With the high price and premium steel, the arc seems to be aimed more at collectors and EDC enthusiasts than tradesmen. I could see them making an upgraded skeletool with the magnetic plierhead and supersteel blade around $130-$160.
I personally think it does make sense for trades. When I'm wearing my bags, I don't take out my leather man to often because it's kind of a bitch to fish for the specific tool I'd want while I'm wearing gloves. And if I'm not wearing my bags, it's still kind of annoying to open so I'd just put some more dedicated tools in my pockets. So having the magnets be able to open any tool easily, even with demo gloves on, is a pretty big deal to me. Just make sure you have a backup leatherman, that you don't lose this one, and that all damage happens on the job so you have a good excuse to warranty it.
Good file can do a lot of things. I use one to cut old, rusty lock, sometimes find nails going all way through and you cut tip with a file, then take nail off. Also file can be a good sharpening tool.
For me that was the only thing I thought the free P4 was missing. I almost never use the serrated blade, But use the scissors and double tooth saw regularly. I used the file all the time on my Leatherman surge (till I lost it) but didn’t like that I lost the saw.
Im an Electrician and I use my Leatherman ChargeTTi+ at work all the time and I love using the Saw on it for a drywall Stab Saw! I wish Leatherman would or could make a pliers head that has full wire stripping capabilities from like 8-20gauge wire spring loaded or slightly change the replaceable wire cutter and make it a longer piece but with wire stripping holes!
Same as I. The needlenose pliers, the hook knife, the file then the ratchet driver are my most used leatherman tools at Job side. The S30V blade dulls by just looking mean at it
For my free P4 I use the bottom most part of the cutters, where it's deeper / notched (if you know what I mean) I strip cables and wires with that all the time (as an electrician myself) I have no issues, wire strippers with pre-cut holes for dimensions are the biggest layman tool there is, I've never met an electrician who uses that ever. The free P4 work exceptionally well for wire stripping and so should yours since it also has that notch in the cutter for bigger cables. Although I am not sure if the charge TTI + has the overlapping jaws for the cutter but it should.
It’d be cool if they had a custom shop where you pick your platform then have options on what “full size edge tools” and some flexibility on interior tools. Like you said people have been asking for this tool set on the wave for years. Plus you get the striking surface, dedicated beefy pry tool, all one hand opening….. I think 420HC blade for $160 and/or 154CM for $175 and/or S30V for $190 may have taken significant numbers from the Wave/Charge. There are many tradies not dealing with metal shavings and I believe Wave is #1 seller all time because it’s #1 choice for non-tradies. I don’t think magents would’ve held it back. $230 for a premium pocket knife and the greatest multi tool set/architecture ever is a great deal imo. And I’m a big serrated knife guy and anti-bit kit. This one got me. Looking at wiha technician bit kit for use with the ratchet accessory.
The plier head pivot was the first thing I was disappointed about. Even if people complained about the supposed weaker spring-loaded head, they could still make it a screwed/adjustable pivot without the spring. Without those other improvements, I can't see how the better blade steel being the only significant improvement makes it worth the price it is.
On my Wave I grab a broom handle with the Wave pliers and twist it as if trying to bend the broom handle. I did this a couple of times in each direction and my plier action is right where I want it. The adjustable pivot would still be nice for cleaning and maintenance though.
New entry should be $199.99 imo... give the customer something new, exciting, and affordable (in relation) to what is included. You could raise the price in later winter once the word gets out on how amazing it is/could be. With the other bits and extender, I agree with you...that would possibly be an easier price point to tag $230.
Yes. I think premium is the way to go. I don’t mind paying a little more for a quality tool hand made in the USA. It is one of the few American companies left. I also think it is an air loom tool that can be passed to future generations.
For me, the tool and price look fantastc! $230 for a fully-fledged multi-tool with a CPM MagnaCut blade and tthe tool configuration that many of us have wanted for years is an instant purchase. And I live in Mexico, where our salaries are much smaller and the price of import tools is higher, even accounting for the currency conversion. One of my main uses for multi-tools is camping and buscraft, for which the Free architecture is much better than any other, including the Wave's (can use it one-handed, in case we have one hand busy or impaired). Aslo, the fact that the blade is in MagnaCut means edge will last much longer, removing the need for the serrated blade or any additional knives. Finally, we get a premium multi-tool with a blade that can compete with knife lover standards, and an improved and versatile tool-set. This tool represents an actual evolution in Leatherman's lineup, not just a latteral shift. I'll probably buy 2 whenever they become available and I can afford it. I also think that in the future Leatherman will take the learnings from producing this tool and it's reception and translate those to revamp other popular tools, like the Wave and the Surge. For the tradesmen, just Imagine what a next-gen Surge would look like.
@@cristianramirez8388 ....if the ARC had a sprung plier head like the Garage then it would be a winner.... but its a bit of a glorified P4 with the parts that the P4 should have had in the first place. Its a very expensive version at that. Like the rest of the Free series .... its not for me.
It will please leatherman fans, but for 230$, not putting a standard bit driver on it when everyone else (even gerber) is capable of doing so for far less is honestly a joke. The 2d bits are super brittle and strip easily. This is just a slightly better p4, and the improvements aren’t worth the price hike imho.
Ben from Tx Tool Crib has already confirmed that the Free series gets really caked with metal filings, so the Diamond file is an odd choice. But from a business perspective, I think they’re smart to go with magnacut, targeting the crowd that buys Spyderco and Benchmade. It might even improve sales of other products, since it makes them look like a comparatively good value.
I’ve never heard Ben say they get caked with shavings, he just always says it’s a bad idea in his opinion. I work in a machine shop, I have zero issue with shavings sticking to the magnet. I wouldn’t even know it had magnets in it. Worst case scenario is needing to blow it out with the air hose now and then.
I personally wouldn't mind seeing a version of the arc with non premium steel and a spring loaded plier head. I don't use my leathermans for the trades and that would be more than sufficient for my EDC. To be honest, part of what kept me carrying my Leatherman sidekick so long was the spring loaded plier head. I EDC a modified free p2 now and I miss the spring loaded plier head.
In a world of increasing competition, the arc definitely bolsters Leatherman's brand image of 'the king of multitools'. Not much to say in that wasn't mentioned in the video, but I'm glad Leatherman is at least raising the bar and not just standing still and increasing the price of their tools with no upgrades. Living in Europe, the price is gonna be extra large on these. However, if I don't get one for Christmas, I will definitely try to snag one up at a good price. Already owning spare bits and the full bit kit really just makes it a slight annoyance that they included it. And not just a full bit kit, but half. Can't even gift the full kit to a friend ;-;
One can argue the exact opposite. "In a world of increasing competition" you don't make a super expensive tool while the ones you're already selling don't worth half the price they cost. It's just riding the wave and giving a bone to knives geeks who are using their stuff once a week.
@@ANiCKiN I've had my free P4 since release and haven't had a single metal flake or anything caught in there ever. Not an issue unless your literal job is to drill holes in metal with an open leatherman beside you with all the tools fanned out.
Thanks for the great review! When they came out with the garage batch 5 and the arc was going to be the production version, I was very excited for the sprung pliers on the free base. Now that the pliers are not sprung and the price point being what it is, I'll stick with my p4. The upgraded tool set in the arc is very nice but not $230 nice. Sorry Leatherman but sadly you're slowly losing my interest.
Yeah, the surge is absolutely the best tool assortment for me. Less of the tools I never use like the mini driver. As much as I think the dedicated flat heads are a waste of space given the exchangeable driver they are at least a passable pry. The t shank is a great compromise for me, I just leave the file in and pull the appropriate wood or metal blade out of my sheath on the rare occasions I need them. Just wish they'd do a version with magncut or s30v
Hard to beat the design of the Wave/Surge/Charge models. The Leatherman Arc, all it has going for it is the magnacut blade. Ive had a Free P2 and it was alright for the most part, but i still found myself reaching for a Surge or my G10 Charge. Leathermans direction with the Garage is just a quick cash grab and to me is a waste of time. Seems like they kinda followed that same direction going with the Arc...aimed at collector's and enthusiast. To me this doesnt serve a purpose to the normal handyman...but just a fancy multi tool thatll collect dust for most buyers cause they dont want to ruin a $230 multi tool.
Exactly my thoughts!!! It's not even an upgrade compared to the older models. And nobody is going to care about magnacut its brittle on the edge if u drop it and hard to sharpen in field....
I can't believe that instead of a ruler they stamped an advertisement about their free technology. It seems like Leatherman of late is more concerned with form over function, although this is a step in the right direction.
I'll stick with my wave. It has a better grip, is more comfortable and comfortable in the hand. It is smaller for everyday use but the edged blades are larger than what a P4 provides and from what I see the ARC has the same edge length as the P4. Compare the ARC with the Wave edge to edge, saw to saw and you will see that the Wave provides more length and makes the Wave a more useful tool. It no longer comes with measurements in inches and centimeters and the Wave does. I prefer the Wave a thousand times more.
It’s cool I guess. I’ll always prefer the st300 and the surge. They’re heavier but built to be used and abused. I had the free p4 and it worked great. For usual everyday use it was perfectly fine. The issue is I need bomb proof tools and the wiggle the p4 had always put me off. The locking mechanism for these new ones looks the same. The st300 and surge are just fat chunks of steel with no wiggle and play. I also don’t need the premium steel blade. Where I work and live I carry and fixed blade knife for my usual cutting tasks. Anything that I need to cut with a blade that can screw up my edge on my knife I just use the cheap blades on my multitool.
Thanks for a super review! And you were right, they sold out like hotcakes. I’m in Sydney Australia and I ordered through my local store well before Christmas and just got it now. Obviously I’m a Leatherman fan, but for sure the price was out there! That said I also like old style pocket knives, some of which being the Jack Wolf slip joint knives which come in at exactly same price. So for me I figure having a great multi tool which is handy ALWAYS, and a good knife attached, it’s worth it! 😊
I can’t justify the price when the wave+ comes so close. The file and tool improvements are a good p4 upgrade but just aren’t enough at that price when I already have a modified wave+ and a sak classic for quality scissors.
I just don’t see any reason that this tool is better then the Surge or the Charge . They could have at least offered a chisel end on the file included . Just like Gerber did . Also the micro screwdriver is a complete wasted slot for a tool . The micro driver should be included on the big kit and be able to fit on the the bit holder if need be . Come on Leatherman ?? Use your brains . $230 ?Are you out of your mind ?? There is nothing new here besides the blade steel . I also would recommend the Victorinox MXBS FOR $200 . Best multi tool ever made in my opinion .
I do like the change in toolset. This is what the P4 should have been. I really really really wanted that adjustable pivot. Every recent Leatherman I have seen has had such a sticky pivot. Keeping that would have turned a maybe into a yes for me.
Whelp. Dammit. I have to have this. Leatherman just hit a home run. They fixed every problem with the p4 and I already love my p4. Damn you leatherman! Damn you!!!
I was really hoping for the spring-loaded plier head and adjustable pivot to be a part of this tool. As it sits now, I think it is a cool tool with a great toolset. But I already EDC a P4, and the improvements don't justify the price hike to me. It isn't enough of a change for me to have a need for both tools. (For my use, I've often wished that the P4 had spring-loaded pliers. So I was looking forward to having an option for that). It is nice that Leatherman does seem to at least be going in the right direction with the Arc; it's the right direction, but still some missed opportunities.
I agree with 99% of your comment as I also EDC a P4 and love it. I think they went with the "safer" bet with the non-spring loaded pliers, in a perfect world they would have a spring-loaded version and non. Hurts for us that didn't get the 40th anniversary tool.
Im sure its a great tool but i dont need a premium knife blade on a multi tool. It would never leave my bedroom drawer for that price. I dont consider myself a collector. Im a user. Just got the gerber dual force for 50 bucks.... that was exciting this is not lol... but im sure many will be sold. Good for them!
Leatherman engineers said in a recent Reddit AMA no spring pliers since you have to hog a lot of material out of the jaw to make room. Significantly reduces strength could lead to more failures and warranty returns
I just don’t need it. Maybe when I was still in the Infantry but I’ll take any of the surge or wave clones over this all day now. It has everything I want but just too expensive for me.
Excellent, excellent review. Thank you. I fully agree that the grind and the coating on the ARC are superior but I think the overall shape and size of the 40th release is a bit nicer. I carry the first gen Wave and the only reason I was thinking of upgrading was the main blade. Not so sure now.
I also have the original Wave and considered the ARC until the $230 price was mentioned. That's more than three times what I paid for the Wave. The Arc did upgrade the two things I was looking: better pliers and a better knife. Maybe I can add this for the Christmas wishlist.
I’d love to hear a side by side vs GOAT (spring-loaded pliers and customizable) vs. Leatherman Arc super-premium steel, USA made marginally larger and maybe more robust tools.
I was planning to buy the Arc to replace my P4 but it just doesn't get enough more to justify paying this price. Sad to see the serrated blade left off, I love using it on the P4 for more dirty tasks and use the main blade for food and slicing. I think the Arc should have: serrated blade, propre bit driver, adjustable pivot and a chisel somewhere. Btw thanks for another great review and for bringing our community together!
Good thing is, you'll probably be able to swap the P4 serrated blade into this if you want. I'll probably replace the file and add the small file from the P4 on the inside, if the shapes of the tools are the same.
Designed by free technology and manufactured in the US means that the majority of sales are outside the US and for double the price of its main line of products, most Americans under current inflationary duress, are unable to factor an expensive multi-tool into their budget. For those that like expensive luxury multitools, your idea of its utilitarianism might be reduced if the price was $2,300 made out of gold, diamonds, and rubies.
To me, I would really prefer a non magnacut version. Not that it is not a great steel, but I do not use my multitool blades unless it is something really nasty I do not want to use my main knife for. The grind looks even but like most Leatherman's it looks WAY too thick, especially at the edge. Also I am guessing there is some funkyness toward the back, the grind is almost half the length. Just going by how wide the secondary bevel is, I am guessing it was at least .050 before sharpening, assuming they didn't do 10 degrees per side or something. That's over twice what I would consider appropriate, even for a harder use knife. Doin this means you really do not get to take advantage of magnacuts properties, which allow you to have a thin edge for good edge retention and cutting ability, but also keeping its stability and toughness with a higher hardness. I have a fixed blade maker that has made knives from several different steels, including magnacut. Larren the inventor of magnacut spoke the importance of good edge geometry so you do not have to take my word for it. My point being that I really do not care if the blade is in magnacut if it is not a well designed and useful blade. It is hard for me seeing the premium price being worth it for this reason. Yes it is harder to work with, but not any harder than s30v thats on some other tools and is the same price for the raw material.
Way too rich for my blood. At least make it a good value by having the full bitkit and an extension. I also wish it had a full size bit socket. Also for me to be excited and consider it a true modern tool it should have the spring loaded pliers. Heck you can remove the spring with the serviceable plier head if you don't want it.
That awl and file looked familiar, then I opened my Victorinox Spirit lol. I think leatherman is smart to market to a Niche demographic of people who like the tools. But as far as form and function, one has to be realistic. Why such an anemic bit driver? and the need for premium knife steels on a multitool... It just makes more practical sense to do something like Gerber did with the Dual Force... Give the user access to three real tools: a legit Pliers, Screw driver...And a pry bar vis a vis, nobody is filing anything with most multi tool files... You really have to like Leatherman... I love the Leatherman full bit kit, the ratchet, and the cases you can get at Leatherman, and consider these items first rate. But I just cannot help thinking that the leatherman designs for the tools coming out are for our aesthetic judgement and not for what is needed in the field.
To be honest, what I really want to see is a premium keychain tool (like a new iteration of the squirt s4). I keep my full size in my pack and have never felt under-equipped with just a modified rebar, but I think the smaller tools have more room for improvement.
it is something i would totally buy.....if i had an extra 200 bucks laying around. also im not a tradesmen or anything i just keep a multiool in my back pack and to suppliment my main knife for general hiking/camping tasks so it would kind of be shame spending that much and not really putting it through hard work and just cutting bits of string or opening boxes.
You’re right. It’s a premium multitool aimed at the enthusiast market. But that’s not a bad thing. They can still make lower end tools but attract a higher end market now as well. I also think the full bit kit should have been included and the extender idea is also good. Personally I don’t like the sheath simply because it seems to be too large for the tool. Great video.
They are missing the bits required to work on your knives, what a garbage approach. And when it comes to the most important part “ The pliers” the cheeped out and messed up the whole thing for big chunk of money. Now that tool must be modified , meaning buying what they messed up, and redesign it. Leading to a a very serious question are we customers or members in the design and creativity teams for Leatherman but we work for free to fix their shortcomings, which pisses me off 🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬
I'll get one some day. These tools are expensive but last a longtime. I don't know how much money I've spent on phones and they become obsolete every few years. Apple/Google will render your phone useless so they are no investments it's like renting your own stuff. Car manufacturers want to do the same, tv sets. So this is expensive, but at least its yours.
Apparently the LTG is continuing the future making multitools in the Free style...most unfortunate...an expensive tool that one can fidget with & uses magnets, which could wear down sooner...a collector's item...average Joes & Tradesmen will probably not use this...good Iuck with metal filings & dirt....The Wave & the Surge are better alternatives, imho...
By far the best Leatherman tool ever, in my opinion, from the looks of it. Would like one someday, though for now I'm really happy with the GOAT tool. Happy to see Leatherman taking a step in the right direction regardless, after the cancellations and problems with stock etc
@@adambowman1812 you don't say? .. So, what, less than one percent of the worlds population can't use this specific tool? Guess you just wanted to point out you work in metal, ey?
A+ review. You’ve outdone yourself here. And shown that my previous speculation in your comments that the bit kit stock problems were because they were stocking up for Arc kits. With half a bit kit in each, that wasn’t the problem.
It’s nice and all but I still prefer my charge TTI over this work wise. It looks to nice and cost to much to put any heavy use into it. The use of magnets and the wobble on the bit driver kinda kill it for me. Like you said if they add some goodies and lower the price a bit might be a game changer. Thanks for the Info 🍻
I've carried a Leatherman off and on since the early days of the tools being on the inside. I have numerous Leatherman's at this point, but this thing is a tool for the EDC guys wanting the next best greatest thing. My practical nature cannot justify the price. I concur, it will sell out to the EDC community. The average guy will pass on it.
Such a shame they couldn’t put out unique colors like the garage though I guess that would take away from the rarity and ability for scalpers to sell for 3x
Got my arc for Christmas and am loving it. Put a sharper bevel on the can opener to be a bit more of a chisel edge on it, sharpened the wire stripper notch, and added an eye to the awl. Now that I've made these modifications, I can't think of what else I might want from a multitool.
Anyone else notice the lower quality gerber style tools on these and the whole free line? I mean handles and pliers look great, knife blade is a decent shape and great steel. But seriously reamer instead of awl because they cut cost at drilling a hole to make it more functional? You feel the need to add a flat blade driver when you already have a bit with that option? Why can’t the scissors be the same length as the blades in the handle? What’s with the trash gerber scissors?
A few things, holes in files are not good, why not put a lock on the bit holder like skeletool? No ruler? Eyeglass driver still takes up a slot, crappy one trick pony can opener, instead of classic 3in one
Thanks for your time and sharing... I'm a electrician and bought the super tool 300 many years ago... i use mine at least 10 times a day and have for years there are 3 tools broken off that all were broken by an apprentice using them wrong,,, that said the 3 that are broken i don't miss them... the only thing I'm pissed about in this video is that Mr. Crunch they want that 5hit tested send it my way not to peoples that use them for letter opening beer bottle opening and that 5hit to a construction worker mechanic wielders not desk jockeys (nothing wrong with ya'll) ((more power you ya'll for your career choices)) the blue collar dudes will really text their multi tools ... that's like carhartt coming out with the weird a$$ colors and trying to sell to couch riders living in mommies basement... get that tool in some man hands
I'll likely sell the Mr. Crunch at some point. Like you said, I cant bring myself to use it. I have multitools i use every day P4/Swisstool MX Clip/Centerdrive.
@maxlvledc I was aiming at leather man for that one ... ya'll that do these reviews helps Grumpy diks like myself in the stuff I'm not sure on... hell if I had the money I'd buy a many a I could... that Mr crunch I'm sending Leatherman a email once a week till I can buy 1 from them... I think that one would be a good sparky pocket tool
I really dig this tool but I'm definitely bothered by it lacking a serrated blade. You're not wrong about Magnacut being expensive stuff. My cheapest Magnacut knife was about $210 and my most expensive was $1,700. I'm definitely getting an Arc when they release it for sure. I'll just have to add an extra serrated knife to my EDC to make up for the Arc's lack of one
Unfortunately, we all seem to want 5 "outside blade slot" tools with only 4 slots. Knife, file, saw, serrated blade w/ hook (Charge+) rather than just serrated blade (Wave+), and good scissors. For me, the first two are absolute must haves, the other three? It's truly a crapshoot as to which I'll need, and at various times I have needed each. That said, I think the Charge+ setup with wee scissors in the internal tools is the best for me.
@@johnsanford3596 scissors on a multitool are useless to me. I have a Leatherman Raptor on my belt and then my sewing kit has a small set of scissors as well. Plus there's a Victorinox Classic on my keys and a Leatherman Juice CS4 in my left pocket. I never use the scissors on anything but my Raptor or the ones in my sewing kit. I could dump the scissors off of the Arc and be just fine. I'm sure they'll drop a version of the Surge that has the Free technology at some point but for now the Arc will serve fine. My Surge is always in my locker at work in case I need a beefier tool anyway. I just keep a lower profile tool on my belt because people in my area see a big multitool pouch and think it's a magazine and start accusing me of having a yeet cannon at work
As much as I like this thing I stopped carrying multitools a year or so ago for a reason. I carry a 6inch set of Cobra pliers and a Milwaukee FASTBACK as my tool set. It's a way more useful tool set for me. My wave served me well for almost 20 years. But it's not that useful for me in my day to day as those two tools.
I feel you on this. I carry the smallest pair of wrench pliers and a Sandrin torino. However lately I have been finding the need to pry and have a screwdriver available, the ARC seems like a good choice for me.
$230 USD!!! That means $270 - $290 CAD!!! Great multitool but WOW a lot of money. I’m also concerned about the deployment of the blade. It could mean it won’t be available for sale in Canada - Time will tell. 🤞
You are the best American bloggers I know on the topic of multi-tools. Thank you for the professional, interesting and relevant videos! In Europe, the best blogger on the topic of multitools and knives is the Frenchman diezelle57. I recommend watching his original videos. I'm Russian. I have owned Leatherman multitools for more than three decades. In my opinion, Leatherman multitools are the best multitools in the world! I have more than two hundred of them. And... I can't stop... :)
Leatherman keeps slowly adding nicer and nicer blades to their top tier models... Meanwhile, I have been waiting decades for a bladeless top tier model 😭
I’m in with this 💯 I think this is probably the best toolset to come in a leatherman in my opinion. I usually carry a dedicated knife with me in addition to a multi tool with the premium steel in the Ark I don’t necessarily have to. This should be a very capable tool for the day to day tasks and beyond. For more hard use and a non magnetic platform the Surge is still king but I’m willing to pony up the extra money for the Ark based on what I’ve seen.
anyone who knows what magnacut is and how awesome it is in a multitool will not only swallow the price they'll embrace it. say a magnacut knife is 130, this is 230 so you get a leatherman with bit kit for 100? cmonnnn
@@hunterglaspell fancy steel? It's premium knife steel that excels in all categories and you can get accessories that fit the bit driver that take standard bits
@@EriclesMH no one practically needs a steel like magnacut (especially on a multitool). Anyone who says they do is huffing some serious cope. It’s an unneeded luxury piece that won’t see any practical use in the field. I don’t deny magnacut is impressive, but 99% of people who buy it don’t use it enough to get its worth out of it. And why would I buy a bit extender (which from leatherman is an extra 25$) just so a 230$ multitool is finally cable of doing something 80$ multitools can do out of the box? It’s a ripoff my guy.
@@hunterglaspell if you dont think the best knife steel will see field use you're sorely mistaken..yeah especially people who make videos (not max) there's not a scratch on their tools lol, im not one of those people though...leatherman makes USA manufactured tools, the materials used and the tool set you get with most of their models is great...standard bits strip all the time too btw (depending on the brand its pretty bad), thats why you can buy replacements..sure the price can be steep if you're on a budget, but the quality is there, so a ripoff? definitely not, but sure i can agree the price can be rough for some
@@EriclesMH I’ve had a surge, wave, and rebar, and while the quality is generally better than competitors, leathermans quality control is at an all time low. One of the tension springs holding my waves handle in place when open gave out a few months in, and my surge had rattly bolsters (like you could shake the tool lightly and they would rattle) out of the box and didn’t go away even after I cranked the screws down because the tolerances were so loose. I also had a skeletool liner lock disengaged on me in the store when I was checking lockup on it, nearly sliced my hand open. I like leatherman, but they don’t seem to care anymore about the real user, and keep pandering to the collector that will take their tools and sell them at a markup on eBay. Magnacut is not practical, it’s simply a marketing tactic they are using because it’s popular in the enthusiasts crowd right now. If you buy this tool and love it, I am super happy for you, but it’s far from what leatherman used to be and should be. I don’t want to the comment anymore and blow up Max’s RUclips notifications anymore, so I’ll leave those thoughts here and move on. Cheers 🍻
Yeah, please compare it to the GOAT, especially with the mind that they gonna be used for a lifetime. Please also do some setups for "domestic use" in a city flat. Rent is rising and people have to live in smaller flats, so space for tools is rare, but those are still needed for small repairs (furniture, kitchen/bath, bicycle, household electronics), put something up the wall, renovation, ...
At the moment I wouldn't recommend the GOAT as a tool for anyone except the enthusiasts. The cutters have a flaw that needs fixing and there are a few other things that need tweeking.
Love the leatherman, but I have never been able to get behind the magnetic components. Working in a machine shop, I often need many of the tools in them, but half of the leatherman range isn't practical as metal filings and chips will collect by the magnets. They are great edc tools, but the magnetic ones are almost useless for anything involving metal
It should be $100 cheaper. Warranty aside, its a lot of money for a tool. The blade doesn't justify the price. I wouldn't spend that much on a fashion statement knife either.
In complete agreement that the lack of the adjustable pivot and sprung pliers is absolutely insulting. I've been trying to find somewhere to go from my Charge TTi, and was really hoping that the Arc would be it, but I don't think it will be.
Ehh they always did a good enough job with the 420hc they use. This seems to be a "safe queen" collector item at that price..... Just get a regular Leatherman and a good main knife with super steel
Looks like another one that will come and go. A marketing gimmick. A tool for collectors, aficionados, and for the wives that are wishing they had a Handyman. Meanwhile my Wave and Surge still bite me all the time (Leatherman Pinch). My S2 Juice is wore out, my Squirt PS4 has seen better day’s and I can’t replace them...
Honestly for the price this is not it.. almost every thing about it is great and it looks good too but no spring assisted pliers is kind of a deal breaker for me.. I’ll stick with my wave plus.. I really like the awl in this one over the past tools but the price is way to much to have an upgraded knife and that’s really all I see as being upgraded… I guess leatherman as a company doesn’t want to make their other tools obsolete by making that one all around great multitool that has basically no flaws
Is this meant to be a limited release? If they sale out they would make a new production line of them later at some point right? It's too expensive for me to justify buying it anytime soon though I do like the tool set and the looks and I like and have no issues with the free style so I was hoping maybe one day...
That price is stupid high even with magnacut, which is a funny choice for a multi tool. But if they used an affordable steel, none of their other products would sell.
This is such an awesome tool but it kills me that they put a slot in the file instead of just having it maybe with a tab at the top or something to still have it with “free technology” Also the wiggle with the bit adapter, and it not being full 1/4 size bits. Lastly I hate the new and separate can opener/bottle opener. I really love the old style combo tool Still a really freaking cool tool
I’m into it, but I feel the price is high. Magnacut has been coming down. The Hogue Deka and Ritter RSK knives in MC are excellent and cheaper than their competitors. The Spyderco Native 5 Salt in MC is priced similarly to the rest of the Salt line. Now, even Kershaw is in the game for under 200. You say these will sell out. Are they not going to be standard production? I’m a dedicated knife guy, so I can wait a while. Great video! It got me fired up. I saw another opening yesterday. It wasn’t quite as detailed, or enthusiastic.
now I'm not sure on what to get, a GOAT or the arc, do I want a really solid tool with a good tool set or a great platform which they'll be developing on and I can easily swap tools (but maybe a bit sketchy locking system and spring plier)
Getting one. Not going to nit pick the home run they sent us. I have folders with much less engineering that cost more. Spring loaded pliers are the only let down, but not a deal breaker. Gimme dat Arc!
With the high price and premium steel, the arc seems to be aimed more at collectors and EDC enthusiasts than tradesmen. I could see them making an upgraded skeletool with the magnetic plierhead and supersteel blade around $130-$160.
I second for an upgraded skeletool. That's my favorite one of all the multi tools even when adding other brands into the mix.
This is definitely and EDC tool rather than a work tool. The wave would be a better work tool if you were not opting for the surge.
I carry a rebar and does work all day long without being flashy
@@tacklecentralfishing1051 cool, are you a tradesman of some kind? do you plan to buy a Leatherman Arc?
I personally think it does make sense for trades. When I'm wearing my bags, I don't take out my leather man to often because it's kind of a bitch to fish for the specific tool I'd want while I'm wearing gloves. And if I'm not wearing my bags, it's still kind of annoying to open so I'd just put some more dedicated tools in my pockets. So having the magnets be able to open any tool easily, even with demo gloves on, is a pretty big deal to me. Just make sure you have a backup leatherman, that you don't lose this one, and that all damage happens on the job so you have a good excuse to warranty it.
I’ve never heard a man be so excited by a file
haha, its the little things. But I'm a wierdo..dont mind me.
It's probably one of the best files out there tbh I can get the hype
Good file can do a lot of things. I use one to cut old, rusty lock, sometimes find nails going all way through and you cut tip with a file, then take nail off. Also file can be a good sharpening tool.
I agree. The enthusiasts may see the value but your average guy who isn't into blade steel likely won't really understand.
For me that was the only thing I thought the free P4 was missing. I almost never use the serrated blade, But use the scissors and double tooth saw regularly. I used the file all the time on my Leatherman surge (till I lost it) but didn’t like that I lost the saw.
Im an Electrician and I use my Leatherman ChargeTTi+ at work all the time and I love using the Saw on it for a drywall Stab Saw! I wish Leatherman would or could make a pliers head that has full wire stripping capabilities from like 8-20gauge wire spring loaded or slightly change the replaceable wire cutter and make it a longer piece but with wire stripping holes!
I think the operative word on full wire stripping capability is "could". CAN they make a truly useful multi-tool with full stripping capacity?
Same as I. The needlenose pliers, the hook knife, the file then the ratchet driver are my most used leatherman tools at Job side. The S30V blade dulls by just looking mean at it
For my free P4 I use the bottom most part of the cutters, where it's deeper / notched (if you know what I mean) I strip cables and wires with that all the time (as an electrician myself) I have no issues, wire strippers with pre-cut holes for dimensions are the biggest layman tool there is, I've never met an electrician who uses that ever.
The free P4 work exceptionally well for wire stripping and so should yours since it also has that notch in the cutter for bigger cables. Although I am not sure if the charge TTI + has the overlapping jaws for the cutter but it should.
It is cool, but not worth $250 when you can do the same work with a $110 tool. This seems more like a collectors item.
$250? The prices my search is coming up with is showing $499.
It’d be cool if they had a custom shop where you pick your platform then have options on what “full size edge tools” and some flexibility on interior tools.
Like you said people have been asking for this tool set on the wave for years. Plus you get the striking surface, dedicated beefy pry tool, all one hand opening…..
I think 420HC blade for $160 and/or 154CM for $175 and/or S30V for $190 may have taken significant numbers from the Wave/Charge. There are many tradies not dealing with metal shavings and I believe Wave is #1 seller all time because it’s #1 choice for non-tradies. I don’t think magents would’ve held it back.
$230 for a premium pocket knife and the greatest multi tool set/architecture ever is a great deal imo. And I’m a big serrated knife guy and anti-bit kit. This one got me.
Looking at wiha technician bit kit for use with the ratchet accessory.
The plier head pivot was the first thing I was disappointed about. Even if people complained about the supposed weaker spring-loaded head, they could still make it a screwed/adjustable pivot without the spring. Without those other improvements, I can't see how the better blade steel being the only significant improvement makes it worth the price it is.
On my Wave I grab a broom handle with the Wave pliers and twist it as if trying to bend the broom handle. I did this a couple of times in each direction and my plier action is right where I want it. The adjustable pivot would still be nice for cleaning and maintenance though.
New entry should be $199.99 imo... give the customer something new, exciting, and affordable (in relation) to what is included. You could raise the price in later winter once the word gets out on how amazing it is/could be. With the other bits and extender, I agree with you...that would possibly be an easier price point to tag $230.
Yes. I think premium is the way to go. I don’t mind paying a little more for a quality tool hand made in the USA. It is one of the few American companies left. I also think it is an air loom tool that can be passed to future generations.
Got mine yesterday from REI! Literally the perfect toolset for a multitool. Totally worth it IMO.
For me, the tool and price look fantastc!
$230 for a fully-fledged multi-tool with a CPM MagnaCut blade and tthe tool configuration that many of us have wanted for years is an instant purchase.
And I live in Mexico, where our salaries are much smaller and the price of import tools is higher, even accounting for the currency conversion.
One of my main uses for multi-tools is camping and buscraft, for which the Free architecture is much better than any other, including the Wave's (can use it one-handed, in case we have one hand busy or impaired). Aslo, the fact that the blade is in MagnaCut means edge will last much longer, removing the need for the serrated blade or any additional knives.
Finally, we get a premium multi-tool with a blade that can compete with knife lover standards, and an improved and versatile tool-set.
This tool represents an actual evolution in Leatherman's lineup, not just a latteral shift. I'll probably buy 2 whenever they become available and I can afford it.
I also think that in the future Leatherman will take the learnings from producing this tool and it's reception and translate those to revamp other popular tools, like the Wave and the Surge.
For the tradesmen, just Imagine what a next-gen Surge would look like.
The Gen 2 Surge is still King.
I agree
@@cristianramirez8388 ....if the ARC had a sprung plier head like the Garage then it would be a winner.... but its a bit of a glorified P4 with the parts that the P4 should have had in the first place. Its a very expensive version at that. Like the rest of the Free series .... its not for me.
What's the Gen 2 Surge? Can you clarify? I bought a "Surge" one last week, is this the Gen 2 one?
It will please leatherman fans, but for 230$, not putting a standard bit driver on it when everyone else (even gerber) is capable of doing so for far less is honestly a joke. The 2d bits are super brittle and strip easily. This is just a slightly better p4, and the improvements aren’t worth the price hike imho.
Overpriced
Ben from Tx Tool Crib has already confirmed that the Free series gets really caked with metal filings, so the Diamond file is an odd choice. But from a business perspective, I think they’re smart to go with magnacut, targeting the crowd that buys Spyderco and Benchmade. It might even improve sales of other products, since it makes them look like a comparatively good value.
Lol this is so true! When I heard the price I thought about picking up a Free P4!
I’ve never heard Ben say they get caked with shavings, he just always says it’s a bad idea in his opinion. I work in a machine shop, I have zero issue with shavings sticking to the magnet. I wouldn’t even know it had magnets in it. Worst case scenario is needing to blow it out with the air hose now and then.
@@MrASM78 Yea, Ben said he took it to work and experienced the expected problems. But I’m sure it depends on how you use it.
I use the diamond file for my fingernails before bjj more than anything else...
@@FreedomFox1 I missed that one. I guess it’s certainly possible, at any rate with minimal effort you should be able to keep it running smoothly.
I personally wouldn't mind seeing a version of the arc with non premium steel and a spring loaded plier head. I don't use my leathermans for the trades and that would be more than sufficient for my EDC. To be honest, part of what kept me carrying my Leatherman sidekick so long was the spring loaded plier head. I EDC a modified free p2 now and I miss the spring loaded plier head.
Surge still best, Wave second, third ... maybe Signal. I don't understand Free series.
Same here👍👏✌️. Surge forever✌️✌️
In a world of increasing competition, the arc definitely bolsters Leatherman's brand image of 'the king of multitools'.
Not much to say in that wasn't mentioned in the video, but I'm glad Leatherman is at least raising the bar and not just standing still and increasing the price of their tools with no upgrades.
Living in Europe, the price is gonna be extra large on these. However, if I don't get one for Christmas, I will definitely try to snag one up at a good price. Already owning spare bits and the full bit kit really just makes it a slight annoyance that they included it. And not just a full bit kit, but half. Can't even gift the full kit to a friend ;-;
The bits aren't that durable- it's good to have spares.
One can argue the exact opposite.
"In a world of increasing competition" you don't make a super expensive tool while the ones you're already selling don't worth half the price they cost.
It's just riding the wave and giving a bone to knives geeks who are using their stuff once a week.
@@Rakx10 I wouldn't call that the exact opposite. Still valid though.
King of Multitools needs a magnet to hold the tools? 😂
Sorry but WTF. It will be hard to clean once it collected all the metal particles from work…
@@ANiCKiN I've had my free P4 since release and haven't had a single metal flake or anything caught in there ever.
Not an issue unless your literal job is to drill holes in metal with an open leatherman beside you with all the tools fanned out.
Thanks for the great review! When they came out with the garage batch 5 and the arc was going to be the production version, I was very excited for the sprung pliers on the free base. Now that the pliers are not sprung and the price point being what it is, I'll stick with my p4. The upgraded tool set in the arc is very nice but not $230 nice. Sorry Leatherman but sadly you're slowly losing my interest.
Yeah....I'll stick with my Surge.
Agreed!
well the surge is BEAST of a tool.
Yeah, the surge is absolutely the best tool assortment for me. Less of the tools I never use like the mini driver. As much as I think the dedicated flat heads are a waste of space given the exchangeable driver they are at least a passable pry. The t shank is a great compromise for me, I just leave the file in and pull the appropriate wood or metal blade out of my sheath on the rare occasions I need them.
Just wish they'd do a version with magncut or s30v
Hard to beat the design of the Wave/Surge/Charge models. The Leatherman Arc, all it has going for it is the magnacut blade. Ive had a Free P2 and it was alright for the most part, but i still found myself reaching for a Surge or my G10 Charge. Leathermans direction with the Garage is just a quick cash grab and to me is a waste of time. Seems like they kinda followed that same direction going with the Arc...aimed at collector's and enthusiast. To me this doesnt serve a purpose to the normal handyman...but just a fancy multi tool thatll collect dust for most buyers cause they dont want to ruin a $230 multi tool.
Exactly my thoughts!!! It's not even an upgrade compared to the older models. And nobody is going to care about magnacut its brittle on the edge if u drop it and hard to sharpen in field....
The hole on the file is probably what turns it into one of the worst files. Seriously a terrible idea to put a giant hole in the file.
Exactly. I broke one on the old SOG due to the hole.
I'm loving my Garage #5 the magnacut blade is awesome
I'm debating now should I use it or new arc..😢
I can't believe that instead of a ruler they stamped an advertisement about their free technology. It seems like Leatherman of late is more concerned with form over function, although this is a step in the right direction.
Miss the ruler.
100%. And they did it to BOTH sides
Yeah a slight deal breaker, sure I could keep a thin 8 inch ruler or so in the sheath but would be an inconvenience.
The ARC is the Ferrari of Leatherman, while the SURGE, WAVE, SUPERTOOL are the Chevy Trucks built for WORK
I'll stick with my wave. It has a better grip, is more comfortable and comfortable in the hand. It is smaller for everyday use but the edged blades are larger than what a P4 provides and from what I see the ARC has the same edge length as the P4. Compare the ARC with the Wave edge to edge, saw to saw and you will see that the Wave provides more length and makes the Wave a more useful tool. It no longer comes with measurements in inches and centimeters and the Wave does. I prefer the Wave a thousand times more.
It’s cool I guess. I’ll always prefer the st300 and the surge. They’re heavier but built to be used and abused. I had the free p4 and it worked great. For usual everyday use it was perfectly fine. The issue is I need bomb proof tools and the wiggle the p4 had always put me off. The locking mechanism for these new ones looks the same. The st300 and surge are just fat chunks of steel with no wiggle and play. I also don’t need the premium steel blade. Where I work and live I carry and fixed blade knife for my usual cutting tasks. Anything that I need to cut with a blade that can screw up my edge on my knife I just use the cheap blades on my multitool.
Thanks for a super review! And you were right, they sold out like hotcakes. I’m in Sydney Australia and I ordered through my local store well before Christmas and just got it now. Obviously I’m a Leatherman fan, but for sure the price was out there! That said I also like old style pocket knives, some of which being the Jack Wolf slip joint knives which come in at exactly same price. So for me I figure having a great multi tool which is handy ALWAYS, and a good knife attached, it’s worth it! 😊
I wish it had the spring loaded pliers. For my line of work it’s a necessity. One handed opening spring loaded pliers would have been a game changer.
I can’t justify the price when the wave+ comes so close. The file and tool improvements are a good p4 upgrade but just aren’t enough at that price when I already have a modified wave+ and a sak classic for quality scissors.
I'd have liked to see the scissors scrapped for a serrated blade because I have plenty of other (and better) options for scissors in my EDC
I just don’t see any reason that this tool is better then the Surge or the Charge . They could have at least offered a chisel end on the file included . Just like Gerber did . Also the micro screwdriver is a complete wasted slot for a tool . The micro driver should be included on the big kit and be able to fit on the the bit holder if need be . Come on Leatherman ?? Use your brains . $230 ?Are you out of your mind ?? There is nothing new here besides the blade steel . I also would recommend the Victorinox MXBS FOR $200 . Best multi tool ever made in my opinion .
charge...maybe, surge HELL no. the Surge and Wave have nothing to fear from this. its basically just the TTI that it really beats.
I do like the change in toolset. This is what the P4 should have been. I really really really wanted that adjustable pivot. Every recent Leatherman I have seen has had such a sticky pivot. Keeping that would have turned a maybe into a yes for me.
EXACTLY!!! im so ticked!
Whelp. Dammit. I have to have this. Leatherman just hit a home run. They fixed every problem with the p4 and I already love my p4. Damn you leatherman! Damn you!!!
I was really hoping for the spring-loaded plier head and adjustable pivot to be a part of this tool. As it sits now, I think it is a cool tool with a great toolset. But I already EDC a P4, and the improvements don't justify the price hike to me. It isn't enough of a change for me to have a need for both tools. (For my use, I've often wished that the P4 had spring-loaded pliers. So I was looking forward to having an option for that). It is nice that Leatherman does seem to at least be going in the right direction with the Arc; it's the right direction, but still some missed opportunities.
I agree with 99% of your comment as I also EDC a P4 and love it. I think they went with the "safer" bet with the non-spring loaded pliers, in a perfect world they would have a spring-loaded version and non. Hurts for us that didn't get the 40th anniversary tool.
Well said! And please keep the serrated blade somehow.
Is the perfect tool for work that most of the owners would never use at work...
Im sure its a great tool but i dont need a premium knife blade on a multi tool. It would never leave my bedroom drawer for that price. I dont consider myself a collector. Im a user. Just got the gerber dual force for 50 bucks.... that was exciting this is not lol... but im sure many will be sold. Good for them!
Leatherman engineers said in a recent Reddit AMA no spring pliers since you have to hog a lot of material out of the jaw to make room. Significantly reduces strength could lead to more failures and warranty returns
I just don’t need it. Maybe when I was still in the Infantry but I’ll take any of the surge or wave clones over this all day now. It has everything I want but just too expensive for me.
Excellent, excellent review. Thank you. I fully agree that the grind and the coating on the ARC are superior but I think the overall shape and size of the 40th release is a bit nicer. I carry the first gen Wave and the only reason I was thinking of upgrading was the main blade. Not so sure now.
I also have the original Wave and considered the ARC until the $230 price was mentioned. That's more than three times what I paid for the Wave. The Arc did upgrade the two things I was looking: better pliers and a better knife. Maybe I can add this for the Christmas wishlist.
@@DCuerpoJr$240 for a magnacut on a new utility is not crazy in the least bit
I’d love to hear a side by side vs GOAT (spring-loaded pliers and customizable) vs. Leatherman Arc super-premium steel, USA made marginally larger and maybe more robust tools.
I was planning to buy the Arc to replace my P4 but it just doesn't get enough more to justify paying this price. Sad to see the serrated blade left off, I love using it on the P4 for more dirty tasks and use the main blade for food and slicing.
I think the Arc should have: serrated blade, propre bit driver, adjustable pivot and a chisel somewhere.
Btw thanks for another great review and for bringing our community together!
Good thing is, you'll probably be able to swap the P4 serrated blade into this if you want. I'll probably replace the file and add the small file from the P4 on the inside, if the shapes of the tools are the same.
Really bummed there's no spring plier.... I've been waiting for years.
I bought a wave clone off Ali express for less than $20 and it has spring pliers.
Designed by free technology and manufactured in the US means that the majority of sales are outside the US and for double the price of its main line of products, most Americans under current inflationary duress, are unable to factor an expensive multi-tool into their budget. For those that like expensive luxury multitools, your idea of its utilitarianism might be reduced if the price was $2,300 made out of gold, diamonds, and rubies.
Really dont like the free platform
To me, I would really prefer a non magnacut version. Not that it is not a great steel, but I do not use my multitool blades unless it is something really nasty I do not want to use my main knife for. The grind looks even but like most Leatherman's it looks WAY too thick, especially at the edge. Also I am guessing there is some funkyness toward the back, the grind is almost half the length. Just going by how wide the secondary bevel is, I am guessing it was at least .050 before sharpening, assuming they didn't do 10 degrees per side or something. That's over twice what I would consider appropriate, even for a harder use knife. Doin this means you really do not get to take advantage of magnacuts properties, which allow you to have a thin edge for good edge retention and cutting ability, but also keeping its stability and toughness with a higher hardness. I have a fixed blade maker that has made knives from several different steels, including magnacut. Larren the inventor of magnacut spoke the importance of good edge geometry so you do not have to take my word for it.
My point being that I really do not care if the blade is in magnacut if it is not a well designed and useful blade. It is hard for me seeing the premium price being worth it for this reason. Yes it is harder to work with, but not any harder than s30v thats on some other tools and is the same price for the raw material.
Way too rich for my blood. At least make it a good value by having the full bitkit and an extension. I also wish it had a full size bit socket. Also for me to be excited and consider it a true modern tool it should have the spring loaded pliers. Heck you can remove the spring with the serviceable plier head if you don't want it.
That awl and file looked familiar, then I opened my Victorinox Spirit lol. I think leatherman is smart to market to a Niche demographic of people who like the tools. But as far as form and function, one has to be realistic. Why such an anemic bit driver? and the need for premium knife steels on a multitool... It just makes more practical sense to do something like Gerber did with the Dual Force... Give the user access to three real tools: a legit Pliers, Screw driver...And a pry bar vis a vis, nobody is filing anything with most multi tool files...
You really have to like Leatherman... I love the Leatherman full bit kit, the ratchet, and the cases you can get at Leatherman, and consider these items first rate. But I just cannot help thinking that the leatherman designs for the tools coming out are for our aesthetic judgement and not for what is needed in the field.
My wife will kill me. I want this so bad.
To be honest, what I really want to see is a premium keychain tool (like a new iteration of the squirt s4). I keep my full size in my pack and have never felt under-equipped with just a modified rebar, but I think the smaller tools have more room for improvement.
The Squirt S4 is (IMHO) one of the best multi tools ever. I can’t believe they discontinued it.
Rebar has the best Awl.
it is something i would totally buy.....if i had an extra 200 bucks laying around. also im not a tradesmen or anything i just keep a multiool in my back pack and to suppliment my main knife for general hiking/camping tasks so it would kind of be shame spending that much and not really putting it through hard work and just cutting bits of string or opening boxes.
You’re right. It’s a premium multitool aimed at the enthusiast market. But that’s not a bad thing. They can still make lower end tools but attract a higher end market now as well. I also think the full bit kit should have been included and the extender idea is also good. Personally I don’t like the sheath simply because it seems to be too large for the tool. Great video.
They are missing the bits required to work on your knives, what a garbage approach. And when it comes to the most important part “ The pliers” the cheeped out and messed up the whole thing for big chunk of money. Now that tool must be modified , meaning buying what they messed up, and redesign it. Leading to a a very serious question are we customers or members in the design and creativity teams for Leatherman but we work for free to fix their shortcomings, which pisses me off 🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬
A non magnacut version would be perfect, but I'll keep this one on my to buy list and see what they decide to do.
you had me sold until you got to pilers. I really liked the idea of having spring loaded pilers in my Leatherman.
For the price, I’m not impressed
It should be surge size. The hole in the file is ridiculous
I'll get one some day. These tools are expensive but last a longtime. I don't know how much money I've spent on phones and they become obsolete every few years. Apple/Google will render your phone useless so they are no investments it's like renting your own stuff. Car manufacturers want to do the same, tv sets. So this is expensive, but at least its yours.
Missed opportunity with it not including the spring-loaded pliers.
Apparently the LTG is continuing the future making multitools in the Free style...most unfortunate...an expensive tool that one can fidget with & uses magnets, which could wear down sooner...a collector's item...average Joes & Tradesmen will probably not use this...good Iuck with metal filings & dirt....The Wave & the Surge are better alternatives, imho...
It's probably because of expiring patents with their other designs.
👍Whilst I definitely like the direction they're going, I will be sticking to my Surge for now 😊.
By far the best Leatherman tool ever, in my opinion, from the looks of it. Would like one someday, though for now I'm really happy with the GOAT tool. Happy to see Leatherman taking a step in the right direction regardless, after the cancellations and problems with stock etc
How does this beat the older models? Has the same functionality!
Any of the models with magnets are useless if you work as a metal worker.
@@adambowman1812 you don't say?
.. So, what, less than one percent of the worlds population can't use this specific tool?
Guess you just wanted to point out you work in metal, ey?
A+ review. You’ve outdone yourself here. And shown that my previous speculation in your comments that the bit kit stock problems were because they were stocking up for Arc kits. With half a bit kit in each, that wasn’t the problem.
It’s nice and all but I still prefer my charge TTI over this work wise. It looks to nice and cost to much to put any heavy use into it. The use of magnets and the wobble on the bit driver kinda kill it for me. Like you said if they add some goodies and lower the price a bit might be a game changer. Thanks for the Info 🍻
I've carried a Leatherman off and on since the early days of the tools being on the inside. I have numerous Leatherman's at this point, but this thing is a tool for the EDC guys wanting the next best greatest thing. My practical nature cannot justify the price. I concur, it will sell out to the EDC community. The average guy will pass on it.
Such a shame they couldn’t put out unique colors like the garage though I guess that would take away from the rarity and ability for scalpers to sell for 3x
Annoying that it was is a stores well before the release date.
it wasn't had to call the store way ahead of drop, I found out by accident last Saturday.
Got my arc for Christmas and am loving it. Put a sharper bevel on the can opener to be a bit more of a chisel edge on it, sharpened the wire stripper notch, and added an eye to the awl. Now that I've made these modifications, I can't think of what else I might want from a multitool.
Anyone else notice the lower quality gerber style tools on these and the whole free line? I mean handles and pliers look great, knife blade is a decent shape and great steel. But seriously reamer instead of awl because they cut cost at drilling a hole to make it more functional? You feel the need to add a flat blade driver when you already have a bit with that option? Why can’t the scissors be the same length as the blades in the handle? What’s with the trash gerber scissors?
First time I’ve seen such a positive review!
A few things, holes in files are not good, why not put a lock on the bit holder like skeletool? No ruler? Eyeglass driver still takes up a slot, crappy one trick pony can opener, instead of classic 3in one
I also MUCH prefer the 3 in one variant..but doesnt work well in the handle allowance for this tool because space reduces as it extends out.
Leatherman lost its way a long time ago. I love my Victorinox Swiss Tool. I have abused the crap out of it and still going strong 10 years latter...
Thanks for your time and sharing... I'm a electrician and bought the super tool 300 many years ago... i use mine at least 10 times a day and have for years there are 3 tools broken off that all were broken by an apprentice using them wrong,,, that said the 3 that are broken i don't miss them... the only thing I'm pissed about in this video is that Mr. Crunch they want that 5hit tested send it my way not to peoples that use them for letter opening beer bottle opening and that 5hit to a construction worker mechanic wielders not desk jockeys (nothing wrong with ya'll) ((more power you ya'll for your career choices)) the blue collar dudes will really text their multi tools ... that's like carhartt coming out with the weird a$$ colors and trying to sell to couch riders living in mommies basement... get that tool in some man hands
I'll likely sell the Mr. Crunch at some point. Like you said, I cant bring myself to use it. I have multitools i use every day P4/Swisstool MX Clip/Centerdrive.
@maxlvledc I was aiming at leather man for that one ... ya'll that do these reviews helps Grumpy diks like myself in the stuff I'm not sure on... hell if I had the money I'd buy a many a I could... that Mr crunch I'm sending Leatherman a email once a week till I can buy 1 from them... I think that one would be a good sparky pocket tool
I really dig this tool but I'm definitely bothered by it lacking a serrated blade. You're not wrong about Magnacut being expensive stuff. My cheapest Magnacut knife was about $210 and my most expensive was $1,700. I'm definitely getting an Arc when they release it for sure. I'll just have to add an extra serrated knife to my EDC to make up for the Arc's lack of one
The material cost is about 5$ + manufacturing cost 5$ + marketing campaign 190$ ))
@@ollivgv 💯
Unfortunately, we all seem to want 5 "outside blade slot" tools with only 4 slots. Knife, file, saw, serrated blade w/ hook (Charge+) rather than just serrated blade (Wave+), and good scissors. For me, the first two are absolute must haves, the other three? It's truly a crapshoot as to which I'll need, and at various times I have needed each. That said, I think the Charge+ setup with wee scissors in the internal tools is the best for me.
@@johnsanford3596 scissors on a multitool are useless to me. I have a Leatherman Raptor on my belt and then my sewing kit has a small set of scissors as well. Plus there's a Victorinox Classic on my keys and a Leatherman Juice CS4 in my left pocket. I never use the scissors on anything but my Raptor or the ones in my sewing kit. I could dump the scissors off of the Arc and be just fine. I'm sure they'll drop a version of the Surge that has the Free technology at some point but for now the Arc will serve fine. My Surge is always in my locker at work in case I need a beefier tool anyway. I just keep a lower profile tool on my belt because people in my area see a big multitool pouch and think it's a magazine and start accusing me of having a yeet cannon at work
As much as I like this thing I stopped carrying multitools a year or so ago for a reason. I carry a 6inch set of Cobra pliers and a Milwaukee FASTBACK as my tool set. It's a way more useful tool set for me. My wave served me well for almost 20 years. But it's not that useful for me in my day to day as those two tools.
I feel you on this. I carry the smallest pair of wrench pliers and a Sandrin torino. However lately I have been finding the need to pry and have a screwdriver available, the ARC seems like a good choice for me.
I suspect that the screw adjustable jaws may actually have a weaker pivot.
$230 USD!!! That means $270 - $290 CAD!!! Great multitool but WOW a lot of money. I’m also concerned about the deployment of the blade. It could mean it won’t be available for sale in Canada - Time will tell. 🤞
You are the best American bloggers I know on the topic of multi-tools. Thank you for the professional, interesting and relevant videos! In Europe, the best blogger on the topic of multitools and knives is the Frenchman diezelle57. I recommend watching his original videos. I'm Russian. I have owned Leatherman multitools for more than three decades. In my opinion, Leatherman multitools are the best multitools in the world! I have more than two hundred of them. And... I can't stop... :)
Wow! 200 is a lot!
Leatherman keeps slowly adding nicer and nicer blades to their top tier models... Meanwhile, I have been waiting decades for a bladeless top tier model 😭
Yes! A Free P2 where the two tools are the scissors and the saw would be excellent.
I’m in with this 💯 I think this is probably the best toolset to come in a leatherman in my opinion. I usually carry a dedicated knife with me in addition to a multi tool with the premium steel in the Ark I don’t necessarily have to. This should be a very capable tool for the day to day tasks and beyond. For more hard use and a non magnetic platform the Surge is still king but I’m willing to pony up the extra money for the Ark based on what I’ve seen.
anyone who knows what magnacut is and how awesome it is in a multitool will not only swallow the price they'll embrace it. say a magnacut knife is 130, this is 230 so you get a leatherman with bit kit for 100? cmonnnn
Yet they still can’t put a standard bit driver on it? The fancy steel is not worth the price hike.
@@hunterglaspell fancy steel? It's premium knife steel that excels in all categories and you can get accessories that fit the bit driver that take standard bits
@@EriclesMH no one practically needs a steel like magnacut (especially on a multitool). Anyone who says they do is huffing some serious cope. It’s an unneeded luxury piece that won’t see any practical use in the field. I don’t deny magnacut is impressive, but 99% of people who buy it don’t use it enough to get its worth out of it. And why would I buy a bit extender (which from leatherman is an extra 25$) just so a 230$ multitool is finally cable of doing something 80$ multitools can do out of the box? It’s a ripoff my guy.
@@hunterglaspell if you dont think the best knife steel will see field use you're sorely mistaken..yeah especially people who make videos (not max) there's not a scratch on their tools lol, im not one of those people though...leatherman makes USA manufactured tools, the materials used and the tool set you get with most of their models is great...standard bits strip all the time too btw (depending on the brand its pretty bad), thats why you can buy replacements..sure the price can be steep if you're on a budget, but the quality is there, so a ripoff? definitely not, but sure i can agree the price can be rough for some
@@EriclesMH I’ve had a surge, wave, and rebar, and while the quality is generally better than competitors, leathermans quality control is at an all time low. One of the tension springs holding my waves handle in place when open gave out a few months in, and my surge had rattly bolsters (like you could shake the tool lightly and they would rattle) out of the box and didn’t go away even after I cranked the screws down because the tolerances were so loose. I also had a skeletool liner lock disengaged on me in the store when I was checking lockup on it, nearly sliced my hand open. I like leatherman, but they don’t seem to care anymore about the real user, and keep pandering to the collector that will take their tools and sell them at a markup on eBay. Magnacut is not practical, it’s simply a marketing tactic they are using because it’s popular in the enthusiasts crowd right now. If you buy this tool and love it, I am super happy for you, but it’s far from what leatherman used to be and should be. I don’t want to the comment anymore and blow up Max’s RUclips notifications anymore, so I’ll leave those thoughts here and move on. Cheers 🍻
Yeah, please compare it to the GOAT, especially with the mind that they gonna be used for a lifetime. Please also do some setups for "domestic use" in a city flat. Rent is rising and people have to live in smaller flats, so space for tools is rare, but those are still needed for small repairs (furniture, kitchen/bath, bicycle, household electronics), put something up the wall, renovation, ...
At the moment I wouldn't recommend the GOAT as a tool for anyone except the enthusiasts. The cutters have a flaw that needs fixing and there are a few other things that need tweeking.
Love the leatherman, but I have never been able to get behind the magnetic components. Working in a machine shop, I often need many of the tools in them, but half of the leatherman range isn't practical as metal filings and chips will collect by the magnets. They are great edc tools, but the magnetic ones are almost useless for anything involving metal
I want a separate vid on how to secure a most expensive ever made LM to my body...
It should be $100 cheaper. Warranty aside, its a lot of money for a tool. The blade doesn't justify the price. I wouldn't spend that much on a fashion statement knife either.
Interested to see what the HRC is on their Magnacut. My guess is it won't be optimal.
Agreed
In complete agreement that the lack of the adjustable pivot and sprung pliers is absolutely insulting. I've been trying to find somewhere to go from my Charge TTi, and was really hoping that the Arc would be it, but I don't think it will be.
Ehh they always did a good enough job with the 420hc they use. This seems to be a "safe queen" collector item at that price.....
Just get a regular Leatherman and a good main knife with super steel
Looks like another one that will come and go. A marketing gimmick. A tool for collectors, aficionados, and for the wives that are wishing they had a Handyman. Meanwhile my Wave and Surge still bite me all the time (Leatherman Pinch). My S2 Juice is wore out, my Squirt PS4 has seen better day’s and I can’t replace them...
Honestly for the price this is not it.. almost every thing about it is great and it looks good too but no spring assisted pliers is kind of a deal breaker for me.. I’ll stick with my wave plus.. I really like the awl in this one over the past tools but the price is way to much to have an upgraded knife and that’s really all I see as being upgraded… I guess leatherman as a company doesn’t want to make their other tools obsolete by making that one all around great multitool that has basically no flaws
Is this meant to be a limited release? If they sale out they would make a new production line of them later at some point right? It's too expensive for me to justify buying it anytime soon though I do like the tool set and the looks and I like and have no issues with the free style so I was hoping maybe one day...
yes, they will restock them.
That price is stupid high even with magnacut, which is a funny choice for a multi tool. But if they used an affordable steel, none of their other products would sell.
Between a Wave and this Arc i still love my old Sidekick....😅
I like the serrated blade on the Wave it comes in very handy for my uses. It’s cutting ability is amazing for some ropes, straps, plastics, cardboard.
The tti version will get the spring loaded plier version I bet. And be like $300.
This is such an awesome tool but it kills me that they put a slot in the file instead of just having it maybe with a tab at the top or something to still have it with “free technology”
Also the wiggle with the bit adapter, and it not being full 1/4 size bits. Lastly I hate the new and separate can opener/bottle opener. I really love the old style combo tool
Still a really freaking cool tool
Everybody is gonna say dang that’s expensive and then going to buy it like Golem on Lord of the Rings and refer to it as their precious 😂
Nice one Dom - great overview 👍
I’m into it, but I feel the price is high. Magnacut has been coming down. The Hogue Deka and Ritter RSK knives in MC are excellent and cheaper than their competitors. The Spyderco Native 5 Salt in MC is priced similarly to the rest of the Salt line. Now, even Kershaw is in the game for under 200.
You say these will sell out. Are they not going to be standard production? I’m a dedicated knife guy, so I can wait a while.
Great video! It got me fired up. I saw another opening yesterday. It wasn’t quite as detailed, or enthusiastic.
Get rid of the small bit driver. It is a joke and USELESS. too bulky to use w/ any dexterity.
now I'm not sure on what to get, a GOAT or the arc, do I want a really solid tool with a good tool set or a great platform which they'll be developing on and I can easily swap tools (but maybe a bit sketchy locking system and spring plier)
hmm, neither if its your first tool. Being honest I think the Arc and GOAT are for very specific individuals.
Getting one. Not going to nit pick the home run they sent us. I have folders with much less engineering that cost more. Spring loaded pliers are the only let down, but not a deal breaker. Gimme dat Arc!