e307x -- Testing:

As outlined in my test application, my test plan included six objectives: Blade Launcher, Bit Driver, Carabiner/Bottle Opener, Blade, Handle, and Overall impression.  I have detailed my test results under each objective. 

·         First objective - test the Blade Launcher™

1. Can one truly deploy the blade with a simple flick of the finger as Leatherman claims?  Will this improve over time?

[Results]  Over the four-month test period, I have only been successful in fully deploying the blade with a simple flick of the finger a few times.  Generally, in addition to flicking the Blade Launcher^TM with my finger, I have had to flick my wrist/hand to deploy the blade fully.  This has not improved over time.  Although I am right-handed, I was able to deploy the blade fully using my left hand and the aforementioned technique.  For us righties, blade deployment is also quite simple using the thumb stud on the blade.  However, for lefties, I believe deploying the blade via the thumb stud is awkward and dangerous at best.

2. Does the Blade Launcher™ action remain smooth and easy to operate over time?

[Results]  Yes, even after being packed with snow and submerged in an ice-cold stream, the Blade Launcher^TM action continues to be smooth and easy to operate.  It will be interesting to see whether the action will continue its smooth operation as I continue to use it and get more lint, dirt, etc. in the knife over time. 

3. How easy is it to deploy the blade with a gloved or mittened hand?

[Results]  Wearing my heavy snow skiing gloves, I was able to deploy the blade fully with the Blade Launcher^TM.  However, I was unable to deploy the blade using the thumb stud while wearing the same gloves. Nevertheless, wearing leather work gloves, I was able to fully deploy the blade using the thumb stud. It was impossible for me to deploy the blade wearing snowskiing mittens. 

4. Does the finger tab truly disappear into the handle upon deployment as Leatherman claims? 

[Results]  Yes, the finger tab virtually disappears into the handle upon deployment of the blade.

·         Second objective - test the Bit Driver

1. How easy is it to deploy the Bit Driver? 

[Results]  As stated in my past reports, it is quite easy to deploy the carabiner/bottle opener.  However, before reading the instructions, it was difficult trying to stow it.  Reading the instructions, I quickly learned that to stow the Bit Driver I just needed to push the Bit Driver with a little more force.  From then on, stowing the Bit Driver has been a breeze.

2.   Can one deploy the bit driver with either the right or left hand?

[Results]  Yes, simply hold the knife in either hand, lift on the Bit Driver’s small tab with the opposite hand to deploy.

3. How easy is it to change out driver bits?

[Results]  Changing out bit drivers is extremely simple; pull on the bit.  To insert another bit, simply press it into the opening in the Bit Driver.

4. Can one change driver bits with gloved or mittened hands?

[Results]  With gloved hands, I was able to replace bit drivers as long as the replacement bit was not in the bit holder or the card of the Bit Kit.  This was a bit (pun intended) more difficult, but possible, wearing mittens.   

5. How easy is it to drive screws with the e307x?

[Results]  It is very easy to drive screws with this knife. The contour of the handle and its inserts, along with its girth, make the knife feel as comfortable as a regular screwdriver in my hand.

·         Third objective - test the Carabiner/Bottle Opener

1. How easy is it to deploy the Carabiner/Bottle Opener?

[Results]  As stated in my previous reports, it is quite easy to deploy the carabiner/bottle opener.  However, before reading the instructions, it was difficult trying to stow it.  To stow the Carabiner, simply press it down (toward the knife handle) to unlock it and rotate it back to its place in the handle     

2. Do I find much utility in the Carabiner?

[Results]  Honestly, I did not think that I would find much use for the carabiner.  However, the convenience of being able to clip the knife to the outside of my pack is great.

3. Does the Carabiner keep the e307x securely attached to my pack?

[Results]  Yes.  On my snowshoeing and cross-country skiing trips, I used the carabiner to clip the knife to the outside of my pack.  Despite falling, several times, as I descended steep slopes in waist deep snow, the knife remained securely attached to my daypack.

·         Fourth objective - test the Blade

1.  Is the 2.8” (7.1 cm) blade sufficiently long for most of the tasks for which I would need a knife? 

[Results]  During the four-month test period, I have not needed a longer blade.

2. How well does the polished and ground 154 CM blade keep its edge?

[Results]  Over the four-month test period, the knife has retained its edge extremely well.  I believe it is nearly as sharp as the day I opened the box.  This is quite amazing considering the various tasks for which I have used the blade.  On my April 29 fishing trip, the blade was still sufficiently sharp to clean the fish my boys caught.

3. How easy is it to sharpen?

[Results]  Because the knife has retained its edge so well, I have not needed to sharpen the blade during the entire four-month test period.

4. Does the blade discolor, or rust, with extended use, and exposure to water?

[Results]  The blade has not rusted or discolored.  I fell several times while snowshoeing and cross-country skiing with the knife hanging from my pack.  Each time, every void in the knife filled with snow.  However, to test how the knife would react, I chose to leave the snow lodged in the voids, not even wiping it down after the snow had melted.  There was no rusting or discoloration.  On my fishing trip on April 29, I submerged the knife in the mountain stream many times, as I cleaned fish.  Again, to test whether the knife would rust, or discolor, I did not wipe down the knife.  As expected, the knife did not rust or discolor.

·         Fifth objective - test the Handle

1. What sort of grip do the glass-reinforced handle inserts provide?

[Results]  The glass-reinforced handle inserts enhance the grip provided by the girth and contour of the handle itself.

2. How well do the glass-reinforced handles hold up with extended use?

[Results]  During the four-month test period, the glass-reinforced handles have held up well.   

3. Do they resist cracking or chipping when dropped?

[Results]  There are no signs of chipping or cracking of the handle inserts to report.

·         Sixth objective - overall impression             

1. How comfortable is it to carry in my pants pocket?

[Results]  Personally, I still feel that the knife is too large for me to carry comfortably in my pants pocket.  However, I tolerate carrying the knife in my front pants pocket better when I use the pocket clip.

2. How comfortable is it in my hand?

[Results] Over the four-month test period, the knife’s girth provided excellent grip and felt quite comfortable in my hand. 

3.   Having used the e307x, would I be interested, or find utility, in purchasing the Bit Kit with its 21 double-ended bits?

[Results]  Over the four-month test period, I used each of the three double-ended bits included with the knife.  However, I only used one bit from the 7-piece Bit Kit.  Others may find use for the additional bits, but I think it unlikely that I would use many additional bits.

·         Overall Impression

[Results]  Initially, I was quite impressed with the e307x.  Over the four-month test period, I have remained impressed with the Leatherman e307x.  The knife holds its edge extremely well and is very comfortable to use.  Along with its great blade, Bit Driver and interchangeable bits, and the Carabiner/Bottle Opener, the e307x provides great utility.

Thanks to Leatherman and BGT for the opportunity to test the e307x folding knife.