Good job for pointing out that the tools sometimes pop out. You're the first reviewer I've seen to point that out. Very thorough and a very good review.
I bought one, i love mine, the main reason being that it is magnetic and everything is super smooth. Blades are sharp. I also have the smaller FREE which I use almost daily. Nice pieces of machinery.
The charge tti was 170 bucks until they dropped the price down because its been out forever...and the quality on the free series is something you cant fully understand until you hold the tool. The lockup the fit and finish are top notch and worth the extra money in my book. Keep it up leatherman. And also...for those complaining about the awl...try it out before you knock it..it works great
Thank you so much for giving the left-handed perspective! I'm a lefty too and it was nice to hear! Normally I would not care, but this actually effects how you use the tool.
Love your description of the good, the bad and the ugly! I’ve watched several videos and your descriptions of the p2 are by far the best. Keep up the great work, greetings from Riverside in Southern California.
I think LM missed the boat on this one. 420 Steel for the knife = fail. Not a real awl (no point to pierce) = fail. Cost (!!!!) = fail. They should just loosen up the Charge action and they'd have a winner.
I love mine, and it feels SO much better than my original 1990 leatherman! I will say that my side tools DO NOT pop out no matter how hard I shake or flick it. Maybe it’s YMMV? Personally, as an EDC or emergency field tool, it’s great!
Really wanted this tool but lots of cons with it. I'll just stick with my Leatherman Charge+ in Black. It's loosened up so much I can also One Hand Butterfly it with ease.
You have to remember, this isn’t a pair of pliers, it’s a multi tool with a built in set of pliers. My point? It’s designed to help assist you in a last minute fix, or help you out in a pinch. If your looking for comfort, then you better carry a pair of Pliers wherever you go. I personally love my P4, and have no complaints. Well worth every penny. -Stephen, Ohio
Supertool 300 with the bit kit is still the best deal of the lot for doing some real work. I put a magnet in an open-top sheath so a can grab it like a gunslinger and whip in open like a gangsta.
I would miss the diamond file and bit drivers too much. The magnet is gimmicky because opening any leatherman one handed wasnt ever hard. Also, might attract metal dust in a workshop environment.
I have to disagree, the magnets prove to be an amazing addition to the Leatherman, metal dust doesn’t slow down the tool at all and with a bit of time you can get any that’s on the tool off. The onehandedness is actually insanely useful as well
I work in a metal shop, no dust at all really attracts to it, the only time it does if i get shavings in my pocket and it sticks to my phone and LM. But never caused an issue, I like it alot more than any of my other LM tools and i use the tool alot!
I’m guessing the outer side with the clip is curved to follow the contour of a pocket, allowing the flat side to lay flat against one’s leg when clipped on the inside of a pocket. Pretty cool subtle detail if that’s the intention behind it.
Things that the second generation of the Free P2/P4 needs for me to purchase. First, get rid of the little tabs and nubs that makes handling the pliers uncomfortable. I don't need those pocking and scraping my palms during use. Second, add the file that is found on the Wave Plus. The smaller one on the current Free doesn't look as useful. Third, and most importantly, add the Bit Driver (and tweeker bit). I love the design idea of the Free series, but small little details (and the HUGE detail of lack of bit driver) is keeping me from adapting the Free series for now. Great review!
Basically a upgraded Wingman. All the inside tools are very similar to the Wingman with material. I'd still choose a removable bit driver from the Wave. I can see the Rebar outlast this tool, being rugged and built like a tank. Only thing I really like is the pocket clip. Leatherman talked about the Free being the best, I think they missed the mark. Hard to beat the design of the Wave/Charge/Surge. I'm more excited for the K Series. I've seen other reviews with the inside tools popping out when cutting wire and a lot of play in the handles. Compare it side by side with a Wingman, basically all the same tools minus the awl and some smaller tools. Cant get passed that useless file and small ruler.
Just don't get the price... For that money I would expect at least 154CM steel... Or S30V... For the same price you can get the Surge with the bit kit and bit extension... So that's 64 tools for the same price... I would even get the Leatherman Wave+ for $100 instead of this...
i agree but im more into the simplicity, with the build quality, and one hand ability. it is pricy but I love it, i use it everyday at work and prefer it over my other ones just due to the fact that it gets the job done smoother almost it seems.
Was on the fence about this multi-tool. But the fact that the magnets make it uncomfortable to use for heavy chores requiring the pliers or wire-cutters.... Yeah, I'll stick with my clip-carried Leatherman Wave.
Tip from a mechanic breaking in tools: Wash out any lubrication with brake-clean, spend some time open/closing everything. Count out 50 or so open/close. You want no lubrication, and you want to move the parts fast enough to generate heat to get metal expansion and increase wear. Then spray down again to clean out those pivot points. Spray, pivot, spray till clean. Re-lube with whatever you use. See how it feels. I would say 2-3 goes of that process should net you quite a bit of reduction on break-in time.
So many people complain that it’s uncomfortable to crank down on the pliers, I’ll tell you what though, I’ve used mine and it doesn’t bother me at all. I work maintenance etc and I crank down on my Leatherman often, it hasn’t been a problem for me at all
One final interesting tip (no pun intended), if you grind down the semi-pointy tip of the Phillips screwdriver tool just enough, you can turn it into a proper electrician’s ECX bit.
Great video. I am honestly not a fan of the new Free series - no bit driver is a huge step back, and there’s the P4 pocket clip fiasco - should have included the clip for the price. I actually found a Charge plus TTI for the same price and immediately returned my P4, can’t wait to receive it. I’d even take the Surge over this. Not convinced about the magnet as it will tend to attract metal particles. Still love LM - Juice S2, Rebar, Skeletool are all greats.
I like the Free P2 because the P4 just have too many knives; excluding other things. Honestly, I find I rarely need a knife... I often enough need a package-opener, but a straight edge is not the best for that. I certainly don't need a straight blade, a serrated blade, a saw and a package-opener in one mulittool. It just limites what else there could be in one. And the more, the heavier. I love the Surge, but the main fault I have with it is how heavy it is. I carry the supertool 300 (though it lacks scissors), but the wave+ or Rebar is the best balance for "comfy-bility" of everyday carry.
Agree with most everything you commented on. My victorinox multi tools are the most comfortable. I find the p2 jaws rather stiff, it'll take a long time before they drop open like my Leatherman PST. As other people commented it is a shame the design of multi tools is always a compromise.
Today, found a Leatherman Free P2 Multitool laying the ground with bunch of fish on the ground. What's weird is the nearest places for fishing is 15-20 miles away. So they had to take the fish and discarded them where I found them. But during the process of getting rid of the fish they dropped the Leatherman Free P2 Multitool. Just looked the tool up the darn thing is $130 dollars. I wonder if they are kicking them self's about now.
Plier head stiffening up after cutting something was the main reason I sold mine, besides tools not being the best. Also... There's zero reason to get P2 over P4, if you ask me. It's only 1mm difference in thickness, it's so negligible. The tool had so much potential. I would like someone to do this all over. It's close to actually being good, but it needs serious work. I am not around metal shavings so the magnet system works great for me. However... LM Wave and Vic Spirit are still kings, baby.
I’ve been using mine every day for about 6 months. Great tool. I wish there was a more diverse tool selection(too many flat blade screwdrivers) perhaps a bit tool? Lastly, I wish the steel on the knife was something like D2 or AUS 10, blade does not maintain a sharp edge for very long.
Good honest review thank you. I agree with your review entirely. I like everything about the P2 except when I use the pliers the end of the handles dig into the meat of my hand. The implements flying out also does not help. I hope LM fix these issues in their next release. I will defer my purchase until then.
I like it. Sometimes you just have to suck it up when it not super comfortable. Kinda like the Bob Dustrude bow saw. If you have soft hands and cant get over the handle put on some gloves.
I wish they would keep the original in active production. It has the best pocket feel without too much compromise of all of them. (I don't consider that $275 Collector's Edition to qualify as active production).
But does it effect lensatic compasses? I recall the Cammenga 3H being rather sensitive to magnetic fields in general. (was over an iron lode one time and it went nuts) Would not get it until i could be sure its not going to effect my ability to navigate.
Great review Ben. Nice to see an honest review and not the usual it's great splash the cash. I've upgraded from the wave to the wave +. After this I've made the correct decision for me. Keep up the good work.
It's pretty much a damned if you do, damned if you don't situation. First everyone complains about tools not being accessible from the outside... they fix that and then the complaints are on comfortability when using the pliers. What isn't taken into account is that the backs of all of those tools are not there anymore... just an open frame against the palm of the hand. I personally like the series... I would go for the P4 though... but has to go on my Christmas wish list... I'm not spending the money myself. I'm still a Supertool 300 fanboy.!!!
Last year everyone was complaining Leatherman hasn't come up with anything new in a while. Now they have a whole new line of tools and everyone is still complaining, sigh.
I just bought a pair and it's my first Leatherman purchase. I'm debating whether I should return them due to defect. Did you notice that when using the pliers, you must force the jaws open because of the almost interference clearance of the replaceable cutting heads? One handed operation does not seem very convenient.
Unfortunate about the grip would gloves mitigate the issue? I carry an ultralight pair of gloves on person, hopefully they can round those edges in future versions.
Here's another thing! Their tools shouldn't clump when you're trying to get a certain tool out and not waste the time of fumbling around when the tool could be deployed and doing the job at hand. You guys need to put a ruler on your new P2 & P4 that you can use to measure whatever you need a certain measurements. The little piece of shit is not useful for anything. The ruler on a MT right now is Victorinox Swiss Tool! Maybe you guys in research and development should give Victorinox a call and get some pointers on how to have a winning MT.
Thanks for this review, the uncomfortable pliers puts me off them though. I have a 20 year old wave and looking for an update, if you get time could you recommend something please? Many thanks
Have both the P2 and P4(somewhere:/); both are exemplary pieces of engineering, but I like to have a saw, so P4 for me. Damn shame they both seem to have been discontinued. The arc is nice, but at over 200$, too much for a user. Wish we still had the options of other FREE series. Damn I hope I find my P4 somewhere in my house😂 I have a feelin it’s hiding in a seat cushion or in a corner
Leatherman tools are uncomfortable to hold tight without gloves and work for long hours. Most have pointed edges that dig into the palm and if used for long can give blisters.
They are multi tools that you always have on you and that can do anything in a pinch, they are not a replacement for a proper tool that you plan to spend hours on end using
The only good thing about about the SOG multitool (a multitool with a similar effect when opening) is the compound pressure from the geared pliers. The butterfly style of opening sucks because the handles generate so much inertia that they wack the s&@t out of your hand when coming around. So Leatherman managed to successfully copy the suckiest feature of the SOG Multitool... Great!
I’m going to wait for the next model of the free series I do like the tool but in both versions the absents of a good screw driver and a good file really turns me of of it asides that though it seems like an awesome system
Nice Big Pliers Really solid construction Thank You for the review. It is more sleek and less bulky than the others. You can always have it on you with few people noticing or being worried about it.
Just got my charge a few days ago i was gotta pick up the p4 when i saw blade hq video about it. After all the reviews i saw about i just picked up the charge. I don't really see any thing better about the p4 p2 then the wave or charge other then the 1 hand opening, but out of the box i could flip open the charge with no problem.
i have a charge tti just like yours with all the accessories and bits. usually leave it at the office since tools at the office cubicle environment are lacking. issue i have w the charge and wave is i get sime finger pinch on the belly of my index/middle finger? i got the free p2 and like it, had no issues with finger pinch, and the tools are sturdy enough and long enough to reach ppaces (say vs the charge bit system, which requires an extension to clear tight spaces). the hand IS uncomfortable tho, like u said :( my favorite goto multitool is still the swisstool spirit. dunno if youve done a review on that, but i love that thing.
Thanks for the honest opinions about this. I have had a leatherman for years and years but don’t use it much because I don’t work in a trade where I need it, but they are the best in a range bag, and I think I will buy the P2 for that bag.
@@vabu94 I feel the same. I'm a big leatherman fan but this just makes me appreciate my wave more. The free is more expensive and looks lower quality. You loose some of my favorite tools like bit driver, saw and full size file. I hate sharpening serrated blades so the combo blade is a loser for me. The ruller and awl looks like junk tools you get in cheap multi-tools. The magnets could be a problem that attracts dirt or interfers with electronics. I think the wave is close to perfect. I would be interisted in smaller size but very high quality leatherman that is between a squirt and a juice in size. In larger leatherman tools I would like a fire steel. An advanced case for larger tools that holds other EDC items like a pen and business cards would also interest me. Other than that my wave is perfect.
@@KenShew325 I've actually been eyeing up the Signal which has a firesteel in it. I carry my Surge in a Maxpedition single mag pouch with my flashlight clipped to the side of it. I used to have a Skinth holster which had room for a lot of stuff.
Having bought one of these I honestly feel reviews like this are people just being whiny. It’s not uncomfortable and for the lack of two popular tools (full sized file and big changer) I really get more use out of this then I did the wave.
i dunno.. I own a Wave, Supertool 300, Surge, Crunch and a Micra. but these Free tools just don't seem like Leatherman to me. I will admit that have not held one in my hand yet, but the shape of the tools and the faults in its design are a step back from what they have been doing for many years imho.
Leatherman needs to fire their entire design team and then hire half a dozen people who really use these tools for feedback and development on their already close to perfect line of multitools. Small tweaks here and there is what they need not some piece of junk that is supposed to be a desperate attempt at a game changer! Leatherman Free = 🤮🤢🥴
I noticed they took the idea of having the tools on the outside from Victorinox on their Swiss Tool collection and the can opener on the P2 sure looks a lot the can opener on all of the Swiss Army Knives. Yeah their tools on the P2 & P4 look a little beefy than other MT's that Leatherman has on the market. And one more thing why in the HELL would they charge you for a pocket clip, and don't even get me started on that POS ruler. Some of those look like they came off the Wingman & Sidekick. Boy what a ripoff. My Swiss Tool BS is way better than these new tools. I'm on a fixed income and I have to save a longtime just to buy myself or for my son's for Christmas or Birthdays. Man Leatherman is trying....but they're just going the wrong way! Thank you!
Also, I forgot to mention the package opener on the Leatherman P2 is not that great either!!! The package opener on the Wingman comes to a narrow, fine curved sharpened edge, which allows you to easily pierce the thick plastic edge of clamshell packaging and slice it open. The package opener on the Free P2 looks like they tried to sharpen the corner edge of a flathead screwdriver!!! It's not as sharp as it should be and it's a lot easier for this package opener to slide/skip off of the clamshell packaging while you're trying to slice open!!! What annoys me is that Leatherman already had perfected the package opener which was on the Wingman, so then why not just add that same awesome package opener to the Free P2&Free P4? It's just the case of Leatherman trying to combine two already existing tools into one(pry tool&package opener) and the result of doing that ends up just turning into one lackluster, not so useful tool basically an all in one pry/package opener tool!!! The more that I've been using my Leatherman Free P2, the more I'm not liking the various tools that Leatherman decided to have in it!!!
I am not a machinist. But I have dabbled in blade smithing. Could some one machine a cpm3v blade with a Scandinavian grind and just unscrew the old blade and put the new one in.
Great review. Highlights the positives, and points out a couple minor negatives. For me, the biggest plus is the "lever" which lifts out the tools. No more painstaking searching for nail nicks when you're in a hurry, or in low light conditions! Huge plus. But I'm still waiting for a multi-tool with a decent built-in flashlight. Either CR123, CR2, AAA, or AAAA powered. And built-in micro USB port for recharging. Would be great as a back-up to other flashlights you're carrying! Side note: The BEST part about a big company like Leatherman dropping a new product in our laps? Laughing at the endless OCD whining, bitching, and moaning in the comments. It's like the equivalent of a group of house wives bickering about what's better: a regular egg whisk, an electric egg beater, or a fork! Freaking hilarious. Cheap comedy. :D
No one is going to cut a lot a thick wire with those. They're going to use a dedicated tool. If you're using those to cut a thick wire, you're basically in a survival situation. Same with the rest of the tool
And some "best" youtubers said Benchmade made great knives 😆😬. Example: the Bugout! Plastic handle, and 150 dollars, that it s a joke: a blade, an plastic handle, three screw..lol. A leatherman is made of many blade, many system, many screws...
Nice review . I am not a big fan of multi tools in general . I have some and used them but I think they cost too much for what you get. A small pair of vice grips and a small multi bit screw driver cost last then $20.00 . They take up little room in a pack and are far better then a multi tool.
Leatherman is out of their minds trying to pass these designs off as being worth more than something like the Wave + or Surge. Even just the toolset (and the tools themselves) of the Super Tool 300 lays the Free P designs to waste. It just seems like they were trying to pass off sub-par, cheaper to produce tools as flagships so they could eventually phase out the actual good products and make more money selling Wingman level tools at Surge and Charge level prices.
How much are the p2 and p4?? The p4 seems like a better fit for me if I was in the market. I would want the saw and non-serrated blade. But the ergonomics of it are definitely a negative
Some of its tools, like the little half a file remind me too much of the Wingman. And Leatherman prices rarely go down. Typically they continuously rise and that's the way it will be as long as their rabidly nonobjective fans keep buying them no matter what they do.
Holy crap do you need 3 flat head and a awl who uses the Awl ...we use it to puncture hole in cans to shotgun beers ...but that's it sorry skip awl and crappy measure put bit driver in there or bit driver in the flat head 2D Phillips spot!
I thought the P2 might be an upgrade to my excellent Skeletool - nope. With an R2/R3 bit in the handle and it’s combo blade, my Skeletool handles any small task I need it to on the job site. Including the short, cheap looking tools from the Wingman really downgrades the Free P4 and P2, full length files and saws are one of the Waves best features Disappointing step back Leatherman
The problem with Leatherman, in general, is that the quality is not that great as Victorinox. First: the tools on Leatherman break quicker. Period. Second: compare the metal file (which I really use often!) . Leatherman is just a joke of file. Try to saw some metal and you know what I mean.
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Good job for pointing out that the tools sometimes pop out. You're the first reviewer I've seen to point that out. Very thorough and a very good review.
I bought one, i love mine, the main reason being that it is magnetic and everything is super smooth. Blades are sharp. I also have the smaller FREE which I use almost daily. Nice pieces of machinery.
I love mine too. People who actually carry and USE their multitool end up liking the P2&P4. TX Tool Crib
The charge tti was 170 bucks until they dropped the price down because its been out forever...and the quality on the free series is something you cant fully understand until you hold the tool. The lockup the fit and finish are top notch and worth the extra money in my book. Keep it up leatherman. And also...for those complaining about the awl...try it out before you knock it..it works great
Thank you so much for giving the left-handed perspective! I'm a lefty too and it was nice to hear! Normally I would not care, but this actually effects how you use the tool.
Love your description of the good, the bad and the ugly! I’ve watched several videos and your descriptions of the p2 are by far the best. Keep up the great work, greetings from Riverside in Southern California.
Just got mine for a early Father’s Day gift. Have to say I really like the tool. Not at all uncomfortable.
I agree, mine is very very comfortable. Use it every single day.
Agree I haven’t had any issues with the grip in actual use
I think LM missed the boat on this one. 420 Steel for the knife = fail. Not a real awl (no point to pierce) = fail. Cost (!!!!) = fail. They should just loosen up the Charge action and they'd have a winner.
Thanks for the review, very interesting, but I keep with my wingman. Spring pliers are amazing for my disability. Thanks again and good job 👍
I love mine, and it feels SO much better than my original 1990 leatherman!
I will say that my side tools DO NOT pop out no matter how hard I shake or flick it. Maybe it’s YMMV?
Personally, as an EDC or emergency field tool, it’s great!
Really wanted this tool but lots of cons with it. I'll just stick with my Leatherman Charge+ in Black. It's loosened up so much I can also One Hand Butterfly it with ease.
After carrying the P2 for a month I came to love it. Waiting for a bit adapter good review
You have to remember, this isn’t a pair of pliers, it’s a multi tool with a built in set of pliers. My point? It’s designed to help assist you in a last minute fix, or help you out in a pinch. If your looking for comfort, then you better carry a pair of Pliers wherever you go. I personally love my P4, and have no complaints. Well worth every penny. -Stephen, Ohio
Buckeye Bushcrafter I agree, just stating that compared to their similar tools it is much less comfortable.
Supertool 300 with the bit kit is still the best deal of the lot for doing some real work. I put a magnet in an open-top sheath so a can grab it like a gunslinger and whip in open like a gangsta.
I would miss the diamond file and bit drivers too much. The magnet is gimmicky because opening any leatherman one handed wasnt ever hard. Also, might attract metal dust in a workshop environment.
It's a great multi. If people actually used it they would like it
I have to disagree, the magnets prove to be an amazing addition to the Leatherman, metal dust doesn’t slow down the tool at all and with a bit of time you can get any that’s on the tool off. The onehandedness is actually insanely useful as well
I work in a metal shop, no dust at all really attracts to it, the only time it does if i get shavings in my pocket and it sticks to my phone and LM. But never caused an issue, I like it alot more than any of my other LM tools and i use the tool alot!
@@jasonkillinger5814 Cool, thanks for your input. I'm slowly opening up to buying one of these :)
I’m guessing the outer side with the clip is curved to follow the contour of a pocket, allowing the flat side to lay flat against one’s leg when clipped on the inside of a pocket. Pretty cool subtle detail if that’s the intention behind it.
Things that the second generation of the Free P2/P4 needs for me to purchase. First, get rid of the little tabs and nubs that makes handling the pliers uncomfortable. I don't need those pocking and scraping my palms during use. Second, add the file that is found on the Wave Plus. The smaller one on the current Free doesn't look as useful. Third, and most importantly, add the Bit Driver (and tweeker bit). I love the design idea of the Free series, but small little details (and the HUGE detail of lack of bit driver) is keeping me from adapting the Free series for now. Great review!
I've seen this video 2 years ago and I finally caved in, I cant wait to try the p2 in the field!
Basically a upgraded Wingman. All the inside tools are very similar to the Wingman with material. I'd still choose a removable bit driver from the Wave. I can see the Rebar outlast this tool, being rugged and built like a tank. Only thing I really like is the pocket clip. Leatherman talked about the Free being the best, I think they missed the mark. Hard to beat the design of the Wave/Charge/Surge. I'm more excited for the K Series. I've seen other reviews with the inside tools popping out when cutting wire and a lot of play in the handles. Compare it side by side with a Wingman, basically all the same tools minus the awl and some smaller tools. Cant get passed that useless file and small ruler.
Just don't get the price... For that money I would expect at least 154CM steel... Or S30V... For the same price you can get the Surge with the bit kit and bit extension... So that's 64 tools for the same price... I would even get the Leatherman Wave+ for $100 instead of this...
i agree but im more into the simplicity, with the build quality, and one hand ability. it is pricy but I love it, i use it everyday at work and prefer it over my other ones just due to the fact that it gets the job done smoother almost it seems.
Was on the fence about this multi-tool. But the fact that the magnets make it uncomfortable to use for heavy chores requiring the pliers or wire-cutters.... Yeah, I'll stick with my clip-carried Leatherman Wave.
Tip from a mechanic breaking in tools: Wash out any lubrication with brake-clean, spend some time open/closing everything. Count out 50 or so open/close. You want no lubrication, and you want to move the parts fast enough to generate heat to get metal expansion and increase wear. Then spray down again to clean out those pivot points. Spray, pivot, spray till clean. Re-lube with whatever you use. See how it feels. I would say 2-3 goes of that process should net you quite a bit of reduction on break-in time.
So many people complain that it’s uncomfortable to crank down on the pliers, I’ll tell you what though, I’ve used mine and it doesn’t bother me at all. I work maintenance etc and I crank down on my Leatherman often, it hasn’t been a problem for me at all
One final interesting tip (no pun intended), if you grind down the semi-pointy tip of the Phillips screwdriver tool just enough, you can turn it into a proper electrician’s ECX bit.
Great video. I am honestly not a fan of the new Free series - no bit driver is a huge step back, and there’s the P4 pocket clip fiasco - should have included the clip for the price. I actually found a Charge plus TTI for the same price and immediately returned my P4, can’t wait to receive it. I’d even take the Surge over this. Not convinced about the magnet as it will tend to attract metal particles. Still love LM - Juice S2, Rebar, Skeletool are all greats.
And the Wave and Charge. Both mine still holding up just fine. The skeletool cx or juice s2 best for edc.
I like the Free P2 because the P4 just have too many knives; excluding other things. Honestly, I find I rarely need a knife... I often enough need a package-opener, but a straight edge is not the best for that. I certainly don't need a straight blade, a serrated blade, a saw and a package-opener in one mulittool. It just limites what else there could be in one. And the more, the heavier.
I love the Surge, but the main fault I have with it is how heavy it is.
I carry the supertool 300 (though it lacks scissors), but the wave+ or Rebar is the best balance for "comfy-bility" of everyday carry.
Agree with most everything you commented on. My victorinox multi tools are the most comfortable. I find the p2 jaws rather stiff, it'll take a long time before they drop open like my Leatherman PST. As other people commented it is a shame the design of multi tools is always a compromise.
Today, found a Leatherman Free P2 Multitool laying the ground with bunch of fish on the ground. What's weird is the nearest places for fishing is 15-20 miles away. So they had to take the fish and discarded them where I found them. But during the process of getting rid of the fish they dropped the Leatherman Free P2 Multitool. Just looked the tool up the darn thing is $130 dollars. I wonder if they are kicking them self's about now.
Plier head stiffening up after cutting something was the main reason I sold mine, besides tools not being the best. Also... There's zero reason to get P2 over P4, if you ask me. It's only 1mm difference in thickness, it's so negligible. The tool had so much potential. I would like someone to do this all over. It's close to actually being good, but it needs serious work. I am not around metal shavings so the magnet system works great for me. However... LM Wave and Vic Spirit are still kings, baby.
I’ve been using mine every day for about 6 months. Great tool. I wish there was a more diverse tool selection(too many flat blade screwdrivers) perhaps a bit tool?
Lastly, I wish the steel on the knife was something like D2 or AUS 10, blade does not maintain a sharp edge for very long.
Good honest review thank you. I agree with your review entirely. I like everything about the P2 except when I use the pliers the end of the handles dig into the meat of my hand. The implements flying out also does not help. I hope LM fix these issues in their next release. I will defer my purchase until then.
Fantastic review! Thank you for doing such a deep dive into this tool. I think I'm going to get one, even if just for how awesome they are at opening.
I like it. Sometimes you just have to suck it up when it not super comfortable. Kinda like the Bob Dustrude bow saw. If you have soft hands and cant get over the handle put on some gloves.
I wish they would keep the original in active production. It has the best pocket feel without too much compromise of all of them. (I don't consider that $275 Collector's Edition to qualify as active production).
Jeff Jones IKR
eBay has them cheaper.
Totally agree. If they made PST's again for $30, they wouldn't be able to make them fast enough.
thanks for this insightful review about the P2. I"m still sitting on the fence, but u definitely gave me more factors to consider
Who cuts a cyclone fence with a Leatherman?
an emergency...
They need to make a 4 oz version of this in a smaller size
The p2 and p4 sure are a beautiful looking tool
Love the P4 more and more.
But does it effect lensatic compasses? I recall the Cammenga 3H being rather sensitive to magnetic fields in general. (was over an iron lode one time and it went nuts) Would not get it until i could be sure its not going to effect my ability to navigate.
Great review Ben. Nice to see an honest review and not the usual it's great splash the cash. I've upgraded from the wave to the wave +. After this I've made the correct decision for me. Keep up the good work.
Thanks.
Good to note you can file down that screwdriver and fit the bit adapter on it
It's pretty much a damned if you do, damned if you don't situation. First everyone complains about tools not being accessible from the outside... they fix that and then the complaints are on comfortability when using the pliers. What isn't taken into account is that the backs of all of those tools are not there anymore... just an open frame against the palm of the hand. I personally like the series... I would go for the P4 though... but has to go on my Christmas wish list... I'm not spending the money myself.
I'm still a Supertool 300 fanboy.!!!
There will never be a perfect tools. That’s human nature.
Last year everyone was complaining Leatherman hasn't come up with anything new in a while. Now they have a whole new line of tools and everyone is still complaining, sigh.
The P4 now ships with the pocketclip.
As soon as the P4 arrives at my house, the P2 is getting returned.
Still probably using the Surge at work.
The Leatherman multi tools are engineering marvels. I use and collect them for that reason.
Love My Leatherman free great video on use have had a lot of other Leathermans I wore out or have broken always carry a Leatherman!
I just bought a pair and it's my first Leatherman purchase. I'm debating whether I should return them due to defect. Did you notice that when using the pliers, you must force the jaws open because of the almost interference clearance of the replaceable cutting heads? One handed operation does not seem very convenient.
Unfortunate about the grip would gloves mitigate the issue? I carry an ultralight pair of gloves on person, hopefully they can round those edges in future versions.
Probably but I rarely use gloves.
The wingman has spring loaded pliers, similar tools including large scissors and much cheaper.
And it doesn't have that stupid saw
Here's another thing! Their tools shouldn't clump when you're trying to get a certain tool out and not waste the time of fumbling around when the tool could be deployed and doing the job at hand. You guys need to put a ruler on your new P2 & P4 that you can use to measure whatever you need a certain measurements. The little piece of shit is not useful for anything. The ruler on a MT right now is Victorinox Swiss Tool! Maybe you guys in research and development should give Victorinox a call and get some pointers on how to have a winning MT.
Pocket clip fits nicely on a pair of 511s
Nice review. The only multi tool I need is the squirt p4.
Thanks for this review, the uncomfortable pliers puts me off them though. I have a 20 year old wave and looking for an update, if you get time could you recommend something please? Many thanks
Nothing better than swisstool spirit...
9:00 I was really hoping you would do an accidental open test in the closed position (with the tools facing out)
Have both the P2 and P4(somewhere:/); both are exemplary pieces of engineering, but I like to have a saw, so P4 for me. Damn shame they both seem to have been discontinued. The arc is nice, but at over 200$, too much for a user. Wish we still had the options of other FREE series. Damn I hope I find my P4 somewhere in my house😂 I have a feelin it’s hiding in a seat cushion or in a corner
Leatherman tools are uncomfortable to hold tight without gloves and work for long hours. Most have pointed edges that dig into the palm and if used for long can give blisters.
They are multi tools that you always have on you and that can do anything in a pinch, they are not a replacement for a proper tool that you plan to spend hours on end using
The only good thing about about the SOG multitool (a multitool with a similar effect when opening) is the compound pressure from the geared pliers. The butterfly style of opening sucks because the handles generate so much inertia that they wack the s&@t out of your hand when coming around. So Leatherman managed to successfully copy the suckiest feature of the SOG Multitool... Great!
Why wouldn't they put a bit exchanger on the peas on the free series
Jus bought this as my first multi tool. Im satisfied with my purchase. Thanks for the video. It was exactly what i was looking for
I’m going to wait for the next model of the free series I do like the tool but in both versions the absents of a good screw driver and a good file really turns me of of it asides that though it seems like an awesome system
Great video! Definitely going to subscribe. I'd really like to see you do a video on the Gerber center drive.
Nice Big Pliers Really solid construction Thank You for the review. It is more sleek and less bulky than the others. You can always have it on you with few people noticing or being worried about it.
Just got my charge a few days ago i was gotta pick up the p4 when i saw blade hq video about it. After all the reviews i saw about i just picked up the charge. I don't really see any thing better about the p4 p2 then the wave or charge other then the 1 hand opening, but out of the box i could flip open the charge with no problem.
i have a charge tti just like yours with all the accessories and bits. usually leave it at the office since tools at the office cubicle environment are lacking. issue i have w the charge and wave is i get sime finger pinch on the belly of my index/middle finger? i got the free p2 and like it, had no issues with finger pinch, and the tools are sturdy enough and long enough to reach ppaces (say vs the charge bit system, which requires an extension to clear tight spaces). the hand IS uncomfortable tho, like u said :( my favorite goto multitool is still the swisstool spirit. dunno if youve done a review on that, but i love that thing.
Thanks for the honest opinions about this. I have had a leatherman for years and years but don’t use it much because I don’t work in a trade where I need it, but they are the best in a range bag, and I think I will buy the P2 for that bag.
Any idea why the P2 and P4 both exist? They are so similar I am not sure why they came out with two models
Absolutely love my Free p2, i añso have the Arc and the Wave+
I have tried almost all Leatherman except the arc and the free p2 is my favorite so far.
Man I was excited to hear about these but after seeing this I have to say I'm not digging the FREE series at all
Nah. Too much attention to the magnetic gimmick. I'll stick with my Surge and Charge TTi. If only they made a "Premium" Surge...
@@vabu94 I feel the same. I'm a big leatherman fan but this just makes me appreciate my wave more. The free is more expensive and looks lower quality. You loose some of my favorite tools like bit driver, saw and full size file. I hate sharpening serrated blades so the combo blade is a loser for me. The ruller and awl looks like junk tools you get in cheap multi-tools. The magnets could be a problem that attracts dirt or interfers with electronics. I think the wave is close to perfect. I would be interisted in smaller size but very high quality leatherman that is between a squirt and a juice in size. In larger leatherman tools I would like a fire steel. An advanced case for larger tools that holds other EDC items like a pen and business cards would also interest me. Other than that my wave is perfect.
@@KenShew325 I've actually been eyeing up the Signal which has a firesteel in it. I carry my Surge in a Maxpedition single mag pouch with my flashlight clipped to the side of it. I used to have a Skinth holster which had room for a lot of stuff.
Having bought one of these I honestly feel reviews like this are people just being whiny. It’s not uncomfortable and for the lack of two popular tools (full sized file and big changer) I really get more use out of this then I did the wave.
i dunno.. I own a Wave, Supertool 300, Surge, Crunch and a Micra. but these Free tools just don't seem like Leatherman to me. I will admit that have not held one in my hand yet, but the shape of the tools and the faults in its design are a step back from what they have been doing for many years imho.
Definitely not uncomfortable i use my P2 at work every day.
420 steel on blade is a shame.
FREE P2 can be a very nice very expensive kitchen multi-tool. You can chop cucumbers, unscrew your toaster, scissors out your split hair et cetera.
I think the Pliers are just fine to use if you have a set of manly hands... not trying to rip on you just a joke!
Maybe I'm just talented but I can easily open my wave one handed 😁😂
If you cant open a normal Leatherman one handed it just shows you dont use it, or its new. I can flip even my Surge open with a butterfly knife flick.
@@vabu94 exactly.. in my opinion the whole free thing is a gimmick
you have no talent
@@davidwolicki3684 just because your sidekick can't open one handed doesn't mean you need a Leatherman free
i'm getting a wave and its PLUS. unlike yours
Found the P2 on closeout at "Fleet Farm" for $79.00. Jumped all over that bad boy.
Why buy the p2 without saw and a half serated knife...
Leatherman needs to fire their entire design team and then hire half a dozen people who really use these tools for feedback and development on their already close to perfect line of multitools. Small tweaks here and there is what they need not some piece of junk that is supposed to be a desperate attempt at a game changer!
Leatherman Free = 🤮🤢🥴
With a few tweaks I’d like the free series better than anything they have done before.
Gracias por el Consejo amigo saludos☺👌
I noticed they took the idea of having the tools on the outside from Victorinox on their Swiss Tool collection and the can opener on the P2 sure looks a lot the can opener on all of the Swiss Army Knives. Yeah their tools on the P2 & P4 look a little beefy than other MT's that Leatherman has on the market. And one more thing why in the HELL would they charge you for a pocket clip, and don't even get me started on that POS ruler. Some of those look like they came off the Wingman & Sidekick. Boy what a ripoff. My Swiss Tool BS is way better than these new tools. I'm on a fixed income and I have to save a longtime just to buy myself or for my son's for Christmas or Birthdays. Man Leatherman is trying....but they're just going the wrong way! Thank you!
Matt Edler I used to be a leatherman fan, but when I started buying victorinox i never looked back. Sold all my leatherman tools.
Too bad that the pliers aren’t springloaded...
Also, I forgot to mention the package opener on the Leatherman P2 is not that great either!!! The package opener on the Wingman comes to a narrow, fine curved sharpened edge, which allows you to easily pierce the thick plastic edge of clamshell packaging and slice it open. The package opener on the Free P2 looks like they tried to sharpen the corner edge of a flathead screwdriver!!! It's not as sharp as it should be and it's a lot easier for this package opener to slide/skip off of the clamshell packaging while you're trying to slice open!!! What annoys me is that Leatherman already had perfected the package opener which was on the Wingman, so then why not just add that same awesome package opener to the Free P2&Free P4? It's just the case of Leatherman trying to combine two already existing tools into one(pry tool&package opener) and the result of doing that ends up just turning into one lackluster, not so useful tool basically an all in one pry/package opener tool!!! The more that I've been using my Leatherman Free P2, the more I'm not liking the various tools that Leatherman decided to have in it!!!
Yes I love the little package opener on the mini leatherman.
I am not a machinist. But I have dabbled in blade smithing. Could some one machine a cpm3v blade with a Scandinavian grind and just unscrew the old blade and put the new one in.
Hello Ben, grate review! I was wondering how bulky is the p2 is in your back pocket?
I really like how slim it is.
Great review. Highlights the positives, and points out a couple minor negatives. For me, the biggest plus is the "lever" which lifts out the tools. No more painstaking searching for nail nicks when you're in a hurry, or in low light conditions! Huge plus.
But I'm still waiting for a multi-tool with a decent built-in flashlight. Either CR123, CR2, AAA, or AAAA powered. And built-in micro USB port for recharging. Would be great as a back-up to other flashlights you're carrying!
Side note: The BEST part about a big company like Leatherman dropping a new product in our laps? Laughing at the endless OCD whining, bitching, and moaning in the comments. It's like the equivalent of a group of house wives bickering about what's better: a regular egg whisk, an electric egg beater, or a fork! Freaking hilarious. Cheap comedy. :D
IKR, thanks for watching.
No one is going to cut a lot a thick wire with those. They're going to use a dedicated tool.
If you're using those to cut a thick wire, you're basically in a survival situation. Same with the rest of the tool
Mine cuts metal coat hanger easy. The wire stripper on the ruler works nice too.
All other youtuber I have watched said this is worse multi tool ever for the price 🙈😥
Eduardo Sanchez there are things I really like and some I don’t. I can say the same for every other leatherman I own.
Wha wha whatever snowflake !
The Wave is the best, for eternity...
And some "best" youtubers said Benchmade made great knives 😆😬.
Example: the Bugout!
Plastic handle, and 150 dollars, that it s a joke: a blade, an plastic handle, three screw..lol.
A leatherman is made of many blade, many system, many screws...
hmm the gimmicks are getting worse with leatherman products, just give us the pst that isn't some dumb anniversary edition!
This tools is cool, but NOT worth $155+ tax cdn
I use the Wingman for camping/work/day to day. @ $70 it’s great
It's just 2,5x more expensive wingman version
Nice review . I am not a big fan of multi tools in general . I have some and used them but I think they cost too much for what you get. A small pair of vice grips and a small multi bit screw driver cost last then $20.00 . They take up little room in a pack and are far better then a multi tool.
Thanks for the review... greatly appreciated
Leatherman is out of their minds trying to pass these designs off as being worth more than something like the Wave + or Surge. Even just the toolset (and the tools themselves) of the Super Tool 300 lays the Free P designs to waste.
It just seems like they were trying to pass off sub-par, cheaper to produce tools as flagships so they could eventually phase out the actual good products and make more money selling Wingman level tools at Surge and Charge level prices.
I can open and close my Wave+ one handed.
I'd rather have the saw than the scissors
How much are the p2 and p4??
The p4 seems like a better fit for me if I was in the market. I would want the saw and non-serrated blade. But the ergonomics of it are definitely a negative
P2 is running $120 and the P4 is $140 , overpriced in my opinion.
Zach 1755 thanks
I’m going with the p4!!!!
Good choice.
Some of its tools, like the little half a file remind me too much of the Wingman. And Leatherman prices rarely go down. Typically they continuously rise and that's the way it will be as long as their rabidly nonobjective fans keep buying them no matter what they do.
Indeed
Holy crap do you need 3 flat head and a awl who uses the Awl ...we use it to puncture hole in cans to shotgun beers ...but that's it sorry skip awl and crappy measure put bit driver in there or bit driver in the flat head 2D Phillips spot!
I thought the P2 might be an upgrade to my excellent Skeletool - nope.
With an R2/R3 bit in the handle and it’s combo blade, my Skeletool handles any small task I need it to on the job site.
Including the short, cheap looking tools from the Wingman really downgrades the Free P4 and P2, full length files and saws are one of the Waves best features
Disappointing step back Leatherman
I agree my skeletool is incredible!
Great review. Thanks
SUPER LEATHERMAN!!!
The problem with Leatherman, in general, is that the quality is not that great as Victorinox. First: the tools on Leatherman break quicker. Period. Second: compare the metal file (which I really use often!) . Leatherman is just a joke of file. Try to saw some metal and you know what I mean.