Finally I went to a physical shop and check leather P2 & P4 and it rusts (display set) on the edge of the handle. I am quite disappointed. My final decision and I have placed order for Swisstool X and Spirit (the version with serrated blade and nylon pouch) Main reasons: High rust resistant, all tools can be accessed from outside, very compact, good finish, lot of tools (and very useful and practical), shiny finish (what I really like) and lifetime warranty), easy to sharpen and tough (although soft steel but less likely to break). I bought Swisstool and Spirit before but sold years ago because hard to open (Spirit) and heavy (Swisstool) but now after experience with many MT, I can't find any better one that fits my expectation and bought again. Hope this helps
@@limsan9977 good call with the swiss tool, i have had my original one for 20 years and its still virtually rust free everything works as smooth as the day i bought it. Wish i could say that about leatherman, i have sent so many of them back because they overharden their tools that just snap and they rust at the slightest hint of moisture.
@@mountainbearoutdoors Thank you for your valuable feedback, I also went to a showroom and was shocked a display new set of p4 has started to rust on the edge of the handle already. That explain why i have only 2 leatherman in my collection which less likely to rust. Ps4 and Micra. Especially micra, 12 years and still no rust.
Hey, Leatherman tools in general CAN rust depending on how you use them and where you live. 420HC is a high carbon stainless steel, stainless meaning that it will "stain less," not that it will never rust. Victorinox steel is much more corrosion resistant. Swisstool Spirit X is a favorite of mine. That said, Leatherman tools don't rust for me as I live in a desert.
Thank you for putting my P4 obsession to rest. I needed to hear someone else saying what I have been thinking about this tool. I keep telling myself that the one-handed operation is cool but, guess what, I have two hands.
You’re not alone! I love the concept, but Leatherman botched the execution. It’s a shame, but I don’t think it’s the last we’ll see of the Free Series tech!
I take the P2 and 4 as the tests: tools with the sole point of being able to be opened with one hand, not so much on being the best damn multitool you’ve ever seen. More R&D and the next couple of iterations should (praying here) be way better.
Coincidentally being able to use one hand is the biggest factor for me because I work a lot, and being able to use it fast with 1 hand has saved so much time and headache. If I was just messing around, using it around the house occasionally I probably wouldnt really care about 1 handed ability. The fact I got the P2 for $80 probably plays a huge part in my love for it though lol.
Tool looks brand new. If it’s a 1 yr review it’s not had much use. I got my first leatherman approx 35 yrs ago, have had many different brands over the yrs, always go back to leatherman. IMO they are the best by far for those who really use them hard. Thanks for the review.
Well when I broke my first P4 with a single cut on the pliers Inused the replacement one a lot less. Seemed like this model was a “glass cannon”. My Surge however has literally been abused and it still outperforms all my other tools. I agree Leatherman’s heavy duty tools really define what it means to have a hard working pocket tool
Thanks for the great review. I bought the P2 the week it came out and I really like it for one handed use. I swapped the blade and the scissors so I can open it left handed and I use this thing every day! Also, so many people complained that the P2 came with a pocket clip that the p4 now comes standard with the clip.
Nice mod 👍 I didn’t know the tools were so swappable... gives me hope for modular tools in the future. I’m glad they added the clip on the P4, it was odd to pay more and not get it. Thanks for sharing your experience 😎
If you buy the RAE Gear sheath. The Leatherman Surge is a pleasure to carry! I barely notice it on my hip! I'm a mechanic so I bought the non magnetic sheath for obvious reasons and I LOVE IT!!!! I am so glad I watched your video! I was going to buy the P4 today and now I am going to save my money!!!
It would be an interesting if Leatherman made their tools piece meal so that you could pick and choose which tools you want/need on your tool. Because it seems that they have a lot of hits on different tools, but rarely combine them on a single tool. Since most ppl can and will disassemble, why not allow someone to put their own useful tools on....
I would LOVE a modular Leatherman tool. If we could get that CRKT Homefront take-down tech in a Multitool it would be game over for any competitors. Oh you want the perfect tool? Here, build it yourself 🤩
They will never do this, because everyone would buy only one multitool with replaceable items. Now everyone buys different never complete satisfying multitools which earns them more money.
@@inkiron3907 Check out the GOAT multitool, you can change the tools on that one without any tools and it only takes a few seconds to switch from a serrated blade to a smooth one as an example.
Leatherman knows exactly what want or don’t want. That’s why they split the ‘wanted’ components across different models! Lol I just joined the Leatherman bandwagon - one Wave + for my dad and one Charge TTi. Loving it!
It escapes me right now but there is a multitool brand that provides a certain modularity where you can switch tools as you like... edit: If I had bothered to read the other replies...
Tip I learned from Crimson Guitars: every single leatherman is as free as the P4 and P2 if you loosen the screws and lube everything up. If needing to open the tool with 1 hand is super important, then buy the tool with the tools you need and then just loosen it, lube it up, bam. One-handed tool with everything you need.
My last few years as a mechanic, before I retired, Snap On tools started putting their name on some gimmicky stuff and some downright cheap tools...what a shame. 140 bucks for any multi tool seems a little crazy to me. It's kinda neat from the aspect of the magnetic closing and I think this idea is here to stay. I'm hesitant to say too much bad about it because I think the company has integrity, and I love my modified wave, and the "original" pst was ground breaking and still an excellent multi tool. Thanks for the honest review
I’m not here to disparage Leatherman. I just think these new pliers were oddly inferior to their previous plier tools, while being more expensive. I believe the next version of the magnetic pliers will be a winner given Leatherman’s 25 years of experience. Thanks for sharing! The PST and Wave are great tools
Thanks for your honest review! Looking at getting a P4 after having pliers stiffing issues with my P2. I guess its better to settle with what i've got rather than getting another one with potentialy having the same issues.
I did enjoy and this is why. I almost stopped in the beginning mainly because I’m not available within my family is and I’m trying to learn about the tool. You explained your use of the tools and your likes or dislike in a understanding way I liked.
I definitely think this new design has potential, im using the Free P4 for my day to day stuff, mostly light duty stuff. I use my Surge at work because it'll take the abuse. It would be cool to see some of this tech from the free series used in something robust like the Surge. This is all just my humble opinion of course.
I second that opinion! A free swinging, one-handed Surge would be an automatic purchase for me. I also think the current P series is best at quick, light-duty tasks
8:50 that's a "package opener". It's pretty useful when you don't want to destroy what's inside or chip your blades when aggressively slashing thick plastics or tape.
I had debated the P4 vs the wave plus or surge last week. Ended up going with the Wave+ and plan to make the “mini surge” Glad I didn’t get the P4 now. Need to find a good pocket clip now.
Thank you for the very honest review. I have a Roxon Phantom that I purchased with not much expectations, but now after 8 months I can say that it helped me a lot, even with some tasks that I was almost sure gonna prube to be too hard for the tool, but it keeps surviving only needing some sharpening now and then.
I have been interested in Roxon’s tools but haven’t gotten one in hand yet, so thanks for a positive endorsement! I’m glad you enjoyed the review, I try my best to stay real and speak about situations I’ve actually used the tool 😎
Hi, I just got the other day the P2, I've paid only £75 in the UK. A big outdoors retailer made me discount because it was the very last one they've had. It didn't have the sheath and box though, but regular price is above £120. I'm a truck driver and have few more multi-tools but wanted a fidgety one😁 With my work I don't push it too hard so I think it should hold up fine. It was good to see what to expect, thank you. Cheers 👍
They could have used the same toolset of the Wave+ and make it a one hand operating tool. It's okay to have a smaller footprint to make it fit as long as the quality is exactly the same.
I use a rust block (vapor deposition ) when I get a new Leatherman. First I clean off any oil from the factory, let it dry and then put it in a ziplock bag with the rust blocker…. I think it’s called ZeroRust, from Woodcraft but sold many places. I do that once a year and have not had one rust yet.
I paid $131 new for a P4 Free on EBay. I also bought a new Wave + on EBay for $79.95 plus shipping $5.95 plus tax for a total of $91 I like the P4 Free and I purchased a stainless magnetic insert for the Phillips that will accept 1/4 and flat Leatherman bits. Cost $25. I don’t like the idea of modifying any Lestherman because it voids the warranty so an insert with a magnet is a good choice
I've been using my p4 everyday at work. It's one of the best tool purchases I've made. I do facility maintenence and home repair. Every tool on the p4 has a use in my line of work and been used a lot. The flat heads are used every time I have an electrical job. The saw when I gotta patch drywall. The file when I deburr copper pipe or conduit. The one handed opening for when my other hand is holding something up or against. Or to just play with like a butterfly knife. To me it sounds like you have too much tool for your needs. The tool has no flaws in my 2 years of use.
Well I’m glad this tool suits you! For my daily use the P4 just has a toolset that isn’t what I need. It’s not Leatherman’s fault, but when the marketing stresses EDC I think it’s important to represent my usage and what the tool does/doesn’t do for me. Glad you can use everything on it though. That’s gotta be satisfying 😎
So I just ordered a P4, I've been using a Super Tool 300 which is a beast and can do everything I need but no outside accessible tools and no one handed operation is frustrating. I really need a top notch set of pliers, a really good knife, a saw, Philips, and standard anything else is gravy. I carried a SOG for a couple of years because of the power assist pliers but the knife blades on the SOG really suck! They won't cut fresh crap! You can't sharpen them either. I see everyone hating on the P4 but it looks like I would like it. I know its probly not as capable as the Super Tool or Surge but a bit smaller lighter one hand operation which you need when your other hand is occupied while still being a robust tool sounds ideal.
I literally NEVER watch stuff like this, but bravo and well done to the producer. I will follow him. This was Intelligent, informative and provided the information I needed with nothing extra. I bought myself the Free P4 and gave the Surge as gifts and now wonder why. I also wonder why Leatherman doesn’t replace at least give the option of replacing one or more of those utterly useless multiple flathead bits with a driver bit. I am familiar with the design philosophy of “just more things to lose,“ but shouldn’t that be MY choice?
I’m curious as to what your opinions on this tool were when you ordered it. You knew every tool that it had. Did you think the multiple flat head drivers and baby file/ruler was a good idea at the time and regretted it over the year? I personally hate the free series tools. Almost bought one on many different occasions but each time I handled the display at the store I cringed. I owned a wave at one point but it broke so now I main a leatherman rebar. I’m also currently testing out a gerber centerdrive and I actually prefer it to any leatherman to my surprise.
I knew the file would be disappointing but for the most part I wanted the cool new Leatherman for the channel and it did go viral for me... sadly it’s a stain on Leatherman’s incredible reputation in terms of performance. I think you made the right call avoiding this one. I’ve heard mixed reviews of the Center Drive... I should get one in hand
Ink&Iron I understand that. I tend to buy things to try them out for myself even if they are new or have a mixed reputation. Hence why I bought the centerdrive. It’s my first gerber multitool and I’m amazed at how well it does the 3 main tool I use. (Pliers,knife, driver). I still feel that the fit/finish and overall quality is behind leatherman by a good bit. But if you get lucky and get a solid model like I did I think you should give it a shot. I recommend you get the nite use hip clip so you have a pocket clip on it. That’s what I did with great success.
Thanks. Nice honest review. One of the few mentioning negatives. Even on rebar file is too small to be useful and pliers are good for some applications and bad for others like cutting steel wire.
Sounds like your issues with the rebar are largely opinion based at that point and the wirecutter issue i've not encountered seems more like your cutters are defective.
I'm gonna disagree with you on the rebar File. I wear a rebar as a daily belt knife, and that file has seen ABUSE. It's a great tool. The wire cutters also don't blink at 3mm steel wire, so more than up for what I throw at them. I also have the bit kit and adapter for the Phillips screwdriver, and I have used that with FORCE to undo some seized bolts with the Allen / hex keys. I honestly REALLY like my Rebar. I do need to send it off though - snapped the saw. Under warranty so all's gravy, but... I don't wanna be without my rebar whilst waiting for it to come back! 😂 I also have a gen1 charge, a surge, and a free p4. The charge is loose after years of use, and the scissors are practically useless. Also snapped the can opener, and the lack of an awl is a shame. The surge is AMAZING, but given it weighs a metric ton it lives on my toolbelt. The free p4 is fun, but I agree with basically everything here. The small tool selection is ODD, and it is not a heavy duty tool, but it is still fun and practical. Just not worth the price.
I hope Leatherman listens to reviewers and their customers an makes the next free series(if they keep it)and make some better designs cause I have it and I swapped out the Phillips head and tool next to it and put in the bit exchanger adapter and now can use the ratchet adapter and the bit kit with mine and it’s much more handy to use for everyday stuff hehe
If only the Free P4 was a ... not a P4. As for many, I saw various videos, heard the comments. Clearly the fan boys were opening up the box and saying Wow. Automatic response. The serious users had distinct form and function problem. Despite some compliments, too. But I could not resist the shinning. Jack Nicholson holding up that glittery P4, and looking for me. Mantoys are great when they are great. Most are fun and we sometimes get genuine good use from them. Surge, SwissTool, Wave, Charge Tti, Rebar, SuperTool, even the LM OHT, have all given great satisfaction. Despite some distinct lacks, like no awl on the Wave, which makes it poor for a bushcrafter. Even the Wingman and Sidekick are fantastic light-duty urban carry--stress on light. To regret buying a Leatherman model, much like I regret buying the Gerbil CenterDrive with shattering cutters and rolling blade edge and snapping nailpry--that is a crime. May this be a one-time blunder. Expensive is one thing, if I can still say "Great tool!" My SwissTool Spirits were indeed expensive. But my first SwissTool is 22 years old and in great shape. So I can say, lots of shekels up front. But it is a first class tool AND mantoy to play with. Not so the P4. I hate the thin little tools. And my metric ruler, a potentially fine small depth gauge and fastener measure is all chopped up and unreadable. 96% of the world is metric. Even many scientific and technical skills in America require some metricity. Crappy engineering should have been subject to serious beta testing loooong before getting approval. Sloppy business practice. The little tools are mostly embarrassing. But that freezing, stiff pliers head, advertised as "the best Leatherman pliers ever," is inexcusable folly. So, just like a Gerber CenterDrive, many of us are saying, "Great idea--poor execution and overpriced." Many thanks for the one-year review follow-up. I refer friends to your review even they falter and lean toward the shinning. Buy a Victorinox scout knife and a small Vise Grip. The P4 is around 180 dollars worth of shekels here. I anticipate uneven quality among Gerber multitools. They often fulfill my expectations. Leatherman was never Victorinox in fit and finish, but was fairly consistent and very functional. Good in the hand. And the Surge remains my bushcrafter gem. I love it. The P4 can open one-hand. And ok the blade is good. After that, if I have my American idiom down, crickets. My own fault. I have a kit with an old British Army clasp knife and a small needle nose Vise Grip. My first resort turtle rescue tools. It turns circle around the P4. Whose one handed opening, I had hoped, would be a big improvement for my beach walks as a mini rescue kit. Untangling, hook cutting, plastic strap cutting etc. Tim Leatherman has a long history of innovation, quality, customer service, and genuinely useful tools. I trust that a bright fellow come up the hard way with a grand idea has learned from the Free series flaws and mediocrity. He is entitled to a few goofs. Again, thanks! Good job.
The Free P Series has a lot of refinement and back-tracking to do, but I hope they will be better with the next attempt. I love the Surge too and your 22 year old Swiss Tool has caught my attention... I’ll have to look at that tool again myself! Thanks for sharing 😄
How much have you actually used it? You tried to open it at the wrong end at the start of this and had to flip it around. Seen this before from a so called user recently. There's a difference between user and owner. These reviews make that obvious and lack credibility.
@@gruffydd1000 Or maybe just maybe the leatherman free series of tools is just an overpriced gimmick that basically screams "oh look its got magnets and it flys open easy look at the fidget factor on these so cool!" yet if you compare it to a charge+ or even a wave+ you'll get better value out of either of those tools hell even as it was said the surge is a better value.
Would be nice to see leatherman offer custom options for individuals, make to order. For example the option of adding different tools such as a dual blade combined with a saw/ file, scissors and a Phillips driver externally. The 3 I own and use the most are OHT, Surge and supertool 300. But I dislike tools that open internally.
I also prefer tools on the outside. Modular tools might be the future if the upcoming GOAT multitool works well… mine is pre-ordered so you’ll see it here eventually!
I bought this and liked it at first but ended up going back to my Leatherman Signal Black & Silver because I liked the idea of having a survival multitool in case I ever get stranded anywhere, urban or wilderness. The Free P4 is really nice but like you said, all those useless tools, all those multiple flatheads. What were they thinking? Haha.
Would be interesting if Leatherman allowed or made a customize option. Not all the tools fit everyone's need. And they switch up the tools on each model so that some are great on one, but not the other. Since it is able to be taken apart, they could sell individual tools for ppl to pick and choose which ones they need...
I’ve tried to use this tool in the real world it is just not up to par with other leatherman tools. I’ve tried to use the saw and it works great but the tool is so flimsy side to side. I use the saw during my landscape business while cutting yards to cut small tree branches. I’m afraid to use use it has hard as my wave or victorinox tools. It’s probably going back in my drawer. The inside tools are not even useful to me since they are so small. They need to go back and relook the whole tool again and listen to their customers.
Leatherman’s ad campaign for this tool says “After 35 years of evolving, adapting, and pushing the limits, we challenged ourselves to unknow what a multipurpose tool can be.” I think we can agree they took the “unknow” part too far with this one. Thanks for sharing your experience
I appreciated the raw truth, thanks for the video, I'm looking for a backup while I wait for my wave to be repaired again. My super tool 300 is so bulky and slow to deploy makes me hesitant to go with the surge, but the surge does look like the bigger brother of the wave that I love for the most part. So maybe I'll get another wave. lol The P4 doesn't sound worth it.
Sounds like you put a lot of daily strain on your tool, nothing wrong with that, especially with a Leatherman warranty. Honestly, the Surge might help you out. Mostly similar tool set and I’ve personally used my Surge as a hammer and it still works fine. I have turned seized nuts with all my might and after a few times the handles sit slightly askew, but the function is still as good. I can’t seem to hurt it! For a few bucks more than a new Wave, a Surge could make a great addition to your tools. It’s a heavy beast though at around 12.5oz. There’s also the option to just get a backup Wave lol. All up to you, but I thought I’d give my 2 cents
@@inkiron3907 it's pretty much the same size as the super tool 300 I have correct? I've been tossing it back and forth as to whether I want to deal with the bigger tool in my pocket, not something I'm used to 😂 but since the blade would swing out quickly which is probably the thing I use the most on it , that might make it possible.🤷🏻♂️
It’s about the same size but with 2 blades, scissors, and removable saw/file accessible from the outside. The 2 blades are just as fast as pulling out any pocket knife to cut. Yes, quite a brick, but a useful brick 😆
Wire cutters are for cutting wire, not necessarily “rivets”. Serrated blades work great for rope, and a tanto tip is for strength and plunging. Scissors cut thread, as designed. Awl punctures animal hide, and allows for stitching with sinew or thread, as designed. Yeah, now that I think about it, “every tool is a hammer except a screwdriver, that’s a chisel” comes to mind. There’s an added cost for made in the USA vs made in the USA with global components. Either there is value in that for a person or there isn’t. As someone who enjoys getting paid well for my work, there is value in that for me. I have several tools for outdoors/survival. The leatherman is an all around tool that excels at nothing but resides in the mix as a “in a pinch” device, which is exactly what I expected when I bought it. To each their own.
I have the P4, wave and super tool 300. I’d love the P4 if my pliers hadn’t gotten stiff after trying to bend a piece of metal (only about 1-1.5mm thick steel), and the flex of the handles when using the pliers. The entire purpose of a leather man is for sturdy pliers with the convenience of multiple tools added in the handles. Otherwise you get a SAK. The handle when being used as a set of pliers is also slightly uncomfortable, although as you can’t use the pliers for any heavy use I guess it’s not an issue. It’s a shame because the one handed opening almost makes me carry them for that feature alone, but I feel that the size and weight and barely usable pliers outweigh the one handed opening feature. I guess my son gets a really expensive fun tool now.
I totally get the plier issue. The P series could be great, but in the next iteration. Sorry your experience was so much like mine 😅 but thanks for sharing the experience
Those cutters are really meant for electrical wire and such. Why are people surprised when they break trying to cut nails?! Use the proper tool for the job like knioex mini bolt cutters.
Considering that my Surge will cut nails I was expecting a lot more from the P4. Am I pushing it? Yeah, because that’s what I know Leatherman is capable of at their best. I’m disappointed that the engineering risk they took didn’t work out this time. I am awaiting their next attempt hoping for their success
I cut metal rivets with my Wave+ all day long. Never had a problem. Recently picked up a Surge because I love my Wave so much. Glad I dodged a bullet with the P4.
Great review, ty! I'd muuuch rather have the saw for my use. Too many pointless tools for me though. Was excited about having a Leatherman with a deep pocket clip:(
Yes, weird about all the flatheads on it. Also weird that one of their flagship premium offerings doesn’t have an option of black oxide finish like so many of their other top end multi tools do. I think a lot of people would go for that. Maybe they’ll have a version 2 of this tool that’s more robust and addresses a lot of the common complaints.
I agree. Great design and engineering elements. But the dropped the ball on tool selection. I had the P4 for a week and ended up returning it and picked up a wave +. Very happy with the wave.
I like the overall concept so it is unfortunate that it has those problems. I've never bought a higher priced Leatherman but I have used the crap out of my wingman and skeletool and really like them. Wish they had replaceable wirecutters though. I do have a few of the mini leatherman tools as well. Great video.
Great vlog, from a multitool obsessive. I was wanting to add a sog s66 powerassist to my collection but they are expensive (compared to us)in the UK and in short supply.
@@inkiron3907 plenty of ul suppliers of leatherman, victorinox and such. U can buy them without any issue or checks. It just seems that the sogs are in short supply and overpriced. I do have a q4 baton paid £100 for it.
That knife looks amazing BUT, they should have put both the knife and serrated blade for right hand open as the saw on the right hand open is less utilized than the serrated blade.
I find it surprising how the Free P2 can be found on eBay brand new for $75 in box but the Free P4 costs $130 and used ones go for upwards of $100. I don't have strong fingernails and often wear gloves while working. The Free series is great for me. I don't want to spend time digging out tools from the insides of a multi tool. I think I'll buy the P2 as I'm not in need of the saw blades. I saw some modifications available for this multi tool to give it a bit driver, and I'm also thinking about adding that modification on. I love the Free T2 for EDC, but again, I have the same issue with pricing. I'd rather have gotten the Free T4 but the T2 costed $25 new while the T4 would have costed $40-$50 which is not worth it. I hope the Free P2 holds up for me. Thanks for the review of the P4
That’s true, I agree. They are adaptable drivers. I have gradually moved from a warehouse to a laboratory setting so the hardware I encounter has become more regular over time 🤷🏽♂️
I've watched and read a couple dozen reviews of th P series and nothing has convinced me that they're really tools. They're toys. Very expensive toys. The best thing I can say about them is they're not SOGs or Gerbers.
It blows my mind how many people were modifying them to the point where they had like $300-400 into the tool but it was a “perfect” EDC… way too much slack left by Leatherman on this one. The Arc looks far more promising in terms of useful implements
I find it a little disappointing that they haven't addressed any of these concerns everyone has. I also have a P4 and it would be nice if Leatherman came out with parts you could buy, to upgrade the P4
That's pretty much been everyone's conclusion. I dont know why Leatherman gave us these..when there was/is a list of *[doable]* stuff people have been asking for, on existing tools.
I have a P4 and it's kinda like that June Father's Day gift that you get and never use. It's all cool and clean, but you don't want to break it and it doesn't really have that many useful tools.
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 P4 handle scales, but the saw blade on the Free P4 when fully 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 at all!!! 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 Free 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 inside 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!!! Question, why is 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 one-handed 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 that make this simply the best multitool plier head ever(my Free P2 plier head didn't have the issues your P4 had after cutting a nail in half)!!! 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 CZcams video from BladeHQ, but after buying and using the Leatherman Free P2 for almost a full year now I'm more than a little bit disappointed and triggered!!! What a letdown, the Leatherman Free P2&P4 had such amazing potential for true greatness!!! The magnetic balisong action and magnetic tool opening system are really well done and quite awesome, but in the end it's the tools inside that I use/care about most and are what make a multitool truly function/useful. These tools in the Free P2&P4 simply were very poorly designed and executed!!!
We agree on most things regarding the Free P tools 😎 it's like half revolutionary and half clueless. The can opener, package opener, traditional awl, and the bit holder could replace most of the inner tools and it would actually gain functionality. I'm glad we could both be triggered by these tools 😆 thanks for sharing your opinions
@@inkiron3907 What I don't understand is why didn't Leatherman just incorporate the best versions of various tools from their different multitools that already exist and combine them into the Free series. Also how is it that we both noticed how shitty the tools are in the Free series within a few minutes of handling the Free serirs(P2 or P4), but nobody at Leatherman somehow noticed any of these issues/flaws during their entire long CAD design stage, prototyping and final production stages of development? The designers/creators at Leatherman are either really stupid and don't know what the hell they are doing, or they are constantly drunk and or high on drugs!!!
The people at Leatherman should have sent samples to multi-tools CZcamsrs to try before they decide the final design. I like the tools stated on the specifications but not how they are executed. I would buy it for stated price if it have incorporated the best versions of the stated tools from their previous models and included the bit driver. Then it would be the best home multi-tool for me. Waiting for the next iteration.
@@designdolphin There are only two reason for the Leatherman Free P2&P4 having such weird/shitty tool inside them, and both reasons are disturbing!!! Reason one, the designers at Leatherman are complete idiots and have absolutely no idea what they are doing!!! Reason two, the designers at Leatherman knew that the tools inside the Free P2&P4 that they were designing were absolutely terrible but they simply didn't give a shit!!! Actually there is a third reason, the designers at Leatherman could also be continuously drunk and or high!!!
@@inkiron3907 thank you. I'm considering getting the p4 and having it modified, but before sending it for modification I want to make sure I don't get a defective plier head. So I'll try and replicate your test.
They should make it the way people want , instead of egnoring thier customers and going flathead crazy on a multitool with alot of potential. The Surge is King. If you put a replacable saw that can take t shank boxche blades and replace the diamond files on all leathermans, that would be epic. And a ruler on the handles should be on all leathermans too
@ Jason Rolling: diamond files are much more useful. Remember, the purpose of a Leatherman (to me) is useful tools in a pinch, not a toolbox in your pocket. There is no way, ONE EDC will satisfy a toolbox. That said, I feel the Free Series missed it’s “tool mark,” oht is superb tho’.
You guys are crazy I like the fact that there's no tools to lose. Wait until u lose a bit or saw for exchangers.... the way everyone complains about lestherman models everyone should stick with a supertool 300 simple and has everything
There's some, dare I say it, genius involved in this tool, but there's also a whole lot of stupid. The file, the ruler, the slotted drivers, the lack of a blade exchanger and the sheath make this pretty much useless. I'll keep my Wave and Surge for the foreseeable future.
First tool that lies flat easily and they don’t put the ruler on the handles... such a missed opportunity. Surge is still my preference too, and I’m even more certain of that after handling the P4 🤷🏽♂️
@@inkiron3907 in my opinion, the free should have been priced similar to the super tool 300....then it would have been a great alternative to that too. At least in my country the LM Free P4 is more expensive than a LM Surge, which it just isn’t worth IMO.
I would think doing a review on a multi tool you would at least make an effort to use all the main tools, like the saw for example. Waste if time review, I'm outta here.
I agree. The price makes it a big disappointment. I'm bummed cause the idea is sooo gooood. Worst pliers ever would be my only addition to your list of WTFs
I guess but why couldn’t they have put that money towards more than flathead screwdrivers? A USA made weak toolset IMO. The Arc will hopefully be a stronger offering at similar price
Well, the replacement Free P4 lasted a year. The first one seized upon cutting one rivet 😆 I just got a Spirit and I think you’re right, it exceeds the P4
@@inkiron3907 I carried the Spirit every day for 8 years without issue and it's still going. I had the butter knife version because I carry a main blade anyway. But I recently changed to the Wave because I want access to the bit driver, only reason. And now I see the P4 has many mods to make it actually useful, so I may revisit it.
Anyone have experience of Free P4 rusting ?
Finally I went to a physical shop and check leather P2 & P4 and it rusts (display set) on the edge of the handle. I am quite disappointed. My final decision and I have placed order for Swisstool X and Spirit (the version with serrated blade and nylon pouch) Main reasons: High rust resistant, all tools can be accessed from outside, very compact, good finish, lot of tools (and very useful and practical), shiny finish (what I really like) and lifetime warranty), easy to sharpen and tough (although soft steel but less likely to break). I bought Swisstool and Spirit before but sold years ago because hard to open (Spirit) and heavy (Swisstool) but now after experience with many MT, I can't find any better one that fits my expectation and bought again. Hope this helps
And Swisstool and Spirit onlt MT with chisel
@@limsan9977 good call with the swiss tool, i have had my original one for 20 years and its still virtually rust free everything works as smooth as the day i bought it. Wish i could say that about leatherman, i have sent so many of them back because they overharden their tools that just snap and they rust at the slightest hint of moisture.
@@mountainbearoutdoors Thank you for your valuable feedback, I also went to a showroom and was shocked a display new set of p4 has started to rust on the edge of the handle already. That explain why i have only 2 leatherman in my collection which less likely to rust. Ps4 and Micra. Especially micra, 12 years and still no rust.
Hey, Leatherman tools in general CAN rust depending on how you use them and where you live. 420HC is a high carbon stainless steel, stainless meaning that it will "stain less," not that it will never rust. Victorinox steel is much more corrosion resistant. Swisstool Spirit X is a favorite of mine. That said, Leatherman tools don't rust for me as I live in a desert.
Thank you for putting my P4 obsession to rest. I needed to hear someone else saying what I have been thinking about this tool. I keep telling myself that the one-handed operation is cool but, guess what, I have two hands.
You’re not alone! I love the concept, but Leatherman botched the execution. It’s a shame, but I don’t think it’s the last we’ll see of the Free Series tech!
I take the P2 and 4 as the tests: tools with the sole point of being able to be opened with one hand, not so much on being the best damn multitool you’ve ever seen. More R&D and the next couple of iterations should (praying here) be way better.
For now >:)
Coincidentally being able to use one hand is the biggest factor for me because I work a lot, and being able to use it fast with 1 hand has saved so much time and headache. If I was just messing around, using it around the house occasionally I probably wouldnt really care about 1 handed ability. The fact I got the P2 for $80 probably plays a huge part in my love for it though lol.
Tool looks brand new. If it’s a 1 yr review it’s not had much use. I got my first leatherman approx 35 yrs ago, have had many different brands over the yrs, always go back to leatherman. IMO they are the best by far for those who really use them hard. Thanks for the review.
Well when I broke my first P4 with a single cut on the pliers Inused the replacement one a lot less. Seemed like this model was a “glass cannon”. My Surge however has literally been abused and it still outperforms all my other tools. I agree Leatherman’s heavy duty tools really define what it means to have a hard working pocket tool
Thanks for the great review. I bought the P2 the week it came out and I really like it for one handed use. I swapped the blade and the scissors so I can open it left handed and I use this thing every day! Also, so many people complained that the P2 came with a pocket clip that the p4 now comes standard with the clip.
Nice mod 👍 I didn’t know the tools were so swappable... gives me hope for modular tools in the future. I’m glad they added the clip on the P4, it was odd to pay more and not get it. Thanks for sharing your experience 😎
👍
If you buy the RAE Gear sheath. The Leatherman Surge is a pleasure to carry! I barely notice it on my hip! I'm a mechanic so I bought the non magnetic sheath for obvious reasons and I LOVE IT!!!! I am so glad I watched your video! I was going to buy the P4 today and now I am going to save my money!!!
It would be an interesting if Leatherman made their tools piece meal so that you could pick and choose which tools you want/need on your tool. Because it seems that they have a lot of hits on different tools, but rarely combine them on a single tool. Since most ppl can and will disassemble, why not allow someone to put their own useful tools on....
I would LOVE a modular Leatherman tool. If we could get that CRKT Homefront take-down tech in a Multitool it would be game over for any competitors. Oh you want the perfect tool? Here, build it yourself 🤩
They will never do this, because everyone would buy only one multitool with replaceable items. Now everyone buys different never complete satisfying multitools which earns them more money.
@@inkiron3907 Check out the GOAT multitool, you can change the tools on that one without any tools and it only takes a few seconds to switch from a serrated blade to a smooth one as an example.
Leatherman knows exactly what want or don’t want. That’s why they split the ‘wanted’ components across different models! Lol
I just joined the Leatherman bandwagon - one Wave + for my dad and one Charge TTi. Loving it!
It escapes me right now but there is a multitool brand that provides a certain modularity where you can switch tools as you like... edit:
If I had bothered to read the other replies...
Tip I learned from Crimson Guitars: every single leatherman is as free as the P4 and P2 if you loosen the screws and lube everything up. If needing to open the tool with 1 hand is super important, then buy the tool with the tools you need and then just loosen it, lube it up, bam. One-handed tool with everything you need.
My last few years as a mechanic, before I retired, Snap On tools started putting their name on some gimmicky stuff and some downright cheap tools...what a shame. 140 bucks for any multi tool seems a little crazy to me. It's kinda neat from the aspect of the magnetic closing and I think this idea is here to stay. I'm hesitant to say too much bad about it because I think the company has integrity, and I love my modified wave, and the "original" pst was ground breaking and still an excellent multi tool. Thanks for the honest review
I’m not here to disparage Leatherman. I just think these new pliers were oddly inferior to their previous plier tools, while being more expensive. I believe the next version of the magnetic pliers will be a winner given Leatherman’s 25 years of experience. Thanks for sharing! The PST and Wave are great tools
Dude you used the wire cutter to cut a steel rivet? Not good.
Not good, but at least he can always replace the wire cutters.
Sometimes you got to do what you got to do!!
Thanks for your honest review! Looking at getting a P4 after having pliers stiffing issues with my P2. I guess its better to settle with what i've got rather than getting another one with potentialy having the same issues.
One thing where the wood saw is very helpful is cutting wallboard. If you are needing to cut a hole quickly, this thing can get the job done.
I did enjoy and this is why. I almost stopped in the beginning mainly because I’m not available within my family is and I’m trying to learn about the tool. You explained your use of the tools and your likes or dislike in a understanding way I liked.
This just honestly answered exactly what I wanted to know, and presumed. Surge.
I definitely think this new design has potential, im using the Free P4 for my day to day stuff, mostly light duty stuff. I use my Surge at work because it'll take the abuse. It would be cool to see some of this tech from the free series used in something robust like the Surge. This is all just my humble opinion of course.
I second that opinion! A free swinging, one-handed Surge would be an automatic purchase for me. I also think the current P series is best at quick, light-duty tasks
8:50 that's a "package opener". It's pretty useful when you don't want to destroy what's inside or chip your blades when aggressively slashing thick plastics or tape.
Weak blade if you are chipping it on tape!
@@Samorsomething Knives are normally made for hardness, which is brittle.
Diamonds are brittle: they also chip.
Quick summary: "My porridge is too cold and I hate everything."
Nailed it
I had debated the P4 vs the wave plus or surge last week. Ended up going with the Wave+ and plan to make the “mini surge”
Glad I didn’t get the P4 now.
Need to find a good pocket clip now.
Wave and Surge are still the top of Leatherman’s line for the foreseeable future. Good move 👍
Thank you for the very honest review. I have a Roxon Phantom that I purchased with not much expectations, but now after 8 months I can say that it helped me a lot, even with some tasks that I was almost sure gonna prube to be too hard for the tool, but it keeps surviving only needing some sharpening now and then.
I have been interested in Roxon’s tools but haven’t gotten one in hand yet, so thanks for a positive endorsement! I’m glad you enjoyed the review, I try my best to stay real and speak about situations I’ve actually used the tool 😎
Hi, I just got the other day the P2, I've paid only £75 in the UK. A big outdoors retailer made me discount because it was the very last one they've had. It didn't have the sheath and box though, but regular price is above £120. I'm a truck driver and have few more multi-tools but wanted a fidgety one😁 With my work I don't push it too hard so I think it should hold up fine. It was good to see what to expect, thank you. Cheers 👍
They could have used the same toolset of the Wave+ and make it a one hand operating tool. It's okay to have a smaller footprint to make it fit as long as the quality is exactly the same.
A one-handed Wave would have been great 👍 I don’t get how that wasn’t their design goal for the Free series
@@inkiron3907 I can open any tool on the Wave with one hand.
@@pointyfox me too.. I only get in trouble when the thumb nail is to short. Especially by the can opener.. 🤭🤭👍
I use a rust block (vapor deposition ) when I get a new Leatherman. First I clean off any oil from the factory, let it dry and then put it in a ziplock bag with the rust blocker…. I think it’s called ZeroRust, from Woodcraft but sold many places. I do that once a year and have not had one rust yet.
Never heard of it, but it sounds cool. Thanks!
I have the Victorianox Spirit. Fabulous fit and finish.
If edc i use p4, camping use charge tti, at home and work i use surge, all i like, thanks review
I paid $131 new for a P4 Free on EBay. I also bought a new Wave + on EBay for $79.95 plus shipping $5.95 plus tax for a total of $91
I like the P4 Free and I purchased a stainless magnetic insert for the Phillips that will accept 1/4 and flat Leatherman bits. Cost $25. I don’t like the idea of modifying any Lestherman because it voids the warranty so an insert with a magnet is a good choice
I've been using my p4 everyday at work. It's one of the best tool purchases I've made. I do facility maintenence and home repair. Every tool on the p4 has a use in my line of work and been used a lot. The flat heads are used every time I have an electrical job. The saw when I gotta patch drywall. The file when I deburr copper pipe or conduit. The one handed opening for when my other hand is holding something up or against. Or to just play with like a butterfly knife. To me it sounds like you have too much tool for your needs. The tool has no flaws in my 2 years of use.
Well I’m glad this tool suits you! For my daily use the P4 just has a toolset that isn’t what I need. It’s not Leatherman’s fault, but when the marketing stresses EDC I think it’s important to represent my usage and what the tool does/doesn’t do for me. Glad you can use everything on it though. That’s gotta be satisfying 😎
So I just ordered a P4, I've been using a Super Tool 300 which is a beast and can do everything I need but no outside accessible tools and no one handed operation is frustrating. I really need a top notch set of pliers, a really good knife, a saw, Philips, and standard anything else is gravy. I carried a SOG for a couple of years because of the power assist pliers but the knife blades on the SOG really suck! They won't cut fresh crap! You can't sharpen them either. I see everyone hating on the P4 but it looks like I would like it. I know its probly not as capable as the Super Tool or Surge but a bit smaller lighter one hand operation which you need when your other hand is occupied while still being a robust tool sounds ideal.
I literally NEVER watch stuff like this, but bravo and well done to the producer. I will follow him. This was Intelligent, informative and provided the information I needed with nothing extra. I bought myself the Free P4 and gave the Surge as gifts and now wonder why. I also wonder why Leatherman doesn’t replace at least give the option of replacing one or more of those utterly useless multiple flathead bits with a driver bit. I am familiar with the design philosophy of “just more things to lose,“ but shouldn’t that be MY choice?
I appreciate your feedback! I agree, a bit driver in lieu of the 2 flatheads would be so much better. Leave the choice of drivers to us!
I’m curious as to what your opinions on this tool were when you ordered it. You knew every tool that it had. Did you think the multiple flat head drivers and baby file/ruler was a good idea at the time and regretted it over the year?
I personally hate the free series tools. Almost bought one on many different occasions but each time I handled the display at the store I cringed.
I owned a wave at one point but it broke so now I main a leatherman rebar. I’m also currently testing out a gerber centerdrive and I actually prefer it to any leatherman to my surprise.
I knew the file would be disappointing but for the most part I wanted the cool new Leatherman for the channel and it did go viral for me... sadly it’s a stain on Leatherman’s incredible reputation in terms of performance.
I think you made the right call avoiding this one.
I’ve heard mixed reviews of the Center Drive... I should get one in hand
Ink&Iron I understand that. I tend to buy things to try them out for myself even if they are new or have a mixed reputation. Hence why I bought the centerdrive. It’s my first gerber multitool and I’m amazed at how well it does the 3 main tool I use. (Pliers,knife, driver). I still feel that the fit/finish and overall quality is behind leatherman by a good bit. But if you get lucky and get a solid model like I did I think you should give it a shot. I recommend you get the nite use hip clip so you have a pocket clip on it. That’s what I did with great success.
I must say, I LOVE my Center Drive!
Thanks. Nice honest review. One of the few mentioning negatives. Even on rebar file is too small to be useful and pliers are good for some applications and bad for others like cutting steel wire.
I’m glad you appreciate the honesty! I aim for realistic reviews rather than hype. And agreed, the file is a hit-or-miss item for many tools
Sounds like your issues with the rebar are largely opinion based at that point and the wirecutter issue i've not encountered seems more like your cutters are defective.
I'm gonna disagree with you on the rebar File. I wear a rebar as a daily belt knife, and that file has seen ABUSE. It's a great tool. The wire cutters also don't blink at 3mm steel wire, so more than up for what I throw at them. I also have the bit kit and adapter for the Phillips screwdriver, and I have used that with FORCE to undo some seized bolts with the Allen / hex keys. I honestly REALLY like my Rebar.
I do need to send it off though - snapped the saw. Under warranty so all's gravy, but... I don't wanna be without my rebar whilst waiting for it to come back! 😂
I also have a gen1 charge, a surge, and a free p4. The charge is loose after years of use, and the scissors are practically useless. Also snapped the can opener, and the lack of an awl is a shame. The surge is AMAZING, but given it weighs a metric ton it lives on my toolbelt. The free p4 is fun, but I agree with basically everything here. The small tool selection is ODD, and it is not a heavy duty tool, but it is still fun and practical. Just not worth the price.
I just received one, made 10-22, i hope itll hold up 🤷 my sidekick has been in my pocket since 2016. I needed one that the tools locked open
I think you’ll find it more useful than the Sidekick. You may miss the spring loaded pliers, but everything else operates really smoothly
I bought mine on 04/19 and it’s gunked up on me as all leatherman multitools do but still this is one of the best tools out of all
I hope Leatherman listens to reviewers and their customers an makes the next free series(if they keep it)and make some better designs cause I have it and I swapped out the Phillips head and tool next to it and put in the bit exchanger adapter and now can use the ratchet adapter and the bit kit with mine and it’s much more handy to use for everyday stuff hehe
100% agreed. Bit exchanger would be way better
If only the Free P4 was a ... not a P4.
As for many, I saw various videos, heard the comments. Clearly the fan boys were opening up the box and saying Wow. Automatic response.
The serious users had distinct form and function problem. Despite some compliments, too.
But I could not resist the shinning. Jack Nicholson holding up that glittery P4, and looking for me.
Mantoys are great when they are great. Most are fun and we sometimes get genuine good use from them. Surge, SwissTool, Wave, Charge Tti, Rebar, SuperTool, even the LM OHT, have all given great satisfaction. Despite some distinct lacks, like no awl on the Wave, which makes it poor for a bushcrafter. Even the Wingman and Sidekick are fantastic light-duty urban carry--stress on light.
To regret buying a Leatherman model, much like I regret buying the Gerbil CenterDrive with shattering cutters and rolling blade edge and snapping nailpry--that is a crime. May this be a one-time blunder.
Expensive is one thing, if I can still say "Great tool!" My SwissTool Spirits were indeed expensive. But my first SwissTool is 22 years old and in great shape. So I can say, lots of shekels up front. But it is a first class tool AND mantoy to play with.
Not so the P4. I hate the thin little tools. And my metric ruler, a potentially fine small depth gauge and fastener measure is all chopped up and unreadable. 96% of the world is metric. Even many scientific and technical skills in America require some metricity.
Crappy engineering should have been subject to serious beta testing loooong before getting approval. Sloppy business practice. The little tools are mostly embarrassing. But that freezing, stiff pliers head, advertised as "the best Leatherman pliers ever," is inexcusable folly.
So, just like a Gerber CenterDrive, many of us are saying, "Great idea--poor execution and overpriced."
Many thanks for the one-year review follow-up. I refer friends to your review even they falter and lean toward the shinning. Buy a Victorinox scout knife and a small Vise Grip. The P4 is around 180 dollars worth of shekels here.
I anticipate uneven quality among Gerber multitools. They often fulfill my expectations. Leatherman was never Victorinox in fit and finish, but was fairly consistent and very functional. Good in the hand. And the Surge remains my bushcrafter gem. I love it.
The P4 can open one-hand. And ok the blade is good. After that, if I have my American idiom down, crickets.
My own fault. I have a kit with an old British Army clasp knife and a small needle nose Vise Grip. My first resort turtle rescue tools. It turns circle around the P4. Whose one handed opening, I had hoped, would be a big improvement for my beach walks as a mini rescue kit. Untangling, hook cutting, plastic strap cutting etc.
Tim Leatherman has a long history of innovation, quality, customer service, and genuinely useful tools. I trust that a bright fellow come up the hard way with a grand idea has learned from the Free series flaws and mediocrity. He is entitled to a few goofs.
Again, thanks! Good job.
The Free P Series has a lot of refinement and back-tracking to do, but I hope they will be better with the next attempt. I love the Surge too and your 22 year old Swiss Tool has caught my attention... I’ll have to look at that tool again myself! Thanks for sharing 😄
Thanks for your honest review. I think I will buy the Surge instead.
I think you won’t regret it. I still favor the Surge
Thanks for a well done review. I totally agree with you...
Glad you agree 😁 thanks for watching
How much have you actually used it? You tried to open it at the wrong end at the start of this and had to flip it around. Seen this before from a so called user recently.
There's a difference between user and owner. These reviews make that obvious and lack credibility.
Ok 👍 no one is making you watch these
@@inkiron3907 I didn't watch it because you didn't use it. A few seconds and I could tell and was gone. Useless in more ways than one.
@@gruffydd1000 Or maybe just maybe the leatherman free series of tools is just an overpriced gimmick that basically screams "oh look its got magnets and it flys open easy look at the fidget factor on these so cool!" yet if you compare it to a charge+ or even a wave+ you'll get better value out of either of those tools hell even as it was said the surge is a better value.
9:01 you said it! It's 2022! Still don't need a can opener very much. Give us the windman package opener
*THE SURGE STILL REIGNS SURPREME KING OF KINGS!!!!2022 🤙🤙🤙👍👍👍*
Thanks for this. I am definitely avoiding this tool now
Would be nice to see leatherman offer custom options for individuals, make to order. For example the option of adding different tools such as a dual blade combined with a saw/ file, scissors and a Phillips driver externally. The 3 I own and use the most are OHT, Surge and supertool 300. But I dislike tools that open internally.
I also prefer tools on the outside. Modular tools might be the future if the upcoming GOAT multitool works well… mine is pre-ordered so you’ll see it here eventually!
I bought this and liked it at first but ended up going back to my Leatherman Signal Black & Silver because I liked the idea of having a survival multitool in case I ever get stranded anywhere, urban or wilderness. The Free P4 is really nice but like you said, all those useless tools, all those multiple flatheads. What were they thinking? Haha.
In a survival scenario, the best tool is the one you have!
So many flatheads... 🤷🏽♂️
Would be interesting if Leatherman allowed or made a customize option. Not all the tools fit everyone's need. And they switch up the tools on each model so that some are great on one, but not the other. Since it is able to be taken apart, they could sell individual tools for ppl to pick and choose which ones they need...
Just one slight note. Put the volume very slightly up, it would be perfect. Nonetheless great review
Thank you. I am always struggling with the sound on my videos 😅
Thanks this was informative
I’ve tried to use this tool in the real world it is just not up to par with other leatherman tools. I’ve tried to use the saw and it works great but the tool is so flimsy side to side. I use the saw during my landscape business while cutting yards to cut small tree branches. I’m afraid to use use it has hard as my wave or victorinox tools. It’s probably going back in my drawer. The inside tools are not even useful to me since they are so small. They need to go back and relook the whole tool again and listen to their customers.
Leatherman’s ad campaign for this tool says “After 35 years of evolving, adapting, and pushing the limits, we challenged ourselves to unknow what a multipurpose tool can be.” I think we can agree they took the “unknow” part too far with this one. Thanks for sharing your experience
I appreciated the raw truth, thanks for the video, I'm looking for a backup while I wait for my wave to be repaired again. My super tool 300 is so bulky and slow to deploy makes me hesitant to go with the surge, but the surge does look like the bigger brother of the wave that I love for the most part. So maybe I'll get another wave. lol The P4 doesn't sound worth it.
I’d skip the P4 but I do recommend the Surge if you need an even sturdier tool than the Wave. Why did your Wave need repairs?
@@inkiron3907 I'm a HVACR tech and I use this thing every day all day. I broke the jaws this time. Last time it was handle,
Sounds like you put a lot of daily strain on your tool, nothing wrong with that, especially with a Leatherman warranty. Honestly, the Surge might help you out. Mostly similar tool set and I’ve personally used my Surge as a hammer and it still works fine. I have turned seized nuts with all my might and after a few times the handles sit slightly askew, but the function is still as good. I can’t seem to hurt it! For a few bucks more than a new Wave, a Surge could make a great addition to your tools. It’s a heavy beast though at around 12.5oz. There’s also the option to just get a backup Wave lol. All up to you, but I thought I’d give my 2 cents
@@inkiron3907 it's pretty much the same size as the super tool 300 I have correct? I've been tossing it back and forth as to whether I want to deal with the bigger tool in my pocket, not something I'm used to 😂 but since the blade would swing out quickly which is probably the thing I use the most on it , that might make it possible.🤷🏻♂️
It’s about the same size but with 2 blades, scissors, and removable saw/file accessible from the outside. The 2 blades are just as fast as pulling out any pocket knife to cut. Yes, quite a brick, but a useful brick 😆
Wire cutters are for cutting wire, not necessarily “rivets”. Serrated blades work great for rope, and a tanto tip is for strength and plunging. Scissors cut thread, as designed. Awl punctures animal hide, and allows for stitching with sinew or thread, as designed. Yeah, now that I think about it, “every tool is a hammer except a screwdriver, that’s a chisel” comes to mind. There’s an added cost for made in the USA vs made in the USA with global components. Either there is value in that for a person or there isn’t. As someone who enjoys getting paid well for my work, there is value in that for me. I have several tools for outdoors/survival. The leatherman is an all around tool that excels at nothing but resides in the mix as a “in a pinch” device, which is exactly what I expected when I bought it. To each their own.
To each their own! If you like it, enjoy it. For my needs, it wasn’t the perfect fit. Maybe next generation though
I have the P4, wave and super tool 300. I’d love the P4 if my pliers hadn’t gotten stiff after trying to bend a piece of metal (only about 1-1.5mm thick steel), and the flex of the handles when using the pliers. The entire purpose of a leather man is for sturdy pliers with the convenience of multiple tools added in the handles. Otherwise you get a SAK. The handle when being used as a set of pliers is also slightly uncomfortable, although as you can’t use the pliers for any heavy use I guess it’s not an issue. It’s a shame because the one handed opening almost makes me carry them for that feature alone, but I feel that the size and weight and barely usable pliers outweigh the one handed opening feature. I guess my son gets a really expensive fun tool now.
I totally get the plier issue. The P series could be great, but in the next iteration. Sorry your experience was so much like mine 😅 but thanks for sharing the experience
Thanks for your work!
In my opinion the ruler and file are useless, bits of s.th. to fill the empty space.
I sometimes use flatheads for scraping an prying. Though 2 would be enough for a lifetime.
Right?? Too many flatheads on this tool
Those cutters are really meant for electrical wire and such. Why are people surprised when they break trying to cut nails?! Use the proper tool for the job like knioex mini bolt cutters.
I’ll just use my Surge. The P4’s capability vs its price point just makes zero sense in the Leatherman lineup right now
SURGE AND WAVE IS KING GOOD REVIEW MAN
Thank you 😁
Thanks for your opinions.
You’re welcome. I like honest reviews so I try to keep it real
Cuts metal rivet with “wire” cutters. Complains he ruined tool. That’s the world we live in now.
Considering that my Surge will cut nails I was expecting a lot more from the P4. Am I pushing it? Yeah, because that’s what I know Leatherman is capable of at their best. I’m disappointed that the engineering risk they took didn’t work out this time. I am awaiting their next attempt hoping for their success
Yep... use the proper tool for the job.
I cut metal rivets with my Wave+ all day long. Never had a problem. Recently picked up a Surge because I love my Wave so much. Glad I dodged a bullet with the P4.
Great review, ty!
I'd muuuch rather have the saw for my use. Too many pointless tools for me though. Was excited about having a Leatherman with a deep pocket clip:(
A lot of people would use the saw, I’m probably an exception 😏 the clip is one of the best things about it.
Yes, weird about all the flatheads on it. Also weird that one of their flagship premium offerings doesn’t have an option of black oxide finish like so many of their other top end multi tools do. I think a lot of people would go for that. Maybe they’ll have a version 2 of this tool that’s more robust and addresses a lot of the common complaints.
Hola Joe es buena la free P4 la eh usado un año sin problemas gracias por el video 😊👍
¡Por nada! Gracias por ver esto video 😁
I agree. Great design and engineering elements. But the dropped the ball on tool selection.
I had the P4 for a week and ended up returning it and picked up a wave +.
Very happy with the wave.
I totally understand. Free P tools are fidget friendly, but just not enough capabilities. Glad you like the Wave 👍
I like the overall concept so it is unfortunate that it has those problems. I've never bought a higher priced Leatherman but I have used the crap out of my wingman and skeletool and really like them. Wish they had replaceable wirecutters though. I do have a few of the mini leatherman tools as well. Great video.
Thanks! I agree that the smaller tools could use replaceable cutters. I think the sub $100 Leatherman options and keychain tools are kickass 😎
Great vlog, from a multitool obsessive. I was wanting to add a sog s66 powerassist to my collection but they are expensive (compared to us)in the UK and in short supply.
I’ve never used a SOG but they seem like good tools, especially for cutting power. I bet UK carry is tricky without being allowed a locking blade!
@@inkiron3907 plenty of ul suppliers of leatherman, victorinox and such. U can buy them without any issue or checks. It just seems that the sogs are in short supply and overpriced. I do have a q4 baton paid £100 for it.
That knife looks amazing BUT, they should have put both the knife and serrated blade for right hand open as the saw on the right hand open is less utilized than the serrated blade.
I practice using the tool with both hands so I didn’t consider it a problem but I’d agree that a serrated blade is more frequently used than a saw
I find it surprising how the Free P2 can be found on eBay brand new for $75 in box but the Free P4 costs $130 and used ones go for upwards of $100.
I don't have strong fingernails and often wear gloves while working. The Free series is great for me. I don't want to spend time digging out tools from the insides of a multi tool. I think I'll buy the P2 as I'm not in need of the saw blades. I saw some modifications available for this multi tool to give it a bit driver, and I'm also thinking about adding that modification on.
I love the Free T2 for EDC, but again, I have the same issue with pricing. I'd rather have gotten the Free T4 but the T2 costed $25 new while the T4 would have costed $40-$50 which is not worth it.
I hope the Free P2 holds up for me. Thanks for the review of the P4
Thanks for your input! I hope the P2 works well for you. Yeah this Free series is pricey... hopefully the function justifies the cost
actually flat head screw drivers can be used to twist a lot of odd shaped screws, when you have to.
That’s true, I agree. They are adaptable drivers. I have gradually moved from a warehouse to a laboratory setting so the hardware I encounter has become more regular over time 🤷🏽♂️
Have the leatherman charge tti over 10 years never want something els. And i use everything on it
I've watched and read a couple dozen reviews of th P series and nothing has convinced me that they're really tools. They're toys. Very expensive toys. The best thing I can say about them is they're not SOGs or Gerbers.
It blows my mind how many people were modifying them to the point where they had like $300-400 into the tool but it was a “perfect” EDC… way too much slack left by Leatherman on this one. The Arc looks far more promising in terms of useful implements
I find it a little disappointing that they haven't addressed any of these concerns everyone has. I also have a P4 and it would be nice if Leatherman came out with parts you could buy, to upgrade the P4
That's pretty much been everyone's conclusion.
I dont know why Leatherman gave us these..when there was/is a list of *[doable]* stuff people have been asking for, on existing tools.
I would think they could appeal to a market that told them exactly what they wanted but 🤷🏽♂️ thanks for your input!
@@inkiron3907 Yea...this new line just never made sense to me...from *their* standpoint.
Frankly i hear great things with the $40 Ozark big box!!!!!!
I have a P4 and it's kinda like that June Father's Day gift that you get and never use. It's all cool and clean, but you don't want to break it and it doesn't really have that many useful tools.
You could always customize it 🤷🏽♂️ or use it for CZcams clout 😂 thanks for watching
Very underwhelming tool pack considering the extremely high price! Just does not live up to the hype. The wave is still the best overall tool IMHO.
I haven’t used the Wave but I have used the Surge. The Wave and Surge they are the best pliers in Leatherman’s lineup, as far as I see it too
I just bought one and it came with a clip
The first batch they sold did not have clips for the P4. I got mine right when it was released
I don't own a Surge, so having trouble imagining the size. How big/thick is it compared to a Rebar or Wave?
Bigger and thicker than both of those. It’s 3/4lb and essentially a bulkier Wave
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 P4 handle scales, but the saw blade on the Free P4 when fully 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 at all!!! 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 Free 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 inside 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!!! Question, why is 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 one-handed 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 that make this simply the best multitool plier head ever(my Free P2 plier head didn't have the issues your P4 had after cutting a nail in half)!!! 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 CZcams video from BladeHQ, but after buying and using the Leatherman Free P2 for almost a full year now I'm more than a little bit disappointed and triggered!!! What a letdown, the Leatherman Free P2&P4 had such amazing potential for true greatness!!! The magnetic balisong action and magnetic tool opening system are really well done and quite awesome, but in the end it's the tools inside that I use/care about most and are what make a multitool truly function/useful. These tools in the Free P2&P4 simply were very poorly designed and executed!!!
We agree on most things regarding the Free P tools 😎 it's like half revolutionary and half clueless. The can opener, package opener, traditional awl, and the bit holder could replace most of the inner tools and it would actually gain functionality. I'm glad we could both be triggered by these tools 😆 thanks for sharing your opinions
@@inkiron3907 What I don't understand is why didn't Leatherman just incorporate the best versions of various tools from their different multitools that already exist and combine them into the Free series. Also how is it that we both noticed how shitty the tools are in the Free series within a few minutes of handling the Free serirs(P2 or P4), but nobody at Leatherman somehow noticed any of these issues/flaws during their entire long CAD design stage, prototyping and final production stages of development? The designers/creators at Leatherman are either really stupid and don't know what the hell they are doing, or they are constantly drunk and or high on drugs!!!
The people at Leatherman should have sent samples to multi-tools CZcamsrs to try before they decide the final design. I like the tools stated on the specifications but not how they are executed. I would buy it for stated price if it have incorporated the best versions of the stated tools from their previous models and included the bit driver. Then it would be the best home multi-tool for me. Waiting for the next iteration.
@@designdolphin There are only two reason for the Leatherman Free P2&P4 having such weird/shitty tool inside them, and both reasons are disturbing!!! Reason one, the designers at Leatherman are complete idiots and have absolutely no idea what they are doing!!! Reason two, the designers at Leatherman knew that the tools inside the Free P2&P4 that they were designing were absolutely terrible but they simply didn't give a shit!!! Actually there is a third reason, the designers at Leatherman could also be continuously drunk and or high!!!
I’ve really used my P4 and haven’t gone back to my Wave.
Had I gone from the Wave to the P4 I might have done the same. I am just enamored with my Surge 😅
Can you link the video where the pliers stopped working after using the wire cutter?
Here’s a video demonstrating what happened. czcams.com/video/WX1TkmHUYF0/video.html
@@inkiron3907 thank you. I'm considering getting the p4 and having it modified, but before sending it for modification I want to make sure I don't get a defective plier head. So I'll try and replicate your test.
Nice video man.
Thanks! 😎
Thank God I kept my Surge and not bought any of the 'Free' series!!!
Hindsight is 20/20 and you nailed it on this one 😆
It’s Free ?........ I’ll stick with my Rebar,Super Tool 300 Black Oxide,Victorinox SwissTool✨
They should make it the way people want , instead of egnoring thier customers and going flathead crazy on a multitool with alot of potential. The Surge is King. If you put a replacable saw that can take t shank boxche blades and replace the diamond files on all leathermans, that would be epic. And a ruler on the handles should be on all leathermans too
All good ideas 😎 it is odd that Leatherman never iterates their designs... even Gerber updated the Suspension multitool
@ Jason Rolling: diamond files are much more useful. Remember, the purpose of a Leatherman (to me) is useful tools in a pinch, not a toolbox in your pocket. There is no way, ONE EDC will satisfy a toolbox.
That said, I feel the Free Series missed it’s “tool mark,” oht is superb tho’.
Just bought my P4 and it came with a pocket clip.
Yep. The original run 2 years ago was when I got this tool. First batch had no clips
Can u try to mod it
Hows the knife go with metal dust sticking to the magnets?
I never had an issue with metal dust on my magnets, but I’ve never worked in metal fabrication so I can’t say for sure
The “ruler” is a depth gauge.
I dont know why they haven't made a "build ur own" Leatherman yet. U can select wat blades and position. 🤷♂️
P4 or charge tti I’m looking at have you used a tti? Thanks
Charge TTI all the way. I have both in the collection right now and the Charge tool set is superior. Also, it looks cooler IMO
@@inkiron3907 I thought as much, just lost my Charge titanium and seeing what else is available as I’ve had it 20years I’ll get another one 👍🏻thanks
Should come with a nail clipper tool to go with the file.
That’s what the scissors are for.. lol seriously tho. Scissors will work as nail clippers
@@FudgyTheWhale_I use the shears alot for that
You guys are crazy I like the fact that there's no tools to lose. Wait until u lose a bit or saw for exchangers.... the way everyone complains about lestherman models everyone should stick with a supertool 300 simple and has everything
There's some, dare I say it, genius involved in this tool, but there's also a whole lot of stupid. The file, the ruler, the slotted drivers, the lack of a blade exchanger and the sheath make this pretty much useless. I'll keep my Wave and Surge for the foreseeable future.
First tool that lies flat easily and they don’t put the ruler on the handles... such a missed opportunity. Surge is still my preference too, and I’m even more certain of that after handling the P4 🤷🏽♂️
I actually love that Leatherman is obsessed with flatheads. It just adds to the usability in case one breaks
Like the honesty. And your right what is up with all the stupid flat heads all over.I only need one on my tool.Glad I watched this .Thanks Joe.
Thanks for watching 😎
My main problem with the LM Free is that I think they are waaaaayyy overpriced
Agreed. Compared to their other tools the price point is whack
@@inkiron3907 in my opinion, the free should have been priced similar to the super tool 300....then it would have been a great alternative to that too. At least in my country the LM Free P4 is more expensive than a LM Surge, which it just isn’t worth IMO.
wait it on shiny hiny thing for another day.
I think I agree
Charge+ same price better tool in my opinion.
You have a point… especially since there’s that gorgeous Titanium version 🤩
140$?!
Where i live its closer to 215$!
Wow that is crazy expensive! Even $140 is a lot for this tool
I would think doing a review on a multi tool you would at least make an effort to use all the main tools, like the saw for example. Waste if time review, I'm outta here.
I just don’t need a saw on my multitool! Your viewpoint is appreciated 👍
I agree. The price makes it a big disappointment. I'm bummed cause the idea is sooo gooood. Worst pliers ever would be my only addition to your list of WTFs
Oh yeah the pliers are definitely a WTF. Mine were so jacked Leatherman just replaced them instead of fixing them 🙄
The Free P2 & P4 price is due to it's USA made.
I guess but why couldn’t they have put that money towards more than flathead screwdrivers? A USA made weak toolset IMO. The Arc will hopefully be a stronger offering at similar price
@@inkiron3907 I completely agree! But I'll always pay a little more for USA made things.
I’ll stick with my charge.
Probably a good call. Save your dollars
A whole year? That's 51 weeks more than mine lasted lol. Wave and Spirit both are much better tools
Well, the replacement Free P4 lasted a year. The first one seized upon cutting one rivet 😆 I just got a Spirit and I think you’re right, it exceeds the P4
@@inkiron3907 I carried the Spirit every day for 8 years without issue and it's still going. I had the butter knife version because I carry a main blade anyway. But I recently changed to the Wave because I want access to the bit driver, only reason. And now I see the P4 has many mods to make it actually useful, so I may revisit it.
Three reasons of not purchasing this free p4. 1)the price tag 2) tx tool crib review 3) your review after 1 year.
Thanks for using my experience and for watching!
Nice
My next buy will be free series
Sounds good to me 😎 I hope you enjoy it
Yes
Definitely enjoyed it
Felicitaciones por el video, te falto la traduccion al español.
Lo siento amigo. Intentaré solucionar este problema
El video tiene traducción de texto ahora 👍
Pero no en español.