Review of Leatherman Micra Multi-Tool

Leatherman Micra Multi-Tool
By: Leatherman
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Glad I have it!

On: 2007-05-01

I received this as a Christmas present 5 years ago. Its been used daily since then in my job as a IT Tech, hunting, hiking, and life in general. The stainless steel finish looks as good as the day I got it. The sissors "loosened" up a bit when I used it to cut through a heavy plastic computer desk cable hatch grommet a couple years back, but it still cuts well. It does require an occasional cleaning to get the pocket lint/dust/oil out of it and keep the blades moving smoothly. A great pocket companion!

Daddy's helper

On: 2007-04-12

I have had mine four years and use is almost daily from a split nail or to open a box. I also use this all the time with my kids to I cut down their straws to keep them from spilling their drinks, works great.

great for your pocket

On: 2007-01-04

I bought this cause I had one for 3 years before it and I lost it. I was constantly reaching for it in my pocket but it wasnt there so I bought another. These things are so useful in every day life.

Best pocket knife I've ever had

On: 2006-12-02

We live in the woods on a timber farm, regularly hike and canoe/kayak. Ive been a farmer of sorts, including owning a wholesale nursery, for 36 years, and this has been my daily carry tool and knife for the last eight years. Stainless steel, no paint, etc. Losing this one would be like losing my car keys. I did lose it one day, and spent a half day out in the trails looking for the flash. Ho, ho, finally found it behind the cushions on the "nap couch," after Id replaced it.

You folks need to understand some things about tools. Basically,they are sized to their needs. I have carried straight blade hunting knives, bayonets, some darn good folders that need to be worn cased on your belt, machetes, hatchets, you name it. Mostly Ive found that in the woods, one seldom needs a big knife, and certainly not around town. By the same token, in daily life, even the 6" multitools fall far short of a real set of pliers, wrenches, and what not. Just try to screw down the washing machine hose connections with a "multitool."

This one is with me wherever I go, whether to church, business meeting, checking timber, or changing the oil in the tractor. Never prints on my pocket, never uncomfortable, all rounded edges, not heavy, never feel it. Little bit of nylon makes a lanyard to my life vest when on the water, and weve used it there many times.

98% of the time that I reach into my pocket for a tool, I need to cut something, and with this one, the scissors come out first, a real benefit, and work great. Thats usually all I need, since they are razor sharp. Great on opening boxes -- a great scoring tool with two blades -- and youd be surprised at the rope and electrical wire they can cut. The micra does have a knife blade, just as sharp as a scalpel, and I almost never use it, preferring to keep the factory edge in case I need to work on people (first aid in the way back).

Tweezers are fine, but my son and I have used the end of the bottle opener the most. Whether chasing tiny dropped computer screws, opening the cover to the points on the tiller, tightening eyeglass screws, lifting ingrown toenails, adjusting the carburetor screws on chain saws, or most anything else, this one gets a workout. The other tools are also useful, but maybe not always in the way they are named. The end of the file tool is great for cleaning fingernails, but the file itself is best used for lighting "strike anywhere" matches in wet weather (you didnt really buy "strike on box" matches for your camping trip or waterproof match box, did you?).

Sold enough on the tool (buy only the stainless version) to make it a stocking stuffer.

Merry Christmas!

Micra vs Squirt

On: 2006-11-08

I used both the Micra and the Squirt. Right now I have the Squirt attached to my keys for about 3 years and it is still going strong. I have the "S4" version with the scissors instead of pliers. When I saw that someone said the Micra was a better value, I had to come to the defense of the Squirt. Take it from someone who knows, the Squirt far surpasses the value of the Micra. I had gone through 2 Micras before I found the Squirt.

--Scissors Spring--
Micra - After a month or two it was so gummed up that the scissors would stay shut and would not open on their own. This was the main reason I went through them so fast.
Squirt - Still springing after years, much more force behind this one.

--Scissors Grip--
Micra - When doing some serious cutting (or using the pliers), the sharp metal frame and tools will start to slice into your hand.
Squirt - Thicker frame to house the tools on the outside lessens so it will not hurt your hand.

--Paint--
Micra - Start to flake and chip off after a month or so. (If you had to get one, get the stainless steel finish)
Squirt - Storm gray paint has scratched off but no big flakes like the Micra. The paint is bound to go through some serious wear and tear when on a keychain so some scratches are to be expected.

--Size--
Micra - Small
Squirt - Smaller

If you were thinking of getting the Micra, spend the extra 5 bucks and get a knife that is 5 times better.

Nice little tool

On: 2005-10-31

These are great little tools as long as you understand the limits: its not a "real" Leatherman tool, but is a substitute for a pocket knife. Im trying to find a substitute for the well worn swiss army knife that Ive was carrying for 20+ years. The Micra isnt quite what I want, but is close. If it had an awl, it would be good enough. I use the tweezers frequently (I get lots of slivers, both wood and metal). It seems to be a good little tool, comfortable in the pocket and a decent complement to a "real" Leatherman (or more recently Gerber 800) tool that I also carry. I dont think the Micra will hold up well for hard usage (screwdriver, etc.), but you cant expect that of something this small. It probably deserves more than the 4 stars Im giving it.

The Toolbox of the Urban Warrior

On: 2002-12-18

This device is absolutely one of the most treasured items that I own. Until you own the Micra and have attached to your keychain you just dont realize the number of situations in which you can use a tool like this.

The scissors are amazing for opening packaging; cutting thread, rope, tape or fishing line; and punching holes. The screwdriver functionality, while not incredibly robust, makes quick work of on the fly repairs (including glasses screws!).

The other functions I use fairly often are the bottle cap opener (very handy :-) as well as the set of tweezers.

All in all this is an extremely handy device that fills a multitude of roles and is small enough to fit on your keychain in your pocket.

Don't leave home without it.

On: 2002-12-02

My son in law has used this product every day for 4 years. It finally broke. It is the only thing on his Christmas list.