The Leatherman Bond EDC (Every Day Carry) is a lightweight UK-compliant multi-tool that packs 14 essential features into a compact design, writes Mike Gormley.
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I am pleased to say I can boast a very long association with Leatherman multi-tools; this association includes meeting Tim Leatherman, the multi-tool inventor and founder of the company, a couple of times. I can also say that there are few days that go by when I don’t have one of his tools on my belt, or at least close by, and most of those days will see my Leatherman being used for something. More often than not, helping someone else out.
My first Leatherman was the, perhaps now deemed basic, PST or Pocket Survival Tool model introduced in 1983 and produced for over 20 years. I was working at the time with someone who had one and was serving with what is now JADTEU and involved with the air-drop trials of vehicles when I decided there and then I had to have one. It was just such a handy bit of kit.
This ‘new’ member of Leatherman’s now extensive range, the Bond EDC is really a step back in time. One might argue why, but it is with good reason. The dangerous weapons legislation in the UK now does not allow one to routinely to carry a locking bladed knife, so the Bond EDC (Every Day Carry) overcomes this as its 2.6” blade is non-locking.
The Bond EDC has all the expected principal features of a Leatherman; knife blade, needle nose pliers and wire cutter, blade and Philips screwdrivers, bottle and tin opener, awl and file etc. However what makes this version different is the subtle ‘soft lock’ on the main blade, which does not permanently lock it but does offer sufficient resistance to prevent you having a nasty experience if the blade accidentally closes while in use. The EDC Bond also comes with the new style of nylon belt sheath with press stud fixing, which is much more hard-wearing than the old hook and loop closure.
The Bond EDC may be deemed an ‘entry level’ Leatherman with a price point to match (under £60) but it will not disappoint, as my first PST didn’t; though I have to say these days those models further up the range do offer a lot more capability, but of course not everyone will need this in a lightweight (165g / 5.8oz) every day carry belt tool.
Leatherman Bond EDC Tools / Features List:~
- Needlenose Pliers
- Regular Pliers
- Wire Cutters
- Hard-wire Cutters
- 420HC Knife
- Wood/Metal File
- Awl with Thread Loop
- Phillips Screwdriver
- Large Screwdriver
- Small Screwdriver
- Can Opener
- Bottle Opener
- Wire Stripper
- Ruler (1.5″ / 3.8cm)
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Editor’s Comment: Mike forgot to say that the stainless steel Bond EDC comes with Leatherman’s standard 25-year warranty. My own trusty and regularly used Leatherman Super Tool (introduced 1994) was manufactured 24 years ago, in August 1997, and has never let me down once in all that time so I have not needed to cash in that warranty… and I doubt I now will.
[images © Mike Gormley]