Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)My Leatherman Expanse e33b (the straight blade) just arrived today.It seems pretty solid, and I like the minimalist approach.Seems heavier than I expected, and quite solidly built.I like having a blade made of 154 stainless too.
The only complaint so far is that the liner lock is a bit hard to use--I have a similiar knife (a Timberline) with a liner lock that works easier.The liner on the e33b appears to be ever-so-slightly recessed, so that's why I'm giving this tool a rating of "4".But it still works ok.
The knife is a bit pricey, (I paid $60, which is only a shade under the MSRP), so you might want to wait until it drops to $50 (and try to get the free shipping too).I like the screwdriver bits too.Now, if they'd just include a 2nd blade (a utility blade), this would be the perfect knife for me.Still, I'm happy with it so far.
REVISED 3-29-09
Am revising the rating on this knife (Leatherman e33b) from a "4" down to a "3".The liner lock is annoyingly hard to use, as it is flush or recessed to the base of the knife....and after you extend/pull out the screwdriver bit, the lock to release it is very difficult to use.Amazing they can build a multi-tool w/17 tools in it that works great (I also own the Wave), but they have two tools in the e33b, and it's hard to use.Still an "ok" knife, wait until the price drops on this one.Worth $40-$50, not $60.
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Leatherman Expanse e33B Straight Blade KnifeProduct Description: Lightweight yet sturdy enough for demanding jobs, the Leatherman 8612140 e33B Straight Blade Knife is a versatile tool that's easy to store in your pocket, pack, or toolbox. A slim, folding knife with a reinforced handle, a blade launcher, and a bit driver, the e33B is a perfect choice for the rugged minimalist and do-it-yourselfer. Whether you're setting up camp in the wilderness or working on a project in your garage, this precision-crafted Expanse Series knife is packed with design elements that you'll appreciate.
The Leatherman e33B Straight Blade Knife offers:
Tough, US-made 154CM steel
A liner lock for safety
Blade Launcher technology
A bit driver and bit storage
A new clip lets Expanse series knives sit deep in your pocket. View larger.
The e33B is a sleek, dependable folding knife. View larger.
The convenient carabiner doubles as a bottle opener. View larger.
Simple, Lightweight, and Reliable Sometimes, you don't need a multi-tool packed with gadgets or a heavy-duty hunting knife. You just need a strong, sharp, reliable cutting blade. The Expanse Series e33B is a streamlined, folding knife with a sturdy, locking blade. Its 60-percent glass-filled nylon handle is reinforced with stainless steel to provide exceptional durability along with a stylish, contemporary look.
This handle is shaped and balanced to sit comfortably in your hand, whether you're chopping wild onions to flavor a meal or splicing rope on the high seas. And weighing in at just 3.75 ounces, the e33B isn't bulky or awkward in your pocket.
The in-handle storage system means you won't have to carry a sheath, and a folding carabiner clip makes it simple to attach your knife to a belt loop or the side of your pack, so it's always on hand when you need it. Mariners who keep their tools on lines will have a special appreciation for this clip. It also does double-duty as a bottle-opener. You can also opt to secure your knife with the included removable pocket clip.
As an added bonus, the integrated bit driver makes it easy to ensure you've got the right screwdriver on hand at all times, so you never cut yourself, strip a screw, or ruin your knife trying to tighten a screw with the blade. A bit storage slot in the handle of the knife makes this feature even more appealing.
Premium, US-Made Steel for Performance A sharp knife is not only more useful than a dull knife, it's also safer, since you're less likely to slip and cut yourself. A good edge means you make the cuts you want to make quickly.
Expanse Series knives are crafted out of US-made 154CM steel from Crucible Metals. 154CM is used because it has exceptional edge retention, toughness, and corrosion resistance. Leatherman compared 154CM steel to 420HC, another durable, reliable steel used in knife blades, and found that 154CM holds an edge approximately three times longer. This means your knife will be sharp and ready to use when you reach for it.
When it does come time to sharpen your knife, you'll appreciate that Leatherman knives can be re-sharpened using the standard methods. There are many effective ways to sharpen a knife, so you should be able to find one that works for you. Sharpening stones, round files, and special kits (not included) all provide a nice edge.
Locking, Drop-Style Blade for Safety A liner lock lets you secure the blade of your e33B in the open position, so you don't have to worry about it closing on your hand while you cut. This safety feature is especially important when slicing through tough materials like nylon webbing or braided rope. Having a liner lock instead of a traditional lockback system makes the e33B easier to open with one hand. It also ensures that it's easy to unlock the blade and close the knife.
Leatherman's registered Blade Launcher technology makes opening Expanse Series knives even easier. With the Blade Launcher, you simply engage a conveniently placed mechanism to open your knife. A standard thumb stud contributes to the simplicity of one-handed operation, too.
Leatherman uses blades shaped in a drop-style for all their e33 knives because they fit nicely in the handle of your knife when not in use. Plus, a drop-style blade is stronger than a clip point blade, which you might see on other pocket knives. The 2.6-inch blade of the e33B provides plenty of versatility. This means you can rely on the e33B, whether you're cutting rope to build a litter during a mountain rescue operation or carving your name on a bunk at Scout camp.
About Leatherman: Time-Tested Survival Tools The original Pocket Survival Tool, devised by mechanical engineer Tim Leatherman, hit the market in 1983. By 1993, Leatherman was selling more than one million of them a year. In the blockbuster movie "Speed," Keanu Reeves used a Leatherman to save the passengers on a doomed bus. Even MacGyver has been seen with one of these trusty tools. But their best reviews come from everyday people. The Leatherman survival tool is a mainstay of travelers, sailors, fishermen, hunters, backpackers, and scouts.
The simple, durable Expanse Series knives draw on Leatherman's legacy. While the e33B knife doesn't feature the signature Leatherman pliers design, it is available in several multi-tool variations. If you work with rope or clean fish often, you might enjoy the versatility offered by the e33Bx, which has a combination straight and serrated blade. Similarly, Leatherman offers the e33T, a model with fixed Phillips and flathead screwdrivers, as well as e33L, a model for those who prefer a truly streamlined knife.
All Leatherman tools, including the e33B Straight Blade Knife, are backed by a 25-year warranty.
Comparison of Expanse Series Knife Features e33L e33Lx e33T e33Tx e33B e33Bx e55 e55x e55B e55Bx Blade Length: 2.6 in | 6.6 cm
Blade Length: 3.1 in | 7.9 cm
154CM Stainless Steel Blade Straight Edge Blade
Straight/Serrated Combo Blade
Glass-filled Nylon Handles Stainless Steel Reinforced Handles Blade Launcher®
Thumb Stud Locking Liner
Lockback
Phillips Screwdriver
1/4-inch Flat Screwdriver
Bit Driver
Included Bits: Phillips #1 and 2 & Screwdriver 3/16- and 1/4-inch
Removable Pocket Clip Carabiner/Bottle Opener
What's in the Box
e33B Straight blade knife
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