Leatherman’s new Free series of multi-tools goes beyond traditionally-styled multi-tools, such as the Free P2 multi-tool featured in my recent hands-on review. Here, we’ll talk about the more compact T-series tools.
Shown above is the Leatherman Free T2, which the brand describes as being small but mighty. It’s their more compact Free-series multi-tool, designed to be small enough for pocket or purse carry.
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The Leatherman Free T2 multi-tool is just 3.6″ closed, and weighs 3.3 oz. It has a 2.2″ blade length.
Features include Made in USA construction, one-handed operable tools that all lock into position for use, magnetic opening and closing, and frustration-free tool access. In other words, it shares much of the same features and mechanisms as the P-series multi-tools.
Leatherman T2 Tools
- 420HC plain edge knife
- Awl
- Bottle opener
- Pry tool
- Package opener
- Phillips screwdriver
- Medium screwdriver
- Extra-small screwdriver
Price: $40
Buy Now(coming soon via Leatherman)
The Leatherman Free T4 multi-tool is similar to the T2, but adds tweezers, scissors, and a file.
It’s the same length as the T2, at 3.6″ long, but weights more, at 4.3 oz.
Leatherman T4 Tools
- 420HC plain edge knife
- Spring-action scissors
- Awl
- Bottle opener
- Pry tool
- Package opener
- Phillips screwdriver
- Medium screwdriver
- Small screwdriver
- Extra-small screwdriver
- Wood/metal file
- Tweezers
Price: $60
Buy Now(coming soon via Leatherman)
First Thoughts
These new Free T2 and T4 multi-tools are something completely different from Leatherman. They’re not pliers-based multi-tools, and while they feature a good-sized knife, the knife is not the star of the show in the same way as in knife-based multi-tools.
As with the P-series tools, Leatherman manufacturers the T-series tools in the USA.
I like the idea of compact multi-tools. Leatherman describes the T2 as “an EDC multipurpose tool built for every hand,” and the T4 as providing “maximum utility, minimum space.”
It looks like both tools have a lanyard loop, but there’s no mention of a pocket clip.
Kevin says
Apr 24, 2019 at 8:55 amlooks cool, a little throwback to swiss army knives of old.
does it have a belt clip? i like the look of the new P2 pliers and they have a belt clip, very edc friendly without having to wear a sheath. any info on that?
Tim D. says
Apr 24, 2019 at 9:08 amhttps://toolguyd.com/review-leatherman-free-multi-tool-p2-is-amazing/
Kevin says
Apr 24, 2019 at 9:19 ami saw the clip on the pliers, this question is in reference to these knives.
Tim D. says
Apr 24, 2019 at 9:37 amAh, sorry. I misunderstood your question.
The T4 in the SHOT show videos definitely shows a pocket clip, the T2’s had pocket clip screw holes, but were empty.
This photo on the leatherman site shows the clip on the T4 as well: https://www.leatherman.com/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-master/default/dw2fb4c187/large/581_lifestyle_0012_free_t4_02.jpg
Stuart says
Apr 24, 2019 at 11:38 amThere’s no mention or images of a belt clip in press info or product info pages. Tim’s image does show a clip on the T4, but I’m waiting for official confirmation to be sure it’s not an optional accessory purchase.
Kevin says
Apr 25, 2019 at 7:44 amGreat, thank you to you and Tim for the feedback!
Tim D. says
Apr 24, 2019 at 9:30 amFor similar money to a Swiss army knife, I think I’d take a the SAK. However, this does look like it might be more robust than a SAK.
These look a bit bulky. It’s hard to tell, as Leatherman doesn’t bother to put all dimensions on their products, just the length and weight.
The “awl” looks a bit unusable as an awl. More like lets pop a hole in the small screwdriver and add another number to our implement count.
I’m interested in the K line. It’s not a bad looking knife. However, I think once they show an unflattering angle of it, it will kill my interest. They’ve done a nice job of hiding that fat rear side of it so far.
I like the idea of having a few of those tools in the back of my knife that clips into the normal knife spot on the rim of my pocket. If it’s as thick as a multi tool on the back side though, I might as well just stick a multitool in my pocket.
Nathan says
Apr 24, 2019 at 9:40 amThe T2 does everything I would ask of my Skeltool with a better blade. (I hate the combo blade)
It I think it would be lighter and easier to carry. The T4 as the scissors I would love to have for EDC. SInce i work in an office.
In this “free” system I would love to be able to order a custom tool set on a product line.
LIke a car. In otherwords. Let me order a T4 – without the AWL (and whatever else they call it) and without the file. narrow it down or lighten it up and 5 dollars cheaper or whatever. OR – let me order a T2 drop the AWL and add the scissors. if the blade width allows. Some variant of that would be very welcome.
928'er says
Apr 24, 2019 at 4:53 pmI’m with you on the combo blades.
I have a couple of the Skelatools that I picked up when they were a special deal at HD and I HATE the partially serrated blade. Leatherman, however, will not even sell you a plain replacement blade. Pissed me off enough that I will not buy another Leatherman product. Of course, that’s just me…
Nathan says
Apr 25, 2019 at 9:26 amI’m close to that thought – they make that skeltool knife that has the plain blade and it’s occasionally cheap enough I thought about snagging one to trade out.
928'er says
Apr 25, 2019 at 3:45 pmThat was Letterman customer service’s solution – just buy another Skeletool with a plain blade. I have three of the things with the damn half(assed) serrated blade. I’m not about to buy another tool just to get a plain blade.
They won’t let you buy just a plain blade – even though they (obviously) make a plain blade.
Jared says
Apr 24, 2019 at 9:59 amLooks good to me. Very swiss army-like. I’d have to see them in person to decide whether I’d actually prefer it to a comparable SAK. From the review of the multi-tool, I assume these are premium products. Presuming that’s true -and they’re not too fat to pocket comfortably – I could definitely foresee purchasing one.
Thom says
Apr 24, 2019 at 11:32 amNot worth the price considering I carry the Gerber Dime now.
Nathan says
Apr 24, 2019 at 3:38 pmbut the dime is smaller in size – smaller blades and made in china. though colorful.
so for people that want a made in USA product and larger this might strike a chord.
I’m intrigued and also add me to the want list for a pocket clip. It would need that if I was to use one
Mike says
Apr 24, 2019 at 12:31 pmWish they came with a belt case don’t trust those clips lost too many knives using them
Frank D says
Apr 24, 2019 at 5:30 pmI still object to the “free” part of the name. Was that really the only thing they could come up with?
David M. West says
Apr 24, 2019 at 8:34 pmNo glass-breaker. Be nice to have a EDC multi tool with a glass-breaker.
Mike47 says
Apr 24, 2019 at 9:03 pmThank you Leatherman… I’ll take a Free knife!
Robert says
Apr 25, 2019 at 8:37 amMy guess is that the “awl” is intended to function as more of a combination implement. A little bit awl, small screwdriver/pry tool, etc. Not perfect for any one function, but not necessarily intended to be. Just a general purpose handy implement.
Tim D. says
Apr 25, 2019 at 11:55 amI understand that the tool is a “jack of all trades” so to speak, so most of its implements are more for emergency use than ideal use.
However, the types of awl I’m familiar with are scratch, stitching, piercing, and bradawl.
This tool is a screwdriver so it isn’t sharp enough to be a scratch awl. It’s far to wide to be effective at piercing. It has a hole on it, so it makes me think they wish it to be a stitching awl, but it’s far to wide to stitch anything, and it’s not sharp enough to dig through wood, so it’s not functional as a brad awl.
Personally, I think its a stretch to add it to the tool count.
Robert says
Apr 25, 2019 at 12:35 pmThat’s the kind of awl that we’re all familiar with. These things are a compromise at best. You could make that same case for other items on the tools like the larger “screwdriver.” A better description might be that it’s something for screwdriving, minor prying, or minor scraping tasks. Most of these things, including the scissors, are a compromise on a good day.
None of it will take the place of a separate dedicated tool. With that said, they’re a decent pocket tool for small incidental tasks.
Tim D. says
Apr 25, 2019 at 1:28 pmNot to drag this out, but we’ll have to agree to disagree.
The fact that I can still drive a screw with the large screwdriver means it’s less than ideal, but is still functional. It can even double as a pry widge or whatever.
My point is that the awl is not functional as an awl, in practically any fashion.
This is not necessarily true for any awl leatherman has produced, but definitely my opinion of the awl crammed into the “free” line of tools.
SAKs actually have a somewhat functional awl usually, again it depends on the model.