All You Need To Know Good & Bad: Leatherman Free T2 & K2 

I’ve been using a K2 for a few months now, and I love it. It’s convenient for me because I actually carry it. My wave is always elsewhere.

Dam i really love how you break down the value of the k2 compared to other options, this places things in context.

I couldn't agree more. The swiss army knife is so under valued. They are low cost, but highly functional. I have carried a regular EDC blade and the super tinker for about a month now every day. That combo has met all of my needs. Great video as always Aaron!

I just picked up a T2 on the secondary market for $25 and am having fun playing around with the one handed features. I was surprised by all the criticisms I'm hearing about it and would like to defend the foresight and intelligence of the Leatherman designers. I'll follow your lead and compare this tool to similar ones by Victorinox, another one of my favorite brands. As you pointed out, opening the tools one handed is awkward, but I find it manageable with either hand, after only a couple of days, and am hoping that it will get easier with practice and improving manual dexterity. It's still definitely much easier than opening tools one handed on a Victorinox. Once the tools are open on the T2 they all lock securely in place, which is not true of similarly sized Victorinox knives, and even on the larger ones, only a couple of the tools lock. Since the tools on the T2 are controlled by magnets instead of strong springs, you won't snap a fingernail opening them or have them snap shut on your fingers closing them. I have nicked my self many times on Swiss army knives. The tools on the T2 are also all aligned at 180 degrees to the handle rather at 90 degrees like some of the Victorinox tools. The blocky shape of the T2 may seem unergonomic, but the square corners keep it from turning in the hand, and the grooves on top provide a wide, nonslip platform for the thumb, whereas the Vics have smooth stainless steel. The last big complaint I keep hearing about the T2 is the lack of a pocket clip. I agreed until I discovered that it fits perfectly into the small coin pocket on my jeans. Leatherman probably put a pocket clip on the T4 because it's too thick for the coin pocket. Incidentally, not many Victorinox knives come with a pocket clip either.

Comparing it to the Victorinox has seperated your video from the hundreds of others on the subject. Thank you.

Thanks for the honest review. I like the "idea" of the K2, but if I'm carrying a multitool, it's for the pliers. I've been a Skeletool CX user almost from day 1, and for me, nothing else comes close. A friend made a pouch for a bit holder, and that to me is a far more useful EDC setup.

I just got the K2; the locking mechanism was very stiff, the blade struggled to open and the tools being taken out all at once was difficult to deploy as well. However, 2 sprays of silicone lubricant in/on/around the pivoting points took care of every problem instantaneously. This is now my favorite knife leatherman ever made and im very glad i got it. I appreciate the video and thank you for helping me justify the price of this sharp, gigantic magnet

The K2 is a great Utility knife if you need a larger blade. I own the P2, P4, and T4. Just picked up a K2 yesterday and I will carry it when I need a larger blade. I think the whole Free series is very well done!

Thanks for the honest review. Keep up the great content!!!

Thank you for another great honest review and great options. Keep up the awesome content.

Why not use patreon? The gear can be giveaways to patrons after the review. Maybe sign the gear before giveaway, would help the channel out a lot.

im going to go for a K2, i like the size, the knife first, multi-tool 2nd priority of this, seems to cover a lot of bases for me.

Answered all my questions about multi tools and even gave a broader option. My kind of reviewer.

Thanks for a nice review of the T2. I was thinking about replacing my SA Cadet with it, but after your review I will keep the cadet as my EDC. Keep up the great channel.

I have carried a Skeletool daily for years and I love it. Thanks for the review, I almost bought a T2.

Good vid. I think I’d go with your suggestions at the end. Appreciate the compare and contrast details.

I also agree with your assessment. Voyager and the Swiss army knife combo.

Great content! I was installing a light fixture yesterday and while on top of the ladder I needed a standard driver. I was holding the fixture with one hand I was able to get to my SAK cadet using the other but the struggle to open the driver portion with only one hand was difficult so here I am today looking for a one handed option! thanks again for your review.

Good points - very much appreciate your reviews! Cheers buddy!

Swiss Army Tinker is my go to. I also carry a Leatherman Rebar. Hard to beat the Tinker if you don’t need pliers.

I was curious about the K2, but after the video, I think I am content to stick with my trusty Skeletool CX. Thank you for your honest and thorough reviews.

Awesome video bro! Helped me decide on my EDC.

Great review! I felt early on that these seemed awful gimmicky! I can’t believe they didn’t take a big shot at the Gerber center drive.

Thank you, I agree with your conclusion 👍

Great review! I love my Skeletool and have yet to find anything to replace it for camping/outdoor use, although my EDC is a Swiss Army Recruit. I work in an office and don't really need much during the day.

Exactly what I was looking for, great video, thank you so much

Great video with honest sensible opinions. I appreciate it mate 👌🏽

Love the Tinker for EDC. Recently bought the Victorinox EvoGrip 18 to try as a replacement.

Thank you for another great review. As an office worker, I really like carrying and using the Free P2 and Free T4, light duty tools for a light duty environment. My favorite of the two… Free P2.

Thank you for an honest review. I have decided to buy the K2 only because it looks like it could serve as a great edc for an easy carry minimalist design for MY everyday life. If it proves to be a disappointment to me then I’ll swiftly return it.

I'll stick to a regular EDC knife and my Swisschamp

Nice vid. Good info and insightful thoughts. Thanks!

Just picked up a K2X for $69 from my local dealer. It's my new favorite EDC.

I just carry a skeletool CX and Gerber Dime or Leatherman Micra on my keys. More than enough for my needs.

I won a T2 in a contest. The knife is a little hard to deploy, but I actually love the look of it. I bought a K4 the first day that it was available. It’s a sweet knife and I’ve been using it every day. I also carry a Squirt PS4 on my keychain.

Excellent video and very objective opinion. I see them exactly like you do. The market is still open for a SAK with a good blade size and good edge retention steel.

Nice vid.Thank you for an honest review

Thank you for the best video on the Leather man Free series.

Currently waiting on my K2 to be shipped. I'm not a big scissors guy. Mostly getting it for the knife and the screwdriver. This video definitely helped me make the call. Thanks.

Hard to beat a Swiss Army knife for EDC unless you need pliers. Recently started carrying a Tinker that’s I’ve had for 20+ years. Like the versatility of the screwdrivers and 2 blades in a small package. If you dull one blade with hard use, still have a sharp one until you get a chance to resharpen. And the toothpick gets a lot of use too.

Aaron thanks for the review, I was kind of turned on to the idea of the K4 but put off by the price. I think the Swiss Army One Handed Trekker for $50 seems like a much better deal and more pocket friendly than the K4. Wouldn't mind seeing you review that one anyway.

Got the K2 myself. I found it easier to fast deploy if I push open the locking mechanism before flicking.

Excellent review. Thanks.

As always, good honest review.

This video was very helpful. Thank you

ergonomics feel good. love the elegant design. I'm a dentist and i carry it on my scrubs every day. very elegant, useful, and does not cause fear or panic when i use it.

Hey Aaron, I agree about the pocket clip, you probably already know but Victorinox is now selling a pocket clip system for the Swiss Army knifes: ))

There was no comparison to victorinox 111mm one hand, I think it is a great alternative to Leatherman K2

Great review!, for my the sak is the best option to Carry !

the tinker is my go to stuff for every day take and go

Good review! I will stick with my leatherman wave, Thank you.

Great video, I'm still debating between the K2 and the skeletool for EDC.

Great review. Ty. I like Leatherman tools, although they are becoming too expensive. I hope the folk in Portland will soon see the light and make some budget friendly tools.

Hey Aaron! Great review, thanks. How about corrosion resistance on this free series? How about some test? I personally have not a good experience with non oxidized ones. For example mine juice corroded badly after i left a few drops of liquid soap on the pliers

Great analysis!!! Awesome video

Very good video. Very good points to consider.

I bought a skeletool in 2008. Haven't changed my edc since. I literally use it every day. Only came in plain edge i think when i bought it. No combo edge. Best purchase ever. If they ever make the wave or the skeletool with k series or p series magnets i might consider trying.

Hey Aaron, where would put the sidekick in this video? Would love to hear your thoughts on that. Thanks again for t hff e best channel on RU-vid.

Excellent review and I agree with your concussion. I carry a Victorinox Swiss Army RangerGrip 78 which you can buy for about $50. Mine was a deal of the day on Amazon $35 open box. Have blade, saw and tools plus blade locks and unlock by pressing the Swiss Cross on the handle. Much better options for the money.

I have been using my K2 now for the better part of a full year. With frequent cleaning and lube as well as use. My knife is now buttery smooth in operation. So much so in fact. I can spidey flick the blade open. I have even been able to do the middle finger spidey flick with it as well. That's how smooth it is now. Something Gideon's tactical was unable to achieve. The anodized handle holds it's finish quite well. It looks nice with wear and tear. The blade however scratches really easy. I mean SUPER easy. Just from normal use with opening packages. My blade has numerous scratches. Not a big deal, unless you are obsessive compulsive like me till something is thoroughly used.

The most used tool I use by far is the cutting tool. I am very greatful for the one handed opening as I usually am holding what needs to be cut in the other hand. The second most used tool is the pliers. I use cutting tools like these when I go to the coffee shop in the city.

Great vid. I'm currently looking for a multitool to replace my Wingman which I find a little too much for EDC. I'm considering going to a Skeletool or a SAK.

I too had my doubts, but eventually purchased the T4. I agree that it is hard to deploy the blade one-handed although it is doable. And I have smallish hands. I also own a Victorinox EvoGrip 18 which is great for holidays to countries that have made locking blades illegal. But the T4 is superior in that the tools all lock and they are far more sturdy. Plus it has a deep-carry pocket clip. All that in a tool that is the same size as most 91mm SAKs.

With the t2 i have a short paracord lanyard to open knife easier I put the knot in between pinky and ring finger it's like an extension of handle

Some years ago i took a broken supertool 300, removed the pliers and broken handle, pulled all the tools out, and put one handle together using the plain and serrated blade, flat and Phillips screwdriver, and the saw. Been carrying it around everyday. Was looking forward to the free, but no saw, no sale.

I have a number of leatherman, and carry the wave daily, great for the quick jobs in the farm.. but when you go out, and need something smaller, the P2 can come in handy. Would buy one.

I have T4 and K2. Yep, T4 is a chunk. Mine seams to open a bit easier than yours. Maybe it is just looser. For clarification, T4 comes with tweezers but does not come with a tooth pick. I suppose I could gently use the awl. On the K2, try releasing the lock with your thumb and then flipping it open. Mine zips right out when I do that. I like a larger, stronger blade than the typical SAK. The K2 has truly become my EDC and I am very happy with it. YMMV.

My EDC philosophy, if you will, has changed over the last year. I still carry an SAK of some kind, as I have for 40 years, but my right side tool has changed a lot. I carried a Victorinox Ranger Grip for a while, but I saw no purpose in carrying duplicate can and bottle openers awls,, etc. I now carry a Buck 112 Slim on my right side and am totally satisfied. I'll still carry my Wave or Surge on occasions, but I'm sticking with my SAK/112 setup for the foreseeable future.

I found a few drops of Tuf-Glide on my T2 helped deployment. I only bought it because they had it half price for open box at my local hardware store. For that lower cost, the T2 is fine. If I'd paid full price I might have been disappointed. I am considering the K4 if I find it discounted. I do often carry a standard knife and one of the Boker Tech-Tools which are basically a SAK with better steel and a pocket clip.

thanks for a great review

Just bought the T2. I was mostly happy with it, but perplexed at the lack of pocket clip despite the mounting holes.. So I eventually went on their website just to check things out and noticed they offered one that fit the T2 -_- I ended up buying it along with some impulse buys (discounted accessories) So I guess that's their strategy(cost savings and bring eyes onto the website) No that I have it though, its with me more often than not. Nice functional little niche tool.

What do you think of the older Crater C33T?

A great look see at some things I just don't need but enjoyed you need not be in the market for something to enjoy a good review. HAPPY TRAILS

Great review. I appreciate the no bull straight up review. I also love the price and value factors that you talk about. I, as someone who uses a plier equipped multi tool daily, wonder which multi tool do you like best?

Bought the k2 for the sheepsfoot blade and the couple extra tools that are commonly used.which I love. That being said I find it too bulky for edc. So it now lives in my truck.

I'm happy with my p4. I do miss the bit driver on the wave. Not sure but the k series could be cool if it is enough thinner to match the price. I'd have to had it in my hands to know for sure

They're interesting ideas but I just don't see them replacing my Leatherman sidekick. I get a ton more capability for not much more size and weight.

Both of these are awesome EDC options

I agree that the T2 is blocky but on something that small I don't know how they get the other tools into it without designing the handle to contain them. Larger designs like the K2 give a little more latitude and we see that with the angled shoulder, but those small ones are tough to find space if you don't design some space into it.

Never been a fan of the swiss army knife's/tool with the lack of locking blades. I bought the first leatherman model when they cam out and also nearly lost a finger or two while using the blade with no lock or by swinging it open after the blades had loosened up some, before this new magnet retention or locking blades. Im excited to get my hands on the leatherman T2. It certainly fits a need for me.

Nice. Oh my, need to get me some of that. Very interesting.

Very good review. While I'm willing to pay $80 for a knife, it needs to show me the value. I carry a PM2 then have a Swiss Army Knife in my edc pack. That send to be a great combo.

I lost my Victorinox huntsman yesterday! looking for alternative , thingking about T4 but open to other alternatives

Got the k4 the morning it came out. No more Lycra in my pocket.

Thanks 😊

My fingers are smaller and I've always had trouble reverse flicking Spyderco/ Spydie-holes. I wish they would offer more thumbstudded options.

Knife and SAK combo for me. I also use the skeletool CX and a SAK some times.

K4 or Victorinox One Hand Trekker? I like Leatherman a lot and have a Wave and a Juice CS4 which are both Great. But my EDC multitool is the one handedTrekker for the weight size and ergos. Plus I carry a 5" needle nosed vice grips in my EDC bag which imo is the handiest set of all purpose pliers for average tasks. The OHT has the best tool set for my needs in my day to day tasks which is of course going to be a personal preference. My Leathermans are in kits for when I might be in a situation where I've lost my EDC tools or I need to lend or give a tool to someone in a survival or scarcity situation.

Scissors are a must for me. SAK will when that battle every time

Thanks

Could you take the scales off ? To customize it.

I usually carry a Victorinox Tinker and a conventional knife such as a Buck Rival. I always carry a Squirt, a Rambler and a Nano in addition. All light weight stuff.

Great video! The K2 is interesting but overpriced. With 420hc the price needs to drop quite a bit to be a contender.

I would take the big knife and the small mutitool.great video as all ways .have a great day .

I read somewhere that TVC was considered during Eurofighter's development and that the inlets were designed for it...would be interesting for someone to do a mod of the EF that gave it 3D TVC, just to see how that changes its competitiveness vs the F22 and SU57

Thanks for you video and explanation. It is extremely nice review. I have same doubts about Leatherman new knives, I mean the price and functionality.

Maybe do an emmer hack on flat spydy? Could work? Grind a emm hook. Then flatten down picket clip while you have your tools out.

Good reviews. You should check out the Ruike trekker LD32. It is 50 dollars. It is very similar to the victorinox one hand trekker but it has a g10 handle and a pocket clip.

I agree Aaron!👍

I agree with you about the poor ergonomics. I love my Wave, but for extended knife work it's pretty uncomfortable. I consider all Leatherman tools to be compromises for "real" tools. Wave stays in my pack. In my pocket, I usually have a SAK.