Gear: USSR Army Canteen Set

 

As far as I know this "matryoshka" model was invented for USSR Airborne Forces (VDV) in late 50's and introduced to duty in 60's. It was designed to be lightweight and more compact than older infantry set. The set comprises of a canteen itself, a larger nesting cup and a smaller cup with a folding handle. 

Leatherman Flair

Designed as a picnic tool, this stepbrother of PST was obviously adopted and raised by old, rich French family.

About the same size as PST, it's a fancy and really good looking multitool. However, tool selection makes it not that useful on everyday basis. It's probably amazing for college parties, I guess.

Leatherman Flair side-by-side with PST:

And some more beauty shots:

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.