This is a full sized, fully feature-loaded multitool which can usually be found at a great price. It is my main go-to multitool, and I have several from the various lines that Leatherman makes. The Blast is the top model in the Leatherman intermediate line, where its junior siblings are Leatherman Kick and Fuse.
What’s so great about it? It is lighter than comparable tools with similar features, which makes it easy to carry. It packs a ton of useful and essential tools: knife, metal file and saw, wood saw, several screwdrivers including Philips and eyeglass mini, can / bottle opener, scissors – and they all securely lock in place when open. Each tool opens smoothly by itself, unlike on some lower end multitools. The knife is among the longest seen in any multitool. Pliers are large, sturdy, and the best Leatherman offers, same as on much more expensive models. The screwdrivers are long, making it easy to reach any screw. (Leatherman separately sells an extension bit holder if you need to work with more exotic screws.) The ruler markings on the handle have been surprisingly useful to me also. The price is great too, esp. if you shop around online.
What could be better? To access any of the tools, you need to open the handles. Unlike the Leatherman Juice series, nothing is accessible “from the outside,” which tends to be the fashion these days. Nothing opens just with one hand, unlike on the famous Leatherman Wave. If you are a knife snob, the steel of the knife could have been higher end. Any of these things could be a deal breaker for some people. For me, this is a tool I keep around for when something actually needs fixing; I don’t carry it with me in my pocket since it is a little too bulky and heavy for that. For smaller daily tasks like opening packages or cutting something, I carry and use a smaller keychain tool (Leatherman Squirt) or a Swiss Army Knife, where cutting tools are more easily accessible.
Are there bigger or better multitools? Sure. Many rave about the Leatherman Wave or Charge, but they are heavier, and good luck finding them at less than 1.5x or 2x the street price of this Blast. Victorinox also makes a pricier SwissTool line. For some of course this price difference will be worth it. I feel anything smaller or cheaper than the Blast is likely to be a compromise (some useful tools missing, pliers less sturdy, lesser materials and quality, or something else) – although in many cases, such compromises are OK depending on your purpose.
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