Leatherman has recently announced a new line of FREE multi-tools, which will be an entirely new platform of multi-purpose tools with an elevated user experience. They say that the new Leatherman FREE multi-tool line also reflects a new approach on how they design and build products.
There will be several different product styles in the Leatherman FREE multi-tool platform. We’ll discuss the FREE P-series tools in this post, but there are several features common to all FREE-series tools.
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- All outside-accessible tools
- No nail nicks
- “Magnetic architecture” for smooth frictionless tool deployment
- New locking system with reduced friction and elastomer springs
- “Epic haptics” that allow tools to open and close seamlessly and with a distinct locking noise
- Texture for looks and grip
Leatherman FREE P4 Multi-Tool
The FREE P-series tools have traditional styling, and feature many of the same tools as classic Leatherman multi-tools, but with some new features and the new opening and locking technologies.
At a glance, the FREE P4 features two knife blades – one plain edged and one serrated, a wood-cutting saw, scissors, Phillips and slotted screwdrivers, a file and small screwdriver, a bottle opener, ruler, and several other functions and tools. It has 21 tools and functions in all.
- 2.76″ blade length
- 4.25″ closed length
- Weighs 8.6 oz
- 100% stainless steel
- All locking tools
- Comes with nylon sheath
- Made in USA
MSRP: $140
Buy Now(P4 via Leatherman)
Buy Now(P4 via Amazon)
Buy Now(P4 via BladeHQ)
Leatherman P2 Multi-Tool
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The Leatherman FREE P2 looks to be a slightly smaller tool, with a partially serrated knife blade, scissors, Phillips and slotted screwdriver, file, bottle opener, and a couple of other more minor implements. The FREE P2 has 19 tools and functions
Both P2 and P4 tools have combination jaw pliers with replaceable cutter blades.
- 2.76″ blade length
- 4.25″ closed length
- Weighs 7.6 oz
- 100% stainless steel
- All locking tools
- Comes with nylon sheath
- Made in USA
Closed you can see the tools’ FREE handle design, which will be signature styling across the product line.
MSRP: $120
The ETA for both P-series tools is April 2019.
Buy Now(P2 via Leatherman)
Buy Now(P2 via Amazon)
Buy Now(P2 via BladeHQ)
First Thoughts
I like the look of how the pocket or belt clip is attached, and that the pliers both have replaceable cutter blades.
No more bit holder? That’s a feature of the Wave, Charge, and Skeletool that I really like.
Proprietary magnetic architecture for opening and closing the tools? I’m all for it, if it means less hassle opening one tool from the middle of a clump.
I can see that there are cut-outs for folding open the main tools, such as the knife and scissors. But how do the other tools deploy without nail nicks?
The all-outside-accessible design makes the looks like smaller, or slimmer, which is good. But it also looks like all of the tools have been made smaller.
Here’s my review of the Leatherman Wave multi-tool. The FREE P2 and P4 tools look smaller than the Wave’s, or at the least the main tools like the knife blades, despite being a little longer at 4.25″ closed compared to the Wave’s 4″. We won’t know how the FREE multi-tools feel or work differently until hit they market.
Leatherman says that the FREE P-series multi-tools will have evolved ergonomics, with the new tools designed to feel even more at home in the palm of your hand. Sounds good to me. They also say that tools pop open with a simple push of your thumb, which sounds great.
BladeHQ has a SHOT Show 2019 video demo:
Ignoring everything else, I’d be sold on the one-handed flip-open capabilities of the new Leatherman FREE P2 and P4 multi-tools. Typical fold-open Leatherman multi-tools simply don’t open like that.
The pricing is a bit high, but hopefully street pricing or promotions bring it down a little.
It’s also worth pointing out that Leatherman has prominent Made in the USA labeling on the sell sheet.
Hilton
The P3 has almost the same features as the Wave 1 which I still have.
Seems a bit expensive though but time will tell what the price does.
Thomas S. Johnson
I have felt for the the last several yrs that Leathermans’ decision to take out the miniature screw driver holder from The Surge was a big mistake! After returning my Surge for repair, my new one came back w/o that featured item, so now I’m forced to purchase the Wave which has small scissors for that one feature? Wake up Leatherman ! Now that I have the extender & the bit set, what am I to do? Try releasing a cinch strap which I use & reuse on a daily basis to old my cell phone charge in the DC plug in the backhoe at work. I carry at all time 1- surge & 1- original 300 along w/ a micro & 1 other very small one my keys . At 59 yrs old, as a former oil burner tech these co e in real handy. Praise God for L.L. Beans loyalty program & Leathermans 25 yr replacement policy/ warranty in all I’ve had a number ofreplaced units.
Joseph AcGuire
You don’t need to purchase the Wave just to get the miniature screw driver? You can purchase any Wave or Surge loose parts on eBay for a fraction of the cost.
Bill Owens
I don’t need a knife that can shape logs for a log cabin, and I don’t need pliers to cut nails. I need a multitool that can clip in a pocket without pulling my pants down, that can be used for the many little jobs that pop up during the day. If I’m going to work on the car, I’ll have a proper set of tools.
I have a dozen big name brand multitools, but the one I carry every day is the SOG Micro Pint. I bought this, knowing that it had no flat-blade screwdrivers. However, 10 minutes with a Dremel converted the bottle opener into a medium screwdriver, and the file into a large screwdriver/prybar.
It has 10 tools in the handles, all accessible with handles closed, a set of needle nose pliers, with the SOG compounding gear system, wire cutters, and a crimping tool.
All handle tools lock in place.
Over the last three days, I have used the tool for:-
• scissors, to cut thread half a dozen times in leatherwork, and to cut a label from a shirt.
• the awl/reamer to scrape calcium deposits from base of kitchen tap.
• the knife, same length as the blade in Leatherman Juice C2, to open a parcel.
• the serrated blade to cut four pieces of rope.
• the modified prybar to open a tin of contact cement… Three or four times.
• the medium screwdriver (my mod) to tighten screws in a fan.
• the strap cutter to open plastic packaging, which normally needs a chain saw.. You know the type.
• the long, fine screwdriver to reach into a crevasse in the car to retrieve a key.
• the #0 Phillips head driver to tighten a loose cupboard screw.
• the pliers to hold a nail for hammering, to remove a nut on the mower, to tighten and cut cable ties on the sprinkler system, the wire cutters to cut pieces of wire 1.0mm in diameter, pliers to bend wires into shapes.
All just ordinary day-to-day jobs that you can deal with right there and then, if you have a useful multitool. It is 80mm long, and weighs only 120g.
It, for me, is the ideal tool to carry easily with a pocket clip.
Nathan
I wonder if focus groups showed that the bit holder design wasn’t liked. I could see camper/hiker types not liking them as you could loose the bit piece.
Where as I like them because the bits engaged screws better and are replaceable. But I have to admit I don’t use them now anyway. I keep the wave in the car – but if I had to use it I pop the trunk for the small tool kit – and drivers I keep in there.
I don’t carry it at work because the blade length is too much and it’s too heavy. So I use the skeletool at work.
Ideally what I’d like in a carry everyday multi-tool is the scissors, a smooth blade of some flavor – those pliers with the removable wire cutter blade – with a philips and a small flat and a bottle opener.
Hilton
Essentially a Wave 1. I bought a Gerber Centre Drive but I find it too big for EDC.
Joseph
No bit holder, no deal for me.
Chris
Those aren’t free.
Nathan
I forgot to say – The naming convention is a giant marketing fail
MtnRanch
I have to agree. My initial reaction after figuring out that these aren’t “free” tools was that this must be some low cost “second line” promotional products.
Steve C
Are you a marketing expert? No! Next.
J Valosik
I am. It’s a bad naming convention.
Stuart
I added quotes to the title. Does that make it clearer or worse?
CountyCork
I think it emphasizes free as if the tools are free to have. haha
Alex
This ^
Patrick McDonald
You know anything that is “Free” usually isn’t worth having. 🙂
Nathan
I get what they might have been going for in that they are “free” as in free moving.
Or Freedom of selection – or something like that.
It’s just bad. period
Could have called them smooth or slick and it might have been better.
Doc John
Yeah.. Thanks Stu- but the darn name is the problem.
What about some cool website that would let us- the buyer- design the multi tool we want? I’d pay a premium for such customization.
Stuart
https://14cyiuhvcgv.com/quirky-switch-a-modular-pocket-knife-tool/%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E
The idea never really caught on.
David Zeller
Except the Quirky was quirky. I think that a standard multitool design from a quality tool maker would do much better.
Texas Tom
Me too i really want to choose what i get in a multi tool and i would pay twice as much to get what i want!
Hang Fire
I think the quotes makes it clearer, thank you. But yes, marketing fail on their part. “Freedom” or something like that would have been better.
The replaceable bit thing is a two edged sword. They are small, fiddly and easily lost. But easily and economically replaceable, which I did. On the other hand with Leatherman’s policy, you have to send in the tool for repair and be without it for a week or two if a built-in tool fails. And screwdriver bits fail.
I wish Leatherman would make individual replacement tools (blades etc. not just bits) available. Then we could kit bash our way to a perfectly customized tool. Without that we have to buy new and used Leatherman tools, which gets expensive, fast.
Patrick McDonald
Didn’t momma tell you that nothings “free” in life?
Tim D.
This potentially fixes some of the most annoying things to me about leathermans. I’m interested, and would like to put hands on one.
I’ve got a handful of multi-tools. However, as cool as I think they are, I find that I rarely ever use them.
I probably use my skeletool the most, mainly because it’s crammed into my laptop bag.
Cube
Cramming this new tool in your laptop bag may be damage your computer. Magnets and computers don’t play well with each other. That’s my big concern with this cool new tool.
Cory C McIntyre
Less than 100 gauss on the tool from the magnets. Not an issue.
Cube
Leatherman has good reason to remove these useful tools such as the mini screwdriver and only include a small scissors. That makes its customers go out and buy all the Leatherman multi tools which have the tools that they desire. This was pointed out by a comment I read somewhere. I too prefer a larger scissors at an eyeglass screwdriver but it is a marketing strategy to remove useful tools and to make you go out and spend more money.
Stuart
That doesn’t seem very practical to me.
They have to make choices with every tool. How often is a Phillips driver used vs. an eyeglass screwdriver blade? Those mini screwdriver blades are prone to breakage, which requires a bit holder and proprietary bit, and that takes up a lot of space in a tool.
While there are enthusiasts who own more than one multi-tool, very many are only looking for their one perfect tool.
They do have specialized multi-tools, like the Signal, that are application-specific. I’d say those are aimed at users who either want just one specialty multi-tool, or multiple tools.
But my opinion is that the Free P2 and P4 are more aimed at being a user’s main tool. I think that, given its premium price, they might appeal more towards existing multi-tool users who can better weigh whether the features are worth the price for their needs and typical usage.
I wear glasses but have never used the eyeglass screwdriver blade on my multi-tools. Then again, I have precision screwdrivers and multi-bit precision screwdrivers that I’ve used on such screws.
Cube
I agree a company has to make choices. Also as much as I would prefer certain tools in my multi-tool such as larger scissors it makes good business sense for a company to motivate their customers to buy multiple versions of their products. $$$
Stuart
But that mentality can also push potential customers to other brands.
If someone can’t find everything they need in a Leatherman, they’ll be more inclined to look towards Gerber, Victorinox, Sog, or other multi-tool brands.
Cube
Thats true. On the good side there is nothing wrong with Victorinox.
Cube
That’s good to learn. I ordered mine last night…
Blaine
Magnets and computers simply aren’t an issue. Yes, magnets and magnetic media like floppies and tape are a problem. But the only thing in a computer that could possibly be affected by a magnet is a hard drive, and they are so well shielded that it’s a non-issue. Unless maybe you’ve got a magnet strong enough to pick up the entire computer. 🙂
But magnetized tools are a non-issue. I use them all the time.
JR
I was always able to open any of the Leatherman tools one handed. The heavier tools were easiest to flip open, the lighter tools took a bit more effort. Sure, they were not push button level of ease, but far from impossible. The tiny ones like the Squirt I could open with my thumb. Of course, most of the internal tools required two or more hands to open!
That said, most of the newer multitools appear to be made for people other than me as the tool load out is less useful for me and for some reason the makers are unwilling to fully commit to user changeable tool load outs.
Jason Lester
I’ve lost multiple bits over the years in my Skeletool. They’re unique to Leatherman I think and they don’t offer them separately, you have to buy a set. I really only use #1/#2 Phillips and small/medium straight, so it’s a pain to keep buying full sets. If it used standard hex inserts like my other screwdrivers and impacts, I would like it better.
Koko The Talking Ape
I agree. A hex bit holder would take up space of course, but in the P2 it would replace four of the little blades, and add utility and expandability. You’d still need to store the bits somewhere though.
It would be especially nice if the holder locked a la Wera. Then the bits could include a can opener, nail file, etc. You could customize your tool simply by buying the right bits.
Bill Owens
I think all extra tools, such as ¼ inch driver bits should be in the knife or on the pouch. I often see reviews that talk about “a hex bit driver”, where you can go to your toolbox to get the extra bits. If you have to go to your toolbox, you can get the proper tool while you are there.
William Adams
I still my an original Leatherman PST in my small bag of precision tools, supplemented w/ a Leatherman Crunch, and have a Leatherman Mini supplemented w/ a Gerber Myth Archery tool in my EDC bag. The Mini may get restored to pocket carry when I finally replace the leather card case I use for my Fisher Bullet Pen.
The new tools are neat, but aren’t as appealing to me — really like the idea of the bit drive system, and would like to see it revisited in a small tool such as the Mini.
Jonathan
I am personally glad they left the bit holders out, I never liked them and have went as far as to buy an older wave off fleabay as a replacement for my original. The replaceable cutters are the other feature that will assure that these make it to my belt, as someone who cuts a lot of tie wire they have been a real lifesaver.
Jarold
Gerber, whom is owned by Fiskars recently came out with Center Drive Plus multi tool that has USA manufactured contents, not merely assembled here and uses offset 1/4 driver instead of specialty bits. This also includes a American made leather case that has room for 1/4 screwdriver bit storage.
Don’t get me wrong, Gerber, as most companies do not produce 100% of their items in the United States of America, yet never claimed to or made any false reporting of such.
Leatherman was fined by the FTC for lying about country of origin several years ago. Type in Leatherman FTC and you’ll see what I am talking about. That is pretty bad in my opinion.
Equally worse is how Leatherman decided to alienate half of their customer base. Never a good idea to mix business with anything else. Tim Leatherman has every right to do so, just as myself and others have the right not to buy his products.
https://www.ar15.com/forums/general/-/5-296348/?page=1
Again, everyone can do whatever they want, but remember this works BOTH ways. Take it from someone that used a fairly successful business, you do NOT want to bring in your personal comments and have your company name attached to it.
Stuart
We’ve posted about the Gerber Center-Drive multi-tool before. https://14cyiuhvcgv.com/gerber-center-drive-multi-tool/%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E
The FTC issue happened more than 13 years ago, and their founder’s political endorsements controversy all happened more than 14 years ago.
Dederick
Not saying I agree with the original poster, the Center Drive Plus was mentioned, not merely the Center Drive model. There is a difference between the two. This isn’t my opinion, literally Gerber’s own site mentions this.
As for the FTC situation, merely because this happened 13 years ago doesn’t excuse the fact Tim Leather and his company lied about country of origin. Stanley in 1999 was caught for same action lying about country of origin.
This wasn’t a harmless lie. Either hold everyone accountable for their actions or their is one set for rules for specific individuals.
Now as for the founder’s political endorsement, to me personally I didn’t give a darn about that. What caused me never to support Leatherman was that Tim Leatherman SPECIFICALLY used his brand to add more political clout and even more so, used the money earned from Leatherman tools to fund a politician. FYI, I didn’t vote for either and prefer to keep politics separate from every other aspect.
Everyone has the right to their own opinion and I am not claiming Tim Leatherman shouldn’t be able to express himself. However, you are going to alienate 50% of your customer base involving politics especially since multi tools and politics have nothing in common.
Look how this has worked out for Leatherman and other companies.Sure they had a temporarily boost of support, but the people such myself that will never buy any Leatherman product ever again haven’t and lost customers for life.
Companies need to focus on making money and following guidelines set by the legal system. Nothing else.
Stuart
They’re largely the same tools. Looking at the Center Drive Plus, which I don’t recall seeing before, the difference is in the color, finish, and the blade style, and the second knife on the Center Drive being swapped for scissors on the Plus. Since I hadn’t posted about the Plus yet, a link to past coverage on the Center Drive seemed appropriate.
Past events have importance, but this post isn’t about all that, it’s about a new tool, or rather two new multi-tools. My intent is to steer people back on topic, to avoid long digressions, arguments, and the inevitability of personal attacks that happen when someone decides they want to talk about politics or politically-themed topics.
In my opinion, it’s moot to try to start conversations about political incidents in the company and its founder’s history that took place more than 10 years ago.
Previous new Leatherman products noticeably lack country of origin information, which is why the Made in the USA on these sell sheets was noticeable to me and mentionable.
Callihan
My guess Stuart is that the original post was that there is a difference between Center Drive and the plus variation. Personally, I hadn’t heard of the plus variation until reading about it in this comment thread.
Considering that Leatherman was found to be fraudulent about information in the past and given the context, I’d say this is in fact germane. Unfortunate event and even though this happened years ago, hard to trust a company that has lied before.
As for politics or politically themed topics, based on the link that presented, seems that this wasn’t even remotely private information and Tim Leatherman specifically used the company’s name to virtue signal. Any topic can cause personal attacks, just as anything can be seen as controversial.
Time is irrelevant as this doesn’t change what transpired. There was a certain individual that made the same claim of “what difference does it make” when asked about a event that happened years before.
Stuart
With the original comment, I took that more as “Gerber is better than Leatherman, here are the reasons why…”, followed by “and Leatherman is also bad because…”
Timing becomes relevant when digressions are too far removed from the post topic.
I’ve learned that giving too much flexibility leads to political discussions and agendas, and that always get messy. Thus politics aren’t open to discussion here. Now, if the FTC complaint happened in the past year or two, it would absolutely be pertinent to the discussion. In the past 5 years? Still somewhat relevant, but with fading interest if it was resolved. 14 years? That’s too long of a stretch. Usually when someone brings up past events like that, it’s because they have an agenda they want to press, and discussions get heated, political, and messy.
If you reread the original comment that I replied to, it makes zero mention of the new Leatherman multi-tools this post is about. Instead it gives pros for Gerber, and then cons for Leatherman. Comments of this type are usually tied to a personal agenda, or are simply trolling looking to disrupt peaceful discourse.
Jacobo Barron
Having a leathermen is like having an extra hand, it has gotten me out of so many jams, and all i have to say is that, if u dont have a “leathermen knife multi tool”, get one!!
john c paul
I had my Leatherman while I worked in a power plant and used this tool everyday. From opening 55 gallon sealed drums to cutting small wires and cord. What I would never do is loan any of my tools to anyone. It is a toolmans tool.
JoeM
They’re kinda “Meh” to me. They seem to be rather lazy. Multitools for people who hate Multitools. Reminds me of a Dilbert episode from many years ago.
The normal team find, and are hired by, an Engineering-Centric Utopia company. They start designing, and ask where the Marketing Department is, because they’re at the point Marketing and Management usually ruin their ideas. Their new “Boss” has never heard of these things, Marketing or Management, but at the mention of their jobs, decides to create them to meet with the team. The Team, Engineers and Problem Solvers by nature, are trying to pitch an “Underwater Barbeque” to the newly formed Marketing execs. Their first three questions are “Does it have to be UNDER the Water?” “Does it need to be around Water AT ALL?” and finally “Does it have to be a Barbeque?” Then the marketing execs, having taken apart EVERY aspect of the new idea, defeat the team, and cracks begin to form in the Utopia building itself, having been polluted by the mundane idiocy of the rest of the world. It then ends the Engineering Team’s project, and Utopia crumbles to dust, because good ideas are always ruined by the lazy minded masses.
THAT is what this “Free” line says to me. It was a Marketing decision to try to sell a Multi-Tool for people who Hate Multi-Tools. Removing everything that might require personal maintenance or responsibility. It’s stupid. If you want a Multi-Tool, Leatherman INVENTED the design. The only parts made overseas were replaceable bits and sheaths, and most importantly, they had PRECISELY what a Multi-Tool USER wanted from their tools. This new line throws all that away for petty complaints that are removed by over-complicated engineering to compensate wildly inconsequential complaints.
Jim Felt
Always remember Dilbert’s creator started out at, I believe, Pacific Bell. A literal monopoly in his day.
So he is just a tad sarcastic. And tongue in cheek.
I think most big coastal enterprises aren’t that focus grouped up as the midwestern Tide pod creators. Et al.
Hmmm.
Rick Widlund
I carry 3 Leathermans at all times, for various reasons. Keep 2 at home for spares. Excellent choice of tool to keep by your side for a 3rd hand. Thanks for your invention , & constant upgrades.
Jim Felt
I carry the tiniest TSA acceptable Leatherman and I’ve not been without it (or is bladed non TSA version) in a decade.
Between my car remotes, iPhone and billfold that’s my pant pocket limit.
But always carry bigger ones in my various bags and cases.
Never ever had a failure.
And all assembled in America.
Omar
I have 2 Leatherman and both of them have saved me from being stuck on the side of the road in the middle of nowhere countless times. So I’m really interested in how this new line is going to feel in my hands.
rmkilc
I got my hands on these last night and they feel really nice. A lot better than I was expecting. I put the P4 next to a Wave and although it’s taller (while closed), it’s actually a bit thinner and narrower. I was told the flat screwdriver is extra thick at the base so it can double as a pry bar with the hopes of less warranties on broken blades. My only complaints are I wish they would use a better quality steel for the knife blades and I don’t like the pocket clip being screwed right into the face as it will be ugly once I remove it.
The What?
Sooner or later Leatherman is going to hit the wall for ideas to keep making the same thing over and over. Personally I’ve never found a beneficial use for a multitool. Especially one that costs as much as a Leatherman. There’s only so much that can be done to a pair of folding pliers with swiss army knives for the handles. Other than the size differences and handle designs and shuffling around pocket knife parts, they are all the same exact thing. There’s a very limited amount of tools that can be crammed into a pocket knife. The overall premise has remained virtually unchanged. They’ve obviously cheapened up on the quality being that they’ve implemented elastomer springs to replace steel springs. And just by reading the language to describe the so called new features it appears that they had to really sit down and come up with some nonsensical terms to make it sound like they did something different. Magnetic architecture? Epic haptics? There’s nothing architectural about pliers or pocket knives. And what’s magnetic about it? The only instance I have ever seen the word haptics was referencing a wireless device’s touch vibration feedback. I didn’t know that haptics were capable of being epic and I certainly didn’t know that a Leatherman had device capabilities. And why would they call it free if it costs $120? Maybe they ought to try to make a folding bolt cutter Leatherman and they can add fold out pliers, hammer, machete, hatchet, tin snips, mini hacksaw, flashlight, ratchet or box wrenches with tungsten and platinum handles. As ridiculous as it sounds at least it would be something different. Although I’m sure it would cost more than $2k being that it’s a Leatherman.
Fazal Majid
The name is stupid and google-unfriendly.
The Free T line of pocket tools due in June look interesting as an alternative to the Swiss Army Knife.
Don
Wow, not sure I care for the price at all. Kind of a contradiction in terms with its new name. Once you get the tool you want out is there any real advantage to this? I’ve used a number of the old style Leatherman for years and I just don’t feel the need to change what I got for this. First time I’ve seen a new Leatherman in a long time that I have no interest in. I like having the bits so that’s a loss.
If this is really the direction of Leatherman then I have to say Gerber is moving in a better direction with some of their latest offerings
Adam
I am glad they put out a new tool and I like the idea but I’m not a fan of the tool selection. Wish they would have at least used the super tool’s philips so you could use their extension. Some of the tools like the file and philips look like they are straight off the wing man. I was really hoping for a kind of surge 2 tool instead of this.
I really like the other tools they are coming out with the k series and whatever the pocket tools are named look great.
Kari
Where can I get one for my husband. He has RA and his hands hurt him a lot and with more stress in our life with our son still missing and their birthdays are this month and stress makes the RA flare up and swollen hands. Is this easy to open in your opinion?
Stuart
It’s not out yet, with the ETA expected to be April. At that time, I’d check Leatherman.com first.
Greg Post
Leatherman is the best. I also like Victorinox but they’re very conservative and incremental with their designs. Tim Leatherman is a shining example of American ingenuity and perseverance. Ben Rivera made great contributions as a designer and is the current CEO. Every Gerber tool I have used feels like piece of junk or a gimmick. I’ll stick with Leatherman, their tools have never let me down and if they ever do, Leatherman have the most hassle free warranty in the business. Looking forward to this new line.
Jerry
I have an original Leatherman PST and also a PST2. I carried one of the other every day until they came out with the Super Tool. I sent it in for warranty work and they replaced it with a Super Tool 300. While I like the idea behind these, and will probably wind up getting one, I wish Leatherman would go back to their roots and bring out an improved Super Tool. Make it as slim as possible for the tools it carries, the way the original did. I’m not at all a fan of the handles with rolled edges of scales because they make the tool wider than it has to be. My ST300 has rolled edges on the handle that leave hallow spaces where extra tools could be. The original Super Tool fit more usable tools in less space than any other heavy duty multi tool I have ever used. If Leatherman would bring back that slim design with replaceable cutter inserts and the slim original design sheath I’d buy one in an instant. Even the sheath was made to be as slim and compact as possible. Might just be me but I a. Not a fan of wasted space, especially on my belt.
Jerry
Ps. I didn’t even mind i had to open the tool to get to the blades, it’s a trade off i can live with for maximum compactness.
Bill Clay
I have a PST as well. I agree the handles don’t have the best ergonomics. However, I still use it often!
Koko The Talking Ape
“elastomer springs”… I’d wonder how durable those are, and how they would deal with sunlight, ozone, solvents, etc.
Adam
I don’t know if you watched the video but supposedly the cycled the handles like 100,000 times with no issues. My main concern was the magnets attracting metal shavings. They say the held it under a grinder with no major issues.
Bruce
Magnets are a non-starter on a plier based tool for me. I guess if you worked with wood exclusively it wouldn’t be a big deal. That’s not me.
Cube
These new tools are cool, but I am very concerned about magnets touching my cell phone. I want one of new Leatherman tools, but I don’t want to damage my cell phone with a magnet.
Koko The Talking Ape
Thanks, I didn’t watch the video (I almost never do; too slow.)
Cycling the springs is good, but isn’t the same as exposing it to sunlight, ozone, solvents, etc.
That’s a good question about the magnets.
John
Writing:
—> Leatherman “FREE” — leads to confusion.
Sounds as if they’re being given away, though you (Stuart)
are alerting your readers that there’s a catch.
Better to punctuate it as:
—> “Leatherman FREE”
grouping the style with the brand name.
Michael Veach
I will reserve judgment until I get to see one and handle it
Bryan
I like it, just wish they did a 3d phillips head like the supertool 300 & rebar.
Mike47
“Leatherman FREE” sounds like brand avoidance. BAD marketing choice!
Corey
The only multi tool I’ve ever used (been gifted plenty) is some no-name camping spoon+fork split thing. I’ve never understood why you would want so many bad versions of the tools at the same time. Pliers is the only feature I’ve found even comparable to the real tool’s function. You can easily find smaller versions of actually great tools, that fit in an appropriately travel sized case/bag, and figure out how to get through a day, let alone an emergency without that nail file, half a steak knife, bottle opener, 1940s can opener, and scissors that don’t cut lol If you do a task regularly, buy the tool for it. More than half of those dedicated tools are smaller than the two metal thumbs that these collapse to become. Despite my eager ribbing, I don’t actually look down on people that are into them. Hell, I wished I could on multiple occasions, but I just can’t seem to get passed a common sense wall for myself. All things aside, FREE is indeed a terrible idea for a name. Even though the guy who pitched it likely insisted that the word of mouth from the confusion would increase revenue.
Greg Post
The best tool is the one you have on you at the moment. That’s the purpose of a multitool. It gives you a mini toolbox wherever you go, that’s easy to carry, and has practical usefulness. When I was kid and carried a Swiss army knife, I used them all the time. Then I started carrying a Leatherman and the excellent pliers made it an even better carry. I couldn’t imagine not carrying one, and on the rare day I forget to, it feels like I’m missing something.
Bill Clay
CFR Title 16: Commercial Practices
PART 251—GUIDE CONCERNING USE OF THE WORD “FREE” AND SIMILAR REPRESENTATIONS
[…]
(2) Because the purchasing public continually searches for the best buy, and regards the offer of “Free” merchandise or service to be a special bargain, all such offers must be made with extreme care so as to avoid any possibility that consumers will be misled or deceived.
Shawn
I carry the Leatherman Skeletool because its light weight (4.8oz) makes it hardly noticeable. I removed the belt clip so it’s even smaller. It has been on sale for $25 to $30. It has enough tools, and I really like the bit option. If they redesigned the Skeletool so it could carry 4 bits on board (instead of 2), I would love it. A pair of REI nylon hiking pants has a rip-and-stick pocket on the right hip that hold the Skeletool perfectly. I wish that my jeans came standard with that same type of pocket.
Josh
Maybe if these do well, they will make a free wave tool. I have had a wave for over a decade, and I use the bit holder probably the most. I keep mine in my work bag. It’s just so convenient to me to have that and not have to carry a screwdriver and bits everywhere.
Chris
The tools look similar to the wingman/sidekick. Not the quality of a $120 tool. The tti I carry will butterfly open with a little tufglyde every 6 months. No 154cm, no s30v, nothing new, no innovation.
Frank D
Terrible name choice. Probably one of the worst ones in recent history.
I applaud the innovative thought, I still have some questions and observations after seeing the video … look forward to trying one … doubt I will be replacing emergency use / backup models … seeing that I don’t carry one and foresee one handed use.
David Zeller
Flip, Fly, Swing, Deploy, Floop, Schwing, just not Free.
Nominate your names…
Stuart
Floop?
Robert
Virtually every aspect of these things is a tradeoff. Whenever you pick up something good, you generally have to give up something good to acquire it. There is no such thing as a multitool that will meet the expectations of everyone. It doesn’t exist. In fact, few will meet EVERY expectation of ANYONE. It’s all a balance and a tradeoff. Leatherman cannot make any tool without at least some negative reviews. These things are too individual.
If they put implements like standard 3D Philips drivers on their tools, they get complaints that the tools are less pocketable. My philosophy has always been the same. A multitool will NEVER replace a dedicated tool with the same function as any of it’s implements. It’s about having something immediately on your person that will at least do the task in the absence of the ideal tool, period. That’s not a bad thing, it just is what it is.
If I have a screwdriving task of any real significance, I need a REAL screwdriver. I wouldn’t be messing with these things to begin with. I’ll be frank. The bit sets for tools like Leatherman’s are little more than a novelty to begin with. They’re proprietary, are easily lost, and are not as effective as separate dedicated drivers. The flat Philips heads on these things are fine for most “incidental” tasks for a quick tightening or minor repair. The balance is that they fit more efficiently in the tool, making it flatter and easier to pocket. Now I don’t think that the quality of their implements in general is up to the standard of their earlier tools, but that’s a topic for another discussion.
The moment someone sharpens one these blades and ends up with metal shavings stuck to the magnets, they’ll be complaining about that. It really is a lose lose situation for the designers. I say, find something you generally like, understand that there will be aspects that you don’t like, and be done.
James
I’ll buy at least the P4, because I love Leatherman multi-tools, and I just can’t help myself.
I’m not being snarky, and my honest question is: How can these tools be “100%” stainless steel and have magnetic operation? Sure, a magnet attracts to low-grade stainless steel, but not so well that I would trust it to lock a blade for me. There’s got to be something in the construction of these that has a higher carbon content.
Blaine
There’s two magnets that attract each other.
Cody Sheets
My biggest complaint–light duty Wingman/Sidekick/Rev (which I view as the budget line) type components in a high-end, and superior tool priced the same as far superior models such as the Wave, Surge, and Charge. Nothing really upgraded from those, no high-end steels (which most of the Charges have). And one, I don’t trust the magnets, and secondly, they can interfere with certain sensitive electronics, and will collect any ferrous metal shavings the tool comes into contact.
In my opinion, they seem like an overpriced gimmick.
Bob G.
Absolutely…I think the whole idea behind Wingman, Sidekick, and Rev was to get the buying public ready for a greatly diminished level of build quality and fit and finish. The tools on Free look poorly designed and minimally finished, like SOG or Gerber. Compare Free to your old Supertool…no comparison.
D
I just got mine. Been using it around the house for 2 days. I like it. As someone who carried a wave or new wave almost every day for the last 15 years (and actually used it… I’m an electrician and carpenter), I believe this is an improvement over that design. DEFINATELY plenty tough. Also, there are several videos out, some by 3rd parties ( not Leatherman), which address the the concerns about the tool using magnets (turns out, it’s a non-issue, they tested the tool against phones, computers, even pacemakers). After actually handling and using one, I don’t feel it’s cheap quality, or a gimmick. It works just as well as the promotional videos say it does. Also, I have to say, I’m honestly a little dumbfounded by all the hate for the name. I totally get why it’s called the Free (free action, keeps one hand free, swings open freely, etc). No one HONESTLY believes it was a marketing gimmick to try and dupe people into buying a tool they thought they were gonna get for free… Do they?
chris
to me the tools look cheap, like the sidekick, The file the screwdrivers. even the swiss army can opener. They just do not look good on a premium leatherman.
if this was a $60-80 tool, i’d say maybe worth it. but at over $120. No. looks like a mashup of gerber and swiss army.
D
Get one in hand and you won’t think it looks cheap. Pictures don’t do it justice.
Joseph AcGuire
Instead of looking at pictures, just purchase one and if you don’t like it, just return it. You need to handle the tool in order to give a honest opinion.
chris
I can see the tools just fine. they do not have the look of the charge or wave they look like the sidekick, wingman and rev. I buy those to give away when i can get a decent price. But i wouldn’t pay $120 for them.
Cory C McIntyre
I started with a Gerber MP600 with the stub nose pliers. You know, the one with the flick out pliers. I saw a coworker with it and fell in love. Then my wife gave a family friend the Leatherman Wingman for our Christmas secret Santa. I bought one right away, and used it every day for a year. I got one for a coworker as his new baby gift. He loved it. Then, I saw the Surge. And oh my god have I loved the Surge. That thing is magnificent. Pricey, but I LOVE the Surge. The weight, the features, the durability. Beautiful tool. I saw the P4 and again, fell in love. I only wish the damn pocket clips were stock. That’s where I keep it, and it’s great. My wife is getting the Surge, and I’m selling the Gerber. I agree, the name of this series is kind of lame. But it’s meant to mean they started from scratch, and freed their minds to design a whole new, more advanced multitool. But I think the tool is going to be awesome despite poor marketing. When mine comes in, I would be happy to update my opinion of it. But I’m excited about it!
Blaine
I got a Free P4 a couple of weeks ago. Wonderful tool, well made, and well thought out.
It came only with the lanyard eye, not the belt/pocket clip. I emailed them about the clip, and they responded the next day that they’d send me a clip. Great customer service!
My only real quibble is I’d prefer the saw blade and the serrated blade positions swapped, so I could thumb open both knife blades. Eyeballing it, it might be possible, but I don’t think I’m going to disassemble it just yet.
Blaine
The clip arrived a few days ago. It also came with two new screws with pre-applied Loctite blue, and a Leatherman Wave style T6/T7 bit.
I like the clip a lot, it works on my belt as well as in pockets, and the tension seems ideal.
I also gave in and swapped the saw and serrated blades. It was straightforward, but fiddly. There were more washers than I thought, and the magnets that hold the Free closed kept grabbing the washers during reassembly. But it all went back together, and it still works! Just don’t overtighten the screw, or things bind up.
Now I can open either of the knife blades with my right thumb. The only gotcha is the thumb slot is finished differently on both sides of the blade, and factory intended side grabs my thumb better than the “new” side.
Blaine
If you’re so inclined, I found this disassembly video.
https://youtu.be/TqRnRJ9dbWE
Blaine
Random thought, but I keep trying to see Morse Code in the handle pattern.
J&B
Is not International Morse Code, is Leatherman Secret Code, full of dots and only few horizontal and vertical dashes. According to YouTube video, it says: “Don’t let idiots ruin your day”….Ha,ha,ha,…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t7ma-uSk1js
John Smith
I’ve got a Winchester multi tool with a REAL phillips head screw driver. It is square shafted and has an adapter that slides over it and holds a variety of different tool bits. I look at this thing from Leatherman with what I guess is supposed to be a phillips head screw driver. Aren’t phillips head shafts supposed to be round or square with a cross shaped tip? That thing is flat. That’s no screw driver, its a punch. Really poorly designed.