Leatherman Knives

[trail]

Most people are familiar with Leatherman multi-tools, but since 2005 they have been making folding knives as well. Befitting a company run by engineers, their knives are more "technical" than "traditional", with synthetic handles and their own form of liner lock. I have just one example, and I would say the build quality, fit and finish are stellar. All Leatherman knives and multi-tools are made in their plant in Portland, Oregon.

[useem]

COOL. How many patterns do they have?

[trail]

They have three current series of knives and about a dozen retired series. Enough there for somebody to make a collection. Here is a web address with info about all their current and previous production:

http://www.leatherman.com/knives/default.aspx

Their website is absolutely first class. Lots of good info and pictures. Just like AAPK.

[knife7knut]

I concur with the assessment;they are great quality knives.I bought an e303 at a local department store for 50% off their list price(I paid $17.50)and use it as my EDC now.They only had two left and when I went back to buy the other it was gone.Turned out my son(whom I had told about it)went down and grabbed it.At least it is in the family.
The 303 has a semi serrated master blade that has a device called Blade Launch which allows you to open it one handed(ingenious device)a Philips and straight slot screwdriver and a folding belt hook/carabiner.

[joebw]

I'm glad to see some interest in the various Leatherman knives. As noted, these are knives designed by engineers and tend to use lots of non-traditional materials.

Leatherman started with 5 large hunting knives in 2006 & 2007 and rapidly added two series of pocket knives at different price points. The pocket knives used a variety of handle styles and materials. These were done to test the market. There were 22 different knives in the catalog series and a few special runs such as green delrin handles, black oxide coating and special scales. In 2008, Leatherman discontinued these pocket knives and, using what they had learned, introduced two new lines. These are the Crater and Expanse series and total 20 cataloged knives. There have been a few specials made in these series and I expect more in the future.

The large hunting knives are still offered and are of very interesting designs.

If you are interested in collecting the earlier series, most can be pretty easily found. There are quite a few close-out sales going on on these. I really don't expect that to continue as supplies dry up.

[johnnierotten]

Thats a good looking knife.