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The Leatherman Tool Group finally released details on their new line of knives that have been rumored to be on the way ever since the inadvertent posting of some images on the British distributor's Web site for a short period back in July. The first group of knives will reportedly be available at retailers in late-October.
These knives range from basic single locking blade knives with a carabiner/bottle cap opener to a few that combine some interesting and innovative features that more closely compete with some of the basic Swiss Army knives. Manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) ranges from $40 to $100.
The company also says that additional knife models are planned for 2006. While Leatherman won't confirm it, it seems a good bet that given their resources and background, future knives in this line will likely include additional tools and implements such as saws, files, scissors and others that will even more directly take aim at the traditional SAK.
The base models have a one hand opening blade of 420HC steel; nothing to write home about, but about equal to other mass produced knives in this price range. This is the same steel they use on most of their multi-tool blades. The rest of the line uses 154-CM blade steel, a premium high carbon stainless steel with potentially excellent edge retention characteristics.
The blade on all the knives incorporates a single right-hand opening stud and the liner lock models incorporate a "Blade Launcher," which seems to be something similar to the flipper originally introduced in Ken Onion designs for Kershaw. This is not an assisted opener. The Blade Launcher feature would seem to make these models ambidextrous one-hand opening, despite the single thumb stud. Blade shape is a modified drop point with a long swedge on top. Blade length is 2.8 or 3.1 inches, depending upon model. The 420HC blades are hollow ground and bead blasted, the 153 CM blades are flat ground with a polished finish. Liner locks are used on all but the two larger models, which are lock backs. These also incorporate a flat thumb rest with ridges on the spine.
Two models, the E306x/e305x and the k502x, include the screwdriver bit holder design as used on the latest Charge and New Wave multi-tool models with interchangeable proprietary double-ended screwdriver bits. The rubber molded handle insert on the left side incorporates holders for two extra bits, providing a total of six screwdriver bits total. Included bits are: Phillips #1 and #2, Flat 3/16 and 1/4 and flat 1/8 and #15 Torx. The Phillips screwdriver on the e302/e303 can be used with Leatherman's Removable Bit Holder.
Handles are all of a similar form with contoured grips and a modest finger guard up front. Each of the models uses different materials, as noted below. There's no lanyard hole, but the carabiner would appear to address that issue in some respects, though it would seem to be a bit awkward to have open in the pocket. There's a removeable right hand non-reversible pocket clip that is designed for tip down carry. The two models with the bit holder come with nylon belt sheaths, a leather sheath being an option for the top of the line model.
Below are images of each model with their individual specifications and features. Click here to download a two-page PDF file (1.77 MB, opens a new bowser window) of "The Leatherman Difference" flyer on these knives that compares the features available on each knife and includes some detailed images.
 Model e300/e301 MSRP $50 2.8" 420HC Blade, Straight or Combo Edge Hollow grind, bead blast blade finish Blade Launcher Opening Handle: Glass-filled Nylon with Rubber Inserts 3.875" closed, 6.7" open Weight 3.0 oz., 86 g Removeable Pocket Clip Carabiner Clip and Bottle Opener |
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Model e302/e303 MSRP $40 2.8" 420HC Blade, Straight or Combo Edge Hollow grind, bead blast blade finish Blade Launcher Opening Handle: Skeletonized Glass-filled Nylon 3.875" closed, 6.7" open Weight 3.9 oz., 111 g Removeable Pocket Clip Carabiner Clip and Bottle Opener 1/4" and Phillips Screwdrivers |
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Model e304x/e305x MSRP $70 2.8" 154 CM Blade, Straight or Combo Edge Flat grind, polished blade finish Blade Launcher Opening Handle: Machined Aluminum with Glass-filled Nylon 3.875" closed, 6.7" open Weight 3.0 oz., 84 g Removeable Pocket Clip Carabiner Clip and Bottle Opener |
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Model e306x/e307x MSRP $100 2.8" 154 CM Blade, Straight or Combo Edge Flat grind, polished blade finish Blade Launcher Opening Handle: Machined Aluminum with Glass-filled Nylon and Stainless Steel insert bolsters 3.875" closed, 6.7" open Weight 4.2 oz., 118 g Removeable Pocket Clip Carabiner Clip and Bottle Opener Bit Driver and 3 Double-ended Bits Nylon Sheath |
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Model k500x MSRP $70 3.1" 154 CM Blade, Straight Edge Flat grind, polished blade finish Handle: Skeletonized Glass-filled Nylon 4.5" closed, 7.6" open Weight 4.6 oz., 132 g Removeable Pocket Clip Carabiner Clip and Bottle Opener |
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Model k502x MSRP $100 3.1" 154 CM Blade, Straight Edge Flat grind, polished blade finish Handle: Glass-filled Nylon with Rubber inserts and Stainless Steel Bolsters 4.5" closed, 7.6" open Weight 7.2 oz., 204 g Removeable Pocket Clip Carabiner Clip and Bottle Opener Bit Driver and 3 Double-ended Bits Can Opener Nylon or Leather Sheath |
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We'll have a full review after we get our hands on these knives and have some time to beat up on them.
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Publisher and Editor: Doug Ritter
Email: Doug Ritter
URL:
http://www.equipped.org/lm_knives2.htm
First Published: September 1, 2005
Revision: 02 September 13, 2005
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Email to: info@pulvertech.com
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