History: Vista

Along with its stable mate Hybrid, the Leatherman Vista represents somewhat of a departure from the companys traditional offerings. Instead of pliers, it is based on a large set of folding pruner jaws. (secateurs) Also unusual are the green plastic handles and soft rubber grips. The Vista was designed as a hunting/outdoors multitool, and has a number of features included specifically for that purpose.

click on a picture to view it full size

Jaws

The pruner jaws on the Vista are of the bypass type. (as opposed to the anvil type) Jaw opening is such that branches up to 3/4” (20mm) will fit between them. There is also a soft wire cutting notch at the base of the pruner section.

The jaws are spring-loaded by means of a hidden clothespin spring. A thumb activated safety lock bar holds them in the closed position when not in use.

Handles/Frame

The Vista’s handles have an underlying frame made from stainless steel, formed into a U-shaped channel. Attached to the steel is a contoured set of scales made from high impact green plastic. Overmolding the green plastic are inlays of soft black rubber, positioned where the hand would normally grip. Despite being an inside-opening style tool, the Vista is not uncomfortable to squeeze hard on.

Blades and Tools

One handle houses a long wood saw blade and a combination flathead screwdriver/cap lifter/choke tube wrench implement. (see picture below)

The opposite handle includes a very large awl, a phillips screwdriver, and a knife blade. The knife blade is 2-1/4” long (57mm) and has a combination straight edge/serrated edge profile to it. The User’s Guide suggests that the large awl can be used for starting screw-in tree steps.

Locking Mechanism

None of the blades lock open.

Other Features

None.

Sheath

The sheath is made from heavy nylon with a camouflage pattern. A snap closure is used. The backside has belt loops for both vertical and horizontal carry.

Dimensions

• Folded length = 4-3/4" (120mm)
• Unfolded length = 8" (203mm)
• Thickness = 7/8" (23mm)
• Weight = 8.2 oz (230g)

Variations

On early models of the Vista, the jaw pivot was secured by a large flathead screw which threaded into a boss cast into the “black” jaw. Occasionally the locktite used on the screw would fail, allowing it to tighten during normal use, jamming the shears. This pivot method was replaced in early 2007 by a button head socket screw and a self-locking hex nut.

History

Introduced in 2006. Made in USA. Discontined in 2010.

Related Tools

Leatherman Hybrid pruning tool. Leatherman Genus is also a pruner based tool.

More Info

• Leatherman Vista review at Multitool.org

click on a picture to view it full size