Leatherman has announced 2 new tools for 2016 – a knifeless Rebar, and a rescue version of their awesome Skeletool.
First up, the knifeless Rebar. Right away, I should mention that the knifeless Rebar is NOT TSA compliant. It still has a saw and a somewhat sharp awl.
The knifeless Rebar was designed for workplaces, jobsites, and other environments where you’re not allowed to carry a knife blade.
I dug up a press release that says:
“Whether it’s a coalmine or a breakfast cereal factory, more and more restrictions are being put in place prohibiting knives in the workplace,” said Leatherman Product Manager Jason Carpenter.
Check out my review of the Leatherman Rebar multi-tool for a closer look at the tool this one is based off of! The only difference I can tell is that the knifeless Rebar trades the serrated blunt-tipped knife for a small pair of scissors, and that some of the tools are switched around, possible to make things work.
If you’re used to some of Leatherman’s other multi-tools, such as the Skeletool CX, Wave, or OHT (one handed tool), and are seeing the Rebar or knifeless Rebar for the first time, you might be surprised that its tools cannot be opened from the outside.
To access the Rebar’s tools, you’ve got to first deploy the pliers.
I don’t carry my Rebar often, but when I do, it’s usually with a better knife alongside it.
The best part of the Rebar multi-tool is the pliers, and its heavy duty wire cutter blades, which are user-replaceable.
It’s a good tool, and I just might take a closer look at the knifeless Rebar. I don’t use the Rebar’s knife often anyway, but those scissors might come in handy.
Street Price: Probably ~$50-60
Compare(Leatherman Rebar via Amazon)
Next up, there’s the new Skeletool RX, which is a new variation of the popular Skeletool multi-tool designed specially for EMTs, first responders, and other rescuers.
Let’s just call it a rescue tool. I’m guessing that’s what the R in the RX stands for.
Check out my review of the Leatherman Skeletool CX, and Skeletool multi-tools if you want an everyday version.
The Leatherman Skeletool RX is similar to its siblings, but features a fully serrated 154CM stainless steel knife blade with rounded sheepsfoot tip profile. This makes it quicker and safer for cutting through certain materials – I’m guessing seat belts and the clothes of someone who might be in need of medical attention.
Serrated knife blades work best on fibrous materials, such as rope, webbing, and fabric.
The Skeletool RX also features a carbide glass breaker, which attaches to the tool in the form of a removable screwdriver bit. There’s a standard double-sided bit stored in the handle in case you need it.
This version also sports a bright orange Cerakote finish, which is a durable, abrasion-resistant, and corrosion-resistant gun coating.
ETA: Jan 2016
MSRP: $102
Compare(Leatherman Skeletool Variants via Amazon)
Oh, and there will also be new Leatherman Tread bracelet multi-tool links, with Metric tools.
Here’s my Leatherman Tread Day 1 Review. I have become a little less enthusiastic about the Tread. It’s still a great concept, and the tools work reasonably well, but it’s not as much a wearable multi-tool as it is a wide and heavy bracelet. If I don’t have a purpose for wearing it, I would much rather have a naked wrist, or I wear a watch.
The Tread launched with some metric-sized tools, and so it’s unclear as to what’s actually coming out in 2016.