4 Months Carrying the Leatherman Arc. (4 reasons for & against getting one)

[@MrLagerblad]

Thank you for mentioning the left handed point of view! ❤

[@rustyknifelover4463]

Leatherman blade upgrade kits would be amazing for existing tools.

[@patrickbledsoe2176]

Ebay and etsy is how up graded my wave to s30v. Etsy has a shop "austinschoolhouse" and a guy from Ukraine I can't remember his shop but he has awesome customer service. Usps lost a package and he sent me a new blade 3 days later.

[@jon27d]

That would be pretty cool. I upgraded the blade on my free p2 by purchasing a non-serated blade on eBay and swapping out the stock partial serrated blade. I think the blade I got came from a free t4 (one of their knife based tools)

[@patrickbledsoe2176]

@@jon27d very cool

[@deniznarin]

What are those, do you have a link?

[@rustyknifelover4463]

@@deniznarin Like I said WOULD. They don't have them

[@merkyworks]

Got an ARC when they 1st dropped and had a bit of buyers remorse. However after using it these past months that regret is 100% gone, the ARC is without question a great multitool. Zero regrets owning and worth the money.

[@tophr2710]

I don't see any actual test videos. Have you put it through its paces pretty good?

[@paul_miller43]

Speaking as a man with an arc on his hip most of the time, I dont regret my purchase

[@Normbot13]

i second this, i keep an arc on me for work at all times and its an absolute life saver

[@michaelmartin2262]

I third this. I use the Arc at work, I honestly don't think I can go back to my other plier multitools.

[@cc37991]

I agree. I had a hard time giving up my tti, but the Arc has found a home on my hip as well.

[@tophr2710]

Have you been able to really test it since you've had it?

[@paul_miller43]

@@tophr2710 test? I use it daily

[@sals.4452]

Wife got me the arc as a Christmas gift. I will not leave my bedroom without that thing in my pocket. I’ve owned many multi-tools this in my opinion was the best one ever made.

[@mr.crumbles2557]

Can confirm the left handed swap works perfect. First thing i did when i got it. The pivots are two screws in the barrel. If you can get the correct screw to loosen, you dont need to remove every implement to swap the saw and knife.

[@MikeLarge91320]

I've had countless Leathermans and this is by far my favorite. Rides clipped in my pocket, Bark River Bushcraft Scout on the hip. All my bases are covered. Worth every penny

[@buckintherut.8156]

I own almost every leatherman multi tool, some in duplicate. They will forever be shelved after receiving the arc as a gift from my wife for Christmas. Absolutely love it. But yes I agree, you have to be a person that carries a leatherman tool every day to appreciate it. I cannot say enough about the blades edge retention compared to the regular 420c. Even far superior to leathermans 154cm that's on my skelatool cx.

[@Hexsyn]

I enjoy wearing this every day clipped to my kilt straps. No worries about pocket space and equally easy to grab at a moment's notice!

[@ORVONTON64]

I reckon with a kilt all your tools are easy grab... lmao.. sorry couldn't resist the lob

[@Hexsyn]

@@ORVONTON64 lol I appreciate it, but I wear underwear at all times because I don't need HR on my ass lol

[@stevewilson6723]

@@Hexsyn Just tell women not to look like they do to men.

[@C69hJc4]

Probably the most thoughtful, thorough, and honest review on the ARC. On another note, you are a little heavy-handed and overdramatic on the whole “you MUST carry this on your person” for it to be worth it. Really? People buy art that just sits on their walls and can cost thousands of dollars. We all do this with certain kinds of purchases, even the most no-nonsense blue-collar worker does this in their own way. There’s more to life than just pure function and value. Sometimes just fit and finish and the beauty of an object is enough to justify the price. $230? Literally just go out to eat two times less this year and you’ve paid for it. Now I agree that if a persons goal is pure value-to-usage ratio than you 100% correct. But as I said, that’s not the only factor that’s important when making a purchase. Also, “expensive” is completely relative and subjective based on a number of factors. Expensive compared to what? Many of the reviewers who balk at the ARC’s price have no problem dropping $200+ for a single fixed blade. I think we need to keep things in perspective.

[@maxlvledc]

Most of the people I talk to feel that $230 is massively expensive..but like you I think amortization, and If I use it regularly..I can probably justify it.

[@OrchardHillFarm]

Thanks for this review. It helped me to decide to wait on the arc, and hopefully in a year or two they will have worked some of the bugs out!

[@paulwhite396]

Great video, I carry a multitool on my hip every day at work . I have carried a Gerber Diesel for almost 8 years before the plier tip broke, I filled out the warranty page on the website but have heard nothing back. The price has gone up a great deal , so before I just instantly replaced it I started shopping around for newer better options. 200+$ seems high until you look at 5 work days a week times 52 weeks= 260. So it is less than a dollar a day , the first year. After that it is paid for. as long as the warranty holds. As a Technician/mechanic I have spent far more on tools I have used twice. I am concerned about the cutters as I don't need a notch to properly strip wire. Thanks, for your video.

[@jarvisskooge8602]

It may be nice, shiny, new, latest & greatest… but it’ll never replace my Surge(s).

[@HorsepowerHeaven]

Agreed! Surge is king I don’t see what all the hype is about for this arc. I can do all this and more with my surge. I don’t care about having a magnacut blade on my multi tool. I have premium blade steel on my edc knives

[@absolutez3r019]

@@HorsepowerHeaven the Surge is awesome. I think the only tool that can say they're on par with is the SpiritX. But I don't have a Spirit X so i can't compare

[@nitric75]

my surge is collecting dust in the drawer. i use my arc & free p4 way more than it but my spirits are still the best

[@jarvisskooge8602]

@@nitric75 - send it to me if you don’t want it!

[@nitric75]

@@jarvisskooge8602 i just keep it as part of my MT collection since its the silver+black version but i am not going to use it. A disappointment i would say

[@KevinHamilton-c3u]

Here is my idea for Leatherman that would change EVERYTHING. Instead of a micro bit driver, a bit driver, and a t-shank holder, just make the t-shank holder one of the outside tools. Then make the bit driver and micro bit driver in a t-shank form. Also you could make all the more secondary used tools in this format. This would free up tool slots for so many other possibilities. Or even heaven forbid, loose a layer in the with. Yes I said it. Think of all the possibilities you could do with this. Any new tools you wanted to come out with could be in a t-shank format. Making your tool “ modular “. Without taking the tool apart. Without voiding warranties. And for me, IF I’m spending that kind of cash on an Arch, it better be my last tool I have to buy for myself for the next 10 years. You could keep releasing new stuff in t-shank form and keep your tools relevant. And at the same time not have to reinvent the wheel so to speak. Why hasn’t someone done this and made the pattens.

[@richardmunson2180]

carried a leatherman, every single day of my life since my first one, bought on a visit to the US in 1984 carried one ever since. at home at work. have the original, wave, supertool and surge, and MUTnever seen the need to replace the surge still use it daily

[@farmking5088]

You're exactly right Dominic. I lost the micro bit from just using the pliers fencing. Also just like you said the new cutters are awful, when I'm cutting electric wire multiple times I don't want to waste time looking at where to position the wire in the cutters. I'm back to carrying the Spirit MX Clip, it's hard to beat and is my favorite.

[@echobenav8]

Thanks for making this! Really appreciate the pros and cons. Too expensive and not enough of an improvement over my well worn Wave.

[@fossilimprint2954]

Truly honest long term review, thank you!

[@RichardWilson-1968.]

I’ve been carrying a multitool on my belt since 1995, almost 30 years. I agree, if you aren’t going to carry this tool and use it everyday, don’t buy it. For me, it is everything I ever wanted in a Leatherman tool.

[@westonknight7474]

I have the Leatherman Arc and several other Leatherman multi-tools. I keep these in many of my different bags that I've set up to go for many-many years. For whatever reason however, the one Leatherman that I have carried for years and years...and years, is the the same Leatherman Surge. I'm a long-haul truck driver for a very long time, and a week does not go by where I haven't use this wonderful tool several times. I keep this in a Deadskin leather sheath (with its accessories), and the patina (on both the blade and the sheath) is really wonderful at this point, it really is a one of a kind look now, and I find it really cool to look at, and super functional now that it is so very well broken in. Of course it is a to each their own situation with these tools (as is the case with everything in life actually), and whatever tool an individual has dialed-in to their work situation every day is clearly the tool that works for them. For me, the Surge has handled the stress of jobs that may or may not be a bit more harsh on ones tool, and after all of these many-many years is still going strong... even after dealing with some of the wire locks on the back of the trailer upon arrival at some of the consignees across the country. At any rate, great review sir, I found it to be very thorough and informative. Please take care, and be well. 🤔

[@Billfish57]

I have 5 Leatherman multi tools and you just saved me over 200 bucks on getting my 6th. I'm a collector of knives and tools but only if I really love them do I buy them. When a company drops the ball on design, I let them know it by not giving them my money. I love my Titanium Charge with s30v blade that is thin and works great, has great cutters, use them all the time and the bad ass saw and serrated blade with the hook cutter, I keep one in each vehicle and one here at my desk. I love well made stuff not just good looking stuff but this video has shown me that this has an up graded price but is not very upgraded in quality and I want quality if I'm going to get a replacement Leatherman.

[@totalmayhemleather4030]

The missing bits are the ones that are in the multi tool when you get it

[@SmoothbassmanStudios]

I have carried a leatherman daily for the last 20 years. Wave, Charge, Charge Ti, Free P4, and now the Arc. I say I love the Arc. It reminds me of why I loved the Charge so much. The tool set. I have moved my P4 to my EDC bag so it's available but my Arc is my new daily.

[@IanSebryk]

fantastic. you helped me dodge a bullet. the cutters and Txx bits are among my most used tools. i'll pass until Leatherman gets this sorted.

[@Maikel_Maan]

Thanks for the video Dominic! Personally the single handed deployment and the tool range did it for me.

[@intriguinglyenigmatic1743]

I feel like they had to discontinue the free p4 and p2 just so that people have to buy the 100 more arc

[@bendyinkdemon3094]

I’m starting to think the exact same thing considering it’s been out of stock on their website since before Christmas and hasn’t be in stock since and even stores that would sell them are out of stock

[@JamesMiller_ShadowWalker]

Went with the Garage 005 for the color scheme mostly. Do not like the gold colored blade, nor the stupid can opener. Everything else is decent, although to get a freely opening toolset one must keep the dust, grime, and stuff out of the channels and keep it oiled up or the toolsets do not freely rotate out. More so for those of us with wider fingers.

[@dualsportoutdoors]

Most likely. The Arc's not worth the extra. I had one, used it for a week, and then sold it for the $120 they should be selling it for. I'd rather just get a Surge or something that doesn't flex like an Ozark Trail tool and break wire cutters on easy wire and have a custom blade maker make me Magnacut blades at 64+ HRC for it

[@claudenoto5033]

Not buying the arc. The Surge blows it out of the water

[@nprwikeepa6082]

Yes exactly this lol they just filling markets at this point

[@nordwestbeiwest1899]

Now after 3 years as the owner of a Leatherman, I have to say that the alloy of the metal used there is really inferior because after breaking the pliers several times, regardless of the model, I am not convinced of the quality of these multitools! I will buy and use Victorinox again in the future because their quality is much better.

[@teachingwithipad]

which pliers vic u carry?

[@nordwestbeiwest1899]

@ngwithipad : The last thing I wore was the Wave, where one of the jaws broke off the third time, even after the free repair from Leatherman Germany. Three times in a row doesn't speak for quality.Now I prefer the Victorinox Spirit X Plus.

[@maxlvledc]

I think whatever your doing requires a forged plier. You may be one of the people that would be better served carrying a dedicated plier like knipex 125 cobra.

[@stevenm4743]

I find it wild that you keep breaking the pliers. I own many leatherman multitools and I have never broken the pliers on any of them which makes me think that you are probably using it well beyond its intended purpose and should be using full size pliers. On the other hand I have a spirit x that I like but the handles flex way to much, and I permanently damaged the wire cutter with usage I routinely give my leathermans. So even though I liked the spirit, I will not be buying victorinox multitools again.

[@jonebonebo204]

@@stevenm4743ничего дикого в этом нет. В интернете полно фото сломанных пассатижей Leatherman .. Их огромное количество, как и сломанных рам.. А сломанный Victorinox надо еще поискать. И да, надо было брать "старший" Swisstool, а не Spirit, он как полированный танк

[@Lord_zeel]

The bits/holder complaint frustrates me. Normally, if you get a tool that comes with bits whether it's a drill, a driver, or a socket set, it will come with storage for those bits. And the storage is always able to hold ALL the bits, not all minus one that needs to be kept in the tool, ALL. The Leatherman Arc is not an exception, the holder has space for all 10 bits the tool comes with INCLUDING the standard #1/#2/Flat bit that comes pre-installed in the tool, and the precision bit that is also already in the tool. This means that if you take a bit out, it has its own slot to go into in the holder, it doesn't need to be put in the slot that belongs to another bit in a game of "musical bit holders" - each bit has its own designated slot, even if one of them rarely lives there it should have that slot available. It comes with a holder for 10 bits and a precision bit, and it comes with ten bits and a precision bit - exactly correct. Bit kits only come with no open slots because they can't make assumptions about what you do/don't already have, the kit needs to be a complete stand-alone product. Also I don't buy the argument of needing a spare precision bit, idk what you're planning to do with it that might bend/break it but you probably shouldn't have been doing it. By the same argument, it should come with a spare set of wire cutters but none of them do. I somewhat understand the complaint about the kit being a mix of bits between the two normal kits, but we have to assume Leatherman chose what they thought was the most useful assortment without assuming the customer is going to buy additional accessories to "complete" the set. If all you ever bought was this tool with those bits, is it a good set? That's the question to ask. It might not be the best set for a given user, but it's probably supposed to be "best over all" but that's very subjective. Honestly, the better argument is that they shouldn't have included the bits at all. Just sell the tool for less money, and let the customer buy a bit kit if I want it.

[@authorityfigure1630]

You’re opinion is not gooder than his one.

[@dalecarr5445]

I thought this was really fair and balanced. The section on the pricing at the very end was well thought out. Nice done.

[@SC-ec9fx]

I bought 2 the day they were released and fidgeted with one I opened quite a bit. The biggest issue keeping me from carrying it around was the heavy weight. It’s excessive unless you wear a belt, and I never do. I sold one and the other sits on the shelf. The crappy cutters definitely helped take the fun out too. Nice vid covering extended use.

[@maxlvledc]

You never wear a belt???? Lol, even my bathing suit has a belt lol.

[@calirodriguez3666]

Great review, the part where the wire cutters don’t completely cut through. Maybe it’s made to score the wire then complete the cut. That way you don’t ruin the cutters?

[@SRDragon1]

I’ve had a Leatherman Wave on my belt for years. I even took up leather working to make my own Sheaths, one that held one of the bit kits, a Flashlight and a pen. Issue is I’ve had one stolen and I’ve miss placed another.(work hazard) Replacing them becomes quite costly. I don’t even want to think about how pissed I’d be if a $200+ dollar tool was lost or stolen. I just got a previously owned Free P2… I wish it were an Arc. I miss my bits. Still on the fence.😊

[@frankiegutierrez5949]

My guess is they left those slots in the bit kit empty so you can put the bits that are on the tool in there before using the tool as a hammer 😅

[@ActionBastard666]

Great video my man!! Boy was I excited when the arc was coming out. I really thought I was going to turn in my old super tool 300 and get this new end all top tier tool … I’m glad I held off to hear what people thought on it first haha Sure the super steel is a plus but I have a folder that I pair with my MT. I can’t believe leatherman would not only give half sleeve missing sets of the bits but also the tremendous fail of the wire cutters. Such a damn shame I will stick with my trusty ST300 for now haha.

[@bones549]

Thanks very complete. Ive carrird a leatherman in my pocket every day for years. Kids got it for me for fathersday. Recently misplaced. Just cant be without. Just orderd mine luckily my son in college & 30% discount was awesome. Cant wait. Start every day with surefire in left pocket & leatherman in right picket.

[@davidcollins5651]

I work as a mine fleet IT tech maintaining and repairing various systems on haul trucks, dozers, shovels, etc. and the Arc is the number one most-used tool in my inventory. It's come in clutch so many times I don't even know. Even at home I use it all the time

[@chasekemp4982]

The tool set and the one handed access is what does it for me. If it was $100 cheaper and it had the regular steel blade that would be even better❤

[@jpfarq]

If the ARC want to be the Charge of Free platform and leave the Wave platform in the past, Leatherman needs to get Wave and Surge substitutes in Free platform.

[@marcchartrand4959]

Hello. Really enjoying your videos. To me as a Canadian this is way too expensive. It is listed at $299.00 Cad and with taxes it would be $338.00 Cad. As a Canadian I would have to earn $500 at work to get enough after tax dollars to pay for this. I could buy a lot of tools for that kind of money. Who cares about Magnacut. To me it means nothing. A regular blade steel will last me a week of work and then sharpen the damn thing. No way I would pay that kind of money for a tool to perhaps be lost or stolen at work. Shelf Queen only if your a collector.

[@qaszim2012]

Go buy them tools then, any of them come with a 25 year warranty? When you break it down it's costing less than 15 a year. For a tool that's going to.last and has a great warranty. Sorry your comment doesn't make sense, if it wasnt for the warranty I would agree with you.

[@xzx31]

Some tools at crappytire have lifetime warranty. You can exchange broken tools without a receipt for a new one in stock at any location.

[@tylergallant4404]

@@xzx31 ex crappy tire employee here, if it’s a hand tool and it’s Mastercraft or maximum it was lifetime😎

[@3enzym3]

lol take off ya hoser. Canada is a godless desert. 🇺🇸

[@ConnorElliott-o9g]

Can we just talk about for a second, and please share input on the reoccurring "gap" issue. The most common point in every review is the revised REPLACEABLE wire cutters that now feature a gap compared to the old style. No one seems to touch on, this is not a revised hard wire cutter, this is a revised wire stripper!. Anyone that has tried to strip multicore thinner gauge wire knows the old style just mash it! You have to use a supporting finger to brace not fully closing the tool and just cutting through your strip point. My arc is on order, but i know from my surge, rebar and MUT , fine wire stripping takes some finesse. Yes the downside is when making a hard wire cut, coathanger test etc we know have to lift the material up and line it within the now smaller jaws. Pros and cons there. But i feel most these reviews on the subject is not the tools fault but operator error.... thoughts?

[@_Sam62]

The hole in the cutters is a good wire stripper and I think that's what it's actually intended for.😊

[@fabian3265]

Have been owning charge all the time. First TTI and now the orange one. Perfect tool

[@georgevillagrana]

I know a lot of people will complain about that gap on the bottom of the cutters but honestly I think it's some type of wire stripper I use it all the time for stripping wire and it's the easiest way to take the plastic off the wire

[@maxlvledc]

Sorry, not letting them off the hook for bad design.

[@gustabofrog]

The reason to not have the cutters to the end is because it’s not only a cutter but a wire striper. Use the cutter from the middle (hope it makes sense)

[@maxlvledc]

Nope, was not intended for that purpose

[@babydriver6860]

Im staying with my Surge, Knipex set and Esee Fixed blades.

[@itznotretro4522]

I work in the firearms industry and having the swappable bit kit and being able to operate one handed is a life saver. Ive been rocking with this since its launch and I love it. Also I have bad ADHD and having something to occupy my hands and swing open and close is a plus if anyone cares

[@alexanderrebielak9974]

@Itznotretro4522 Why not the MUT?

[@itznotretro4522]

@@alexanderrebielak9974 needed a more generalized tool. I did originally want the MUT. The Mut is amazing and ill definitely be picking one up but to start I went with the arc

[@ichipanx4064]

My first leatherman was a wave. The old one, without the bit driver. I upgraded to a surge. The old wave compared to the surge looks like a toy, the surge is meant for working. If you actually use the saw a lot, the surge is king because you can change to any t-shaft saw blade. Also to the hss blades vor cutting metal. This is a feature the arc doesn´t have. I put some hss saws in the holster. I have no idea if the magna cut is so much better than the blade steel used by the surge, but if it starts to become dull, i just sharpen it. Yes, the arc is lighter, but i dont care. Got used to the weight of the surge on my belt and feel naked without it.

[@randallr8038]

The Wave is the best. I’ve had it for 15 years and sent it back twice for warranty. They sent me back a new one.

[@deanoliver7842]

I’ll stick with my Wave+ and Swisstool Spirit X. Both together including a Rebar bit kit that works with both, cost me less than the Arc.

[@patrickbledsoe2176]

Right my Wave is a beast I replaced the pliers for the Rebar pliers and it's unstoppable. Also I bought the s30v blade from a guy on esty and leathermans s30v is better than my Benchmade's

[@MKA63]

Unless I'm mistaken, the gap at the bottom edge of the cutters (in the pliers) is designed to be a wire stripper?

[@roybatty1670]

It may be nice, shiny, new, latest & greatest… but it’ll never replace my Wawe(s).

[@rogueonezombie7288]

I carry a multi tool to feel like macgyver.

[@troymanning3150]

Thanks for the video! I love my P4 and would like to buy the Arc but with all my other Leatherman tools this is gonna wait…..but probably not for very long.

[@HZAres]

17:30 think the idea was to let you keep all the bits off the multi tool and in the bit holder if you preferred

[@ryanhaggerty]

Came here to say this.

[@francisnguyen9554]

I'll wait to see what Roxon has next before swiping my card

[@Scotty_in_Ohio]

My initial impression when I bought this was "it feels like it's worth the price" similar to Custom Shop "tool" (PewPew) - for many it won't be worth the bump in price but if you can swing it - it's indeed nice. When my son looked at it and opened the tools he smiled from ear to ear not really saying anything - I said "well I guess I'll have to buy you one or I'll constantly be looking for mine in your room...." For both of the ones I purchased I added a full bit kit and bit extender. For mine I went with a leather holster as I typically don't need the extras every day (and I like the look)....

[@Dan_TheAnimal]

Overall I’m very pleased with my arc. Initially I had buyers remorse because it was so expensive but I use it everyday and I haven’t bought a new tool since because well I have the arc it’s got everything I want. Prior I was getting a new tool every month because I was never 100% happy with the tool load out there was always a compromise. I did buy aftermarket cutters and Thumb studs for the saw and file so that was an additional cost to the tool

[@stephenbayley1441]

Where did you get the cutters?

[@Dan_TheAnimal]

@@stephenbayley1441 Ali express. It’s a little sad I needed to do that to get good cutters. BudgetHVAC did a video on them.

[@user-iu9lg2wf9w]

Been carrying leather since 1997 and use it like bakers use flour. Started a a super tool 200 and been with a wave ever since.

[@christopherchapman8893]

This has always been my gripe with multi-tools. They are either cheap foreign junk that don't hold up past 1/2 a project or extremely expensive investments that are capable of 65% of what I actually want them to do (unless) I invest even more time and money on additional parts and/or mods to get them closer to the tool I wanted in the 1st place. I really don't think any of these companies - Leatherman, Gerber, Sog, etc. Have figured this out yet and no matter what, it's still a gamble. I own a Free P4 and it's just alright. Sure, if it was all I had, it would be far better than nothing, but I find myself trying to remember to use it more than anything else simply to justify the investment. Maybe it's just me and I simply didn't need one in the first place, but outside of a tackle box or glove compartment, I have yet to find a strategic place for one of these. I dunno....

[@westie4ageturbo.749]

I have one Using it at work and its bloody awesome. I have a terrible habit of loosing my leather man multis. I bloody hope i dont loose this one!

[@graysonsmith7031]

So I'm definitely going to start out with the Harbor Freight 20 in one multi tool to see if it's even something I stick with. The problem with the cutters really sucks and I hope they dial in the heat treatment of the magnacut blade by the time I decide to upgrade or get a replacement.

[@elmadicine]

I've had my arc about as long as you have, and I carry it every day, though in my bag. maybe that doesn't count, I don't care. I didn't even realize the problem with the wire cutters because I hardly ever use them, but I now know I've got the bad ones and will replace them. I haven't needed to use the hammer end, but I'll definitely be wary of the bits coming out. overall very helpful review even for someone already carrying one

[@vicentvanmole]

once bought compact leatherman made compact scissor ,thought USA made but it doesn't cut & the joint is weak . Sadly another tweeter also broken while has been generally used , also the wave piler joint also twisted while using . Luckily there are plenty of quality alternative without stuck at the name & sadly USA made. I just got the nextool pioneer tool, which is a good & very versatile .thanks for this channel

[@wasabi4u724]

FYI I have the original Wave (not the +), and it is made in USA. It's nice to see stuff stamped with USA on it. =) Thank you for providing this video. I am contemplating on getting this. Currently have 3 Leathermans: Supertool (original), Supertool 200, and Wave (original). Personally none of my 3 tools can be considered one-handed. Even my Wave is difficult for 1-handed operation. ST 200 and it's unlocking mechanism is something to be desired. Original ST is rough on the hands when using the pliers. Of my 3, Wave is my favorite, and maybe adding the Arc may change my mind.

[@davidmartin2957]

I’ve had a leatherman for years 20 plus but can not take it out side in the UK as it safety feature (locking blade) makes it illegal. I apparently need a REALLY good reason lol.

[@pinkyellowblue007]

The Rebar was always and still the best Leatherman.

[@fuelhemi426]

Half Rebar - Half Charge/Wave is the way to go. Yeah, without mods, Rebar and MT300 are the best tools that LM made.

[@Passively-Prepared]

Absolutely best bang for the buck not the best overall if you don’t consider cost. Still top 3 though.

[@Spanky8402]

Yeah, I totally agree. The phillips is 1 tool that I wish was on more multitools. The fact it has a optional full size bit adapter really is why I think it's the best. The replacement cutters is where mine kinda suck but I recently got some EOD cutters that should fix that issue with mine.

[@johnpaulalbrecht7305]

The only thing keeping it from perfection is the lack of pocket clip

[@Spanky8402]

@johnpaulalbrecht7305 yeah, that's a down point for me as well. I hope that Leatherman fixes the cutters and puts the holes that's on the Bond, or makes a better clip for the Rebar. I would definitely buy another Rebar and Knifeless Rebar, if they do both these changes. I am waiting to buy another Leatherman with replaceable cutters, just because of this flaw.

[@JiryStark]

I am so happy with my 2nd gen Wave for edc. I also use the st300 for work(got the bad cutters and replaced them for the good ones and now it cuts welding wire like a dream). I was tempted by this tool, but honestly, a magnacut blade is not justification enough for me to replace my Wave as my edc. I'll stick to 420hc since is just so easy to sharpen back to shaving sharp. I don't need such an overkill steel for cutting open silly stuf like small boxes or packages. For outdooring I have my F1x in Elmax and my freep4 so... yeah, no reason for me to spend 300€ in this tool.

[@ClownTRON777]

Great video, thank you for your time.

[@KevinHamilton-c3u]

Or if that doesn’t work make everything in a bit form including the t-shank. Either way you could eliminate the thickest slots, and the need for dedicated slots.

[@korban007]

Leatherman has the ability to really focus in on usability and customization. Then to top off with quality it would set them apart to sell out all the time. But have these knock offs all over now for 40-80 dollars. Looking convincable like a leatherman gen type of tool and could stock 5 different ones. Not feel bad about loosing, breaking a few and yet still be ahead.

[@SamBaynes-pf4pd]

The Leatherman warranty is now 40 years!

[@Maikel_Maan]

Don't make me regret my purchase Dom😅

[@maxlvledc]

😅

[@Lord_zeel]

Point by point responses: Pros: 1. Agree, the toolset is excellent; 2. I knew the one-handed thing would be nice, but I didn't realize just HOW nice it is; 3. Being USA-made is overrated unless your biggest concern is that the people doing the work are getting paid fairly, in which case I assume you don't mind the premium price; 4. I probably would have bought a non-Magnacut version for a little cheaper if it was on offer, as I usually carry a dedicated pocket knife and see the multitool blade as a backup; interesting point on the coating though, I haven't specifically noticed that but if it makes it sort of "non-stick" that would be nice, I may need to give that a test. Cons: 1. Yeah, I would generally prefer a dedicated pocket knife rather than relying on a multitool knife, and I think the Magnacut in this case is an unnecessary added expense; 2. I consider cuttergate a non-issue, these are just the Leatherman cutters period now not Arc-specific; it's a replaceable part so you can always use aftermarket ones if you don't like the geometry, and the whole shattering thing was just a bad batch that they dealt with and not an ongoing issue; 3. There are NOT any "missing" bits, the 10th bit is pre-installed in the tool, as is the precision bit, there is one slot in the holder for each bit the tool comes with (which is correct) - playing musical bit slots is not a desirable situation; 4. Price... yeah, it's expensive. This is THE Leatherman tool, it's the top of the line, it really has it all, it's worth it if you are going to use it all the time... but if you aren't going to EDC it, touch it every day, why not just get a Wave+ that has all the same tools for cheaper?

[@dt8694]

As an arc user, I would keep this any day over the surge and other leatherman tools I have.

[@slothworks7032]

Not sure about the 230$ "anywhere". It's 300€ here in Germany. I'm a mechanic and I need a multitool to wear on my belt everyday, so I'd be getting my money's worth no matter how much i pay for a multitool. Thing is there's no real alternative to what the Arc offers. Half of the Leatherman tools have serrated blades or two blades, and being a hobbyist knifemaker myself thats a dealbreaker for me. I will also need a lot of versatility with the bits, and the exchangeable bits and precision bits are what I want on a multitool. Of course, something like the sharpener or whistle on the Signal is absolutely useless to me. Made in USA is also really cool to have. I also like the size and weight of the Arc, it's pretty much the sweet spot imo. Now in Germany I'd be paying more than twice of what a Wave+ would cost me, and that's hard to swallow. I've been looking at the MUT as well but I don't like the blade, ans that too costs beyond 240€. So yeah. I'll make a decision soon on which tool to get and there are so many options but all come with their own downsides. I've been focusing on Leatherman just to keep the options in check. Good video, so thank you, but I'm still on the edge, its just that I haven't really found anything with a toolset as useful as the Arcs. Two more questions: where did you get the custom scales for your EDC Arc, and would happen to know if there are Four-Wing leatherman bits? I'm in aircraft maintenance and Four-Wing are the most common screws I'll be working with.

[@maxlvledc]

Sadly there are no 4 wing, and the link to the sticker scales are below

[@warrenstanford7240]

A professional mechanic doesn’t need a multi tool they work out of a workshop or mobile van tooled out with Snap-On and other precision equipment. 🤔🤫

[@slothworks7032]

@@warrenstanford7240 Thanks for explaining how all professional mechanics work. It's wrong though. Aircrafts MROs usually have centralized tool cribs with tracked and serialized tooling to minimize the risk of foreign objects remaining in the aircraft. As such, if we come across a small issue that needs a tool, such as a stuck latch or particularly stubborn packaging, we would have to go to the tool crib and either check out a toolset or take out a single tool for the job, and as you can imagine, hangars can be pretty big. Or maybe you're on a ladder, a dock or a crane platform, maybe just far away from your tools. You can save some minutes and a lot of steps if you just have the most commonly needed tools in a nice and compact form on your belt. A multitool doesn't replace a quality tool set, that was never the point. You're not gonna change an engine with just a Leatherman. You just save some time and hassle if you need a basic tool on the go. So why don't you let me do the worrying about what I "need"?

[@warrenstanford7240]

@@slothworks7032 Don’t work for Boeing do you? As the local Airbus wing manufacturing plant wouldn’t allow anyone to wear a non compliant tool never mind use. 🤔

[@slothworks7032]

​@@warrenstanford7240 I don't work for Boeing, no. We're allowed to have certain personal tools such as a Leatherman, personal flashlights and headlamps, small Cobras are also pretty common. A lot of people carry a ratcheting screwdriver with a bit kit in the handle. You definitely shouldn't turn bolts with a Multitool but there's dozens of small tasks everyday where a multitool comes in handy and running to get the full kit just isn't convenient. Not just on the aircraft itself, also with tooling, machinery, lots of things you come across on the go. All personal tools we bring in have to be registered with the tooling department, it's then engraved with a tracking number and you have to do inspections before and after every job as well as present it to your foremen on occasion to uphold the foreign object safety regulations. Bits are to be stored in bit kits or boxes, and every slot in a bit holder has to be taken when the work's finished or you're dealing with a lost tool, which could result in an aircraft being grounded. Pliers and Bit drivers on a leatherman are still pliers and bit drivers, so in that sense, as long as we get it registered with our tooling department, that makes it approved and compliant, thus we can use them.

[@RomeoEdward]

well done, very in-depth review

[@MrHoustonmichael]

My homemade multiplier uses standard driver bits from any hardware store. Is big enough for my hands , has excellent leverage with the full size pliers to easily use any socket set to drive 3 to 6 inch lag bolts into wall studs. I find i slightly larger homemade multiplier is much better than multipliers made smaller that are the whole market

[@Halluzinate]

They're still selling the Free K2 series of knives, so it's not the only LM that's made in the USA. Oddly enough, LM is selling their Free P2 & P4 on Amazon Canada as I write this, may 22nd/'24.

[@reewinder3174]

I hadn't carried a multi-tool in over 20 years and back then it was a Gerber.I kept seeing ads for the Arc on Facebook and decided to take the plunge. With the 30% discount Leatherman offers for first responders/teachers/military/medical staff it brought the cost down to about $170. Without the discount after tax is closer to $250. So far I love the Arc and how easy it is to open the pliers and tools. What I hate is the sheath......well all of their sheaths. I want to carry the Arc horizontal/scout vs vertical. I ordered the XL molle sheath and it arrived today which I thought would work but the molle straps are just too narrow to fit a 1.5" belt through the loops. Also the elastic on the sides is so big you can't fit the bit extender into it. It's like tossing a hot dog down a hallway (I heard that from a comedian about a different subject years ago hehehe). I tried using velcro belt keepers but they're so flimsy I'm about to try and make my own from thicker nylon and actual Velcro brand hook & loop to go through the belt loop on the original sheath and attach it to mt belt. I forgot to mention that I had signed up for the Leatherman Insider Rewards so that gets me the 40 year warranty vs the 25 year warranty. 40 years from today I'd be 92 years old so this Arc may very well outlast me.

[@maxlvledc]

Nice! And yea, the sheaths are trash

[@andrii9915]

I bought an ark, and for a little over a month I went with it instead of my old Surge. 1) It clicks cool, the sounds are divine, a very cool “toy” 2) very easy movement of the tools, almost everything is as easy as on an old, already slightly “loose” multitool. but I resold it, simply because: 1) the magnets collected so much debris that, with a lighter weight, it was not possible to carry the ARK in a work pocket, I had to forget about this pocket for everything else 2) It literally feels more flimsy and has a little play (I noticed this back in the store, having tried several copies, I realized that this minimal play is the norm for them) 3) price....Yes, I can’t say that I don’t have the money to afford an ARK, no, that’s not the point. It’s just that the very essence of multitools is - pragmatism, as for me. And why do I need a multitool at double the price if it’s almost the same as the old Surge that can do everything the same? get promblems with cleaning(coz magnets) for the sake of sounds and toys + pay double the price for it? I don't see the point.

For the price of an ARC (300€ here in the EU) you get a complete high quality Knipex tool box (eg. Knipex 00 21 05 HLS). Overpriced does not even begin to describe this .... thing. Maybe Leatherman should visit Victorinox to copy how a high cost, high wages country (with terrible exchange rates for export) can make reasonably priced multi tools.

[@YaroShendrik]

Surated blade is must have in a multitool. And Arc missing one. Take Wave plus or Charge plus.

[@KurtMcScotsman]

For that price, the Arc better be near-enough to perfect, and it doesn't look close.

[@Grayson_Baker]

Surge clones for the win!

[@maddogmaddox]

I carry the Surge every day on my belt and that'll be the one till the day I die.

[@rogueonezombie7288]

Victorinox swiss champ with knipex pliers all I need. I bought so many different multi tools but when I got a Victorinox the rest seemed not worth it. I still like them though and do carry them. Just not as much as my Victorinox. Still waiting for roxon flex though to try it out.

[@cal525]

i am sticking with the Charge TTI

[@Gman-26]

Great review. Between my surge, wave, P4, Rebar, MUT, 3 different Juices’…i think i got it covered.

[@pawesedrowski6743]

As a Charge user with that exact single bit kit (instead of the double one) I must say it's actually very good. It's good enough for 99% of the work and I must say that I actually find the double bit kit (which I bought for myself last Christmas) more annoying than useful - it's just more things to be careful not to loose and those additional bit are not that needed on everyday basis.

[@gary851]

i have my ps4 on my keys for 6 years now, carry it every day and it is great. If i know they will discontinue it i would buy 10 of them.

[@ASnakeintheGrass]

Ive replaced my Charge TTI with the ARC a few months ago. My only complaint is the pocket clip is weak. I broke 2 by snagging it on something while just walking around. Im now belt carrying it with a lanyard. Still annoyed about the clip, though.

[@Autobotsunited]

This just happened to me but the clip on the Free P4. I 95% love my Charge TTI, but have been looking at selling and upgrading to the ARC.

[@stephanhallwirth1908]

Thumbstud was my reason to buy it... magna cut was the bonus... because i was very happy for a long time with the 134cm from the skeletool...

[@BrandonMeyer1641]

I don’t even own a leatherman. I’m more of a victorinox+dedicated folding knife guy. But I appreciate your critique of leatherman as it currently stands. I think the arc and other plier based multitools are cool but they are too heavy and bulky for my taste.

[@andrer1337]

I want the Arc for the thumb stud on the blade. Finally they made a tool where it's easy to open the blade.

[@Ashton.everydaycarry]

I see that the P2 and P4 are zvailable on amazon canada at least. Great review of the pros and cons! For the bit kit (this is just a thought/guess), i wonder if only some of the bits are made in USA which is why theyre not a full half of the set.

[@hoseja]

The empty spaces in the bit kit are for the bits that are already pre-installed in the tool. What's so hard to understand about that?? If you want to hammer, take out the bits and put them in the bit kit. No loose parts. If there were no free spaces, you'd have nowhere to store the extra bits.

[@maxlvledc]

If that is the case, it was never mentioned in any instructions or the overview video. Don't buy it for a second.

[@kermitthepog7063]

Hey! Out of interest, how old were you when you started EDC-ing a multitool in '99? Also I was wondering if you'd seen Jon Gadget's new video on leatherman accessories?

[@maxlvledc]

Definitely! Jon is amazing. And I was just a teenager

[@kermitthepog7063]

@@maxlvledc ah right haha that makes more sense. You look young bro! I was imagining a 5 year old bringing in a leatherman wave to kindergarten every day lmao

[@mikepodorski4272]

I came from the Gerber Center Drive. You talk about junk cutters, that thing was terrible. I knew they would be fragile and never used them for anything but copper wire and they still broke. The Arc is $80 or so more and worth evey penny.

[@01swxjedi]

You mentioned that you had 2 frustrations, that sound like they might solve each other. 1st, the bits fall out if you use the impact surface. 2nd, there are empty spots in the extra tool kit. To me it feels intentional, so you can take the bits out of the Arc and store them in the empty slots of the accessory toolkit if you're using the impact surface so you don't lose them.

[@maxlvledc]

You know....they never mentioned it...and that's very logical...but I have my doubts they thought it through that well.

[@Darkshadows90]

A Leatherman arc mrk 2 with the blade from the P4 and without the bit kit and maybe the scissors and file (or some other set) would be nice. As the P2 or the Curl for the Arc.

[@dwaynedeason]

I only paid $160.96 on Leatherman's site with a military discount. For that price, it is well worth it!

[@lostcat9lives322]

Just bought a 1st gen Leatherman at the local flea market. $10. Score!