🛠 The Original Leatherman Supertool (IT WAS GENIUS!) 

I appreciate most Leatherman multitools for their functionality, but the OG SuperTool elicits genuine admiration for the work of art that it is. Each later iteration compromised some aspect of the original in the pursuit of “improvement”. The ST200 had a more idiot-proof lock, but it introduced hotspots on the handle. The rolled edges of the ST200 improved handle comfort, but made the tool wider. The Core introduced beefier internal tools, but the thing was huge and heavy. The ST300 is a great tool, but it is a pack horse compared to the thoroughbred that is the OG SuperTool. Your comment about the handles providing a safeguard against exceeding the load limits of the tool is further evidence that it is a work of art. As with great literature, one can draw meaning from the text that the author may not have imagined, but is still consistent with the work as a whole. Fortunately, there are enough “extant copies” in circulation to keep the OG SuperTool accessible for some time.

I bought mine in 1996 and it served me until i retired from the police service in June this year. It is still as good as the day i bought it. A masterpiece.

I used mine last night. I got it for my 12th birthday and am currently 31! I carried it every day for probably 12 years as a grew up on a farm and then became a mechanic. It now rides in my truck glovebox and is very sentimental!

I've had on since 89 or 90 I received this as a gift for Xmas from my Mom who worked for a power and telephone company, the lineman loved these, everybody had one. I still have one brand new in the package from back then too.

I have a Leatherman wingman, a gift from my grandpa when I turned 11. I can’t tell you how many times the screwdriver collapsed on me when driving in a random screw in a pinch. It’s a great tool and has lasted almost 9 years of daily carry and abuse now, no damage but the knife tip snapping due to misuse.

Man, I gotta tell you that watching you discover this tool was, quite possibly, one of the best video experiences, I've ever had on RU-vid. I was blessed to be issued, and carry, a PST for most of my Air Force career until a few years before I retired, when they issued us the Gerber tool that looks quite similar. Now I really like the Rebar and the SuperTool - possibly because of that experience. I recently found my old Leatherman sheath, which looked similar to the one you have. Made me miss the PST so much I tracked a good one down on Ebay. Spent some time cleaning, sharpening and tuning it this week and it now lives in my old sheath. I still have the last Gerber I was issued, but I really wish it was a PST. Thanks for this one. You continue to impress and educate, and it is appreciated.

I think the older polished tools resist rust better than the newer media blasted ones do.

My father was a dealer for Leatherman and I still have a couple of the original PSTs kicking around in storage. I hated them as a teenager and young man because of the fact that they did not have a locking knife or tools. Cut myself so many times. But thank you for the video. It's very nostalgic for me.

my father was an engineer, electrician, mechanic, and general maker and thinker of all things… He owned exactly 2 multi tools in his life. A Victorinox pioneer he bought new in the late 70s and this tool, A Leatherman super tool that he bought brand new sometime in the mid or late 90s. It was the one multitool that fulfilled all of his needs for the next 20 years until he died. He quite literally used what he deemed to be the perfect multi tool, his entire remaining life. I think that says something about the quality and functionality of the original Super Tool.

Don't open all the tools on one side at once. Very hard to get them unlocked. It is a great tool though. I love it too.

My dad carried a pst when I was a kid, then a wave later on. I picked up a pst for $15 a few years back for nostalgia and I absolutely loved it. Ended up passing it along to a friend and getting a rebar to replace it because I wanted the locking tools... if I had known that the O.G. super tool was locking and that the rebar was bigger enough from the pst that I wouldn't be pocket carrying it anymore I may have tried the super tool instead.

Had this tool for years. Held up very well and only a small scratch on the metal. I take this hiking / camping. Very useful in the field.

It made me smile seeing you geek out on the locking mechanism. I learned something today as well.

This original Leatherman Supertool remains my all-time favourite (next to my well loved, faithful old SAKs). I even had to use it for an emergency operation when on a land sortie, so Leatherman's reputation for such a reliable and well-loved multitool is well known and highly respected by professionals. I bought mine long after it came out: around 2008, and lovingly maintained it ever since. Many thanks for this wonderful trip down Memory Lane. 😊 Wendi UK 🌻

Bought my son a preowned pickup truck a year ago ..yesterday he decide to really give the interior a thorough cleaning..he found a small secret compartment n there it was ..a never used leather man super tool..same one on video…LOVE IT

I have a Leatherman PST autographed by Mr. Leatherman himself.

I still have my Supertool (since 1995) and it shows many signs of use (one interaction with acid) but every tool works as designed with 9 years of EDC. Every tool locks solid in the open position but does have some play when closed. I recommend you carry it for a week and enjoy it as I still do that a couple of times a year.

I still have the original "Leatherman Tool", (Mine does not say "Pocket Survival Tool" on it, says "Leatherman Tool" on both sides of the handle) bought it in the mid/late 1980's I think. Never really used it a lot, threw in my tackle box (I dont fish much) and it was completely unused for many years. This is what happens when you get old, you start having "collector's items" just lying around, lol

The pst 2 is one of my favorite Leatherman tools to pair with a dedicated folding knife. That and the Victorinox Swisstool Spirit XC (scissor and serrated blade)

Used the original back in the day an loved, loved, loved it. Used it several times a day. So great to hear you realize how awesome it is in real time.

I have a Leatherman tool adapter from the 90s that my father gave to me a while back. It’s made to fit the super-tool, pst, and some other similar models. While i can’t get those exact models anymore new, glad to see Leatherman is still producing updated versions of these tools that my bit driver will work on.

I just came across your video, it got me so excited I immediately browsed ebay, and I found a 99% never-been-used original supertool. Did not expect to still find one. Thanks for your video.

Some years ago the company I was working for used to give a gift on your birthday. One year they gave out Leatherman tools. (PST) I have carried one for years, fishing, camping, etc. Today it's in the console of my truck and goes everywhere. Can't count the times it has come in handy, especially the pliers! Pure genius in design.

I bought my original supertool at a Louis mc equipment store, in Germany, on my way to Prague from Denmark in 1999. The sheath gave up on me, but the tool is holding up well. It went into repairs once, because of a bit of slur in the pliers pivot - when I had had it for a year or so. At the moment my belt is holding the original smaller one, which was a gift from my brother to our father, but he never quite grew to appreciate it.

Excellent vid. Very genuine reaction. My first full size MT back when I was broke and new to adult jobs was a Schrade with a locking mechanism just like this. I always thought it was awesome. Cool to see that on a LM as well. Love the elegance of it.

I didn't realize the first tool I ever received in the Air Force to work on computers in the early 90's would be so sought after. I have barely used mine and in the last 30 years and never sharpen it, looks pretty new to include the sheath.....HMMM... I appreciate it much more now....thanks for sharing!!!

No I love leatherman tool. I enjoyed taking a look back at what started it all. Turns out it can’t beaten. Nice write up 💪🏻💪🏻

Still carrying my Leatherman PST everyday since I bought it back in 1985. That supertool is in amazing condition. Thanks for showing it.

Bought my first supertool with my first paycheck, 22 years ago. Used it until I upgraded to Surge last year. Still have original box en pamplet. Awesome tool.

This is my favorite tool that they ever made. Mine is a mid 1995 date stamp and have had it since then when I was in my early teens. I have a couple others of theirs, the Core, Blast, Wave, Freestyle, Juice and Skeletool. The one I carry most is the smaller Wave but I hate dangerous liner locks on knives and don't like the knife blade on it but love the small bit sunglass bit. The Original Supertool's two locking drop point knives that, when closed, gives you a full grip knife is the primary reason I like it over all the others. I've been thinking about replacing the Wave for this Original Supertool. Some other discontinued Leatherman products I always liked were the K502x dedicated lockback knife with 154CM blade and screw bits. The only negative is the screw bit does not lock. Also have the K501 knife and C55b knife. Honestly, they hit it out of the park with the C55b, just needs that 154CM drop point (false tanto) blade on it.

I have my original that says Cabellas on it. Got it as a gift way back in the day. I have used on everything from Deer, to nailing nails..everything. It holds up. I love it

Glad you were happy with it man. Stoked to see my tool make it to the channel!!

Bought my very first Leatherman in ~1994, it was this model SuperTool. I used it until the Rebar came out. Never got how everybody was bitching at the time about not having a button or lever to disengage the lock, the OG ST was just so damn robust and simple. I always wished that Leatherman had added this locking feature to the original PST.

Got the og supertool, inherited it from my father. Its got charme but what really is genious is the swisstool that is modelled after it i think. Made in 1998, all tools outsider, great ergonomics, action, tool selection, this thing is perfect, still today.

My first PST I bought in about 90 my first year in the field as an electrician. I ended up swapping for a Gerber for quicker deployment of pliers when I was 100+ feet in the air standing on pipes covered in ice. After a couple years the Gerber lock buttons failed. Never did find my original PST(a couple live in gals later). It was probably about in the same shape as yours only the knife blade and pliers occasionally a screwdriver were used. The leather sheath had barely any use other then rubbing safety harness and coveralls. I'd love to have that back along with a few past pew pews, heck a few muscle cars as well. Lol

Beautiful find! The super tool was an amazing amazing model/invention My modified ST300 is my all time favorite multi tool I EDC I added Victorinox 91mm scissors as well as the ST300 EOD saw adapter into mine! 😁 happy Friday brother!!

I just recalled a Leatherman Super Tool story. After my dad gifted me the new ST I took it to my buddies house. My friend isnt a stupid guy, he"s an electrician and super mechanical. The ST was lethal sharp...anyways my friend opens it up. He didnt run his thumb on the blade, he merely touched it and had a good cut.

I have the Leatherman Tool. It is really rusty and needs some TLC. My Dad gave it to me on a fishing trip to Canada in 96. I was 12 and I will never forget it. It is the Cabela's Leatherman Tool edition.

The Phillips is also more centered/inline. Love my Supertool. I did retire it when Leatherman repaired an overtorqued small screwdriver. My fault but I knew I would do it again so I put it away.

I still have mine. It's been 30 years now. I do have others, but I still use this one the most.

Came across this video while trying to find out when my Leatherman micro tool was released (Great scissors btw), they've been on my keys for 20 odd years. Dug out my old super tool just now and im amazed how well its held up since the mid 90's, its in virtually new condition although I never put it through serious use, mostly pliers, knife and Philips screwdriver. Watch out foe that serated edge blade though, its ultra sharp!

Got mine in 1992, in engineering design class. We had a project to design a link in a chain out of ABS plastic, and we tugged on the chain until links broke. My team was second last to break. We won a Leatherman for that (though so did 25% of the 104 student class).

Bought the super tool with leather holster and a micro in Saudi in '97... ST seldom used and lives in the desk drawer the micro has always been on my keyring. Both as tight and sharp as the day they were bought and never needed sharpening. Good investment I'd say.

This is the tool I use every week for aound the house tasks. I started watching your videos, to see if I should upgrade. However the tool looks and works the same as it did the day I bought it (in the late 1980's). I think I will just keep using it :)

I have a original Leatherman Super Tool from my dead father the most important object that connects me with him is the leatherman . He bought it when it was released and it is still in what i would say is as good as it can be for being used. im only 16 so havent had much use for it day to day and i live in norway so i cant use it as an edc because of the strict laws here, but i do find myself using it and just holding it from time to time. i do bring it with me a lot just not in front of people because of the strict laws here. it is nice to see a similar model that has almost the same look as mine only mine has my fathers signature engraved in it. my family was shocked to see that the multi tool was still "alive" and working. i found it a couple of years ago it was stiff but nothing some WD-40 couldnt fix .

I have the original Supertool, not the 300.My Papi passed away and I found it going through his stuff. It is new and never used. I think the dedicated Phillips driver and flat head drivers are superior and work like a charm. I just bought a used Letherman Surge yesterday at a flea market for $10.00. I'm not so crazy about the bit holder, or included bit at all. It has a broken can opener which I will have replaced .I've been watching many videos on Letherman multi tools and the best option I've decided on getting is the Letherman Supertool 300, but NOT the 300m series, as it has the bit option instead of the dedicated drivers option. Thanx for the video my Brother!

I’ve had mine since 1998 and the tool adapter for the various driver bits. Plus I still have the original bits.

Thanks for the throwback! The OG ST was my first multitool that I got for Christmas in 96. Carried it almost every day and used it for everything until I got a OG Wave 4 years later. The Wave took me by storm, and the ST was much neglected until I lost track of it entirely. If I found it now, I would appreciate it much more, maybe to a large part for the sentimental value, but very unlikely to happen at this point.

I kinda feel the same about the crunch. It doens't have many tools but it is exactly like what i need. just gave away a surge i had last week to a friend. these original line have a great size and weight (and body smoothness) make for nice daily carries for people who dont depend on pliers as much as a wave/surge user.

Have 2 leathermans, the Super Tool and the Side Clip my father gave me that I use every day. Great tools.

Have mine, somewhere,... Currently using a charge ti, sooo good

I feel so old watching this, my Leatherman original is still sat with me and gets used as much as my more modern ones. I got it on honeymoon in 2008.

I have one that has never been used, the case is impeccable and the original sticker is on it and the paperwork is in the case, this was given to me by an elderly neighbor.

I just inherited one from 1999. I need to get a case and just clean it up a bit :) Real excited.

Still have 2 of the originals along with a Wave and Super Tool. Love them all. I like the compact and easy carry nature of the original tools. My only complaint is they bite a bit on the fingers if you have to apply a lot of pressure when using the pliers, but I can live with that.

Still have mine that I bought out of a PX in Bosnia in 1997, still in damn near mint condition even after some hard use. Might still have the bit driver addon kit I also bought kicking around in a drawer somewhere.

Great video!

Still have mine since 1996. Still in mint condition. Was too afraid to use it then; definitely too afraid to use/damage it now. So I bought a Rebar as daily user.

The original was genius…so light and handy, the perfect combination of tools…like you said u had to know its limitations…but they were great, I was thrilled to find one of mine in pristine condition cleaning up! It is now on my belt and you almost don’t know it’s there…ready to go for light work and fishing.

I have 2 original super tools , one super tool 2nd version, and then one of the newest models. Total of over a 💯 Leathermans in all different models and versions. Love all your videos 👍👍by the way

Awesome! I have a collection of vintage leathermans. I got an original super tool myself for 50 shipped off ebay. Looks like it was never used as well. I was quite excited! I love learherman tools! Esp vintage!

I recently had the courage to go through a box of momentos mailed to me after my dad passed about 15 yrs ago. Sitting in that box was the unopened leatherman patent pending supertoool that I bought him many moons ago.

Whilemdated, it is still a very cool tool. My fav is the Wingman, just for me anyway. I bought a Wingman with a Micra at Home Depot for $19.99. On sale, I bought all they had, 5 total, gave em away for Xmas. That was like 18 years ago.

I bought my Super Tool in 1995. Mine came with a Cordura nylon sheath. I still have it today. The only damage is the very tip of the clip point knife is broken off from getting dropped on the concrete.

Bought a PST with a half cerated knife in an original pouch some 15 or 20 years ago for 30 Euro's on a secondhand market as a replacement for a SOG Paratool which I lost on a motorcycle holiday. I liked the SOG, but I think this was a good deal. Sometimes I think of buying a cheap new multitool or a secondhand Leatherman or Victorinox as a reserve, but so far he only thing I get is doubts because of the weight, the set of tools and the durability.

Super Tool is awesome. I didn’t have one until a weeks ago when I found an original like yours at a flea market for $10. Now I need to hit eBay for a sheath.

I still have and use one of these alongside the mag lite that came with it

Some 25 years ago, This served me multiple times every day in a military environment. SOG and Gerber had great other offerings, but that one was mine. Still have it, having been passed on to people that are no longer with us. The only thing that has come loose is the pliers.

I have wanted a pst for a long time, but I found my Pawpaw's that he had, and this video is why I am getting an original supertool.

Was about damn time haha !!!! I own two supertools in brand new shape, i need to find one that is more used cause it's such a good multitool. Heavydutier but still thinner than an ST300 ! Congrats on your purchase man ! They are so cool ! Original leathermans are really tough to beat !! Even PSTs and PSTIIs are awsome ! So thin while so usfull ! I found a PSTII with scissors but without the PSTII engraved... like the early early PSTII.. paid 35$ for it with original leather sheath !! I love hunting vintage/originals Leathermans !!! 💥🤘

You can't go wrong with a Leatherman. My go to multitool is a Super Tool 300. Love the Surge and Wave too. The Pocket Survival Tool is still very relevant and ahead of its time. If you don't have the Super Tool 300 I suggest you get one. Its just as capable as a Surge, without the scissors. I prefer the serrations on the 300 compared to the original. The original Super Tool knife remembers me of a butter knife with serrations. I love the earlier Leatherman though. I'm 36 years old. I was only eight when they released the Super Tool in 1994. Love the classics.

I actually bought a SuperTool a few months ago at my local Cash Converters (Pawn shop chain here in Australia) and it was in pretty good shape. Blade was a little dull so had to sharpen that but it's my main one I use around home. You can date these as well by opening the handle and it would show 4 numbers. The last two are the year that it was made in. I suspect the same is for the PST but I'm not all entirely sure.

Sent my pst for repair got a rebar back 😭 i have owned several models of Leathermans over the years and the original supertool and pst were the best to date

Need to pick one up myself now.

Need to get me one off these to add to the collection. The problem is they are so useful that I want to EDC it and its tough to get a replacement.

Mine was a 21st present from my Uncle in 97 so it just turned 26yo and still going strong

Great video! Your reaction is most refreshing...Interesting, I was just looking at these when your video came up...I have both, the PST I purchased, the SuperTool my dad's, which he gifted me...both with the original sheaths...may I suggest conditioning the sheath? It is good leather, & the patina will look richer & the leather will be butter soft & last longer...Many people will not do so, which I think is a shame, since to me nothing looks better to the eye than an older well - conditioned tool & it's equally well used & well conditioned original sheath...You will enjoy carrying it & using it - a really nice tool...I would like to see a video on the PST II which has the scissors...never seen one, & compare it to the original PST...thanks!

The locking mechanism was forgone because braindead people would open all the tools and not be able to close it, leading to the ST200, but between the 200 and 300 there was the leatherman Core. Its worth a look.

Amazing!

Great vid, but I think the Victorinox always locked from the start and can access all tools from outside, I love them.

Not an under-appreciated multitool, but an under-appreciated budget knife: have you ever looked at the Civivi Durus? They are discontinued now, but still for sale at retailers. I’ve been using mine since they came out and I really think Civivi nailed the dimensions and blade geometry. The clip isn’t my favorite, but I really think it hits all the needs for effective, minimal EDC

I just found a PST 2 on eBay for $35!! I planned on restoring it thinking it would be in rough shape.... Just like your example, mine has hardly been used! I love the PST 2 because of the scissors. And you're right, there's just something about the form factor of these old tools that you have to have in hand to understand. Would you mind doing a review/comparison of the PST 2? Thanks for the great videos!

The OG Supertool was my first Leatherman. I still have it. I did not like the any of the newer versions of the Supertool. I carried mine off and on for over 18 years and still have the original case for it. I switched to a Wave and then Surge since then.

I had one of those many years ago. I loved the tool, but... The large flat blade screwdriver broke - I ground it down to a small box cutter blade. It broke at a really bad angle that made it unable to be turned back into a screwdriver. The small flat blade screwdriver broke, as well. That one was able to be ground back into a screwdriver. The saw held up pretty well, but it dulled after a while, as did the serrated blade to a small extent. The plain blade was pretty decent, but needed to be resharpened many times and wouldn't hold a great edge. I wish they made the tools with better materials for their purpose. I believe the same steel was used for every tool. I gave it away. I got a SuperTool 300 to replace it, but I don't carry or use it anymore - multitools can't do what I need them to do in my job.

I didn't know they locked either! Has same lock style as the Schrade Tough Tool.....I carried PST for a year or so until Wave came out....I own many Leathermans...but still carry a Pulse every day. It is 5.8 oz with locking tools. Only slightly thicker than PST...won't fit in PST sheath...No saw...but can carry a SAK for that.....

Just saw this video but you're right. This is truly THE SUPERTOOL! My only wish is that they made a 5oz PST with the same type of locks. If either one could be affordable produced today I'd be first to buy them,

I own one (the bigger one) from 1997, it works well even now. The locking mechanism was the plus point mentioned even then..

See if you can find a SOG Pocket Power Plier. It’s very similar to the PST but has the extra leverage gears and exchangeable implements. The Paratool is also an incredibly unique multitool from SOG. Both should be pretty easy to find on EBay for around $50.

*SUPER TOOL 200 IS KING OF KINGS!!!!!!!!ST 1 AND ST 300 IS GEEEEEE!!!!!!!!*

I have a mint one with a mint sheath, very lucky to have found it

Got one in never used condition it’s beautiful

I had the original from the 80s only thing that sucks was occasionally you would pinch your self or get cut. I carried it for many years it took a beating. I still have it!

I got two of them for free basically. My dad found one at his job and someone forgot theirs while working in my house. The first pair has initials on it. Although I’m in love with both, if I could I would return both back to the original owners.

I found a Leatherman pst at a local antique store for $15. I can tell it was well used. You may ask how I know. Well it is missing the entire file minus about a 1/16 inch of the file part and where it attaches to the tool. It is also missing the tiny screw driver and the knife was as dull as the frame. I still think it is a good deal.

I've got a original super tool but in black..one other cool thing about these is since the saw blade locks..make it nice to use back of saw blade to strike ferro rod and it won't close on you

My dad gifted me one in the 90s, maybe even 80s. I used to carry it in the car, but never really used it. I have the leather sheath and it looks like new. Dads long gone, I couldnt ever get rid of the supertool, my dads part of it.

👍Great tool. I have an original 1995 Supertool just like the one you just bought, only mine definitely has been used 😊. Just be careful on the unlock manouvre, I've cut myself a couple of times when I was in too much of a hurry 😅.

I have 2 of the original Leatherman super tools in the sheathes. Have at least 20 years. 🎉

I have one of these from many years ago. Seemed genius then and still genius now. Even putting sentimentality aside, I don't see a compelling reason to upgrade mine.

This dude has been reviewing multi tools for years... Just realizes that the best ones have been out of production for 20 years.