Retired Leatherman tools have a following of their own. Some buyers want the exact PST their grandfather carried, some want an original Wave from the year they started a trade, and some simply prefer the feel of an older design. Whatever the reason, buying a pre-owned or discontinued Leatherman goes much better when you know what to look at. Here is what experienced collectors check before they buy.
1. Read the date stamp
Most Leatherman tools made since the early 1990s carry a four-digit date code stamped inside a handle, in month-year format. A code of 1199 means November 1999; 0300 means March 2000. Collector references report that Leatherman began date-stamping PST handles in 1992, so earlier PSTs usually have no code and are dated by other features such as markings and construction details.
Two tips: check both handles, because the codes can differ, and go by the later date. And remember that the date code tells you when the tool was assembled, not how much it has been carried. We list the date code in the title whenever a tool has one, so you can search our Leatherman collection by year.
2. Know which generation you are looking at
Several Leatherman names have been reused across very different tools. The table below covers the models collectors ask about most. Production years for retired models come from collector and community references; Wave dates are from Leatherman.
| Model | Production years | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| PST (Pocket Survival Tool) | 1983 to 2004 | The original Leatherman. Many variations over a 21-year run; date-stamped from 1992. |
| PST II | 1996 to 2004 | Updated version of the PST design. |
| Mini Tool | 1986 to 2004 | Smaller sibling of the PST. |
| Original Super Tool | 1994 to 2001 | Larger, heavier-duty tool aimed at trades. |
| Super Tool 200 | 2001 to 2005 | Second-generation Super Tool. |
| Super Tool 300 | 2009 onward | Still in Leatherman's current lineup. |
| Wave (original) | 1998 to 2004 | The first Wave, introduced at the 1998 SHOT Show. |
| Wave (second generation) | 2004 to 2018 | Stronger jaws and all-locking features. |
| Wave+ | 2018 onward | Adds replaceable wire cutters and a redesigned sheath. |
When a listing says "Wave," check the date code and photos to confirm the generation. The first-generation Wave is the one collectors usually mean by "Wave Original."
3. The PST: where it all started
The PST is the tool that launched the company in 1983, and its long production run produced a large number of variations. Collector sources note that some PST parts were made by Mitsuboshi Cutlery in Japan during the 1980s, which is why "Made in Japan" PSTs turn up and are sought after. Markings also changed over the years, so the stamps on the blade tangs and plier head help date early examples.
With PSTs, look for crisp pliers that close tightly at the tip, a blade that hasn't been sharpened into a narrow sliver, and handles without deep pitting. A period-correct leather sheath adds appeal.
4. The original Wave and Super Tool
Leatherman says the Wave was revealed at the SHOT Show in 1998 and became its best seller. The first generation ran until 2004, when Leatherman redesigned it with stronger jaws and locking tools. Many collectors prefer the original design, and clean examples with matching date codes and an original sheath are the most desirable.
The original Super Tool (1994 to 2001) was Leatherman's heavy-duty option and is still loved for its size and strength. The Super Tool 200 followed, then the Super Tool 300. Make sure you know which one you are buying, because they look similar in small photos.
5. Grade the condition honestly
- Action: every tool should open and close smoothly. Gritty pivots usually just need cleaning; loose, wobbly pivots are more of a concern.
- Locks: on tools that have them, locks should engage fully and release cleanly.
- Pliers and cutters: tips should meet, and wire cutters should be free of chips. On older models the cutters are not replaceable, so damage matters more.
- Blades: look for an even edge and an intact tip. Heavy resharpening changes the blade profile.
- Finish: light scratches are normal on a working tool. Deep pitting or active rust is not.
- Engravings: names, company logos and dates are common on older tools. Some buyers love the history; others prefer clean handles.
6. Sheaths, boxes and paperwork
An original sheath can noticeably raise a collectible tool's appeal, especially leather sheaths from the PST and early Super Tool and Wave years. Original boxes and papers are rarer still. We note in the title when a tool comes with its sheath, so check each listing for what is included.
7. Warranty and counterfeits
Leatherman's retired-product pages state that it will attempt to repair retired tools sent in for warranty service, and if a repair isn't possible it substitutes a current product with similar features and value. On counterfeits, compare markings, fit and finish against known genuine examples, and be wary of listings that only use stock photos. Every tool we sell is hand-photographed, so what you see is exactly what arrives.
Find retired and hard-to-find tools in our Rare & High-End collection, or browse everything in stock. US shipping is free, orders ship within one business day, and returns are free for 30 days.
Frequently asked questions
How do I read a Leatherman date code?
Look inside the handles for a four-digit code. The first two digits are the month and the last two are the year, so 0602 means June 2002. If the two handles differ, go by the later date.
Do all old Leatherman tools have a date code?
No. Collector references report that date stamps on PST handles started in 1992, so many earlier PSTs have none.
What is a Leatherman Wave Original?
It is the first-generation Wave, made from 1998 until Leatherman redesigned it in 2004. Collectors value clean, dated examples, especially with the original sheath.
Does Leatherman still service retired tools?
Leatherman states that it will attempt to repair retired tools under its warranty, and substitute a comparable current product if a repair cannot be made.
Is a pre-owned Leatherman worth it?
Yes, when the tool opens, closes and locks properly and has been honestly described. Leatherman tools are built to last decades, which is why so many older ones are still working today.