2.0 out of 5 stars
Downgrade from 4 stars to "do not buy"
Reviewed in the United States on 18 May 2019
Update 6/30/19: Screwdriver tip with ruler has bent under very typical usage. Tightening a screw on medical equipment - not like trying to work on rusty cars. Being sent in for warranty repair, then being sold on eBay. Too many things they left undone on the Free and finally the bent tip weighed the scales heavily against it. I was so spoiled with the Spirit I didn't realize it until compared to something inferior. The Free series is pure novelty with no substance. I'll continue opening my Spirit pliers one handed, like I have hundreds of times before, by using my leg as a point of contact.
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There are already several reviews here and on YouTube, and I agree with parts of them all. The main consensus seems to be it's a creative new design but at a very unimpressive cost.
I'm pretty sure I'll keep the P4, so all is not bad with it. But it really took weighing of pros and cons to make the decision - and they do not make it easy for you. I come from 7 years daily use with a Victorinox Spirit XC. I also read many negative reviews of the Spirit, especially from Wave fans, but I really love it so I take reviews with a grain of salt. The Spirit is indeed a great tool, forget the haters! But after 7 years of daily use I was open to new ideas, and the Free series coincidentally just came out so here I am...
Let me say I did not like the Wave due to the tools not being able to open on the outside. That was a deal breaker for me and the main reason I went with the Spirit. Sure the Wave has a bit kit but never once did I personally wish I had it on me - when I choose this multi tool, the whole point is I need them quickly or else I'd just use my dedicated tools for the job. The tools I require daily in a multitool, in order, are 1) phillips 2) various flatheads 3) pliers 4) scissors 5) file 6) everything else about evenly except the saw, which I used maybe 2 times in the previous 7 years and the can opener - never.
You can read and watch other reviews for "facts" about this knife. I'll just summarize with my opinions here:
Pros:
Who would want this tool? A tradesman who uses a variety of screwdrivers and could benefit from quick access to them and the pliers. (I work on medical equipment in-office so this is pretty well equipped for what I do)
Home owner for everyday tasks. Casual hiker/camper. Student, warehouse worker, Mr FixIt who likes to be prepared without carrying a lot of stuff.
What I like:
One handed opening (duh)
Several sizes of screwdrivers - for most thats a negative, but for my job it works in my favor.
Pliers are awesome
I disagree with many reviews about "hot spots". They feel fine to me, but I also have callused "working" hands. I guess I could see if you have "fair" hands this is not a good tool for you.
I think the chisel tip at the end of the serrated blade will be very useful, and this rarely gets mentioned.
Sheath is better than most stock, but I plan to try the RaeGear magnetic sheath (more on that later)
New shipments include a belt clip - yay! (but NOT lanyard clip - boo!) Geez, just include them both for $140. Myself, I'm not using either.
A couple reviews say the edges are sharp - this is not my experience. They feel fine to me but perhaps it goes back to calluses.
Hopefully this will replace the Spirit and also a Spyderco "main blade'. I'm hoping the blade is adequate for daily use opening packages etc.
Cons:
Who will probably not like this tool? Woodsman. Serious prepper. Serious hiker/camper. Hard-use trades like auto mechanic, pipefitter. For you, there are likely better choices for less money.
What I don't like:
Like so many others - cost. $140. Really? Yes, I paid it voluntarily.....but.... I feel kinda icky about it.
Came dirty and greasy out of box. Again, for $140, Leatherman you MUST do better.
Blade steel. Leatherman, are you listening to almost EVERY review out there?
Only 1.2 oz heavier than my Spirit, but in-hand it sure feels A LOT chunkier. Breaking the half pound point is noticeable.
Yes the tools flop out sometimes when opening the pliers and cutting wire. Super annoying at first, but I am so biased toward wanting to like this, I've learned to block it out of my mind. I tightened the torx a little and that helped, but this should NOT be a problem, ever, with a $150 tool. Leatherman, for you, this is a real problem going forward.
Short file! Ugh. Not a deal breaker, but I often need a long file at work. A real bummer.
I appreciate the small screwdriver, but not at the expense of the awl. I really question the designer's sobriety on this one.
Right handed saw position should be a right handed serrated blade IMO! How often is a saw used? (for the intended audience)
So they get some things right, miss opportunities on others. All that being said, I'll need several weeks at work to really decide if this replaces my Spirit long term, or if the P4 is just a toy to play with.
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