July 2008
Fair Day
A few years back I saved my Xmas money and bought the biggest and best Leatherman, the Core, at Big 5. It has saved me countless times pulling out teeth, fixing my friend’s dirt bike, my quad, and our truck.
On the first day of the county fair my sister was taking a heifer and as I’m heading out the door from home I brush my hand against my pocket and something wasn't right. I brush back and my Leatherman wasn't there! I ran back to my room and grabbed my Leatherman.
Everything was going smoothly until it got hot, so we brought out the fans and one of the fans wasn't working. The FFA leader asked me for a screw driver. I pulled out my Leatherman and handed to her; she said “I asked for screwdriver, not a knife.” I grabbed and got the driver out, took apart the fan and fixed it. Then a crazy, possessed cow hit the electrical box and shut down the power. An electrically savvy person came over and said “I need pliers, wire cutters, and strippers - or a Leatherman.” I handed him mine; he fixed the short and the power was back. It was a big relief because it was close to weighing time we didn't want to stress the animals.
After we praised the Leatherman, we sat down and had lunch. We then hear one of our little members yell the leaders name and we all run over. A steer had its head caught in the display structure. The leader yelled, “Where’s that kid with the Leatherman?” (she didn't know me name). I said, “Right here” and I handed it to her. She cut the wire holding it up and the neck rope that was chocking the steer. At the end of the day I kept my Leatherman in my hand.
My Leatherman Core is starting to wear out so I’m thinking about upgrading and putting my old one in the truck for emergencies. I use my Leatherman so much, and it's so useful, my dad wants one. I’m going to get the Surge and get him the Skeletool.
Robert C.
Nipomo, CA
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.