Leatherman has announced their latest Garage Series product, the aptly named 40th Anniversary multi-tool.
Described as their most advanced multi-tool, the Leatherman 40th Anniversary Tool is built on their FREE technology platform and is built with a number of premium features.
As with the other Garage Series special edition tools that came before it, the new Leatherman 40th Anniversary multi-tool will only be available in limited quantities.
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Leatherman’s Garage series is a sort of experimental platform, with limited edition tools that feature new materials or design innovations.
The brand says that this Batch #005 tool “pushes the boundaries of what is possible in a multi-tool with innovations that will no doubt be seen in future Leatherman products.”
To start off, the Leatherman 40th Anniversary multi-tool features a premium MagnaCut steel blade, which is an industry first for multi-tools.
MagnaCut has emerged as a premium and high-performing stainless steel alloy for EDC (everyday) folding knives.
Leatherman says:
Regarded as the best all-around steel for everyday carry knives, MagnaCut is first-class in terms of durability, edge retention, and corrosion resistance.
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This isn’t just the same typical Leatherman knife blade but made from MagnaCut steel. It’s thicker than their usual blades, by around 20%, has a new thumb stud, and features a Cerakote finish.
All of the tools and features are one-hand operable, thanks to Leatherman’s FREE system pivot design.
Like the Leatherman FREE line of multi-tools, all of the tools and functions – except the pliers – are accessible from the outside of the tool.
I bought a Leatherman FREE multi-tool some time ago, and it’s indeed a fantastic multi-tool platform. In real-world use, it can be awkward to deploy some of the smaller tools with just one hand, but as effortless as can be with two.
Opening the handles deploys the pliers, which features a spring-action mechanism and replaceable wire cutting blades.
The removable pocket clip has also been given a Cerakote finish.
Here’s a full list of the 40th Anniversary Tool’s features:
- MagnaCut straight knife blade
- Spring-action needle nose and regular pliers
- Replaceable wire and hard-wire cutters
- Electrical Crimper
- Saw
- Spring-action scissors
- Package opener
- Awl
- Can opener
- Bottle opener
- Wood/metal file
- Diamond-coated file
- Edge file
- Screwdriver bit drivers – small and large
- Small bit driver
- Extra-small screwdriver
- Pry tool
- Impact surface
Specs and Materials
| Leatherman 40th Anniversary Tool | |
|---|---|
| Blade Length | 2.781 in |
| Blade Steel | MagnaCut |
| Tools | 420HC Stainless Steel |
| Handles | White Cerakote |
| Open Length | 6.46 in |
| Closed Length | 4.25 in |
| Width | 1.416 in |
| Overall Thickness | 0.826 in |
| Weight | 8.65 oz |
The tool comes with #1-2 and 3/16″ screwdriver bits.
Price and Availability
Price: $275
ETA: July 5th, 2023
COO: Made in the USA
Note: The 40th Anniversary Tool will appear at the Leatherman Garage page after it launches.
Leatherman Garage Details
Name: 40th Anniversary Tool
Garage Series 005
Launch Date and Time: 7/5/2023 at 9am PST
Sold out at around 9:16am PST
Announced Quantity: 1983 units
Discussion
Even if you’re not a fan of Leatherman’s Garage series, or how the limited editions sell out very quickly, the 40th Anniversary tool paints a very exciting picture of Leatherman’s future.
I’m loving the look of the white Cerakote-finished handles and the contrast of the Cerakote-finished MagnaCut knife blade and belt clip.
The Leatherman FREE multi-tools are excellent, and I would expect no different from this one.
I bought two Leatherman Garage series tools so far – the Darkside and the Parts. The Darkside is okay, but I didn’t like the Parts and ultimately returned it to Leatherman for a refund.
If Leatherman’s 40th Anniversary multi-tool is as good as the FREE, it’ll surely be a top performer.
The latest Garage tool is undoubtedly going to cost a premium, like the four other special limited editions that came before it. We’ll find out the price when it launches next week.
Jim T
I have four Leatherman FREEs (a couple of P2’s and a couple of P4’s) but have been hoping for a FREE-based Leatherman with removable bits, so I can use the thin Leatherman bits. This looks like a winner to me!
Tim D.
If you’re just wanting removable bits, there’s supposed to be a new “free” model coming out called the Leatherman Arc. It looks very similar to this Garage release, but without the cerakote, and maybe a few other small differences?
https://www.reddit.com/r/Leatherman/comments/10dzuz3/leatherman_arc/
Leatherman hasn’t officially announced the Arc yet, but it’s been accidentally loaded on vendor sites, and they just recently showed a glimpse of it in their 40th anniversary video.
Matthew
I had the arc for about a month for testing and I will say it is hands down their best for the money multi-tool. It’s pretty much this garage tool.
Dave
Does the arc have spring loaded pliers like the40th anniversary tool does?
Dave
Arc won’t have spring loaded pliers. Found out elsewhere.
Jared
Magnacut?! That’s premium stuff. As good as it gets really, in all-round performance.
It’s a larger form factor than I prefer, but I still want this tool. Give me a Magnacut skeletool next please.
Nathan
so are we thinking priced at 400 dollars? I’m intrigued I like some of the idea but I’m sure the price will be way too high.
is it my imagination or is the quantity of them higher than any other garage offering?
Stuart
There is a higher quantity for this launch, with 1983 representing their founding year.
Robert Walker
I for one, will be there and will probably pay the asking price…knife collectors from Portland, Oregon will know how I feel.
Josh
I really wanted the darkside, tried hard to get this one and had the same problems at the last button push. Why don’t you like the darkside?
Stuart
I feel the fit isn’t quite as premium as the price suggests, but I’ve also been spoiled by the mechanics of the Free series tools. It’s a good tool and one that will see more use.
It’s the Parts that I really didn’t like.
Tim D.
There’s a lot of speculation (which is exactly that, just speculation) for a $250-300 range.
James+C
400 was the first number that popped into my head, too.
Robert
Closed up, in that color scheme it looks like a circuit tester.
What is Letterman’s thinking behind the “FREE” moniker?
Damon
I think it is because the hinges/pivot swing freely after magnetic release, allowing for single-handed opening of most tools. The other hand is free, because they freely open, as best I have figured.
I love my P4. And I do miss having the interchangeable bit feature. I would love to get one with that accessory but I doubt the special edition will be affordable. It does sound pretty sweet.
Stuart
When the first multi-tools launched – https://toolguyd.com/review-leatherman-free-multi-tool-p2-is-amazing/ – Leatherman claimed it delivered “frustration free tool access.”
Here are the features that were said to be common for all FREE 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
They didn’t really elaborate upon the line naming aside from subtle hints such as “frustration free.”
Tim B
It was because the idea was that when you are working, and you have one hand busy holding onto whatever it is you are working on, your “Free” hand can pull out and access any of the tools one-handed.
Berg
For anyone interested in the functionality of this but not the commemorative/collectible aspect you can wait a bit and get the Leatherman Arc instead. It will likely have the same tool set (including the Magnacut) but with a slightly slightly different blade shape and a different color.
There’s nothing officially announced, but there’s been multiple leaks and it was even teased at the end of Leatherman’s 40th anniversary video from a few days ago.
Matt
Thanks for this. Didn’t know about the leatherman free concept (really my only complaint about my existing leatherman tools is difficulty opening the small ones). And this setup has a combination of tools that is compelling.
My leatherman is the only multi tool I’ve ever owned that I’ll reach for even if similar function individual tools are nearby – because it works the same (especially the pliers).
Ben
That’s a relief. Hopefully a lower price tag too.
Matthew
It’s real and coming. The Arc is pretty much the same thing here but it’s not commemorative. I had it for beta testing for about a month and it’s a must have tool. I always carry my Wave but the Arc is going to replace it clipped to my pocket.
J. Newell
The pliers joint on this one looks like the same user-serviceable joint that appeared on Garage #2 (the “Dark Side,” I think). What type of joint did the Arc have?
Chris I
“Price: TBA”
????
D3t
To Be Announced.
Stuart
Ah – sorry.
TBA = to be announced, as D3t said.
I also sometimes use TBD, which is “to be determined,” depending on the context or circumstances.
It seems silly to basically say “we don’t know yet” for the price, but i) it conveys that the absence of a price isn’t by omission, and ii) it gives me a place to quickly add it in once pricing details are official.
TomD
TBA could also be “to be absurd” as this sounds like they’re fly direct to eBay for that sweet markup.
Jim Felt
I really like Tim Leatherman and his 40 year legacy of these self named EDC tools though I’m not much of an an actual user. But this overall concept looks like the next step forward in their quest to retain their category originator title. As for the price…. ;-)~
Steve
I want to like these tools, but don’t find them particularly useful and at $250-$400 it will keep me away for good. My regular tools are never far away. Hope you guys enjoy yours…
MM
I’m still waiting for your detailed comments on one of the more recent, earlier, Leatherman Garage products. I think it may have been the PARTS knife, though I may be wrong about that? If I am remembering correctly when you received it you were so disappointed you didn’t want to discuss it at the time.
Stuart
It was the Parts knife. To start, the blades were not secure in the packaging and if I recall one was chipped a little because of it. That wasn’t a good start.
The overall quality was just a bit disappointing. It really felt like a prototype with no polish.
Then the utility bugged me a little. Is there advantage to having two knife blades you can only use one at a time?
The blade was way off-center, and the handle seemed too large for the blade size.
It would have been fine I suppose for a collectible, but a poor showcase of potential future features or engineering.
Overall I wasn’t happy with the design or quality. The price was too high for a tool I wasn’t excited to start using.
The Darkside was a little stiff, but a lot better. It’s more of an extension of existing tech, much like this one looks to be, rather than being designed completely from scratch.
J. Newell
I bought a Parts knife. It had all the flaws you cite, including the chipped blade.
I was so annoyed/disappointed that I returned it with a note mentioning the shipping damage an some other issues.
Many weeks went by with no acknowledgement (or refund). It finally showed up back here with a note saying they’d “fixed the blade.” Well, they didn’t…the overall edge sharpness was actually poorer than it had been, and whatever they’d done by way of stock removal and sharpening did not remove the dings in the edge.
That knife was a complete mess and still has a very sour taste, and that’s coming from someone who started buying Leatherman tools shortly after Tim Leatherman first started selling them and was (and still is) a big fan of the company and its products.
But the Parts? Two thumbs emphatically down.
Ken
I’m pretty “meh” on the saw, but everything else looks good. I’ve tried a few Leatherman tools over the years and they never quite have what I want for the size and the knife blade usually isn’t what I want to replace my pocketknife with and I hate carrying redundant tools in my pocket.
Tim D.
I used to be the same way with the redundant knife blade, but I’ve started using the multitool knife for more abusive work. It helps keep my regular pocket knife sharper, and from getting deep nicks in the edge that have remove a lot of material to sharpen out.
David+A.
I don’t have collectable tools, but that looks like something I would carry and use. Every other multi-tool I buy rides with me for a month or so, then lives in one of my tool boxes for the rest of its life.
Jason T.
I’ve had a lot of different tools for EDC over the years. I even carried a Gerber multitool for several of those years. And over those years, some of the tools make it a few months, some a couple years then off to a drawer. But what I found was the majority of the time I was carrying a locking single blade knife and a Swiss Army Knife(several variations of those also) and add in a flashlight and a lighter and I have most all of the tools on me that I need. Why no pliers on me? Because I am usually within 6 to 10 feet of a pair of pliers most of the time. At work, at home, near my vehicle, etc.. Even with my job when I am working on tasks that require pliers, I have dedicated full size pliers that I carry in a tool pouch and they always work better than any multitool. To each his own. I’ve found what works for me and it’s going to take a lot for me to change it much anymore.
Tim D.
I was the same way. I’ve got a handful of older leatherman tools, some sog powertools, etc. They were always too bulky and no pocket clip, so I generally just stashed them in a drawer or toolbox nearby just in case.
That all changed for me with the Free P2. Thin, pocket clip, easy to get the tools out, one handed opening of the pliers. It’s the only multitool I’ve ever continually used for more than a few weeks. I’ve had this thing in my pocket most days since it came out. I use the absolute mess out of the file, screwdriver, pliers, scissors, and wedge/package opener. I’m hoping I can swap a few of the ARC internals over to the P2, because I don’t really want the extra weight/width in my pocket.
Tim D.
Stuart, will you have an affiliate link of any sort for this?
Every Garage release so far has bungled the links, and the tool doesn’t even show up on their website until it’s already sold out.
Do you have a link that you’ll be able to post at time of release that will get us directly to the tool?
Mike
How much does this product cost?
Stuart
I will try my best. I asked for a link, as I have experienced the same as you have.
In the past, the direct Garage tool links didn’t go live until they were released for sale.
Barring unforeseen setbacks, I do plan have a link up at the time of release.
Tim D.
Excellent. Thank you!
Mel
I really like the P2 the slim minimalist design fits the shop or Facility mechanic needs I don’t need all the survivalist tools. The multi bit adapters are a must for tech’s . An O ring hook awl would be a great replacement for the saw even a dedicated long reach 1/8 flat screwdriver. The scissors can also make way for a flush cut zip tie cuter or a magnacut full serrated blade or a scalpel option .I believe this setup would be the biggest selling Leatherman ever you can even call it the P2 Tech series .
dave s
It appears that us average people have no chance to get any of the garage series when they are released , But amazing how many are already on ebay at very inflated price . Thanks a lot leatherman . Maybe time to start looking for other brands
Ct451
I don’t understand the ceramic coating on a stainless blade. Inevitably it will get scratched. Is it just for color?
Scott K
I love this series. I don’t plan to buy something this expensive, but I seriously appreciate the innovation and the risk-taking involved. This seems to be reminiscent of their founding. There are several stock models I’ve had my eye on for a while, but my wingman has held up great.
Wayne Dolezal
I have had probably 6 or more different Leatherman models over the years, losing a few and using some to the point where the hinges would allow device to fall open. I currently have a Surge and only complaint is the lack of file and wood saw. I have also worn out canvas belt cases and leather cases and finally had Hiddin Leather in Madison, Idaho make heavy duty, riveted cases for my Leatherman and Samsung phone which I carry daily on my leather belt. Both cases in great condition after 4-years of daily use. I look for to new Leatherman products and will purchase same if they have a saw and file on device.
Spearhead 91
Not sure what you mean by “Lack of file and wood saw”. The Surge has an interchangeable saw and file.
Ira Heitner
I bought my first leatgerman around 1999 when I started as a building engineer. I kept upgrading finaly ending up with the Wave with all the attachments. It was the most useful tool I ever owned. When other trades needed a tool they didn’t bring..usually something needed to remove a fastener..I would just hand them mine…they were astounded that I always had the right one.
Running around huge building you couldn’t carry everything you needed…but this tool kept me going. I still have every one I ever bought. I keep them in all my cars.
Carl
I would like to find a pocket tool that is travel safe, e.i no knife..seams hard to find or?!?:)
MM
There are a handful of models that are bladeless. Leatherman makes a version of the Rebar without a blade and Gerber does the same with the MP600. There’s also a few smaller “keychain” size models too.
Or you could buy whichever one you want and remove the blade.
L
Leatherman Style PS.
OddBall
Is it possible to actually buy these before they sell out?
Can anyone recommend the best multitool for auto/motorcycle mechanics? I’m torn between the Wave, the Surge and this new, limited-edition, Cerrakoted job. Thanks in advance!
Stuart
Yes.
Register for a Leatherman user account, sign in, and be at a computer at 9am PST.
I have the Wave and older Surge. They’re both good, the Wave is more compact. Also consider at the FREE series models this one is based on.
OddBall
Can this (proposed) tool operate all of the bits contained in Leatherman’s
“Bit Driver” accessory kit? Thanks in advance!
Stuart
I don’t see why not – the bit holder looks like Leatherman’s standard one.
Stuart
We’re 14 minutes in and the 40th Anniversary Tool is still in-stock and available for purchase.
Leatherman’s servers seem to be hard-hit.
There are several steps to get one. First you have to add it to your cart. Then you have to load the cart. Finally, there’s the checkout procedure where you have to confirm the shipping address, payment method, and submit after final review.
Checkout for me took 6 minutes, with each step taking a couple of clicks and waiting. Getting to the payment processing step took the longest and most clicks.
16 minutes in – sold out.
You might want to check back just in case – in the past, for at least one or two Garage tools, inventory was released and available for purchase. I presume orders were cancelled or similar.
J. Newell
Wow…though not surprising? I think there’s a constructive message for Leatherman from the Garage, at a higher level: the traditional multitool is still what people will literally beat a path to your door to purchase.
There was a fashionable business management book in the 1980s – I don’t remember the author or title, but I do remember (or I *think* I remember) the phrase that summed the whole book up: stick to the knitting. In other words, most companies succeed doing what they know how to do best. I think that probably applies to Leatherman, and that’s a good thing.
Stuart
They sold out of every Garage series offering fairly quickly.
Even the last one, the Eurpe75 https://toolguyd.com/leatherman-garage-europe75/ sold out in around or under 15 minutes.
Eric
It was gone when I checked at 11:18 central time
J. Newell
A tale of two check-outs.
1. REC Spyderco Para3 CPM10V. Up at noon, purchase completed within 90 seconds.
2. Leatherman Garage. Up at noon, a bazillion 504 and other errors. Took 15 minutes to complete.
You can set up a website to deal with a stampede…but not everyone does.
Mike McFalls
I’m thoroughly annoyed. Their servers couldn’t handle the traffic nd despite being on the site exactly at Noon and having the item in my carts; I couldn’t get through the checkout process and ultimately received an “out of stock” message when I made it to the final checkout screen.
As an avid LM fan and owner of more than 10 LM tools- this is not how you treat loyal customers. Instead I’ll see 25 of them for immediate resale on eBay this afternoon. terrible job LM!
RD
I made it to the final check out screen and the place order button just does nothing – doesn’t even prompt a load. It’s still stuck there!
Guess they didn’t anticipate the demand that a Garage product that doesn’t look so “experimental” would generate? It’s been awhile since I’ve seen a rollout result in 503 errors.
J. Newell
As a guess, I think they had multiple capacity failures. The website itself didn’t seem to be ready, in spite of the fact that at least two earlier Garage sales attracted huge demand. I think the payment problems that I also encountered are probably a separate part of the overall website architecture and that was very clearly not up to dealing with this volume of traffic.
Stuart
This one was also advertised earlier and in greater detail.
I don’t recall any of the other Garage series tools being featured in promo videos a week ahead of time.
So more interest + greater awareness + greater collectability on account of the 40th anniversary milestone connection = more traffic than their servers could handle smoothly.
Mike McFalls
there are 4 postings on eBay… starting at $600. Ridiculous!
Mike McFalls
make it 5 now. Im disgusted with LM. I posted about their customer service recently on the forum…..so I’ve no one to blame for my disappointment and expectation that they would handle this release well
https://discuss.toolguyd.com/t/leatherman-com-experience/3231
Eric
I’m sure they got slammed with resellers bots looking to buy them up up to sell at 2x markup. There are already some listed on ebay. One for $600 and one for $700.
Allen N
I was also at the computer at high speed internet at 8:59 PST and the link opened. Crashed multiple times during checkout and when I went to the final checkout it wouldn’t load and said was sold out. Took 18 minutes to finally get there. VERY frustrating. Hopefully Leatherman improves this process in the future. Or they can just incorporate sprung pliers in the arc model. Thats what I’m really hoping for!
TrainWreck
Any idea when the Arc will be available?
Stuart
The Arc hasn’t been announced yet, and so there’s no official ETA.
Art
Note for those that got stuck in checkout (for next time), I could never get my card to get processed / onto the final stage. I switched to PayPal and was able to complete the transaction.
Mike McFalls
It is a good, but not fool proof, suggestion as I tried that using Apple Pay on my phone and it still timed out.
Joeyplierhands
I signed up for this newsletter because this article helped me so much ! Especially to be prepared for the launch. I wanted to say thank you to the author (Stuart) and all the people in the comments.
I did everything right, even had a family member at the ready on home internet , on my account while I had to be at work and I was on the phone with them 5 minutes before the drop. Same thing , got all the way to the end and the same cycle , payment error – refresh , payment error- refresh , finally said it was sold out . I was super dissatisfied with the process but ultimately I know this is how limited releases go .
I’ve been a LM fan since I was 12 and I got a wave by chance because my brother knew I liked multi-tools. (I’m almost 30 now still love the company to a fault and I believe in them.) I’m excited for the Arc hope to hear about the release on here ! Cheers and don’t give up on good tools!
Stuart
I’m sorry for everyone that missed out.
I added the link when available, at the top of the post and bottom, and republished it to the top of the home page.
I hoped the direct link would get readers at least one step closer than the Garage page, but the servers were really being hit hard with this one.
I have a feeling that a lot of people did everything right but it still ended up being a matter of luck.
Andrew G.
I am also in the boat of missing out. I clicked and refreshed the links continually 5 minutes before launch and did get in about a minute or two before the official launch time, slowly made my way through the pages and got to “submit order” and had a payment declined error even though my credit card is saved on the LM website.
What is curious is that I have an order number in my order history but it shows status failed. I called LM and they said they had no such order in their records but I am curious if anyone else had a similar experience. I am sure I am out of luck but there was a small glimmer of hope.
J. Newell
It looks like we now have much better insight on what was up with the Darkside. Although it’s true that they needed to develop the serviceable joint in order to make the PVD coating possible, the real reason is probably to permit use of a spring on the Arc/Garage #5 multitools.
Those springs will break. Leatherman probably did some math on warranty costs vs. the cost of developing and manufacturing the new pliers joint and concluded that junking some percentage of production as part of warranty costs would be more expensive than the all-in cost of the new joint.
Stuart
The Darkside is based on the Charge, and the 40th Anniversary Tool on the Free.
Free series tools have a much smoother pivot. If I had to pick a platform to add a spring action to, it would be that one.
The Garage series is all about trying and showcasing new things – designs, processes, and features.
J. Newell
Yes, and if there was doubt before, I think it’s clear now that that new design/feature of the Darkside was the non-riveted pivot on the pliers. It was only of cosmetic significance on the Darkside, but as a proof of concept it was a success, which is probably the reason that Leatherman decided to add the spring on the pliers.
I’m actually not a big fan of pliers with springs and typically remove them but on this one it will stay.
Franco
To each there own…I for sure believe we are all entitled to whatever we like….BUT.
First off, Stuart, with all of the tools out there, the frequency of Leatherman threads you do, you are either a big Leatherman nerd or have a vested interest in promoting them.
Then, whenever you do Leatherman threads, so many responses from fans and people that have many Leatherman, including multiples of the same model!
I think they are cool, but very expensive for something that is a compromise in many situations. I have one, a bit too big to be in my pocket and I hate stuff clipped or holstered to my belt. So it is in my bug out or getaway bag.
Anyway, I am not one to disparage because I have enough of my own vises…one being a collection of close to 100 vices (bench vices)!
Stuart
There’s no extra incentive to promote Leatherman over other brands. If or when there is, I’d disclose it.
“ whenever you do Leatherman threads, so many responses from fans and people”
Exactly. It’s interesting to me and interesting to many readers.
If you’re not a Leatherman or multi-tool fan, skip such posts.
Ted
Hi,
Just wondering — how does the spring loaded pliers work ? Is there an actual spring hidden in the hinge or something ? Or is it a magnetic spring ?
I’m asking this cuz I’m concerned it could affect the sturdiness of the tool
Thanx !
Stuart
I received my purchased copy, and it feels like there’s an internalized spring.