Is the Leatherman Arc Any good? | Everything You need to know. Full Use Review.
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- čas přidán 20. 10. 2023
- Get your Arc here: bit.ly/3S8KKml
We got a full use review of the Leatherman Arc and are really impressed with how handy it is!
0:01 Introducing the new Leatherman Arc
0:45 The secret ingredients that make the Leatherman Arc special; Magnacut blade, bit driver, and micro driver
4:00 How the Leatherman Arc fits into your EDC
4:35 Multitool File, Scissors, and Saw on the Arc are super useful!
6:13 How useful is the Awl, Can Opener, and Pry Tool?
8:50 The Leatherman Arc Bit Kit and Sheath aren’t for me but are well thought out
10:33 Comparing real world use of the Leatherman Free series and the Leatherman Arc
I have an older Leatherman Supertool 200 that I bought in 2002. I’m a Marine Engineer and I use every single tool on it multiple times every time I go to work at sea.
On a ship we have limited supplies and tools, sometimes we carry canned milk, the can opener works great for making a hole so you can pour straight from the can and doesn’t have to be used to completely remove the lid.
The awl or punch works really well as a deburring tool for removing sharp edges from freshly cut copper and thin steel pipes, likewise for the file.
After 22 years it’s time for my old Leatherman to take a break so I just ordered a brand new Arc…….here in Canada with a custom finish they are over $400. The price is steep but for something I know will serve me well for another 20 plus years and will be used every day it is a solid investment.
If I had to give up all of my tools but one the Leatherman would be the one I keep.
My first leather man came through Marlboro. Still have it. I have worn the blade a few times,it has a great Warranty ! I have purchased many of them, for my family and friends. I go nowhere with out it. Decades of use. And it has saved me many times. I recommend this tool for every one!
You have by farrrr the best knives/multi tools reviews and prod. It's light/easy to watch and informative, keep it up!
Finally, a reviewer who uses their tool! Thanks!
Handy, useful, and helpful. Thanks for the review Zac!
I did find out after my last video, that the bit kit it comes with is actually a mix from both kits.
Great to know! You are a beast for getting that early drop loved seeing it.
I ordered mine as soon as they became available and am really enjoying it. The Magnacut blade alone lets you know they are taking it seriously. Great review!
How’s it 6 months later? I assume it’s holding up well?
This is a great review, loved how you talked about it AND showed everything in action!
Loved this video because I had a free p2 for the last year and a half and upgraded to the arc. Found this video to learn more about it and I'm not disappointed. Thank you.
i really wish they kept the old style of Canopener, because they were really good at puncturing old empty spraycans for recycling.
Agreed. Claw is a more versatile tool.
I broke my old style can opener on my Wave+. Looking forward to a more robust version on the new one. I would use the awl to puncture cans in the future.
The perfect Leatherman I too have been waiting for. BTW, Yes, I do use the can opener, usually because I grab a can of something, rather it's chili or a can of tuna to have for lunch at work just to realize we don't have a proper can opener. Also the shop I work at recently adopted a stray dog, so when I'm given a can of dog food for her I always have my opener. A lot of people say they don't need the can opener but if the need ever arises they will be glad it's there!
You can use the knife if you want to jack up the blade with a 200 dollar tool lol
Just to open a can of soup ill pass
As an aircraft mechanic its great to have a multitool. Nothing sucks more than walking accross the flightline to an aicraft to inspect something for someone and then just needing pliers or a screwdriver to fix it. Saved me countless times, in addition to many other scenarios.
The Curl has a pretty good tool set in a smaller package too. It’s not “free” but might be my fav leatherman for EDC.
Curl is an excellent choice for EDC
That’s what I’ve been carrying too. Swapped awl for micro driver and put in pliers from wave too. Don’t know that those changes made a big difference but they make it feel more like my tool. Looking to get an arc
That's also my favorite. It doesn't get enough love, but it eliminates all the tools on the Wave that I never use and added an awl which I do use. The form factor is great and it's crazy how much better it carries compared to the Wave. I think it just gets slept on because most of the tools don't lock, but I have never had an issue with them closing. That said my ARC is in the mail 😅
The Curl is a fantastic tool for EDC and I would argue that the added convenience of not having to unlock a tool each time (for example, who needs locking scissors?) saves time throughout the day and offsets the locking that is usually necessary only for heavy duty tasks.
I'm glad you didn't just write off the can opener as useless. I almost never use it as a can opener but because it is thin and curved yet not TOO sharp, it is a great wedge tool to use before you get in a beefier pry tool. I use this very often and I've learned that often people who don't see multitools as useful don't see the more creative uses for each tool. As for the bit kit, I use that often as well as almost no multitools come with hex or torx tools inside (other than maybe bicycle tools and the GOAT) and I run into these at least weekly in random places and having the bit kit near saves time and effort or gets things done that would otherwise be put off for 'sometime'.
Clear, informative and a very thorough review! Thanks for this introduction to the Leatherman Arc.
Thank you for checking it out! Glad it was useful.
@@zacinthewild - I enjoy your work! Your enthusiasm, product knowledge and clear, concise presentation make your videos a real pleasure to watch.
One of my favorite little design choices I've seen with the arc I love is that yes the main blade is straight the whole way, and you don't have a second serrated one, but you've got ZERO need for it and leathermans saw is stupid good for a multitool saw.
I've rocked a wingman as my edc for a while cause its usually just a handy knife with extra features to me. Keeping the size down with choices like that was a great call.
Best review on the Leatherman Arc. I can’t wait to receive mine in the mail this Friday, Oct 27.
My wife bought me one for our anniversary and got the blade customized! Absolutely love this multi tool
Thanks for a great video. Your B-roll and editing skills enhance your storytelling. So many creators rely on quickly produced desktop reviews. Including shots of you actually using the tools is something that others don’t do. The price is problematic, but if we don’t support American manufacturers, who will?
....wonderful, thorough review....thank you to both of you, gentlemen...well done guys. 🤔
Finally, some very useful, dare I say value-added, updates. Thx Zac.
I put an edge on the can opener on my truss great little spoon knife! My wife told me she wanted a pocket knife this morning so we went straight to our local surplus store and pick her out a purple baby banter she's been flicking it open all day! Love all your video(still waiting on the traditional video) keep up the awesome content.
I just lost my Wave I had for a decade, the original leather case ripped on the webbing, slipped out, and who knows where I dropped it on the street. My wife warned me a few days before and I didn't listen, a gift for some eagle eyed pedestrian.
I was hyped to buy the ARC but settled for the Charge+TTI not because of the lower price but I like having the serrated blade and that fish hook at the end looks useful.
I started 30 years ago with the Super Tool, gave it to my nephew after 10 years, bought another model and lost that after years while walking my dog in the park, then got the WAVE.
I just can't live without a Leatherman on my belt and use it every day for something. Im eying the GOAT while waiting for my CHARGE to arrive. I want to be buried with my multi tool for the next life 😅
Greetings! I don't usually leave comments to videos, but I've watched and liked a lot of yours. You do an excellent job! Thank you!
Thanks, great video. The Arc is definitely on my Christmas list 😊.
Since I've ordered my Arc last week, there have been multiple videos from my favorite knife-tubers describing its awesomeness. It really seems like the best tool they've ever released. The wait is killing me!
Just got mine a couple days ago. It's pretty awesome lol
I returned mine
@@granddaddylurch9178why?
Maybe spend money on counseling rather than toys?
@@formermpc10 sounds like experience talking.
My wife just surprised me with the Free P4. It’s my first Leatherman so I can not speak from experience, however I am already loving it. I did look at the Arc but found the cost too much to justify. The P4 has been a great gateway into the Leatherman world
As a truck driver these have helped me a numerous times but I will upgrade to an Arc thank you for review
I like how you button up your shirt all the way. Reminds me of my young boys coming home from elementary school in texas like that. I was a bit perplexed until I more closely observed that diversity of their classrooms.
This was a really good breakdown. Thank you
Bro you are an amazing CZcamsr. Love all your reviews
Am ordering one next week. Great video
Your production is already missed guys. I didn’t watch every video, but man I love having your stuff out there, such a down to earth POV that I align with!
Fantastic video, everything explained in great detail, thanks, I’ve had a few Leathermans over the years but not really had one as my EDC at my allotment here in England, my Spyderco Para 3 part serrated is my EDC but I got an email with the ARC in it and as it was a Magnacut blade and one handed opening etc I’m very interested indeed, as usual with things I always head straight to YT to see actual reviews and saw your video, now I know everything I need to know and will be pulling the trigger on one, cheers mate, appreciate it 👍🏻
I have a wave+, surge, and skeletool and i daily the skeletool the most. It just has enough to get by, but i'm intrigued by the one hand opening. Really a bummer they went with small scissors. The big scissors would have made this thing amazing.
I work at an emergency vet and I use the can opener on my SwissChamp as a staple remover. Recently though our human can opener has taken a vacation and the staff doesn't want to use the can opener for patient food so they come to me and have learned to use it. I just added a Leatherman Wave to my daily carry so I'm sure they'll enjoy the pull style can opener.
I used the older can opener design (like on the Wave) as a package opener. It's pretty effective if you need something semi sharp to open a package, but don't want to use a knife to prevent accidental damage to whatever you're opening.
I'm glad to see a thumb stud finally. It makes opening your knife that much easier.
I like the upgrades, I currently use the Signal. Definitely going to check this out.
I have a wave and the Gerber centerdrive…the Arc would be great edc but the wave fulfills my needs. Great review 👍🏼
When Leatherman announced availability of the ARC, I bought one. I've been using it for a week or two. My Wave+ will go to one of my kids.
The biggest deal for me is the tools being on the outside of the closed tool. The Wave+ pinched the s*#$ outta me several times with the inside tools, to the point I started wearing a pair of Mechanix gloves whenever I used it.
The improved steel of the blade is a huge plus as well. I never used a serrated blade but do use the saw now and again.
As expensive as the ARC is, it was the right move for me.
Clip-n-Carry will have holsters for the ARC in a couple of weeks. I already have one ordered.
Every Leatherman produced is always good. The ARC and Charge are top notch.
Honestly the only leatherman I’ve been excited to come out
A can opener can open a can open a can, though I seldom need it since all the cans have one touch opening feature these days. One use I find of a can opener is punch a hole in the bottom of a used up can of butane gas or spray materials so that the remnant gas should not explode when it is accidentally thrown into fire or heated up by any heat source. Another use is, as you have said, to pry lift staple wires.
Great review and everything pointed out clearly. Thanks.
Love your reviews
as Red Greene says, "if women don't find ya handsome, they should at least find ya handy"...I think I want one one these!
I have found the can opener in the Wave useful as a package opener and as a way to have my blade for simple tasks like scoring. I ordered the Arc but I don't get it til Christmas from my wife! I have actually used it as a can opener as well so I am happy it has one, just not sure I will find it as useful as my Wave+ which I have carried for 6 years.
Great review Zac!
I use the can opener on my Vic to open boxes. Works perfect for me.
Well, at least it works for something.
Cut, Ply, Pry and Drive …. I like it !
As someone who’s obsessed with the free series’ design, I own a p2 and a p4 myself, lost a p4, and got another one. Got the arc two days ago. It finally had most of the functions sorted out and far more efficient compared to p4, the quality was similar to the late p4s instead of the early p series, a little bit rough in appearance but still acceptable. The blade is nice and sharp, the dlc coating feels pretty stable. But the coating on the body is not the most impressive. It is rather easy to wear off and the scale already comes with minor scratches and less friction. Do prefer the scales of p series better, no need to worry about coatings wearing off and have more friction.
Also, In order to achieve a smooth deployment of the blade, some screw adjustments definitely need to be made, and it would love some KPL.
Despite all these or not, still one of the best multitools ever made.
The micro scratches you see on the scales could be because during production, these are thrown together in big bins for assembly.
Consumerism at it's finest
I think this might be the first Leatherman other than the wave+ that I would actually consider carrying. Whether or not I carry it over the wave+ is up in the air tho.
EDIT: Just realized this is just a 1 handed Wave+ with a magnacut blade. I wonder if I could mod my Wave+ with a magnacut blade....
Have the P2 and P4 and love their fidget factor/one-handed usability but usually go for the charge bc of the driver and better blade steel. But the Arc seems to have a near-perfect spread of tools, and that blade… Thanks for the review
I just picked up a Free p2 for the one-handedness and locking tools and carried it this past week at work, but the ruler difference from my Rebar was immediately felt. To the point that I started looking at standalone ruler options, but nothing seemed quite as convenient. Ended up coming up with (what I thought was) a brilliant idea of making one out of paracord (a medium I am actually pretty good with). Obviously, it won't be super accurate, but accurate enough for what I use a ruler for and handy enough to wrap around my wrist or not weigh down a pocket. I am pretty excited to test it out this coming week.
Hey I also upgraded from a rear to the free p2 ,I've had it for a year now and the one handed action has been a great option considering I'm on ladders and lifts heights.,and the locking blades etc ..enjoy the upgrade I am
I recently acquired a Free P2 as well after seeing the Arc and realizing the P2 meets my needs better. I don't see much wrong with the Arc for what it is, but I value the thinner profile of the P2 and I realized that the only big difference for my EDC use might be the blade steel over time, though I have no problem keeping my blade clean and sharp as is. I have a bit adapter for the cross driver so the bit driver is covered and everything else is sort of a compromise... which is what multitools are anyways: hybrids where strengthening one characteristic usually weakens another. I'll be making some small mods to mine to make it just right for me.
I have a P2 that I put an aftermarket bit holder on and took the knife blade off because I always have a knife on me. My Ark is going to be here in a couple of days and that will be my main carry when I’m not at work. With the Magnacut blade on the Ark I don’t have to necessarily carry another knife on me as I’ll have a very capable blade on that.
The student and military discount is something I don’t see creators mention enough! it cut 75 dollars off of my arc order.
Definitely awesome. Picked mine up for the same 30% off.
Im an industrial electrician in a power plant so i use my multitool 7-9 times a day. I carried a leatherman for my first year and hated that if i lost a bit i had to buy proprietary bits or that if i needed like a v6 or a security bit they didnt have it. Didnt want to buy an extension so i bought the gerber center drive instead. I have carried it for 8 years and have loved everything about it. I love not having to buy special bits and having a longer bit holder. The wire cutters and strippers work great as i use them almost daily. I have put it through the ringer getting it submerged, covered in coal dust, dropping it off a boom lift and etc. IDK why more people dont carry them.
People sleep on the center drive, it's a great tool for real world use.
When mounting party gear and decorations, working in the country - i just can’t stop using multitool. It just works when you need to fix a lot of random stuff without knowing what’s next. Also, multitool is great for my needs as a secondary tool/grip/helper. The perfect add-on for me would be long thin screwdriver bit with + and - .
This is what I was expecting the P4 to be. And it was a disappointment. Gave mine away.
WILL be getting an arc 💯
thanks for not pooping on the openers. when you live in a hot climate, you can never have too many bottle openers (plus the pry bar functionality). and as for the can opener, I don't worry about end of the world scenarios much other than I must have a can opener on any multitool that I pay for
Dude, that looks like a Reyn Spooner aloha shirt, which is a top of the line brand in Hawaii, and not the outrageously bright stuff they sell the tourists. Nice!
I need to buy a new knife
lol no you don’t, no one watching any of these videos need it, we just want it
100 percent. You always need a new knife. It never stops. A constant ever growing need for fresh blades.
You don’t listen to that man. You absolutely need a new knife. How are you going to make it through if you don’t get a new knife? Your application for new knife has been approved.
I just bought a knife from Jason Scroggs and Im already looking at a cold steel kriss voyager. There is no end to the need for new knives. Gonna make a grappling hook outta knives so that when I sell my car to feed my addiction I can still latch on to cars to get around.
@@lestagez😂
GOAT Tools multi tool is the winner for me. Customizable and can swap out and upgrade different pieces.
I still use the can opener several times a year. we camp and explore quite a bit and having the can opener has saved us a few times out in the middle of no where when we discover we forgot one. anymore i prefer to use it camping ect. one last thing i have to pack and the tool actually gets used lol feels good
Cant wait to get mine.
Even chose customizations for it
As cool as the Arc is, it will not replace my Wave+. The Wave is not as convenient since it's missing some of the one-hand functionality, but it's got just about the same tools. Magnecut would be a great upgrade from 420, but I prefer a larger knife for most tasks anyhow. If I didn't already have a similar setup, I likely would go for the Arc, but until I wear it out or gift it to a friend or family member, the Wave+ will continue to be my daily companion.
used my wave for 27 years then got the first p4😊
personally don't like the tool set so I'm thinking about the arc recently 🤔
The Leatherman Arc is definitely a cool addition to the lineup and I’m glad to see Leatherman staying in touch with the market by throwing a Magnacut blade on this tool. I’ve used different bits from both strips of the bit kit, so I personally don’t like to see Leatherman including half of the bits; if you wanted additional bits you would have to buy the full bit kit and end up with a sleeve of duplicate bits.
This is one of my favorite additions to Leatherman’s lineup second to the Charge TTi. The S30V blade is a nice upgrade to the standard 420hc blade found on most of Leatherman’s tools. I eventually swapped the straight edge blade on my Wave to an S30V and the upgrade is noticeable and enjoyable.
I used to EDC a Leatherman Wave+, but I’ve come to appreciate the Victorinox SwissChamp over the last couple of years. I find myself using the pen, tweezers and toothpick a lot, and my need for more heavy duty pliers such as Leatherman’s hasn’t been that often. Additionally, I find the Leatherman tools like the Wave, Surge, Charge, and now the Arc unlock their full potential with the bit kits and ratchet drivers, both Leatherman’s and the ratchet wrench by 711L. Carrying all of these in an EDC is overkill in my opinion, so I keep these along with the Wave in a small tool bag by Maxpedition on my flight bag.
Many people loved the Free series for the one-handed access for the tools, and it’s great to see the bit driver added to the Arc rather than proprietary screwdrivers. Besides the pliers I haven’t needed the tools with one-handed access in situations, and in those times I’ve found that breaking in the Wave+ gives you the ability to swing open the multitool to access the pliers with one hand.
agreed, that's one of my biggest grips about many multi tools, the blade steel is marginal at best. For a daily carry blade I want a quality knife.
I've carried the P4 for years. I was probably one of the first to order one and it's been on my belt every single day since. I I've always found the serated blade unnecessary, the file anemic and the Philips is basically round. This is precisely what I want. I always wanted the tool suit from my surge tti in the format of the free series, and this is close enough!!!
My gf got my the arc for my graduation gift. So far so good. Unfortunately I don't have the ratchet driver but thats what I'd put in my nylon holder. Instead I put my rovyvon A4 in there and on the other side I use my rite in the rain pen! I'm in school to be a mechanic and it's amazing. Try using a regular pen to write on a dirty piece of paper.
I find it funny you don't use your flat drivers. I use mine all the time. Maybe because I'm canadian? Lol. We have robertson screw heads here. But I use the bits mainly for knife screws.
Great video. Thanks bud.
Fantastic review brother.
Don't forget he's sponsored by Leathermen
Excellent review. New subscriber.
I have a Charge tti plus for 182,30€ and I love the gut hook for ripping through zip ties and plastic package straps. Recently I bought the arc for 311€ with a dull blade. It fits in the Black Charge nylon sheath snuggly. In addition to that I been carrying the leatherman ratchet driver
Picked mine up yesterday. Plan on beating on it for a while to see if it can dethrone the Wave.
Can’t wait to receive mine. For me the can opener is a must. I wouldn’t by a tool that doesn’t have one. Glad to see that it’s there.
When did you last use it? I can't even recall the last time I used a can opener in my kitchen because most cans these days have ring pull opening. I've owned Leathermans since the Wave Gen 1 was released so -- 25 or 30 years now. I own a Wave, a Skeletool and a Surge and I can honestly say I've never once used the can opener on any of them.
@@twatmunroI've used it once. And then I realized I have opened the bottom of the can and top had ring pull opener 🙃
I’m excited to get mine. It’s really the perfect combination for me. I work IT, but the go into the ceiling and run 200 feet of RJ45 and drill a hole in concrete IT, so this will save me having to take my bag with me for smaller jobs. My back will be happy.
I carry a p4 everyday for construction and I like the layout of this better. I always replace the nylon sheath they have with a kydex one and put a tek lok on it for ease on and off the belt plus carry orientation.
How about a purely cutting multitool? Scissors, standard replaceable utility blade, plain blade, serrated blade, seatbelt cutter/package opener. Or maybe w/o the plain blade to compliment a knife.
When camping. Someone always has a knife, someone always has a basic tool kit. My leatherman comes in very handy but I honestly have had more "save the day" experiences with the can opener than any other tool. Someone always forgets it. I might also be an exception to the rule, but I wouldn't own a multi tool without one.
I personally pulled out my 20year old Wave yesterday just to open a can in the kitchen. The kitchen can opener broke, so that's what I used for now.
Great review
I found a Leatherman Brewzer Keychain pry bar love it
What the mustache is goin on zac??? Lol awesome video as always, great to see magnacut making it to multitools.
I like the can opener! I only use it for cans, but I eat from cans when on the road or camping. I eat a lot more canned chilies etc than bottled wine.
Swiss Army knives always have a cork screw .
I've carried my Free P4 for about a year and a half now and I love it. Use it every single day. I never had any problem switching between the phillips and flat blade, no need to change bits. Being able to buy and put that magnacut blade with thumb stud on my P4 would be amazing
Jamie thought about Frankensteining his P2 but fell in love with the Arc in the process😁
@@zacinthewild Very likely what will end up happening with me lol
The pliers have replaceable tungsten cutters. They are tougher and can be replaced when worn. However they struggle to cut stranded wires and metal cable ties. The jaws jam up and need pulling apart. They could have side cutter jaws at the rear of the pliers.
I wish it had the eagle claw style can opener. You could sharpen it a bit more to make a great package opener.
I recently lost my Free P2 has been my EDC ever since it came out. The Arc excites me, the P2 knife was bad I stopped even trying to use it and just opted for the package opener tool.
I want one! but as a person that does stagehand and event production, we’re always losing our multitools. Luckily the signal with the carabiner has helped me keep track of it.
I do industrial electrical and automation maintenance. I have tons of the very best tools available to me. The amount of times I reach in my pocket for my SOG PowerPint might astound multitool-naysayers, especially for that precision flathead.
I love Leatherman tools!!! I own way more than I need! So many different models. Now I NEED the Arc!!! Zac Rocks!!!🤘 Thank you for the great video!!!🔪🖤🗡
Same and thanks!
Leatherman tools are like potato chips. You can’t have just one!
@@joshpulliam I couldn’t have said it better myself!!!🤣🤣🤣
Wow a Letherman multitool I finally want. This could replace a lot of RC car tools when out on a bashing session. I take a backpack of tools and parts and this would reduce the weight a lot.
Just got my Arc. Thank you for the overview! What is that nub on the bit driver for, though?
Don't know if I would drop the money unless I lost my Wave. But it sure looks dope. Love the blade with the thumb stud.
I've been carrying a Supertool 300 for over a decade, as a former builder and now building inspector. A good tool makes everything easier.
Going to wait for a sale!
Zac! I want that sweet '75 DT250. Had a '72 and had to sell it as a young man.
It looks like I really awesome multi-tool! I don't know if it exists out there or not, but I would like a multi-tool without a plain edge blade. I always carry a knife with me so it doesn't need to be included on the multi-tool. One thing I like about the wave I carry is that it has a serrated blade. I never carry a serrated blade with me, so if I'm going to be cutting a bunch of rope it's nice having it with me on my Leatherman. I don't know if I've ever used the non serrated blade on my Leatherman, I would just grab for my EDC that I also carry.
Might have to upgrade the leatherman sidekick I currently carry.
Shoutout to Grandma Sycamore's bread. Truly the staff of life right there.
Would the diamond file be good on the go main knife sharpener? If so I think my first multi tool will be the arc