@365 Survivalist those of us who fish around alot of rocky rivers tend to sharpen a few hooks every day while fishing. I have hook sharpeners in every tackle box.
I got a PSTII for Christmas in '97 as a gift from my grandparents. After all these years riding in my tackle box, camping trips and using daily in my big rig I lost it last week at a shipper. By the time I realized it was missing and had returned to look for it, it was gone. Really liked that tool and its simplicity and had held off on buying a new one because it was just good enough for everything I ever needed it for. Bought my 13 year old son a Wave for his birthday this year and was talking with him about how I've had mine 25 years yada yada and you need to keep up with it..etc. Then I go and lose mine, very humbling.
@@brandonmitchell3617 My kids got me a new one on fathers day- so I've got the sentimental factor with that one now. It's the wave one in stainless and use it all the time. However, the quality just isn't the same as the old one. I've noticed after about a year or so its rusting in spots. Finding myself having to clean it more frequently. Still handy as can be.
I remember advertising when the PST II was introduced. The tool was marketed for fishermen with the scissors and file change. The notch in the file was for fishhooks. It is very effective at putting the point back on a hook.
I have a PST from this Era not sure if it's 2 or not but I got it in 97. My handles are date stamped 0796 and 0197. It has the same plier head but no scissors and a plain steel file. The blade is marked with Leatherman only. This tool served me well for about 15 years. 10 of them as a daily work carry and use. I finally retired it when it got to worn to safely use. Broke the knife blade and there is only half a file left but still one of the best tools I've ever edced. Great video 👍
I have a 2000 era PST II, and it's an indispensable piece of fishing gear for me. This model was geared towards the fisherman as shown by the diamond file, scissors and serrated blade. I've carried this tool around the world and have probably unhooked thousands of fish with it in the 20 plus years I've owned it. I really do hope they make a "Bond II" with the same features next year.
This was my first Multitool still cherish it til this day, love how many tools it has for the small size...... it’s a shame they don’t put USA on any products anymore, only the free series now....
Thank you for helping me identify my Leatherman. Mine is 0496 and just like the one in your video. Tip of pliers is broken and I know it’s 27 years old but I’m going to email them and see if they can replace the pliers. If not, I’ll grind it down and keep using it. Thanks again.
Hey there from a fellow Texan! Have they ever made a premium version of the PST with upgraded materials such as an S30V knife blade? I would love a high end but slim and minimalist Leatherman if they ever made one.
I was given a used PST II some time ago, a 03/98 model (thanks for pointing out the date stamp!). I keep it for collection, only take it out for very light stuff. Funny what people consider a "confortable pocket carry"...I carry (and abuse) a Surge. It's leather sheath is starting to discolor (from black to brown). I tried to replace it...but just come back to it! Will add some type of quarter inch bit holder to it, maybe the one in the Victorinox multi tool (gifted 235 years ago!).
My '96 PST have the pliers shown on your PST2, I'm pretty sure they layer beefed up the pliers on both models to those shown on your PST. Btw are you sure that's for fingernails or fish hooks ? Looks like a fish hook sharpener to me.
I have got my PSTII at 1998. since there it is always in my backpack or on the belt. Also today a great tool. Last repair three weeks ago was on my Brompton , flat tire on the rear wheel.
Thanks for the info/review. I have the same leatherman but had no idea which model it was (since I found it close to 10 years ago). Mine is dated 06/96 and has the scissors and serrated blade...
Mine is 0396. No scissors. Thanks for the info ! I don't carry mine as much as before, but it has spent a lot of time on my belt in the past 25 years. I gave $34.00 for mine at Oshmans Sporting Goods in Arlington, Tx.
Just examining my PST II now. (Bought it at Camp Doha in Kuwait) :) Apart from a bit of bluntness on the knife blade and a few scratches due to normal use, it is still as good as the day I bought it. No play whatsoever on any of the hinges. It’s about 24 years old now. A very well made and quality piece of kit. Oh, I use the groove in the diamond file for toenails. Keep holing my socks otherwise. Was gonna replace it, but may just get the blade sharpened up instead.
I remember when Wave came out in 98 it seemed like a quantum leap ahead that blew everything else away and I carried one for two decades, I always thought of the PST2 as just the pre-Wave, but looking back certain things about it are superior.
My Pst has "JAPAN" stamped on the blade and the pliers look like yours, thin. Leatherman customer service told me this is one of the first 1000 made. I don't know when they were made. Do you have any info on this model.
'SmartKnives' site says it was late 1980s that the sales "outstripped the production capacity of the initial Leatherman Tool Group facility in Portland OR. so some had to be manufactured with parts made in Japan." and some had small letter "JAPAN" stamped on the blade tang.
Interesting. My PST is stamped 0697 and 0797. It has the regular file, and awl. No scissors. It was packaged with the tool adaptor, 6 bits and nylon sheath. I carried it everywhere up until a few years ago. Such a fantastic tool.
Mine 1195 stamped also have scissor. the only addition is a US REG TM stamped on the bottom Left hand side of LEATHERMAN TOOL. I bought mine around OCT 1996
Still using my PST. I am not a tradesman but it does everything I need in an EDC multitool. It’s going to go into semi retirement soon and going with a Skeletool RX with the Surge file and saw and aftermarket drop in hammer mods as my EDC.
@@ZRockwell have the Surge file and saw but haven’t done the mod that MaxLvlEdc showed yet. Haven’t purchased the hammer add on. Been EDCing the RX for a couple of months and to tell the truth it’s done everything I need without the mods so far.. MaxLvlEDc has all the details on how to do the mods
Another interesting video. Thanks. My PST II is exactly like this but with no pronounced nail pull on the medium flat head screwdriver. I am still not convinced that nail-filing was the plan because I'm still pretty sure the bottom of the runnel does not cut. Datng info most useful. My PST II is 0698 and my Micra 0798. Thanks once again.
This was interesting as a walk down memory lane. The Leatherman line advanced to customer needs and models such as the Wave. What is great to see is the thirst for the original heritage which is less complicated, lighter, and belt friendly multi-tool. I have one which is competing with the original Wave.
Good tool and review. Use my Wave+ a lot more but this is in my car always. Mine is dated 6/ 98 so nothing better happen to it, because the warranty just expired 😅
Hey Ben, I have a PST II that has 0300 stamped one one handle scale, and 0400 stamped on the other. Does yours have it stamped on both scales? I wonder when they adopted the larger plier head, as mine appears to be the original design.
I got an 08 96 version of this and still use it and like it a lot. It's weight to function ratio is a win for me...pocket-bricks are a pain in the ass.
I have this very model, date code 0298. No discernible difference between it and the one depicted here. I believe I bought it at West Marine. I don't carry it everywhere, but I keep it in the center console of my car. Very handy to have around.
There's that thick can opener I mentioned awhile ago. Cut open a can with that, it sucks. Just mashes the lid. At the time the Swiss version was so much better until the Leatherman version got skinny.
I wish they'd stamp 'USA' on their tools today. IIRC, the 2006 California lawsuit went favorably for Leatherman when it was found that 83% of the components were made in the USA, way beyond a minimum requirement of 70%.
I don't remember where I bought my PST ll but one handle is stamped 1195 and the other handle is stamped 0796. So I guess mine is a 96 model with some left over 95 parts
I watched a video and I am tempted to try it. They pressed the scissor pivot in a vise. They were able to cut string, paracord and other things alot better.
It’s a shame leatherman went from this to the pile of junk they are now today. I have a surge, wave, and rebar that all have issues out of the box. My surge had blade play and the bolsters rattler out of the box (the spring retention for the driver was weak as well). Tightening them didn’t help much. My rebar has crap retention for the knife blade, and my waves springs for the handle gave out within 2 months. I also took a look at a skeletool at the store and checked for blade play and the knife unlocked on my hand putting slight pressure on the spine with my hand. With further inspection, the liner lock was cut so bad that it didn’t connect with the tang properly. Overpriced and only for the name anymore.
I've two of the Marlboro versions. 06 of 94. Looking at your pliers mention/comparison mine has the smaller pliers. ~ hmm, I didn't see my date until I used a loupe. Before I saw it I looked elsewhere for info. ~~ Example of original has same pliers, with the old handle stamping with Multi Tool or such on the handle. BUT! said very original had problematic rivets, and their example are as yours and mine... ..needing a specialized wrench to snug up/take apart. (jeeze, glad mine never loosened) Ya know if opened fully with pliers still tucked in, knife blade out it's a 7" reach. Great for harvesting Hen of Woods mushrooms. It's belted pouch? Wow, you're a tough sell. I always thought the thick leather, four backed rivets and a snap was dandy. File; on the Marlboro version is one side finer than the other with no hook sharpen groove. I use it for ferro rod strikes so I don't have to clean off the scorching from other/blades. I like the philips driver on the LM. So I paired it with my Huntsman SAK in the cheeks of my canteen kit bag. I'd rather torque all drivers on the LM than the SAK and get the SAK lose, feeling as a made in ***** copy knife the missus inherited. Corkscrew on a SAK can be handy, but didn't think a horizontal philips would make sense on my end. Four layers is all I can stand on a SAK...after eons of making fun of SAKs(never owning one before last fall) eep! Now I own a knife with little scissors. Sorry so long winded TX. Thanks for the vid. It's always fun looking up history of older/vintage whether bought or other. keep yer powder dry ~
Huh, So I literally just picked up a PST at a local Pawn and antique shop a few hours ago, got home and am learning up on the model. Mine says 0397 on one handle so it's a 97' but it has all the parts of the original PST... except the Phillips and flathead drivers are offset like the ones you got here 🤔🤣 What's also odd is one side says 0397 the other says 0497. I got some kind of mutant frankenPST 🤣🤣
My first multitool was the PST, even though I own a Surge I still EDC the PST mostly due to size and weight as the PST isa slim and mostly not noticed in pocket or on belt. I keep thinking a Skeletool is next but the good old PST really just tackles most problems I short of getting out a toolbox. If all the tools, phillips especially locked back then it would have been near perfect.
when i see this and compare it to my 98 swisstool (wich i still use btw, works 100% fine like a tank) its kind of funny how fast victorinox improved on the idea and then produce it to this day nearly unaltered, where as leatherman has pushed their design and developement far and beyond. I love my new wave + 2h, but i had to order a second one, the first had very bad craftsmanship. Greetings from Germany:)
My PST II is from '98. The only difference I see is that the small screwdriver on it doesn't have a wide base or a nail pull and bows out away from the centerline.
I got one with the stamp 1296, has the diamond file; it'sind identical to the one shown in the video. The scissors are a bunch of trash. Should've added a wood saw.
I've got a PST II, which was my first. I've got a micra, and replaced it with a style cs (my mom wears another one on her keychain), i have a skeltool in my car and a wave with the leather sheeth in my survival package.
It has been brought to my attention that the ridge cut into the diamond file is a hook sharpener, which sounds way more plausible.
The serrated blade and hook sharpener were meant to gear this tool for fishermen
Yup it's for fish hooks had this in tackle box for ages
We all make mistakes but UA-cam is minefield .one error you're reamed
It Is...
@365 Survivalist those of us who fish around alot of rocky rivers tend to sharpen a few hooks every day while fishing. I have hook sharpeners in every tackle box.
I got a PSTII for Christmas in '97 as a gift from my grandparents. After all these years riding in my tackle box, camping trips and using daily in my big rig I lost it last week at a shipper. By the time I realized it was missing and had returned to look for it, it was gone. Really liked that tool and its simplicity and had held off on buying a new one because it was just good enough for everything I ever needed it for. Bought my 13 year old son a Wave for his birthday this year and was talking with him about how I've had mine 25 years yada yada and you need to keep up with it..etc. Then I go and lose mine, very humbling.
Thatbsucks, did you ever replace it
@@brandonmitchell3617 My kids got me a new one on fathers day- so I've got the sentimental factor with that one now. It's the wave one in stainless and use it all the time. However, the quality just isn't the same as the old one. I've noticed after about a year or so its rusting in spots. Finding myself having to clean it more frequently. Still handy as can be.
I believe the groove in the file is designed for sharpening fish hooks.
I pinned that very comment. You guys are right, that is exactly what it is.
I wish I would have found that version. I love the scissors
Finally. Love the PST2. Those scissors still are some of the best ever made. Better than the ones on the second gen and current wave
I think this is still better than more than half the leathermans today....love mine from 1996
I remember advertising when the PST II was introduced. The tool was marketed for fishermen with the scissors and file change. The notch in the file was for fishhooks. It is very effective at putting the point back on a hook.
Informative video. I have a 0804 PSTII. From what I learned on Smartknives site the 2004 stamped models are fairly rare.
I have a PST from this Era not sure if it's 2 or not but I got it in 97. My handles are date stamped 0796 and 0197. It has the same plier head but no scissors and a plain steel file. The blade is marked with Leatherman only. This tool served me well for about 15 years. 10 of them as a daily work carry and use. I finally retired it when it got to worn to safely use. Broke the knife blade and there is only half a file left but still one of the best tools I've ever edced. Great video 👍
I have a 2000 era PST II, and it's an indispensable piece of fishing gear for me. This model was geared towards the fisherman as shown by the diamond file, scissors and serrated blade. I've carried this tool around the world and have probably unhooked thousands of fish with it in the 20 plus years I've owned it. I really do hope they make a "Bond II" with the same features next year.
This was my first Multitool still cherish it til this day, love how many tools it has for the small size...... it’s a shame they don’t put USA on any products anymore, only the free series now....
Thank you for helping me identify my Leatherman. Mine is 0496 and just like the one in your video. Tip of pliers is broken and I know it’s 27 years old but I’m going to email them and see if they can replace the pliers. If not, I’ll grind it down and keep using it. Thanks again.
I had one back in the day , good tool !
All manufactures of Multitool should have to sub out plier head production to Knipex , or other competent European supplier !
Hey there from a fellow Texan! Have they ever made a premium version of the PST with upgraded materials such as an S30V knife blade? I would love a high end but slim and minimalist Leatherman if they ever made one.
I was given a used PST II some time ago, a 03/98 model (thanks for pointing out the date stamp!). I keep it for collection, only take it out for very light stuff.
Funny what people consider a "confortable pocket carry"...I carry (and abuse) a Surge. It's leather sheath is starting to discolor (from black to brown).
I tried to replace it...but just come back to it! Will add some type of quarter inch bit holder to it, maybe the one in the Victorinox multi tool (gifted 235 years ago!).
Oh neat! Mine is 0399. This was my first multitool, I got it as a child, and it's lasted longer than any other I've had!
My '96 PST have the pliers shown on your PST2, I'm pretty sure they layer beefed up the pliers on both models to those shown on your PST.
Btw are you sure that's for fingernails or fish hooks ?
Looks like a fish hook sharpener to me.
Same thing on my '95 PST. On SmartKnives website it says the beefier plier head with larger pivot was introduced in 2001.
My PST is the same way
I agree , fish hook sharpener
I have got my PSTII at 1998. since there it is always in my backpack or on the belt. Also today a great tool.
Last repair three weeks ago was on my Brompton , flat tire on the rear wheel.
Thanks for the info/review. I have the same leatherman but had no idea which model it was (since I found it close to 10 years ago). Mine is dated 06/96 and has the scissors and serrated blade...
Mine is 0396. No scissors. Thanks for the info ! I don't carry mine as much as before, but it has spent a lot of time on my belt in the past 25 years. I gave $34.00 for mine at Oshmans Sporting Goods in Arlington, Tx.
Just examining my PST II now. (Bought it at Camp Doha in Kuwait) :) Apart from a bit of bluntness on the knife blade and a few scratches due to normal use, it is still as good as the day I bought it. No play whatsoever on any of the hinges. It’s about 24 years old now. A very well made and quality piece of kit. Oh, I use the groove in the diamond file for toenails. Keep holing my socks otherwise. Was gonna replace it, but may just get the blade sharpened up instead.
I remember when Wave came out in 98 it seemed like a quantum leap ahead that blew everything else away and I carried one for two decades, I always thought of the PST2 as just the pre-Wave, but looking back certain things about it are superior.
My Pst has "JAPAN" stamped on the blade and the pliers look like yours, thin. Leatherman customer service told me this is one of the first 1000 made. I don't know when they were made. Do you have any info on this model.
They did make a limited run in Japan, that is a very rare model. I would hang on to that one.
'SmartKnives' site says it was late 1980s that the sales "outstripped the production capacity of the initial Leatherman Tool Group facility in Portland OR. so some had to be manufactured with parts made in Japan." and some had small letter "JAPAN" stamped on the blade tang.
He says that for the first two years, the PSTii didn't have scissors. A PSTii without scissors is just a PST.
Ben, I've a PST II with 0896 handle date stamps (same on each handle) and it has a scissors. It also has a diamond file with groove.
Interesting. My PST is stamped 0697 and 0797.
It has the regular file, and awl. No scissors.
It was packaged with the tool adaptor, 6 bits and nylon sheath.
I carried it everywhere up until a few years ago.
Such a fantastic tool.
Damn, those original scissors on the leatherman wave looks more robust.
Mine 1195 stamped also have scissor. the only addition is a US REG TM stamped on the bottom Left hand side of LEATHERMAN TOOL. I bought mine around OCT 1996
I got one of these today with tool adapter kit and both new in leather pouch with instructions - flea market £70 👍
Still my favourite multitool. 👍
Have you seen that LM now offers their replacement wire cutters in 440c instead of 154cm? Any thoughts on that?
Still using my PST. I am not a tradesman but it does everything I need in an EDC multitool. It’s going to go into semi retirement soon and going with a Skeletool RX with the Surge file and saw and aftermarket drop in hammer mods as my EDC.
Whoa how did you add those tools to a skeletool?
@@ZRockwell
have the Surge file and saw but haven’t done the mod that MaxLvlEdc showed yet. Haven’t purchased the hammer add on. Been EDCing the RX for a couple of months and to tell the truth it’s done everything I need without the mods so far.. MaxLvlEDc has all the details on how to do the mods
Another interesting video. Thanks.
My PST II is exactly like this but with no pronounced nail pull on the medium flat head screwdriver. I am still not convinced that nail-filing was the plan because I'm still pretty sure the bottom of the runnel does not cut. Datng info most useful. My PST II is 0698 and my Micra 0798. Thanks once again.
This was interesting as a walk down memory lane. The Leatherman line advanced to customer needs and models such as the Wave. What is great to see is the thirst for the original heritage which is less complicated, lighter, and belt friendly multi-tool. I have one which is competing with the original Wave.
I never knew that date code was there... I just looked at the one I carry every day, from the day I bought it new... and it's December of 1993 :)
Good tool and review. Use my Wave+ a lot more but this is in my car always. Mine is dated 6/ 98 so nothing better happen to it, because the warranty just expired 😅
Hey Ben, I have a PST II that has 0300 stamped one one handle scale, and 0400 stamped on the other. Does yours have it stamped on both scales?
I wonder when they adopted the larger plier head, as mine appears to be the original design.
I believe that groove in the file,
is to sharpen fish hooks.
The scissors are to cut fishing line.
I got an 08 96 version of this and still use it and like it a lot. It's weight to function ratio is a win for me...pocket-bricks are a pain in the ass.
Mine is identical, but the date stamp is 0896 in both handles.
Hello, Ben - good review - I enjoyed getting a good look at the PST II. I have a PST, 0100...the plier head looks like yours...
I have this very model, date code 0298. No discernible difference between it and the one depicted here. I believe I bought it at West Marine. I don't carry it everywhere, but I keep it in the center console of my car. Very handy to have around.
There's that thick can opener I mentioned awhile ago. Cut open a can with that, it sucks. Just mashes the lid. At the time the Swiss version was so much better until the Leatherman version got skinny.
I wish they'd stamp 'USA' on their tools today. IIRC, the 2006 California lawsuit went favorably for Leatherman when it was found that 83% of the components were made in the USA, way beyond a minimum requirement of 70%.
I don't remember where I bought my PST ll but one handle is stamped 1195 and the other handle is stamped 0796. So I guess mine is a 96 model with some left over 95 parts
I watched a video and I am tempted to try it. They pressed the scissor pivot in a vise. They were able to cut string, paracord and other things alot better.
How much is the cost original original actually for that PST?
It’s a shame leatherman went from this to the pile of junk they are now today. I have a surge, wave, and rebar that all have issues out of the box. My surge had blade play and the bolsters rattler out of the box (the spring retention for the driver was weak as well). Tightening them didn’t help much. My rebar has crap retention for the knife blade, and my waves springs for the handle gave out within 2 months. I also took a look at a skeletool at the store and checked for blade play and the knife unlocked on my hand putting slight pressure on the spine with my hand. With further inspection, the liner lock was cut so bad that it didn’t connect with the tang properly. Overpriced and only for the name anymore.
So for you when did leatherman start going bad?
@@sextuspompeius1266 they’ve been bad for me from the start. Started getting them around 2017-18
I have a 1096,, still my edc, but i've bout wore it out. Would like a nice upgrade, lol, but i'm a bit bewildered with whats available now, oboy...
I would call that a hook sharpener.
Yep, I'm going to say you are right and I am wrong. Good observation.
I've two of the Marlboro versions. 06 of 94.
Looking at your pliers mention/comparison mine has the smaller pliers. ~ hmm, I didn't see my date until I used a loupe.
Before I saw it I looked elsewhere for info. ~~ Example of original has same pliers, with the old handle stamping with Multi Tool or such on the handle. BUT! said very original had problematic rivets, and their example are as yours and mine...
..needing a specialized wrench to snug up/take apart. (jeeze, glad mine never loosened)
Ya know if opened fully with pliers still tucked in, knife blade out it's a 7" reach. Great for harvesting Hen of Woods mushrooms.
It's belted pouch? Wow, you're a tough sell. I always thought the thick leather, four backed rivets and a snap was dandy.
File; on the Marlboro version is one side finer than the other with no hook sharpen groove. I use it for ferro rod strikes so I don't have to clean off the scorching from other/blades.
I like the philips driver on the LM. So I paired it with my Huntsman SAK in the cheeks of my canteen kit bag.
I'd rather torque all drivers on the LM than the SAK and get the SAK lose, feeling as a made in ***** copy knife the missus inherited.
Corkscrew on a SAK can be handy, but didn't think a horizontal philips would make sense on my end.
Four layers is all I can stand on a SAK...after eons of making fun of SAKs(never owning one before last fall) eep! Now I own a knife with little scissors.
Sorry so long winded TX. Thanks for the vid. It's always fun looking up history of older/vintage whether bought or other.
keep yer powder dry ~
I just got today a PST II with scissors for 1996
PST & Micra have the same form factor just different tool set and obvious size
Huh,
So I literally just picked up a PST at a local Pawn and antique shop a few hours ago, got home and am learning up on the model.
Mine says 0397 on one handle so it's a 97' but it has all the parts of the original PST... except the Phillips and flathead drivers are offset like the ones you got here 🤔🤣
What's also odd is one side says 0397 the other says 0497.
I got some kind of mutant frankenPST 🤣🤣
my dad still using this pst to this date.
I use one of these for my edc forever
I have a '95 PST II with the scissors.
Hmm. My 96 pst2 has scissors. Interesting how they differ
My first multitool was the PST, even though I own a Surge I still EDC the PST mostly due to size and weight as the PST isa slim and mostly not noticed in pocket or on belt. I keep thinking a Skeletool is next but the good old PST really just tackles most problems I short of getting out a toolbox. If all the tools, phillips especially locked back then it would have been near perfect.
Are the plier heads still made in Mexico?
Hard to say, I know at the time they switched the markings they were.
I have a old PST with scissors with a date stamp of 96
Cool
when i see this and compare it to my 98 swisstool (wich i still use btw, works 100% fine like a tank) its kind of funny how fast victorinox improved on the idea and then produce it to this day nearly unaltered, where as leatherman has pushed their design and developement far and beyond. I love my new wave + 2h, but i had to order a second one, the first had very bad craftsmanship. Greetings from Germany:)
It’s still on blade HQ it’s 150 bucks wow
I got the Marlboro Edition
I forgot to add that the plier head and the blade on my 0100 has leatherman USA on it...
My PST II is from '98. The only difference I see is that the small screwdriver on it doesn't have a wide base or a nail pull and bows out away from the centerline.
I own exactly the same PST II but with time stamp 0796
I got one with the stamp 1296, has the diamond file; it'sind identical to the one shown in the video.
The scissors are a bunch of trash. Should've added a wood saw.
I've got a PST II, which was my first. I've got a micra, and replaced it with a style cs (my mom wears another one on her keychain), i have a skeltool in my car and a wave with the leather sheeth in my survival package.
My pst2 is stamped 0297
I think you eat leatherman instead of food