Leatherman 831553 Multi-tool Rebar Peg Molle Black

I picked up a Surge a few years ago, and as much as I tried to like it, it was just too heavy to carry in my EDC kit (a Maxpedition Fat-Boy, already chocked full of stuff). I decided to sell the Surge since I never used it, but I also decided to give the Rebar a try, since it was half the weight of the Surge. I'm sure glad I did!Since I always carry a 3.5" Kershaw Blur for utility cutting tasks, I don't mind that I have to open the Rebar to get at the blades. I love having both a saw blade and a cross-cut file ready to go. While I would like to have the diamond file of the Surge as well, it's just not worth the extra weight. The needle nose pliers are great, as it's cutting tool. The locking mechanism for the blades are not as strong as on the surge, but it is sufficient for my moderate EDC and bushcrafting uses.I much prefer the black phosphate over the polished finish; black is the "new black" when it comes to multi-tools. IMO, the only reason to go with the polished version is if you need to boil it regularly for dis-infection. The Molle sheath is far superior (as far as flexable use goes) compared to the other sheath options, and well worth the extra few bucks, even though I would much prefer a coyote tan or green rather than black.I tested the the can opener and it works great. I tested the awl and it worked okay for sewing waxed thread though a tarp, but due to it's significant blade width, it does a lot of cloth damage compared to the ol' Speedy Sticher awl. Still nice to have for emergency repairs though. The phillips driver works well on both #1 and #2 screws. The two flatheads are well ground and work great. Both sharp blades are great, as well as the file and saw.I took off one point because one of the blade pivot screws came loose soon after receiving it, and continues to loosen-up; requiring re-tightening. I'll probably use some blue thread locker on it when I get motivated to disassemble the tool. Leathermans are well know to have this problem on the message boards, and a decent manufacturing and QC process should prevent product going out the door like this.Otherwise, I really like it and highly suggest it for an EDC multi-tool and camping/bushcrafting.

I bought this tool to carry every day in construction. I use this tool every ten minutes 6 days per week, and it has performed flawlessly. A perfect size and weight balance to how many tools are included and how tough it is, especially the pliers and wire cutters.The finish: The black oxide is almost like a rust on the surface, where the metal has been oxidized using chemicals and high temps. It is not suppose to be perfectly coated like a black paint or black teflon style coating. You will need to wipe this tool down with an oily rag (gun oil, WD-40, something light) to both remove the excess so that it won't be rubbing off on your clothes and your hands, as well as "set" the finish. It will always look "used", even new out of the box, and will develop a nice patina over time like old carbon steel knife blades do. If you are a collector type who needs everything to be perfect and cries when it's not, don't buy it and then complain with a stupid review of how much the BO finish sucks. Get a Victorinox, use it as a princess paperweight, and live happily ever after. If you need a tool on your side ever day to beat the ever living snot out of it and will be putting it to work before you even have time to throw the Amazon box away, then get this one.I don't like the sheath, it's good for Molle system carry but not really efficient for old fashioned strap to your belt carry. I had an old black leather box sheath from my older Leatherman that I used at first, or you can go to Leatherman's website or here at Amazon and buy any leather sheath meant for 4" tools and it will work. Personally, I bought the brown leather sheath made for the old Wave off Leatherman's website for $6 plus shipping and it fits perfectly and is made really well. If you are putting this leatherman on a pack or in a backpack, the provided Molle sheath will serve you fine.

I was surprised by the seeming lower quality of this tool - my much cheaper Wingman seems more solidly built. The Rebar's blades are longer, but narrower and thinner than the Wingman's and harder to access. It may be nice that all the Rebar's blades lock, but I don't trust this locking system as much as the one employed on the Wingman's blade. The black finish is already scratched on arrival (in leatherman's factory box) leading to little hope that it would stay on with any use. The case, while nice, is way too big for the tool. The blades do come razor sharp and the replaceable wire cutting blades are a nice addition.Perhaps okay for an emergency or occasional use tool, not sure I'd trust the Rebar as an everyday worker. The thicker construction, outside access blades, pocket clip and cheaper price make the Wingman a better tool in my opinion.

The best Leatherman I own. This thing is SWEET. I keep it in my truck and during a recent outing a major storm rolled in on me and my buddies. We had to set up some tarps around a pop up canopy to stay dry and I was the only one with any tools. The wire cutters are the best and the accessories came in handy when cutting rope and also disassembling some other supplies like a busted stove. I like it much better than the all steel ones and it is robust and I know Ill use this tool for years to come. Spend the cash and buy it, don't waste the time on knock offs or purchasing the versions with less parts because you never know when you will wish you had them.

Love the Rebar, having owned quite a few leathermans I am a little biased with them. This is a smaller version fo the Supertool 300 (another great tool), in comparison- it does feel a little more flimsy but still very durable. My only complaint is the sheath, it's from the bigger line of Multi tools Leatherman makes, so the Rebar flops around in the sheath a little.