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The A100 broke new ground in the world of multitools when it was introduced in 1997. Available a full two years before the Leatherman Crunch, it was the first multitool to feature locking plier jaws. Also groundbreaking at the time was its one-hand-opening, liner locking knife blade. Ironically enough, the double folded sheet metal handle with one hand blade was seen again the very next year on the Leatherman Wave.
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Jaws
- Jaw shape is needlenose, with fine serrations, a gripping area, and a large wire cutter. (No hard wire notch is included)
- Finish is bead blast matte stainless.
- The upper jaw has a V-notch running lengthwise, to easier grip fish hooks and such.
- Jaws are spring loaded.
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| jaws | note V-groove |
Handles/Frame
- Handles are sheet metal bent into complex shapes.
- The lower handle is a channel shape containing four crossbolts to facilitate the locking mechanism.
- The upper handle is bent into an S-shape, with the lock adjustment in one channel and the outside opening knife blade in the other.
- Finish is bead blast matte stainless.
- KERSHAW MULTI-TOOL USA is stamped onto one side. KAI PAT. PENDING is stamped onto the other.
- An inch scale is stamped along one edge of the bottom side. A metric scale runs along the opposite edge.
- Pivot screws are an odd mix of hex heads and knurled heads. (although photos of tools with hex socket round head screws have been noted)
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| locking plier adjustment | inch and metric scale |
- Drop point knife blade, with half serrated edge. Measures 2-3/4" long (70mm)
- Features a thumb stud for one-hand-opening
- Phillips screwdriver
- Can opener
- Two-sided file blade, with single cut and double cut teeth
- Fine tooth metal cutting saw blade
- Medium flathead screwdriver
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| blades fanned | note unlock lever limits reach |
Locking Mechanism
- The knife blade locks open via a standard liner lock.
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| liner lock | close-up |
Other Features
- When not in use, the handles are held closed by a latch that rotates into place along one side.
- A bump and detent prevent the latch from swinging freely when it is disengaged.
- An assist lever helps to unlock the jaws when gripping something tightly.
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| handle latch | plier jaw release assist lever |
Sheath
- Standard sheath was a woven cordura nylon affair with velcro closure. Belt loop allowed vertical carry only.
- Also available was a form fitted leather sheath with open top.
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| Kershaw Multi-Tool A100C |
Dimensions
- Length = 6-3/4" (171mm)
- Width = 1-1/4" (32mm)
- Thickness = 5/8" (16mm)
- Weight = 8.6 oz (244g)
Variations
- Kershaw produced the Model 45516 for Sears Craftsman, which differs only in the stamped logo.
- Note that model numbers such as A100C or A100L simply indicate Cordura or Leather sheaths. The tools themselves are identical.
Background
- Introduced in 1997. Made in the USA.
A number of cheap knockoffs of the A100 have been produced and imported from China.
More Info
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| Leatherman Crunch -vs- Kershaw A100 |
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