All You Need To Know Good & Bad: Leatherman Free T2 & K2

#edcgear #multitool #leatherman
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[@Holler_Rat]

I’ve been using a K2 for a few months now, and I love it. It’s convenient for me because I actually carry it. My wave is always elsewhere.

[@The_OG_MP]

I couldn't agree more. The swiss army knife is so under valued. They are low cost, but highly functional. I have carried a regular EDC blade and the super tinker for about a month now every day. That combo has met all of my needs. Great video as always Aaron!

[@dpg227]

I just picked up a T2 on the secondary market for $25 and am having fun playing around with the one handed features. I was surprised by all the criticisms I'm hearing about it and would like to defend the foresight and intelligence of the Leatherman designers. I'll follow your lead and compare this tool to similar ones by Victorinox, another one of my favorite brands. As you pointed out, opening the tools one handed is awkward, but I find it manageable with either hand, after only a couple of days, and am hoping that it will get easier with practice and improving manual dexterity. It's still definitely much easier than opening tools one handed on a Victorinox. Once the tools are open on the T2 they all lock securely in place, which is not true of similarly sized Victorinox knives, and even on the larger ones, only a couple of the tools lock. Since the tools on the T2 are controlled by magnets instead of strong springs, you won't snap a fingernail opening them or have them snap shut on your fingers closing them. I have nicked my self many times on Swiss army knives. The tools on the T2 are also all aligned at 180 degrees to the handle rather at 90 degrees like some of the Victorinox tools. The blocky shape of the T2 may seem unergonomic, but the square corners keep it from turning in the hand, and the grooves on top provide a wide, nonslip platform for the thumb, whereas the Vics have smooth stainless steel. The last big complaint I keep hearing about the T2 is the lack of a pocket clip. I agreed until I discovered that it fits perfectly into the small coin pocket on my jeans. Leatherman probably put a pocket clip on the T4 because it's too thick for the coin pocket. Incidentally, not many Victorinox knives come with a pocket clip either.

[@Masata240]

Very fair and balanced viewpoint!

[@briandenton2097]

If it was to rounded it may not be as effective while using it as a screw driver.

[@michaelkane6797]

Thanks for the honest review. I like the "idea" of the K2, but if I'm carrying a multitool, it's for the pliers. I've been a Skeletool CX user almost from day 1, and for me, nothing else comes close. A friend made a pouch for a bit holder, and that to me is a far more useful EDC setup.

[@gideonstactical]

Michael Kane that sound sweet!

[@OutsideTheTargetDemographic]

Comparing it to the Victorinox has seperated your video from the hundreds of others on the subject. Thank you.

[@Eldofarmboy]

I'll stick to a regular EDC knife and my Swisschamp

[@jnasty6669]

Woodland Tactical I was just thinking that. Yeah I’ll stick with my Wave and mini griptilian

[@sam3d]

I would too except I need a plier

[@TheRealJaded]

Like a bum.

[@biscuitsalive]

im going to go for a K2, i like the size, the knife first, multi-tool 2nd priority of this, seems to cover a lot of bases for me.

[@bitterblossom19]

Why not use patreon? The gear can be giveaways to patrons after the review. Maybe sign the gear before giveaway, would help the channel out a lot.

[@mariotommasi3710]

The prices are absurd

[@chrisreuther4546]

Great review! I felt early on that these seemed awful gimmicky! I can’t believe they didn’t take a big shot at the Gerber center drive.

[@gjbffg5177]

I just got the K2; the locking mechanism was very stiff, the blade struggled to open and the tools being taken out all at once was difficult to deploy as well. However, 2 sprays of silicone lubricant in/on/around the pivoting points took care of every problem instantaneously. This is now my favorite knife leatherman ever made and im very glad i got it. I appreciate the video and thank you for helping me justify the price of this sharp, gigantic magnet

[@Etryl]

There was no comparison to victorinox 111mm one hand, I think it is a great alternative to Leatherman K2

[@woodentulike2no]

The K2 is a great Utility knife if you need a larger blade. I own the P2, P4, and T4. Just picked up a K2 yesterday and I will carry it when I need a larger blade. I think the whole Free series is very well done!

[@oliveryu9105]

I'll stick to my Skeletool. Nice review anyway.👍😎🍺

[@canaanbreen2834]

Great video! The K2 is interesting but overpriced. With 420hc the price needs to drop quite a bit to be a contender.

[@robertbrunston5406]

Good review! I will stick with my leatherman wave, Thank you.

[@darkstepwarrior88]

Dam i really love how you break down the value of the k2 compared to other options, this places things in context.

[@gideonstactical]

Glad I could help!

[@billyhooks99]

Aaron thanks for the review, I was kind of turned on to the idea of the K4 but put off by the price. I think the Swiss Army One Handed Trekker for $50 seems like a much better deal and more pocket friendly than the K4. Wouldn't mind seeing you review that one anyway.

[@davidburgess5689]

Check out the ranger grip series!

[@KK-lj9bq]

I would be very careful having magnets on my knife in proximity to any compass.

[@derekneumann]

The entire new line of Leatherman stuff is a FAIL........

[@dannymarrero4226]

Thank you for an honest review. I have decided to buy the K2 only because it looks like it could serve as a great edc for an easy carry minimalist design for MY everyday life. If it proves to be a disappointment to me then I’ll swiftly return it.

[@MrPHATSPEED]

Just picked up a K2X for $69 from my local dealer. It's my new favorite EDC.

[@NGMonocrom]

I'm sorry, but as much as I love my various Leatherman multi-tools and knives, THAT is not an awl. For Leatherman to call it that, is honestly just silly. I do have a Victorinox Tinker on its way to me, along with a tiny aftermarket carry clip for it that will easily attach to the Tinker's split-ring. I don't mind using two hands in exchange for a real awl and a three dimensional Phillips driver.

[@whitwavenger]

This is a pocket knife, not a multitool. Leatherman makes an excellent line of multitools, and they should leave the pocket knives to Victorinox and Case.

[@thomtom5473]

Hello great video, I was hesitating between t2 and k2 now I think the k2 is better, on the other hand I am hesitating with the skeletool, here the prices are higher t2 50E, k2 109E, skeletool 154cm 119E the cheapest prices found , well the video is already a few years old so the prices change but the skeletool was already at this price. I love the SAKs but I'm looking for one-handed opening and a screwdriver that is positioned like a blade because it's more pleasant to use than in the 90° position and a pocket clip. The price is quite high which has been holding me back for a long time. In any case, thank you for the video and the subtitles in French, a subscriber and a 👍. Google translation

[@frankdaniels1763]

I will just keep my wave and Vic fieldmaster.

[@cooldude3764]

Frank Daniels what do you use the fieldmaster for? I just carry my Wave and I’m wondering if I’m missing out.

[@thetravelingkites]

I was curious about the K2, but after the video, I think I am content to stick with my trusty Skeletool CX. Thank you for your honest and thorough reviews.

[@himeromero8500]

Same here

[@randomstuff3672]

I have T4 and K2. Yep, T4 is a chunk. Mine seams to open a bit easier than yours. Maybe it is just looser. For clarification, T4 comes with tweezers but does not come with a tooth pick. I suppose I could gently use the awl. On the K2, try releasing the lock with your thumb and then flipping it open. Mine zips right out when I do that. I like a larger, stronger blade than the typical SAK. The K2 has truly become my EDC and I am very happy with it. YMMV.

[@loganholmberg2295]

I bought a t4 over a k2 because it was lighter and when you get into that size range Id rather use my bictorinox ranger or rangerwood. the k2 is just too heavy and it was easy to mod my ranger and ranger wood with pocket clips that use adhesive (going on 4 years now and the clips are still adnering just fine to the knives). My only knock against the Victonrinox Ranger line is that bloody victonox button you use to unlock the blade requires me to use 2 hands. I needs WAY to much pressure to actuate, Id rather they had just used a regular liner lock instead of getting fancy with it.

[@MrHomolka]

I just carry a skeletool CX and Gerber Dime or Leatherman Micra on my keys. More than enough for my needs.

[@freddobbs9435]

skelatool all good...

[@sarge27271]

For a few dollars difference, why the hell don't they use 440C? It would be a notch up without breaking the bank.

[@msakmaxyblasco6921]

Great review!, for my the sak is the best option to Carry !

[@festol1]

Those products will die soon, only very hyped. Pliers are a very usefull tool, and for a multitool.... get a Juice or a Squirt regarding size.

[@landon.cunningham]

Meh - they are so big compared to the Swiss and don't have toothpick or tweezers.

[@Masata240]

"a block of wood would be more ergonomic" 😂

[@blup4792]

I have carried a Skeletool daily for years and I love it. Thanks for the review, I almost bought a T2.

[@williamswan770]

Don't comp a knife to pliers. I'm buying a K2 because I don't want a chunk of metal on me or a swiss AK on my key chain.

[@robertanderson1015]

Good vid. I think I’d go with your suggestions at the end. Appreciate the compare and contrast details.

[@ericwhitlow7364]

Swiss Army Tinker is my go to. I also carry a Leatherman Rebar. Hard to beat the Tinker if you don’t need pliers.

[@darksight6405]

The T2 is actually quite nice. But in Germany it is forbidden because of the one-hand operation of the blade unfortunately🙄😔.

[@BlueTickCH]

Wtf😂😢

[@BlueTickCH]

Wtf😂😢

[@DroneDeDan]

Thank you, I agree with your conclusion 👍

[@CircuitsAndStrings]

I won a T2 in a contest. The knife is a little hard to deploy, but I actually love the look of it. I bought a K4 the first day that it was available. It’s a sweet knife and I’ve been using it every day. I also carry a Squirt PS4 on my keychain.

[@mpmassacre91]

With the t2 i have a short paracord lanyard to open knife easier I put the knot in between pinky and ring finger it's like an extension of handle

[@4673962]

I also agree with your assessment. Voyager and the Swiss army knife combo.

[@Russell.Jolly.2023]

Love the Tinker for EDC. Recently bought the Victorinox EvoGrip 18 to try as a replacement.

[@thewallcometh1444]

I appreciate your review, but I'm keeping my Swiss Army Climber for $25.

[@Amarucide]

thanks for the Skeletool comparison. I have a CX and yes I think better to have a Skeletool vs these Free variants. also I hate how it's called "Free" makes me think Leatherman is giving away something free when these tools are showcased on my Google News Feed

[@mozzberg590]

Sorry, in order for me to carry a multi-tool pliers are a MUST. Skeletool all day long.

[@ChrisHall803]

Scissors are a must for me. SAK will when that battle every time

[@MrFDUQUE]

Best honest review I’ve seen! You just earned a subscriber!

[@gideonstactical]

Welcome aboard!

[@JimLBon]

The whole free series offers lackluster performance at premium prices. Leatherman advertises these as the zenith of multitools; if they honestly feel that way that’s quite sad as the zenith may have passed us with the Surge/Wave. I was really hoping to see updates to that design, streamlining and customization built in rather than see them go straight to gimmicks. I don’t doubt very few people will love the easier one handed action of the free tools, the expense is having very usable tools that can stand in effectively for dedicated tools a majority of the time. I own a lot of Leatherman products already but I’ll be buying a Rebar in protest to the gimmick. I still find the Supertool and Wave style tools the best in the business for my uses.

[@markadams7597]

Great review. Ty. I like Leatherman tools, although they are becoming too expensive. I hope the folk in Portland will soon see the light and make some budget friendly tools.

[@sski1971]

Thanks GT. Great review, The free series for me has been a total disappointment to be honest. My p4 is in a drawer. The skeletool is an excellent EDC option.

[@philipjanes]

Very good review. While I'm willing to pay $80 for a knife, it needs to show me the value. I carry a PM2 then have a Swiss Army Knife in my edc pack. That send to be a great combo.

[@alainsoubra2847]

Excellent video and very objective opinion. I see them exactly like you do. The market is still open for a SAK with a good blade size and good edge retention steel.

[@oleksii_yershov]

Thanks for you video and explanation. It is extremely nice review. I have same doubts about Leatherman new knives, I mean the price and functionality.

[@gideonstactical]

Thank you so much.

[@mando603]

Great review! I love my Skeletool and have yet to find anything to replace it for camping/outdoor use, although my EDC is a Swiss Army Recruit. I work in an office and don't really need much during the day.

[@scottdman]

Just ordered the blockier T4... great innovation with this series, my Victorinox Tinker has no pocket clip and has never been anything approaching one-handed or innovative. I guess if you enjoy drinking wine on your backpacking trips stick with the Tinker :)

[@codykeegan1848]

Just ordered a t4.. curious from an owner.. how are you liking it?

[@aircavguy007]

Thanks for a nice review of the T2. I was thinking about replacing my SA Cadet with it, but after your review I will keep the cadet as my EDC. Keep up the great channel.

[@johnwest4492]

Hey Aaron, I agree about the pocket clip, you probably already know but Victorinox is now selling a pocket clip system for the Swiss Army knifes: ))

[@duncdunc76]

K4 or Victorinox One Hand Trekker? I like Leatherman a lot and have a Wave and a Juice CS4 which are both Great. But my EDC multitool is the one handedTrekker for the weight size and ergos. Plus I carry a 5" needle nosed vice grips in my EDC bag which imo is the handiest set of all purpose pliers for average tasks. The OHT has the best tool set for my needs in my day to day tasks which is of course going to be a personal preference. My Leathermans are in kits for when I might be in a situation where I've lost my EDC tools or I need to lend or give a tool to someone in a survival or scarcity situation.

[@Adventurer-Rikth]

the tinker is my go to stuff for every day take and go

[@bwxbwx6453]

My SAK can do all these things for a fraction of the price not worth it at all

[@83ravioli]

Excellent review. Thanks.

[@jonl207]

Nice vid. Good info and insightful thoughts. Thanks!

[@tedkenne]

Victorinox Has This Type Of Tool Market In The Bag. Swing And A Miss For Leatherman...Not Usually The Case.

[@05generic]

As typical, Leatherman did some things well, but lately their value is terrible. I'd love to see theri competition take advantage of Leatherman's arrogance and up their games.

[@chrisgreenhagen1717]

Thanks for the honest review. Keep up the great content!!!

[@ParkerBinion]

At least both of the K2 and T2 (and the K4) have no file. Files (and pliers) near magnets DO NOT MIX WELL unless you want to clean iron out of your tool fairly regularly. Ask me how I know. This rules out the P2/P4/Arc for me. I have a T4 but now only file my fingernails or wood and nothing ferrous. I actually prefer the Roxon KS2E to the T4. BTW - the T4 scissors cannot cut surivior paracord. Not impressed with those, so for the K series I went with the K2.

[@EnduringCrow]

Just bought the T2. I was mostly happy with it, but perplexed at the lack of pocket clip despite the mounting holes.. So I eventually went on their website just to check things out and noticed they offered one that fit the T2 -_- I ended up buying it along with some impulse buys (discounted accessories) So I guess that's their strategy(cost savings and bring eyes onto the website) No that I have it though, its with me more often than not. Nice functional little niche tool.

[@juanburgosii2172]

Good reviews. You should check out the Ruike trekker LD32. It is 50 dollars. It is very similar to the victorinox one hand trekker but it has a g10 handle and a pocket clip.

[@nifty3000]

Ill stick to my pointed stick. Thanks

[@mrbones3163]

LM's old products are their worst enemy. The Wave and Micra are too good to be replaced by any of their newer stuff. Hope they don't lose their way and go broke.

[@jon27d]

They're interesting ideas but I just don't see them replacing my Leatherman sidekick. I get a ton more capability for not much more size and weight.

[@matthewdell4504]

Compare to a SWK Trekker...

[@accidentallyfasting5768]

I picked up a swiss army waiter and used the corkscrew the day after I got it, bent the hell out of it. They feel soooo cheap compared to the skeletool cx, but I know they're a third the price.

[@JamesMBC]

My pet-peeve with all the SAKs is specifically the nail-nicks. It's such a fumbly, slow, and old way of deployin tools. Good luck opening it in an emergency, or with one hand. Also, of course, the steel: the SAK and Multitool world is decades behind the folding knives world. We get 420HC (or some times 154CM or S30V) while on folding knives we are at the Magnacut level (with even S35VN quickly becoming the base level). Leatherman is a company so averse to innovation in terms of materials, not realizing that if they offered better blade steels, a lot of people would ditch their folding knives and carry exclusively their multitool. It's like they know nothing about marketing and sales, just sell the same materials as 20years ago.

[@trd8749]

I think a dedicated folder and SAK would be much better than the K series leathermans. They're let down by the steel.

[@TheFeralKid]

Got the k4 the morning it came out. No more Lycra in my pocket.

[@rinoceronte1]

ergonomics feel good. love the elegant design. I'm a dentist and i carry it on my scrubs every day. very elegant, useful, and does not cause fear or panic when i use it.

[@aliabdurrahman]

This video was very helpful. Thank you

[@gideonstactical]

Glad to hear that!

[@qui-gone]

For the same price (50$) as T series, you can get either a victorinox Huntsman + Cold Steel Mini Tac Bowie / skinner / tanto. For the price of the K series which is now priced at 90$, I can get a spare Huntsman or minitac! Concept is good. Price not justified. Especially for 420HC which is practically useless for me in India.

[@earlpitsch2149]

Aaron you're the best. I would buy a quality folding screwdriver or even bit driver if I found one worthy. One that was 3" long or so and locked into place like knives do. I don't think I'm the only one that would buy it. I carry a CS am lawman s35 vn daily. I don't like the Leatherman offerings would rather have a knife by itself, a pliars ( knipex) and a screwdriver as each individual thing is stronger and specifically more useful by themselves.

[@막판전기기사]

K2가 멋있지만, 한국에는 안들어올 모양입니다. T2보다는 플라이어가 있는 멀티툴을 휴대하는 게 더 합리적이라고 봅니다.

[@RipleyNichols]

Totally disagree with you dude. I've had a Swiss army knife... The same one..for over 30 years, and I love it... But the T2 is a game changer... Even with the bad knife deployment... All the one-handed tools - locked, plus useful and tough tools, make this worth more a meer $40 bucks. Made in the USA too... chocolate frosting on the cake as far as I can tell.

[@theoebola2367]

I got a K2 when I went in to a camping shop and asked for “just a reliable knife” I got all I wanted. Big blade, secure locking, even some extra tools. Feels great. I hate swiss knives for how out of place blade feels when you flip it out. Also having to awkwardly flip out with your nails is meh.

[@michaelcolloton6971]

As of now, (2021),I still don't see any improvements in the Free series significant enough to convince me to buy one. I guess I'm "stuck" with my Wave, Surge, and Victorinox's.

[@itsaknifestyle8482]

Even thought it’s all one hand opening, the action is so bad it’s uncomfortably one hand opening

[@Deadtileyedie]

I am a big knife collector. Not to big into multi tools but do carry one 75% of the time with my other knives usually a alox poineer,wave and got a skeletool not long ago and was really enjoying it and then one side pliers completely snapped off while trying to bend a old rusted wire bracket/tie/holeder(lol not sure what it's called) on a old compressor when doing a repair and I was devastated ad I have ABUSED my wave and my a dad's og leatherman gave me(not sure of model) they both took it fine and still take it often. Now, in the process of going through warranty, I picked up the free t2 and ruike l51b so far I've been pleased. I think I would enjoy the k2 better than t2 but the t2 fit and finish is good and does everything it claims in my opinion. I personally think it's a good add to your collection but how leatherman handles this warranty depends on if I spend any more money with leatherman. I had to be a flaw in material, in my opinion, and it happens all about how they handle it. The l51b has an amazing fit and finish. The 12cn27 is awesome; only grip is weight.

[@Nightwolf866]

i carry a knife and a gerber dime or victorinox. or when i know i wll need a tool, a victorinox trekker or a leatherman wingman. All carrys cheaper and more capable ☝

[@billbailey1517]

Thank you for another great honest review and great options. Keep up the awesome content.

[@drengskap]

That T2 is a design disaster - big, clunky, awkward, and not even especially cheap. Any of the well-known Victorinox models would walk all over it. Mark my words, these will be discontinued and reduced to clear in a year or two. Look at all that wasted space inside the handle - they've literally had to fill it in with a big block of plastic. They could have packed twice as many tools in there. I carry and use multi-tools and folding knives every single day, and there is no way I would ever carry one which contained so much wasted space. Seriously, what were Leatherman thinking? Back to the drawing board, guys.

[@koolaidnd]

I have a Skeletool and have used it a lot. To be perfectly frank, it’s a garbage tool for anything more then light use. The screwdriver is beyond awkward to use. The pliers is weak and I’ve seen several of my friends snap the jaws on their Skeletool. If I want a multitool with a pliers I would give the Skeletool a hard pass. Leatherman has many options that are superior. The K2/K4 while expensive and a bit of niche tool I’m positive I’d like the one hand opening philips and flat screwdrivers. Locking screwdrivers that are inline with the axis of the tool is a win for me. Until I get some extra toy money I suppose I’ll keep slumming it with a combination of my rebar and surge carried with a Spyderco/benchmade.

[@TRDGE]

My fingers are smaller and I've always had trouble reverse flicking Spyderco/ Spydie-holes. I wish they would offer more thumbstudded options.

[@artfisher1615]

Hard to beat a Swiss Army knife for EDC unless you need pliers. Recently started carrying a Tinker that’s I’ve had for 20+ years. Like the versatility of the screwdrivers and 2 blades in a small package. If you dull one blade with hard use, still have a sharp one until you get a chance to resharpen. And the toothpick gets a lot of use too.

[@RIPPER334]

Leatherman was a great product, when they made decent multi-tools at a decent price... Now, I could give a shit less if they go tits up. They're selling crappy, gimmicky products, and ridiculous prices.

[@stalwart263]

I have a T4 free. I don’t have issue with opening the blade. I wonder if yours was stuffer than mine? As for pocket clips I no longer use them anyway. I have lost so many knives that should have been clipped to my pocket!

[@alpine1600s]

Technically, the K2 blade is a Lambsfoot. Because it tapers from tang to point. A true Sheepsfoot is parallel from tang to point. Now, a Ramsfoot tapers from point to tang, where the tang is narrower than the point.

[@TheGrenadier97]

No way. I'll stick to my good and reliable Victorinox Tinker for a true SAK.