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While the original Super Tool was indeed immensely popular, having all the blades in one handle get stuck in the locked open position was no fun. Leatherman's answer to this problem was the Super Tool 200, introduced in 2001. The ST200 ( and its little brother the Pulse) use small levers mounted on each handle to unlock the blades. Opinions of the unlocking lever mechanism vary among users. The Super Tool 200 remained in production until 2005 when it was replaced by the Core. |
click on a picture to view it full size
In most respects the Super Tool 200 is simply an original Super Tool with some additional features:
- The unlocking levers, pictured below, allow the user to unlock the blades. Pulling back on a lever lifts the locking tab up and out of the notch cut into the back of each blade.
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| blade locked | blade unlocked |
- The edges of the Super Tool 200's handles are rolled over, making it far more comfortable to grip while using the pliers than the original Super Tool. One downside to the rolled edges is the fact that they make the ST200 fatter than the original ST. See comparison pic below. (note that all three of these Leatherman models have the same number of folding blades)
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| thickness comparison |
- The serrated knife blade on the original Super Tool featured a drop point profile. On the Super Tool 200 this was changed to a sheepsfoot profile, which is safer for cutting seatbelt straps, lines on boats, etc where the danger of stabbing someone is a concern.
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| ST200 above, original ST below |
- plain edge knife blade, clip point profile, double side grind bevel. Measures 3" long. (75mm)
- awl
- medium flathead screwdriver
- large flathead screwdriver
- file, three toothed surfaces
- serrated knife blade with sheepsfoot point profile. Measures 3" long. (75mm)
- can opener
- phillips screwdriver
- small flathead screwdriver
- saw blade
- lanyard ring
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| "hidden" lanyard ring |
Blade characteristics
- All of the blades lock open.
- Like almost all multitools of this era, the blades tend to clump together when opening.
Sheath
- Heavy leather, with snap closure. Loop allows vertical carry only.
- Nylon, with velcro closure. Vertical carry only.
Dimensions
- Length open = 7" (177mm)
- Length closed = 4-1/2" (115mm)
- Width closed = 1-1/4" (32mm)
- Thickness = 3/4" (20mm)
- Weight = 9.4 oz (266g)
Variations
- The Super Tool was produced in both stainless steel finish and black oxide finish. In addition, Cap Crimper models were offered in both finishes (photo below at left)
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| black oxide versions | NATO code number |
- Super Tool 200's issued to NATO troops were etched with a code number. (photo above at right)
Background
- Introduced in 2001. Made in the USA. Discontinued in 2005.
- The Super Tool 200 replaced the Super Tool as the large model in Leatherman's line.
- It was in turn replaced by the Core in 2005. In 2009 the Core was replaced by the Super Tool 300 which has similar body style to the Super Tool 200 but the push lock system similar to the Core.
- The Leatherman Pulse is closely related to the Super Tool 200, offering the same lock release levers and rolled handle edges.
More Info
Off The Record
- The rolled edges of the handle, while making for a more comfortable grip, also make the tool over 1/8" (4mm) fatter than its predecessor the Super Tool.
- While they do seem to function reliably, the lock release levers on the ST200 are not without their downsides. The levers stick out from the main body of the tool, and tend to "catch" when trying to slide the tool into its sheath or into a pants pocket.
- By design, the levers are also loose fitting in the handle. This allows them to rattle, which can be annoying to some users.
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