I've been looking for a multitool that has what I consider to be the best tools for survival. That means woodworking and rudimentary metalworking tools.

The new Leatherman Core has all the tools I've been looking for:

Plain blade
Saw
Awl (looks like one, anyway)
File
Can opener

With the first three, one can fabricate almost any kind of shelter or trap. With the file and can opener one can rework found metal items like cans.

It even has a lanyard loop! And it doesn't have any separate bits to keep track of.

The only other Leatherman that comes close is the Juice KF4. The SwissTool has the requisite components, but is largish.

I'm hoping the Core is like the original PST, but with a fuller tool set. I'll be watching for more reviews on this one.

Bear

The Core is an updated version of the Super Tool 200.

http://www.leatherman.com/products/tools/super-tool-200/default.asp

The tools are the same with improvements..

I'm looking forward to getting my hands on one, Leatherman says that the plan is to have it replace the ST 200 by this time next year.

Leatherman Core

Blade Material?

Honestly, I like the Charge Models because of 154cm blades, but they are TOO big - I'd love a "no compromise" leatherman - Things like a pliers head made of steel like Klien uses for their pliers, blades of ATS-34, etc - I'd shell BIG bucks for one

if I ever loose my PST (hope I won't ...), I may buy this one to replace it ....

KC said "Honestly, I like the Charge Models because of 154cm blades, but they are TOO big - I'd love a "no compromise" leatherman - Things like a pliers head made of steel like Klien uses for their pliers, blades of ATS-34, etc - I'd shell BIG bucks for one..."

Exactly. My additonal requirement is the two sided file like the Wave. I use the diamond side ALL the time.

Just a point - unlike names, radio call signs usually are abbreviated to the suffix - aka, I'd usually be called "IXE" by another ham (of course my call sign has change to KG2V, so they usually use the full call, or 2V)

<img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

> With the file and can opener one can rework found metal items like cans.

Have you tried it? I once tried to make little solid fuel stoves out of tin cans, using the file on a Juice XE6. It seemed to me the file was about 3 times as thick as a proper hacksaw, removed 3 times as much metal and was 3 times as much work. Not fun.

I regard scissors as essential for a multi-tool. You can use them to cut tin! Although I still wouldn't want to do it in the field. I'd rather have scissors than a knife blade if I need to, eg, cut clothing off to get to a wound for first aid, and they are often safer or more convenient for every day use. (And to be honest, I think it's nice to have a corkscrew too. It seems silly to go camping and pack a multi-tool and a corkscrew.)

I agree with you about the importance of metal-working, though. I live in an urban environment, so one of my criteria for a PSK is, would it help me escape from a stuck lift (aka "elevator")? According to some estimates, 10% of the deaths in the 9/11 WTC event were people trapped in lifts. A file is also useful for sharpening your knife.

That said, my current commonly-carried tool is the CS4. I like it partly because it is smaller and lighter than the XE6, but the file is one of the things it looses. (The other is the serrated blade, which I can live without). It keeps the woodsaw. I think theoretically the file is more crucial than the woodsaw, but the woodsaw I am more likely to actually use. I have stuck (part of) a hacksaw blade into my PSK. I know I can cut metal with it. I don't know how much practical use it would be.

Incidently, the Juice XE6 has all the tools you mention. Non-locking blades, but that makes it more suitable for EDC in the UK where people can be funny about such things.

I have to say that this tool IMHO (and to borrow a phrase from Doug) appears to have 'everything I need and nothing I don't'. <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />