I've owned and used (and abused) my Leatherman PST for nearly four years. To those of you who don't already have a multi-function tool, I highly recommend that you get a Leatherman PST. To those who have some other brand of multi-function tool, I recommend that you get the original multi-tool. The PST is the product that created the multi-function tool market.

The Leatherman is a multi-tool that comes with a bunch of basic and useful tools in a small compact package that is not difficult to carry around (or at least keep nearby in a drawer or purse). When you have a Leatherman with you, so many of those "life's little difficulties" that frequently pop-up can be very easily solved: tightening the loose screw, opening up that carton, cutting that dangling wire, and so forth. I was introduced to the Leatherman product when I was in the Army, and have used it for countless different applications. If I did not have the PST available, I would have had to either borrow (or beg) a tool from someone else (and not get things done as quickly), or not get the job done at all.

THE FEATURES
* Needlenose and Regular Pliers: A combination type. The fine grip needlenose is good for the small stuff, when your fingers are just too clumsy. I use the regular pliers when I really need to grip something tight (like a nut when I don't have the proper wrench); great when you can't squeeze hard enough on things with your bare fingers. One caution: squeezing quite hard on the pliers can also be quite painful; the flesh of your palm presses against the metal corners of the tool (though the corners aren't sharp, they aren't necessarily rounded either). My solution is to wrap the PST in a rag before bearing down.

* Wire Cutters and Hard-Wire Cutters: A handy thing for any sort of basic electrical work, as well as those cutting tasks that a knife or scissors just aren't tough enough to handle. You should be aware that there are some jobs that are too tough for even the PST to handle. I've nicked the wire cutter blades on my PST when cutting through a barbed wire fence. My PST had been purchased years ago; hardened wire cutters have since been introduced into the Leatherman line, so this should no longer a problem (as my Super Tool will attest to).

* Clip-point knife: Out of the box, this is very sharp. Handy for well, cutting things. Does a great job at opening boxes, MREs, and all other sorts of sealed packages. Useful when out grilling by the campfire.

* Can / bottle opener: Not necessarily the prettiest, or the neatest way to do it, but around the campfire, or out during field training exercises (and civilization is a long ways away), it does get the job done.

* Awl / Punch: I'll agree with other epinionators that the awl isn't all that sharp (well, it isn't advertised to be an icepick or anything like that). I'll also say that I've used the awl many times without much problem to punch through cardboard, fabric, some hard plastic, and sheet metal (yep, I push my PST to the limits). The tricks that I used to do this: 1) apply constant pressure while twisting; and 2) apply additional pressure (via a mallet, hammer, or medium-sized rock).

* Flat-tip Screwdriver (S / M / L) I use the screwdrivers to turn screws. I've also used them to scrape, pick, lift, separate and pry. All very useful, just make sure to pick the appropriate size for the task at hand. I've misjudged the task once and snapped the tip off from the small screwdriver.

* Phillips Screwdriver (#1 / #2): When you need a Phillips screwdriver, you need a Phillips screwdriver; a flat-tip simply will not do. The PST to the rescue! BE WARNED: This blade is known to collapse under torque and pressure; if you're not careful you can pinch your fingers, often painfully. To prevent this: press straight "into" the screw, while avoiding any side-to-side or fore-and-aft pressure, and keep your fingers to the sides and behind the screwdriver blade (if your finger is in front or under it, your finger will get pinched).

* Metal / Wood File: A file, one side fine and the other side medium. When I purchased mine, it was also billed as a saw as well. The "saw" was nothing more than a coarse file on the edge of the blade. While it can 'cut' through things, I usually don't have that much patience for that (I have used it as a saw, it just takes a LONG time).

* Ruler (8 inch / 20 cm): Not necessarily the most accurate ruler, but if all you need is a quick & dirty (and rough) measurement (less than 8 inches), then it serves it's purpose (and has done so many times for me).

* Posi-Stop safety feature: The blades on the PST do not lock, per se. The Posi-Stop feature however will stop the knife blade from closing onto your fingers (and that Phillips screwdriver from really pinching your fingers). However, this only works if you keep your fingers to the side and behind the extended blade. If your finger is in front of the hinges, it will be at peril.

* 25-year Guarantee: The PST is a well made item, produced of 100% quality stainless steel and the manufacturer does stand behind their product. If you damage your PST (while doing things that the tool was designed to do), the Leatherman people will repair or replace it. Just ship it to them.

Of course, I've used my PST in more ways than it was originally intended. Under the inspiration of, uhm, I'll call it 'creative ingenuity,' I've thought up of new Leatherman uses that were, uhm, 'outside of the original design parameters.' Various parts have been used as prying tools. The needlenose pliers have been used a wedge and twisting tool (and now one of the tips is snapped off). At various times, the PST has also been a spacer, a punch, and a hammer. My PST has done a lot more than should be rightfully asked of, and has the scars to show it. All of this is what the manufacturer would describe as abuse.

Personally, I see it as part of using a tool (I've definitely gotten my money's worth, that's for sure). When I bought my PST, I chose the 'tactical' black finish (I guess it was an Army thing). When I finally retired my PST, the black had been rubbed away to silver, and the hinges were so loose that one of my buddies refers to it as my "butterfly knife." Did I replace it with another PST? Nope. I bought a Super Tool, the PST's bigger brother (in my opinion, bigger and better).


Who should have a Leatherman PST?
Military: If my experience is any indication, they are well served by having one on their belt. Hikers, fisherman and outdoorsmen: The PST provides simple basic tools in a compact and easily accessible package. Handymen and housewives: A lot of small problems around the house can be easily repaired with the tools available. College students in the dorm: Space is at a premium and the utility is priceless (I've still got a Leatherman with me now). In short, I think that everyone ought to have a Leatherman.


Recommended: Yes