Leatherman Squirt PS4 Review

The Leatherman Squirt PS4 is a tiny chunk of well-built and functional steel and aluminum. Strong pliers, an excellent blade, and precise scissors in a keychain-ready package fulfill the needs of many daily multi-tool users.

Performance Comparison

Functions

In our testing, people naturally gravitated to the tools that include scissors. All models include a blade, screwdrivers, and pliers. It is the scissors that set apart most of our award winners. Leatherman's Squirt series started with the P4 and then later added the PS4. The S stands for scissors. The PS4 has 'em and the P4 doesn't. Recently Leatherman discontinued the P4, because the PS4 has all the advantages of the former, plus scissors. One tester has used the P4 for years and is excited for the inclusion of scissors to his favorite tool. The suite of options in the Squirt PS4 is unreal, considering the small stature.

The blade is small but functional. One of our hunting testers, while bringing a knife that didn't make the cut in our Pocket Knife Review, also carries a Squirt. His pocket knife used for hunting turned out to not be up to the task of field dressing his deer. He had to use his tiny Squirt blade to dress, skin, and quarter a deer. And it did the job. The blade's edge is sharp and durable. The other features in the Squirt PS4 are also useful. The bottle opener is handy. The file is excellent, and the screwdrivers work for light-duty turning. If you require more torque, this sort of design will come up short, regardless of the exceptional construction quality.

Construction Quality

Leatherman's long pedigree of making multi-tools shows in the refinements on this tool. All hinges and springs are tight. The pliers withstand as much pressure as one can apply to the short handles. Even all gunked up with pocket lint, the tools fold out smoothly and reliably. The spring tension in pliers, as well as in engaging the fold out tools, is tuned to each application. The aluminum side plates will show some scratching with usage, but the rivets joining the whole shebang remain tight even after years of use.

Ergonomics

Smaller multi-tools are inherently tougher to use. One can't exert the same leverage, and the small handles are simply more difficult to manipulate. The Squirt PS4 is no exception. In many ways, portability and ergonomics are opposed. More portable, like the Squirt, and it'll be tougher to use. However, Leatherman's small tool strikes a great balance. All the surfaces are curved for in-hand comfort. All the secondary tools are accessible without engaging the pliers. The pliers are spring-loaded for easy manipulation. The fingernail insets are sharp and in reach even for the most chewed-down nails. In the pursuit of compact build, all locking mechanisms were omitted from the PS4. Our testers find this to be ok. It is unlikely a user will use the PS4 for extended or heavy duty usage (backcountry deer dressing notwithstanding).

Portability

The Squirt PS4 earns top marks in portability. It is the smallest and lightest in our test and comes equipped with a tiny split-ring to immediately stow on your keys. It is smaller than most modern car keys and remote fobs. You'll hardly notice it until you need it; just what we're on the hunt to find.

Value

Provided you keep the blade sharp and don't lose it, this thing will serve you for a lifetime. For a price below most in our test, this is an excellent value. Stacked up against the literal big dogs, this tiny little thing doesn't stand out at all. However, when you consider that it is 1/3 the size of most of the tools, and therefore sits nearly alone in an entirely different class, the overall score does not matter nearly as much.

Conclusion

We heartily recommend this tool for keychain carry for virtually everyone. Only those who regularly need to tackle heavy tasks will need something more than the Squirt PS4. We even recommend this tool for backcountry usage. Most multi-tools are too heavy for inclusion on human-powered adventures. However, the Squirt PS4 weighs less than many pocket knives and can be used for a great deal of improvised wilderness repair tasks. Our lead tester, even on the lightest of ultra-light missions, always carries his tiny Squirt. He sleeps on a square of 3/8 inch closed cell foam and wears the same t-shirt for weeks to save weight, but he brings his Squirt everywhere.