Due to the natural corrosion resistance of Magnacut, I can only assume the DLC coating on the knife is to circumvent the accumulation of adhesives/glue. I've owned Leatherman's with 420HC and S30V. Both had box tape adhesive sticking to the blade like mad after just a couple uses. This new blade on the Magnacut stays clean after slicing through multiple boxes. That's definitely a nice addition because I found myself cleaning my blade all the time. The DLC coating on other portions of the knife will help with the rust accumulation that will happen on the 420HC portions of the multitool. I don't know for sure, but I'm assuming that this was done to retain the fluidity of one handed opening. Over time, the Surge and Wave would become tougher to open due to small portions of rust forming in the joints.
Just received the Arc directly from LTG, Inc. I'm not a collector but have owned several MTs, both Leatherman and others...of all of them, only the Leatherman tools have uninterrupted service...SOG and Gerber both failed miserably. I opened the package and found the Arc arrived in great shape. So far, I'm thoroughly impressed with the quality of the build, along with the fit and finish. Was a little disappointed to find less than half of the bit kit included...for the Cadillac price, you only get the Chevrolet trim package...other than that minor detail, I'm totally pleased with it. The knife blade came hair poppin sharp! I tested it on a piece of rope and it performed superbly! I'm really looking forward to putting this tool to the test in as many applications as I can find.
Yeah the bit kit that comes with it is a little bit substandard. But yes, fit and finish is very satisfying and I’m looking forward to putting more miles on mine also and doing a longer term review. So far I’ve also been enjoying using it a lot.
I never used the serrated blade much. I figure a sharp plain edge blade can do everything a serrated blade can do better. I figure serrated blades are mostly there for people who can't or won't keep their plain edge blades sharp. And I get that some people legitimately can't because they've got to cut a bunch of fiberglass tape or something like that. But I get more use from a file. I use it to fix door plates that won't catch the latch somewhat frequently. Could sharpen an axe with it, I suppose. Still, it enables me to do some metal work. A serrated blade doesn't really open up any new capabilities. Just gives you a beater blade.
Yeah I totally hear that. I’m definitely not displeased with the file. I think the file seems a bit more popular than the serrated blade with a lot of people. Ultimately, the file does add a lot more functionality than just an extra “beater” blade. Though it did feel quite good to have that beater blade and not have to worry too much about it. The Charge's strap cutter on the end was also a really great touch.
@@Mikey-ym6ok I mean, for me, I explicitly don't want the serrated blade. I'd rather it be easier to carry a file and saw without having to swap out parts. I wouldn't line keeping the file and having the saw be a t shank holder though so I could run a metal or wood saw. And swap it out when it gets dull. But I'd rather a permanent file than a serrated blade.
Nice review. I’m with you about the inclusion of the micro screwdriver. Seems like they could have created an adapter that held the micro screwdriver. The plastic housing has space for both the adapter and the micro screwdriver. Then they could include another substantial, useful tool making this more worth the price tag.
Yeah as much as I like the tool, they need all the reasons they can get for that price point. I wonder if they will make these tweaks and changes in upcoming iterations over the next few years..
For my Surge, I found an eyeglass driver adapter that works with the regular bit driver. So, yes, I totally agree with you on the wasted real estate. Oh well, I'm still excited about getting my ARC today! 🙃😃
@@jeffwiseley thanks for your input Jeff, I always appreciate getting comments and sharing thoughts with you all. I’ve been using my ARC quite a bit for small tasks around the house recently and I must say, it is a joy to use. I’m sure despite its minor flaws, you’ll be really pleased with it. Let me your thoughts once you get yours.
Nice review. I agree with you on the small screw driver. I have never used the small screwdriver in my charge. I am not sure the small screwdriver is that useful. It would be nice to see them innovate something more useful like a pen and tweezers in that space. I think the scissors should be larger. The scissors do not fill up the space and are not as large as the blade. I like the new high quality knife blade and I think that is the right direction to go. I don’t mind paying more for the better quality. I like the bit driver and new pry bar / bottle opener. I also like the new file a lot, it is a huge improvement over the P4. I never used the serrated blade in any of my Leathermans, so I don’t miss that. I do not like the extra holes in the side of the tool. It makes the tool look unfinished. I wear my P4 in a handmade leather holster, so I took the clip off and replaced it with the lanyard to cover the holes. I would not be able to do that with this tool.
Yeah, all really valid points. Tweezers is a really good idea instead of the micro bit driver actually. I was thinking of some sort of hook, or mini strap cutter as well. The scissors could definitely be bigger. I’m guessing they’re using their old design template for those that had to fit the smaller frames. I wonder if you can put small torx screws to fill the pocket clip holes? Might make it look a bit more purposeful and finished.
Just curious as to what you might recommend leatherman put instead of the micro screwdriver and can opener? I'm trying to justify spending the big asking price on the Arc, I currently use a surge and skeletool daily and have a signal and MUT sitting in a drawer.. Do I need an Arc?
Ha well if it helps Graham, I’ve got a Surge that sits in my workshop for bigger jobs, K4 hangs on a beam in the kitchen, T4 in a drawer and a Charge that currently lives on my desk but will probably end up moving to my car … Now using the ARC as my EDC. I don’t think I needed the ARC but the toolset and user experience intrigued me and it’s ended up far exceeding that of all the others so far.. I’m not sure that it’s about need at a certain point but more just about what you want, and will enjoy! I’m thoroughly enjoying the ARC and don’t regret buying it after all despite the price point. As for what they could replace the micro diver with, I suppose they could bring back the P4’s tiny ruler or more appropriately the “depth” gauge. They could also put a small scraper or chisel there? Although arguably they could just chisel edge the end of the file for that.. They could maybe implement some sort of a hook or even bring back a strap cutter. It’s definitely open for debate, I just feel like they could perhaps implement the micro elsewhere and save a slot for something extra. Do you have any ideas as to what you’d like to see if we had the option to put the micro driver elsewhere on the tool and have something else in that slot?
Need? Likely no the surge already does everything better and a skeletool is a great edc especially with 154cm blade… with that said I did get an Arc for style points and to replace my knife/rebar combo. I would want to swap saw for p4 serrated blade/scraper tip and get ride of can open to make the bit exchanger accept a hex bit. Thankfully I already have the pieces to customize it.
That's right. Furthermore, other aspects such as ourselves will also likely fail much before the magnets! And yes, this blade steel is fairly new I think, so I'm also interested in it's performance. I haven't used it much so far personally, but according to the TH-cam-sphere, it's a very good steel.
i know this toll has got some hate, but i’m coming from my first leatherman which is the wave, and i never held the p series, i’m a contractor, so being able to have the magnets with easy open with my gloves on etc is a game changer, i’ll miss the serrated blade especially for ferro rods, rope, and certain plastics , but the other things make up for it
Yeah I hear that, I think the Free platform is a great addition to the line up. I'm sure that it won't suit everyone given the price point and the different industries that people might need multitools for, but on the whole I think it's close to their best toolset on that platform at least.
Very good first impression review. Just got mine today. Trying to get the belt clip off though and cant believe they didn't include the driver in the tool kit that fits the screws. dont have a small enough bit in my arsenal. I will miss the serrated blade after having it on my wave for so long. (I use it as my trash blade) for digging and such. Pretty sure the trade off for such a nice cutting blade will be worth it once I get use to not having a the serrated blade.
Appreciate it. Yeah, they don't tend to include all that much with their tools Leatherman, we got half a bit kit this time and the sheath.. On the previous iterations of the Free plier based tools they didn't even give us the pocket clip! Yeah, I also think I'm going to initially miss the serrated blade, but we'll see. PS. your Stormy vids are brilliant..
@myhonesttake7527 I did get it off once I purchased a t6 bit. I only ever use the case so it feels much better in my hand now. Stormy Dog was my inspiration to start a channel and she still amazes me daily with what she will do to please. Have a good one, look forward to your future review after you get some time using it in real life scenarios!
@@xderiwx It can be tightened yes, but I think it would end up making the pliers tighter too so I don’t know that I would go much more. Also, the current amount of play seems fairly minimal.
Due to the natural corrosion resistance of Magnacut, I can only assume the DLC coating on the knife is to circumvent the accumulation of adhesives/glue. I've owned Leatherman's with 420HC and S30V. Both had box tape adhesive sticking to the blade like mad after just a couple uses. This new blade on the Magnacut stays clean after slicing through multiple boxes. That's definitely a nice addition because I found myself cleaning my blade all the time.
The DLC coating on other portions of the knife will help with the rust accumulation that will happen on the 420HC portions of the multitool. I don't know for sure, but I'm assuming that this was done to retain the fluidity of one handed opening. Over time, the Surge and Wave would become tougher to open due to small portions of rust forming in the joints.
Nice, it’s nice to know it has some function to it other than just looking neat.
Just received the Arc directly from LTG, Inc. I'm not a collector but have owned several MTs, both Leatherman and others...of all of them, only the Leatherman tools have uninterrupted service...SOG and Gerber both failed miserably. I opened the package and found the Arc arrived in great shape. So far, I'm thoroughly impressed with the quality of the build, along with the fit and finish. Was a little disappointed to find less than half of the bit kit included...for the Cadillac price, you only get the Chevrolet trim package...other than that minor detail, I'm totally pleased with it. The knife blade came hair poppin sharp! I tested it on a piece of rope and it performed superbly! I'm really looking forward to putting this tool to the test in as many applications as I can find.
Yeah the bit kit that comes with it is a little bit substandard. But yes, fit and finish is very satisfying and I’m looking forward to putting more miles on mine also and doing a longer term review. So far I’ve also been enjoying using it a lot.
I never used the serrated blade much. I figure a sharp plain edge blade can do everything a serrated blade can do better. I figure serrated blades are mostly there for people who can't or won't keep their plain edge blades sharp. And I get that some people legitimately can't because they've got to cut a bunch of fiberglass tape or something like that. But I get more use from a file. I use it to fix door plates that won't catch the latch somewhat frequently. Could sharpen an axe with it, I suppose. Still, it enables me to do some metal work. A serrated blade doesn't really open up any new capabilities. Just gives you a beater blade.
Yeah I totally hear that. I’m definitely not displeased with the file. I think the file seems a bit more popular than the serrated blade with a lot of people. Ultimately, the file does add a lot more functionality than just an extra “beater” blade. Though it did feel quite good to have that beater blade and not have to worry too much about it. The Charge's strap cutter on the end was also a really great touch.
What I don’t get why they didn’t just made a t shank like the surge, keep the serrated blade and could exchange the file and saw. Doesn’t make sense
@@Mikey-ym6ok Yeah that would be good.
@@Mikey-ym6ok I mean, for me, I explicitly don't want the serrated blade. I'd rather it be easier to carry a file and saw without having to swap out parts. I wouldn't line keeping the file and having the saw be a t shank holder though so I could run a metal or wood saw. And swap it out when it gets dull. But I'd rather a permanent file than a serrated blade.
Nice review. I’m with you about the inclusion of the micro screwdriver. Seems like they could have created an adapter that held the micro screwdriver. The plastic housing has space for both the adapter and the micro screwdriver. Then they could include another substantial, useful tool making this more worth the price tag.
Yeah as much as I like the tool, they need all the reasons they can get for that price point. I wonder if they will make these tweaks and changes in upcoming iterations over the next few years..
For my Surge, I found an eyeglass driver adapter that works with the regular bit driver. So, yes, I totally agree with you on the wasted real estate. Oh well, I'm still excited about getting my ARC today! 🙃😃
@@jeffwiseley thanks for your input Jeff, I always appreciate getting comments and sharing thoughts with you all. I’ve been using my ARC quite a bit for small tasks around the house recently and I must say, it is a joy to use. I’m sure despite its minor flaws, you’ll be really pleased with it. Let me your thoughts once you get yours.
Nice review. I agree with you on the small screw driver. I have never used the small screwdriver in my charge. I am not sure the small screwdriver is that useful. It would be nice to see them innovate something more useful like a pen and tweezers in that space. I think the scissors should be larger. The scissors do not fill up the space and are not as large as the blade. I like the new high quality knife blade and I think that is the right direction to go. I don’t mind paying more for the better quality. I like the bit driver and new pry bar / bottle opener. I also like the new file a lot, it is a huge improvement over the P4. I never used the serrated blade in any of my Leathermans, so I don’t miss that. I do not like the extra holes in the side of the tool. It makes the tool look unfinished. I wear my P4 in a handmade leather holster, so I took the clip off and replaced it with the lanyard to cover the holes. I would not be able to do that with this tool.
Yeah, all really valid points. Tweezers is a really good idea instead of the micro bit driver actually. I was thinking of some sort of hook, or mini strap cutter as well. The scissors could definitely be bigger. I’m guessing they’re using their old design template for those that had to fit the smaller frames. I wonder if you can put small torx screws to fill the pocket clip holes? Might make it look a bit more purposeful and finished.
Just curious as to what you might recommend leatherman put instead of the micro screwdriver and can opener? I'm trying to justify spending the big asking price on the Arc, I currently use a surge and skeletool daily and have a signal and MUT sitting in a drawer.. Do I need an Arc?
Ha well if it helps Graham, I’ve got a Surge that sits in my workshop for bigger jobs, K4 hangs on a beam in the kitchen, T4 in a drawer and a Charge that currently lives on my desk but will probably end up moving to my car … Now using the ARC as my EDC. I don’t think I needed the ARC but the toolset and user experience intrigued me and it’s ended up far exceeding that of all the others so far.. I’m not sure that it’s about need at a certain point but more just about what you want, and will enjoy! I’m thoroughly enjoying the ARC and don’t regret buying it after all despite the price point.
As for what they could replace the micro diver with, I suppose they could bring back the P4’s tiny ruler or more appropriately the “depth” gauge. They could also put a small scraper or chisel there? Although arguably they could just chisel edge the end of the file for that.. They could maybe implement some sort of a hook or even bring back a strap cutter. It’s definitely open for debate, I just feel like they could perhaps implement the micro elsewhere and save a slot for something extra.
Do you have any ideas as to what you’d like to see if we had the option to put the micro driver elsewhere on the tool and have something else in that slot?
Need? Likely no the surge already does everything better and a skeletool is a great edc especially with 154cm blade… with that said I did get an Arc for style points and to replace my knife/rebar combo. I would want to swap saw for p4 serrated blade/scraper tip and get ride of can open to make the bit exchanger accept a hex bit. Thankfully I already have the pieces to customize it.
@@CM-bj8hr That does sound cool. Will you post a video?
Thank you for the overview. Well done lad
Appreciate it.
Will the magnetic strength get weaker over time. I’ll be interested to see how well the blade steel performs
Neodymium magnets lose less than 1% of their strength every 10 years. So other aspects of the tool will probably fail long before the magnets do
That's right. Furthermore, other aspects such as ourselves will also likely fail much before the magnets! And yes, this blade steel is fairly new I think, so I'm also interested in it's performance. I haven't used it much so far personally, but according to the TH-cam-sphere, it's a very good steel.
i know this toll has got some hate, but i’m coming from my first leatherman which is the wave, and i never held the p series, i’m a contractor, so being able to have the magnets with easy open with my gloves on etc is a game changer, i’ll miss the serrated blade especially for ferro rods, rope, and certain plastics , but the other things make up for it
Yeah I hear that, I think the Free platform is a great addition to the line up. I'm sure that it won't suit everyone given the price point and the different industries that people might need multitools for, but on the whole I think it's close to their best toolset on that platform at least.
Very good first impression review. Just got mine today. Trying to get the belt clip off though and cant believe they didn't include the driver in the tool kit that fits the screws. dont have a small enough bit in my arsenal. I will miss the serrated blade after having it on my wave for so long. (I use it as my trash blade) for digging and such. Pretty sure the trade off for such a nice cutting blade will be worth it once I get use to not having a the serrated blade.
Appreciate it. Yeah, they don't tend to include all that much with their tools Leatherman, we got half a bit kit this time and the sheath.. On the previous iterations of the Free plier based tools they didn't even give us the pocket clip! Yeah, I also think I'm going to initially miss the serrated blade, but we'll see. PS. your Stormy vids are brilliant..
@myhonesttake7527 I did get it off once I purchased a t6 bit. I only ever use the case so it feels much better in my hand now. Stormy Dog was my inspiration to start a channel and she still amazes me daily with what she will do to please. Have a good one, look forward to your future review after you get some time using it in real life scenarios!
@@DoggoneGold Yeah, pocket clip isn’t for everyone! Ps. Love dogs yeah..
Nice honest take on the ARC. Subbed
Appreciate it Mike. More to come as I get some new attachments for it and it sees more use.
Does the handles wobble [up and down] when in plier format?
They move up and down a very tiny bit. But they’re definitely way better strung than the P4’s I’ve seen out there.
@@myhonesttake7527 Can any handle play be tightened?
@@xderiwx It can be tightened yes, but I think it would end up making the pliers tighter too so I don’t know that I would go much more. Also, the current amount of play seems fairly minimal.
nice vid mate im toying with the idea of getting one lol also see you stack a bit im just getting into that as well
Yeah, I did stack for a while, I think I might have what I need really now. I dunno, we’ll see!
Charge tti
Fellow vitiligo bro :)
Yes sir!
It's an overpriced POS Tackle box item that's pretty much useless as any type of functional tool outside if fishing for trout or bass or catfish.....