Leatherman has recently announced a new line of FREE multi-tools, which will be an entirely new platform of multi-purpose tools with an elevated user experience. They say that the new Leatherman FREE multi-tool line also reflects a new approach on how they design and build products.
There will be several different product styles in the Leatherman FREE multi-tool platform. We’ll discuss the FREE P-series tools in this post, but there are several features common to all FREE-series tools.
- All outside-accessible tools
- No nail nicks
- “Magnetic architecture” for smooth frictionless tool deployment
- New locking system with reduced friction and elastomer springs
- “Epic haptics” that allow tools to open and close seamlessly and with a distinct locking noise
- Texture for looks and grip
Leatherman FREE P4 Multi-Tool
The FREE P-series tools have traditional styling, and feature many of the same tools as classic Leatherman multi-tools, but with some new features and the new opening and locking technologies.
At a glance, the FREE P4 features two knife blades – one plain edged and one serrated, a wood-cutting saw, scissors, Phillips and slotted screwdrivers, a file and small screwdriver, a bottle opener, ruler, and several other functions and tools. It has 21 tools and functions in all.
- 2.76″ blade length
- 4.25″ closed length
- Weighs 8.6 oz
- 100% stainless steel
- All locking tools
- Comes with nylon sheath
- Made in USA
MSRP: $140
Leatherman P2 Multi-Tool
The Leatherman FREE P2 looks to be a slightly smaller tool, with a partially serrated knife blade, scissors, Phillips and slotted screwdriver, file, bottle opener, and a couple of other more minor implements. The FREE P2 has 19 tools and functions
Both P2 and P4 tools have combination jaw pliers with replaceable cutter blades.
- 2.76″ blade length
- 4.25″ closed length
- Weighs 7.6 oz
- 100% stainless steel
- All locking tools
- Comes with nylon sheath
- Made in USA
Closed you can see the tools’ FREE handle design, which will be signature styling across the product line.
MSRP: $120
The ETA for both P-series tools is April 2019.
Coming Soon(Leatherman Multi-Tools via BladeHQ)
First Thoughts
I like the look of how the pocket or belt clip is attached, and that the pliers both have replaceable cutter blades.
No more bit holder? That’s a feature of the Wave, Charge, and Skeletool that I really like.
Proprietary magnetic architecture for opening and closing the tools? I’m all for it, if it means less hassle opening one tool from the middle of a clump.
I can see that there are cut-outs for folding open the main tools, such as the knife and scissors. But how do the other tools deploy without nail nicks?
The all-outside-accessible design makes the looks like smaller, or slimmer, which is good. But it also looks like all of the tools have been made smaller.
Here’s my review of the Leatherman Wave multi-tool. The FREE P2 and P4 tools look smaller than the Wave’s, or at the least the main tools like the knife blades, despite being a little longer at 4.25″ closed compared to the Wave’s 4″. We won’t know how the FREE multi-tools feel or work differently until hit they market.
Leatherman says that the FREE P-series multi-tools will have evolved ergonomics, with the new tools designed to feel even more at home in the palm of your hand. Sounds good to me. They also say that tools pop open with a simple push of your thumb, which sounds great.
BladeHQ has a SHOT Show 2019 video demo:
Ignoring everything else, I’d be sold on the one-handed flip-open capabilities of the new Leatherman FREE P2 and P4 multi-tools. Typical fold-open Leatherman multi-tools simply don’t open like that.
The pricing is a bit high, but hopefully street pricing or promotions bring it down a little.
It’s also worth pointing out that Leatherman has prominent Made in the USA labeling on the sell sheet.
