Leatherman Bond 18

Further to my previous review. After some use I stand by my assertion that this tool is awkward and uncomfortable to use. This is due to the stiffness of the tool and the sharp edges. Also, I have been advised that this is possibly not UK Legal Carry. I have been told that it might not have a locking blade but you have to fold back the handles to close the knife - the blade is locked open when the handles are closed and it takes 2 steps to close the knife and this, apparently makes it illegal in the UK. If the blade was on the outside when the handles are closed like it is on the Wave then it would be Ok.

After some use, I discovered a really nasty flaw with the blade. It can flop open a few degrees while you're using the pliers, and slice open your fingers- a problem that no other Leatherman suffers from- and a complete slipjoint nono. This is caused by an actual gap between the bit of metal acting as a backspring and the tang- there's literally no spring tension for the first 15 degrees or so. Couple that with a large cutout next to the blade and it's really easy for it to fall open when you shift your grip on the pliers. Because the blade is on the outside of the plier handles, the exposed cutting edge is right near your fingertips. This is dangerous, and it probably shouldn't be on sale at all like this. It looks like Leatherman just used a blade from another tool without re-designing the tang and its torque points; as such, this makes this tool far below the standards that Tim Leatherman claims to adhere to, for shame.

This is the first proper multi-colour I have owned and was bought after watching a few reviews. I am very pleased with it and the street legal knife is a definite winner. The whole tool is great quality and feels rugged yet light enough to have as an EDC. Would definitely recommend.

I bought this as a collector, rather than meeting a particular need. Build quality is good. Any stiffness will almost certainly wear out in time. As will all Leathermans, the price effectively includes Leatherman's excellent extended warranty. The Bond appears to be a collection of pre-existing Leatherman parts brought together in a new handle. The plier head looks like it came from the old Wave model. This is a good thing compared to the Wingman/ Sidekick as it can actually cut wire cleanly. The detent on the knife blade is virtually non existent and it can open partially when you don't want it too. A small neodymium magnet placed inside the handle can prevent that if it bothers you The only reason I see for carrying this instead of an SAK and a small pair of pliers is that you absolutely only want to EDC one tool. Personally though, I like carrying a pair of scissors, a small saw and a more capable knife. So, I will carry this with a second tool. The only compelling reason to buy this over the similarly priced Rebar imho is that it may be UK legal for EDC. The legality of the tool is not 100% certain afaic, particularly as police officers have a lot of discretion in these matters. If you open the blade and close the handles the blade can fold partially but not fully. Having said that, Leatherman and Heinnies have both described this tool as UK street legal. I will carry it but with some reservations.

Bought this as its UK legal carry and having a few other models (charge/wave/signal/juice) I was expecting a bit better. Being a new tool it is exceedingly stiff, hopefully this will ease through use. There are two main areas of concern; both I reckon will lead to injury. Firstly the blade will open a few mm exposing the razor point. This appears to be by design for ease of access. Secondly when the pliers are in use the return lip of the handles has a very sharp inside edge which if you slip will no doubt give a nasty slice as the folds of your fingers go in there whilst gripping. On the plus side, the needle nose pliers are good, as are the screwdrivers and the blade is excellent out the box. A nice feature when using the blade is that it cannot close onto a finger inadvertently as the lower handle stops it at 45degrees. Always a risk with non-locking blades. Would’ve been nice to come with a pocket clip as it’s a nice slim tool, trying to locate one in the UK is proving difficult though (same clip for the free series). Only 3 stars due to the concerns noted. Next day delivery from Heinnie ...excellent!

Quality feels down to me. A bit disappointed.

Another nice tool even better now it’s UK Friendly. Been using Leatherman since they first came to the UK in the eighties.. slightly chunkier the the PST with the advantage of rounded edges.. Really tight to open the pliers but I’ve only had it for a week, it will ease with time and a bit of lube. Not much more to say as it’s not had time to see action but it should last for many years

I had the original PST and loved it like millions of others? This new offering from Leatherman has a bond with that tool and im sure thats why its taken that name ? This tool is a winner not only euro friendly but pocket friendly too ! Bond has all the tools found on PST all taken from Rebar ! The pliers are the old wave ones so Leatherman have only had to come up with new handles so its not cost much to tool up for production hence the price point i guess and this model is far better than the other cheaper ones like wingman as i personally thought that was junk and looked cheap and nasty out the box ! Bond looks like a proper tool and handles like one too with the full size drivers that the range uses ? This multitools going to last as long as the PST im sure and i cant help thinking back when using Bond , how simple and effective Leatherman was back in 1983 before everyone wanted all tools to lock ,bit exchangers , scissors and 12 oz pocket burdens etc( i was one !) But this back to basics inexpensive edc pocket friendly multitool is fantastic ! Im already using it and love the simplicity of this no nonsense Leatherman ! Some complain of the handles digging in with the top of the file catching the palm of the hand ? But are any multitools completely hot spot free ? Ive never found one ? I really think this model is a Bond with the PST and a nostalgic trip back to the start of it all and its a winner ! Quick mention re the red hot service thats the norm from HH

Whats not to like, Uk carry leatherman good size tool at a sensible price, well done folks