PST legacy: Leatherman Pulse, Kick and Fuse

After retirement of Leatherman Pulse new heirs of PST line were introduced: models Kick and Fuse. Fuse was more functional and a bit beefier, while Kick was designed to be smaller and cheaper (at a cost of functionality).

Distinct locking system of Leatherman Pulse was dropped in new models. Fuse introduced different locking system - simpler and less elegant, but more functional (simpler to use and locking all tools). Kick simply had no locking blade.

Both models had Zytel handle inserts for more comfortable grip. They also introduced few tool modifications: beefier pliers, new matte finish, wire stripper on opener, and slightly redesigned screwdriwers. On the other side, diamond-coated metal file was removed from both of them.

Fuse had larger and beefier main blade and included scissors (which thumb rest was a bit enlarged for improved comfort). Kick was slimmer and lighter (though still a bit bigger that it's PST grandfather).

Fuse and Pulse thickness (Fuse on the left):

Fuse and Kick thickness (Fuse on the left):

Pulse and Kick blades had similar length and thickness (Pulse on the bottom left):

 

Fuse blade was both longer and thicker (compared to Kick, Fuse on the bottom left):

 

Fuse scissors had bigger thumb rest than Pulse (Pulse on the bottom left):

 

New tools also have a beefer pliers (Pulse on the left):

 

Pulse on the left:

Leatherman Pulse

Few years after introduction of PST II Leatherman made yet another modification of original PST. New model, Pulse, had few redesigned features. Most important new feature was the introduction of locking blades, but it also had slimmer scissors, somewhat beefer pliers and slightly different diamond file.

To compare these differences, some of photos below picture Pulse side by side with PST.

It was quite a sleek and functional design, but it also added some bulk to the tool when compared to PST II - that's why this "PST III" never replaced it's predecessor in my pocket. It's still a nice tool, though - and a looker too.

Leatherman Pulse locking mechanism:

Leatherman Pulse compared to Leatherman PST (Pulse on the left).

Scissors:

Pliers:

Diamond-coated metal file:

Leatherman PST II + Tool Adapter

The refreshed version of the tool that started it all: Pocket Survival Tool. PST II introduced folding scissors, fishhook sharpening groove on the diamond file and blade serration. One of my favorite Leatherman tools of all time: very handy package with great functionality.

CZ75 PCR vs. CZ75 P-01

Many people seem to ask on forums about differences between these two models (both designated as "CZ 75 D Compact" in Europe, which causes further confusion), but answers usually focus on the accessory rail introduced in P-01 model.

Casual observer will see this difference at first glance. After closer examination (s)he will probably notice that P-01 frame is also longer and somehow bulkier, and that they have different trigger shape. 

But there are way more differences than that - slim profile slide release and decocker on P-01, slightly longer barrel on PCR etc. 

I couldn't find detailed comparison anywhere (not to mention detailed photos), so I decided to make it myself. I hope you will find it useful.

Click on pictures for larger resolution photos.

Gear: East German NVA Canteen

 

Compared to it's West German counterpart, the East German army canteen of Cold War period looks kind of sad, really. It's very basic, cheap piece of gear - East Germany officials obviously decided that drinking water is a secondary function of a soldier and that there's no point in making big deal of it.

Gear: French Army Mess Tin

I don't really know much about history of this design, except that it is a French Army 1952 model, probably inspired by a British Pattern 37 mess kit instead of classical pot-and-pan design. French mess tin consists of three rectangular, thick aluminum pans with rounded corners, stowed into each other.

Downside of this solution is lack of the large main pot to be hanged over the campfire.In return you get a handy, compact design, better suited to fit into a rucksack, side pocket of a backpack, belt pouch or even cargo pocked on your fatigues than it's kidney-shaped counterpart.

Gear: Swedish Army "Trangia" Mess Kit

  

Sturdy, heavy and well-designed piece of equipment, with good reputation and a large number of fans in bushcraft/survival society, it is commonly named "Trangia" set, but I'm pretty sure it wasn't the only producer manufacturing it over the years. I've had sets with two different stamps myself (see below).

 

It comes in two basic variations: stainless steel (heavy) and aluminum (lighter, but still weighting around 1kg / 2 lbs empty). However, this is a full mess set rather than just a mess tin - beside the two-piece mess tin itself it contains a surprisingly heavy alcohol stove, fuel bottle and a sturdy windshield / stand.

It is a solid design, with few interesting solutions.