New Leatherman Multi tools coming
- Thread starter kctyphoon
- Start date
rlitman
Well-known member
Yep, just introduced at SHOT show.
https://gearjunkie.com/leatherman-free-magnetic-one-hand-opening-multitool-launch-shot-show
Supposedly EVERY blade is one-hand openable, with no need to use a fingernail on anything.
https://gearjunkie.com/leatherman-free-magnetic-one-hand-opening-multitool-launch-shot-show
Supposedly EVERY blade is one-hand openable, with no need to use a fingernail on anything.
fordgasm
Well-known member
Interesting. I have a supertool 300 and a rebar that are excellent. I do like the magnetic idea though.
Damn - i like that P2 and P4.. thanks for posting that video. Of course, i just bought a new wave, and my old one is coming back from warranty tomorrow. Lol. Figures.
**** me - they have completely different knives too.. i just bought a Leatherman knife too when i bought the new wave.. I’m doing great here.. lol . Dammit i like those knives.
**** me - they have completely different knives too.. i just bought a Leatherman knife too when i bought the new wave.. I’m doing great here.. lol . Dammit i like those knives.
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fordgasm
Well-known member
It’s a shame about the 2d phillips though....
rlitman
Well-known member
LOL, some of us know very well.
I just got back two Charges, a Wingman and a Style CS from warranty repair. Interestingly enough, while in the past they've sent me new tools, this time, they went over everything and REPAIRED everything to factory condition, replacing all worn and broken parts.
I'd have sent in my Wave (I broke the scissors) with that group, but then I'd have to dig up my PST to not feel naked.
I don't know if I'm sold on this Free model yet though. My Charges are all nicely broken in, and it's really the knives and pliers that I most want one handed. Yeah, a one handed screwdriver access would be nice, but I think I'd be disappointed in the 420 blades they're going with.
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rlitman
Well-known member
The one in their Wingman isn't too bad, and neither is the one in the Micra. Plus the replaceable bits in the Wave/Charge are almost as flat, and they're excellent. I really like how their Phillips fits P1 and P2 equally well.
The first 2D Phillips I had was in a Buck tool, and they just didn't get it right.
Anyway, I don't think this is their Premium line. It almost feels like they're going after Victorinox customers.
Farmall450
Well-known member
How in the world are you breaking that many leathermans? My biggest issue with one yet was I lost my sidekick at work somewhere
Two Speed
Well-known member
I just want them to reintroduce the PST at an everymans price, not the premium they have tacked on it in its current reintroduction.
Alex.
Alex.
rlitman
Well-known member
How in the world are you breaking that many leathermans? My biggest issue with one yet was I lost my sidekick at work somewhere
Talent, I guess.
The Charge TTi, I snapped one tip of the pliers off at the crimper (weak spot).
The Charge Ti (an older model), I actually broke the frame by squeezing the pliers too hard.
The Wingman just needed a new belt clip (the tab on it that keeps it from spinning broke off), but they also replaced the blade, because it was missing about 1mm from the tip.
The Style was my wife's keychain. She's at least as talented as me at destroying things.
The Wave (which still needs to be sent in) scissors split around the rivet. I think I was trying to cut some plastic that was too much for it.
In the past, I've broken a couple of other pair of pliers, but to be fair to Leatherman, over 22 years so far that I've been caryring Leathermans, I've gotten more stuff replaced by Snap On, while having put the Leathermans through FAR more use. I'd find it difficult to get through most days without my Leatherman, so when a new one comes out, I'll keep the old ones around as spares, since I can't be without it for the weeks it takes them to turn around a repair.
I lost a Charge Ti in a snow bank a few years back, when it fell out the side of a factory case that was worn past it's "expiration". That's when I started hand making my own belt cases.
I still remember when I got my first PST II for $40 back in 1996. My Wingman was a $20 Black Friday special at Home Depot. But I don't think their prices are all way out of line. The Wingman is every bit as good as the PST was, and accounting for inflation, costs less now. The Charge is expensive, but you're getting more premium parts in it.
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mrjaw14
Well-known member
I was hoping they'd have a Gerber CenterDrive answer with a centered 1/4 hex driver and get away from the flat 2D bits. Don't like the 2D phillips driver, which I think makes the tool look cheap and stamped out. Agree the magnetic part is cool though. Wish the blade was at least 154cm. 420HC *****! It's a light to medium duty multi tool. I don't see it replacing my rebar, ST300, Charge TTi, or my Charge+. Despite my loyalty to Leatherman, a Gerber Centerdrive is in my work bag because of the hex driver. the flat bits are too expensive to wear out lol
jeffmoss26
Well-known member
oooh
Yea the wave I’m about to get back, i broke the frame on it also.. happened a few years ago and sat in a drawer. Finally said - i need my leatherman back - and if i was gonna warranty the other i would have done it by now. Ordered the new version - and said, well they sent me a perfect box to send the old one back lol.. so wound up FINALLY mailing the old wave in. I’m curious to see if the replaced it or put a new frame on one side. Should be here tomorrow.
My only real complaint is how hard it is to deploy the tools, that its always a two handed deal it seems.. i guess problem solved with the new Free line.
My only real complaint is how hard it is to deploy the tools, that its always a two handed deal it seems.. i guess problem solved with the new Free line.
rlitman
Well-known member
I can't say I've worn out any Wave/Charge bits yet. I've actually got a bunch of extras, as I always remove them before sending anything in for warranty.
I'm curious as to what they do with yours. On my return form, I was clear that the tools had no sentimental value, yet they still repaired mine (which I'm fine with). Maybe it was because I engraved my name on everything?
The original Wave was their first attempt at a one hand blade, but I agree that I haven't seen one hand tools from Leatherman until now.
Knotgoalie
Well-known member
$275 for a PST?
That is insane! I have my original PST that I got in the late 80s/early 90s (nicely worked in) and a Micra has been in my pocket since 97. My ex has an original PST that I bought for her when I got mine and it has never been out of the sheath!I think I'd be a little disappointed if I get it back and they didn't replace the whole tool, but just slightly. The frame was broken and the cutters had some metal missing (not their fault). I used my old one everyday at work - and the idea that they invested the time to disassemble everything instead of just throwing a new tool into a box (that probably cost like $5 to begin with) seems a little petty - but hey - you seriously can't complain cause at least they do something for ya.. had I known they were coming out with these upgraded models I might have waited before buying a new one. I used the excuse of "well the NEW Wave has replaceable cutters" as a method of convincing myself to buy something I already owned again.
I'm on the fence how I feel about the new driver on the P2/4.. do I like the non "bit" style driver that's exteneded but you can't swap out? I'd like it better if it werent that 2D style again. I'm In love with how easy and smooth everything seems to move on it. Curious if it'll come in black. Both my waves are black.
I'd still love so see them give you options on what tools you could order the wave with. There's a bunch of stuff included I'll never use.
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Badger 13
Well-known member
The new model's look pretty nice, but how many Leathman tools can a guy have ? Nice marketing and I hope this turns out as nice as it looks. But Leatherman is sure getting proud of their pricing..
Strouty
Well-known member
I think that magnetic idea is terrible, those tools are going to flip open when you don’t intend them to, there will be metallic **** stuck inside them too.
bwringer
Well-known member
Holy fudgesnacks -- $120 and $140 for the two versions of the pliers tool?
Then again, there are people who carry around knives that cost far more every day, so I suppose there's some sort of man-jewelry market for these.
Also, yeah, the magnets are going to pick up all sorts of swarf. Probably depends on your environment whether that's going to be a problem or not.
Then again, there are people who carry around knives that cost far more every day, so I suppose there's some sort of man-jewelry market for these.
Also, yeah, the magnets are going to pick up all sorts of swarf. Probably depends on your environment whether that's going to be a problem or not.
SweetD
Well-known member
Coincidentally, I just finally sent in my Wave for warranty repair - the smallest flat head blade I broke off quite a few years ago...
How long did it take for you repaired tool to get back to you after they received it?
How long did it take for you repaired tool to get back to you after they received it?
Capt. Spaulding
Well-known member
Just got it.. working later today so I'm home.. they sent a plastic bag with a brand new black old style Wave. Awesome.. so happy
NOW - what am i gonna do with a second one?? Lol
Take the handles off and make a knife with tools in it out of one of the handles. If you use the pocket clip side you can even have a clip. There’s a multitool forum with pictures and steps on how to do this.
Ya know - I KNEW the new Wave felt different in my hand compared to the old Wave. Now that I have one of each NEW - there is a difference besides just the replaceble cutters.. the handles on the new wave dont pinch my fingers between them when you close the pliers. The handles are spread apart more on the new ones when the pliers are deployed. They are much more comfortable to use.
To quote the very, very successful Mr. Rockefeller, "Just one more."
rlitman
Well-known member
To be fair, they replaced EVERYTHING not 100% perfect on my tools. If it weren't for my custom engraving, you'd have a hard time telling that they didn't send me new tools. Even the bronze washers under the blades were new. And my old Charge Ti went in with pentalobe screws, but came back with 6-point normal tamper torx.
Just got it.. working later today so I'm home.. they sent a plastic bag with a brand new black old style Wave. Awesome.. so happy
NOW - what am i gonna do with a second one?? Lol
Nice! The black stainless looks nice, but one reason I stick with the bare metal tools (and plain stainless watches), is because the black really highlights battle scars. Because of that, I'm guessing they're more likely to replace rather than repair black models.
But to be fair, I was completely surprised they they even bothered to repair mine. Heck, a friend of mine who works FOR Leatherman was about as surprised as me. What he said, was that while the RMA form for a long time now has had a place to indicate that a tool has sentimental value so that it does not get discarded, in the past many sentimental tools would just be returned untouched, because they had limited facilities to do actual repairs. However, in recent years, they have been ramping up this ability, in the hopes of satisfying a larger percentage of warranty repair customers.
I'm sure you'll find something to do with your spare. I keep a Crunch in my bicycle tool kit.
Mine took almost a month, but it arrived there just before Christmas, so I'm sure nobody looked at it for at least a week or so.
Ugh, you ****. Now you're costing me money. I've been drooling over the Plus models ever since they came out.
Not long at all.. a week? Less maybe.. i really didnt keep track but it was a very quick turn around. In my case I’m sure it was evaluated, they said “not worth the time” - and they threw a brand new unpackaged unit in a shipping bag.. literally a wave in a bag with no box or anything.. lol
If it had been deemed reparable, it prob would have taken a little longer I’d imagine. But like i was saying earlier - if it COSTS them like $5 / $10 to manufacture a new one, why bother paying somebody to disassemble the entire thing, service it, repair it, etc.. it just didnt seem worth their time to do that IMO.. maybe mine went into a pile for individual tools to be salvaged - or in the trash. Who knows.
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Its a small difference, but big enough that the finger i keep on the inside of one of the handles, doesnt get hit by the other handle when i close the pliers.. probably a result of the different plier head being used.. but yea - no more finger being squeezed between the handles.
These all look pretty good. I have a Wave, and just bought a Rebar for work. Lost a Crunch at work, which was sad. I could see buying one of these.
To mix it up, tomorrow my Gerber MP600 should arrive in the mail.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
To mix it up, tomorrow my Gerber MP600 should arrive in the mail.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I wanted a good work one, ie no saw or scissors. Only things that serve a purpose for my day to day. Still USA made. Simple old school. Good enough for the military. Cheap to boot no less.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Two Speed
Well-known member
I daily carry my PST since about '97 as well, has everything I want in a multitool in a SLIM package. I do not care for most of the post PST leathermans as I find them to be too bulky and have more than what I need. I just want an original style plier, small flatblade and a proper phillips driver in a convenient to carry package, which the PST does very well for me. I've been keeping an eye open for another in case I lose mine.
Alex.
You should look at the Rebar. It's alot thinner than the wave / charge. They even make a knifeless version. NOT TO MENTION - that brown and black color option is **** as hell. Lol.
. IMO - the wave is worth it just for the belt clip. I pocket carry the thing and don't even know it's there. I had the surge a few years ago and it's a little too big and the pocket clip (same the wave uses) does NOT fit that tool very well.
I'm debating what long tool to sacrifice if I try to get the bigger scissors on the outside of the Wave. I'm thinking it's the file that might take the hit.. otherwise it's the serrated blade, but I REALLY want that gut hook. Lol. I'm gonna look into what I can replace that eyeglass driver with. I'll NEVER use that thing. Maybe the punch/awl if it'll fit in the same spot.
Hopefully Leatherman tells me I can buy parts from them. Otherwise it's a lost cause cause I'm not buying 2 more tools just get parts.. I'm debating if I should just went with the charge now initially.
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Bighead38
Well-known member
I have carried a Charge TTi for years now. I use the pocket clip and can’t even feel it but when it’s not there I feel naked. I go through a couple pocket clips a year when I walk close to something and snap them. I can open any tool on my charge one handed without looking. Especially nice when working under a car or some other tight place.
Badger 13
Well-known member
Okay, maybe I "fibbed" a little, as someone pointed out you can always have one more. I believe I have 3 Wave's, a PST, PST II, Charge TI, not to mention a couple of knock off brand promotional one's. I will be looking at the new one's when they come out. Okay, maybe one more...
AceofSpad3s
Well-known member
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- Oct 1, 2014
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You can tell they are marketing towards the manjewelry market in the blade HQ video when the leatherman rep said they changed the color of the sheath to grey so if anyone sees it, they know it's the NEW special model and is the BEST multitool on the market.
I hate how everything has to be marketed as a lifestyle now. Not like it's anything new though, that tread they got is an abomination.
Most of their newer tools haven't really impressed me, starting with the wingman, they all kinda look cheaper than the older style ones like the wave, supertool, skeletool, fuse, blast,etc. I think it's the finishing on the tools that changed, older ones are more satin, the wingman I got before they doubled in price is like a polished finish.
Wish they would bring back the mini tool, that looks like it'd be handy.
$275 for a PST?
It's a "special edition" we can't possibly have the plebeians buying any to actually use as a tool.