FIT4Recreation

Leatherman’s Tread seeks to make a range of multi-tool features available in a form that is acceptable in areas with specific restrictions like airports, theme parks, or schools. While it certainly does not bring the capability of a full form Leatherman tool, it fits a specific niche which some of those tools simply cannot reach.

According to Leatherman, the Tread project started after an experience that Leatherman President Ben Rivera had on a family vacation to Disneyland. While entering the park, Rivera found that the Leatherman Skeletool that he was carrying was not allowed into the park and was denied entry until he returned without it. After that experience, Rivera and his team set out to develop a multi-tool that would exclude tools that violate restrictions, while still retaining some useful capabilities in a new, wearable form.

We are evaluating this model as an EDC item and will continue to update our thoughts going forward. The model that we are looking at here is the standard stainless model. It is also available in a black DLC variant, as well as a metric variant. This particular model features a polished, brushed finish on the outside and a matte finish on the inside of the band. The finish picks up hairline scratches over time just as any stainless watchband would. These scratches generally can only be seen when light hits a link just right and do not really harm its appearance at all.

The bracelet is comprised of several 17-4 Stainless Steel links that each contain a few tools. Generally, the standard layout is a screwdriver on each side with a box wrench in the center. The bits are capable of turning a range of Philips, flat, and hex screws. One of the center wrenches has a rectangular shape and can be used to open oxygen tanks. Another link merges a few special use tools including a carbide glass breaker, cutting hook, and a SIM card pick.

The clasp even brings a few useful functions as it acts as a bottle opener as well as accepts 1/4’’ sockets. It also has a #2 Square Drive bit. The links are held together with flathead screws and metal joining parts. Removing these screws can be easily accomplished with a flathead screwdriver or coin for easy adjustment. Although, it should be noted that adjustment does come at the cost of losing some tools. In our case, we had to remove one of the full-size (0.5”) links as well as the only half size (1/4”) link.

In use, the screwdrivers pick up some wear given the soft, but corrosion resistant steel used. As such, the tool might not stand up well to repetitive hard use, but that type of use would probably be accomplished better by other Leatherman tools or dedicated tools anyway. This one is designed for use cases where you might not have access to or be able to carry anything else, and in a backup role like that it functions well.

Another use we found for the Tread is quickly assessing the size of tool needed to make an adjustment, particularly with the hex bits and box wrenches. Leatherman’s engravings on the back of each link provide the exact size. If a tool on a link fits, you know exactly what size bit, socket, or wrench is needed. We have not had the opportunity to put the glass breaker to use, but the cutting hook, bottle opener, and SIM Card pick all do exactly what they are supposed to.

As a steel multi-tool that is worn on the wrist, corrosion might be a concern particularly due to regular exposure to sweat. While that was a concern that we initially had, we have seen no visible rust or signs of corrosion in over a year of use. The only maintenance that we have done is wiping it down with a damp cloth and drying it occasionally if exposed to sweat. We do not find the Tread to be uncomfortable, although it does take time to adjust to the weight. The design manages to keep the bits from poking into the wrist while also preventing them from sticking above the band. Managing to strike that balance shows the care that went into the design and engineering of the tool and we were impressed by it. In addition, despite how chunky the links appear in images, they do manage to slide under shirt cuffs quite well, which makes it easier to wear every day.

Overall, we find that we like the Tread and continue to wear one often. It may not be perfect, is not for everyone, and it is expensive for what it is. However, we applaud Leatherman for taking a risk and trying something new and different. It could easily have sat back and pushed out iteration after iteration of the pliers based tools that made it famous and remain on top of its market. Instead it recognized an opportunity to introduce a multi-tool in a completely new form factor for a world with growing restrictions.

Tool Summary:

LINK 1 - 3/32” Screwdriver & 1/8” Screwdriver

LINK 2 - #1-2 Phillips Screwdriver, 1/4” Box Wrench, 3/16” Screwdriver

LINK 3 – N/A

LINK 4 - Cutting Hook, SIM Card Pick, & Carbide Glass Breaker

LINK 5- N/A

LINK 6 - 5/16” Screwdriver, 3/8” Box Wrench, & 1/4” Screwdriver

LINK 7 - 3/32” Hex Drive, 3/16” Box Wrench, 1/8” Hex Drive

LINK 8 - 1/4” Hex Drive, Oxygen Tank Wrench, 3/16” Hex Drive

LINK 9 - 5mm Hex Drive, 10mm Box Wrench, 6mm Hex Drive

LINK 10 - 3mm Hex Drive, 8mm Box Wrench, & 4mm Hex Drive

LINK 11 - #1 Phillips Screwdriver, 6mm Box Wrench, & #2 Phillips Screwdriver

LINK 12 - 1/4 Socket Adapter, Bottle Opener, & #2 Square Drive

Leatherman - Tread Bracelet, The Travel Friendly Wearable Multi-Tool, Stainless Steel (FFP) Buy on Amazon

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The Victorinox Pioneer is one of the nicest looking knives that Victorinox has ever produced. It is comprised of two layers of tools sandwiched in between two slabs of textured aluminum and then riveted together. The design is simple and effective and therefore it may come as no surprise that this is the civilian version of the Victorinox Soldier knife that was used from the 1960s to 2008 when its larger successor replaced it. Its base tool set is a blade, awl, can opener/ small flat screwdriver, and the bottle opener/large flat screwdriver. The notch at the base of the bottle opener can be used to strip wires according to Victorinox. It can be found online for around $30.

Out of the box, the knife is pretty much perfect. Each tool is almost mirror polished and the alox handle scales are nicely textured. Every one of the tools is held in place by its backspring which provides a reassuring snap when opened or closed. It is important to note that this knife is a traditional slip joint Swiss Army Knife. While the blade and tools are held open by the springs there is really no locking mechanism. Therefore, care needs to be taken to avoid inadvertent closing of them. One of the nice things about the Pioneer is the heft of the tool. It feels dense for its size which provides a sense of quality without being heavy at all. It is precisely made and it is one of those pocket tools that feels like it will never let you down.

In terms of functionality, this tool does exactly what you would think it should do. It slices well, opens cans and bottles, turns screws, and can punch or drill holes. The blade was nice and sharp out of the box. Victorinox steel does tend to be a bit soft so one can expect the blade to dull fairly quickly over time depending on use. Now, the benefit is that it can be honed or sharpened back to that original edge easily without much skill or trouble. Another upside to that steel though is that it is remarkably corrosion resistant. Rust does not seem to be a major problem at all and that makes it a fairly maintenance free knife. The can opener manages to open cans quite well. Obviously, it does not compete with a regular household can opener in terms of speed but that is not its intended competition anyway. It is there for when it is needed and does its job. The same exact thing applies to the Pioneer’s ability to open bottles. In terms of turning screws, the 3mm can opener screw driver can handle small flat head screws and can even take care of Philips screws in a pinch. The larger one on the bottle opener feels more robust and can handle larger flat head screws. It can also snap into position at 90 degrees for more leverage.

While this knife is compact, it is quite easy to hold on to. The textured alox scales provide a nice grip without being harsh or uncomfortable. They also wear much better than the traditional red plastic scales found on other models. This is also a strength of the plain silver model over the color anodized ones. On top of all of that, the scales look really nice and the red Victorinox shield is a nice accent. It feels special and reliable and those traits will probably want to make you carry it often.

The Victorinox Pioneer is among one of our personal favorites. It is simple, compact, robust, and effective. There is not much more to look for, if you want a basic Victorinox that is easy to carry in the pocket every day. The price is also reasonable at about $30. In addition to serving well on its own, it also makes a great companion to a larger knife like a Spyderco Para Military 2. As such, it earns high praise and we would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a compact knife with a few capable tools.

The Pioneer X

The Pioneer X builds on Victorinox’s excellent 93mm Alox platform with the addition of scissors. A long desired option and popular choice for modified Swiss Army Knives, Victorinox’s scissors are a worthy and useful addition to this tool. While the scissors do add additional thickness and weight, they do bring some additional versatility. They’re well suited for making delicate cuts such as removing tags from new clothing, cutting paper, trimming stray threads, taking care of hangnails, and pretty much any other application where more control is desired. This added capability does come at a price increase of as much as $10-$15 in some cases. We tend to carry a Victorinox alongside a larger knife like the Spyderco Manix 2, so the Pioneer X is our favorite of the two models due to the extra versatility it adds without being overly bulky.