Leatherman Squirt PS4/ES4: "Thumb-sized Toolchest" by Nutnfancy

It was perfect in almost every way....except one. It didn't have scissors. That was my criticism in my Jul 2008 review video of the otherwise awesome little Leatherman Squirt. It served me with distinction then and became a cherished wingman in my everyday life. Like they sometimes do (and I am glad for it), it has since been retired for the line by Leatherman. But fret not because these new Squirt PS4 and ES4 versions have a major improvement: scissors! They are tiny and precise, reminding me of the also-excellent Swiss Army Classic scissors. These little snips come in handy for a huge variety of everyday tasks; I've even used mine for first aid jobs where they snipped ripped skin away without causing pain. But with these scissors you will lose the impressive little awl (I also call it a punch) and the tiny screwdriver that rode in the previous Squirt. It's a good tradeoff and as I discussed in my vid "Multi-tool Continuum" the designs always call for compromise. Other tools remain unchanged and they function well: file, 420HC flat ground knife blade (still hate the chisel grind they do), Phillips driver, and medium sized flat blade driver. The pliers of the PS4 are unchanged and that is good because for their size, they rock. The Squirts pliers are strong for their size and the jaws close with precision. The provide almost tweezer-like extraction and knot untying capabilities. The ES4 version has precise wire strippers that work and both version have light duty wire cutters that snip flex cuffs, zip ties, small nails, and wire. All tools are easily extracted from the exterior and won't break your fingernails like some other LDMTs out there. Amazingly the build uses T6 Torx screws so this little MT has an open architecture and can be adjusted should the need arise. The weight remains unchanged as at miniscule 2.0 oz and the quality levels throughout remains impressive. Gone is the interesting tool choice of the retired E4 (tweezers, precise drivers, nail file) and the scissors only S4 Squirt version (look to the Leatherman Style for that in 2011). But they will not be missed. The Squirt colors have changed to matte anodizing including colors black, red, and blue with future special editions on the horizon. The contoured aluminum handles provide a good canvas for the vibrance of the new color choices. The Squirt again makes an ideal and thoughtful gift they will be cherished (until it is lost!). For light duty MTing, the Squirt is ready for the call of duty and unlike a lot of bigger MTs out there, you will probably have it on hand when you need it./////////////// Nutnfancy LIkability Scale: 10 out of 10

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[timberland1108]

Im a firefighter and i had a wave but it was very hard and bulky to wear under my bunker pants. i now have a squirt and its perfect the wave it kept in my fire coat.

[nutnfancy]

@timberland1108 I love my Squirt too. -- Veri

[jordub]

ask a Brit what Fanny means, and you might change the name of it....

[classof77]

The big shootout is between the PS4 and the Victorinox Alox Cadet. They are the titans of sub-$25 keychain utilities.

Squirt pros: Many tools! has awesome pliers; has scissors, a Phillips driver, and a wood file.

Squirt cons: knife sucks, tool detents are weak, cap lifter is mediocre.

Cadet pros: thinner than Squirt; good detents; great knife!; superior cap lifter & flat drivers; nail file.

Cadet cons: no pliers, scissors, or Phillips.

If you need pliers, Squirt wins. Otherwise Cadet wins.

[SignedSign]

you do get "kinda" an awl on the fixed part of the scissors.. and a "small flathead" screwdriver at the tip of the 2d phillips screwdriver, so tthose tools are not totally gone

[saigaish]

Just ordered a ps4 it'll be here in a week. Can't wait!

[hebson21]

always have to check if you have done a review or not

great job

[hannahb864g]

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[ViolentKisses87]

@timberland1108 Really a firefighter? XD I carry a Surge Daily.

[jellzey]

Just purchased to take the place of a Swiss key and Victorinox signature. I lose a toothpick and pick up a pair of pliers for the same weight that is a big win. Thanks again for costing me money.

[pmkmw1]

i know that the squirt is the more logical choice for a key chain but i have my juice on my keys and its not to bad. however, i am going to buy a victorinox cadet for my keys because i want to swap my juice to my back pack and leave my wave in the car or at home 85% of the time

[nightrider2k6]

Hey nutn, do you think leatherman is better or victorinox? If you had to choose only one, brand, would you go with the leatherman or victorinox?

[MyLastSiege]

love the applauds when you took out the scissors