@@edevard8445 I think his concern stems from worry that overtime, the hard knife steel will wear out the softer lock/frame material, and eventually will not have a solid lockup. Usually, frame/liner locks are roughly centered on the blade, allowing for good lockup even after it wears.
Leatherman should actually just give us the option to "build your own multitool", like Build-a-bear.... They should give you a basic frame and then you add the bits you want.....
I too wish this existed, but leatherman is producing these tools and intentionally not making them modular as to force you to buy more than one product.
A popular mod for the Surge is to swap out one of the flat heads for the replaceable mini-driver tool they use in the Wave Plus. If you want to do this there are a lot of resources on TH-cam where guys talk about it.
If you look closely, the standard LM liner lock cannot travel beyond the head of the screw. Built-in security! I have yet to hear of major problems with the locking system. Been using Leatherman multitools for over 20 years now. The Leatherman lock-up is not weak on the Surge, and has proven long term durability. The ruler on the P4 is just a depth gauge/bolt & nut sizer. Not a length measure. The P4 awl is unfortunate. I put a sharp end on it. But wish it was thicker, for hardwood. P4 inside tool set is weak. The bit holder is not used by a lot of Surge or Wave users, in fact. It requires toting around a kit. The P4 is a kit-free basic multitool. Just a stand alone to toss in the pocket without bits and blades for the holders. For bushcrafting, the Surge is my number one multitool, and I do carry an assortment of long Bosch T-shank saws, files, etc. and the full bit kit, adapter for standard 1/4" bits. I like the stiff opening and closing on many Leatherman. Never wanted a balisong effect. Cheers from the Galilee, ~Israelpiper.
I see what you mean but I’m not sure that screw would stop the liner, at least on my particular black Surge. Then again, I’m not about to take a pry bar to the tool to test it 😂 Depth gauge and nut sizer makes much more sense. Thank you for clarifying! Ooh maybe I’ll sharpen my awl now... Good point, the T-shank could be a bit driver as well as use saws and files. That would be a great addition to the Free P4. I don’t mind the stiff opening for the pliers. I do want the internal tools to be very easy though. The awl on my Surge often binds up and requires another pair of pliers to pull open 😅 could be the fault of the coating Cheers from Colorado ⛰
Nice review. The "scraper tool" you mention is actually a package opener, and probably my most used tool on the leatherman K series that I carry on truck days at my retail side job. As for the abundance of flat drivers.... if they took them out, that would leave less tools they can advertise on the package. It's marketing. Leatherman needs to understand that most of us who USE these would rather see a single, more useful tool in lieu of 3 tools of the same function. The bit driver is perfect, scrap the excess of flatheads.
I would love to see the bit driver on the P4! Glad I’m not the only one questioning all the flathead drivers. Let’s hope Leatherman listens to their consumers for the next generation of tools
I've been planning on getting a P4 since before it released. I'm so glad life got in the way. I was literally going to order it today and glad I did further research before doing it. My Surge will remain my EDC. I've been carrying both bit kits and the extender as well on person which I don't feel the need to anymore due to career change. My plan was to edc the p4 and keep my Surge and accessories in the glove box. I'll use the money to purchase a new custom horizontal sheath that carries the tool only and my bits and extender can ride in my glove box. I don't see any reason to buy the p4. Thank you so much for this video!
On the P4 the 'scraper' is a package opener - it's very good for opening those plastic clamshell cases used for packaging tools. It slices through like butter and creates a non-sharp edge.
I do work for my landlord and she’ll have me take care of a lot of oddball stuff. The Leatherman saw has helped me in a lot of weird situations, including sawing branches, once in maintenance I got all the way through a 2 by 4 without having to go buy a new saw (my electric saw broke) etc. it’s handy.
Additionally, the ruler is a screwdriver and write stripper, the awl still punctures fine in leather work and the tiny screwdriver on top of it is foot for tiny screws including those of a camera, and the pry tool/big screwdriver/package opener is wonderful for prying up hotel pens from hot wells in a kitchen. You won’t find used in things you don’t want to even try to.
The tools are aimed at different markets. The surge is aimed at heavy duty applications while the P4 is a bit more technical and aimed at lighter to medium applications. I like them both but my go to tool for most days is the P4. Lighter to carry and the one handed simplicity is for me the deciding factor.
I was looking for a tool that could compete with the Surge, and failed to find it in the P4. It may have been comparing apples to oranges, but that’s where I was coming from. I’m glad you like the P4, I still think it has great action and potential
Totally agree about the flat head screwdrivers, as a contractor you don't see that many flat head screws anymore unless you're working on vintage stuff.would love to see a customizable version of the P4 or at lease a bastard child of these two with P4 accessibility. Great Vid! Thanks
Thank you for the review. Very detailed and in depth . I purchased the Surge 6 years ago . I like all the tools , except the pliers handles open to wide for me to get proper grip to really squeeze down . The Sissors and can opener are junk compared to Victorinox . They are also to heavy for me to justify for belt or pocket carry . I stumbled across a skeletool at a pawn shop for $25.00 . It lacks the can opener ,and scissors , both of which reside in my Victorinox farmer . I can also get a proper grip on the pliers . It resides on my belt in a Hold my gear kydex holster . I have used the crap out of it daily . I also carry a leather man ratchet extension and ,bit kit . Just my 2 cents . Thank you again for your insight . ✌️😎
Just received my surge a few months ago,love it however the only thing is I'd like to see is a tanto serrated blade tip wise kinda like the p4 an magnets on the tools like when working on certain items when trying incert screws for kids toys,cause you know how hard it is sometimes if you don't get it right an screw falls off,then spend time looking for the screw, another thing is I agree I'd take out extra screw drivers except for the thick flat one for light to medium prying,my handles is pretty easy to open one handed so far since I've had it working with it ,I would love the main blade 154 cm or s35vn an flat grind an also as wide as the p4,leave the t-shank adapter on there, maybe add a place for tweezers,these are just some of my ideas,also behind the pliers make a crimper like how sog does theirs, other than that,I love the surge for what it is,also,make the pocket clip available with it since it's pretty pricey and fit better with no play,
I have also noticed that, in a lot of the Surge reviews, no one really uses the serrated blade. Why is that? I use my serrated blade more than I use my straight edge.... I use my straight edge only for food, the serrated blade cuts everything else.... My wife does complain when we are in a restaurant and I use my Surge's straight edge to cut my food. I only do this when I feel that the knives at the restaurant are not sharp enough.... I have bought myself the Leatherman C33 pocket knife now....
For me, the serrated blade is reserved for really tough and “destructive” cuts. I use it on fibrous materials and when the thing I’m cutting won’t be kept: plastic wraps on pallets, rope, plastic/fiber tie down straps, bags of dirt, etc. The plain edge is often more useful to me because I will cut tape, whittle plastic, carve wood, or use the blade against a straight edge for a cut. And the Surge carries a Diamond file which can then easily re-sharpen the plain blade but not the serrated. Everyone’s experience is different but this is mine 😎
Id like to see the super tool 300 have a t-shirt adapter as well an some other impelment tool,I do love how you can mod the newer Leatherman tools unlike the older ones.
Nice review! I'm a surge owner of 5 or 6 years. I agree with you mostly. In my opinion, make the surge just open to the pliers like the free and make the tools magnetic. For me personally, I don't need a needle nose. It just gets in the way. I wish there was an option of a regular pliers shape. And to go a bit further...yes, we dont need 3 flat head screwdrivers. Get rid of the 2 permanent ones and replace it with a spork. I'm a traveling tech that eats lunch on the road. The surge has a knife and a can opener, which is great. Now give me a fork/spoon and I'm set until retirement. If not, Leatherman should make a camper's tool....detachable fork, spoon, knife, scissors, wood saw, file, bit holder, pliers/wire cutter and a handle with a flat base for hammer use.
If the Leatherman “Customization” included tool set, and not just cosmetics I think we would all benefit! You might check out the Gerber Diesel Blunt nose pliers tools
I'm sure I'm not the only one to have done this but there's a fix to the loose pocket clip for the Surge. You can close the gap on the pocket clip (the area of the clip that fastens to the tool) with a pair of pliers but you have to do it carefully (I broke a pocket clip trying to do it). If you applied heat to the clip, it would be easier to bend obviously so that might work better lol.
One of those flatheads on the P4 is an awl, for drilling a hole. Another with the measures is for stripping wire. So those two tools are very useful, to some.
On the Leatherman surge the locking mechanisms come like that from the factory that designed to swing all the way to the right and they get stopped by the pivot screw it’ll never fail
Yeah, the toolset of the free series is just... Weird? I have a surge on my tool belt and it's the single most capable multitool I've ever come across. It's just a touch heavy for daily wear. The scissors on the Wave and Charge are underwhelming, and the p4 is the only other tool to have a blade, serrated blade, saw (YES I WANT THE SAW), and scissors on the same tool. I agree the tin opener and the awl suck, but as a tool... I mean it has what I wanted and it weighs less. It could be a LOT better though, I agree.
I’ll say I’m warming up to having a saw here, 2 years later, but it’s still not a necessity 🤷🏽♂️ you seem to have come to the P4 like I did, seeing all the outside accessible tools and that the main tools were appealing… too bad the interior tools were half flathead drivers 😂 it’s so close to excellent that I hope Leatherman tries again with the magnetic architecture
Hi ya - I found your video very helpful, & totally agree on the tool set comparison. They really need to ditch 2 of the flat head drivers & replace them with either a multi fork/spoon or eating tool of some kind. Also, have you tried lube oil on the Surge, it breaks it in much quicker & it’s easy to use after. Takes time but does work. 👍👍
Literally anything besides 2 flat heads would be great! I have lubed the Surge since shooting this video and it definitely helped, though the Black Oxide finish on mine adds friction to the action no matter what I do. If I could buy it again I'd get the regular stainless steel finish I think.
@@inkiron3907 definitely agree there. My steel surge is ok now. TBH I didn’t like the black finish as with time it’ll get scratched and wear off, making it look messy. You could always sell yours & replace it with a steel version?!?!? 😁😁
I’ve oiled my Surge a touch but it’s still pretty stiff. I have torqued this tool extremely hard before so at this point I can’t tell if it has to do with its original construction or my abuse 🤷🏽♂️
Quite interesting review. I own a Surge and a Spirit. A couple years ago I came back a Wave, too much small on my hand. And other issues for me. I like very much Spirit, because is well made and stiffness. But I hate pick up tools pressing nails. I desire a fast access so it s Leatherman. I replace Spirit for P4. I am waiting it arrives. I dislike much the answers of this threat. Too many problems for an expensive tool. I read several times the tools are little usefull...I will use the p4 main tools: Knife, serrated knife , scissors and Phillips srew. So It s no so important for me. I ll tell you what is the feedback. Excuse my english. It s not my mattern lenguage
Your English is good, I understand what you are saying! Please let me know how the P4 performs. It is for the best that you will use the outer tools: Scissors, Knives, and Saw because they are the most useful tools on the P4!
@@inkiron3907 I ve already got it. the newest version with clip out of box. It s pretty nice tool, fast to operate. I was right on all concepts I guess before. The four main tools are good. Otherwise inside tools I like the Philips and flat screwdriver with box cutter. The other 4 inside tools hasn t the same quality , it would be a joke. Eventhought it s a good choice to buy, because you can use it fast and have the main tools you should need. I come back Spirit (almost perfect , but I like had nails). And keep Surge with me ; )
Good video. I had a Surge and it was too heavy at 12.5 ounces for me to EDC. I think a more apt comparison with the Free P4 is the Wave. They weigh about the same (8.6 vs. 8.5 ounces). That brings up an interesting observation -- Most compare the Free P4 against either the Wave or Surge. It seems like the Free P4 is competing against Leatherman's other multitools because the competition from SOG and Gerber is so weak and Victorinox has been slow to introduce new models.
Thanks for watching! I had considered the wave when I was shopping for the Surge but I liked the bigger blade and t-shank setup on the Surge. I agree, it’s super heavy, but at the time I needed my tools to be beastly. I have been looking at the competitors of the Free series online and concluded that Leatherman was simply competing with themselves, as you said. I think the new magnetic architecture has huge potential, and I hope an organized critique and comparison will get us that next Wave tool where everybody NEEDS it 😆
Awesome Leatherman Free P4 review!!! I thought that the Leatherman Free series was cool at first but after buying and using the Free P2 for seven months, I really hate most of the odd/weird tool that it has!!!
Still interesting in the P4 just because this guy has an upgrade that removes two useless tools and replaces it with a 4mm driver. Check it out. 4mm Bit Holder Mod for Leatherman FREE P4 & P2 (SLMR86RJT) by ZapWizard The thing holding me back is the stiff plier nozzle. Seems that will annoy me at some point. If you squeeze the P4 plier tightly shut and then try to open it again, the nozzle gets stuck and the handle folds on you. Seen this in two review videos yet. Scares me.
I got his other adapter that takes the leatherman specific bits and the holder that he makes. It’s the perfect addition. I don’t have to open my p4 to access the bit driver like I do on my surge. It’s a lot handier. Leatherman should be implementing a bit driver on the p4 and eliminating useless tools.
I have both these and agree with you totally. But keep the free at office and surge in truck or on me. Do have that other free knife one not the big knife one but the more compact one which was a use buy but crackhead was selling it for $10, so couldn’t pass it up.
I only had the Surge and it goes everywhere with me. I do like the hollow grind on the Free but it doesn't necessarily beat a flat grind on a working knife IMO, personal preference, many would prefer the flat. I also don't use the clips as I keep it in a sheath, so irrelevant. Mute points: *Hollow / flat grind *Trouser clip *Looks *Weight Surge bonus is: *Simpler locking system, less prone to sand clog. (Go bury them both in the wet sea sand and then tell me which one is quicker to use or wash out. *Changeable blades as you can insert the long blades too but obviously can't close it with a long one inserted but really makes you life easier especially if using a hacksaw blade. *small tools are better, tin opener (Free has Swiss army type), bit adaptor, awl etc Free bonus is: *Nicer locking mechanism but more prone to dirt and sand clog if sandy. *Tanto tip on serated blade *Having all small tools on the outside is nice. *Smoother plier mechanism. Sometimes simple is better *Changing blades and file of the surge and being able to insert extra long wood and steel cutting blades is a big win. *Surge has slightly better small tools, everything else is superficial really. Having the Surge, I wouldn't be in a hurry to by the Free. I know it's an okd video but still.
The Leatherman flat head fetish is sooooo annoying! But there is a solution. A popular mod for the Surge is to swap out one of the flat heads for the replaceable mini-driver tool they use in the Wave Plus. If you want to do this there are a lot of resources on TH-cam where guys talk about it.
@@inkiron3907 I get that. It's just an option. Personally I use small screwdrivers a lot. I'm always using them for tightening glasses, sunglasses, battery lids for test equipment, all kinds of random stuff.
You can't use a file to sharpen the rest of the tools, saw is a useful tool in a multitool. The file on the surge being only one sided and not having integrated saw in it, is a mockery for $130.
I can’t stress enough that a saw is not a useful tool for me. YMMV Also, you can totally sharpen all the tools with the file, I do it myself. *Edit* You know the file has a standard file tooth and the reverse is a diamond abrasive, right? It’s definitely 2 sided... A saw/file combo sounds like a bad idea. Does such a thing even exist? Combining a file; a tool specifically to bind up materials and cause massive friction, should never be part of a saw; a tool designed to glide easily through material.
5 years of use and surge is so stiff? My surge (like my other leatherman) get extremely loose and smooth after a month. In fact, my leatherman get ever TO MUCH LOOSE. The pliers get smooth after 2 days with 20 or 30 hard wire Cutts.
Yeah my Surge has always been stiff. I’ve disassembled the handles entirely so it isn’t the slipjoint. Likely the plier head itself that remains stiff I’ve cut wire hundreds of times with mine and it just won’t “break in” quite like my other multi-tools 🤷🏽♂️
I bought the Freep4 for 1 month. Leaving aside the issue of tool assortment, IT IS THE BEST QUALITY AND MOST ADVANCED DESIGN MULTITOOL EVER BUILT. FOR the first time leatherman surpassed the precision and build quality of the victorinox swisstool. !! (I own 8 leatherman 3 victorinox spirit swisstool and 1 gerber) Everything in the free is perfect, very tight tolerances, no difference between one side and the other and .... TOTAL ABSENCE OF PLAY IN EVERY INSTRUMENT! The engineering and build quality is at a much higher level than any other leatherman. And this time also to victorinox! Furthermore, the cost is partially justified by the enormous construction complexity compared to other multitools. It has many more parts and pieces than any other multitool.
I couldn't have agreed more with your review of the Leatherman Free P4!!!! I personally hate the new sheath that Leatherman has been using(rivet snap)!!! The sheath is way too stiff and the flap which snaps closed onto the rivet is way too tall(not tight/snug enough) and leaves a noticeable gap between the top of the Free P2&P4 and the actual flap itself!!! As far as the Free P2&P4 goes the tools inside are just odd/weird and really make no sense at all, and some of the design choices are also odd!!! Why does the spine of the main blade stick up well past the edge of the Free P2&P4 handle, but the saw blade on the Free P4 when closed sits flush and even with the handle? When it comes to the tools on the Free series the package opener on the Leatherman P2&P4 is really not that great!!! On the other hand, the package opener on the Leatherman Wingman comes to a narrow fine curved sharpened edge which allows you to easily pierce the thick plastic edge of clamshell packaging and easily slice it open. The package opener on the Free P2&P4 just looks like they just tried to lazily sharpen the corner edge of a flathead screwdriver!!! It's not as sharp as it should be and it's a lot easier for this package opener to just simply slide/skip off of the clamshell packaging while you're trying to slice it open, which can be dangerous!!! What really annoys me is that Leatherman already had perfected the package opener which was on the Wingman, so then why not just add that same awesome package opener to the Free P2&Free P4 instead of trying to reinvent it? It's just the case of Leatherman trying to combine two already existing tools into one(pry tool&package opener) and the result of doing that ends up just creating one lackluster, not so useful tool basically an all in one pry/package opener tool!!! The more that I've been using my Leatherman Free P2, the more I'm not liking the various tools that Leatherman decided to put in it!!! Also how the hell do you end up messing up an awl!!! An awl is supposed to have a very sharp/pointy end in order to pierce thick material like leather!!! Adding a micro screwdriver to the end/tip of the awl just makes the awls tip completely dull and therefor makes the awl completely useless!!! You shouldn't add one tool to another if adding the second tool completely removes the functionality of the first tool, which seems to be the main theme of both the Leatherman P2&P4!!! Then there's perhaps the most useless tool ever put into a multitool ever, the "mini ruler/medium flathead screwdriver" that's on the Free P2&P4!!! A ruler that's made this miniature is just completely useless and a complete waste of valuable space in a multitool!!! The medium flathead screwdriver that's part of the mini ruler also has a chisel ground tip that comes to a very thin edge/tip, which causes the medium flathead screwdriver to not function that well. The bigger a screw head gets the wider the slot is made in it for the screwdrivers head. So by making the tip of the medium flathead screwdriver on the Free P2&P4 chisel ground the tip/edge is way too small(thin) to properly fit into the slot of a medium flathead screw slot and therefore has play/wiggle room!!! The chisel tip also creates a ramp effect and the narrow tip/edge of the medium flathead screwdriver just ends up turning within the flathead screws slot before slipping out. The tip of the medium flathead screwdriver should have been made the thickness of a standard normal screwdriver(no chisel grind) so it would fit perfectly in the slot of a medium-sized flathead screw so you can turn the flat head screw without having any play!!! The can opener on the Free P2&P4 is for some reason the same not so great can opener seen in most older Victorinox Swiss army knives!!! Why didn't Leatherman just reuse the same amazing can opener seen/used in the Wingman!!! So that being said, what I do actually really like about the Leatherman Free P2&P4. I really like the magnetic balisong like opening, it's the best opening deployment method of any multitool ever in my opinion!! The magnetic tool deployment system/method is also the best I've ever seen!!! Every tool opens easily and locks in place without any play or wiggle at all, which is amazing!!! The plier head on the Fee P2&P4 has a slightly redesigned shape and is a lot more robust, combined with the replaceable wire cutters make this simply the best multitool plier head ever!!! But the tools that Leatherman decided to create/include in the Free P2&P4 are just simply odd/bizarre and completely don't make any sense at all!!! I was so initially hyped when I first saw the balisong action of the Leatherman Free P2&P4 in a January 2019 ShotShow TH-cam video, but after buying and using the Leatherman Free P2 for six months I was more than a little bit disappointed and triggered!!! What a letdown, the Leatherman Free P2&P4 had such amazing potential for true greatness!!!
Hi Joe, Jose from Puerto Rico. I just subscribed. I just got the P4 the other day and I own a Leatherman Crunch. I will definitely get the Surge for heavy use. I've had the Crunch for many years and that locking plier similar as a Vise Grip is awesome. I got the P4 before seeing all the reviews. I will keep it as a daily carry on tool when you're well dressed and not doing any type of chore, but needing some kind of emergency tool since it is lighter than the Surge and comes with a deep pocket clip. It's better having something on deck than having nothing at all. But like you said, for heavy duty stuff the Surge is second to none. This clip will probably interest you. I enjoyed your review. th-cam.com/video/_LHgoppV_K8/w-d-xo.html
Thanks for watching José and bienvenidos! I have heard great things about the Crunch and the Surge is a wonderful tool too. think your choice to have a P4 instead of nothing is smart. P4 is not useless, it simply cannot perform like Leatherman’s larger tools, in my opinion. I saw that clip years ago when shopping for the Surge! It was one of the reasons I decided to buy it 😄
Somebody noticed that the Surge has a 420HC knife, not S30V. I was wrong. I also managed to spazz and delete the comment though... my bad! 😅
Ink&Iron yeah bro only TTi + have s30v
My Free P4 crapped out after cutting a thick wire. How do I fix it for $10 as you mentioned?
The liner lock is not worn down, it's meant to travel that far. That's why it has those big washers, that's the stopping point smh
@@edevard8445 I think his concern stems from worry that overtime, the hard knife steel will wear out the softer lock/frame material, and eventually will not have a solid lockup. Usually, frame/liner locks are roughly centered on the blade, allowing for good lockup even after it wears.
@@minhajk1 qqqq+qqqa!aaaaaaaaaaa
Leatherman should actually just give us the option to "build your own multitool", like Build-a-bear.... They should give you a basic frame and then you add the bits you want.....
I too wish this existed, but leatherman is producing these tools and intentionally not making them modular as to force you to buy more than one product.
I'd pay extra money for that so I can fill it with stuff I actually use
Why not just buy the parts you want and replace ones you don't add shims if and were needed
I'll say it again with you: Leatherman, CHILL OUT WITH THE FLATHEAD SCREWDRIVERS!
Duel purpose PAINT CAN Opener 8/
Yeah! It's like they're obsessed with flatheads
A popular mod for the Surge is to swap out one of the flat heads for the replaceable mini-driver tool they use in the Wave Plus. If you want to do this there are a lot of resources on TH-cam where guys talk about it.
If you look closely, the standard LM liner lock cannot travel beyond the head of the screw. Built-in security! I have yet to hear of major problems with the locking system. Been using Leatherman multitools for over 20 years now. The Leatherman lock-up is not weak on the Surge, and has proven long term durability.
The ruler on the P4 is just a depth gauge/bolt & nut sizer. Not a length measure.
The P4 awl is unfortunate. I put a sharp end on it. But wish it was thicker, for hardwood. P4 inside tool set is weak.
The bit holder is not used by a lot of Surge or Wave users, in fact. It requires toting around a kit. The P4 is a kit-free basic multitool. Just a stand alone to toss in the pocket without bits and blades for the holders. For bushcrafting, the Surge is my number one multitool, and I do carry an assortment of long Bosch T-shank saws, files, etc. and the full bit kit, adapter for standard 1/4" bits.
I like the stiff opening and closing on many Leatherman. Never wanted a balisong effect.
Cheers from the Galilee,
~Israelpiper.
I see what you mean but I’m not sure that screw would stop the liner, at least on my particular black Surge. Then again, I’m not about to take a pry bar to the tool to test it 😂
Depth gauge and nut sizer makes much more sense. Thank you for clarifying!
Ooh maybe I’ll sharpen my awl now...
Good point, the T-shank could be a bit driver as well as use saws and files. That would be a great addition to the Free P4.
I don’t mind the stiff opening for the pliers. I do want the internal tools to be very easy though. The awl on my Surge often binds up and requires another pair of pliers to pull open 😅 could be the fault of the coating
Cheers from Colorado ⛰
Also I will say measuring the depth of small slots or holes (tire tread) is really nice using the P4 measuring tool.
Good point 🤔
interesting point! i haven't thought of that
that tool suddenly just became useful to me as a truck driver
Nice review. The "scraper tool" you mention is actually a package opener, and probably my most used tool on the leatherman K series that I carry on truck days at my retail side job. As for the abundance of flat drivers.... if they took them out, that would leave less tools they can advertise on the package. It's marketing. Leatherman needs to understand that most of us who USE these would rather see a single, more useful tool in lieu of 3 tools of the same function. The bit driver is perfect, scrap the excess of flatheads.
I would love to see the bit driver on the P4! Glad I’m not the only one questioning all the flathead drivers. Let’s hope Leatherman listens to their consumers for the next generation of tools
You can swap out one of the flat heads for the mini/eyeglass screwdriver tool found on the Wave Plus.
I've been planning on getting a P4 since before it released. I'm so glad life got in the way. I was literally going to order it today and glad I did further research before doing it. My Surge will remain my EDC. I've been carrying both bit kits and the extender as well on person which I don't feel the need to anymore due to career change. My plan was to edc the p4 and keep my Surge and accessories in the glove box.
I'll use the money to purchase a new custom horizontal sheath that carries the tool only and my bits and extender can ride in my glove box. I don't see any reason to buy the p4. Thank you so much for this video!
On the P4 the 'scraper' is a package opener - it's very good for opening those plastic clamshell cases used for packaging tools. It slices through like butter and creates a non-sharp edge.
You are correct. On this tool, I still prefer the knife blade for opening plastic packaging 🤷🏽♂️
I do work for my landlord and she’ll have me take care of a lot of oddball stuff. The Leatherman saw has helped me in a lot of weird situations, including sawing branches, once in maintenance I got all the way through a 2 by 4 without having to go buy a new saw (my electric saw broke) etc. it’s handy.
Additionally, the ruler is a screwdriver and write stripper, the awl still punctures fine in leather work and the tiny screwdriver on top of it is foot for tiny screws including those of a camera, and the pry tool/big screwdriver/package opener is wonderful for prying up hotel pens from hot wells in a kitchen. You won’t find used in things you don’t want to even try to.
I believe you. It’s a good saw! I’m just out here living a life without need of it 😆 I happen to use the file almost daily though
The tools are aimed at different markets. The surge is aimed at heavy duty applications while the P4 is a bit more technical and aimed at lighter to medium applications. I like them both but my go to tool for most days is the P4. Lighter to carry and the one handed simplicity is for me the deciding factor.
I was looking for a tool that could compete with the Surge, and failed to find it in the P4. It may have been comparing apples to oranges, but that’s where I was coming from. I’m glad you like the P4, I still think it has great action and potential
Totally agree about the flat head screwdrivers, as a contractor you don't see that many flat head screws anymore unless you're working on vintage stuff.would love to see a customizable version of the P4 or at lease a bastard child of these two with P4 accessibility. Great Vid! Thanks
Thanks for your input! I would give Leatherman a pretty penny for a custom Surge/P4 bastard child 😂
Thank you for the review. Very detailed and in depth . I purchased the Surge 6 years ago . I like all the tools , except the pliers handles open to wide for me to get proper grip to really squeeze down . The Sissors and can opener are junk compared to Victorinox . They are also to heavy for me to justify for belt or pocket carry . I stumbled across a skeletool at a pawn shop for $25.00 . It lacks the can opener ,and scissors , both of which reside in my Victorinox farmer . I can also get a proper grip on the pliers . It resides on my belt in a Hold my gear kydex holster . I have used the crap out of it daily . I also carry a leather man ratchet extension and ,bit kit . Just my 2 cents . Thank you again for your insight . ✌️😎
Just received my surge a few months ago,love it however the only thing is I'd like to see is a tanto serrated blade tip wise kinda like the p4 an magnets on the tools like when working on certain items when trying incert screws for kids toys,cause you know how hard it is sometimes if you don't get it right an screw falls off,then spend time looking for the screw, another thing is I agree I'd take out extra screw drivers except for the thick flat one for light to medium prying,my handles is pretty easy to open one handed so far since I've had it working with it ,I would love the main blade 154 cm or s35vn an flat grind an also as wide as the p4,leave the t-shank adapter on there, maybe add a place for tweezers,these are just some of my ideas,also behind the pliers make a crimper like how sog does theirs, other than that,I love the surge for what it is,also,make the pocket clip available with it since it's pretty pricey and fit better with no play,
I have also noticed that, in a lot of the Surge reviews, no one really uses the serrated blade. Why is that? I use my serrated blade more than I use my straight edge.... I use my straight edge only for food, the serrated blade cuts everything else.... My wife does complain when we are in a restaurant and I use my Surge's straight edge to cut my food. I only do this when I feel that the knives at the restaurant are not sharp enough.... I have bought myself the Leatherman C33 pocket knife now....
For me, the serrated blade is reserved for really tough and “destructive” cuts. I use it on fibrous materials and when the thing I’m cutting won’t be kept: plastic wraps on pallets, rope, plastic/fiber tie down straps, bags of dirt, etc. The plain edge is often more useful to me because I will cut tape, whittle plastic, carve wood, or use the blade against a straight edge for a cut. And the Surge carries a Diamond file which can then easily re-sharpen the plain blade but not the serrated. Everyone’s experience is different but this is mine 😎
Id like to see the super tool 300 have a t-shirt adapter as well an some other impelment tool,I do love how you can mod the newer Leatherman tools unlike the older ones.
Nice review! I'm a surge owner of 5 or 6 years. I agree with you mostly.
In my opinion, make the surge just open to the pliers like the free and make the tools magnetic.
For me personally, I don't need a needle nose. It just gets in the way. I wish there was an option of a regular pliers shape.
And to go a bit further...yes, we dont need 3 flat head screwdrivers. Get rid of the 2 permanent ones and replace it with a spork.
I'm a traveling tech that eats lunch on the road. The surge has a knife and a can opener, which is great. Now give me a fork/spoon and I'm set until retirement.
If not, Leatherman should make a camper's tool....detachable fork, spoon, knife, scissors, wood saw, file, bit holder, pliers/wire cutter and a handle with a flat base for hammer use.
If the Leatherman “Customization” included tool set, and not just cosmetics I think we would all benefit! You might check out the Gerber Diesel Blunt nose pliers tools
Here's a spork that'll fit onto the end of the bit holder! www.shapeways.com/product/5LMJ9ZD2H/leatherman-spork?optionId=60298077&li=marketplace
@@jonny8524123 thats awesome!!
You can always craft your own chopsticks hahaha
@@jonny8524123 lol nice
I'm sure I'm not the only one to have done this but there's a fix to the loose pocket clip for the Surge. You can close the gap on the pocket clip (the area of the clip that fastens to the tool) with a pair of pliers but you have to do it carefully (I broke a pocket clip trying to do it). If you applied heat to the clip, it would be easier to bend obviously so that might work better lol.
One of those flatheads on the P4 is an awl, for drilling a hole. Another with the measures is for stripping wire. So those two tools are very useful, to some.
Great detailed review. Thanks. Look forward to seeing more reviews. (Links to purchase would be most helpful)
On the Leatherman surge the locking mechanisms come like that from the factory that designed to swing all the way to the right and they get stopped by the pivot screw it’ll never fail
That makes sense. Thanks!
IS there any news of a new P4 with better tools such as the changeable saw/file and changeable screwdriver bits?
There are aftermarket parts that can be added, but I believe it means voiding Leatherman’s warranty. www.shapeways.com/shops/zapwizard
I find the silly lil ruler in my P4 useful for tread depth checking tires
That makes sense… thanks for your experience!
Yeah, the toolset of the free series is just... Weird? I have a surge on my tool belt and it's the single most capable multitool I've ever come across. It's just a touch heavy for daily wear. The scissors on the Wave and Charge are underwhelming, and the p4 is the only other tool to have a blade, serrated blade, saw (YES I WANT THE SAW), and scissors on the same tool. I agree the tin opener and the awl suck, but as a tool... I mean it has what I wanted and it weighs less. It could be a LOT better though, I agree.
I’ll say I’m warming up to having a saw here, 2 years later, but it’s still not a necessity 🤷🏽♂️ you seem to have come to the P4 like I did, seeing all the outside accessible tools and that the main tools were appealing… too bad the interior tools were half flathead drivers 😂 it’s so close to excellent that I hope Leatherman tries again with the magnetic architecture
Hi ya - I found your video very helpful, & totally agree on the tool set comparison. They really need to ditch 2 of the flat head drivers & replace them with either a multi fork/spoon or eating tool of some kind.
Also, have you tried lube oil on the Surge, it breaks it in much quicker & it’s easy to use after. Takes time but does work. 👍👍
Literally anything besides 2 flat heads would be great! I have lubed the Surge since shooting this video and it definitely helped, though the Black Oxide finish on mine adds friction to the action no matter what I do. If I could buy it again I'd get the regular stainless steel finish I think.
@@inkiron3907 definitely agree there. My steel surge is ok now. TBH I didn’t like the black finish as with time it’ll get scratched and wear off, making it look messy. You could always sell yours & replace it with a steel version?!?!? 😁😁
Great review, thanks.
If you want the surge go smoother, add a touch of oil (Preferable dry lube) It will run almost as smooth as the Free.
I’ve oiled my Surge a touch but it’s still pretty stiff. I have torqued this tool extremely hard before so at this point I can’t tell if it has to do with its original construction or my abuse 🤷🏽♂️
Quite interesting review. I own a Surge and a Spirit. A couple years ago I came back a Wave, too much small on my hand. And other issues for me. I like very much Spirit, because is well made and stiffness. But I hate pick up tools pressing nails. I desire a fast access so it s Leatherman. I replace Spirit for P4. I am waiting it arrives. I dislike much the answers of this threat. Too many problems for an expensive tool. I read several times the tools are little usefull...I will use the p4 main tools: Knife, serrated knife , scissors and Phillips srew. So It s no so important for me. I ll tell you what is the feedback. Excuse my english. It s not my mattern lenguage
Your English is good, I understand what you are saying! Please let me know how the P4 performs. It is for the best that you will use the outer tools: Scissors, Knives, and Saw because they are the most useful tools on the P4!
@@inkiron3907 I ve already got it. the newest version with clip out of box. It s pretty nice tool, fast to operate. I was right on all concepts I guess before. The four main tools are good. Otherwise inside tools I like the Philips and flat screwdriver with box cutter. The other 4 inside tools hasn t the same quality , it would be a joke. Eventhought it s a good choice to buy, because you can use it fast and have the main tools you should need. I come back Spirit (almost perfect , but I like had nails). And keep Surge with me ; )
My Free P4 crapped out after cutting a thick wire. How do I fix it for $10 as you mentioned?
$10 was the shipping cost to send the tool back to the Leatherman warranty department
Thanks for the comprehensive review!
You’re welcome!
Thanks man now you made it harder for me to decide which one to get lol
I’m a soldier and the saw is actually the number 3 of my used tools…
Good video. I had a Surge and it was too heavy at 12.5 ounces for me to EDC. I think a more apt comparison with the Free P4 is the Wave. They weigh about the same (8.6 vs. 8.5 ounces).
That brings up an interesting observation -- Most compare the Free P4 against either the Wave or Surge. It seems like the Free P4 is competing against Leatherman's other multitools because the competition from SOG and Gerber is so weak and Victorinox has been slow to introduce new models.
Thanks for watching! I had considered the wave when I was shopping for the Surge but I liked the bigger blade and t-shank setup on the Surge. I agree, it’s super heavy, but at the time I needed my tools to be beastly. I have been looking at the competitors of the Free series online and concluded that Leatherman was simply competing with themselves, as you said. I think the new magnetic architecture has huge potential, and I hope an organized critique and comparison will get us that next Wave tool where everybody NEEDS it 😆
Awesome Leatherman Free P4 review!!! I thought that the Leatherman Free series was cool at first but after buying and using the Free P2 for seven months, I really hate most of the odd/weird tool that it has!!!
Is there a difference in thickness on the blades?
Idk I no longer have a P4 to compare… my gut says surge is thicker because basically all the tools are thicker
the free p4 lock is not so robust. some have broken. and its also easy to disengage the lock when youre not intending to
An actual demo of cutting hard wire and actual tool use would have made for a better review!
About 3 years late on this lol. Wire cutter test is coming this year though. All my tools will be subjected!
Does your P4 have the issue where if you squeeze the pliers to much they stick together? Or has Leatherman fixed that problem.
I sent my first P4 in to the Warranty Dept. because it seized up. The new pair can cut without issue
Just as an FYI, I bought a wave+ a month ago and it has this issue. Doesn't seem to be limited to just their free series.
Legit love the surge, i hae the same finish and i've had mine for 4 or so odd years.
Still interesting in the P4 just because this guy has an upgrade that removes two useless tools and replaces it with a 4mm driver. Check it out.
4mm Bit Holder Mod for Leatherman FREE P4 & P2 (SLMR86RJT) by ZapWizard
The thing holding me back is the stiff plier nozzle. Seems that will annoy me at some point. If you squeeze the P4 plier tightly shut and then try to open it again, the nozzle gets stuck and the handle folds on you. Seen this in two review videos yet. Scares me.
That’s a good tool modification. And yeah the plier issue absolutely needs to be permanently fixed or Leatherman’s new plier tools will be useless
I got his other adapter that takes the leatherman specific bits and the holder that he makes. It’s the perfect addition. I don’t have to open my p4 to access the bit driver like I do on my surge. It’s a lot handier. Leatherman should be implementing a bit driver on the p4 and eliminating useless tools.
10:09 basic screw measurement and material thickness
I have both these and agree with you totally. But keep the free at office and surge in truck or on me. Do have that other free knife one not the big knife one but the more compact one which was a use buy but crackhead was selling it for $10, so couldn’t pass it up.
That’s a hell of a deal!
@@inkiron3907 was a crackhead so I got really lucky.
S30v on surge?, please recheck
I was incorrect. Wishful thinking!
@@inkiron3907
I too waiting for surge with s30v blade
@@inkiron3907 it's 420hc
I only had the Surge and it goes everywhere with me. I do like the hollow grind on the Free but it doesn't necessarily beat a flat grind on a working knife IMO, personal preference, many would prefer the flat. I also don't use the clips as I keep it in a sheath, so irrelevant.
Mute points:
*Hollow / flat grind
*Trouser clip
*Looks
*Weight
Surge bonus is:
*Simpler locking system, less prone to sand clog. (Go bury them both in the wet sea sand and then tell me which one is quicker to use or wash out.
*Changeable blades as you can insert the long blades too but obviously can't close it with a long one inserted but really makes you life easier especially if using a hacksaw blade.
*small tools are better, tin opener (Free has Swiss army type), bit adaptor, awl etc
Free bonus is:
*Nicer locking mechanism but more prone to dirt and sand clog if sandy.
*Tanto tip on serated blade
*Having all small tools on the outside is nice.
*Smoother plier mechanism.
Sometimes simple is better
*Changing blades and file of the surge and being able to insert extra long wood and steel cutting blades is a big win.
*Surge has slightly better small tools, everything else is superficial really.
Having the Surge, I wouldn't be in a hurry to by the Free. I know it's an okd video but still.
The Leatherman flat head fetish is sooooo annoying! But there is a solution. A popular mod for the Surge is to swap out one of the flat heads for the replaceable mini-driver tool they use in the Wave Plus. If you want to do this there are a lot of resources on TH-cam where guys talk about it.
I like the idea of swapping out flatheads for other tools but I have no need of the micro driver…
@@inkiron3907 I get that. It's just an option. Personally I use small screwdrivers a lot. I'm always using them for tightening glasses, sunglasses, battery lids for test equipment, all kinds of random stuff.
You can't use a file to sharpen the rest of the tools, saw is a useful tool in a multitool. The file on the surge being only one sided and not having integrated saw in it, is a mockery for $130.
I can’t stress enough that a saw is not a useful tool for me. YMMV
Also, you can totally sharpen all the tools with the file, I do it myself. *Edit* You know the file has a standard file tooth and the reverse is a diamond abrasive, right? It’s definitely 2 sided...
A saw/file combo sounds like a bad idea. Does such a thing even exist? Combining a file; a tool specifically to bind up materials and cause massive friction, should never be part of a saw; a tool designed to glide easily through material.
5 years of use and surge is so stiff? My surge (like my other leatherman) get extremely loose and smooth after a month. In fact, my leatherman get ever TO MUCH LOOSE.
The pliers get smooth after 2 days with 20 or 30 hard wire Cutts.
Yeah my Surge has always been stiff. I’ve disassembled the handles entirely so it isn’t the slipjoint. Likely the plier head itself that remains stiff
I’ve cut wire hundreds of times with mine and it just won’t “break in” quite like my other multi-tools 🤷🏽♂️
@@inkiron3907 yes, it is very strange...
I bought the Freep4 for 1 month. Leaving aside the issue of tool assortment, IT IS THE BEST QUALITY AND MOST ADVANCED DESIGN MULTITOOL EVER BUILT. FOR the first time leatherman surpassed the precision and build quality of the victorinox swisstool. !! (I own 8 leatherman 3 victorinox spirit swisstool and 1 gerber) Everything in the free is perfect, very tight tolerances, no difference between one side and the other and .... TOTAL ABSENCE OF PLAY IN EVERY INSTRUMENT! The engineering and build quality is at a much higher level than any other leatherman. And this time also to victorinox! Furthermore, the cost is partially justified by the enormous construction complexity compared to other multitools. It has many more parts and pieces than any other multitool.
you sure that surge blade is s30v?
Nah it’s 420 steel! Someone also pointed that out. I was incorrect
I couldn't have agreed more with your review of the Leatherman Free P4!!!! I personally hate the new sheath that Leatherman has been using(rivet snap)!!! The sheath is way too stiff and the flap which snaps closed onto the rivet is way too tall(not tight/snug enough) and leaves a noticeable gap between the top of the Free P2&P4 and the actual flap itself!!! As far as the Free P2&P4 goes the tools inside are just odd/weird and really make no sense at all, and some of the design choices are also odd!!! Why does the spine of the main blade stick up well past the edge of the Free P2&P4 handle, but the saw blade on the Free P4 when closed sits flush and even with the handle? When it comes to the tools on the Free series the package opener on the Leatherman P2&P4 is really not that great!!! On the other hand, the package opener on the Leatherman Wingman comes to a narrow fine curved sharpened edge which allows you to easily pierce the thick plastic edge of clamshell packaging and easily slice it open. The package opener on the Free P2&P4 just looks like they just tried to lazily sharpen the corner edge of a flathead screwdriver!!! It's not as sharp as it should be and it's a lot easier for this package opener to just simply slide/skip off of the clamshell packaging while you're trying to slice it open, which can be dangerous!!! What really annoys me is that Leatherman already had perfected the package opener which was on the Wingman, so then why not just add that same awesome package opener to the Free P2&Free P4 instead of trying to reinvent it? It's just the case of Leatherman trying to combine two already existing tools into one(pry tool&package opener) and the result of doing that ends up just creating one lackluster, not so useful tool basically an all in one pry/package opener tool!!! The more that I've been using my Leatherman Free P2, the more I'm not liking the various tools that Leatherman decided to put in it!!! Also how the hell do you end up messing up an awl!!! An awl is supposed to have a very sharp/pointy end in order to pierce thick material like leather!!! Adding a micro screwdriver to the end/tip of the awl just makes the awls tip completely dull and therefor makes the awl completely useless!!! You shouldn't add one tool to another if adding the second tool completely removes the functionality of the first tool, which seems to be the main theme of both the Leatherman P2&P4!!! Then there's perhaps the most useless tool ever put into a multitool ever, the "mini ruler/medium flathead screwdriver" that's on the Free P2&P4!!! A ruler that's made this miniature is just completely useless and a complete waste of valuable space in a multitool!!! The medium flathead screwdriver that's part of the mini ruler also has a chisel ground tip that comes to a very thin edge/tip, which causes the medium flathead screwdriver to not function that well. The bigger a screw head gets the wider the slot is made in it for the screwdrivers head. So by making the tip of the medium flathead screwdriver on the Free P2&P4 chisel ground the tip/edge is way too small(thin) to properly fit into the slot of a medium flathead screw slot and therefore has play/wiggle room!!! The chisel tip also creates a ramp effect and the narrow tip/edge of the medium flathead screwdriver just ends up turning within the flathead screws slot before slipping out. The tip of the medium flathead screwdriver should have been made the thickness of a standard normal screwdriver(no chisel grind) so it would fit perfectly in the slot of a medium-sized flathead screw so you can turn the flat head screw without having any play!!! The can opener on the Free P2&P4 is for some reason the same not so great can opener seen in most older Victorinox Swiss army knives!!! Why didn't Leatherman just reuse the same amazing can opener seen/used in the Wingman!!! So that being said, what I do actually really like about the Leatherman Free P2&P4. I really like the magnetic balisong like opening, it's the best opening deployment method of any multitool ever in my opinion!! The magnetic tool deployment system/method is also the best I've ever seen!!! Every tool opens easily and locks in place without any play or wiggle at all, which is amazing!!! The plier head on the Fee P2&P4 has a slightly redesigned shape and is a lot more robust, combined with the replaceable wire cutters make this simply the best multitool plier head ever!!! But the tools that Leatherman decided to create/include in the Free P2&P4 are just simply odd/bizarre and completely don't make any sense at all!!! I was so initially hyped when I first saw the balisong action of the Leatherman Free P2&P4 in a January 2019 ShotShow TH-cam video, but after buying and using the Leatherman Free P2 for six months I was more than a little bit disappointed and triggered!!! What a letdown, the Leatherman Free P2&P4 had such amazing potential for true greatness!!!
Tks for video
good recommendations
the magnetic tool can be very annoying since it can pick up iron dust and many sharp metal parts. Not a very good idea.
Surge seems like a better buy for me
It is the better buy IMO
Thanks
420hc not s30v btw
You’re right. This is what I get for being mistaken; 3 years of people correcting me. Learn from me. Save yourself
Kind of sad, so many easily accessible tools, and none of them are worth using. The internal tools are a real disappointment on the p4.
Yeah... womp womp
10:18 its 2,5 cm. I love your videos.
Thank you! 😁
For the hammer test the signal wins
Good point! The Signal and the MUT have literal hammers 🔨
Check out the super tool 300
Will do 👍
Good video, need speak up a little louder . Ty
Hi Joe, Jose from Puerto Rico. I just subscribed. I just got the P4 the other day and I own a Leatherman Crunch. I will definitely get the Surge for heavy use. I've had the Crunch for many years and that locking plier similar as a Vise Grip is awesome. I got the P4 before seeing all the reviews. I will keep it as a daily carry on tool when you're well dressed and not doing any type of chore, but needing some kind of emergency tool since it is lighter than the Surge and comes with a deep pocket clip. It's better having something on deck than having nothing at all. But like you said, for heavy duty stuff the Surge is second to none. This clip will probably interest you. I enjoyed your review.
th-cam.com/video/_LHgoppV_K8/w-d-xo.html
Thanks for watching José and bienvenidos! I have heard great things about the Crunch and the Surge is a wonderful tool too. think your choice to have a P4 instead of nothing is smart. P4 is not useless, it simply cannot perform like Leatherman’s larger tools, in my opinion.
I saw that clip years ago when shopping for the Surge! It was one of the reasons I decided to buy it 😄
King vs free 4
You can’t COMPARED Surge vs Free P4 two DIFFERENT TOOLS yes multi tool ONLY THAT so please....
NO idea what that means. But THANKS for watching 👍
any two things can be compared. i can compare an elephant with a scuba diver. don't limit yourself.
You are just not one guy I agree the same some of these tools on Leatherman are useless ridiculous on the P4
Thanks for chiming in! Always nice to hear from like minded people
Ничего не понял. Английский не знаю.
The ignorance stated in this. Lol
If you’re expecting me to feel bad, I won’t 😂 Let’s see you do a better video on the subject!
T hg e surge has 420 hc only the charge has s30v I have both