Right now there are a couple of one-handed multi-tools on the market, such as the Gerber Diesel Multi-Plier, but they’re all kind of ho-hum. That’s soon to change – Leatherman has formally announced its new OHT one-hand-tool, and it looks totally bad-ass.
The Leatherman OHT will feature spring-loaded pliers that can be opened and closed with one hand, a feature many will find extremely appealing. Certain Leatherman sheaths allow you to carry the pliers in an open position, but I’ve always found this to be awkward.
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It also looks like the One Hand Multi-Tool’s blades and tools are all accessible from the outside of the tool, another big plus. Many of Leatherman’s other multi-tools, such as the Sidekick, Wave and Charge already feature one-hand-opening for the primary knife blades and tools.
Leatherman OHT One Hand Tool Features:
- spring-action combination needlenose and regular pliers
- replaceable 154CM soft and hard-wire cutters (pliers)
- 420HC straight edge knife blade (2.37″)
- 420HC serrated knife blade
- aggressive-toothed wood saw
- strap cutter (v-notch)
- oxygen wrench
- can & bottle opener
- small, medium and large slotted screwdrivers
- Phillips screwdriver
- integrated lanyard attachment
- stainless steel body
- gloved-hand accessibility
- #8-32 cleaning rod attachment
- closed length of 4.5″ and 9.9oz weight
- MOLLE sheath
The OHT will be available in black and coyote tan/brown. Leatherman points out that these will have Cerakote finishes, not black oxide. The primary blades and tools feature liner-locks, and all tools are lockable for safety and ease of use.
One more thing – look at the handles of the tool. Do you see how there are imprints at all four corners? Those markings help you visually identify which tool is where so you can deploy the tool you need on the first try.
Leatherman OHT Release Date & Pricing
Early ETA is Aug/Sept 2012, and MSRP is currently set at $82.
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Maikeru
You should see the pre-SHOT show demonstration video; Julie demos the OHO action and it looks pretty smooth. She also shows the Rebar as well as the Z-Rex.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NcLZWdXkxdA
Needless to say while my Charge has been enough for me, I might have to add this one to the mix to rotate in depending on where I’m going. That and it looks to have a better strap-cutter than the Charge’s.
Stuart
Thanks for the link to the video! That’s actually where I first saw the OHT and then reached out to LM for additional info and better photos. The strap cutter on the Charge is great for casual use, but frequent users will definitely want something like the Z-Rex. Even though it’s replaceable, some users may be able to sharpen it back to full effectiveness.
Gary
Wonder if the OHT will pinch hands like the Gerber was renowned for? My Gerber ended up in the middle of the Mississippi River after it was thrown there from pinching me once too often.
TrevorDurden
By the nature of the design of the sliding pliers, they will always have the possibility of pinching fingers, however I think you only need the finger in there to open it back up. Having sprung plier should remedy this.
Stuart
Early photos show that the handles do not close completely – perhaps this is done to avoid the type of palm-pinching you experienced with your Gerber.
Chris
i rather want a pair of scissors than the gut hook stuff…
Stuart
Maybe there will be scissors in a follow-up version. There’s also no wood/metal file, not that I often use the ones in the multi-tools I carry.
Maikeru
Scissors that fold up in the closed position like on the Juice XE6 (instead of the open position on the full-sized tools) would be nice. Those were some of the best multitool scissors I’ve ever used.
I’ve personally found that the cut/gut-hook on the Charge TTi works well for applications such as cutting zip-ties, opening shipped packages that use packing tape (safer than using a knife since if you slip you won’t mar what’s inside), and cutting the plastic shrink wrap off of things (flats of soda, value-pack bundled items, etc). I’d guess that the slightly more aggressive and dedicated one on this tool might do just as well if not slightly better—it might actually be useful as a seatbelt cutter in an emergency.
Hamish
Is there any play in the pliers like in the gerbers? If so I’ll probably get the rebar instead.
Stuart
It will be several months until production samples are available, so unfortunately I can’t answer this just yet.
Mikey
The lack of a bit driver is a big disappointment for me! Ad that, and maaaaybe scissors and you have the perfect tool!
Mario
im agree with mike, bit drivers are esential (torx, phillips, etc) or may be an adapter
Nater
Tool access on the outside is a double edged sword. It makes getting to them easier, obviously, but it also can make the serious gripping painful over long periods of time. Probably not the typical usage scenario for a multi-tool, but still one thing to consider.
The spring loaded pliers are probably the biggest selling point to me, it’s the one thing my Diesel really needs. The Diesel isn’t a ho-hum tool if you use one every day. I’ve had multi-tools from Leatherman, SOG, and Gerber and the only one that I’ve really liked is the Diesel.
michael byrne
I want it, when will it be in australia and how much will it be
johan
pity like the MUT it doesn’t have a file, its cool but the SURGE have all I need.
lee meng keat
have any tool bit on oht ?
Mike
That looks like a nice tool but why doesnt Leatherman use a better blade steel? At least use 154cm but s30v would be better yet!
Thx.
Mike
vu
My old leatherman technitool feels better than these new thingys from non leatherman companies. All the high stuff hasnt saved me from what this old technitool couldnt do, that’s why I have a tackbox with normal tools.
Carl Deering
Buy a Swiss Spirit – once you own it you will understand.