The Leatherman FREE multi-tools are HERE! Thanks to our friends at Leatherman, I’ve got one in my hands, the Free P2, and although I’m not ready for a full review, I have some early impressions I wanted to share.
First up, this is a premium multi-tool. The Leatherman Free P2 currently retails for twice what I paid for my Leatherman Wave multi-tool 12 years ago. If you’re shopping for your first multi-tool, $120 for the P2 is going to be hard to justify.
Advertisement
Update 5/1/2020: So far, so good. The Leatherman Free has handled well over the past year, with regular but not daily use. Also of note, the price as of the time of this update has been discounted to $105. This post was originally published on 4/18/2019, and republished on 5/1/2020
For the same money, you could alternatively buy the Leatherman Surge ($120 at Amazon), one of the largest and most featured multi-tools that Leatherman makes.
So what’s so special about the Leatherman Free multi-tool that it can command such a price?
To start, Leatherman says that they built the Free multi-tools from the ground up. Everything has been redesigned to “make it the toughest, most durable multi-tool ever.”
But, the main feature is the “magnetic architecture,” and the tools are also designed to be easier to open, with new “frustration free tool access.”
Advertisement
Magnetic architecture? Magnetic open and closing? Yep.
Leatherman used “epic haptics” to describe the opening and closing of the tool. And it really is amazing to open and close.
A magnet holds the two handles closed. When you want to fold the pliers open, you break that connection and swing the handles around. When the handles are nearly in position, a little pressure springs the lock into place and the pliers are open and ready to use.
Closing the pliers is equally as satisfying.
Standard Leatherman multi-tools, which I’ve been using for more than a decade, aren’t at all difficult to open and close, but there’s a different feel to them. Some of my Leatherman EDC multi-tools took some time to feel broken in.
But the Leatherman Free P2 multi-tool, it feels like perfectly broken in, from Day 1.
Compared to the Leatherman Wave, the Free P2 pliers are slightly wider. The finer grooves on the tips of the Leatherman Free P2 jaws are a little coarser, but still what I’d consider fine. The Free also has replaceable cutter blades, similar to their premium tools and recently updated Leatherman Wave Plus and TTi Plus multi-tools.
See Also: Leatherman Wave Multi-Tool Review
The Free P2 is longer than the Wave, but a little slimmer. It’s a similar length to the Surge, but is a lot slimmer than that multi-tool.
I’ve been trying out both the new sheath and belt clip. The belt clip implementation is excellent, and better executed than on Leatherman’s fuller-size multi-tools like the Wave. While not as slim as the clip on the Skeletool, the Free P2’s clip is removable.
See Also: Leatherman Skeletool Multi-Tool Review
The Free P2 is smooth and comfortable to use, both in terms of the actual motions of deploying and closing the tools, and in its use.
It is absolutely fantastic that you get full-size tools on the outsides of the handles. You get that on the Leatherman OHT multi-tool, but you don’t quite get full-size tools with that model. With the OHT, the pliers are the star of the show.
See Also: Leatherman OHT Multi-Tool Review
There is one downside to the Free P2 multi-tool’s design, and it’s that I have found the knife blade to require two hands to open. Leatherman says that it has one-hand operable features, but I can’t flip that knife open with just my thumb, I need my other hand to do it.
It turns out that I can open the knife one-handed, but it’s not a smooth or fluid motion, and I have to be very careful of where I engage the finger groove. So, it doesn’t exactly require two-handed opening, but it’s not as effortless as with my other Leatherman multi-tools. On a positive note, the blade lock seems to be very strong.
That’s not terrible, and I wouldn’t consider it a deal-breaker. To me, the awesomeness of the pliers is a bigger and better selling point than the two-handed knife opening a detractor.
It’s still a whole lot better than having to open the multi-tool to access the knife blade via a nail nick, which is how some other multi-tools are designed.
As for the “other” tools, meaning all other functions aside for the knife and scissors, which both have “big tool” opening tabs, they are indeed easier to open. One tool was stuck at first, but I remedied that by using a penny instead of my thumb to pivot it open.
To open them, you push on the short end of the tools, behind their pivot. Then, select the one you want, and fold it outwards.
Although I can’t quite open the knife with one hand, I can select and open the Phillips screwdriver with just one hand, which is amazing if you’re used to most other multi-tools and their clumped-together tools.
All of The Leatherman Free multi-tool’s tools lock into place, and are easily unlocked. I figured out the lock on the first try, and the muscle-memory followed naturally as well.
There’s a lot going for Leatherman’s new Free multi-tools. The pliers are AMAZING. The knife? Acceptable. The tools open and close far easily than on most other multi-tools.
It’s difficult to describe how the Free multi-tool feels, but it’s very satisfying to open and close the pliers. They snap into place, and unsnap to close. I found myself opening and closing the pliers over the course of this post, much more than I needed to.
Overall, the newest Leatherman multi-tool feels good to open, and it’s comfortable to use. The tools themselves are very good, but I’ve come to expect that from Leatherman. The Phillips #2 perhaps deserves recognition for being usable, but that’s been true before.
I really like it. The main improvements here are in the way the tool can be opened and used. If you want the same tools and functionality, there are less expensive options. With the Leatherman Free multi-tools, the premium is for the refined user experience.
P2 Tools
- Pliers with Combination Needlenose and Standard Jaws
- Replaceable Wire and Hard-Wire Cutters
- Electrical Crimper
- Wire Stripper
- 420HC Combination-Edge Knife
- Spring-Action Scissors
P2 Specs
- 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
Buy Now(P2 via Leatherman)
Buy Now(P2 via Amazon)
Buy Now(P2 via BladeHQ)
Here is my preview of the Leatherman Free multi-tools. A more detailed review of the P2 will be forthcoming. Also, of course please let me know if you have any questions.
The success of the Leatherman Charge TTi and other $100+ multi-tools shows that there is definitely market demand for higher-priced offerings, for EDC and regular use.
The Free multi-tools are priced at a premium, but with these tools you get an improved user experience for the added cost. With some of Leatherman’s other premium-priced multi-tools, the extra cost gives you more tools, special handle materials or otherwise enhanced aesthetics, more premium blade steel, or a combination of things.
As far as I am aware, Leatherman has introduced the Free series of multi-tools alongside their existing offerings, and so you can still buy their other styles if you prefer those designs.
The Other Model: Leatherman Free P4 Multi-Tool
Stepping up to the Free P4 multi-tool, you get more tools – two knife blades instead of one combination edged blade, and a saw in addition to the scissors. This adds an ounce to the P4’s weight (8.6 oz vs. 7.6), and likely makes it a little thicker.
The P4 is a little more expensive, at $140.
Update 5/1/2020: At the time of this update, the price of the P4 has been discounted to $125.
Leatherman Free P4 Tools
- Pliers with Combination Needlenose and Standard Jaws
- Replaceable Wire and Hard-Wire Cutters
- 420HC Knife
- 420HC Serrated Knife
- Spring-action Scissors
- Saw
The P4 has a removable lanyard loop where the P2’s pocket clip goes. If you want the pocket clip, they’re available as an optional accessory purchase.
Buy Now(P4 via Leatherman)
Buy Now(P4 via Amazon)
Buy Now(P4 via BladeHQ)
A combination blade is going to be okay for occasional use, but for frequent use, a lot of users might prefer having a plain edge blade and separate serrated knife. Or, if you don’t want to spend more for a thicker and slightly heavier P4 over the P2, you could do as some multi-tool users do, and carry a separate folding knife as part of your EDC.
If you want the saw, the P4 will be the way to go.
Thank you to Leatherman for providing the review sample.
David
I have carried and used Leatherman Waves from both generations as my primary multi-tool of choice for a very long time, and I’m looking forward to trying a Free! The issues with one handed knife opening are disappointing to me, as it’s something I’ve used very often on my Waves, and I often rely on it when I need to hold something with one hand and make a cut with the other.
Thanks for the early insights – I’ll look forward to your thoughts after you’ve used it for a while.
Tim D.
I was really looking forward to this release, and came close to ordering one this morning.
However, I’m going to hold off until I can handle one in person to see how I like it.
Making a tool all about easy one-handed use and then having the knife be difficult to open doesn’t even make sense. I’m wondering if that’s potentially a flaw with just yours? To me that’s a deal breaker. The thing I want use most on a multi-tool kept in my pocket is the knife.
I also feel that it’s ridiculous you can’t get the P2 without a combination blade. I wouldn’t mind the P4, but I want to keep it in my pocket and don’t want it to be any thicker than it has to be, and I find multi-tool saws to be almost worthless outside of a legit survival scenario.
Hilton
Yep the saw is the least used, if not at all bit on my Wave 1. My Leatherman is now 21 years old and still going strong.
Jay
I’m anxious to buy a P4 but I’m going to hold out for them to include a gray patent leather sheath…it’ll look great with my white leather shoes and belt.
Chris Kerry
Here is what Leatherman said about retail availability “Thanks for contacting Leatherman Tool Group today!
We are excited about the upcoming launch of our newest tool line the FREE series. The launch will happen in a 3 phase rollout.
P Series- This will rollout later this month and only be available on Leatherman.com
T Series-The tool portion of the series will rollout in July, no specific date has been given as of yet.
K Series-The knife portion of the series will rollout in August, no specific date has been given as of yet.
The entire line of the FREE series will be available in retail stores starting in September
Janel Malcomson
Leatherman Tool Group
Consumer Support Specialist
Stuart
Playing with it more, I can open the knife one-handed, but it’s not any faster or easier than two hands. Right now, I’d likely use two hands.
It could be a matter of breaking it in, or getting used to it.
But, even if it does break in a little, the shape of the thumb groove is never going to be optimal. It won’t break in all that much, since you’re fighting spring tension to open it.
The slightly downgraded one-handed opening, in my opinion, is going to be inherent to the tool design.
Theres’s no bump for the finger groove, which makes the multi-tool slender. Would I be willing to have a slight bulge on the side of the tool for easier one-handed opening? Would other users? The spine of the knife blade juts out a little anyway, I wouldn’t want to see it any wider.
The knife has a usable one-handed opening motion, I just don’t find it comfortable.
It’s so hard to describe.
On a scale between 1 and 5, with 1 being “mindlessly effortless”, and 5 being “full attention required,” a typical outwards-opening Leatherman multi-tool might be a 2. With two-handed opening, the Free P2 is a 2.5. One-handed opening, it’s a 4. It requires some awareness to control my thumb in the way I need to for the knife to open. A flipper knife might be a 1. A manual two-handed-opening knife with a nail nick might be a 5.
Tim D.
So it sounds as if they’ve actually made it more difficult to open one handed, which is disappointing.
In all honesty, opening the pliers and the knife has never been an issue for me on multi-tools.
The part I hate the most is trying to fish out the smaller tools without tearing up my fingernails or having to push every tool back in one by one once they all came out together because of tension.
That being said, they shouldn’t have taken steps backwards on flipping the pliers open or opening the knife blade, as those are the two most used features for me (and I would assume most people).
Fazal Majid
I don’t see how they could make the blades easier to move without more clearance between them to reduce friction, and ball bearings, both of which would make the tool bulkier and heavier than otherwise, and outweighing the benefits of slightly faster opening.
Charles
Great review, Stuart, I am this close to buying one (maybe even the P4!) but help me out here. Why would they call it the FREE P2. I suppose I’m being awfully picky but, excuse me, Leatherman, its not free. Any information on this would be appreciated.
Stuart
Because of the… I don’t know. Because it’s frustration-free?
Once people know the name, it won’t be as much of an issue.
RCWARD
Sorry Stewart can’t agree with you on that one, every time I see the name the first thing I think is that they are giving something away
“ free”. Poor choice of names there.
Stuart
A year later, I’ve taken on a slightly different take. I was open-minded, but I’m still not used to the FREE language either.
Ezra
Good review Stuart. now please go cut, bend, tweak some stuff (not yourself) and let us know how it works.
I like the pliers a little wider for twisting, and those chunky scissors – the Surge and Wingman scissors are great for snipping cable ties, Waves and Charge less so.
The sheeps-foot blade profile is nice to see, I personally like that for chopping down with less chance of catching myself on an extended clip-point (doh!)
The selection of minor tools looks ok. Good to have an awl of sorts, one of my favourite poking tools. Still more than enough flat screwdrivers, but I guess that is natural in the format of steel strips. One of those flats could have been formed into a cutting hook like the OHT has, which is excellent for slicing sheet plastic and roofing sealant, webbing and thin cord. Scope for adjustment.
I agree with Charles above, the naming is not good. “Free” seems more fitting for a soft tool like the Juice, and applying it to a whole generation is just naff. “Leatherman Px/Ty/Kz” would be acceptable, and the new format would have highlighted the innovation.
Anyhow, I look forward to trying out the magnets and the different styles. Damn you LM, my wallet is going to be hit hard.
Noah
I’m just impressed to actually see USA on these.
JoeM
The only things Leatherman does from overseas are Sheaths, and Replaceable Bits. I think the worst case scenario might be them getting fasteners overseas, delivered to their home base in Oregon.
This is one of the few times you’ll hear me say I’m Proud of Leatherman for doing everything in Oregon themselves. I’m Canadian, and usually all that “Made in the USA” fighting I see on the site makes me very angry. So much pride in the USA, and yet, if Canada makes something, like Veritas tools, no one shouts with pride over THAT. If it’s made in Mexico? You know, the ONE other country on the North American continent? Americans seem to grab the pitch forks and torches. There’s only 3 countries on this Continent, and we DO work well together… Until the USA gets overly patriotic… then the two other Brothers, EVEN CANADA, become the ENEMY.
You know… Canada does love its brother in arms, America, even if you don’t acknowledge our contributions to your freedom over the years. If Leatherman opened a second Factory in Ontario, or Manitoba, it wouldn’t be a crime. Not EVERY Country outside the USA requires your hatred when it comes to manufacturing and jobs.
And I say all this with all the love and respect in the world. I just don’t like it when people go xenophobic over where tools are manufactured. They tend to hit their allies in that fight just as often as those they genuinely should target.
fred
Well said!
I believe that you can be proud of your country, wish to see it thrive and provide a good life (including meaningful employment) for it inhabitants (citizens and visitors alike) – without being xenophobic or wishing the inhabitants of other nations ill.
My wife and I have travelled to over 50 countries and have found most people friendly and welcoming. One could be jaded about this and think that they are only friendly because they want you to spend your tourist dollars. But I think otherwise – and have observed little fundamental difference in the people we have met in our travels.
BTW – I think that Mark Twain was correct when he said: “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one’s lifetime.”
Jim Felt
JoeM! Great post A!
No really.
As you know “our” Rupert Murdoch owned disinformation opinion TV network and their ilk have caused untold strife amongst the less informed and caused this weird xenophobia you’re so well describing.
Oh. And totally agree. But you noticed I’m sure.
Jerry
Xenophobia has nothing to do with my opinion of USA made tools as much as the fact that I personally know people here in Nebraska who took great pride in making genuine Vise-Grip locking pliers (along with the BEST multi tool for heavy duty use ever made IMHO) only to have them laid off when Rubbermaid bought the company, and shipped production overseas. To top it off, quality went down, but the prices didn’t . I try not to buy tools from overseas if I can help it, but I don’t consider Canada or Mexico to be overseas.
PS. I have a few Canadian made tools but don’t know of any brands made in Mexico.
James Callan
Vise-Grip was a super tool, I’ve lived in Canada for 50 years and still have almost every model of this tool. They served me well.My son works in HVAC , over many years his birthday presents were various tools made in the USA including Vice-Grip, he’s still thanking me. I feel very sorry for the people of Dewitt, Neb. who gave so much and got shafted. Maybe after this Chinese Virus, some of these companies will rethink about “Made in USA” Thank you.
Leo Tam
I know Leatherman states that debris being pulled in by the magnet isn’t a big deal, but still, not something I want to put up with
Stuart
Honestly, the way it’s designed, I can’t see debris being an issue, at least not because of the magnets.
Dave Feldman
great tool! The name “Free” threw me off 🙂
Bolt
I’m going to need some more reviews on these before i make the plunge but i really want the P4 especially since I lost my wave last year while the Wingman and Skeletool are good I want crave more tool.
I do have a question Stuart. Does the sheath let you carry the tool horizontally on your belt? I’ve found that a much more comfortable and usefully way to carry a multitool than the normal vertical arrangement.
Stuart
The belt loop is vertical, and so it’s only possible to use the sheath for vertical-carry.
Buddy Johnson
I’m still carring the first Leatherman I ever bought 15 years and going
Nathan
I’d take a P2 but the 1/2 blade has to go. I thought could live with it on my Skeletool – just can’t stand it.
If I got a P4 – which would be like my wave 2 – I might be included to take the saw off.
I’ve used a saw on there maybe 4 times in 19 years.
What I miss – is the bit holder. they should bring that back. Now I have to say because I’ve not seen it mentioned. What is in the T and K series?
Nathan
Nevermind – seems they are making new smaller tools and knives with features all under the “free” banner. So the T4 on their website looks like a winner for my work requirements. (less than 3 inch blade, the box opener, scissors). I would love to have a bit holder on there too though.
Sam Greenfield
I was so excited when I first thought that the Leatherman Multi-Tool was going to be free. 🙂
Adam
I’m more looking forward to the other tools in this line coming later this year. I love my surge and carry it everyday and use it everyday. When I first heard of these I was really hoping for a surge v2 or something but missing the replaceable bit driver is a bummer but I’m looking forward to see what else they do with this line.
NCD
How important is the scissors and the can opener? How many men have you seen take out their leatherman and use these two items? Waste of space for the most part. BTW, I have 2 different Leatherman’s already.
Mike
I personally use the scissors on my Wingman almost as much as I use the knife. And the family is always asking to the scissors.
The can opener I could lose – especially since they added the bottle opener to the philips head. And like a lot of people I’d prefer regular blade.
If I do move to a P2 I will miss the plastic clamshell package opener. It took me a while to figure out what it was but now I use it all the time.
Leatherman really needs to open a custom shop that lets you select the tools you want. Their current custom offering of paint designs seems like it’s geared for people who don’t really “use” a weatherman.
CraftsmanForever
The only thing that I am disappointed with this model is the bit holder. That was one of letterman best innovative improvements of their tools. I will wait a year until until another model comes out with the bit holder.
Planegrain
I agree, the bit holder adds so much flexibility.
Tim D.
Hey Stuart,
Any chance for you to measure the thickness of the P2?
Leatherman lists weight and length, but no thickness or width.
Stuart
~9/16″ thick, ~1-5/16″ wide at its widest (the knife spine juts out a little). It’s a little thicker at the lock, but I measured the width of the main tool section.
Tim D.
Thank you sir!
JML
I don’t like combo blades, but see no need for a saw, and I echo the comments about allowing more choices or swaps (which I’m sure someone is going to explore soon as these are in-hand, but I don’t want to buy two of these!).
But I’m surprised they’re using cheap steel for the knife blades. I’m sure I’m not alone in wanting higher quality steel. Years ago I wrote to Leatherman when all they offered were 420 steel blades and was told they’d never offer upgraded steel because of the cost and no demand, but they have since changed that position for many of their multitools.
Jim Felt
“Years ago” I’m pretty sure would have encompassed the Tim (himself) Leatherman Tool era.
He is a wonderful if carefully frugal gentleman and perhaps he personally would have believed that response.
But he’s retired from active management and the world has mostly moved on from a more fugal era.
Look out for what this trend might entail. Gucci/Leatherman or Gerber/Tiffany co-branding?
Stuart
*cough* https://toolguyd.com/leatherman-argentum-ornate-multitools/ *cough*
Philip
Would you say the P2 is more like an upgraded Sidekick / Wingman or more like a new item in between a Skeletal and a Wave?
Stuart
I think it’s an entirely new animal.
You can characterize the Rev, Wingman, Sidekick, Wave, Charge ALX and TTi, and Surge in a somewhat linear manner, tracking the changes, add-ons, and enhancements as you step up on price.
The Skeletool is somewhat separate, given its unique design. There’s also the Rebar and SuperTool 300. And then there are other variants as well, such as the Crunch, OHT, and Signal.
The Free draws some heavy duty aspects from the SuperTool 300, but also some conveniences from the Wave and Charge tools.
If I had to generalize, I would say them P2 is akin to the Wave, but the Wave has two separate blades. So maybe the P4 is a better parallel to the Wave, but meant to be a bumped-up “new Wave” aimed at more experienced multi-tool users looking for a new daily EDC tool and is okay with the more premium price.
In that regard, the P4 might be analogous to the Wave, and the P2 a sort of “Wave Lite.”
The Free P-series tools don’t quite seem to be premium-styled enough to be compared to the Leatherman Charge TTi tool.
Oleg k
Hey, when you’re done pushing crappy tools onto your impressionable readers you should Google “professional integrity”, very good read!
Stuart
I don’t push anything. My goal is to provide an educated opinion. I’m sorry if your personal biases has you seeing my words as otherwise. Please do explain where you sense that I urge or “push” that people buy this.
What’s your agenda in describing a tool you’ve never used or held in your hand before as “crappy”?
Is this because you’re still hurt I called out your biases against Dewalt? https://toolguyd.com/best-cordless-drills/#comment-1231951 You attempted something similar there, criticizing my cordless drill recommendation, citing Milwaukee One-Key vs. Tool Connect, and FlexVolt amp-hours labeling as arguments why I shouldn’t favor a cordless drill that I’ve used and enjoy using. There, as here, you make no specific mention of ever having used the tool before.
I’m all for personal brand favorites and dislikes. But you have no right to challenge my integrity just because you have personal biases that I don’t share.
Frankly, in today’s world of “influencer marketing,” I would encourage and welcome for everyone to be more critical about what they read and what is recommended.
But to say that I don’t have professional integrity and am pushing crappy tools onto readers? You’re way off base. I would encourage you to read the post over again until you agree and are ready to apologize.
I know that everyone says “don’t engage with internet trolls,” but I’ve gone to great lengths to be honorable in how I run ToolGuyd. Your baseless insult was most certainly not appreciated.
Chuck Forster
Go Stu! Your professional integrity and disclosure are the gold standard that I look for when I read/watch a review from an unfamiliar source. I’ve followed for years, despite seldom posting. I did not think your preview on this was biased in any way. And I do hate when people compare apples to oranges. Yes, a Leatherman pliers will not hold a candle to a dedicated pair of pliers, but that’s not the focus of a multitool. Keep up the good work Stu, though I seldom post, I am silently appreciative of your work.
Yadda
Great review! I am a huge Leatherman fan, I even like their lower end Rev, Sidekick, and Wingman. Their warranty and Leatherman’s service is also a big reason they sell well. I look forward to seeing how well these new tools are received at that price point. I’m also hoping Leatherman continues with this line of tools and innovation. Ignore the Trolls. Keep up the good work!
tojen1981
I’ll probably pick up the P2. It looks like it could replace my faithful swisstool spirit. The pocket clip was the deciding factor (if the Spirit had this it would be perfect).
I have a couple of LMs, with the Crunch being my favorite. They’re nice tools, but the implements are just too short to be truly EDC worthy (it looks like LM has addressed this on the Free). Same with Gerber’s multitools. Sometimes screw heads are recessed too far in the hole to get a bite on the fastener. If you want to remedy that you need to invest in the extra bit/extension kit for another $20-30 and somehow keep track of all that. No thanks.
Plus, the double sided bits make no sense to me. For example, why have two Phillips head on the same bit? Common sense would say Phillips/Slotted together. Or at least make a few like that as an option.
Frank D
To me dual sided slotted, phillips, torx, … make perfect sense. Is one too big/too small, just flip that bit around. It is the way my Victorinox ( IT focused ) knife has it.
Mike
“The pocket clip was the deciding factor”
I put this on my Wave gen#1
https://smile.amazon.com/Nite-Ize-HipClip-Attachable-Smartphones/dp/B007CBSBM4/
tojen1981
Looks interesting. I’ll get one and try it out. Hopefully it will stay attached.
Tim D.
I’m pretty sure they said you can add the p2 clip to the p4.
I’d go p2 for the pocket clip, and the thinner profile.
I’m wondering if a p4 straight blade can replace the combo blade on the p2, and if they’ll sell you one for a reasonable price.
James F Duncan
leatherman i believe will either give you or sell you a clip cheap .. i am calling them right now for my p4
James F Duncan
I called leatherman .. they will have the P4 pocket clip on their website by friday.. they are waiving shipping for all orders of the clip with an order# and including screws and a wrench to attach it as well..
James F Duncan
oh yeah $9 for the clip but free shipping and all tools and screws included
Joe Kipfer
Great review. I just received my Free P4 and I love it. It replaced the Wave I lost a few months back and so far so good. I can open the flat blade no problem with my thumb, i found that i need to use the “underside knuckle” part of my thumb rather than my thumb tip – that made all the difference for me.
It’s hard to explain, but everything about it feels…tough – in a high quality sort of way. I feel like I got what I paid for, no doubt.
I might miss the bit kit. I never used it much except for the allen bits. The star bits once or twice. But the things i used most (95 out of 100 times I pull a multitool out of my pocket), i have better versions of in comparison to my wave.
Lyle
I don’t see the clip yet, but thanks for inquiring about this. I really want the clip as well. I almost ordered the P2 because of that. I’m very happy with this tool so far, the feel is amazing.
Stuart
Thank you for the update!
Hmm, I wonder if they went with the lanyard hole on the P4 to save a little on costs, or because users are less likely to pocket-carry the larger tool.
Lyle
So I kept looking at the Leatherman website to see if the clip was added as an accessory. It has not been. However, I called them this morning and they will be sending me one. They also said they would be including this in the future.
Tim
I spoke with Leatherman’s warranty department. The p4 and p2 blade are the exact same shape/size (except the serrations of course) and there’s no reason they can’t fit each other. However, there are no plans to offer a swap on them or sell replacements of the alternate style from what came on the tool at this time.
Currently the warranty bench isn’t set up for the free line, so any issues are a straight replacement at the moment.
Tomas
I’m actually more interested in their smaller T and K Free series. I’ve been a Victorinox EDC person for years, it’s what I still use but the T series looks like it could be a viable replacment.
James F Duncan
Waiting for my P4 to come in the mail 🙂
Andrew
Have been using for 2 days now. Has replaced my Gerber center drive for daily carry. Very impressed with the quality durability and fit. Will order the pocket clip when it’s available. Hopefully a bit kit is developing for this tool. Definitely a winner
James
Amazing? What I find AMAZING about this tool is that people say it’s the best ever and similar. The Free is smoke and mirrors. It’s an upgraded plier head and magnets with Wingman tools and quality. Anyone that compares the P2/P4 to Wave/Charge obviously doesn’t use these tools.
The scissors are great though. The tools pop out every time the pliers are locked in or used for that matter. Definitely not worth the premium cost.
Stuart
I haven’t had any tools pop out accidentally, at least not yet.
Although I really like the P2 so far, I haven’t called it “the best ever.”
There are definitely some pros and cons against the Wave, Charge, and Surge. But honestly, I like the Free P2 better than my Wave. I’ll have to see how it holds up, but at least initially it’s easier to open and close, and MUCH easier in some comparisons.
Tim D.
I keep reading people compare the quality of this tool to a sidekick/wingman, which I disagree with. I could see that comparison being made of the smaller implements, even though I think the Free is a step up from those as well. The blade is no comparison, it’s much nicer and thicker than what’s found on the lower series. The same looks to be true of the saw and extra knife bladeon the P4 series.
The exterior feel (Scales/handles) of the P2 is far better than that of the wingman/sidekick in my opinion. The pocket clip is nicer, and the screws are flatter, less bulbous feeling. The blade retention is much safer feeling than the flimsy liner locks on the lower end models as well.
In general I would put this entire multitool well above the quality mark of a wingman or sidekick, as it should be for double the cost (triple if you go by older pricing).
I’ve been searching for a multitool for quite a few years that would be worth carrying in my pocket on a daily basis. So far, the P2 has fit the bill better than a skeletool, sidekick, SOG powertool, and rebar.
The main things I am enjoying about this one:
The pocket clip paired up with the size.
The ability to deploy all the tools (except the pliers) without having to open the tool at all.
The ability to deploy all the tools without having to use nail nicks and tearing up my fingers (this is the best part imo).
The main things I dislike:
The combo blade being the only option on the P2 stinks. I hate serrated blades for general use.
The awl isn’t an awl (not that big of a deal, but I dislike all multi-tool companies trying to inflate their implement count, add the “ruler” here too if you would like)
I find the spots where the pliers clip into the handles to be a bit sharp if you grab it the wrong way (this has only bothered me once, but I feel that could have been designed a bit better).
The comment about the tools popping out and wingman quality make me wonder if you’ve actually held/used this tool, or are just going by what you’ve seen in videos and read from others. I have not had any issues with the tools popping out except when I push them out. I would say (for mine at least) the magnetic tension is perfect. Easy to open, but have never released unexpectedly. I just took them out and shook the crap out of them trying to force this and still didn’t have any come loose.
If you do own one and that is happening, I would return it for warranty, as I don’t believe that is normal behavior.
Worth the cost? For now, I’m happy with my purchase. $105 ($15 off coupon) for my P2. I’ll enjoy it even more if Leatherman will sell me a P4 blade for it.
For me, the ability to use all the tools without opening the pliers and not having to use fingernails to drag out the tools is the only way I would ever carry a multi-tool in my pocket on a daily basis.
Andrew
Have used my new p4 for 1 week now. Very impressed. Only wish a bit driver was on the tool. Quality fit and usefulness is wonderful. I have 20 multi pliers. All brands Leatherman seems to constantly improve. For edc I will have the p4 on my belt. Out camping or hiking my mut or surge would be the choice. also called Leatherman inquiring about a pocket clip, one is being sent for free including the bit needed to attach it. Outstanding customer service ???
George R Burnett
I like the p4.opening the pliers is easy and fun.Ive had no problem opening the knife one handed and can open the serrated knife ,scissors,and saw one handed with my right hand also after messing with it.Saw complaints where some folks were having trouble with the tools coming out when opening,but i have not.I think some folks are slinging it like a butterfly knife to have the tools coming out when opening.Its not a butterfly knife Ha
Andrew the hussar
Having used the p4 free tool for 2 months now am very impressed. Not many issues. Bolt needed some locktite on the pliers end. Not be a big deal. Overall extraordinary for edc. Note bring back the extra small eyeglass screwdriver very handy. And a curved tip serrerated blade would be awesome. Great for twine string pallet straps etc
Tim D.
I ended up purchasing a Free P2 shortly after they released them. I’m happy to say that I’ve carried it in my pocket almost every day. By far the best form factor and most useful multi-tool I’ve ever used.
I always hated having to keep them in my pocket or in a sheath. I’m not wearing a sheath on my belt every day.
This model also solves my next most hated thing about multi-tools, which is digging tight tools out of the handles. Bending my fingernail back trying to pull out tools when they’re new sucks. On the flip side, tools getting too loose as the tool ages is bad too. This model seems to have solved these issues.
My two complaints are: The P2 being locked into a serrated blade, or Leathermans love of serrated blades at all is stupid. Please stop putting serrated blades on everything Leatherman!
The next issue is the pocket clip. I’ve found that it is a little pronounced and a little easy to bend. So far I’ve been able to continue to bend the factory one back into shape (I’ve had to do this 4-5 times now). I bought an overpriced spare from their website. The pocket clip was designed with an opening for the screw underneath, which results in a weaker part of the clip. It allows for a deeper carry, but I feel like it also allows the clip to be bent more easily.
A lot of folks complained that it wasn’t built as well as some of the other models, but I’ve had not issues with build quality. I’ve pried on stuff I probably shouldn’t have pried with and haven’t bent or broken any of the tools yet.
HC
ran across this bit holder mod
https://www.shapeways.com/product/SLMR86RJT/4mm-bit-holder-mod-for-leatherman-free-p4-p2
Robert
While the pliers and magnetic aspects of these are a big improvement over their predecessors, I feel that the remaining implements are a step in reverse. While the concept of folding pliers in general is more than a novelty and very useful in practice, that alone doesn’t justify the cost. I don’t feel that the implements on this model make up for that.
These appear to be similar if not identical to the implements in the Sidekick and Wingman. I feel that the quality of Leatherman’s steel has diminished over the years. I also feel that much of the shaping and honing of previous implements has been replaced by simple “cutout” designs. They’re cheaper in the long run and ultimately more profitable for Leatherman. While there’s nothing intrinsically wrong the the “flat Phillips” for example, it doesn’t live up to the more 3 dimensional version of previous models. It also just isn’t the same quality of steel in general in my opinion. Yes, they provide the practical benefit of fitting more implements into the tool while still keeping it realistically slim. I just don’t think the trade is worth it.
I still have an original Super Tool. I would still take the implements in that tool, laying aside the pliers, any day over these new models.
Charles
I have a 25 yo leatherman. This is amazingly better. I like it more and more each day.
If it goes on sale I’ll buy another
J S
I have been using and collecting Leatherman tools since about 1988, I bought the original PST when they started becoming widely available. I worked on a farm a the time and used the PST so much, it started to open with the ease of a butterfly knife. I am happy to report I still have that tool to this day, though it is now a display piece in my curio cabinet since it has sentimental value to me.
Lo and behold, now Leatherman is making a tool that is that quick and “loose” to operate right out of the box. A couple of months ago I figured I would splurge a bit and got the P2. It is a great tool, and is neat to compare side by side with the tool that started it all. Very comfortable to carry and has often taken place of my clip knife in my pocket, am glad to have added it to my arsenal.
I look forward to whatever else the Leatherman company will come up with in the future.
CharlesinRichmond
p2 is great, it’s now my edc.
I removed the clip though, I prefer it next to my keys in my pocket.
I was going to get the skeletool, but preferred this strongly, and it fits equally well in the pocket. I was disappointed by the skeletool, which I thought I’d love. Needs several improvements.
I did need to sharpen everything on the p2, no surprise