You make a really good point...wave and Surge are definitely not outdated. And correctly, you have stated the insane # of Sales on the clones. Clearly they could improve them and it would sell crazy good.
A tool should be affordable to be useful; most the hard working men I met only equipped with $10 Home Depot knives, no way they will spend $200+ on a MT.
Completely disagree. Leatherman still sells the bond, which if you adjust the original PST for inflation when it first came out it is about 120 in 2024.
I see your point. I do think leatherman should take a page out of Buck's playbook. They have the high end collector stuff. But they never left their core consumer base Which are Hunters and outdoorsmen. They have a USA made option for 30$, an expensive option for the scrooge mcDuck types and everythingin between.
I hate the limited editions. Because the Mr.Crunch is quite neat. I would love one. But because they made so few I can never have one. If I had one I would use it. It's a tool. Not a display piece! Leatherman needs to realize this and make tools again. I see them making only more display pieces slowly pushing the market away from users. I do have an ARC and Curl. Used the ARC for work and it does great. I sure abused it. And dulled the blade two times forcing my brother to sharpen it lol. Great tool but definitely a little pricey.
This "rant" is why your the EDC-tube goat!! ST300 with a bit driver, surge scissors and one of the flat drivers sharpend into a chisel and you'd have a tradie's best friend, but it wouldn't look good in instagram photos
This is a problem with a lot of USA companies leatherman, spyderco, benchmade their prices keep going up but the quality isn't increasing with the prices. Even benchmade, spyderco, hinderer, chris reeve, microtech are having pretty good clones/copycats pop up of their products because they have priced themselves out of most peoples budgets. Its not just a leatherman issues its a usa company issue and corporate greed first and foremost
I’ve owned a few waves and surges. The surge I’ve carried on my duty belt on multiple deployments, and decided in 2020 to retire my first one and get a new one. That new one only lasted me 3 years. The jaw for the pliers broke, right where the screw for the replaceable cutters is. It broke while fixing an issue with weapon system, that had jammed while firing. I’ve relayed on leatherman tools for so long that I never questioned their quality, but the day they let me down, was a day that I really needed that tool, and time was of the essence. Fortunately I had a set of knipex cobra 180’s in my kit, and was barely able to fix the gun and get it up with that, but what I needed in the situation was a needle nose pliers… ie the surge. Even though it took longer to fix I’m grateful I had those knipex. Had I not had the redundancy built into my plan, my team and I would have been in a tough spot.
I agree with one addition. PST or modified Kick give the maximum tool set in smallest package. Bond could be a new classic (the refined version of PST/Kick) but wasn't done right.
I had a skeletool and the pliers broke in less than two weeks. I was only twisting bailing wire, I feel like that probably shouldn't break a pair of pliers.
I'd love to see some basic Leatherman models with blades in 14C28N. That's a good, tough, highly stainless steel that could offer a significant performance upgrade from 420HC without kicking the price way up. BTW, you're right about the Juice. The Squirt was another one that I'd like to see updated.
Leatherman are doing what so many brands do these days unfortunately. The original owner sells or retired or whatever . Then the new guys take control of rhe company and they bring in THEIR people , fresh out some stupid fancy pants design school or marketing department. They then move away from the original path of the bramd which built and actually made the brand , trying to " appeal to a wider customer base " . The result is that they end up alienating their core customer base who's been loyal to them and supported the brand over the years , whilst at the same time the elusive " wider customer base " who has no emotional investment or real interest in the brand just goes : " meh ! " and doesn't even really give them the time of day . For whatever reason they cannot understand that their core customer base is what makes the company what it is .
Spot on! They’re marketing to the “EDC Community” now and not people who actually need and use tools everyday. This was clearly evident during the initial release of the ARC.
I recently lost my wave that I've been carrying for over a decade (it walked away at a job), sticker shock hit HARD when I started looking around for a new replacement. I paid I think $80 for the wave I lost, you can't even get barebones skeletool for that, anything worthwhile replacement from them would run almost double what I paid for that wave. Ik inflation is a factor but still they don't really have any value options anymore which is what got them where they are now
I agree with you, though. A Charge flavored Surge would be nice. Better blade steel, scale options, and whatnot could be cool. I’m literally begging for a Juice successor
Rebar w pocket clip and scissors would be a nice improvement. For whatever reason (maybe due to the high costs of made in USA) Leatherman seems to move slowly, with new innovations being in development for many years. Unlike an iPhone, Leatherman are not designed to be replaced with next years model, they like to keep them around. I think they have a pretty complete lineup as it is, and it can even be confusing w the number of options they have. That being said, as a fan of multitools I can relate to your position, there are improvements that could be made to older models (like my rebar idea). As for innovation, I’m completely sold on the Free series, I think it triples the user experience. Whenever I’m not carrying my P4 I scoff when I have to put something down, unfold the tool, unfold the scissors etc. it’s a humiliating experience!
Victorinox still makes everything in Switzerland for 1/4 the price of Leatherman. You can’t tell me it’s more expensive to make it in the USA… They just got lazy
Good rant Ben. I hope this video gets to Leatherman Co. and make them wake up. I agree the Surge is still King. They should make a multitool that can beat the King because the Arc is not it.
I totally agree. When i got the email about the Obsidian coming out, my first thought was that they would do a stripped down cheaper ARC. Something like the P2 maybe with out the extra bit kit and without the crappy grey sheath.
Forgive me for being a (fan boy) but leatherman has always had my back. Even when i may or may not have mistreated or misused their products. I have probably 15 different leatherman tools in my collection. All have been shelved since I got the ARC! Brilliant tool! Point im getting to is, they've had my back and i will always support them.
Good video, Ben...I have said that L has wanted to go "high-end" & "designer" for quite a while...they have ignored the very base that made them...their QC is terrible, they do away with tools like the Crunch & others that folks like, instead of updating problems & designs & re-issuing them...The cutter problem is atrocious to the point that folks are looking elsewhere to obtain properly designed cutters for their tools...V is criticized for not innovating fast enough, but they take the time because it's their brand that is at risk...To my knowledge, they have not had to walk back their changes & still have old-school tools available for folks like me...I was hoping the Founder might be brought back to put focus on the brand & get it off the dime & moving in the right direction...it is no wonder L is seeing more competition, that is the marketplace...if people can get tools & assessories of decent quality & price to do their jobs & meet their needs, then they will do so...
WHY THE CUTTERS SUCK: this will blow your mind... They changed the casting for the Wave Plus, it made the older cutters not fit correctly...so they designed new cutters..but intalled them on everything.... So rather than just fix the wave cast...they made EVERY other tool worse... Great call..
What's your source on this? You can't just make claims like that & not back it up. I literally used to use the old cutters in a new Wave+ as my daily before I switched to a TTI/Arc. Now my 2023 TTI has 2019 cutters but they've also been tried on the Arc. They fit correctly.
Well, the point is not what but why... why being secretive, thats the point. Admit. Whatever the cause is and we will still support ltg. But denial, that's what can cause deeper resentment towards the brand..
They are starting to fall away from making tools with multiple uses, now becoming an expensive accessory. What happened to "leatherman... now you're ready"?
I have a Leatherman Surge with all of the accessories, and a Victorinox Swisstool MX Clip with all of the accessories. I alternate between the two. I love them both! I believe that they represent the best of their brands.
I thought the Leatherman garage was to test ideas to implement. It's been disappointing to see that some of the ideas havent trickled down into the core lineup.
Just for fun I looked at their website the other day. I was shocked at the price increase since the last time I bought a Wave+. It seems to me that they're pricing out the guys who buy these tools to use them in favor of the influencer and collector. Really is shame because I love all 3 of my Leatherman tools.
Thank you for not holding back. This is why I am such a fan of your channel. I appreciate your opinions. I have a Wave+ that I bought maybe 10ish years ago, and I'm glad I have it. But I hate my Free T4, and am saving up to replace it with a Victorinox... probably a Sportsman, so I still have a file. But I keep waiting for Leatherman to update their legacy products... I think a knifeless Bond, or an update to the knifeless Regar that removes the saw, would be great tools for folks who are mostly office dwellers. Maybe this would be a good place to add the Wingman's package opener. But as you said, it seems that they are more interested in these high dollar, collector focused pieces these days, and I'm not interested in any of them. Thanks for the honest look.
There is an interview of the owner of Arizona Tea. Reporter ask if they are gonna raise the price from 0.99¢... His like why? We are already making money... It's a great interview
I've got to agree with everything said here. it's sad to see Leatherman in this shape. I've carried a lot of leatherman tools over a decade and a half and will continue to carry the ones I have but I won't be grabbing a new one.
Sold all mine and used the money to build a mini tool kit and buy a nice Spyderco. Knipex cobra xs, wiha go box, etc… the corny insider program did me in. From about 13 years old till this year (27) my Leatherman was my ultimate gadget, my best edc item. Rebar had most of those years. Got the P4 in 2021 and didn’t hate that. The magnacut marketing sold me to the Arc. Then they were doing a cool insider program to show their die hards appreciation. A special gift for the highest tier, which takes about $500 to get to… it’s a made overseas coffee cup that you have to spend a minimum of $50 on an order for. I didn’t put my Leatherman in my pocket that day and got right on Facebook marketplace when I got home. Other than my first Fuse that my mom got me, literally my first ever knife of any sort, my first super cool made in USA product… I don’t own anything Leatherman anymore.
You are 100% right. I have bin wanting a multitool from Leatherman that has the same toolset and quality as the surge, but without a knife. Or a knife that you can take out of the tool. Just so you have a (air)travel friendly multitool with all the good tools i use on a day to day basis. But i'm not gonna lie, the Leatherman fan boy in me is starting to die out. #SurgeIsKing
I get the clones because they have 1/4 in bit drivers and they are cheaper priced and their scissors actually work. I don't feel bad about moding a $50 tool. I love the surge. I would like to see them ditch the flat bits and the serrated blade. Put in a 1/4 in bit holder and a file with a chisel tip instead. And don't waste a slot with a holder for a screw driver for your glasses, stow it in the handle. They need to pay close attention to what the moders are doing! I will not pay $230 for a multi tool! This video needed to be made. Thank you.
I really think Leatherman should multiple toolsets for their wave+ frame. I carry my Rebar because I don't have a use for the tiny screwdriver. I can imagine a line called the wave tradesman. Where There would be different leatherman waves Built specifically for Is particular trades. Essentially All that would be done is replaced.Some of the general tools like the canopener, scissors, tiny screw driver, and maybe the Awl, with specific tools aimed at a specific trade. Maybe they could Change the type of Pliers on one of their tools. Yes, Needle nose Pliers are very useful. But I imagine they have the engineers capable of making a multi tool with channel locks instead. Call it the Leatherman plumber. We all remember the leatherman crunch. I've never heard a bad thing about that multi tool. Used ones go on ebay for 2 dollars. I think that means people like that. I know of Some multi tools that have A nail removing tool And a chisel. I don't see why that could not be integrated into the leather and frame. I just want everybody to know. I'm a second generation leatherman fan. My dad carried a leatherman and so do I.
@Benzion-x3q It's not the only reason why it picked up the rebar instead. I personally prefer all my tools beyond the inside. But yeah the 3 d phillips and the Awl are very useful.
@@ezrahendog5837 i really like my knifeless rebar but i wouldnt buy one at full price, i got one at 55. it's a nice tool, its just that everything is super sharp, ergos using pliers on knifeless rebar ( because saw and file have sharp spines) are trash and also its alr rusting im sure it'll last a long time but i personally wouldnt buy another for edc i go for a victorinox, someday i will get a spirit mx clip to replace my lm
Once again ……….. YOU HAVE NEVER SAID A TRUER WORD !!!! Well done, but I feel that Leatherman just isn’t listening …..😢😢. I also feel that the SURGE would be even more amazing if it had an UPGRADE !!! Better steel for BOTH it’s knife blades, & new thoughtful tool-set (like the Swiss tool). Mix the tools up, bring out some “Specialist” Surge Models, for specific trades men. Jeeeeeeezzzz ……. They’d make a killing once again !!! 😮😮😮
All good points, I totally agree! Especially about the cutters. Same comes through everywhere, bulbs, fridges, washing machines etc. It's designed to fail to be able to sell more. But, as you say, cheaper companies will manufacture parts that will last longer, they'll just use the good old design. There will be a tipping point when I stop buy "premium" stuff that used to deliver, and get the cheap stuff that actually works...
I’ve tried just about everything but my favorites are still the originals PST and PST II. There is one simple reason, I can flip the original leather sheath upside down and appendix carry on my belt without knowing it’s there. While I appreciate the surge, it's too big IMO. Few complaints about the Wave but day to day I’m never far from my tools in the garage, office, car, at work, etc so my priority is minor work in the most compact package. I would love to see innovation in the PST format. Refine the toolset, the finish, and refine the Carry options. Make a sheath in mass that carries low so I don’t have to turn mine upside down to keep it out of my way. Along with an appendix carry sheath, add a pocket clip option for PST III. The bond and curl are decent, but still too thick for true appendix carry. My PST setup is invisible. The Bond failed not only with the loose joints but also too many spacers. I added 2 tools to my bond. The Curl needs more versions. I could also see revisions of the skeletal, but I still think a PST update designed to be worn front and center (and pocket clip option) would the best choice in terms of popularizing EDC outside of the EDC community. People don’t want something big in their pocket, and they don’t want the hip pouch. Design the tool and sheath for appendix carry: super lightweight super thin no frills. Then there's the Kick, I actually really like it. I think the locks are overrated for what I do with the multi tool. Anything that would require the tools to lock I’m going for full size tools. The kick, like the bond, can hold a lot more tools than what it came with (too many spacers). I actually think it was a better solution than the bond to soften the grip, it just needed to be filled with more tools (not spacers) or put a slightly thinner plier head (like skeletool) and make it even slimmer.
"DLC" stands for Desperate Leatherman Cashgrab All they need to do is pump up the material quality and featureset on their old tools, and then the clones wont even touch them
Hey Ben, Jose from Puerto RIco. When I heard that they discontinued the Leatherman Crunch, that's when I said: These guys are loosing their way. I was desilutioned with that move. I was glad I bought a new Crunch, before they made the move. I have the Surge too. Now I'm watching the small EDC tools that come out of Kickstarter. I recently bought a small EDC multitool that I always have on me, since they are my key ring.
I still occasionally use my 20 year old wave. In 20 years they haven’t made a single tool I felt the need to upgrade to especially for the current prices. If I lost my wave I would probably go to harbor freight and get the Gordon version.
Tell us how you really feel. But seriously, I'm first and foremost a Victorinox enthusiast, and I've been watching the same trend in the Swiss army knife market. I guess there's more money to be made as a lifestyle brand more than through innovation and meeting the wants and needs of the core customer base.
I carry a Bond here in the UK and overall it's a good tool, there's not really a direct Chinese equivalent so the competition isn't quite as tough. ( I have noticed the new colour versions have a sheepsfoot blade 😉) If I was leatherman I'd drop the price on the Wave by a good chunk. Add it a Wave model with say an s35vn or similar blade at the current price and then a magnacut version at a premium price point. Worthwhile upgrades to a great tool and making then standout above cheaper imports. Minimal development costs for LM as well. Great to have the content flowing again. Cheers 🍻
I agree that their prices are insane. I have about 30 different letterman tools. I don’t have an ARC yet but that will most likely be the last one I buy. I also despise the limited and garage tools that I cannot get my hands on. Over the last few years I have switched to buying Swiss Army knives and I love them. I still don’t buy their expensive line of tools but I do like adding them to my everyday carry selection.
I agree 100% they dont invest in new design, and models, as a first responder i'd love leatherman to do a rescue tool, as they did back then with the skeletool, i'd really like a signal style tool with external scissor, glass hammer ( as the bibury cheap tool has) , a glass saw and a strap cutter (a premium version with glow in the dark scales would be awesome too)
Leatherman along with Victorinox are resting on their laurels. I totally agree that they are not innovating which is why they were initially successful. You cannot stand still in this world or you will be run over. I hope they figure that out before it is too late. Ben - another great video sir! PS love the rant it is needed!
I'm a Victorinox fanboy but I think it's wrong to say that they initially became successful because of innovation, or have been all that innovative over the past 134 years. The Soldier knife issued until 2008 had barely changed since the original 1891 model, all that changed really were the design of the can opener, adding a bottle opener to the screwdriver, and the scales. Likewise my Spartan which I was gifted last year has barely changed since the original Offiziersmesser in the mid 1890s, it has the same toolset with a few changes to some tools. That's actually why Victorinox are successful , because they are almost timeless classics, with typical Swiss precision and quality, and are very very affordable.
When the Signal came out I expected that we would get a small tool opposing the large tool in the Wave That would have been an easy update. 4 more slots for small tools would have given room for a second bit-holder, a nice awl and something more.
Leatherman has lost it! My charge g10 is my favorite. I agree 100% with you. I got so aggravated with them that I stopped doing reviews on multitools
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There is also a kind of decline. As i switched from a PST to a Rebar i noticed how bad the pliers were fitted. If i let lose of one of the handles i expect the pliers to open. It seems a common problem Leatherman is not willing to fix. Also the scissors on the Wingman are 3rd class dogshit from what i'm used to. I had to adjust the angle of the blades edge on the Rebar, because the cutting edge of the main blade of the Rebar bend on a plastic tube. BTW the PST and the SuperTool never did that kind of thing, it never occurred to me not using the blade for scraping the edge of PVC tubes. So my Rebar vanished into my carry bag and a Victorinox took the job of being my EDC. I still think the Rebar over all is a good tool, but the pliers on a pliers multitool have to be spot on. They were so exceptionally good in the 90's and early 2000's and well priced, i hope they get back there.
I own many Leatherman from Supertool to ARC and they have all been and all will be used even the ones that turned out to be rare items. I'm never going to buy a collector piece or a tool I own in a new colour. It's all about the function and how it improves or compliments the jobs I'm doing.
10:08 there are things like the bond (which isn’t perfect 😅) or the curl.. these have less tools or lesser quality but are cut a bit in price.. it’s not that they don’t do anything.. But I get your point, I’d love to see a „budget arc“
I bought a leatherman bond 1 year ago. I love it's simplicity, it's astounding build quality and of course, the main reason I bought it: the price. It's just been great, there's not much I haven't been able to do with it. In fact I thought that Leatherman should do a more premium version of the Bond. Imagine the same Bond, which doesn't have the blade issue anymore (mine does have it), but with a magnacut blade, pocket clip included, diamond coated file, change the assembly screws with the classic torx, and replace the useless lanyard loop with a real tool that fits there, like a really small screw driver for small works. It would be more expensive, but I think that would be an amazing tool, focused on durability, reliability and usability.
I would like Leatherman to make an awl that fits in the bit holder. A small "innovation" but it would add some more utility. Possibly it has been done independently, but I have not seen it. I did see one that someone had ground out of another bit.
I agree totally. Here in South Africa the standard Arc works out to about $420 which is way out in price point. The Wave and Surge are way better in terms of affordability for the average man
The wave or surge is too big for me, and i rarely will need pliers that large. The juice is perfect for me, small enough to carry on my work bag. I think mine is the juice cs4? Plus it has a nice waiters style wine opener. Only wish it didn’t have a blade because I occasionally go into buildings where weapons aren’t allowed.
I bought the arc for EDC and it really comes in handy. I figured it was worth it for replacing a dedicated blade, driver, and bottle opener. It's a real slap to the face that it only comes with the useless half of a bit kit and I have to buy T6, T8, and a PH0 and PH3. And it's too expensive to lose and not be devastated. I hope they replace the P4 with a model that has a driver that's around $100 so I can carry it without as much fear. Taking it to work or out to safe places is fine, but I wouldn't carry it with me traveling far.
Best recent "innovation" for me is the Bond. Decent quality no-nonsense tool for reasonable price but you dont make margins selling cheap, simple and durable.
I couldn't agree more ben. Its time for the king of multi tools to be updated and i would by it in a heart beat. Literally all they have to do is make the arc have a blade steel at 154cm or 420hc and it would sell like crazy and i personally would love to see the micro driver changed out for something like the package opener combo tool on the victorinox spirit mx clip and it would be perfect
I couldn't agree more. They are being driven by greed instead of intelligence. Once the main tools were created you need to be innovative to produce something. The way I see it: Main intersection of all needs: Surge, Wave+ Speciality: Raptor (rescue workers), MUT (riflemen), ... If Leatherman had any brains they would produce a multi tool for Glock pistol owners. With so many guns in the US alone and the share of Glock users it would be an instant hit, without affecting the sale of the other tools. And like that they could revise every need and prioritize their releases.
Perfect summation. Leatherman can only survive on their past success for so long. It's alarming that they're giving up so much of the market to competitors.
Another great video! I wish they would take your advice and make innovative tools that people want and need. I think a line of specialized tradesman tools for the electrician, technician, HVAC, welder, plumber, etc… would be exciting. Each one with a slight difference like Victorinox does. Not all tools are useful depending on the field that you work in. I always liked my E4 tool the best. Its useful to a technician and has a pair of tweezers that I like a lot. They discontinued it tho. I am also not a fan of the one had opening frame with magnets. The frame seems flimsy and sloppy.
Hi TX tool crib!! I’ve been following your channel for a while, my friend!! Say it loader!! May be leatherman might hear you!! I’ve been asking about the ratchet driver!!! And they can’t even produce it!! I’m a blue collar worker and use all my leatherman tools for work!! I don’t collect, I work!! Maybe leatherman doesn’t care anymore about us blue collar workers!! Love your channel my friend!! Nicely said!! Thank you so much!! STRENGTH AND HONOR my friend be well!! From Washington State!!👍🏿💯❤️🇺🇸
The arc is phenomenal, and I carry it daily along with my supertool 300, or surge near by. But they really should update the wave or make an arc p2. And if they’re gonna make Mr crunch, and garage 005 they shouldn’t be limited time in small quantities. I’d love to by those. And I love the signal, and have a coyote tan one. That’s a fantastic one that needs more attention.
At least they did (eventually) listen re the blade issue on the issue - latest version has a sheep’s foot blade. I was one of many who said they could easily fix that blade issue by simply flipping the blades over and sharpening the opposite side to create a sheep’s foot blade. I hope that they can surprise us with some new, more sensibly priced options soon. In Australia, the first version of the Arc is $500.00. Crazy.
I agree. I think the arc is cool. But I’m not paying that kind of money for a multi tool. I paid $80 for my Wave a few years back and that’s all I use.
A budget free series, with a simple knife blade & t shank on outside, bit exchanger on one inside handle, micro driver and large flat/pry/can opener on the other. Comes with both a pocket clip and a sheath. Would be much more valuable. Slim down the pliers if need be
I bought an arc because of the hype. Cost me $600 in New Zealand and I don’t like it. Gone back to my wave which is more comfortable to use. So a wave update would be great
I've had my Wave (fist gen) stolen and replaced it by buying a used one off of eBay. Then, it happened again. My Wave was stolen from out of my luggage. So, again, I went on eBay and purchased another used (near new) Wave first gen. Why? Because I favor those older versions. I love my older Leathermans, but yeah, the company needs to get their act together. Oh, and bring back the Leatherman Sideclip! That's another discontinued model that I have gone back to hunt down on eBay. The Sideclip is by far better than the Bond, but still fills the same role as a slim, non-locking blade multi-tool.
Always been a Victorinox guy. Leatherman doesn't interest me much. I like the SOG designs better but I'm not sure if the quality is there. Almost bought a Skeletool CX once but it was a bit too unrefined feeling in my hands. I'd rather carry around better tools to be honest. If anything, I'm still waiting for a locking screw driver / bit driver.
It's $375 in Canada vs $300 for their standard Arc which has (presumably) proper 25 year warranty support vs any limited model. It's a BO Arc that I won't be able to get spare parts for (matching pocket clip) or properly warranty unless they do a normal BO Arc with that... "lovely" blade colour, all to capitalize on people's FOMO. That last part isn't new, however the Garage series typically benefits both the customer & Leatherman - the new thing is that the tool isn't anything different, it's the same Arc in black oxide. FOMO is real & Leatherman knows that. They've also started charging for their regular colour drops, the Bonds are selling $10 more than the stainless version yet they very recently released new Skeletool colours without raising the price but at least they changed the blade to more of a sheepsfoot recently.
I used the wave for ages for some pretty hard farm work, I recently bought and tried out the Arc for the same thing and wow. Super disappointed 😅 The cutters broke, the pliers loosened at the pivots and now wobbles like crazy, the saw is almost useless for green wood (it clogs on natives) and is the most uncomfortable tool I've had the misfortune of using. I now carry knipex pliers and a SAK.
The way for Leatherman to go is to have a modular Free or/and Wave platform, the modding community is very alive and well and they are leaving some serious money off the table. I am willing to forgo their 25-year warranty entirely if it means I can tailor my Leatherman to my specific needs. I have tried 5 or 6 models, but most of them didn't quite do what I needed them to do. I decided to heavily modify my Free P2 and it's as good as I could get it.
I imagine that Leatherman must have just about reached market saturation point on their classic models - i.e. nearly everyone that wants one already has one or more, they don't wear out very fast, and they have that famous 25-year warranty if they break. Plus, as you mention, the deluge of cheap Chinese knock-offs. That's what's leading to all these premium limited-edition collector's releases.
Around 2020-21, they were having too many complaints from people having the back corner of the cutters scraping on the pivot; an easily fixed problem by readjusting the cutters like I did on my wave+. But instead of educating (and I guess not to "scar the glass roof " or the "easily-offended-practice-everything-but-know-nothing" generations, they simply recasted them with the corner off with the already experienced results. Also, around 2018, they went from 154cm to 420c; so, to me, "two strikes".
Could not have said it better! I agree after the retirement of Tim Leatherman, I slowly started to see the changes coming through. And I figured okay the arc was just released they'll probably just work in the labs in the mean time...and what do we get for the last 2 garage series? Fixed blades..harvest 006 took forever to sell out from their shelves and now this magna cut fixed blade? I know it was a collaboration but come on, fixed blades?! I proudly own and use the hell out of Batch 003 005 because I genuinely love what they bring, and what they can do; but it seems all they are doing now is keeping the innovation at zero, and milking the gravy train from those who are like "Yep let me buy another collectable and flip it on eBay"
I have old style Wave with non replaceable wire cutters and when I decided to upgrade I went with the Surge. I can fully agree with you that the Surge is a much beefier tool but it does not cut wire any better than the old style Wave, and possibly worse in some cases. The quality of the new Surge is lacking as well with unfinished edges which are sharp and overloose or overtight pivots. My next purchase will be Victorinox where I will know what I’m getting for my money.🇨🇦
I love my various Leatherman multitools, but there's no escaping the fact that there are similar quality overseas made cheaper options all over the place now. Leatherman, Benchmade, Spyderco et al are treading a precarious line of reducing their customer base by keeping prices inflated whilst other manufacturers offer cheaper, equivalent products. There will always be the collectors who'll stay fiercely brand loyal, but the vast majority of pocket knives are sold to people who just want something cheap and sharp to cut with and who won't buy more than one, and that huge market is completely ignored by the aforementioned brands. They'll soon see their error when they lose market share.
Love my Surge, K4, T4 and Rebar. Mixed feelings about my Skeletool (the holes on the blade are just DUMB). That said, WTH is going on over there at Leatherman? Roxon is innovating more than them. Roxon is basically doing what Leatherman's GARAGE SHOULDA HAVE BEEN! Roxon's modular Flex and the new Roxon Companion are what Leatherman AND Victorinox should be making. Lastly, what on earth is Leatherman and Victorinox thinking pricing some of their tools so high? Like you said, recently it's been all style and no substance!
I have always been a Leatherman guy since there first model. I have the arc and I like the tools but the blade doesn’t have to be Magnacut. I always carry a dedicated knife with me and I think Magnacut is definitely overkill for a multi tool blade.
