Leatherman OHT Multi tool

Claiming to be an “industry first”, all the Leatherman OHT’s tools are accessible for use using only one hand (some with the left and some with the right) and features “flick-out” spring loaded pliers and wire cutters. The handles are embossed with “visual imprints” of the tools contained within them so you never have to hunt around, deploying tool after tool, until you find the one you want. This is a good idea!

The list of tools you get in the chunky tool is impressive:

• Spring action needlenose pliers
• Spring action regular pliers
• Spring action 154cm replaceable wire cutters
• Spring action 154cm replaceable hard wire cutters
• 420HC plain edge knife
• 420HC serrated edge knife
• Phillips head screwdriver
• Small slot head screwdriver
• Medium slot head screwdriver
• Large slot head screwdriver
• Saw
• Strap cutter
• Can opener
• Bottle opener
• Oxygen tank wrench
• Threaded fitting for a No8-32 cleaning rod
• Integrated lanyard attachments

The body of the OHT is made from stainless steel and all the tools lock.  The tools in the handles have sprung “liner locks” that spring into position as you open the tool, and the pliers/wire cutter head has a swivel lock behind the slide release button on one side of the tool (the cleaning rod fitting is in the same position on the other side).

To deploy the pliers/wire cutters, you simply pinch the slide release buttons (making sure the lock is not engaged) and either flick the handle back down or just let gravity slide the head out of the handle by holding the tool “head up”.  To close, squeeze the buttons and hold the tool “head down” and the head slides away.

Designed primarily for military use, the Leatherman OHT is a chunky tool approx. 4.5” (11.5cm) closed x 1.5” (4cm) x .75” (2cm), weighs around 9.9oz (281gm) and is a robust fistful of tools!

The sheath itself is a strongly built item made from tough webbing and features a deep Velcro closure, a drainage eyelet, a Molle attachment on the back of the pouch, an easy- to- grab loop end on the closure and a discreet logo.

Unlike the more stylish Leatherman models aimed at more of a civilian market (such as the “Freestyle” and “Juice” models) the Leatherman OHT is all-function and looks as rugged and tough as you like, but is not uncomfortable to use.

All the tools perform as you would expect, although I find the saw a little short at about 2” long for all but work like trap building – it will take time to cut through anything much bigger than 1.5” across.  The “integrated lanyard attachments” are basic but effective.  The blades come super-sharp, hold their edges well and are not difficult to re-sharpen when eventually dulled.

Overall, the Leatherman OHT is a rugged and useful piece of kit that should have wide appeal, well thought out and extremely well built (with a 25-year warranty), especially if you need the more unusual tools. The Leatherman OHT costs around £89.95.  For more information visit www.whitbyandco.co.uk, or call Whitby & Co on tel. 01539 721032.