I just stopped and had a look at a Leatherman tool. It's the first time I've actually ever had a play with one and I was thinking about what Lee Zlotoff said about a modern MacGyver using a Leatherman instead of a SAK.

So I'm standing there working out how the handle detaches from the pliers and then proceeds to turn itself inside out so you can get to the other blades, and I'm thinking. MacGyver wouldn't use one of these. The bad guys would have found him before he'd figured out how to open it.

I actually didn't' think it had as many options as a SAK has either. didn't see any scissors. Maybe it's just the different presentation, but you certainly wouldn't carry one around in you pocket like you do with a SAK.

They aren't a nice, friendly shade of red, either.

Product recognition!

And you're right... you tote one of those things around with you long enough, and you'll have holes in your jeans pockets!

SAK's wear holes in pockets too.
You'd need big pockets to carry a Leatherman in though, they're considerable larger than a SAK.

Something else has occurred to me. They cost at least twice as much as a SAK

     


I think one of the underlying characteristic of MacGyver was that he was thrifty, so I don't think he would go for a Leatherman.

I agree completely. He would never go for something so bulky, he barely used knives bigger than 2 layers thick, and the cost thing is significant too. The ONLY way in the world I could picture MacGyver with a Leatherman style tool is this:


And it is of course made by Victorinox. Maybe the new Wenger Evo knife would be a better "modern" choice.



Or if he needs to upload secret data in the movie (although still too expensive for MacGyver):



Victorinox's most "modern" look:



And he used a 111mm way back in 89 a few times, but now they have One-hand open:



Too big really, the only reason 111's showed up was to be stunt doubles

So there, I think there is absolutely no reason a modern MacGyver could not use a SAK. Zlotoff said he thought pliers were essential, apparently he doesn't know there's basically a Tinker with pliers:



Oh, and by the way, I called the Swiss Army Knife company the day after Zlotoff said all that, and tipped them off. They were all over it, and said they really appreciated the information, that they are proud of the association Swiss Army has with MacGyver. They'll no doubt make a noble effort at achieving product placement and maintaining brand affiliation. So, rest assured, I am doing all I can to keep Mac and SAK synonymous

Good to hear. Um.. which Swiss Army Knife company did you ring?

I like the looks of that tinker with the pliers. I actually prefer the classic red SAK over the newer designs and colors. and I prefer the Victorinox over Wenger.

Yeah, I called Victorinox. All in all MacGyver used them 99% of the time, so I figured it was fitting. But, since Vic bought Wenger out, it's all the same company, so no matter which "brand" got placement, the money is all goin the same place . The Mechanic (Tinker + pliers) is what I carried for 4 years or so, and I just got a new one, and it's the best for me, at least.
And I agree, classic red is the best look, period. Timeless. But, if they wanna make it flashy, in true hollywood style, I wouldn't complain, as long as it's a SAK and not some Optimus Prime Edition Leatherman that weighs more than a small SUV, Mac just didn't work like that

I think this Victorinox Swiss Army Rescue Tool is suitable for modern MacGyver.

MacGyver is interested in new SAKs, like 111mm sereis in Season 4.

I've been looking at some of those SwissTools.
Pretty Nifty.
The newer ones have ratchet, and there's an add-on kit as well.
There's a few on eBay , and a couple used. Most around $70
With any quality pocket tool, you pretty much have to use a belt pouch.

I personally don't like leathermans, broke a couple, and don't find the pliers to be very ergonomic.

I do like my Gerber.
It has a one-hand shakedown plier which comes out at the end, and locks.
GREAT for Visual Impact

And very aptly named too.

Didn't impress me much either. They look kewl from a distance, but when you actually have it in hand.. not so good.

A SAK in the hand is worth 2 leathermans in the pocket.

I'm gonna hie myself to the cutlery shop and check out one of the Swisstools, see if the pliers are OK.
That's where most PTools stand or fall down.

That leatherman photo up there looks like a squid to me.