Lotsa subtle variations. As I recall I purchased mine is a 1996, definitely mid-90's vintage -- USA stamped on pliers, L shaped screwdrivers, no wire cutter notch and TM number on one arm. I rarely concern myself with that level of detail.

I think I currently have that same, or very similar model. I bought my first L-tool about 1985, just as I relocated from Arizona to California, walking into my first REI retail store...

So, someday soon, we can sell these valuable artifacts and retire to a life of luxury?

I've had the LM-Crunch for about 5 yrs now,I can't see going back to the non-lockers anytime soon,short of losing this one of course.It is more expensive than most LM's,but has been extemely practical for everything!

So I'm sitting here with my original LM. It has Leatherman USA on the pliers. Only says Leatherman Tool, a US Patent number and Portland OR on one arm of the tool. The screwdrivers are L shaped. To the best of my recollection, I bought this mail order from BQM while I was stationed in Germany, so probably 86/87 time frame. It's a little worse for wear, but can still be used. Did I hit the lottery?

I wonder just how many of the original PST's are still in service? Leatherman made and sold a lot of the original, and then they got big.

I don't know about the lottery, but when I pass on someone will probably buy a box of junk for $5 and find a collection. If whoever gets my stuff doesn't take the time to find out what they have, too bad. Someone who appreciates them will.

I have carried one Leatherman or another on my belt for almost 20 years, so over time I have aquired several of the models.

I have settled on two that fit my needs: the Supertool 200, and the Wave original model....I have a new Wave also, but like the old one better, just a personal preference. I carry the ST 200 only when I am in remote areas, as it has the necessary tools and is more robust but much heavier than the Wave.

With a little luck and shrewd research, there are still great bargains to be had on eBay. You really have to study the pictures, and avoid any that don't have detailed shots, or those who post the pictures from the Leatherman site. You also need to look for the bane of all vintage knives: broken and reshaped knife or tool tips and grinder marks or heat blueing.

The tools will be with us forever, but the original leather sheaths are starting to get rare. A good one can affect the price. I bought a couple of extra sheaths while they are still availble and tucked them away.

Bottom line: There are no bad Leathermans. Buy any one of them in good condition with a decent sheath and take reasonable care of it, and you will have an heirloom quality tool.

Happiest of happy birthdays Izzy!

I've never liked the screwdrivers on any SAK. For whatever reason, it seems the edges come from the factory rounded-off. Makes it very difficult to use on stubborn screws. I'm happy to EDC a Vic Compact, but reach for a LM or a real screwdriver to turn screws.

Agreed on all counds Russ. The Kick is ok but I prefer locking blades. I passed on the Chartge because it was so close to Christmas and because it was a little heavy for my liking. I don't think it would be edc for me, it's too big for DS, but would make a nice addition to a kit.

Les, at this point (8 yo) I think he's going to use it for tinkering so the priority is probably going to be:

Pilars
Screwdrivers
Scissors
Saw
Can opener
Bottle opener
Knife
File
Awl