I couldn't agree more. The swiss army knife is so under valued. They are low cost, but highly functional. I have carried a regular EDC blade and the super tinker for about a month now every day. That combo has met all of my needs. Great video as always Aaron!
The K2 is a great Utility knife if you need a larger blade. I own the P2, P4, and T4. Just picked up a K2 yesterday and I will carry it when I need a larger blade. I think the whole Free series is very well done!
I just got the K2; the locking mechanism was very stiff, the blade struggled to open and the tools being taken out all at once was difficult to deploy as well. However, 2 sprays of silicone lubricant in/on/around the pivoting points took care of every problem instantaneously. This is now my favorite knife leatherman ever made and im very glad i got it. I appreciate the video and thank you for helping me justify the price of this sharp, gigantic magnet
Thanks for the honest review. I like the "idea" of the K2, but if I'm carrying a multitool, it's for the pliers. I've been a Skeletool CX user almost from day 1, and for me, nothing else comes close. A friend made a pouch for a bit holder, and that to me is a far more useful EDC setup.
I just picked up a T2 on the secondary market for $25 and am having fun playing around with the one handed features. I was surprised by all the criticisms I'm hearing about it and would like to defend the foresight and intelligence of the Leatherman designers. I'll follow your lead and compare this tool to similar ones by Victorinox, another one of my favorite brands. As you pointed out, opening the tools one handed is awkward, but I find it manageable with either hand, after only a couple of days, and am hoping that it will get easier with practice and improving manual dexterity. It's still definitely much easier than opening tools one handed on a Victorinox. Once the tools are open on the T2 they all lock securely in place, which is not true of similarly sized Victorinox knives, and even on the larger ones, only a couple of the tools lock. Since the tools on the T2 are controlled by magnets instead of strong springs, you won't snap a fingernail opening them or have them snap shut on your fingers closing them. I have nicked my self many times on Swiss army knives. The tools on the T2 are also all aligned at 180 degrees to the handle rather at 90 degrees like some of the Victorinox tools. The blocky shape of the T2 may seem unergonomic, but the square corners keep it from turning in the hand, and the grooves on top provide a wide, nonslip platform for the thumb, whereas the Vics have smooth stainless steel. The last big complaint I keep hearing about the T2 is the lack of a pocket clip. I agreed until I discovered that it fits perfectly into the small coin pocket on my jeans. Leatherman probably put a pocket clip on the T4 because it's too thick for the coin pocket. Incidentally, not many Victorinox knives come with a pocket clip either.
Thank you for an honest review. I have decided to buy the K2 only because it looks like it could serve as a great edc for an easy carry minimalist design for MY everyday life. If it proves to be a disappointment to me then I’ll swiftly return it.
I have T4 and K2. Yep, T4 is a chunk. Mine seams to open a bit easier than yours. Maybe it is just looser. For clarification, T4 comes with tweezers but does not come with a tooth pick. I suppose I could gently use the awl. On the K2, try releasing the lock with your thumb and then flipping it open. Mine zips right out when I do that. I like a larger, stronger blade than the typical SAK. The K2 has truly become my EDC and I am very happy with it. YMMV.
I was curious about the K2, but after the video, I think I am content to stick with my trusty Skeletool CX. Thank you for your honest and thorough reviews.
Aaron thanks for the review, I was kind of turned on to the idea of the K4 but put off by the price. I think the Swiss Army One Handed Trekker for $50 seems like a much better deal and more pocket friendly than the K4. Wouldn't mind seeing you review that one anyway.
ergonomics feel good. love the elegant design. I'm a dentist and i carry it on my scrubs every day. very elegant, useful, and does not cause fear or panic when i use it.
I won a T2 in a contest. The knife is a little hard to deploy, but I actually love the look of it. I bought a K4 the first day that it was available. It’s a sweet knife and I’ve been using it every day. I also carry a Squirt PS4 on my keychain.
Currently waiting on my K2 to be shipped. I'm not a big scissors guy. Mostly getting it for the knife and the screwdriver. This video definitely helped me make the call. Thanks.
K4 or Victorinox One Hand Trekker? I like Leatherman a lot and have a Wave and a Juice CS4 which are both Great. But my EDC multitool is the one handedTrekker for the weight size and ergos. Plus I carry a 5" needle nosed vice grips in my EDC bag which imo is the handiest set of all purpose pliers for average tasks. The OHT has the best tool set for my needs in my day to day tasks which is of course going to be a personal preference. My Leathermans are in kits for when I might be in a situation where I've lost my EDC tools or I need to lend or give a tool to someone in a survival or scarcity situation.
My EDC philosophy, if you will, has changed over the last year. I still carry an SAK of some kind, as I have for 40 years, but my right side tool has changed a lot. I carried a Victorinox Ranger Grip for a while, but I saw no purpose in carrying duplicate can and bottle openers awls,, etc. I now carry a Buck 112 Slim on my right side and am totally satisfied. I'll still carry my Wave or Surge on occasions, but I'm sticking with my SAK/112 setup for the foreseeable future.
Thanks for a nice review of the T2. I was thinking about replacing my SA Cadet with it, but after your review I will keep the cadet as my EDC. Keep up the great channel.
Just bought the T2. I was mostly happy with it, but perplexed at the lack of pocket clip despite the mounting holes.. So I eventually went on their website just to check things out and noticed they offered one that fit the T2 -_- I ended up buying it along with some impulse buys (discounted accessories) So I guess that's their strategy(cost savings and bring eyes onto the website) No that I have it though, its with me more often than not. Nice functional little niche tool.
Never been a fan of the swiss army knife's/tool with the lack of locking blades. I bought the first leatherman model when they cam out and also nearly lost a finger or two while using the blade with no lock or by swinging it open after the blades had loosened up some, before this new magnet retention or locking blades. Im excited to get my hands on the leatherman T2. It certainly fits a need for me.
Hard to beat a Swiss Army knife for EDC unless you need pliers. Recently started carrying a Tinker that’s I’ve had for 20+ years. Like the versatility of the screwdrivers and 2 blades in a small package. If you dull one blade with hard use, still have a sharp one until you get a chance to resharpen. And the toothpick gets a lot of use too.
Thank you for another great review. As an office worker, I really like carrying and using the Free P2 and Free T4, light duty tools for a light duty environment. My favorite of the two… Free P2.
Great review! I love my Skeletool and have yet to find anything to replace it for camping/outdoor use, although my EDC is a Swiss Army Recruit. I work in an office and don't really need much during the day.
I have a T4 free. I don’t have issue with opening the blade. I wonder if yours was stuffer than mine? As for pocket clips I no longer use them anyway. I have lost so many knives that should have been clipped to my pocket!
Can't think of anything Leatherman has come out with that has thrilled me since the Wave/Charge. I have had my Charge TTi for a long time now. I'll stick with that.
Great review. Ty. I like Leatherman tools, although they are becoming too expensive. I hope the folk in Portland will soon see the light and make some budget friendly tools.
I got a K2 when I went in to a camping shop and asked for “just a reliable knife” I got all I wanted. Big blade, secure locking, even some extra tools. Feels great. I hate swiss knives for how out of place blade feels when you flip it out. Also having to awkwardly flip out with your nails is meh.
You need 2 to torx bits, one to hold the other side in place and one to actually loosen, a 1/5th turn should do it, if you pull the lock you can flick it open SUPER fast, it's no spiderco, but it's pretty quick
Great content! I was installing a light fixture yesterday and while on top of the ladder I needed a standard driver. I was holding the fixture with one hand I was able to get to my SAK cadet using the other but the struggle to open the driver portion with only one hand was difficult so here I am today looking for a one handed option! thanks again for your review.
Great review. I appreciate the no bull straight up review. I also love the price and value factors that you talk about. I, as someone who uses a plier equipped multi tool daily, wonder which multi tool do you like best?
gideonstactical Thank you. I have heard and seen your praise for the Center Drive and have been wanting to check it out. I have a couple Skeletools. I love them. Thank you for the good content!
Just ordered the blockier T4... great innovation with this series, my Victorinox Tinker has no pocket clip and has never been anything approaching one-handed or innovative. I guess if you enjoy drinking wine on your backpacking trips stick with the Tinker :)
Excellent video and very objective opinion. I see them exactly like you do. The market is still open for a SAK with a good blade size and good edge retention steel.
Some years ago i took a broken supertool 300, removed the pliers and broken handle, pulled all the tools out, and put one handle together using the plain and serrated blade, flat and Phillips screwdriver, and the saw. Been carrying it around everyday. Was looking forward to the free, but no saw, no sale.
I don't understand the value of a pocket clip for any pocket knife. I have one that has a clip, but it makes it very difficult to reach into my pocket. The knife gets in the way and rakes my knuckles when I'm trying to get anything else out of my pocket. I just put the knife (one blade with a marlinspike) in the pocket, where it belongs. I'm going to remove the clip, it just gets in the way.
I too had my doubts, but eventually purchased the T4. I agree that it is hard to deploy the blade one-handed although it is doable. And I have smallish hands. I also own a Victorinox EvoGrip 18 which is great for holidays to countries that have made locking blades illegal. But the T4 is superior in that the tools all lock and they are far more sturdy. Plus it has a deep-carry pocket clip. All that in a tool that is the same size as most 91mm SAKs.
I am a big knife collector. Not to big into multi tools but do carry one 75% of the time with my other knives usually a alox poineer,wave and got a skeletool not long ago and was really enjoying it and then one side pliers completely snapped off while trying to bend a old rusted wire bracket/tie/holeder(lol not sure what it's called) on a old compressor when doing a repair and I was devastated ad I have ABUSED my wave and my a dad's og leatherman gave me(not sure of model) they both took it fine and still take it often. Now, in the process of going through warranty, I picked up the free t2 and ruike l51b so far I've been pleased. I think I would enjoy the k2 better than t2 but the t2 fit and finish is good and does everything it claims in my opinion. I personally think it's a good add to your collection but how leatherman handles this warranty depends on if I spend any more money with leatherman. I had to be a flaw in material, in my opinion, and it happens all about how they handle it. The l51b has an amazing fit and finish. The 12cn27 is awesome; only grip is weight.
I bought a t4 over a k2 because it was lighter and when you get into that size range Id rather use my bictorinox ranger or rangerwood. the k2 is just too heavy and it was easy to mod my ranger and ranger wood with pocket clips that use adhesive (going on 4 years now and the clips are still adnering just fine to the knives). My only knock against the Victonrinox Ranger line is that bloody victonox button you use to unlock the blade requires me to use 2 hands. I needs WAY to much pressure to actuate, Id rather they had just used a regular liner lock instead of getting fancy with it.
I bought a skeletool in 2008. Haven't changed my edc since. I literally use it every day. Only came in plain edge i think when i bought it. No combo edge. Best purchase ever. If they ever make the wave or the skeletool with k series or p series magnets i might consider trying.
I have a number of leatherman, and carry the wave daily, great for the quick jobs in the farm.. but when you go out, and need something smaller, the P2 can come in handy. Would buy one.
I usually carry a Victorinox Tinker and a conventional knife such as a Buck Rival. I always carry a Squirt, a Rambler and a Nano in addition. All light weight stuff.
I'm sorry, but as much as I love my various Leatherman multi-tools and knives, THAT is not an awl. For Leatherman to call it that, is honestly just silly. I do have a Victorinox Tinker on its way to me, along with a tiny aftermarket carry clip for it that will easily attach to the Tinker's split-ring. I don't mind using two hands in exchange for a real awl and a three dimensional Phillips driver.
The most used tool I use by far is the cutting tool. I am very greatful for the one handed opening as I usually am holding what needs to be cut in the other hand. The second most used tool is the pliers. I use cutting tools like these when I go to the coffee shop in the city.
Hey Aaron! Great review, thanks. How about corrosion resistance on this free series? How about some test? I personally have not a good experience with non oxidized ones. For example mine juice corroded badly after i left a few drops of liquid soap on the pliers
Hello great video, I was hesitating between t2 and k2 now I think the k2 is better, on the other hand I am hesitating with the skeletool, here the prices are higher t2 50E, k2 109E, skeletool 154cm 119E the cheapest prices found , well the video is already a few years old so the prices change but the skeletool was already at this price. I love the SAKs but I'm looking for one-handed opening and a screwdriver that is positioned like a blade because it's more pleasant to use than in the 90° position and a pocket clip. The price is quite high which has been holding me back for a long time. In any case, thank you for the video and the subtitles in French, a subscriber and a 👍. Google translation
Aaron you're the best. I would buy a quality folding screwdriver or even bit driver if I found one worthy. One that was 3" long or so and locked into place like knives do. I don't think I'm the only one that would buy it. I carry a CS am lawman s35 vn daily. I don't like the Leatherman offerings would rather have a knife by itself, a pliars ( knipex) and a screwdriver as each individual thing is stronger and specifically more useful by themselves.
Excellent review and I agree with your concussion. I carry a Victorinox Swiss Army RangerGrip 78 which you can buy for about $50. Mine was a deal of the day on Amazon $35 open box. Have blade, saw and tools plus blade locks and unlock by pressing the Swiss Cross on the handle. Much better options for the money.
You'd be better off comparing them to the 111mm and 130mm models offered by Victorinox. Many of them have easily deployable main blades, and there are some good options for pocket clips if you're creative.
Good reviews. You should check out the Ruike trekker LD32. It is 50 dollars. It is very similar to the victorinox one hand trekker but it has a g10 handle and a pocket clip.
Bought the k2 for the sheepsfoot blade and the couple extra tools that are commonly used.which I love. That being said I find it too bulky for edc. So it now lives in my truck.
Very good review. While I'm willing to pay $80 for a knife, it needs to show me the value. I carry a PM2 then have a Swiss Army Knife in my edc pack. That send to be a great combo.
I picked up a swiss army waiter and used the corkscrew the day after I got it, bent the hell out of it. They feel soooo cheap compared to the skeletool cx, but I know they're a third the price.
As of now, (2021),I still don't see any improvements in the Free series significant enough to convince me to buy one. I guess I'm "stuck" with my Wave, Surge, and Victorinox's.
At least both of the K2 and T2 (and the K4) have no file. Files (and pliers) near magnets DO NOT MIX WELL unless you want to clean iron out of your tool fairly regularly. Ask me how I know. This rules out the P2/P4/Arc for me. I have a T4 but now only file my fingernails or wood and nothing ferrous. I actually prefer the Roxon KS2E to the T4. BTW - the T4 scissors cannot cut surivior paracord. Not impressed with those, so for the K series I went with the K2.
I feel like if I didn't have several Spydercos with nice steels I'd be very tempted to EDC the K2. It's attractive and having screwdrivers, prybar and a package opener to spare your main blade is great. Steel is still ass but as an EDC it'd be easy enough to resharpen if you beat the crap out of it.
Thanks GT. Great review, The free series for me has been a total disappointment to be honest. My p4 is in a drawer. The skeletool is an excellent EDC option.
I’ve been using a K2 for a few months now, and I love it. It’s convenient for me because I actually carry it. My wave is always elsewhere.
I couldn't agree more. The swiss army knife is so under valued. They are low cost, but highly functional. I have carried a regular EDC blade and the super tinker for about a month now every day. That combo has met all of my needs. Great video as always Aaron!
The K2 is a great Utility knife if you need a larger blade. I own the P2, P4, and T4. Just picked up a K2 yesterday and I will carry it when I need a larger blade. I think the whole Free series is very well done!
Dam i really love how you break down the value of the k2 compared to other options, this places things in context.
Glad I could help!
I just got the K2; the locking mechanism was very stiff, the blade struggled to open and the tools being taken out all at once was difficult to deploy as well.
However, 2 sprays of silicone lubricant in/on/around the pivoting points took care of every problem instantaneously.
This is now my favorite knife leatherman ever made and im very glad i got it.
I appreciate the video and thank you for helping me justify the price of this sharp, gigantic magnet
Thanks for the honest review. I like the "idea" of the K2, but if I'm carrying a multitool, it's for the pliers. I've been a Skeletool CX user almost from day 1, and for me, nothing else comes close. A friend made a pouch for a bit holder, and that to me is a far more useful EDC setup.
Michael Kane that sound sweet!
im going to go for a K2, i like the size, the knife first, multi-tool 2nd priority of this, seems to cover a lot of bases for me.
I just picked up a T2 on the secondary market for $25 and am having fun playing around with the one handed features. I was surprised by all the criticisms I'm hearing about it and would like to defend the foresight and intelligence of the Leatherman designers. I'll follow your lead and compare this tool to similar ones by Victorinox, another one of my favorite brands. As you pointed out, opening the tools one handed is awkward, but I find it manageable with either hand, after only a couple of days, and am hoping that it will get easier with practice and improving manual dexterity. It's still definitely much easier than opening tools one handed on a Victorinox. Once the tools are open on the T2 they all lock securely in place, which is not true of similarly sized Victorinox knives, and even on the larger ones, only a couple of the tools lock. Since the tools on the T2 are controlled by magnets instead of strong springs, you won't snap a fingernail opening them or have them snap shut on your fingers closing them. I have nicked my self many times on Swiss army knives. The tools on the T2 are also all aligned at 180 degrees to the handle rather at 90 degrees like some of the Victorinox tools. The blocky shape of the T2 may seem unergonomic, but the square corners keep it from turning in the hand, and the grooves on top provide a wide, nonslip platform for the thumb, whereas the Vics have smooth stainless steel. The last big complaint I keep hearing about the T2 is the lack of a pocket clip. I agreed until I discovered that it fits perfectly into the small coin pocket on my jeans. Leatherman probably put a pocket clip on the T4 because it's too thick for the coin pocket. Incidentally, not many Victorinox knives come with a pocket clip either.
Very fair and balanced viewpoint!
If it was to rounded it may not be as effective while using it as a screw driver.
Why not use patreon? The gear can be giveaways to patrons after the review. Maybe sign the gear before giveaway, would help the channel out a lot.
Comparing it to the Victorinox has seperated your video from the hundreds of others on the subject. Thank you.
Thank you for an honest review. I have decided to buy the K2 only because it looks like it could serve as a great edc for an easy carry minimalist design for MY everyday life. If it proves to be a disappointment to me then I’ll swiftly return it.
Just picked up a K2X for $69 from my local dealer. It's my new favorite EDC.
I have T4 and K2. Yep, T4 is a chunk. Mine seams to open a bit easier than yours. Maybe it is just looser. For clarification, T4 comes with tweezers but does not come with a tooth pick. I suppose I could gently use the awl. On the K2, try releasing the lock with your thumb and then flipping it open. Mine zips right out when I do that. I like a larger, stronger blade than the typical SAK. The K2 has truly become my EDC and I am very happy with it. YMMV.
I was curious about the K2, but after the video, I think I am content to stick with my trusty Skeletool CX. Thank you for your honest and thorough reviews.
Same here
I have carried a Skeletool daily for years and I love it. Thanks for the review, I almost bought a T2.
Aaron thanks for the review, I was kind of turned on to the idea of the K4 but put off by the price. I think the Swiss Army One Handed Trekker for $50 seems like a much better deal and more pocket friendly than the K4. Wouldn't mind seeing you review that one anyway.
Check out the ranger grip series!
I also agree with your assessment. Voyager and the Swiss army knife combo.
ergonomics feel good. love the elegant design. I'm a dentist and i carry it on my scrubs every day. very elegant, useful, and does not cause fear or panic when i use it.
Swiss Army Tinker is my go to. I also carry a Leatherman Rebar. Hard to beat the Tinker if you don’t need pliers.
I won a T2 in a contest. The knife is a little hard to deploy, but I actually love the look of it.
I bought a K4 the first day that it was available. It’s a sweet knife and I’ve been using it every day. I also carry a Squirt PS4 on my keychain.
There was no comparison to victorinox 111mm one hand, I think it is a great alternative to Leatherman
K2
Answered all my questions about multi tools and even gave a broader option. My kind of reviewer.
Great review! I felt early on that these seemed awful gimmicky! I can’t believe they didn’t take a big shot at the Gerber center drive.
Currently waiting on my K2 to be shipped. I'm not a big scissors guy. Mostly getting it for the knife and the screwdriver. This video definitely helped me make the call. Thanks.
I just carry a skeletool CX and Gerber Dime or Leatherman Micra on my keys. More than enough for my needs.
Hey Aaron, I agree about the pocket clip, you probably already know but Victorinox is now selling a pocket clip system for the Swiss Army knifes: ))
I'll stick to a regular EDC knife and my Swisschamp
Woodland Tactical I was just thinking that. Yeah I’ll stick with my Wave and mini griptilian
I would too except I need a plier
Like a bum.
K4 or Victorinox One Hand Trekker? I like Leatherman a lot and have a Wave and a Juice CS4 which are both Great. But my EDC multitool is the one handedTrekker for the weight size and ergos. Plus I carry a 5" needle nosed vice grips in my EDC bag which imo is the handiest set of all purpose pliers for average tasks. The OHT has the best tool set for my needs in my day to day tasks which is of course going to be a personal preference. My Leathermans are in kits for when I might be in a situation where I've lost my EDC tools or I need to lend or give a tool to someone in a survival or scarcity situation.
My EDC philosophy, if you will, has changed over the last year. I still carry an SAK of some kind, as I have for 40 years, but my right side tool has changed a lot. I carried a Victorinox Ranger Grip for a while, but I saw no purpose in carrying duplicate can and bottle openers awls,, etc. I now carry a Buck 112 Slim on my right side and am totally satisfied. I'll still carry my Wave or Surge on occasions, but I'm sticking with my SAK/112 setup for the foreseeable future.
Thanks for a nice review of the T2. I was thinking about replacing my SA Cadet with it, but after your review I will keep the cadet as my EDC. Keep up the great channel.
Best honest review I’ve seen! You just earned a subscriber!
Welcome aboard!
Thank you for the best video on the Leather man Free series.
Thanks so much! Glad it helped
Just bought the T2. I was mostly happy with it, but perplexed at the lack of pocket clip despite the mounting holes.. So I eventually went on their website just to check things out and noticed they offered one that fit the T2 -_- I ended up buying it along with some impulse buys (discounted accessories) So I guess that's their strategy(cost savings and bring eyes onto the website) No that I have it though, its with me more often than not. Nice functional little niche tool.
Good vid. I think I’d go with your suggestions at the end. Appreciate the compare and contrast details.
Never been a fan of the swiss army knife's/tool with the lack of locking blades. I bought the first leatherman model when they cam out and also nearly lost a finger or two while using the blade with no lock or by swinging it open after the blades had loosened up some, before this new magnet retention or locking blades. Im excited to get my hands on the leatherman T2. It certainly fits a need for me.
Hard to beat a Swiss Army knife for EDC unless you need pliers. Recently started carrying a Tinker that’s I’ve had for 20+ years. Like the versatility of the screwdrivers and 2 blades in a small package. If you dull one blade with hard use, still have a sharp one until you get a chance to resharpen. And the toothpick gets a lot of use too.
Thank you for another great review. As an office worker, I really like carrying and using the Free P2 and Free T4, light duty tools for a light duty environment. My favorite of the two… Free P2.
Great review! I love my Skeletool and have yet to find anything to replace it for camping/outdoor use, although my EDC is a Swiss Army Recruit. I work in an office and don't really need much during the day.
I have a T4 free. I don’t have issue with opening the blade. I wonder if yours was stuffer than mine? As for pocket clips I no longer use them anyway. I have lost so many knives that should have been clipped to my pocket!
the tinker is my go to stuff for every day take and go
Can't think of anything Leatherman has come out with that has thrilled me since the Wave/Charge. I have had my Charge TTi for a long time now. I'll stick with that.
The leatherman P2 is really awesome for me. Quite innovative
Great review. Ty. I like Leatherman tools, although they are becoming too expensive. I hope the folk in Portland will soon see the light and make some budget friendly tools.
I got a K2 when I went in to a camping shop and asked for “just a reliable knife”
I got all I wanted. Big blade, secure locking, even some extra tools.
Feels great.
I hate swiss knives for how out of place blade feels when you flip it out. Also having to awkwardly flip out with your nails is meh.
Love the Tinker for EDC. Recently bought the Victorinox EvoGrip 18 to try as a replacement.
You need 2 to torx bits, one to hold the other side in place and one to actually loosen, a 1/5th turn should do it, if you pull the lock you can flick it open SUPER fast, it's no spiderco, but it's pretty quick
Got the K2 myself. I found it easier to fast deploy if I push open the locking mechanism before flicking.
My fingers are smaller and I've always had trouble reverse flicking Spyderco/ Spydie-holes. I wish they would offer more thumbstudded options.
They're interesting ideas but I just don't see them replacing my Leatherman sidekick. I get a ton more capability for not much more size and weight.
With the t2 i have a short paracord lanyard to open knife easier I put the knot in between pinky and ring finger it's like an extension of handle
Great video! The K2 is interesting but overpriced. With 420hc the price needs to drop quite a bit to be a contender.
Question, Can I use this knife as camping knife that cut fruit and meats?
Great content! I was installing a light fixture yesterday and while on top of the ladder I needed a standard driver. I was holding the fixture with one hand I was able to get to my SAK cadet using the other but the struggle to open the driver portion with only one hand was difficult so here I am today looking for a one handed option! thanks again for your review.
Great review. I appreciate the no bull straight up review. I also love the price and value factors that you talk about. I, as someone who uses a plier equipped multi tool daily, wonder which multi tool do you like best?
Joshusa Boyer I have the Gerber center drive in my edc pack, and the wave plus or skeletool sometimes if I know I have a lot of tool based work to do.
gideonstactical Thank you. I have heard and seen your praise for the Center Drive and have been wanting to check it out. I have a couple Skeletools. I love them. Thank you for the good content!
Just ordered the blockier T4... great innovation with this series, my Victorinox Tinker has no pocket clip and has never been anything approaching one-handed or innovative. I guess if you enjoy drinking wine on your backpacking trips stick with the Tinker :)
Just ordered a t4.. curious from an owner.. how are you liking it?
Good review! I will stick with my leatherman wave, Thank you.
Excellent video and very objective opinion. I see them exactly like you do. The market is still open for a SAK with a good blade size and good edge retention steel.
Some years ago i took a broken supertool 300, removed the pliers and broken handle, pulled all the tools out, and put one handle together using the plain and serrated blade, flat and Phillips screwdriver, and the saw. Been carrying it around everyday. Was looking forward to the free, but no saw, no sale.
Thanks for the honest review. Keep up the great content!!!
I don't understand the value of a pocket clip for any pocket knife. I have one that has a clip, but it makes it very difficult to reach into my pocket. The knife gets in the way and rakes my knuckles when I'm trying to get anything else out of my pocket. I just put the knife (one blade with a marlinspike) in the pocket, where it belongs. I'm going to remove the clip, it just gets in the way.
I too had my doubts, but eventually purchased the T4. I agree that it is hard to deploy the blade one-handed although it is doable. And I have smallish hands. I also own a Victorinox EvoGrip 18 which is great for holidays to countries that have made locking blades illegal. But the T4 is superior in that the tools all lock and they are far more sturdy. Plus it has a deep-carry pocket clip. All that in a tool that is the same size as most 91mm SAKs.
I am a big knife collector. Not to big into multi tools but do carry one 75% of the time with my other knives usually a alox poineer,wave and got a skeletool not long ago and was really enjoying it and then one side pliers completely snapped off while trying to bend a old rusted wire bracket/tie/holeder(lol not sure what it's called) on a old compressor when doing a repair and I was devastated ad I have ABUSED my wave and my a dad's og leatherman gave me(not sure of model) they both took it fine and still take it often. Now, in the process of going through warranty, I picked up the free t2 and ruike l51b so far I've been pleased. I think I would enjoy the k2 better than t2 but the t2 fit and finish is good and does everything it claims in my opinion. I personally think it's a good add to your collection but how leatherman handles this warranty depends on if I spend any more money with leatherman. I had to be a flaw in material, in my opinion, and it happens all about how they handle it. The l51b has an amazing fit and finish. The 12cn27 is awesome; only grip is weight.
Thank you for another great honest review and great options. Keep up the awesome content.
I bought a t4 over a k2 because it was lighter and when you get into that size range Id rather use my bictorinox ranger or rangerwood. the k2 is just too heavy and it was easy to mod my ranger and ranger wood with pocket clips that use adhesive (going on 4 years now and the clips are still adnering just fine to the knives). My only knock against the Victonrinox Ranger line is that bloody victonox button you use to unlock the blade requires me to use 2 hands. I needs WAY to much pressure to actuate, Id rather they had just used a regular liner lock instead of getting fancy with it.
I bought a skeletool in 2008. Haven't changed my edc since. I literally use it every day. Only came in plain edge i think when i bought it. No combo edge. Best purchase ever. If they ever make the wave or the skeletool with k series or p series magnets i might consider trying.
I have a number of leatherman, and carry the wave daily, great for the quick jobs in the farm.. but when you go out, and need something smaller, the P2 can come in handy. Would buy one.
I usually carry a Victorinox Tinker and a conventional knife such as a Buck Rival. I always carry a Squirt, a Rambler and a Nano in addition. All light weight stuff.
I'm sorry, but as much as I love my various Leatherman multi-tools and knives, THAT is not an awl. For Leatherman to call it that, is honestly just silly. I do have a Victorinox Tinker on its way to me, along with a tiny aftermarket carry clip for it that will easily attach to the Tinker's split-ring. I don't mind using two hands in exchange for a real awl and a three dimensional Phillips driver.
The most used tool I use by far is the cutting tool. I am very greatful for the one handed opening as I usually am holding what needs to be cut in the other hand. The second most used tool is the pliers.
I use cutting tools like these when I go to the coffee shop in the city.
Hey Aaron! Great review, thanks. How about corrosion resistance on this free series? How about some test?
I personally have not a good experience with non oxidized ones. For example mine juice corroded badly after i left a few drops of liquid soap on the pliers
Scissors are a must for me. SAK will when that battle every time
What do you think of the older Crater C33T?
Hello great video, I was hesitating between t2 and k2 now I think the k2 is better, on the other hand I am hesitating with the skeletool, here the prices are higher t2 50E, k2 109E, skeletool 154cm 119E the cheapest prices found , well the video is already a few years old so the prices change but the skeletool was already at this price. I love the SAKs but I'm looking for one-handed opening and a screwdriver that is positioned like a blade because it's more pleasant to use than in the 90° position and a pocket clip. The price is quite high which has been holding me back for a long time. In any case, thank you for the video and the subtitles in French, a subscriber and a 👍. Google translation
An oversized loop is so it can be worn on the belt like a multi tool would be worn or on the pocket like a knife.
Aaron you're the best. I would buy a quality folding screwdriver or even bit driver if I found one worthy. One that was 3" long or so and locked into place like knives do. I don't think I'm the only one that would buy it. I carry a CS am lawman s35 vn daily. I don't like the Leatherman offerings would rather have a knife by itself, a pliars ( knipex) and a screwdriver as each individual thing is stronger and specifically more useful by themselves.
Excellent review and I agree with your concussion. I carry a Victorinox Swiss Army RangerGrip 78 which you can buy for about $50. Mine was a deal of the day on Amazon $35 open box. Have blade, saw and tools plus blade locks and unlock by pressing the Swiss Cross on the handle. Much better options for the money.
Maybe do an emmer hack on flat spydy? Could work? Grind a emm hook. Then flatten down picket clip while you have your tools out.
How would you rate the Victorinox RangerGrip 79 against these knives?
Could you take the scales off ? To customize it.
You'd be better off comparing them to the 111mm and 130mm models offered by Victorinox. Many of them have easily deployable main blades, and there are some good options for pocket clips if you're creative.
I'll stick to my Skeletool. Nice review anyway.👍😎🍺
Great video, I'm still debating between the K2 and the skeletool for EDC.
Good reviews. You should check out the Ruike trekker LD32. It is 50 dollars. It is very similar to the victorinox one hand trekker but it has a g10 handle and a pocket clip.
Bought the k2 for the sheepsfoot blade and the couple extra tools that are commonly used.which I love. That being said I find it too bulky for edc. So it now lives in my truck.
Very good review. While I'm willing to pay $80 for a knife, it needs to show me the value. I carry a PM2 then have a Swiss Army Knife in my edc pack. That send to be a great combo.
I picked up a swiss army waiter and used the corkscrew the day after I got it, bent the hell out of it. They feel soooo cheap compared to the skeletool cx, but I know they're a third the price.
Hey Aaron, where would put the sidekick in this video? Would love to hear your thoughts on that. Thanks again for t hff e best channel on RUclips.
As of now, (2021),I still don't see any improvements in the Free series significant enough to convince me to buy one. I guess I'm "stuck" with my Wave, Surge, and Victorinox's.
The T2 is actually quite nice.
But in Germany it is forbidden because of the one-hand operation of the blade unfortunately🙄😔.
Wtf😂😢
Wtf😂😢
Great review!, for my the sak is the best option to Carry !
At least both of the K2 and T2 (and the K4) have no file.
Files (and pliers) near magnets DO NOT MIX WELL unless you want to clean iron out of your tool fairly regularly. Ask me how I know. This rules out the P2/P4/Arc for me. I have a T4 but now only file my fingernails or wood and nothing ferrous. I actually prefer the Roxon KS2E to the T4.
BTW - the T4 scissors cannot cut surivior paracord. Not impressed with those, so for the K series I went with the K2.
Thank you, I agree with your conclusion 👍
I feel like if I didn't have several Spydercos with nice steels I'd be very tempted to EDC the K2. It's attractive and having screwdrivers, prybar and a package opener to spare your main blade is great. Steel is still ass but as an EDC it'd be easy enough to resharpen if you beat the crap out of it.
The surge and charge tti are still king to me. They outclass all of these to me.
This video was very helpful. Thank you
Glad to hear that!
Nice vid. Good info and insightful thoughts. Thanks!
Good points - very much appreciate your reviews! Cheers buddy!
I would be very careful having magnets on my knife in proximity to any compass.
Awesome video bro! Helped me decide on my EDC.
Thanks GT.
Great review, The free series for me has been a total disappointment to be honest. My p4 is in a drawer. The skeletool is an excellent EDC option.
Great video with honest sensible opinions. I appreciate it mate 👌🏽