Long Term Report

Long Term Report: Leatherman e307x Knife

April 26, 2006

Tester Information

Name: Chari Daignault
Age: 43
Gender: Female
Height: 5’ 6" (1.68 m)
Weight: 135 Pounds (61 kg)
Email address: chari@cdaig.com
City, State, Country: Orlando, Florida, U.S.A.

Backpacking Background: I've been an ultra-light hiker for 33 years -- I take the bare minimum with me and prefer a pack under or close to five pounds. I've hiked all the Florida State Forest trails in Central Florida and climbed Mt. Fuji in Japan when I was nine. I have hiked dry & sandy, rough & rocky and wet & boggy trails and as a result, have found what does and doesn't work for me in terms of equipment and clothing. Central Florida affords a lot of sun and rains, with high temperatures and massive humidity. It's a great testing area for clothing, footwear and headgear.

The product

Manufacturer: Leatherman Tool Group, Inc.
Web site http://www.leatherman.com
Product: e307x Locking Liner Serrated Knife [shipped with optional Bit Kit Accessory]
Year manufactured: 2005
MSRP: $100.00 (US) / $110.00 (US) w/7 pc. Bit Kit

Per the manufacturer:

Blade opening: One-hand Blade Launcher, thumb stud
Lock mechanism: Locking liner [a strip of metal which is pulled aside to unlock the blade]
Closed length: 3.875" (0.10 m)
Open length: 6.7" (0.17 m)
Blade length: 2.8" (0.07 m)
Weight: 4.2 oz. (118 g)
Blade style: Combination straight and serrated
Blade finish: Polished and ground
Handle material: Machined aluminum with glass-filled nylon inserts, stainless steel bolsters

Included Bits: Phillips #1 & #2
Screwdriver 3/16" (0.48 cm) & 1/4" (0.64 cm)
Screwdriver 1/8" (0.32 cm) x Torx #15
Verified weight: 4.3 oz (122 g)
Color tested: Silver/Black
Colors available: Silver/Black

Warranty: [Quoted from web site], 25-YEAR Limited Warranty: If within 25 years from the purchase date of your genuine Leatherman® tool you find any defect in material or workmanship, you can count on us to make it right with fast warranty service.

For a complete description of the Leatherman e307x, please see my Initial Report.

Field Conditions

The average temperature in the area I've been testing is 85 degrees Fahrenheit [29.44 Celsius], and the elevation is about 12 feet [3.6 Meters] above sea level. The terrain is flat with sand, scrub brush, local trees and the occasional creek or river to cross. We've been in drought-like conditions for the past couple of months, with almost no humidity, and even less rainfall.

e307x on backpack strap

Field Testing Results

Since my Field Report, I've continued to test the e307x both at work and out in the field. At work, I've used the blade to cut and strip wires and open boxes. I've used the screw driver [phillips bits] for installing network racks and taking apart electronic equipment -- computers and printers, mostly. Although convenient, the length of the driver attachment keeps the e307x from being the perfect all-purpose tool. Screws inside deep holes in equipment are not reachable, which forces me to scour the building in search of a regular, long-bladed screw driver. I carry it using the pocket clip, attached to the small coin pocket on my jeans.

In the field, the e307x has been my constant companion. It has been with me literally every single day for the past 16 weeks. I have been extremely happy with the blade's cutting ability and the ease of being able to flip the blade open with one hand. Out on the trail, after tripping and falling, a thorny vine embedded itself in my left forearm and was threatening to rip my skin off. Unable to get up safely, I opened the blade with my right hand, locked it in place by pressing it on my thigh and then cut the vine quickly with little discomfort from the thorns in my arm. I carry the knife sheathless on my backpack strap with the pocket clip for easy access, which has worked well for me. The pocket clip could stand to be a bit tighter, as if it is clipped to anything slimmer than a leather belt, it easily slips off. I tend to not hang items off a belt when hiking, and prefer to attach them to my backpack instead. The built-in carabiner addresses this partially, but with the carabiner, the knife is swinging around and can then whack into things.

I've dropped the e307x several times at work, on industrial carpet-covered cement flooring. It has sustained no damage. The black nylon inserts on the handle protect the tool very well. In the field, it's been dropped in the sand -- a lot. By blowing forcefully on the tool with the blade and all attachments open, I'm able to remove the majority of sand. Then, using a soft, clean cloth pulled through the open tool, I'm able to remove the rest of the sand. The blade still opens and closes with no discernable grinding.

I've used the blade as a striker for a firestarter I've been testing. It works just as well as the provided striker and shows no wear or damage. I have been very happy with the e307x and its many uses.

I wish to thank the Leatherman Tool Group, Inc. and BackpackGearTest.org for the opportunity to test this product.

Read more reviews of Leatherman gear
Read more gear reviews by Chari Daignault

Reviews > Knives > Folding > Leatherman e307x > Chari Daignault > Long Term Report

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