Bond Multitool

Leatherman

The Leatherman Bond Multitool packs 14 essential tools into a compact, lightweight stainless steel frame. Weighing just 6.21 oz with ergonomic handles, this EDC solution offers pliers, wire strippers, screwdrivers, and a 420HC blade in a slim profile. Portland-made with quality materials and backed by Leatherman's renowned 25-year warranty, the Bond delivers versatile functionality in a pocket-friendly design.

Product Specifications

Dimensions:4 x 1 x 0.5 inches
Lifespan:15+ years
Material:N/A
Country of Origin:USA
Manufacturing:Made in the USA at the Leatherman factory in Portland, Oregon; thousands of products are assembled annually at this location

Research Summary

The Leatherman Bond offers decent BIFL credentials with its excellent 25-year warranty and quality materials, but falls short of greatness due to persistent design flaws. The overly stiff deployment and concerning blade safety issue where the knife partially deploys when accessing other tools create legitimate daily usability problems. Its non-locking design makes it legally carryable in restrictive regions like the UK/Israel, making it a calculated compromise for those users. Worth considering if legal compliance trumps ergonomics, but expect frustration during break-in.

  • Built with quality materials that should last decades, but initial stiffness requires significant break-in time that tests patience
  • Self-repair is possible with part swaps from other Leatherman models, though most will rely on the warranty service
  • Stellar 25-year warranty with proven track record of fulfillment gives real long-term peace of mind
  • Unique value as a legally-compliant EDC option in regions restricting locking blades, despite usability compromises
  • Community consistently flags the partial blade deployment when accessing other tools as a genuine safety concern

Repairability Notes

6.5

The Leatherman Bond shows mixed repair potential. Users report modding success with tool swaps and part replacements, suggesting decent disassembly access.

  • Parts availability: Multiple users swap tools between models and add magnets for blade retention, indicating compatible parts exist across the Leatherman line
  • Common fixes: Stiff pivots improve with lubrication and break-in, wire cutter issues resolved through adjustment, missing washers can be replaced
  • Design barriers: No official repair guides mentioned, some units arrive with rust or bendy handles suggesting material issues, blade deployment mechanism creates safety concerns

Bottom line: Repairable by determined users who source parts from other Leatherman models, but the 25-year warranty means most will send it back rather than DIY fix. No bit driver limits field repairs.

Durability Notes

7.5

This lightweight workhorse should outlast most EDC needs, but it comes with some annoying quirks that keep it from true BIFL greatness.

  • Materials are solid: Users report quality construction and one reviewer said excelentes materiales para toda la vida, with improvements over older PST models like rounded edges and better mechanisms
  • Tool stiffness is a real pain: Multiple users struggle with overly tight deployment requiring too much strength and force, with one warning it's very dangerous when opening the razor sharp blade
  • Blade safety issue: The knife partially deploys when accessing other tools, forcing users to hold it down to prevent cuts - this is a legitimate design flaw affecting daily use

Bottom line: With Leatherman's 25-year warranty backing it up, the Bond will likely survive decades of use, but those first few months breaking it in might test your patience and fingernails

Warranty Notes

8.5

Leatherman offers a solid 25-year limited warranty that covers manufacturing defects for the original owner with a straightforward claim process.

  • Coverage: 25-year warranty against material and manufacturing defects with repair or replacement at Leatherman's discretion.
  • Claims Process: Simple online submission with 10-15 business day processing time; shipping is at owner's expense but return shipping is covered.
  • Reputation: Leatherman has a strong track record of honoring their warranty with minimal hassle, though some users report initial stiffness issues that may require break-in.

Bottom line: Leatherman's warranty is among the best in the industry, providing genuine long-term protection that they consistently honor, making it a true BIFL product despite minor exclusions for misuse, corrosion or commercial applications.

Social Analysis

7.5

The Leatherman Bond has strong Reddit support as a lightweight EDC favorite, especially for UK/Israel users who need non-locking blades for legal carry. Users praise it as light and skinny enough to be EDC-able and a neat compromise between size and tools.

  • Legal compliance hero: Redditors in restrictive regions specifically seek out the Bond for its non-locking design
  • Modding platform: Active community swaps tools and creates custom builds, though many wish deployment was smoother out-of-box
  • Safety concern: Multiple users report the knife blade partially deploys when accessing other tools, creating cutting hazard

Bottom line: Well-regarded lightweight option with devoted following, but stiff tools and blade safety issues prevent higher scores despite strong brand trust.

BIFL Total Score:
7.5Good
Bond Multitool
BIFL Approved
Amazon
$59.95

Product Scorecard

BIFL TOTAL SCORE
7.5
Durability Score
7.5
Repairability Score
6.5
Social Score
7.5
Warranty Score
8.5

Based on 199 reviews

We rate products using a 10-point scoring system focused on what matters most: durability, reliability, and repairability. Our scores are built from a wide net of sources: Amazon reviews, Reddit threads, expert opinions, brand sites, Google reviews, and what people are actually saying online.

Pros and Cons

What Users Love

25-year warranty consistently honored by Leatherman

Quality materials built for decades use

Lightweight and skinny for EDC carry

Legal in regions restricting locking blades

Areas for Improvement

Extremely stiff tools require painful break-in

Blade deploys dangerously when accessing tools

No bit driver limits field repairs

Limited sustainability information available

Based on our comprehensive product research and scoring methodology

Image Gallery

Bond Multitool - Main view

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Frequently Asked Questions

Product Care & Maintenance Guide

Recommended: As Needed, but at least SeasonallyClean, dry, and lubricate your Bond Multitool periodically to inhibit rust and maintain smooth operation, especially after exposure to dirt, moisture, or salt water.

Step 1

Clean

Flush the tool with fresh water after dirt or saltwater exposure. For stubborn grime, soak in warm water with mild detergent, then use a soft brush or microfiber cloth to remove debris. Avoid harsh solvents like acetone and brake cleaners that can damage plastic parts.

Recommended Products

  • Leatherman Cleaning Kit (includes brush and microfiber cloth)$25-30
  • Mild Dish Detergent$5-10
Step 2

Condition / Maintain

Apply a light layer of low viscosity oil such as WD-40 or a PTFE/Teflon-based lubricant to pivot points and locking mechanisms after cleaning and drying to force out moisture and keep motion smooth. For tougher grime like tar, use mineral spirits or turpentine carefully.

Recommended Products

  • WD-40 Multi-Use Product$7-10
  • Leatherman PTFE Lubricant$12-15
Step 3

Protect / Store

Store your multitool in a dry, cool place away from humidity and corrosive environments. Use the included sheath or pouch if available to prevent dust accumulation and physical damage.

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