Leatherman Curl Full Review

[@maxlvledc]

If you are going to watch one review of the curl, this is the one...super balanced, you hit on basically everything, and as many perspectives as you could. Well done! 👌

[@JonGadget]

Thanks Dominic, really appreciated. IMO you know these tools better than anyone.

[@maxlvledc]

@@JonGadget not at all, but thanks for the compliment 🙏. I was thinking how perfect it is for Ben and I to get in early impressions and then have you make these all inclusive thorough reviews..this is the one I'm going to link ppl to. It's by far my favorite of yours so far. And the sectional breakdown you setup is super useful as well.

[@JonGadget]

@@maxlvledc Thanks Dominic - that's super appreciated 😊

[@DocWhiskey1776]

I’m so happy to see this. A few years ago my dad’s leather sheath from original PST was looking rough so I tried to find replacement (they did not have yet on site) found an original PST on ebay with original leather sheath bought that just for the sheath. Then saw leatherman started offering brown leather bought that for the extra knife (actually older than my father’s so I got an original PST out of deal lol). I told leatherman whole story and pleaded with them to revisit original design and make in USA…I’m so glad it looks like they are and now I’m going to pick up a heritage PST (or 2 - one for me one for dad) just for storage really bc who knows if they go away again…plus I’m getting a Bond and this Curl to see if I like the updates. Great review, can’t believe I didn’t see until now. Keep up the good work!

[@txtoolcrib]

Extremely professional Jon, excellent review!

[@JonGadget]

Thanks Ben, much appreciated.

[@FelixImmler]

Hello Jon. Thank you so much for this interesting review!

[@PandaCristos]

Hey, good to see you here Felix the Vic God ^^!

[@JonGadget]

Thanks Felix for the kind comment. Really appreciated.

[@marmite8959]

My two favourite multitool enthusiasts in the same comment section 💜

[@JonGadget]

@@marmite8959 🤣🤣🤣

[@maxlvledc]

Yep, I think this is easly the most comprehensive and balanced review. I'd love to know your thoughts as well Felix

[@limaball]

I was quite interested in the Curl being a much lighter more edc-able version of the wave. But the price difference is really off-putting. I was hoping it would be more like the $60 price range. For the $20 difference I might as well just carry a wave since there's not a huge different in size/weight.

[@simonh6371]

$20 difference??? Here in the UK it costs $140. For that money - or even less if you shop around - we can get a Swisstool which is superior.

[@JonGadget]

The price difference is a dilemma in the US.

[@JonGadget]

The actual cost is the dilemma in the UK!

[@colemancraig5091]

Now I practically own leathermans entire lineup at this point so ‘grain of salt here’ but another point I’d love to bring up, Is that we Americans are such consumers that we look at the non-locking implements and 2nd generation plier heads and just immediately write off the curl as old news. But as a plumber I couldn’t be happier with the tools set in the Curl. And on top of that you’re getting a genuinely pocketable design on par with most knives on the market to date… come on. That’s a win hands down to me.

[@JonGadget]

Great feedback 👍 thanks for sharing. Size and weight is the real win here for me too combined with a good tool set.

[@satinsangel1688]

This talked me out of the Wingman (because I was set on having scissors) and into the Curl! 😊

[@nathantaylor9998]

An almost perfect multi-tool in my opinion for me is my Leatherman wave+. I wish I could swap out the dedicated flat bit driver for an awl and I would like a pair of victorinox tweezers as well. I know some people mod their Leatherman so maybe one day I can add those two tools.

[@knifetrain3118]

The way I see it $20 either way isn't worth it for me here in the US. I think Leatherman is off about $20 in their pricing. If the Curl was at the $60 range US. I think they would fly out the door. I'll stick with my Wave plus with it's additional functionality.

[@BigBellyEd]

Cheap downgrade of a Wave with the same price.

[@DylanLey]

Definitely not a bad tool by any means, but I don't really see the point of it when so many other great Leatherman tools exist. Right now, I edc a Wingman and I think it's perfect for the price. If I wanted to spend more money on a Leatherman, then I'd go all out and get a Wave or a Free. The Curl wants to be a good middle ground between the Wingman and the higher end tools, but I personally think sticking with the Wingman or going all out on a higher end tool is the better move.

[@tikofthetoka5650]

The real question may be, what will they discontinue next?

[@JonGadget]

All good points Dylan.

[@nanotoj]

@@tikofthetoka5650 all Juice and squirt models are now gone. Prices are all up for everything as well.

[@waynereid6103]

Personally I wish Leathermans would quit reshuffling the pack with their questionable new tools. I would much prefer they focused on expanding the attachments range. I use a Wave regularly for bike maintenance and it's my go to tool for work around the house. Secondly and I can't sugar-coat this, the video here is not a review (full or otherwise). A review is to return to a subject for the purpose of study. You've only just opened the box and haven't used the Curl at all. It could be said you are merely assessing it's features in comparison to others. Where's the rigour? You need to get your hands dirty, then come back with at least two fingers in bandages and a tale to tell...

[@JonGadget]

Thanks for the feedback Wayne - review seems to be a regularly used term here although I agree not technically correct - 'first look' would perhaps be more accurate, although other people have seen it first so technically not accurate either. The idea was not to use it over a couple of months (I would probably call that a 'product test" and it's brand new any way) but to give my feedback on what I thought of it, who it might be for, and whether it is good value or not, based on my experience from being the biggest seller of Leatherman's in the UK for several years when I was in retail. 'Initial thoughts' could be the way to go but I am not sure that would rank very well in search!

[@waynereid6103]

@@JonGadget It is in part others misuse of the word review, that I grapple with. Often not being able to operate/understand what they have in front of them, yet they are apparently reviewing the item. I don't think you need to be the first person to use it. I do think that, through use, you can best check if Leatherman's have cut quality in pursuit of a cheaper product. Still it was an enjoyable 'capsule review' all the same.

[@JonGadget]

@@waynereid6103 It makes sense I believe to mirror the language others are using en masse to describe what is in effect 'a critical article or report' - this makes sense in relation to the toolset, price, design, materials etc. although I maintain something like 'long term test' is a more relevant phrase to describe experience of use over a period of time.

[@torstenpach2458]

Thank you very much for this insightful review. Very interesting and now I am even more glad that I ordered a Curl today. Love your background decoration, too. Keep up the great work. 🙂👍

[@dalecarr5445]

I think it has to come down at least $10 or more to be competitive. The non-locking tools are a dealbreaker for me though.

[@mulatokudzava7797]

With a saw, the Curl would be a nice EDC...

[@jimrollins4857]

Howdy from Oklahoma. Great presentation! I kinda like the shape of the Curl less bulky lookin. Thanks for the video.

[@JonGadget]

Hi Jim, I do to 👍

[@tikofthetoka5650]

I don't see saving $20 worth having less tools.

[@JonGadget]

I know - pricing will adapt I think.

[@charlesborum3910]

You can put a clip on the wave+ to

[@JonGadget]

true - adds to the cost though

[@mombasatimmy9211]

Great analysis John. I have a range of leathermans and victorinox knives and swap between them but I feel that there are two things leatherman are still doing wrong - 1. As you mentioned they need to have a non locking sub 3 inch knife option not just for the uk but for many other jurisdictions and 2. They should stop reinventing the wave and concentrate on the skeletool chassis that is already designed for weight and edc and just add a range of alternative tool options (scissors etc)

[@JonGadget]

Two great points made Timothy.

[@prh8068]

Thank you for a very helpful review. Most of my multitool use is during yard work so the lack of a saw is a major issue for me. But if they do come out with a saw version of the Curl I will certainly consider it. I currently use a Sidekick but the Curl's bit driver and awl would make it a better choice for me.

[@JonGadget]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts 👍

[@chathamh]

A saw version of the Curl would be very close to a Signal. Possibly too close for Leatherman's comfort.

[@JonGadget]

@@chathamh Interesting point - although Signal has some unique features that make it very outdoor

[@keykleen2010]

Sometimes less is more , the curl is the tool i was missing. I use my surge a lot but the curl has everything i want in a multi tool for everyday use. I can live without the replaceable wire cutters, locking tools and saw/serrated. I love that leatherman went with a standard blade, i think if it was serrated i wouldn’t have bought it. Great review 👍 RC

[@JonGadget]

Great to hear 👍 thanks for sharing.

[@jooky5]

Good to see that the curl ditched the eyeglass screwdriver-I can count on one hand how many times I’ve used the one on my wave in the past ~15 years-and opted for the premium snap sheath.

[@JonGadget]

I agree 👍

[@quinnlane7257]

I used mine today for the 3rd time in 4 years . Yeah I know what you mean. That screwdrivers saved my ass on a thermostat one night.

[@Derek-rv3ee]

Surprisingly I've used mine probably 10 times minimum in the two years I've owned my Wave. I've never used the can opener, if there's a tool to ditch...

[@michaelkulman7095]

@quinnlane7257 Yeah those tiny thermostat screws, I was happy to have my old original Supertool with me... Also I had to change a battery in my VOM and I was happy to have an old style Phillips that could go into the plastic blow molded case whick you can't do with the square truss style Phillips or the bit driver ones. So I guess I'm saying there are nuances on tool selection most don't cover, I'll also mention battery doors as another example of the "eye glass" driver isn't just for that... I do think filing down a flat bit to that size if they don't sell it is a work around as is taking a tool and putting it on a key chain, maybe even using raw SOG tools like tiny flat blade and old style Phillips if using a multitool that lacks those...

[@michaelkulman7095]

Having a tiny flat blade and old style Phillips has saved my bacon though... Yeah those tiny thermostat screws, I was happy to have my old original Supertool with me once in fire straights. Also I had to change a battery in my VOM and I was happy to have an old style Phillips that could go into the plastic blow molded case which you can't do with the square truss style Phillips or the bit driver ones. So I guess I'm saying there are nuances on tool selection most don't cover, I'll also mention battery doors as another example of the "eye glass" driver isn't just for that... I do think filing down a flat bit to that size if they don't sell it is a work around as is taking a raw tool and putting it on a key chain, maybe even using raw SOG tools like tiny flat blade and old style Phillips if using a multitool that lacks those... SOG as they sell individual tools or sure Leatherman if you can get them, find them... It's a useful easy workaround and I like to have a Phillips, a flat and a tiny flat on my keychain anyway. One might find a small tool that has those blades as well... I feel this aspect, this approach of filling in gaps isn't discussed enough...

[@Micha-bl9ie]

Great review Jon :)! I wanted to buy Wave+ but people do not realise that in Europe (in my case it's a Poland) I have to pay regular price for Wave+ over 530 zł which is $133 and the Curl cost 400 zł which is $100. I don't need saw because I carry in my backpack Victorinox Forrester and serrated blade for me is unnecessary.

[@vroom1013]

Thanks for the great review Jon. The Curl seems like the unforgotton Leatherman, but for me it looks like the ‘Goldilocks’ tool. Not too big or small, and with just the right amount of functionality. I’ve been putting off buying a Leatherman, but now I’ve seen this review I think I might just get the Curl. As an electrician, it seems like a good thing to keep in my pocket for when I’m too lazy to walk back to my tool bag!

[@michaelkulman7095]

Having a sheath based multitool or actually several I often leave it at home or in my vehicle but wish I had it with me and wish I had bought one with a pocket clip and a weight and size small enough that I'd have it with me when I needed it... I regret years ago not buying the Sideclip over the original Supertool which is great but big and sheath based, it's pretty heavy and big for a pants pocket and being bigger and better doesn't help when you leave it at home. I think the Bond and Curl fill a niche especially with pocket clips not that smaller and lighter in a sheath or in a pocket isn't good too. I think your instincts good, you'll carry it more...

[@christopherharpster9330]

I'm a sparky as well and I just bought this for myself as a Christmas gift. I was using the wingman for years but I ended up trying this out. It's coming tomorrow and I'm taking it to work with me tomorrow evening since I'm night's this month.

[@sallymonaeh]

We need a new Juice series

[@JonGadget]

Agree - I would prefer a more straight edge form personally, but size and tools could be great.

[@Firsir]

A 2020’s Juice type tool (non-locking!) would be fantastic. Can only hope leatherman listen to what so many people are saying, almost everyone seems to be a Juice fan.

[@JonGadget]

@@Firsir I hope they are - they should, be as we are free market research - a valuable resource

[@powernoodle1224]

The Curl vs. Rebar comparison may be better, irrespective of what Leatherman says. The Rebar weighs less, costs less and has much more utility in the tool set. I bought the Curl today online because I'm a Leatherman addict. But for the average person, the Rebar is the clear winner. Edited to add: I'm not a fan of the Leatherman scissors, as the Victorinox scissors are vastly superior IMO. And the bit driver I don't care for, as the 2D phillips has no reach. Another win for the Rebar. I guess it all depends on which tools make you happy.

[@GarrettRockey]

Rebar + bit adapter + Victorinox Compact = near perfect EDC tool set. All that is lacking is one-handed blade opening, if you think that is important.

[@fredperry9235]

2010s, 2020s?

[@JonGadget]

Rebar has the locking blade challenge for the UK - other than that I would agree

[@maxlvledc]

I made another mistake...it hadn't occurred to me that they would change the frame geometry. When you showed the wave next to it...the angle of the frame where it tapers away is different...

[@JonGadget]

Hi Dominic. Are you still liking it?

[@JonGadget]

Are you still liking it?

[@maxlvledc]

@@JonGadget definitely, I never liked the wingman, but I like just about everything on the curl. At $70 it's a home run in the states imo

[@JonGadget]

@@maxlvledc I am sure it will get there pretty soon - a great option at that price 👍

[@s4vi0r]

Jon, As always, his impartial analyzes are surprising for the richness of details and observations of some things that for a moment go unnoticed by a common user. Congratulations again and I would like to see a comparison of Leatherman Curl versus Victorinox Spirit. A big hug from the fans in Brazil and see you soon!

[@JonGadget]

Thank you Sávio, really appreciated. Spirit X is a great tool, will def. review at some point. And greetings to Brazil 😊

[@BigBellyEd]

The video very thoroughly explains the new Leatherman. I think it’s a great video. Thank you

[@colemancraig5091]

Awesome video! First video of yours that I’ve seen and absolutely loved it, instant fan. Great point of view and as an American I’d honestly love to hear an unadulterated U.K. users point of view on these tools. With such a wide variance in our knife laws I’d love to see some of these manufacturers step up to bat in creating a tool that can perform equally across markets so to speak. That seems like a real challenge for them at this point. Point of reference for me would be the Spyderco Urban leaf and U.k. Pen knife… both phenomenal knives for any user hands down.

[@JonGadget]

Thanks for the great feedback - sorry for the delay in replying. I will do a short review on the SpyderCo UKPK which as you say is a great knife.

[@kingfan335]

Excellent review! Thank you. Greetings from Germany.

[@JonGadget]

Thank you and Güten Tag 😊

[@kingfan335]

@@JonGadget 😁Dankeschön

[@JohnnyJuke]

Leatherman is struggling for new ideas. The best ones are the ones we have modified.

[@JonGadget]

A lot will agree with this!

[@j.m.youngquist419]

I would really like to see them. Make a tool based on a Crescent Wrench

[@jasonjulian1]

Another great evaluation, Jon! But let us not forget that a pocket clip is assisting avaliable for the Wave, it's not relegated to only sheath carry. Although that's an additional cost to be considered.

[@JonGadget]

good point - although too heavy and bulky to pocket carry for me

[@festol1]

03:30 Entire video in 3 seconds: "A cheaper Wave". End.

[@KungFuTweety1]

Designed for an urban environment basically... great review

[@JonGadget]

I would say so 👍

[@kevola5739]

You are correct that belt carrying the Curl can cause the tool to open. If you right pocket carry the Curl the tool will remain closed. This cannot be said of the Wave with a pocket carry clip. The Wave can open in your pocket unless you carry the tool in your left pocket. Therefore it seems the Curl could open if carried in your left pocket. Something for the left handed edc crowd to consider. The Wave may be the better pocket carry option for left handers.

[@JonGadget]

Interesting observation - thanks for sharing.

[@ewenrobertson1724]

Hey Jon. Any plans to review Gerber multi tools?

[@JonGadget]

Hi Ewen, yes, certainly when it fits the content - just done one now as part of Micro review.

[@alanc4264]

Hi Jon. Great review of the Curl but also the overall view of the Leatherman options. I don't any Leatherman knives and being in the UK I am careful about the locking blade feature. If the Leatherman Wave was non-locking I would consider buying one as I prefer the saw blade. I have a range of Victorinox knives and have now taken out of my hiking kit the one and only locking blade Victorinox knife and replaced it with a small non-locking. Sad I had to do this, I did it erring on the side of legal caution as often when I finish a hike (my reason to carry) I go to the supermarket on the way home (no good reason to carry.)

[@JonGadget]

Thanks for the feedback Alan - I carry the Huntsman when hiking and like you - being based in the UK - I'm not confident to go bigger or locking.

[@timupright3776]

Brilliant tool set and ergo’s and clip but too expensive for me at £100. Thanks for the video 👍🏽

[@BigBellyEd]

The wave Has a attachable clip aswell

[@timupright3776]

@@BigBellyEd for an extra charge as well

[@BigBellyEd]

@@timupright3776 Doesnt anyone care about the lanyard ring on the tools?

[@JonGadget]

It is steep in the UK

[@JonGadget]

I don't really use a lanyard on bigger tools but I know some that do.

[@phillipgatelein8591]

Enjoyed this review

[@calvarymcguire6075]

Another great video Johnathan. I'm a roofer in West Virginia and your reviews always help me get the best gear, thanks again

[@JonGadget]

thanks for the comment - apologies for slow response

[@aspitofmud6257]

I loved the wave so much I bought 4 of them back when they first came out. One of the first with one handed opening as in my other hand I would have what I needed to to cut. My favorite Leatherman was the charge tti with a S30v blade and titanium scales. Also a threaded awl was the bomb that just made it the greatest tool I've owned. The surge is a close second. I still had to carry a victorinox for the scissors to trim my whiskers. Leatherman scissors were always terrible at that task.

[@woodentulike2no]

I like the permanent clip of the Curl much better. And the Awl is a wonderful versatile tool. Excellent review Sir! Your backdrop is magnificent!

[@JonGadget]

😊 thank you - it's been my office at home for several years but works well for KZbin 👍

[@ELaster1]

Another great one Sir 😊 A slightly different perspective I suggest when thinking about "budget" gear is this: Don't come from expensive (Wave) to cheap (Curl), go from cheap (Wingman) to expensive (Curl). If someone is shopping for budget, considering the Curl is already a +20$ leap. Thus the wave is actually a +40$ leap, which probably means it's out of the equation. In my opinion this slightly different approach compliments the Curl even more. By the way, will we ever see a video about the shelves behind? 😄

[@simonh6371]

Weird, here in the UK the Curl costs the same as the Wave+ (£100 / $140)

[@JonGadget]

Good feedback Eyal - the Wave focus was really because LM linked it in their marketing messaging - but I follow your point. Ah, the shelves - yes - might need another mini-series for that one - as it will trigger talking about my retail past - might not suit everyone who wants to see reviews - I shall definitely consider this though.

[@JonGadget]

yes - but the Wave cost £135 inc. VAT (Curl £100 inc. VAT) - the purchased tax is the killer in the UK.

[@simonh6371]

@@JonGadget Wave is £100 from Blacks, free delivery. Wave Plus can be found for £105. Both incl. VAT

[@JonGadget]

@@simonh6371 Blacks do seem to offer good LM prices in the UK

[@Phyxsius_85]

Personally, I think they could have done the same as wave, only in a slightly smaller format. Of course, replace the small screwdriver with an awl. I don't see how anyone would replace the Wave with this at that price

[@zripster]

That is what they did. They made it smaller by removing less used tools, no other way to reduce size, and replace the driver with the awl. For $30 less i can see a lot of people choosing this over a wave if they don't see a use in the added saw or serrated blade.

[@stephenmackey4571]

Wave all day long due to price.

[@simonh6371]

Why have you calculated the price here in the UK minus VAT??? We all have to pay VAT so that's irrelevant. At the current exchange rate, the Curl comes out just shy of $140. The Wave is actually available for that too (£100) and Swisstool Xs can be had for less, or Spirit XCs for the same! With a leather pouch!

[@JonGadget]

When comparing with the US I usually show UK prices not including VAT to get a fair comparison - both Countries have to pay purchase tax as you will be aware but it varies in the US so I can't include it. So to get a direct like-for-like comparison I have to show both less tax. List price (I tend to quote that too for pricing) on the Wave in the UK is £135 (inc.VAT) - so price difference of Curl vs Wave is £35 (incl. tax) in UK. I have a Spirit X and it's great!

[@jacksonhamlett6490]

The reason I decided to go with the curl, is that it is 30 dollars cheaper than the wave (USA 2024), and I’ve carried the surge and I have never needed the saw, the only reason I’ve used the serrated blade is because I happened to be opening it left handed and that’s the blade on that side, I’ve never needed a micro screw driver, and I use the awl all the time for scraping and even occasionally for some very basic leather work, so the curl has all the tools I want, none of the tools I don’t want, and it’s cheaper. Also the included pocket clip is a big plus. The reason I switched to the curl is after years of carrying I finally got tired of the bulk and weight of the surge. The difference in bulk and weight is incredible. Being an American, I carry my gun in my right pocket (don’t worry it’s in a holster) so I carry both my phone and a leatherman in my left pocket, so getting my phone out was a hassle. So far I love the curl.

[@KoenMiseur]

In Belgium it's a €50 difference (€150 vs €100) so it think that does help. I've ordered one together with a Wave+ (after using a Wave for the last 16 years and just broke the file (I will get it replaced but I also want a Wave+).

[@JonGadget]

good stuff

[@michaelkulman7095]

As far as UK friendly tools I have some comments as many look at the Bond for this reason. Besides the Bond consider: In the UK a blade-less multitool seems like it would be appealing. I mean a bunch of locking tools and you can just carry any non- locking knife you like maybe a SAK Compact if your tool doesn't have scissors for example or a SAK Walker if your multitool doesn't have a saw, or a SAK Waiter so you can open a beer or bottle of wine without getting a bigger tool out... There is still a tool-less Rebar and there used to be a tool-less Fuse or get a SOG and just remove the knife, replace it with something else if you wish as they sell individual impliments. If you could find a Leatherman Leap it allows you to remove the knife and is lightweight... Also there was a Leatherman Kick that had no locking blades including the knife and some (few) had pocket clips (sold separately). It just had screwdrivers, a knife and of course and plier head but it was light. Speaking of old tools if one could find a PST, PST 2, Sideclip, or even a Gerber MPT (copy of PST) they'd all work in the UK I believe. So I hope I gave you some UK friendly ideas to ponder...

[@kettchuk918]

Is it a tool or an office gadget? What are you using scissors on when there’s a blade, especially when they’re that small?

[@JonGadget]

I find there are a lot of situations where scissors are much better at certain tasks.

[@kettchuk918]

@@JonGadget such as? Office/craft based tasks notwithstanding

[@tenchraven]

I would compare it to the Wave and Rebar, but also to the Victorinox Mountaineer. Lg/sm blade/awl, scissors/hook, file, opener-drivers/corkscrew. With the Curl, you have a higher cost, the proprietary bit driver, and a single, locking blade.

[@JonGadget]

Thanks for the feedback Kevin. Would be good to bring a Vic into the mix. So many variables!

[@yeahright5285]

The pocket clip adds another 10 dollars easy to the cost of the wave

[@michaelkulman7095]

As far as pocket clip friendly this Curl and the Bond seem the most comfortable while still being good multitools for the size and weight but 200 grams for a curl. 189.9 grams for Rebar. Knifeless Rebar, 177 grams. Anybody have ideas about how to add a pocket clip to a Rebar or even a good hook to the lanyard loop? Rebar is light and has locking tools so it's tempting and there is a knifeless version for someone in the UK who can carry a separate knife as a workaround. Germany can use the Rebar as it is I believe... Anyone have ideas for a pocket clip or hook?

[@teapeabartle4046]

£99.95 is a bit pricy!

[@JonGadget]

I agree!

[@simonh6371]

Yes I agree, actually you can pick up a Wave Plus for that, or a Swisstool if you shop around.

[@claudiozaccur815]

Thank You very much for this review! I have no doubt that the Leatherman Curl is the more functional and comfortable to use it indoor / outdoor and I'm sure that's a good choice for me. CZ, Rio de Janeiro BR

[@JonGadget]

you're welcome

[@Freddy-Da-Freeloadah]

HEY! That's my knife! I may add the Surge saw, as the file is not too useful. Or a wingman scissors! The pocket clip was my reason for buying the Curl, because the clip for my Wave broke TWICE! IMHO

[@jack.charlesc4750]

I had great expectation 😤 but pricing , scissors quality , the well seen issue of the clip 👏 non locking tools this one is better than the bond but I will stick to my combo... compact sak in pocket and rebar in my jacket/bag like that I have the best of both world

[@JonGadget]

Thanks for sharing Jack - makes sense 👍

[@fc436]

In Italy and Spain Is no difference for lockable blade and NOT lockable Blades. Boths Need a justificable reason to Carry out of home. It Means that out of a bar on saturday night you cant Carry any leatherman or knife. But if you go to an excursión on the Mountain or to the job in your truck, you can Carry a lockable leatherman and a unlockable leatherman. Depend on waht the policeman that stop you think about. If It Is a solid reason Is ok..if not he confiscate the tool and denounce you at The judicial autority for illegal carring of a Blade.

[@Adam-s7y4g]

Hi, I have the Curl now,,, and the Arc. Id get the Curl. I've compared all reviews,,, Curls the best. For many reasons. Cheers

[@hitchpost5822]

I have to say your reviews are very complete 👍 It seems like for the european market Leatherman should have considered doing away with the locking blade. I live in the U.S. so it is not an issue I have two versions of the wave my favorite multi tool. I wish they had put an awl on them also.

[@JonGadget]

Thanks for the feedback 😊 Yes, the locking blade does limit the European appeal!

[@ccooper8040]

A tool that is needed is a blade for opening plastic packages. The Gerber Dime has one and is used often. Much safer than a blade ‐ Emergency Room visit.

[@clikerzbot]

Leatherman the brand i liked but cant afford 😂 that is why i bought the chinese nextool instead.

[@JonGadget]

There is no doubt the competition is very affordable.

[@Davidg368]

I love the toolset it has everything I use and nothing I don't on my surge..im hoping to see more in this category not really a minimalist tool or tool box approach but kind of the middle hopefully they will make more in this category...im glad to see the microdiver switch for the awl my tought if you use a micro driver there are plenty of Keychain options .. I do wish all the tools locked.. I think this category of tool could get more people to carry a standerd duty mutitool that previously wouldn't I find theres alot of people that if the wave was a little thinner they would carry one ..this tool is perfect for me but I think this tool and hopefully future category is the get people who don't carry a 4 inch sized mutitool tool to take the step

[@JonGadget]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts - I am sure those reading will appreciate them.

[@apelsin19]

Great review as always 👍 . I have a supertool 300 that I have been using more or less every day for 10 years, the curl is definitely going to replace it now. I was going for a swiss tool of some sort, due to the size and toolset. But the one hand access and one hand folding not to forget and the additional tools and pocket clip... This is a winner... Thank you for helping me decide 😁

[@JonGadget]

Good to know the review was useful 👍

[@ethancale2335]

I've watched a couple of your videos and i find you to be the best at reviewing products by compairing them to other leathermans and i really like that you do the research for my it seems and i am grateful for your imformational videos about each tool you review

[@JonGadget]

🙏 thank you for the kind comments

[@hackleberrym]

Tbh the wave isn't that bulky in my opinion. I carry it everyday for four years now and I don't really notice it in my trousers.

[@JonGadget]

Everyone else does though 🤣🤣🤣

[@insatiable_mind]

Serrated knife is useless imho. A saw is nice but one of that size is a last resort and a file, as an outdoorsman, can sharpen a hatchet or ax and can help shape wood tools carved with the knife.

[@Stoater1]

That was an excellent review. I have a Wave but it is an earlier one with non changeable plier cutters. I also have the Skeletool the more expensive one with the C/F bits and the better steel.

[@JonGadget]

thanks for sharing

[@N7Tigger]

Shopping around for a Leatherman right now. Best prices I've found are £60 for the Bond, £120 for the Wave+ and £100 for the Curl. Not worth it for me. Any more than about £85 and I'd just upgrade to the Wave+. But besides a wobbly knife with an easy fix I honestly like the Bond better than both.

[@johnelder4273]

40 grams is what 1 1/2 ounce? The Wave is by far the better buy and the better tool.

[@j.m.youngquist419]

Hey, Leatherman, how about a tool based on a Crescent wrench 🔧 I know you would sell a whole lot of them.

[@RafaRodriguezOfficial]

Really appreciate the price breakdown and and value proposition analysis you provided, this is something often overlooked in most review channels.

[@JonGadget]

Thanks for the feedback Rafa.

[@rabadabadoo491]

You're spot on about the micro driver. Why don't they just make one that fits the bit driver 🤔

[@JonGadget]

It's a mystery!

[@greaser319]

It's like wingman 2.0, what if wingman was made in wave's form

[@michaelkulman7095]

Great point on the belt clip carry versus pocket clip carry between this and old Sideclip model. I hadn't thought of how they oriented things differently and I was naive to that. I agree that at some point one has to say just because they have a pocket clip on something doesn't mean most would want to pocket clip carry it. So you seem to be saying that if one wants a pocket clip carry tool with an outside one handed locking blade get this and if you don't need a blade like that get the Bond for pocket carry I guess? Or what other options do you see as viable for pocket clip carry?

[@strikenryken]

Skeletool.

[@insanogeddon]

No extra outside tools to wrongly choose and an actually useful REAL file unlike the SAK and Gerber plagerisms. The combo tool/can opener can be touched up and have a hole drilled to make it a package opener/sewing awl/punch. Then could swap the awl with a Blade Exchanger for a saw et al.

[@lefizz55]

Same price as the Spirit X here in Spain, less tools, only the blade locking. Victorinox wins this and my purchase. Honestly I've had 3 Leatherman tools over the last 30 years however in Europe they've simply got too greedy.

[@solidaudioTV]

Thanks for your helpful reviews. Would you consider doing a video on the Leatherman Rebar? It looks to me like the best compromise from Leatherman in terms of cost and capabilities, but of course different strokes for different folks. Best Regards from Oregon! ~David

[@DonzLockz]

You explain everything so well in your video's and that is really appreciated. The weight is an easy winner for me with the Curl.🍻😎

[@lefizz55]

You point out the wingman is 20 less, of course at release it was a cheap tool. I paid €45, now it's 80. As I said Leatherman has got greedy and a bit lazy with their design.

[@roundtheloopandback]

It's important to note that the wave doesn't have replaceable cutters either only the wave+ does (which is a constant source of annoyance to me), this to me looks a bit like a chopped down wave rather than wave plus, still that's no bad thing, still can only carry a bond in the UK though :(

[@wildweasel8564]

Thorough review! As a contractor in the Middle East I had an annual stipend for clothing and field equipment which included a multi-tool. My first year out I purchased a Skeletool w/bit kit which was close to perfect for everyday carry and repairing electronics with a variety of 'exotic' fasteners. My second year I purchased a Wave+ and the third a Surge. While more capable the Wave+ and Surge were just too bulky for everyday carry and I found myself going back to the Skeletool, if I needed a heavier tool I would go to my tool bag for a full size tool.

[@WarRadish]

Great video. Nice presentation and all points well discusses and argued. Just watching few of your "back catalogue" after subbing.

[@dunc5]

Great review but I feel everyone is missing the elephant in the room , Leatherman went for non locking tools but locking blades , how great would it have been if they went for non locking blades but locking tools , that would be a UK EDC game changer

[@JonGadget]

great comment 👍

[@thedewdster]

blades that don't lock are dangerous... Would the UK allow a slip joint for the blade or would they consider that locking?

[@JonGadget]

Hi @@thedewdster slip joint is fine in the UK and the default over here for legal carry (as long as blade length does not exceed 3")

[@zeptepiantraveller]

Thank you for another excellent & concise review👍 I'm considering purchasing the Curl, when the price drops a bit. I own the original Wave & the Micra, and a few Victorinox knives, (Mini Champ 58mm, Farmer X Alox 93mm, Outrider 111mm, Ranger Grip 58 Hunter 130mm).

[@mattconklin4026]

Aren't you over in the UK? If so not interested in your videos

[@josenapolesjr]

Exactly what i want! Lost my old wave and rebar.

[@JonGadget]

Great!

[@j.m.youngquist419]

I really like how concise you are with your reviews. You have helped me make my mind up on which muti tool to choose. Thank you. 😊

[@chrisgibson6810]

I'd love to see a version of this with a non locking blade sub 3 inch. That would be a perfect edc for me

[@clodvonclout]

Great review! I agree that the reason for me considering this tool and watching the vid is because i am indeed looking for a lighter alternative than the wave. The free P2 did not make the cut for me because of the puny file and no diamond.

[@JonGadget]

I do like the Curl also check out the Skeletool or if you need more functionality compare the Rebar.

[@clodvonclout]

@@JonGadget thanks! I got the original wave been using it for 20 years now and looking for something to replace it. Cant find the one. I like the bond philip screw driver better as it can reach deep recessed spaces. Wanted outside locking deploying knives as they are much more usable and a diamond file (this should have been made standard on all files). Then the tiny flat driver of original wave is the tool i use the most. The curl may be the best tool that may do it right now. Not quite there yet but have been itching to buy another leatherman for so long. I wish they made a rebar with a diamond file that is already the perfect tool for me. And if they make the knife outside deploying. That's the one for me

[@JonGadget]

@@clodvonclout everyone has their own perfect solution! check out the GOAT tool for the ultimate choice!

[@Sparky02Stang]

The curl would be perfect at $60 or $65 I believe

[@JonGadget]

Yes, ideal 👍

[@05generic]

That was a great review. I, however, am put off by Leatherman's pricing of late. The Wingman as an example started off at about $25-30 US, and now it has about doubled. $60 for that level of quality seems ridiculous to me. It causes me to really regret that the competition can not or will not up their game enough to be serious competitors. Victorinox is fairly competitive but their prices are about the same. Arg!

[@TruthAndTattoos]

The price of steel has skyrocketed in the US,, & they're passing that cost onto the consumer.

[@JonGadget]

I think we are all going to be seeing some serious inflation

[@05generic]

@@JonGadget You're probably right. Our world looks like it's going sideways, like a loony bin with the inmates in charge.

[@JonGadget]

@@05generic sounds like a Pink Floyd lyric!

[@themikelee]

Leatherman's definition of "affordable" has changed a lot. When the Wingman launched, it retailed for $24 ($28 when adjusted for ten years of inflation).

[@TXMAC]

Replaceable plier jaws are worth $20 easily

[@JonGadget]

true I would say

[@randomescu]

this isnt the perfect tool for me just because is slip joint. thanks for the review.

[@miguelmal]

Great review! Thanks for your insight on this one

[@JonGadget]

🙏

[@j.m.youngquist419]

I personally prefer that the tools lock

[@mrhyde6600]

So we’re just going to ignore that this is a Wave with a few less features…..

[@JonGadget]

....and a bit of a lower cost - but not much! It is less bulky though and that I like!

[@mrhyde6600]

@@JonGadget is the Wave really that bulky? I feel like Leatherman have really let themselves down here. Should be making a better addition to the P series. Not a baby Wave.

[@JonGadget]

@@mrhyde6600 I agree, I'd like to see more innovation

[@mrhyde6600]

@@JonGadget they spent how many years? 2 since their last proper release? Just to manufacture a dumbed down version of something we already had. Frustrating.

[@JW-2001]

Great review I vote drop file add saw.

[@JonGadget]

You are not alone, hopefully there will be a choice in the future.

[@davidgiles9751]

Excellent review - very thorough.

[@JonGadget]

Thanks David 👍