sense. Good to see your video(s) do so well. I promised LM in the UK I wouldn't release mine until launch since they were good enough to send me the sample - I was feeling a bit left behind though!
Looks really nice, very similar to my old pulse. To be honest for years I wouldn't touch multitools without scissors but when all is said and done all leatherman scissors are significantly worse than you find on a SAK which I always carry so I should just get over it.
I liked the Pulse too - scissors a great addition - I did find the locking mechanism awkward though. I always carry a SAK Compact.
@@JonGadget I've been looking at the compact. Currently I've been carrying a Super Tinker for about 8 years.
@@JonGadget I think the biggest issue with most leatherman models is they are too heavy for general EDC, pulse was manageable.
Super Tinker is really good - but I love the Compact for size/weight/function - I have a video review on the channel if you have not seen it
agree 👍
Thanks 😊
Welcome 😊
Hello Jon, I really enjoy your videos. I need to get some new glasses & noticed the frames you’re wearing in this video look very comfortable and stylish. Could you please tell me what brand they are?
Hi Matthew - of course - the brand is Dita
Maybe sometime you could do a review on the Gerber dual force multiple tool.🤔
Will the file on the bond sharpen a cutting tool ( in a pinch)?
I have a wave and a free P2… both are great
Good to hear 👍
Just ordered one
👍😃
That was a good matter of fact review, appreciated. I'm seriously considering purchasing, maybe the issues you mentioned have been looked into by now. I just want a solid, full sized multitool for more mechanical outdoors activities use where all the tools work and a non locking blade. Have been getting along with a couple of cheaper ones but the peace of mind of a better tool would be nice.
I'd take this over a skeletoool for backpacking all day
I agree - more practical - Skeletool great for EDC where it is legal to carry
A small clarification, we can carry a locking blade in the UK if you have a valid reason to have it at that moment. So say your in work and need a tool or your out fishing or whatever. What you can not do is have it on you when you go the pub.
Its a stupid law IMO as you can still stab someone without a locking blade and people who are out to stab someone generally don't follow the law anyway so all it does is hurt normal people.
Yes, good point and totally agree 👍
I own the blade less rebar and its got locking tools. I carry it with a Victorinox Compact.
Hard to beat the Swisstool Spirit X. A review of Centerdrive vs some SOG Multitool would be nice. The SOG Pliers seems to be nice - but the rest...not so much.
Great review mate. I was won... until that wiggle between handles at the end?.. in your opinion, is that/ could that be an issue for whatever reason?
I have aa feeling it is because of the geometry of the handles - as the are not flat sided - I am told the Rebar does the same - so may be not a deal breaker in general use
The loose tools is a significant problem; especially the knife. Is there a way to tighten the blade pivots? If there is perhaps a bit of thread locker and adjustment could fix that problem. I can't tell from pictures and videos if the blade pivots are adjustable screws or solid pins.
I think it can be tightened, but I don't have a tool for these serrated circular 'bolts' - some others appearing on market seem OK - but I think knife blade needs a modification to the pivot profile to fix it properly.
Hi great detailed review, very relaxed 😎 style. Is the 420 hc. A better steel than what is used on victorinox Swiss Army knives?
Hi Marc, Victorinox don't go into detail about their exact composition however it is widely suggested it is directly comparable to 420HC which as you probably know has a good balance of properties but is far from exotic compared to what else is available.
Thanks Jon , I’m just a bit confused, I understand it dulls quickly, but am given to understand that victorinox steel is tougher than most because it’s softer than most, a higher grade steel will tend to be brittle and snap if used improperly. To me being tougher is more important than holding an edge longer. Also I’m given to understand that they are easy to sharpen. Does this go along with your opinion. ? I must say also I’ve had a couple of blade snaps on my leather man wave , but no problems with victorinox, I’m thinking that although the steel variations used on both are similar , I find victorinox tougher, which is preferable to me
Was all stoked about the new leatherman, especially the price but those loose tools aren't worth a darn, that's a deal breaker for me. Thanks forcthe review.
I'm picking up I may have got a 'bad' one - I'm going to send it back and see what the replacement is like....
@@JonGadget that maybe the case. Thanks for the info.
Great review! Thanks!
I see on The Bushcraft Store that they say it has combination knife/spring scissors. I am assuming they mean the knife edge can be used as scissors using the edge of he body as the other cutting edge? Strange that, but maybe it is something to check?
I am a bit torn as this has only just come out as I was about to buy a Squirt PS4 for the simple reason it has a UK legal knife and is so small - not sure I'd want a full size on me all the time, whereas the Squirt would be barely noticeable. Any thoughts?
Thanks again for the in-depth review, Jonathon, much appreciated!
I think Bushcraft Store has it wrong! Squirt is really good. All comes down to whether you need the bigger tools.
@@JonGadget Yes, I think I'm going to go for the Squirt. Thanks for your reply. Cheers
I just bought a Leatherman Bond brand new from Ebay for $40, & it came with a nice nylon sheath. It's the newer version (2023 or 2024 version) so the knife, awl & other tools stay put when closed, they don't flop around like in this video. All the hinges are rather tight tho, so it's hard to open the plyers & each tool, but all the tools stay 'almost' locked when open ("super firm" as said in this video) ... a LOT more that the original PST. It's a PITA opening the tools on the Bond tho, & closing the knife & awl, you need to be very careful, & figure out which is the safest & easiest way to close so you don't slice your fingers, because quite a bit of force is needed to close the knife & awl & all the tools. & as said in this video, the quality of the steel is not the best (the original PST is made with better steel), but seems the Bond's steel is adequate. This is definately a 'budget' Leatherman ... for $40 a good deal, but I wouldn't pay much more than that.
the grip on the leatherman MTs I have seen is not comfortable when gripping with the pliers. Because of that, I went with the Gerber MP600 series.
It's now a year on. Have they sorted the issues out?
I only found out about the bond a few days ago and it looks like a great tool it would be great like the rebsr do a vision where it has sissors instead of a blade with this type of tool I would have a dedicated blade and then use the letherman for everything else and I would defo add the pocket clip on I would easly carry this in the pocket
I think that would be a great idea 💡
They make a knifeless Rebar with scissors too. Checkout the website.
Good point - good legal carry option 👍
Still rocking my leatherman sideclip. Maybe time tmfor a upgrade?
Love the Sideclip
Jon, I’d like to ask you a question. How would you feel about a knifeless version of a Wave? Then this “tool” could be paired with the slip joint knife of your choice for a legal and useful carry. How would you like to see such a tool set up?
Hi Ben, I like the idea of a fully featured tool minus the knife (which as you say can be paired depending on the user) - I assume this is what the LM Knifeless Rebar was all about? In the case of the Wave, I guess the serrated blade would also have to go, I would replace this with scissors like in the Surge. I think the micro screwdriver is a waste of space, replace with good awl. I would look to create and extended bit driver (where the knife is) the short reach of the existing is a drawback, and some storage mechanism for bits in the place of the original bit driver. In place of current scissors perhaps a package opener/seatbelt cutter or chisel like on the Vic Spirit?
@@JonGadget I believe we have similar ideas. I can see where the shorter driver could be a hinderance at times.
@@txtoolcrib I would love to be able to create my own Victorinox or Leatherman (I'm sure we all would) - I've got a Goat tool on order which is the nearest we can get to right now.
Maybe you had an earlier version but I bought one of these and don't have an issue with loosnes of tools, in fact I thought mine were too tight. Great, simple multitool that I can carry every day without fear of falling fowl of UK knife laws.
Good video. And I bet some of those "issues" were design choices by Leatherman.
perhaps to reach the price....
I'm guessing that the initial looseness of the tools is intentional to make accessing and selecting the tools easier. BTW, the Leatherman Sidekick does not have a locking blade and would be UK legal.
I think you may be right there re loose tools but I’m sure it could be improved. LM website confirms Sidekick has locking blade.
@@JonGadget Very interesting. My Sidekick is about 5 years old and it does not have a locking blade.
Oops! My mistake, the blade does indeed lock.
“I can feel it…coming in the air tonnniiigghhht, bond onnn”
should be good 😁
I like my Rev. I like the blade on it better than the bond. It faces out -- and locks. (Nice clip too.) I had one of those 100+ dollar tools, and I didn't like it because it was too big and heavy. I asked myself if I was going to carry that thing around all the time? My answer was NO.
Maybe the looseness in the tools is where the locking bar used to press down on them in the original rebar. Seems like a pretty sloppy oversight from Leatherman if so.
Not great but I think I was unlucky - others reporting tools much tighter 👍
Good review. I have bought one but I am concerned that it’s not really a legal ‘every day carry’ in the U.K. as the blade is not foldable at all times. Seems to me that this requires it to fully fold. However if this isn’t legal then I suppose the not is the leatherman Micra?
I think it will be OK unless you’re out on a night out which might take some explaining. And yes, that would rule the Micra out too!
@@JonGadget I’d agree with Paul that I don’t believe this to be UK legal for EDC due to the blade. You mention it has that extra protection from the other side of the handle which prevents it from closing on you, which I did initially like the sound of. The problem is that this stops it from being “immediately foldable at all times” which I believe is the legal definition of a folding knife in the UK. The Micra would not have that problem as nothing can get in the way of it closing (apart from your finger of course!) I’ve got a few full size multi-tools but have been on the lookout for a good quality UK legal one. I thought this might’ve been it but it seems not unfortunately.
Hmm, Serious question, knife guy from the UK here. If you deploy the knife, and then close the handles together, although the blade is under 3 inches and does not lock it cannot be undeployed without reopening the tool, does this therefore still make it fall under the folding knife exemption? I would really hope so as i've been wanting a Leatherman to carry for some time but my wave stays inside my tool box for obvious reasons.
my personal view is that it is still classed as non-locking and OK to carry - it would still fold part way under pressure
As of Feb 2024, the Leatherman website lists the Bond as having a locking blade. 🤔
Just got one July 23 and most of the faults are now fixed.
that's great to know
Im struggling to decide whether to get the bond or the bladeless rebar and carry a separate knife, any advice?
Rebar option and separate knife would be my choice
8:09 you could do with filing the edge down a bit😆...I'll get my coat🙄
The low tension is to have easier and a bit faster access
true to a point, but this is a bit too loose for me - others though are reporting less slack as they get theirs so I may have been unlucky with this one
@@JonGadget well it could be
@@JonGadget small neodymium magnet will have to resolve this issue )
Bahhhh, all the research I did, and I went with the skeletool cx, as it has everything I need almost daily when I live in the Philippines. BUT as I also live in Hong Kong, I can't carry it outside of my home. I chance it tho, because I am in a wheelchair, and I use it a lot to tighten up all the screws on the chair.
Skeletool is a great tool and I am sure your wheelchair needs constant maintenance on the go to justify the carry 👍
@@JonGadget lol, unfortunately. The sidewalks, curbs and roads mean I am constantly stopping to tighten all the screws and nuts on it.
@@shawnlizeleatherdale4052 😂😂😂
Presumably the Knifeless Rebar is also UK legal.
Yes, I would say so.
Without reading comments, I think the loose opening of tools would be for easy selecting and grabbing to open.
To a point, but these were too loose really. I am picking up that others getting theirs do not have this problem which is good news.
You should try tightening the pivot screws for that side. I still need to order the special wrenches used for tightening those special fasteners so I can tune and adjust my Super Tool 300. It has balisong action it's so broken in.
@@mackjones7688 I need to get hold of the tool too!
Hi Jon hello from Brazil, I would like to know why Leatherman is not making multitools with corkscrew like in the past? I am a wine enthusiastic we just find specific corkscrew tools now no multitools.
They seem to focus on work tools rather than leisure. They used to have a range with corkscrew incorporated. They may think Victorinox has this covered now? Time will tell!
@@JonGadget It is a shame Jon
Jon, much has been made of the fact that the BOND is UK legal because its blade doesn't lock. There is of course an argument that the blade does lock when you close the handles which makes the blade rigid unlike the Juice XE6 where the non locking blades are external to the handles and truly UK friendly.
Hi Michael, yes, this is a question. I personally think it will be OK to carry as it is strictly not a lock - but I wouldn't take it on a night out! You're right about the Juice 👍
@@JonGadget Jon, as a 40 year qualified Criminal Defence Lawyer, I'm afraid I don't share your optimism that someone found in possession of a BOND wont be prosecuted by a zealous police service when stats on "knife crime" are so important. As you probably know something as seemingly innocuous as a "butter knife" falls foul of S139 of the Criminal Justice Act 1988 unless you can prove that you had good reason or lawful authority for having it with you in a public place.
@@michaeljones8034 you will know better than anyone - I wonder if Hennie Haynes referring to it as 'UK Friendly' would be a useful argument for the defence? It would be fascinating to break down related knife carrying prosecutions to see what the circumstances are.
If you can find one the leather man side clip is similar but I think a better design..
One of my favourites - one of my videos shows one being modified (luckily I have another intact!)
@@JonGadget
I have 2....the sideclip is a special tool....thay go for 80 - 130.00 on eBay..
@@toddguillory692 may be I shouldn't have dismantled one of mine!
@@JonGadget
U can find parts for them on ebay if u are in need to reassemble..
£60 is around $85 at the current exchange rate. In the US the Bond is $50 at REI.
Hi Simon, I mentioned the $/£ prices being similar because when you add tax to the $50 it becomes $50-60 ie. £60 in UK or $50-60 in US
@@JonGadget Okay now I understand what you mean!