May 2009
World's Best Tool?
My Core was the first. It immediately replaced 1/4 of my tool box after purchase. That's a statement as I have been in many trades, including a Dodge Mechanic, so my tool box is fairly well equipped. The blades were sharper than a razor, the screwdriver bits were ANSI certified and worked better than any Snap-on screwdrivers I've used. Considering a Snap-on screwdriver set is more expensive than a Core, wow. The pliers were ridiculously incredible. The whole blasted tool was great. I used it as a knife, every screwdriver bit on my vehicles, my parents, friends, etc... I used it through deep-sea diving school and as a commercial diver. Never one spot of corrosion or a bent bit or blade as it was also my favorite pry bar.
After a year I began greedily eyeing the Charge TTi. I was skeptical of the flat bits, even though they are ANSI certified also. And tool-steel. But I succumbed after two months of ponderance. Even better. The Core made any other tool seem like a joke, it was amazing. The Charge TTi? Did God forge this himself? It shouldn't even be allowed in the marketplace, it's just too darn good. I'm surprised anybody even waste's money on screwdrivers, needle nose, can openers, knives, files, saws, 1/4 and 3/8 ratchets (a mix-match of adaptors from Leatherman's bit extender that allows use of 1/4 hex bits, freaking genius...), allen heads, torx drivers, Robertson bits, blah dee blah blah...
Ok, enough yet? No. Not only is the TTi better then every single "right" tool in existence, but Leatherman has the balls to back the thing up with a 25 year warranty. My blade developed a fracture, so last week I shipped her down to Portland and got it back in exactly 7 days with not just a new S30V blade, but a new file and new serrated blade with a full cleaning and tune up! Are you JOKING me?!? This being said, if Leatherman didn't back up their product and the competition did, I'd still be rocking a Leatherman. Screwing myself over by saying this? No. Leatherman is the kind of company that is so very rare these days with awesome products and the manliness required to back it up. I now have my TTi, a Juice and Micra. The Core went on to a needy maintenance tech. If anyone takes the time to read up on Leatherman, you'll have found out his standards on what flies as passable as far as quality control are nothing short of completely anal. One of my friends is co-owner of Sea Cast, a foundry here in Seattle among other places. He claimed to have at one time supplied Leatherman plier heads and confirmed that the quality control was stringent. Speaks very highly of Leatherman.
Seriously, thank you. So very much. Your tools are a ridiculous bargain for what I received. You replaced almost 1/2 of my toolbox with the TTi, the God of tools, and you've taken great care of this customer. I can't wait to see how you guys trump the mighty TTi. Count me as a customer for life. Your products will make presents for me and for many friends and family.
Jim B.
Seattle, WA
OK, you voyeur, you. Enough of reading other people's stories. It's time you told your own tale of gripping heroism or even just neat DIY'ism. We know there's a Shakespeare in you somewhere. Don't make us use the Steens to find it.