Leatherman Raptor Response

The Leatherman Raptor shears have had a redesign. In this video we will look at some of the key differences between the new Raptor Response compared to the original version of this tool. We'll talk about the size, weight, materials, and configuration among other things.
Leatherman Raptor Response - amzn.to/2YjQr7h
Leatherman Raptor Rescue - amzn.to/2YhgEmQ
Leatherman Amazon Store - amzn.to/3ucLo5D

[@DylanLey]

Instead of making the response, they should've just updated the original Raptor (Rescue) with the better handles and finish on the shears. I can definitely appreciate the upgrades with the Response, but I personally wouldn't trade that for losing the rescue tools and holster (and only saving $10!). Update: I just checked Leatherman's site and the cost of a replacement Raptor holster is $15. The Raptor Response loses the holster AND rescue tools, and yet you only save $10...

[@dasta7658]

I agree 100% I would have bought this in a heart beat if it had the same tools and holster. My only complaint with the original Raptor is the comfort level with the handles.

[@SuperMIKevin]

exactly!!!

[@GinEric84]

Yeah because I scarcely go a day without smashing a window or killing out a strap cutting on my $100 shears to cut something

[@Teabagz4fun]

I definitely don’t think the Response are worth what you get for 10$ less. I’ve had the original Raptor and being in a shore area, the rust issue is terribly real. (And if you take them apart, the securing tabs don’t go back properly.)

[@alecvemdahl9913]

but you get a polished tool

[@ACR045]

That was definitely my biggest complaint was the rust resistance with the original. Got caught in the rain with these on my belt in the holster and I didn’t get them dry in time. I actually contacted Leatherman and they want them back and are going to replace them. Solid review!! 💪🏻

[@w8lvradio]

I'm an ex EMT, long before the "raptor" was invented, and I'm an RN now, almost retired. We used to use a spring loaded centre punch to break windows, and we made a duct tape "handle" on the window glass to pull it outward. That might sound like it's long and laborious as a task, but with TRAINING, it's not, and you can do it in seconds. IMO the spring loaded center punch is best. Someone needs to make a pair of scissors and combine it with a spring loaded center punch. And there are still occasional tanks without the handle thingies so you need the Oxygen Wrench. The ring cutter needs a curve to it, like a regular ring cutter tool does. And if needs to be"deeper" and beefed up a bit for some of harder metals that some rings are made of today. Put all of that in a tool today, and you've got something. And it needs to be affordable on an EMT/RN/Paramedic budget. Just my take. Meanwhile, I've got the Chinese knockoff of the old style raptor in the center console of both of my cars, along with a small roll of duct tape, and a pair of outdoor work gloves. I've never cursed a tool that was a cheaper version and yet got me out of a "situation" on the road, so there's that in the glovebox, and a cheap set of Harbor Freight tools in the trunk. There's also a basic first aid kit. EVERY car needs these things. Otherwise, you and anyone else that you might need to rescue are SOL, because if you think that you are Okie Dokie with just a bumper jack and a spare tire or inflation kit, you are just kidding yourself. Be Prepared. And SUPER FINALLY: A POCKET TOOL should be able to fit IN YOUR POCKET, and while lottle hands can fit into LARGE handles, BIG HANDS (OR ANY HANDS WEARING GLOVES!) can't fit into Small handles! I wear size 8 1/2 SURGICAL gloves, and im not the only one! And I'm left handed!

[@Ice_Berg]

I've always kind of wanted to get a Raptor, but never needed one enough to actually commit to it. I'm glad I never did, because the Response seems like a better fit for me. I don't have any real need for a rescue or medical tool, I just wanted a bombproof pair of scissors I could fit in my pocket or a small bag easier, and the Response seems much better suited to that. The sheath, strap cutter, and glass breaker weren't things I needed, and the polished steel, aluminum handles, and shorter length all seem like a pretty significant upgrades for general purpose use.

[@Ukraine-is-Corrupt]

If Leatherman is reading my (this) comment --> you should consider engaging Ben (the channel owner), as a consultant Design Engineer across your entire product range

[@robertdufour2456]

Every review is always thorough. Thank you so much. I look forward to reach presentation.

[@singingtoad]

I like that you have both the original and the new version here side by side, Ben. It makes for good comparison review. Thanks.

[@dayanhuang]

Very informative. I was debating on which Letterman to get, this is the exact info I was looking for!! Thank you!!!

[@JonGadget]

Great review Ben 👍 Hope you're well. I like the smaller form factor but would miss the glass breaker and strap cutter too much if I was in the emergency services i think.

[@daveN2MXX]

When you work for an EMS agency or trauma/ED, you often have to lend your shears to a colleague while you are performing another task. These would walk so quickly.... I have never seen anyone carrying these.

[@mingshey]

The designers must have assumed raptor to be general issue item. If everybody had one, no worry of runaway scissors

[@dasta7658]

At work I use a cheap pairs of throw away trauma shears because our policy is anything with containments on it goes in the waste bag. I have the Raptor in my personal vehicle trauma kit because I have had cheap pairs of shears fail on me and I'm not prepared to carry several pairs. I agree, if I used the Raptor at work it would probably 'disappear'.

[@LKS-1976]

I'm a paramedic in an urban area of the northeast, we all have em. That said, I don't lend my shears out. Lol.

[@littlejackalo5326]

Engrave your name in them. Or spend the $10 and take it to a place that engraves firearms. I don't know what kind of people you work with, but I lend mine out all the time, lend out my flashlight (a fairly expensive Surefire), and my knife (which is also pretty expensive), and I've never had an issue.

[@alcmantyrtaeus]

My old unit had a motor t section and some Gerber multitools were among the sections tools. They would walk off for awhile and get returned when they had a major inventory and people would find they forgot them in their uniform pockets. My buddy who worked in the section joked it was the one piece of gear that you could never find.

[@muhsinbustillo]

Awesome mate have been waiting for this vid 🙏🏽 Would be great to see leatherman update their classic tools in a proper functional way.

[@thealchemist5376]

Yes! Been waiting for this one, looking forward to hearing your thoughts and opinions.

[@bajamedic]

I have worn raptors every day of work since they were released, they are the only tool that ever made it on my belt.

[@watchncarry9593]

Another great video. Appreciate the in-depth comparison. 🙏👊👍 I can see the appeal of the response, though in theory, i prefer the rescue. My one qualm is the lack of a sheath. I really hate when Leatherman does things like this: selling the pocket clip, holster, case separately.

[@MrQuackism]

I enjoy your explanation and video.

[@skyemac8]

Interesting. The cheapest super shears I’ve used for 30+ years as a paramedic NEVER rusted. Autoclaves to clean or other wise. Aluminum. Thanks for the review.

[@GinEric84]

One pair lasted you 30 years? Where can I get some?

[@GMMStrat3]

Great video again! Still perplexed by Leatherman's current pricing and design schemes though...

[@TRDGE]

I was an EMT using the original Raptor shears back in the day and it really made sense. I did have complaints with the rusting since we constantly purple topped and disinfected them per patient so seeing Leatherman update the steel was great. However, now as an ER nurse... I was disappointed to know that it's still about the same weight as the originals. They should have made them lighter as a stronger overall shear. It sounds absurd but it weighs on you for 12 hours when running from room to room.

[@edgaraquino2324]

Hello, Ben - great review - I like the Rescue as my orientation is ER....if it wasn't, the Rescue offers more options and the sheath for $10 more...also, your review of the Rescue awhile ago was the icing on the cake...thanks!

[@brandonmtrujillo]

Really nice video thanks

[@joedart2932]

Here in Nor-Cal we comlain a lot about the droughts, fires and especially the politics but at least rust isn't usually an issue 😂 great review!

[@hvacbudget8600]

Another great review!

[@chrisfyfe9212]

Good review , as always !

[@jnsky1249]

I have both the original Raptor and the Response now. First impression of the Response was disappointed in Leatherman's quality control again. I have ordered three times in the last couple of years and was shocked at the almost used looking condition in which they arrived from their own warehouse. On the Repsonse the shiney finish was grimy and scratched. The blades on these seem to be loose, or have play in them. I tried to tighten with a torx to no avail. Also, if you look closely, the belt clip interferes with the handles more. I might take off the clip because it just seems to hit my hand when I use them. I thought I would like these better than I do and was looking forward to a smaller version but not thrilled.

[@rickfoley5596]

Great review as always, funny though I found the orginal much more comfortable to use especially when cutting through tough material. The difference may be in hand size. I wear an extra large glove.

[@tinglydingle]

This is the kind of comment I'm looking for. I have big hands as well, so not sure about getting an updated but smaller tool.

[@kennogawa6638]

Great review.

[@allsport916]

Excellent review.

[@simonkraukamp6470]

I really enjoyed your review and I'd have too agree that a sheath or pouch would be useful. However as a lefty I would like to see items like this being used ambidextrously.

[@user-mv4cb3dj2m]

you can use the Raptor Rescue (original) with both hands. i’ve to sometimes switch hands to cut through tougher materials…

[@shidoin5398]

I use ballistol on all of my leatherman tools, no rust problems

[@mingshey]

I see I’m not the only one expecting your comparison between those Raptors and Xshear.

[@Streamtronics]

Have you tried to fit the Raptor Response into the sheath of the Raptor Rescue? It probably won't fit when folded up, but maybe when unfolded? Just the tip

[@tacticaltroy]

🙋 From Corpus Christi! Just found your channel. Sheath/pouch: Your right with the amount of molding options (cost effective) out there I believe they fumbled. I've seen em in package only and wonder if they would fit in a G.I. issue compass pouch as an impromptu option. Thanks for your content. 👍

[@benl.ofthegamecatarmy]

Thanks for the review! I might have been okay with losing one of those tools or not having the case but with all three and only saving 10$ the Response is a hard pass for me

[@Bit2brain]

8:57 And it works great to cut clamshell packaging.

[@greekveteran2715]

Please,is the ring cutter able to cut fence wire? thanks

[@stevethomas6591]

A great review that only has one thing that concerns me. As a Lefty it looks like the thumb hole machined to be smooth for only right handed users. I would like to know if what appears to be a rub point, for left handed users, is there or is it just the way it looks?

[@markescartin6613]

Hopefully Leatherman will be smart enough to market both these only with improvements including a kydex sheath or a soft case for the response.

[@cocinandoporherencia2924]

Where do you get the all black one, I can’t find them on your links

[@thealchemist5376]

Thanks for the review. Would a cut test be possible? I'm not that impressed with the Raptor Rescue shears. I find I have to shim up the gap on the handle side of the pivot to prevent the shears from spreading apart, then it cuts fine. Perhaps this issue has been addressed in the Raptor Response? I'd also have liked aluminium handles on the original raptor, but it's clearly clever marketing by Leatherman, not giving consumers everything they want in one package, instead forcing them to buy multiple versions and making more profit in the process, oh well.

[@JUDGERAMBO]

Watching Ocean Conservation Namibia got me wanting one.

[@herbieainsworth4793]

love the older model

[@geoastrorv2457]

Most medical staff will not put this on their belt. They will remove the belt clip and pocket carry. They also enjoy that it is autoclave-safe compared to the Rescue. I'm not in the medical field and still picked up a pair of the Response. My biggest complaint about any shears or scissors is that they are too small for my hand. The response is a great fit. I am glad it is not sold directly with a belt case. I took the pocket clip off and found it fits nicely in a LM large five-pocket sheath. I like to pocket carry my Charge Plus, so that configuration balances on my belt really well.

[@daveN2MXX]

You are correct...these are for weekend warriors.

[@GinEric84]

Per Leatherman it is NOT to be put in an autoclave

[@geoastrorv2457]

@@GinEric84 The Leatherman Rapture Rescue could not be placed in autoclave because of the handle material. Are you sure the Response can not?

[@GinEric84]

@@geoastrorv2457 I assumed it could too, I sent them a message saying I assume they are autoclavable and for a reply back saying no. It makes no sense to me and maybe I was told that in error, I don't see any reason why it couldn't be autoclaved. I say go for it and if it fucks it up send it in for warranty

[@geoastrorv2457]

@@GinEric84 Thank you.

[@christianwilliams1690]

I've been with Tytek Pirahna shears for about 6 months now. Only about $10, do everything these fancier ones can do, and a lighter weight, just a less premium finish. Don't think I'll be 'upgrading' any time soon.

[@destinationbushcraft1833]

Your way of speaking, makes me feel that you are a gentleman and a scallop!

[@brandenp1187]

Response seems like a better daily user and rescue seems like a better emergency tool.

[@bdogg20101]

Hopefully with this new model, it solves the rust problem.

[@clee9190]

As a paramedic I wish they had a case and kept the window breaker. The strap cutter is pointless because you have the shears to cut seat belts and straps .

[@logtothebase2]

would have been good to see how they cut through denim and some heavy duty nylon braid

[@chrisfyfe9212]

I suspect I’ll be buying a Responce . I’ve schleped a Rescue for years , three of those , I was a Job Super. , doing a lot of first aid .

[@pjdenzer]

have you tried the x-shear?

[@rmsg7504]

Thanks for the rust info on the original Raptor. I need to check my bag! The ring cutter works, at least on silver rings. Had to cut the Wife's ring off when her finger swelled up suddenly.

[@Tom-uj4uf]

Response features vs Rescue: - more compact but thicker when closed - polished blades (more rust resistant) - doesn't come with sheath - different grip (more comfortable) - no glass breaker - no seatbelt cutter - same length of blades - same ruler - both have oxygen wrench - both have ring cutters - same price This is just for me, to decide later which one of them I wil buy.

[@alexleon619]

Спасибо за видеоролик. Полезный. Ваш подписчик. С уважением ! Thanks for the video. Useful. Your subscriber. Sincerely yours !

[@maxlvledc]

Had there been a soft case that would have allowed storage...I would have said fine...but the lack of glass breaker is the biggest loss. Not worth it. Too many negatives AND thicker...which does make it more comfortable but it looks THICK (how thick?)

[@GinEric84]

How many times have you broke a window?

[@maxlvledc]

@@GinEric84 lol, how many times have you cut an artery in a limb? Is that going to stop you from carrying a tourniquet?

[@GinEric84]

@@maxlvledc So, never. You are envisioning a fantasy land scenario where you will be in a vehicle so damaged that you can't open the doors but the windows are magically still unbroken AND you have your glass breaker within reach. Don't hold your breath waiting for that to happen

[@GinEric84]

@@maxlvledc if you meant to ask me, "how many times have I used a tourniquet?" The answer is dozens

[@maxlvledc]

@@GinEric84 totally fair..but I'd rather still have it then not if it doesn't impact the rest of the tool. The seat belt cutter isn't the end of the world but at least a Glass breaker offers something different. For me it's less about escape and more about getting into another car if necessary. I've actually seen a parent lock their kid in a car by accident with the keys inside in 100 degree weather. Was a tense 15min waiting for someone to come.

[@dtinh182]

Mine comes in next week cant wait to try it out. Who won the victorinox

[@txtoolcrib]

I will draw for it tonight. I just got home from a road trip last night.

[@iamfuckingyourwaifuandther2743]

Dang, I feel like I missed a good deal. I could have gotten these for $50 before they were announced in a local store that put them on the shelves too early, LOL. I didn't know the handles were aluminum, otherwise I would have picked them up. I just thought they were a lesser version of the raptors, so I overlooked them.

[@HBSuccess]

Your screen name is offensive. Kids and women read these comments - grow up.

[@iamfuckingyourwaifuandther2743]

@@HBSuccess I hope I grow up to be just like you.

[@tracythompson1692]

can you not cut straps with scissors, better than strap cutter?

[@GinEric84]

Yes, yes you can. Goobers have a bizzare fixation with strap cutters

[@bigholli8449]

I carry a pair of raptors. I don’t know why they couldn’t use normal Allen or hex head so I could tighten everything up.

[@marqueA2]

The shears handles on the Response look incredibly uncomfortable for left-handed users. I can just imagine that big ol' bump grinding right into my palm.

[@brandenp1187]

They should have kept the glass breaker. Such a small implement that could be handy. Also would have liked a case.

[@marmite8959]

Yeah the other tools seem fairly niche/useless to me or at least they might get in the way for someone who just wants compact EDC shears, but the glassbreaker doesn't really take up any additional space and could be a lifesaver. I have no need for either tool anyway, I'm not an ERT and will probably never work in that field but Leatherman definitely seem to have made a lot of small oversights on their latest tools.

[@GinEric84]

Why?

[@muhsinbustillo]

Leather Bolster! Just saw news on it. Gotten round to it?

[@txtoolcrib]

Not yet. I have to pick it up at Costco.

[@willb3018]

The only thing I really don't like about this channel is that it makes me want a new tool. 😉

[@Brykk]

I love my raptor and use the snot out of it, but ive always hated the flash rust issue. But, i will not consider the response just because of the sheath. Not coming with the sheath is an absolute deal breaker for me.

[@BlueGearReviews]

Try using KPL knife shield or S2S 5 in 1 wipes on your Raptor.

[@tmapes1989]

You lose 2 tools and the sheath for $10 off!!! Drop the price by $20-$25 and maybe??!! I'll stick to my originals till then!!! Keep up the great vids, Ben!!!

[@dennispoley6005]

Some improvements, some losses. $70 for the new ones and a $10 bump to $80 for the old ones... If they would have gotten rid of the folding feature, dropped the price if would have been great. Still uses 420C, is hard to clean, heavy, bulky, expensive. They took out the extras making it a regular shear at twice the price of the good ones on the market.

[@anstef1485]

The Response seems to be a way to further milk the cow by downgrading the tool but keeping the price high... kind of like the manufacturers that diminish the volume content of a product and maintain the same price... same with the recent other releases by Leatherman, no improvements, just ever so slight repackaging and high prices... I expected much more of you Leatherman! Extreme disapointment on these products. What's going on with your marketing and product development departments??? New hires screwing up the Leatherman formula?

[@GinEric84]

Yes, what would we do without the dopey strap cutter and glass breaker?

[@TheTrueNorth11]

@@GinEric84 Imagine missing the point this badly.

[@GinEric84]

@@TheTrueNorth11 imagine being dazzled by useless crap you don't need and complaining when a better version without the crap comes out.

[@RedSun_Will]

I didnt see who was the winner of your giveaway

[@kgbizy]

I like it. Wish they’d make a foldable keychain scissors ✂️ …no extra tools, just the scissors alone.

[@xSoupdumplingx]

Micra would fit the bill. It's tiny, light but it has tools(yes I use them. But it last for years, I've had mine for 20+yrs. The tools on the Mira are all useful

[@mingshey]

Like Mininch Xcissor Pen?

[@tylercardy6644]

I had the old raptor and it rusted like crazy early on. This wasn’t because I didn’t care for it but more because each time I used it I would have to clean it after. I switched to x-Shears which I love and find much more useful for me. I have no need for oxygen wrenches as we don’t use the old style cylinders in my workplace. I don’t need a belt cutter because I have..scissors. And I don’t need a glass breaker because I have an oxygen cylinder to smash a window. I’ve never used the ring cutter but can appreciate its presence. Now I lose a pair of x shears about once every two years…next time I lose them I might just pick up this new shear.

[@noranekonekomatagi3261]

I...I totally have no response to the Raptor Response, already have the Rescue and it's all fine, why even bother to change?

[@michaelv2718]

The response seems to be a profit margin increase for Leatherman, rather than any improvement. No holster and a few tools less + smaller.

[@adenmoua412]

is the give away still going on?

[@txtoolcrib]

Yes, I have been overwhelmed with work. I will make the time to draw for a winner tomorrow.

[@frankthespank]

My Raptors have never rusted…. then again I live in Nevada which is a very dry desert, lol 😎

[@jua2031128]

Don't like the thickness of the new one. would love to see leatherman fix the rust issue on the old model. I'm a RN I disinfect my leatherman every end of my shift and the blades are rusted from the cleaners I use to disinfect them. I still love my raptor though, I tried the new model and the thickness ruined it for me I went back to using the old model.

[@brayan6251]

I really enjoy your videos! Btw I don’t know if you knew this but you have the Texas flag upside down.

[@txtoolcrib]

I did in this one video. Don’t know what I was thinking that day.

[@meeder78]

how do the Raptor shears work for the 10-11% of us that are lefthanded? Getting shears that work for lefties isn't always easy.

[@swaders]

As used by Ocean Conservation Namibia.

[@wayned5872]

Availability?

[@the_once-and-future_king.]

Why didn't they just reshape the handles and put rust proofing on the original? Would make more sense than creating a whole new model with most of the tools removed.

[@genoedcknifecollecter1538]

I'm sticking with raptors

[@LoveLikeaHurricane]

rust resistance would sway me towards the response

[@bdogg20101]

I hated the original raptor because of the rust factor. I got one and because I live near the ocean, it started rusting within a couple of days so I returned it.

[@abeelvago]

Sasquatch-sized hands me: cool new shears, but I'll stick to the original ones

[@toddguillory692]

😶

[@kampferlin2079]

Texas flag is upside down?

[@txtoolcrib]

Well that’s what happens when you get in a hurry I suppose. Dammit!

[@k4vms]

If your wearing gloves the larger raptor is better. Ricky from IBM, Ret

[@davidnagore725]

Have you ever done any reviews of credit card multitools other than the swiss card? Im talking about the survival type cards that claim to have--like--30 uses? In theory it would seem like a good addition to my camping belt survival kit but at the same time they seem so gimmicky.

[@mattthomson3134]

My favourite part of this is that you're from Texas. Hello from the Socialist Republic of Australia.

[@subcyber]

Adjust playback speed to at least 1.25x. Thank me later...

[@txtoolcrib]

Are you the guy that guns the gas to get to the next red light? Lol.

[@arioncatalan6518]

Imma stick with my raptor. Response just look cheap imo.

[@wcresponder]

Both over priced for what you get.