The latest Leatherman Garage Series product is PARTS, a folding knife with an interchangeable blade system.
Leatherman Garage consists of limited-quantity tools that the brand uses to try new things. The Garage Series helps Leatherman “explore what’s next,” with these one-off products potentially serving as experimental platforms that might influence future designs.
Note: Leatherman Garage Series tools sell out very quickly.
Update (12:26pm): The PARTS has sold out.
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The Leatherman PARTS knife is described as representing the brand’s problem-solving spirit. Leatherman engineers sought out to create “the best folding knife possible” while also “using the greatest amount of found resources from the factory.”
The PARTS features an innovative interchangeable blade system and comes with two knife blades – an S30V EDC blade and a 154CM work blade.
I presume that the EDC blade has the drop point profile, and the work blade the sheepsfoot profile.
The Leatherman PARTS knife features white G-10 handle scales, and what looks to be an Axis-style locking mechanism.
Leatherman says:
Switch out the work blade with a standard everyday carry (aka EDC) blade, so you can adapt to whatever you need in the moment.
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The PARTS knife is described as being simple, easy-to-launch, and is operable from a slim, lightweight frame.
The tool comes with a removable bit driver – a bit holder that comes with a double-ended screwdriver bit. (Leatherman’s screwdriver bits have a modified 1/4″ hex shank.)
The bit holder is equipped with a Torx-style bit, which is required for changing out the blade.
Features & Specs
Tools: S30V EDC Blade, 154CM Work Blade
Removable Pocket Clip
Lanyard Hole
- Blade length: 3.2″ (8.13 cm)
- Closed length: 4.3″ (10.92 cm)
- Weighs 2.9 oz (82.21 g)
- Thickness: 0.425″ (1.08 cm)
- Width: 1.2″ (3.05 cm)
Materials: 420 HC Stainless Steel, G-10 Handles
Made in USA
Price & Availability Details
Each tool comes with one handle, two blades, and a bit driver.
Price: $215
Name: PARTS
Garage Series Batch #3
Launched on 8/23/2022 at 9am PT/12pm ET
Sold Out by 12:25pm EST
Announced Quantity: Less than 1,000
Discussion
I, or rather ToolGuyd, will likely try to purchase one for review purposes.
But, speaking as a tool user, and someone who owns quite a few Leatherman multi-tools and knives, I’d say that $215 can buy two high quality fully-functional knives, rather than one knife handle with two interchangeable blades.
The interchangeable blade interface seems interesting, and I’m curious to see how well it works for the two included 3.2″ blades.
This is a neat design, and is sure to please collectors. For more casual Leatherman fans or EDC knife users, there are a lot of other ways to spend the same $215.
It will be interesting to see what kinds of tool or knife designs come from the lessons Leatherman engineers learned in making the PARTS.
Nathan
I get that a low production run of 1000 seems like alot but it’s not – however that is still too much money IMO.
But it’s a sampling. Shame it’s not a sub 3in blade or atleast a sub 3in blade offering (you know because it could be changed out . . . .)
I’d consider something like that. but for a good bit less money too.
TomD
They got almost a cool quarter million in revenue today, not too bad.
Jim Felt
No it isn’t.
But considering their factory is in the US I think that goes toward a good purpose. AKA “Made in America”…
TomD
I don’t begrudge them these runs at all. It obviously is working for them and they get to try things out.
Tim D.
Leatherman’s revenue was 97 million in 2021. Small batch experimental tools in this volume would be doing extremely well just to cover its own cost of existence. I seriously doubt Leatherman is doing this for immediate revenue. Some side benefits of maybe having some of your R&D cost covered, and certainly some quarterly hype on a new “drop” for the uber fans.
I see no reason to doubt the garage is exactly what they say it is. A way to do some R&D, while also selling some limited versions of it to the public to get some feedback. Unfortunately, almost all I’ve seen is negativity. At this point I’m wondering if management won’t see it as more trouble than it’s worth.
J. Newell
Yes – there is a *world* of difference between revenue and income. I’d be surprised if the revenue on the Garage tools covers total costs, but it almost certainly offsets the costs. And they get to play…
It’s not my field, but I imagine that if I were an R&D or production engineer, this would be like Christmas and New Year’s wrapped into one, day after day.
Mark Diesel
To bad everyone for gets buck knives has already done this one they even included saw and fillet blades sorry to see leather man try to copy it in something over priced and lot less utilized.
atavistic
Lame.
Eddy C
I purchased previous Garage Tool. I am disappointed with this Garage Tool. Two blades for $215 that is kind of ripoff. If they put like 5 blades with other tools then I would consider buying. This knife thing can’t even open a beer bottle or break a car window.
Jim Felt
That’s what bricks are for. ;-)~
MM
Looks like I was wrong with my guess that it wouldn’t be an interchangeable blade knife. Instead, it the mechanism which secures the interchangeable blades appears to be very flimsy. In all fairness I can’t rag on it too hard without having examined the knife in person but man, the pictures do not inspire confidence with regard to how securely the blades are held.
Color scheme reminds me of a 1950’s kitchen.
John+S.
Funny you say that but I have a house built in 1949 and when repainting the kitchen trim I can confirm that turquoise and white were the colors (visible in a few worn spots). Come to think of it in the 70’s my grandparents kitchen was also turquoise and white. Thanks for the memory!
Vitaliy
After taking certification course on Safe LEAD paint remodeling yesterday, mentioning of house build in 1949 triggers an twitch in me
J. Newell
We were moving small boats around this weekend, including a very cute, very small dinghy from the 1930s that was a birthday present (!) for my late mother-in-law. My wife said “we should strip, repair and repaint that!” She’s right, but…I might pay a boatyard to do that because I think there’s a 100%+ chance that all that paint is lead paint. 🙁
J. Newell
I think they got the steel/blade combinations reversed – the edge retention of S30V is arguably more important for the “work” blade. But really, for the money, how is it possible that both blades aren’t S30V? Offering a “premium” blade in 154CM might have made sense 20 or 25 years ago; it makes no sense today.
Tim D.
I’m personally not a fan of S30V. It loses that “razor” edge quickly.
S30V is kind of a grandpa as well, coming in at just over 20 years old.
Personally 154cm and s30v are both premium steels of yesteryear. They’re lightyears better than 420c or most of the sandvik alphabet steels, but
J. Newell
In general, I think you’re right on all points. My impression over the years is that S30V seems to be unusually sensitive to differences in how the heat treat is performed. But even more or less optimized for whatever the intended use is, it’s still an old steel.
I don’t mean to be down on “old” for it’s own sake. Properly hardened, 154CM performs well even if it can’t match newer steels, and it’s very quick and easy to sharpen (which is not typically true of S30V).
Tim D.
Leatherman has not traditionally done a good job at making knives. Pair this up with a color scheme I do not care for, and a lanyard/driver that I don’t understand. Am I supposed to carry that thing around in addition to the knife? It doesn’t clip into the knife anywhere?
Personally, interchangeable blades isn’t something I care for in a pocket knife. I understand for skinning and processing, but they already have interchangeable scalpels for that.
I would settle for manufacturers selling replacement blades for a decent price, and without me having to ship the knife in for a month service job.
Koko+The+Talking+Ape
I’m doubtful. I guess the advantage over two knives, or one knife with two blades, is that it takes a tiny bit less space. You can leave the blade you don’t want in a drawer. But who cares?
If this knife took disposable blades, that might be useful (I think some hunters use disposable blades for dressing game), but it doesn’t.
Re the particular blades they offer, I personally don’t need or want a sheepsfoot blade, though I can imagine maybe first responders could use one (though I’d guess they’d want a serrated blade, for cutting through seatbelts or clothing.) And it’s a little hard to tell, but it looks like both blades have a shallow hollow grind, and I like flat grinds better (less likely to bind on stiff materials.)
And like MM says, the blade holder mechanism looks iffy, though it’s Leatherman, so I’d guess it works okay at least. And it’s cool that they’re experimenting.
Bob
I also have concerns on durability of the blade holder. Kind of scratching my head when I see an axis blade lock (licensed from Benchmade?) which is rock solid on an iffy blade holder. I guess we will all have to wait to hear what other folks who bought one say about the durability of the blade holder.
N.+Berg
The patent for the Axis lock expired a few years ago, so as long as anyone making a sliding bar lock doesn’t call it an Axis Lock® they don’t have to license anything. It’s as free to use as the Micheal Walker LinerLock® and the Reeve Integral Lock® (aka frame lock) are.
The slot on the Leatherman Parts also isn’t parallel to the spine of the knife like a sliding bar lock is, it looks perpendicular and slightly curved, so I would imagine it functions differently enough that it should be considered a different mechanism anyway.
Jared
It looks neat – just not $215 neat if you exclude the novelty premium. You can get a much, much nicer knife for $215.
Ignoring the price though, it looks like a decent knife to me with an interesting design quirk. Clearly this model is working for Leatherman.
Yadda
The market has been here and done that. The connection mechanism may be the innovative part, but the overall premise isn’t innovative. Kershaw, Case, Sheffield and others make or have made knives with exchangeable blades, all for more reasonable prices.
Nathan
yeah don’t lose your bit though?
Custom made EDC multi-tool options – might be worth 215. If I can truly customize it.
IE no pliers – but give me spring loaded scissors of size (like a 2+ in blade). A smooth knife sub 3 in (yes I know but it’s a work restriction for me). then that interchangeable bit older for the driver. and a file. from there not sure what else but I could think of something. and I’d call it the _______________.
J. Newell
A Garage idea that would be really cool, as a riff on. your post, would be expanding the current bit holder and T-shank holder concepts so that you could swap things other than (1) proprietary Leatherman driver bits and (2) Bosch/other T-shank saw blades.
Imagine a thinned-down Charge or Wave that had user-swappable tools like:
– awl
– scissors
– box/plastic package opener
– micro screwdriver
– and other tools, your imagination is the limit
Put that in a multitool that’s half the thickness of a Wave/Charger – wouldn’t that be cool?
Don
Why is Leatherman going all gimmicky. Craftsman did the same thing and it turned me off as well.
Really not interested in this kind of stuff.
MT
This is a solution in search of a problem.
Yeah, just buy two knives and have some money left over.
James Downie
Blade is spec-ed at 3.2 inches, but the cutting edge is less, given the “finger choil” area where the blade interfaces with the holder. So it has a 2.9″ or less cutting edge, handle is 4 inches long, and given the finger choil it should allow for 2 different holds, standard, and “chocking up” using the choil area. It appears to be thin, which is a plus, and 3oz is a decent weight. Wonder if it has full metal liners, or just metal around the “sliding bar lock”? Does not mention if it comes with any sort of holster or carrier for the “other blade” so it would seem to be a bit of a gimmick. If they were to use the blade swap interface with one of their multitools, that would be cool, assuming they would have a selection of blades/saws/ files, etc to use in the holder. And the included torx bit is to take apart the knife, just a tool for maintenance purposes. Which is nice, as the knife is over priced… I would have bought it had i remembered, I have a darkside, which seems like a much better value for money, all things considered. Hopefully the swap mechanism makes its way into some other tools. Re-imagined skeletool with a interchange system to off blade, saw, file, cheese fork, etc, that would be interesting.
Stacey Jones
Too ugly, big, and expensive. Otherwise a good idea.
Charles_A
Wow – has everyone decided to just raise prices to ridiculous levels? For $215, I can find some much nicer pieces of sharpened metal.
Jared
And yet sold out almost instantly.
I agree, this knife makes no sense from a utility value perspective. However, when they sell out fast and get resold for a premium on ebay shortly thereafter, there’s an argument that Leatherman is underpricing these limited edition runs.
David+Z
Less than 1000 offered, and 850 probably went to YouTube reviewers!
John
It certainly makes sense from a business perspective. It’s the same reason carhartt went from making work clothes to ‘work’ themed lifestyle clothes. It’s way more profitable. It looks like Leatherman is going heavy into the products sold as ‘drops’ that are bought exclusively by collectors. It’s a big market and there’s a lot of money in it.
D. Walsh
Collectors being used like beagles, and paying $215.
for the privilege. Come on Leatherman. This is not right.
Ed
If your gonna have two blades I think the sheepfoot should be flat ground with partial serrations so that it would make clear distinction in each blade a working knife wouldn’t be better suited in flat ground and half or full serrated
Tim D.
I am shocked that Leatherman made not one, but two blades without serrations.
Good job Leatherman. Quit making everything with serrations plz.
J. Newell
Haha, good point! But more seriously – the website mentioned or at least inferred that Leatherman was using up leftover parts – from what, I wonder?
Ct451
I think the “lessons Leatherman engineers learned” is that they can make 200k with a bad idea and leftover parts. There’s only so much goodwill they can spend and a limited numbers of customers for this type of products.
How are you supposed to carry the spare blade to switch it out after work? Seems like the opposite philosophy of their multi tool. Instead of carrying 1 to do 20 jobs you carry 3 to do 1 job.
Andy
I’m confused, everyone is hating on Leatherman’s knife. Still cheaper than a benchmade Osborne and you get two blades.
N.+Berg
I don’t really care that much about the actual usefulness or the price because I don’t think any limited edition tool like this is ever intended to actually be used. Sure, some of them might actually end up cutting stuff, but it exists to sell to collectors and super fans, not to someone looking for a new EDC knife. As long as their regular production tools continue being worth buying I think they’re fine to sell whatever overpriced collectables they want.
If they actually follow through with their stated goal of using Garage to test ideas that might make it to regular production though, I think this one is super interesting.
The mechanism for attaching the blades and the lock both look very low profile. This seems like it could be the starting point for developing an actual multi tool with modular/customizable user-replacable components. A solid retention mechanism no thicker than a standard knife blade that only requires a single screw to swap out parts seems perfect for that.
The lock is vaguely similar to a sliding bar lock (aka Axis lock), but it must function a little different because the slot is perpendicular to the normal sliding bar lock orientation. The only other tool or knife lock I can think of that looks similar is actually the SOG Power Assist, though on that tool it was much farther from the knife’s pivot. Having the lock so close to the pivot might allow you to fit more or longer tools next to it.
Tim D.
I think you’re spot on. Small batch prices aren’t meant to reflect real world price.
The idea of making a solid attachment point for normies to swap out their blades without having to take the entire knife apart is interesting. I don’t think it’s designed to carry around different blades with you all day, in case you come upon a use for a sheepsfoot, so much as the ability to swap out the blades on the knife if you know you’re going to be doing a different task that day. Or maybe you just get sick of one style of blade and want to try another out.
Mark M.
I wouldn’t purchase this at any price. Weird colorway, and what am I supposed to do with the extra blade? Do they really think I’d take the time to swap out blades for different applications? The only way this would get my attention is if it were along the lines of a utility knife, where the handle was more refined than a boxcutter and instead of replacing a blade tip I could replace a more robust blade. I’d be inclined to pay a little bit more for a nice handle in that case. But this? Pfffff…someone’s pet project. Hard pass.
Jerry
I can see its value to collectors, but not so much for value minded knife users. For far less money, you can purchase a knife that can swap blades without tools. Now, as a proof of co dept or prototype system to allow for users to customize or even repair damaged blades/tools,it makes more sense. Develop a system, get some out there as a garage knife, and get a feel for how well it works and how easy it is to manufacture. If they decide not to produce it, it just becomes more collectible.
PW
Holy cow what a hatefest! You’d think the Leatherman tool company personally came over to half these commenters houses and shot their dog.
It’s a small release at a high price, nobody’s holding a gun to your head to make you buy it. Also the price is clearly not *too* high if they’re selling out in hours.
It’s not for me, but it’s interesting. One thing that actually appeals to me about this – I have a knife sharpening system that’s easier to use without the handle attached. Being able to take out the blade and sharpen it would actually be a neat feature.
Tim D.
What he said ^
Jimbo
100% agree with PW; based off the comments here, Reddit and several Youtube channels; you’d think Leatherman did something absolutely horrific when in reality all they did is make a tool that NO ONE is forced to buy.
More than half a century I remember my old man sitting me down and telling me when I was likely being a brat that nothing in life is fair and focus on what is truly important. If this offends anyone that isn’t my intention.
While this product doesn’t interest me; I’d like to think and hope most of us are old enough to have the maturity and mental fortitude to realize this is just a tool and Leatherman is there to make tools.
J. Newell
Ironically (at least to me), this arrived with the alternative blade and the bit holder/bit literally banging around in the sealed packaging. They had come out of the foam insert and were loose in the box. There wasn’t any packaging preventing them from coming out of the foam insert – I can’t imagine that this hasn’t happened to others. Very poor marks for Leatherman on the packaging. As you can imagine, there is some damage. I’m likely to return it…