LEATHERMAN, Rebar Multitool with Premium Replaceable Wire Cutters and Saw, Coyote Tan with Nylon Sheath

When I purchased my first Leatherman PST in 1996, what I really wanted was a Rebar, although I didn't know it at the time. It took this long for Leatherman to finally get around to producing it.Although the PST was a well made and useful multi-tool, it lacked certain implements I would have wished for, and those it had did not lock. What I liked was the light weight and pocket size, and still keep it for travel to places where locking blades are not street legal, but I moved on.My next LT was the Super Tool, which added a serrated blade and saw to the tool mix, also everything locked. OTOH, it was larger, almost double the weight of the PST, and the unlocking method was slow, awkward and potentially dangerous (although I never actually got cut). Despite its drawbacks, I settled for the ST and spent years with one hanging on my belt. It turned out to be endlessly useful for all sorts of everyday tasks and got me through several "emergencies," as well.Eventually, I upgraded to a Super Tool 300, basically an updated and much improved version of the original, but even heavier. Belt carried, it was manageable, but I would have preferred a smaller, lighter weight version for every day carry, pocketable, basically a Super Tool scaled down. Apparently, I was not the only one, because at last Leatherman responded with the Rebar, just what I had been waiting for. ASAP, I ordered one from an Amazonvendor and eagerly awaited its delivery. Then, I read several negative online reviews about the tool, complaining about the build quality. Oops?Much concerned, I went to a nearby sports chain store to examine one they had on display. To my dismay, it seemed to confirm the negatives. The tool exterior was nice and shiny, but something about the finish seemed off, hard to describe but the tool looked chintzy, leaving me with an impression of corners cut, careless assembly and poor quality control. Implements were much too stiff to draw out easily, not all parts lined up, and the pivots very gritty. From experience I knew this degree of resistance would not free up to an acceptable level even after oiling and spending hours working the hell out of it in front of the TV set while watching "Antiques Road Show" re-runs (wife's choice).Altogether, this Rebar sample did resemble a cheap knockoff, as one critic described it, and I started kicking myself around the block for having made the purchase in too great haste. When at last Fedex delivered the package, with some trepidation I opened the box and brought forth the Rebar.It was perfect.Unlike the demo I had handled, the implements were "Leatherman tight," which means a bit stiff at first but would break in with use (or from playing with it while sitting in front of the TV watching "Antiques Road Show" ) and keep a reasonable level from then on. Everything looked better, parts fit as they should, implements opened and closed precisely, as well as any Leatherman product I have owned. Mine came with the leather box sheath, which looks substantial, much like the original ones from the late '90s, but only time will tell how well it will hold up.Frankly, I can't account for the bad experience of other Rebar purchasers, or the defective demonstrator I handled, except possibly poor QC in its initial run. By now I hope this has been corrected. Rather than returning their Rebars and swearing off, I would urge dissatisfied customers to send their samples to Leatherman, which has just about the best warranty service ever. On two occasions I sent multi-tools to them for service, one clearly damaged by abuse and not a manufacturing defect, the other needing a minor adjustment. Both were fixed and returned within 10 days, no charge.After a few weeks of using it on all the jobs for which I normally use a multi-tool, the Rebar has met and exceeded expectations. To my delight, even though it was smaller, I was able to access all implements without having to remove my work gloves, an advantage I always appreciate with my other full size Leatherman tools. Also, as expected, it has broken in nicely and now operates right and tight. It was a wish come true, if 16 years late.Honeymoon on.

Before you buy this tool, it's good to know what "Black Oxide" coatings are like. They are a very tough black coating, but they come looking sort of "pre-worn" just by the nature of the finish. Don't expect this tool to look perfectly pitch black. It comes out of the box looking like it's been riding in your pocket for years already. I love the look. If you like a rugged multi-tool, you will too.The tool set here is fantastic. Good, strong pliers, a straight and serrated blade, a saw, a file, can/bottle opener, reamer with sewing eye, phillips, 2 flat heads, and wire cutters that are replaceable if damaged. The only missing tool is a pair of scissors, but to be honest I've never been a fan of Leatherman scissors and tend to reach for the Victorinox scissors on my keychain tool instead. They just plain cut better. Always recommend a SAK on the keys, but that's another topic entirely.This tool is lighter that it appears! It carries easily. I actually carry mine in my small 5th jean pocket with no issues. This is also a very nice tool to look at. It's got a classic Leatherman style that brings me back to the old PST but with hardened features and modern touches like locking tools. This thing is also rock solid feeling and backed by Leatherman's 25 year warranty. If you want a tough as nails multi-tool in a compact package, this is the one to choose.To give an idea of how this compares to other tools: It is not as refined as the Charge series. If you're used to the Charge, this may feel rough around the edges. But keep in mind this tool is a user with tough features at a good price point. It is not meant to compete with the higher end tools in the Leatherman line. It is also not as beefy as tools like the Supertool, which it is really a compact version of, or the new OHT. It weighs in a bit more than 3 ounces lighter than an OHT, so if you're looking at the newer tools wondering which one will ride in the pocket better this is the way to go. If you want a tough tool that you can use with one hand, go with the OHT.As I said in the title, this is my current favorite Leatherman. I love the capabilities packed by it, I love the weight, I love the "pre-worn" look of the Black Oxide finish, it's just a fantastic tool.