Leatherman, The Bond

I’ll be refraining from gratuitously quoting Bond movies throughout this piece; that would be immature. Leatherman, akin to a much-loved secret agent, “likes to do some things the old-fashioned way” (definitely not taken from Skyfall), and their latest offering is inspired by the company’s very first multi-tool, the PST.

Those of you who’ve read my Leatherman Rebar review will know I’m a big fan, and with the Bond, I think they’ve captured the essence of what makes these multi-tools so special. First off, it’s the perfect entry point for newcomers to the multi-tool universe with its ultra-lightweight, pocket-friendly design and sub $50 price point. The Bond is inspired by Tim Leatherman’s original multi-tool, the PST, but takes advantage of years of continued innovation from their engineering team. The result is a tool that packs 14 essential features into a compact, everyday carry. The Bond is designed to “handle just about any day-to-day task, whether it’s getting a firm grip with the pliers, cutting wire, using one of the multiple screwdrivers, measuring with the ruler, or even opening a can of beans in the kitchen.” The Bond promises to showcase Leatherman’s “top-quality” production at an affordable price point, thus further bolstering its reputation as a working-class hero. Lastly, despite 40 years of production, the company’s multi-tools are still made in Portland, Oregon.

It’s no secret; I love Leatherman. That’s not to say I don’t rate other multi-tools, as there are some fantastic alternatives (Victorinox, Gerber, SOG, and CRKT come to mind). However, I’m not sure that another brand has quite the same everyday appeal as Leatherman products. The Bond’s focus on simple yet functional dependability at an affordable price will undoubtedly make it a top seller.

$49.95 | leatherman.com

Tools:
– Needle nose pliers
– Regular pliers
– Wire cutters
– Hard-wire cutters
– Electrical crimper
– 420HC knife
– Wire stripper
– Ruler (4 in | 10cm)
– Wood/Metal file
– Awl w/thread loop
– Phillips screwdriver
– Large Screwdriver
– Small Screwdriver
– Can Opener
– Bottle Opener

Product Specifications:
– Blade Length 2.9 inches | 7.36 centimetres
– Closed Length 4 inches | 10 centimetres
– Weight 6.21 ounces | 176 grams
– 100% Stainless Steel
– Made in the USA with US Global Parts
– 25 Year Warranty

No money in the bank, but gas in the tank. Our resident Bikepacking Editor Jack Mac is an exploration photographer and writer living full-time in his 1986 Vanagon Syncro but spends most days at the garage pondering why he didn’t buy a Land Cruiser Troopy. If he’s not watching the Lord of the Rings Trilogy, he can be found mountaineering for Berghaus, sea kayaking for Prijon, or bikepacking for Surly Bikes. Jack most recently spent two years on various assignments in the Arctic Circle but is now back in the UK preparing for his upcoming expeditions—looking at Land Cruisers. Find him on his website, Instagram, or on Facebook under Bicycle Touring Apocalypse.