Is The Leatherman ARC Trash or The Holy Grail?

[@gideonstactical]

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[@laptoples]

Pretty disappointed !!! The best Leatherman is The Dark Side !!!! It at least has 2 new items. A PEN and TWEEZERS !!!!!!! They sold out in seconds so nobody got one. I've been hounding them to do something like that again. This is The Wave with better metal. The Dark Side is the wave with a pen and tweezers, which I would personally use all the time. Bug Leatherman to make that again !!!!! Make it with this nice metal and design, that'd be great, but it's gotta have everything we see here with the pen and tweezers. Otherwise, I rarely look at the Leatherman site. Nothing THAT new and innovative... At least to spend over 200 bucks on when my wave has everything you see here. :-/

[@rickacton7540]

"may thy cutters chip and shatter" lol

[@Cflem44]

Ive had a Wave+ for a few years and decided to upgrade to the Arc. So far ive seen a huge benefit to the Arc when trying to use the outside accessable scissors and one handed deployment of the bit driver and prybar. Not having to open the pliers to get to those extra tools saves a bunch of time and fiddling. Essentially a Wave+ with an improved user interface, I have been very happy so far with the purchase.

[@vgman94]

“Saves a bunch of time and fiddling.” Any product that reduces your work time is more valuable than people give credit for. Time is more precious than money, so whatever saves you time is worth its weight in gold.

[@DNMEBOY]

Im still trying to break the habit of opening the pliers to access the tools. I also made the switch from the Wave+.

[@thomagg]

I’m the same, have had a couple Waves over the last 2 decades and this is basically an improved version of that for me. To make it nearly perfect for me at work I’d like to get the full bit kit to assemble my most useful set, an improved sheath I can carry horizontally (miss the one from my old Wave) and if they would only stock the ratcheting extender again…

[@thomagg]

@@DNMEBOYI’m having the same learning curve. I got it specifically for the external one handed tools, but still forget that’s where they are

[@rickyricardo3551]

​@@DNMEBOYsame , I've popped open the pliers a few times to get to the bit driver lol.

[@Fightosaurus]

Thought I would agree with this until I EDC'd the Arc for a while. The Arc's one handed operation makes for a significantly more refined tool. On the job site, situational awareness and focus is *premium*. Being the guy who reaches one hand into his pocket and without even having to look down has the right tool selected by the time it's raised into his workspace is a BIG difference from being the guy that has to put down his coffee first and fumble with two hands and two eyes occupied for 10-15 seconds to get the right tool out. The Arc sets you up to be the first guy, not the second guy, and that's where I want to be.

[@shaneralston-o8i]

The biggest problem I can see for me it the magnetic operation of the tool. I’m a millwright and welder/fabricator. If I put the arc on my work bench the internal magnets will get completely covered in metal grindings/filings the second I put it down. Also all my pants and coat pockets become imbedded with small metal filings. It’s not noticeable until u put something magnetic in your pocket (think AirPod case) and everything becomes covered in filings that are hard to clean off

[@spasticpanda8933]

100 percent agree. I'm going with the charge tti. Magnets as a tinner never works. It's a pain enough cleaning out my 1/4 driver magnets haha

[@michaelgeraghty176]

Big facts I’m a welder too and An air gun is the only thing I’ve found to help and that’s not exactly a household item

[@OchsSlayer]

The magnets aren't very strong. I've had the Free for 2 years and never had an issue.

[@googleuser9013]

That doesn't matter. Magnets in my earbuds aren't very strong and if I drop them at work it's COVERED.

[@HughPecon]

The Arc is basically the Wave+ on steroids. Being able to access all the tools one handed is a game changer. My Surge will still be my edc for work but after work its gonna be the Arc.

[@AtomicBleach]

I honestly have no problem one handing all the tools on my wave. It's loose enough to flick it and it opens up like butterfly knife... I do get the all outside tool advantage, but some tools seem to be made strangely to work with the magnets like the strippers on the awl.

[@eduardsiger1860]

@@AtomicBleachyeah the tool set on the arc sucks

[@kennywheelus6857]

I just ordered my Arc a few days ago and can't wait to get it in my hands an try it out,not sure if I wan to void the warranty an swopp out the bit exchanger to the half size an 1/4 size like next level edc did an make it more versatile an not have to worry about the Leatherman prepritory bits,just wondering,cause it costs a bit of money so I'm still not sure I wanna void my warranty in case I don't like it an it breaks on me,I already got it customized engraved with my name on it an a Kool pattern too.

[@TheHyde8875]

Nah. It's more like the Wave+ on creatine.

[@kennywheelus6857]

@@TheHyde8875 , yeah I agree,I love my new Arc

[@frankmessina_43]

Leatherman offers 30 percent off for police, fire, ems, vets, all First responders… got mine for like 170 shipped. To me that was a fair price and so far I love this tool.

[@Whatyoutakinbout]

Where???

[@ελευθερία-ε2ο]

You forgot teachers

[@js8828]

with the 30% off on leatherman website paid 160 ( like 175 to my door) and for that USA made magnacut even forgetting about the rest of the tools seems like a pretty good deal

[@vgman94]

Looking for a second hand Arc at around 150-160. At that price, for the one handed opening, blade and magnet (which can be considered an unofficial tool if you drop a small metal item), it’d be a fair price.

[@MrSixxshooter]

Swiss tool or Swiss tool spirit MXBS . Both I would suggest first .

[@Benzion-x3q]

swisstool spirit mx clip knocks this out of the water in terms of quality and warranty

[@nathanwood1567]

Went from the Surge to the Arc and I absolutely love the Arc. My multi tool sees heavy use in the industry I work in. From the magnacut blade to all of the outside opening tools the Arc is a dream😍

[@maxlvledc]

ABOUT THE CUTTERS.. I have some updates after I broke mine on camera. Leatherman reached out to me regarding these cutters. They will be sending me a new set (no need to send back tool). They mentioned they found a batch with bad heat treatment that is not up to spec. So on one hand, it's good to see Leatherman is on it. On the other hand I still don't understand the design change that causes the gap. I've heard from many others that this gap will also create incomplete cuts in things like wire ties etc. Will do a follow up at some point. It's really good to see yours hold up! Cheers, Dominic

[@clandestinetactical]

I’ve had a Wave for over 10 years… And I bought the Arc a week ago, the Arc is honestly an amazing tool … Magnacut, and just the easy access and dexterity on it makes it the best multi tool I’ve ever owned..

[@PMCKnivesAndTools]

They look great, but that price...

[@roosamiam]

On a side note about the price, if you are a veteran, check out the military discount at Leatherman. I actually bought the Arc for $160. I couldn't pass that up. Best military discount I've ever gotten i think. BTW, I love the Arc, and would have bought it at regular price eventually.

[@gideonstactical]

Oh very nice info that for sharing!!

[@thereisnowayiamgivingyoumy9066]

Leatherman offers a 30% medical personnel discount as well

[@Muscovy7]

@@thereisnowayiamgivingyoumy9066and teachers

[@ValkyrieIA]

Thanks for the tip. Just ordered.

[@ελευθερία-ε2ο]

Also a 30% teacher or school staff discount.

[@ringaleavo]

I think this makes the Wave look like a really good value. $50.00 plus tax on fleabay for a new one in the clam shell pkg

[@gideonstactical]

Haha definitely 👍

[@FredCDobbs151]

The wave is a better tool all around. Of course my wave is 20 years old so maybe the quality was better then. I'm returning my arc tomorrow. What a disappointment for a $230 tool!

[@kellypainter7625]

It doesn't. If you get a new Wave, the cutters will suck.

[@stephenmackey4571]

Wave all day long and worth every cent.

[@j.savage1228]

$100 more than the p2 honestly isn’t that bad for extra tools plus a coated Magnacut blade. If my P2 ever fails me I would gladly pay $230 for a good multitool.

[@Errcyco]

I kept reading that as PM2 and was like dang.. he really knows how to stretch a knife 😅

[@danvird8649]

@@Errcycome too 😂😂

[@zachd150]

Wire test was perfect valdation of the tool, thanks Aaron. That's exactly how I want an edc hand tool to perform: just strong enough to handle my full strength, but not much more to be overly heavy or bulky.

[@solidus1995]

I love that people will spend 500 dollars on a knife but complain a lestherman with magnacut is 200 and change. Arc is even more expensive now.

[@alexkerhead]

Right? Just got my ARC and love it. I carried my Free P4 for 1.5 years. The ARC has a perfect toolset. So glad the serrated blade is gone and a FULL size laser cut and diamond file is there. But adapter for 2D but kits and eyeglass driver. Yes please. $199.99 free ship as of 10-24-2024. The finish is easier to touch up with 600grit sandpaper too. Yeah, magnacut Paracord crap is $300, and people whine about Magnacut Leatherman goodness.

[@IlmarBeekman]

The flex is totally normal. It’s part of how the frame is designed. If you are worried, don’t be. I’ve had a p4 in my pocket and have used it every day for 2 years with zero issues. Hard use at times. It’s very solid.

[@cwsmith17]

Absolutely agree

[@clandestinetactical]

Straight up 💯 me too .. P4 , and now My Arc , both amazing tools ⚒️

[@stevenford5422]

I had a response from leatherman about cutters they said there engineering team immediately tested there current inventory to diagnose the cause. Through there tests, they found that some lots of replaceable wire cutters did not meet expectations. Said they will send me replacements.

[@stevenm6301]

Must be my issue. The ones on my charge crumbled.

[@SpacecityEDC]

Good review Aaron 👍 I agree if someone else can justify laying down the money and the Arc fits what they need then yes it's worth it to them. As a lifelong mechanic I've spent tons of money on tools and have no problem buying a more expensive tool if..it helps me be more productive. But like you the Arc to me isn't going to help me be more productive than my tried and true Surge I've EDC'd for years. If I was going to swap to another multitool I would probably choose Gerber's Dual Force because as a mechanic by trade that pliers head on the Dual Force fits so many things I work on day to day. But hey if the Arc does it for you then it's worth it. Thanks for sharing!

[@Mike_Y.]

I prefer my Surge because you can interchange the file with other tools. And in a pinch you could actually sharpen the blades due to this.

[@CanadianBeachcomber]

Monday, I did that to my Surge on my lunch break at work.

[@gideonstactical]

Allow myself to sharpen myself

[@Mike_Y.]

@@gideonstactical hahaha rad

[@Mike_Y.]

@@CanadianBeachcomber thats rad, now i dont feel so self conscious about my comment hahaha

[@davidingram3281]

Thanks for the review. Just ordered a replacement charge+ due to the serrated blade with hook. I use that hook all the time for safety reasons. My only gripe about the Charge+ is the lack of decent scissors. Those things are pretty wimpy - and the ones on the ARC look much better. I also agree that the aesthetics of the Charge+ blade is much better.

[@InGratitudeIam]

Mine worked as expected. No issues with coat hanger wire and other treacherous obstacles.

[@gideonstactical]

Good to hear. Sounds like it may be a bad batch

[@gtrul3s387]

Nice honest review. People are kinda funny sometimes. They have no problem paying 160-180$ for a bugout made of plastic with a s30v blade but are also complaining about the Arc at 230$😅. I’m a knife enthusiast and for me,personally, 230$ for a tool i really enjoy everyday with a Magnacut blade is a decent price. If i had to only keep one LM it would be my surge tho. But i’m really enjoying my Arc. Time will tell if it’ll keep its place tho! Thanks for the video man!

[@Lion_Hamza]

The Arc is in Switzerland 320 dollar's. Ridiculous.

[@thanhthuoregonusa0514]

I agreed 👍

[@gtrul3s387]

@@Lion_Hamza euro prices are crazy on a lot of things from what i can see…

[@CLa-wb5vj]

To each their own, but I’d rather buy a wave+ and if I needed a stronger knife to pair with it, I’d get a small Esee or even a mora for less then the price of the new arc. I think leatherman jumped on the magnacut train a little too early.

[@The_sinner_Jim_Whitney]

I just got my Arc, as a replacement for a lost Free P4. I'm a union electrician and hobbyist hot-rodder, so I have a LOT of tools. I carry my Leatherman for the rare occasion when I need something in a pinch and am not close to any of my 'real' tools. Thus far, I love it, the actually usable file was the selling point for me, but with real blade steel I'm going to try carrying just it with no knife to work and around town. I always carry a couple of knives when I'm camping, mountain biking, kayaking, whatever, but for every day it really might be all I need, and that's AWESOME.

[@j-g.s4894]

Received mine a few weeks ago after loosing my Wave. Had a second thought because of the price here in Europe (300$give or take) I had many occasions to use it for precise jobs ( thanks to the mini screwdriver) or more demanding using pliers, scissors ( far better than my wave), the amazing blade, the file on soft steel, the screw driver, almost every tool. I used to carry a SAK as edc, now it spend a lot of time in my drawer. In short, a great tool except that I’m left handed and opening the pliers one handed, is clearly not as easy for me than for a right handed user. I added a small flashlight to the sheet, an electric saw blade for steel (fits perfectly in the bit holder) and a bit extender for non leatherman bits. Didn’t regret my euros for a second

[@petezilla1]

13:40 mark. It's my understanding that lower on the cutting edge is maybe indented to assist with wire stripping while holding a comfortable hand width...and up a little higher from the base, where it is notched out, is the cutter?

[@eyeofthetiger4184]

G'day Aaron, as an ex-sparkie, I've cut more "wire jerkers" aka coathangers, than I care to remember. Even a mid range pair of Linesman's Pliers will do that, and without deformation of the blade, or side to side flex. I do think multitools are interesting, so I'll still watch...... but you can get a lot of "proper" tools for far less dough. If i did have a need/want, I reckon, like many, the Wave + is the sweet spot for capability vs price. Cheers Duke

[@gideonstactical]

Hahah right on Duke, definitely, you can get a good tool set for 230 bucks. I think it’s convenience for simple tasks over dedicated tools for work.

[@eyeofthetiger4184]

@@gideonstactical Yep for sure mate, but everything is sooooooo small and often fiddly, not to mention ergo deficient, ...... they exceed my frustration tolerance ; )

[@Mike-id8gu]

On cutting coat hangers...I'm really wondering what guage(s) of wire is fair in assessing a multi-tool? 🤷 I worked as an electrician for many years installing more than 3000+ load centers. There are many different types and guages of wires we use to wire a load center. I can share from experience that many professionally hardened tools from very reputable companies have broken cutting less ductile wire. In my thinking 12-2 awg. copper clad wire should be the maximum test. [Same argument for grabbing one's axe opposed to using my Esee 6 to chop down a 12 inch tree.] Since an electrician works primarily with either 14-2 or 12-2 awg. wire, a backup multi-tool should be able to cut these. Anything larger or stronger we graduated to various sized bolt cutters.

[@frogturtle]

the one-handed operation is a huge benefit if you ask me, and that magnacut blade is just awesome. if I already owned a wave I probably wouldn’t see the need to buy the arc, but as my first full-size and fully-equipped multi-tool, the arc feels like a good choice. plus I am curious what mods will become available for it in the future

[@weburnbridges]

Loved the comparison to knives made with similar materials. Great new view on the Arc I havent seen before.

[@Stassa23]

I did the same exact test with my Arc on a KZbin short and I didn’t have any issues either, so far so good 👌

[@stevenbyington3493]

I’m going to wait to get an arc. The supertool 300 has everything I need on a daily basis and I feel incomplete without it.

[@gideonstactical]

I love my supertool 300 I have one in each of my go bags.

[@Mike-mi3yw]

I can see myself using this for most of my light duty uses. I think it’s worth it, and I’ll purchase one eventually…..after Christmas lol

[@gideonstactical]

Haha good personal gift.

[@kellypainter7625]

My Free P4 has USA stamped on it. It is seized up and needs to go back to Leatherman but I did harvest the good cutters off of it for my ARC. The ARC is awesome. The price is fine. MagnaCut, the diamond file, good scissors, the bit changer and all the tools are outside accessible... None of the other Leatherman tools have all that. The ARC retired my Charge TTi. Still love that though.

[@rendoughty]

Great review! Thank you! Like many of you, I've carried a one-hand-open pocketknife, clipped to my pocket, for years and years. I spent years as a coffee equipment technician and there were countless times I'd be holding something inside a machine with one hand and it was SO helpful to be able to open my knife with one hand, use it for the task, then close it and put it away with that same hand and keep working. It became a natural frequent motion. My wife and I are planning some touring through Canada and I can't imagine going through my days without a knife. I'll reach for it all the time. I read that in Canada they won't let you have knives that you can clearly open with one hand, so I'm hoping that this ARC is a happy medium. Even though you ~can~ open it with one hand, the knife has enough other purposes and its purpose in life isn't just being a one-hand-open pocketknife, so I hope it will be acceptable and fly under the radar. Thoughts?

[@Benzion-x3q]

they dont allow ANY knives in i was lucky to get in with a vic rambler

[@JohnC29]

I'm on my second Charge Titanium. I can't find my first one. I have an OG wave(no bit driver or replaceable wire cutters) Never had a problem. I'm not ready to upgrade to single handed operation or Magnacut. I have magnacut pocket knives: Deka, Native 5, and Tactile Maverick.

[@jasonmiller9495]

For an EDC the Arc is a one stop shop. I have it in my belt and note I don’t Dane my 17:56 Spyderco Manix taking up my right pocket

[@japudjuha]

I have used in the used my 1st gen and 1st gen surge at work for nearly 20 years and still going strong. Would I like to add the arc to the collection, sure, but definitely not for that price given how comprehensive and beefy the surge still is. Thanks for your review by the way excellent as always!

[@mikepodorski4272]

I recently switched from a Centerdrive to the Arc and love it. The ease of one hand operation and the blade make this top on my list. The pliers are FAR superior to the Centerdrive. The cutters on mine chipped with simple braded copper wire. Couple of thoughts. There may be play at the handles, but the jaws themselves have almost zero play, and that's really what counts. My centerdrive had significant play at the jaws, plus the bit holder kept the jaws from closing. The hanger or whatever your cutting should be done up from the gap at the base. That gap shouldn't be there, but it does fine if you avoid it.

[@VladimirLadev]

Looks pretty cool. I have my Surge for 9 years, never left my pocket. It is so well used and cared for that I do use it one handed pretty easily. IMO leatherman is headed in the right direction with these.

[@LaddGardner4]

My Arc's cutters didn't fracture, but refused to cut cleanly. With the light coat-hangers (depicted first) you could "worry" the sections apart by contracting your fist, then bending the scored wire, but my surge would cut the same wire as fast as I pulled the trigger. Night and day difference. I replaced the Arc's cutters with the Surge's, and the Arc became a cutting beast. The Surge now cuts poorly. Leatherman should shoot new purchasers of the Arc a spare set of replacement cutters (hopefully old stock), without the bubble packaging and tool, and just throw itself on the mercy of the court. Something tells me they won't -- probably because they were unaware and don't have a healthy stock of hardened cutters -- but we'll see...

[@jkon156]

I have a decent collection of leathermans going. I EDC my wave+, have for almost 6 years. Bond on my car key, supertool 300 in my work toolbox, rebar (with broken rounded wire cutters) lives in the garage. Gave my Free P2 to my father as a gift, and my fiance uses my Free T2 in her bag. As of today i have an ARC on the way. I am very excited for it to get here. I loved the Free Px platform, just couldnt get used to those odd screwdriver tools included there. I am very much preferential to the bit exchanger on the wave, or the one on the supertool. I feel like the ARC is just the perfect premium tool for me. I dont know if ill use it in my work as i deal with chemicals and metal shavings all day, hence the supertool and wave+. But for all other times the arc fits me extremely well. Never used the serrated blade, all still have factory fresh teeth.

[@rafterh2181]

I dropped 300 on the Garage #5 which is basically an ARC. I have broke 2 sets of cutters! I have a P4 which I used hard for 2 yrs with no damage to cutters!

[@bravo_victor]

Your point in the beginning about cost vs. common “mid-range” knives makes a lot of sense.

[@gideonstactical]

Thanks so much!

[@lannylancaster62]

I was a very early adopter of Leatherman now having many in my collection. The new ARC has a good solid set of tools and current Leatherman technology. I've moved away from large Leathermans due to the weight. The ARC is a tool for the EDC guy that has to have the next best thing; however, it's priced out of the average guys budget for a multitool. They will sell out to the large dedicated EDC community. Comparing to the increasing expensive knives only demonstrations the rapidly escalating prices of pocket knives. That's not a good trend and will reach a point of diminishing returns with the knife makers chasing money that's not there.

[@qwertqwert-bz9fo]

Use two hands and it will cut. Got the Arc this week and test cut 2.7, 3 and 3.3mm steel wire. Cuts good, cutters are still as new. I am happy and confident now.

[@noktturnal]

I like mine, the only thing I wish it had was the changeable saw attachment blades. But for me.its the perfect tool. Very customized.

[@BigBear--]

It's not "the free technology" when it comes to the frame flex. It's the fact that instead of using a properly thick frame steel, they use this thin sheet of steel, and then slap a layer of stainless "scales" on the side. But the scales aren't really a part of the main structural frame. Which is why you get this level of flex in all directions. Compare the actual steel thickness in the frame to the Wave or the Surge...you'll see what I mean.

[@rnrsteev]

I never carry my old (?) Wave. I keep it next to my bed, helped me easily many times because I knew right where to find it. tools in the truck,basement,garage,shed = stairs. I'm old. very good tool, bottle opener sucks, I drink good sodas and I don't want to chew up the tool poppin. otherwise, no complaints 10+ yrs. SOG Powerlock 20+ yrs, it's a little heavy,otherwise,no complaints.

[@jaydub5515]

I'm glad you brought up the sharpness of the handles when the tool is closed up. It's not that big of an issue for small uses, but I would definitely see it being a little bit of a irritation over prolonged use. And how long did it take you to get flicking your blade open in one smooth go? Days ago I just got my arc, and I think I've only successfully flick with the thumb stud once or twice, and I have scared myself by running my finger across the blade a couple times, and boy is that thing sharp outta the box.

[@gideonstactical]

It is sharp for sure! That’s how mine operated out of the box. Maybe play around the pivots a little bit and see if you can loosen it up just a bit. It is a good blade.

[@_WillCAD_]

Mine is similar; it's tight. I can't even flick it open with the thumb stud, let alone flip it open or closed. I might try adding a little lube to the pivots at some point, because the whole tool is a little stiff. My Free P4 is a little looser, but I can't flip its blade open, either.

[@woodentulike2no]

I am an admitted Leatherman Obsessed collector. I have every model. What makes the Arc special is the tool selection. It is perfect. Magnacut blade is great as well. And those are Wire Cutters, not Coat Hanger cutters. They do their intended job perfectly.

[@jr76480]

My MUT has been absolutely essential for most of my professional career. I use it daily for Commercial HVAC and other electrical work. I use my MUR for almost everything. I have the Wave.., but my MUT is the “ONE” hands down the best LEATHERMAN, in my opinion.

[@matthewtaylor3301]

I've had mine for a few days, and I'm happy overall. I'd give it an 8.5/10. There is some play in the handles which I'm not fond of, and the wire cutter issue has me leary. Aside from that I'm happy with it.

[@edgaraquino2324]

Good,comprehensive review, thanks! I find that the Leatherman tools on your table are more workmanlike than the Arc...it may be "premium" but I think it is overated...imho, it is way too floppy, the magnets will attract too much gunk in a working environment & considering it is top of the line, there seem to be problems when it should be flawless....this appears to be endemic of LTG, as their QC seems to be non-existent....it is the reason why I haven't made further purchases as I really don't know if I will get a quality product or a dud....

[@Jarrych83]

And those are replaceable cutters used on a ton of their products. You've always heard of the occasional set of those that sometimes break. But regardless. the set with the little divot at the bottom is the same style that came on my rebar from two years ago. I definitely looked at some vids that show a comparison and this looks the same as what I have. Could be wrong, but personally, I haven't had issues with cutting small nails, those long nails they use for tacking baseboard, or similar. I've also used the wirecutters for a ton of string trimmer cord, thicker twist ties, jute rope, and the occasional garden chicken wire and tomato cage types of things. No sweat. So if this is the direction they went in, and it sounds like they're the same cutters on the other Free pliers, it really must be an occasional heat treat issue. Hopefully they at least take the feedback on it for counting failure rate.

[@Spanky8402]

My Knifeless Rebar has the gap at the bottom and the other day my cutters broke on I think it was 10 Guage solid core 240v wire. It was for my job and I ended up having to climb down a 20 foot ladder to get my wire cutters pliers out of my toolbag to finish the job. Mine shattered down to the screw. It will probably fall apart, when I eventually replace them. I ended up ordering a different multitool, because new replacement cutters will probably break the same. I was using them the way you should use wire cutters and they failed. I never had wire cutters deform or crack on me, in all the 15 years I have been doing side jobs. I even played with tools before I did it for a job, as a kid and I never seen this. I started out using cheap Harbor Freight like tools that I bought from flea markets and those only dulled over time, but never broke. I used a Ozark Trail Multiforce for maybe 2 years and then I decided to get a Leatherman, because of the build quality and the cutters broke in less than a year. Leatherman said that they sell replacement cutters, so that's not covered under warranty. What a great 1st impression. 😢

[@jayzuena]

I have a charge that's about 20+ yrs old and has been in my pocket everyday, used to do farm chores, construction tasks, etc. It gets used almost everyday. Replaced the mini screwdriver with a rebar awl and has the old school 2 screwdriver bit holders instead of one. It's the ultimate multitool with a decent 154cm blade that's been resharpened hundreds of times. Wire cutters are used to cut thick bailing wire all the time without issue. Wouldn't trade it for anything.

[@RobertKellett]

499 bucks here in Australia! I will continue to use my Surge 2.

[@rustymac40]

I just got the ARK and let me tell you...your Surge is better overall. I do like the ARK but my Surge isn't going anywhere.

[@user-ep3ck5re4o]

Agree 🤨

[@AtomicBleach]

Hope they release a poor mans Arc with like a D2 blade lol. Most of the time im just using the blade for skinning some wire or cut on a soft material. With the wave+ I mostly use the serrated blade for nastier tasks.

[@neil7132]

Wish they (leatherman) would give us a steel upgrade options for their current products like the wave + and surge where we can upgrade the blade and scissor steel to 154 cm or magna cut. Bet those would sell like nuts. Those who want current gen tech that arc or free series uses can buy it and still cater the needs of those who require a much more robust multi tool design like super tool 300, wave + and surge. Everyone's happy

[@ebox1159]

I use my oht daily at work. That tool is the best ever made. The use of it is less than carrying but it sure does save trips to the toolbox 80% of the time👍

[@Dingdongwitchisdead]

I wanted an OHT but Leatherman wanted to make the choice for me and said no. So then I went to the Black and Stainless Steel version of the Surge, but once again Leatherman made the decision for me and said no. To which I was forced to choose between less stellar options. So I am like well at least give me a ratchet driver to go with the set. Again Leatherman said No. I am not off to a great start with you Leatherman. The purchase I made may be the only one you get from me.

[@EnnTomi1]

i just wish they have a series we can just pick the tools we want to have on there.....i know ppl have been modding tools, but why not just from the factory if thats allow, if anything, that would be the easiest thing for them to do since they already have the detailed engineering drawing, and i am sure they try to reuse parts from other tools whenever they can...... for now, i guess modding is still the only way to get a perfect arc for me.

[@Thezedword12]

I think this is a fair assessment. I got a good deal on the charge TTI a few years ago and dont plan to upgrade anytime soon (if you wanna call it that) but I really appreciate your value proposition at the beginning. Its magnacut with a bit driver you can buy a bunch of head and a ratcheting extension for for around 300 total. To me, thats a lot of functionality for the price and a decent blade in great steel.

[@wolfman2702]

I still rely on my old LM Rebar and don't have a problem using two hands to open it, it's a tool, not a quick draw weapon.

[@EriclesMH]

The plier cutter problem isn't only that some break, but the shape of them are rounded near the pivot, causing that gap making it more difficult to make cuts. Try other LM pliers, you'll see the others are way better. For me, the P4 is just fine. Magnacut is super cool, but I'd rather have a blade that's easier to sharpen than one with better edge retention.

[@gingebrien2408]

Magnacut is not difficult to sharpen. Snd you likely won’t have your do it much.

[@MrSoup6029]

Magnacut is amazingly easy to sharpen.

[@EriclesMH]

@@gingebrien2408 how is it compared to 420hc? More difficult yeah?

[@EriclesMH]

@@MrSoup6029 how is it compared to 420hc? More difficult yeah?

[@rickyricardo3551]

Well the cutter isn't just an arc problem. Send in your p4 for warranty and they'll swap them for the new style cutter that are on the arc and every other recently made leatherman.

[@NZComfort]

I don’t know if I could justify the expense since I already own a P4…. Having said that, I would love one! Thank you for the vid!

[@Gongdeadman]

That USA stamp alone is $150

[@oscarmatallanar]

Flex side to side is normal, because they are just thin steel scales, it is not solid ones… they are just pivoted by the ends

[@hankvictory3357]

P4 handles flexes the same way when squeezing the pliers and side to side motion as the ARC does. Not an issue. Clay Hayes is Alone season 8 winner and he used the P4 and swears by it. P4 plier head is stamped with USA. The ARC is $70 more than the P4 and you get Magnacut blade. Are there cheaper models and brands? Of course there are. These are just tools and if your using them all the time then buy good tools. You wont regret it.

[@rickyricardo3551]

I may have missed it in the video but its still worth a mention . But the plier head on the arc is the strongest they are made even stronger than the surge .

[@XtianApi]

Great flashlight there. I have the orange head with a warm white led. Love mine. Also the e300s by the same company is great.

[@troymanning3150]

I LOVE my P4….when you throw in those folders the price makes a lot more sense.

[@apachefragoso]

I have a brand new surge with the wire cutters gap and it doesnt cut wire, as wel I have and old surge and stills cuting wire like butter, wirw cutters in the new one are different and has the gap, just facts.

[@charlessalmond7076]

Excellent video sir! I dont know if ill take the plunge yet. I think ill give it a few months to see if any other issues come out and, if Leatherman fixes the replaceable cutters. Keep'em coming!

[@appleztooranges]

As a follower of your channel, I decided to make a channel as well. Love your content. It’s crazy the price of the arc! I’m impressed you can shut it by Itself. I can’t do that yet!

[@gideonstactical]

That is awesome!! Really appreciate it and I wish you all the best on your own channel and pray it grows.

[@chrisreuther4546]

Love the price comparisons.....so important to keep things in perspective... and who then is off base? there are some companies out there that I feel are really running high prices that are tough to be justified.

[@gideonstactical]

That is true too, but since 2020 all new designs seem to be 20%-40% more expensive.

[@gpock8]

Maybe try in the middle of the cutter. there is seems to be more shaper and maybe there would be a crack.

[@armeddiver]

Thank you for the review it was a huge help. I have several Leatherman tools, but I was looking for another one. Based on your review and another review I saw I think I will avoid the ARC, but you definitely sparked an interest in the Charge. Again, thanks for the review.

[@raphaelbeinhauer9242]

I have a Wave+, and had a Charge+(154CM), I lost that a while ago, haven't replaced it yet. There are some features I really like about the Arc, especially the pocket clip, the Wave/Charge clip is really not great. Obviously the blade is very nice, and everything being outside and one hand accessible. The one thing that is really missing for me is the serrated blade, I use that a lot. And I really like having the two blades, I can't stand partial serrations. I use every single tool on the Wave/Charge, for me it's the perfect combination of tools. I carry it as my only tool as well, my regular knives mostly sit at home. This is mainly because of pocket constraints at work and in a lot of activities I do, I only have my Cargo pockets that I can access because of a harness. So left side is my phone, right is the leatherman. I'll stick with the Charge+, in black always, I don't like a shiny pocket clip. The Charge also doesn't cost that much more than the Wave, and it comes with better steel and the pocket clip, I would never buy a Wave again.

[@escapetherace1943]

Sticking with my wave+ lol.......

[@melyssa8585]

The reason I use leatherman is because as a woman I have small hands and I like the smaller size overall I had a gerber I gave to my hubby because it was just too big to hold comfortably and I now carry the wave + and the signal but I’m seriously thinking about getting the arc now and adding a small whistle and ferro rod to my edc since it’s something people should carry imo and that’s basically it I love the idea of only needing one tool hopefully

[@sleepnone2810]

Ive had no issues with my free p4 cutting thick guage wire only if its a must I'll attempt the cut but so far the free P4 has been a tank for me but really tempted to get the ARC just "cus".great review.

[@gideonstactical]

Right on! Glad the P4 is working well for you. For whatever reason the PCs just didn’t connect with me I don’t on a single one after doing the videos and testing them when they came out. Sticking with the wave, surge, and charge.

[@ryansimpson3074]

I am a diehard Leatherman fan. Amazing products from an amazing company. I have several. As tempting as it is to "upgrade", i will stay with my Wave+ forever. Its with me all day everyday since 2020. It has never once let me down

[@shamitoson]

Who wants to “not need” another pocket knife? 😉 I like having a MT, but don’t really use the blade because I prefer to use a dedicated knife with a much better ergos. Wish the Arc had S30V or 154 and was $50 less. I like the tool set and bit drivers much better than the P series. Magnacut is overkill for a MT imo. Also hate that it’s coated, it’s a highly corrosion resistant steel. No need to coat it.

[@arvienplaythrough5459]

Leatherman wave is still the best. Nothing fancy and expensive materials to pump up the price.

[@bijohnson]

One handed opening for all tools is handy.

[@charlessalmond7076]

I'm in the trades. (Carpenter) I have a Free and a Wave+. I carry the Wave+ daily. Its a backup tool for me. I wear a tool belt with two pouches daily.

[@ryansimpson3074]

Been carrying the Wave+ since 2020. It's with me at all times. Never let me down once.

[@jonathancamps9853]

Maybe one day when I need to burn a hole in my pocket. Lots of great features on this tool. I have my system dialed for much cheaper.

[@prado.offroad]

found cutters on leatherman's have been hit and miss, still have my PST2 from 20 years ago that chipped out cutting light fencing wire. holding off on the Arc until XMAS, and ill retire the current wave ive been running as EDC for a while, thank you for the in depth review, has made my mind up

[@zippolit4485]

the teeth/ cutters are not too much of a problem in all honesty. sometimes from time to time they have a bad batch of cutters that are a little too hard or too soft, but a recent issue I’ve noticed has been the fit of the cutters not being 100% squared off cutters which make a tiny gap after the hard wire cutter part. I stockpiled replacement cutters before and during the pandemic and none had this issue.

[@jaskiniamestwa]

It’s funny that cutting hangers became an ultimate test to answer the trash/treasure question for this particular tool. 😂

[@nickGEdc]

Right!!!! idk when the last time I was like oh man I need to cut this coat hanger… lmao I cut small wire at work that’s all I need it for it’s a perfect tool. Use wire snips if your going to cut thick wire.

[@Oozy9Millimeetah]

​@@nickGEdc except that it wasn't a issue with old leathermans 🤷🏻‍♂️ it's dumb to make excuses for a company that has started to make it's products worse..

[@nebulamask81]

@@nickGEdc I've cut through a coat hanger to make a tool to be able to fish a ring out of a friend's sink drain. Did it with my wave and it was fine. Tim Leatherman used to demo the old cutters by standing on them to cut through nails. Not that I'm recommend cutting nails, but that's not the point. If the new cutters can't cut through a coat hanger then the quality has plummeted vs being able to cut through a nail. Seeing as the user has to pay to replace them now (instead of them being covered under warranty) it would be nice to know if they're cheaping out on a part WE have to pay for.

[@nickGEdc]

@@nebulamask81 agreed

[@shelp7858]

the kershaw leek in magnicut is made in the US and is $100 on bladehq

[@gideonstactical]

That’s a deal even though I don’t really like the Leek design.

[@requiscatinpace7392]

That’s a great point you made about the price vs other stuff . I’d never looked at it like that. Someone has to fiddle about manufacturing and assembling small footery components.

[@joshuagenovese36]

I just ordered me a surge which has always been my favorite. Magnacut I'd way better but , not something I need at the moment when the surge does everything I need it too. Thanx for the awesome review. Keep up the good work.

[@Paul-gu2lv]

I was going to upgrade, but I think I'll stick with my surge. I just wish they sold a blade upgrade separately.

[@amedeoperri3571]

Thank you for this honest review!

[@gideonstactical]

My pleasure!

[@easternyankee2096]

Just got mine, still haven't put it thru the works yet.

[@gideonstactical]

I will be interested in how the pliers hold up.

[@edcgearpocketknife]

The way I look at it if you need to cut heavy steel or coat hanger. Use a pair of side cutters get the correct tool for the job. I own one and it cut just fine I won’t cut coat hangers.

[@1974rednaxela]

I have three very old Leathermen. The Last one I bought was the Charge. None of them has ever failed me. If this new one breaks right out of the box, it's embarrassing for them :/

[@markbrown9781]

Thank you for review and explanation of tools of this new Leatherman knife. I have a number of multitools from this company. Always keep u0 reviews! Carry on.