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 Amazon
vendor 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.
| Color | Black/Tan |
|---|---|
| Material | Nylon, Stainless Steel |
| Brand | LEATHERMAN |
| Item dimensions L x W x H | 5 x 3.5 x 1.75 inches |
| Item Weight | 9.12 ounces |
| Included Components | Plier, Wire Cutter, Knife, Screwdriver, Awl, Saw, Blade, Wire Stripper, Ruler, Sheath |
| Number of Pieces | 1 |
| Manufacturer | Leatherman |
| Part Number | 832721 |
| Item Weight | 9.1 ounces |
| Product Dimensions | 5 x 3.5 x 1.75 inches |
| Item model number | 832721 |
| Style | Black/Tan |
| Item Package Quantity | 1 |
| Batteries Included? | No |
| Batteries Required? | No |
