I have to chime in here, as a Leatherman owner of many years. I have had 2 of them. I only got the 2nd one because I lost the first one. However, before losing it - I had it repaired twice. Once, was for a blade snap, the other was for a pliers snap. Both snaps were TOTALLY my fault, but the situations demanded that I take the chance - knowing fully well that things might turn out badly for my tool.
I trusted that tool in both cases, and in both cases it sacrificed itself for me at the moment of completing the task at hand. Yes, both times it came through and failed at the same time. Leatherman happily, and quickly, did the repairs for me at no cost except shipment to them (they paid return) and not only did they fix the broken parts (replaced with new) they sharpened/shined/lubed/buffed/polished every part to factory specs. I know they didn't just send me a replacement, as I had personally engraved my name on the tool handle.
I appreciate some of the other multi-tools on the market, but when it comes to buying one for myself/friends/family or recommending one - I always go Leatherman.
I'm a Leatherman fan. I had the original, now I have the BLAST as a replacement for my lost one. The original, I did break the blade on, AND the pliers. Both were my fault and were the result of serious misuse/abuse, but the incidents required that. Both times the the tool was repaired at no cost to me, other than shipping.
Love my Leatherman. It's an EDC for me. The needle nose pliers are machined with great tolerances, so grabbing tiny objects is like an extension of your mind, not just your hand.
The cutters are awesome. By the time someone walks to the truck for a hacksaw, I can cut some pretty hard stuff off with the hardened part of the cutters and not even need to look for damage to the blades because I know there won't be any.
The file is great for fingernails to rough-edges on pretty much anything you'll come across.
It fits nicely in my hand, although on harder-to-cut items (think small machine screws) the handles can be a bit biting on your hands.
I've never had rust issues at all, even when I expose it to harsh chems or salt water. Always carry it fishing - great for removing hooks, or twisting/bending/cutting hooks. Yes, even the nice fancy/high-dollar Japanese ones.
Sometimes, I remember to lube it with a squirt of Tri-flow, but mostly I use it (And abuse it) for everything I need (As does pretty much everyone at a campsite - if the Leatherman doesn't fit their need, it seems my Kabar does.)
I know plenty of people that carry and love their SOGs and Gerbers, but my money goes to Leatherman.
my original one did this after a few years. A quick trip to the factory will fix it right up for ya. I waited until there were bigger problems until I sent it in (I broke it), but after a retouch at the factory - you are good to go for years. I've had my BLAST for about 5-7 years now, and no problems at all (other than losing that damned jewelers driver - its like the toothpick on a SAK). I lube once (maybe twice?) a year with Tri-flow.
