Why Discontinued Leatherman Tools Still Matter to Fans
Leatherman has been the gold standard in multi-tool design since Tim Leatherman and Steve Berliner launched the original PST back in 1983. Over the decades, the Portland-based brand has released dozens of models, each refined to serve a different user — from outdoor adventurers and first responders to everyday carry enthusiasts and professional tradespeople. But with innovation comes attrition. Not every great tool survives the product lineup rotation, and some of the most beloved Leatherman models have quietly been discontinued, leaving loyal fans searching the secondary market and hoping for a revival.
If you have spent any time browsing Leatherman enthusiast forums, Reddit communities, or collector groups, you already know the passion these retired tools inspire. People aren't just nostalgic — they genuinely believe certain discontinued models offered features, form factors, or ergonomics that nothing in the current lineup fully replaces. In this article, we look at five discontinued Leatherman tools that built devoted followings and make a compelling case for why the brand should seriously consider bringing them back.
1. The Leatherman Juice Series
Compact Versatility That the Market Still Craves
Few Leatherman lines earned as much widespread affection as the Juice series. Introduced in the early 2000s, models like the Juice CS4, Juice S2, and Juice XE6 offered a smaller, lighter, more colorful alternative to the brand's full-size tools. The Juice tools were slim enough for a jeans pocket, came in eye-catching anodized aluminum colors, and still packed enough functionality for everyday tasks — scissors, a knife blade, a bottle opener, screwdrivers, and pliers all tucked into a tool that weighed just a few ounces.
The appeal was broad: college students, travelers, casual campers, and people who wanted a multi-tool but found full-size models too bulky all gravitated toward the Juice line. Since its discontinuation, Leatherman has not released a direct spiritual successor. The Squirt PS4 fills part of the gap, but it lacks the scissors-forward design and comfortable grip that made the Juice CS4 such a crowd favorite. A modern Juice revival — updated with current steel alloys and perhaps a few tool additions — would almost certainly generate enormous buzz and sales.
2. The Leatherman Crater
A One-Handed Knife That Stood Apart
The Leatherman Crater was a different kind of product for the brand — a dedicated folding knife rather than a pliers-based multi-tool. What made it special was its one-handed opening mechanism and its rugged, textured grip that felt secure in demanding conditions. The Crater C33L, which featured a partially serrated blade and a large handle suited to gloved hands, developed a strong following among outdoors workers and hunters who appreciated a quality blade from a brand they already trusted.
As Leatherman's lineup has evolved to focus almost entirely on multi-tools and the MUT (Military Utility Tool) category, a purpose-built folding knife with today's steel quality and ergonomic improvements would fill a real gap. Knife enthusiasts who are already loyal to the Leatherman ecosystem have limited options when they want to stay within the brand, and a revived Crater — modernized with better blade steel and updated locking mechanisms — would be a natural fit.
3. The Leatherman Flair
The Multi-Tool That Thought About the Kitchen
The Leatherman Flair was an unusual experiment: a multi-tool designed with a focus on kitchen and dining utility. It featured a corkscrew, a serrated knife suitable for food prep, and a design sensibility aimed at travelers and foodies rather than builders or campers. While it never became a blockbuster, it carved out a dedicated niche among people who wanted to bring multi-tool convenience into culinary situations — particularly those traveling abroad or camping with a more gourmet approach.
With the explosion of interest in outdoor cooking, overlanding, and van life culture over the past several years, a reimagined Flair could find a much larger audience today than it did at launch. A modern version with updated blade steel, a cleaner profile, and perhaps a dedicated pairing knife blade could appeal powerfully to the rapidly growing market of outdoor cooks and culinary adventurers.
4. The Leatherman PST II
The Tool That Started It All, Refined
The original Leatherman PST (Pocket Survival Tool) launched the entire multi-tool industry, and the PST II was its thoughtful evolution — a cleaner, more refined version of the founding design. For collectors and longtime Leatherman devotees, the PST II represents the purest expression of what the brand set out to build: a practical, no-frills tool that prioritized function and reliability above all else. It was never flashy, but it was deeply trusted.
Bringing back a heritage-inspired PST II — perhaps as a limited anniversary edition with premium steel and tight tolerances — would resonate deeply with the brand's most loyal customers. It would also serve as a powerful statement about Leatherman's roots and values at a time when the market is flooded with imitators.
5. The Leatherman Kick
An Affordable Workhorse That Punched Above Its Weight
The Leatherman Kick was never considered glamorous. It was a mid-size, affordable multi-tool positioned as an entry-level option for users who wanted genuine Leatherman quality without the premium price tag. What it lacked in prestige it made up for in sheer dependability — the Kick included pliers, wire cutters, a clip-point blade, screwdrivers, a file, and a can opener in a solid stainless package that felt reassuringly sturdy.
In today's market, where multi-tool prices have risen significantly and budget options are often dominated by lower-quality overseas brands, a revived Kick could serve as Leatherman's answer to the growing demand for accessible, well-made tools. Not everyone needs a Wave+ or a Charge TTi. Some people just want a reliable tool that won't break down, and the Kick delivered exactly that at a price point that opened the door for new Leatherman customers.
The Case for Leatherman Revivals
Discontinuing products is a necessary part of any brand's lifecycle — resources are finite, and maintaining a sprawling catalog creates logistical and quality control challenges. But the tools listed here share a common thread: they weren't discontinued because they were bad. They were discontinued because of shifting business priorities, and their absence left real gaps that the current lineup hasn't fully addressed.
The multi-tool market is more competitive than ever, with brands like Victorinox, Gerber, and SOG all pushing strong product lines. For Leatherman to stay ahead, leaning into its own heritage — and listening to the passionate fanbase that has kept these discontinued models alive on forums and auction sites — could be a powerful strategic move. Whether as limited releases, anniversary editions, or full lineup additions, these five tools deserve a second life.