@@dsimon33871 Everything but the magnacut blade should be relatively cheap to produce since they have parts of similar construction on far cheaper tools, and those cheaper tools still give them a healthy margin.
@@maxlvledc *WHEN YOU SEE WHAT IM TALKING ABOUT YOU WONT WANT YOUR EXPENSIVE MULTI TOOL TOUCHING THAT DISGRACEFUL NOT FINISHED GLUE THE WHOLE THING IS JUST DAM DISGRACEFULLY SAD8/////*
Nothing wrong with releasing a collector piece. It's not like it's the only ARC on the market, and Leatherman still makes other, more budget-friendly tools. I'm not going to get one, but it definitely looks cool as hell.
Damn rich people problems lol. I’m a contractor, so I’ll still with my actual tools. When I’m not near my truck, I’ll stick with my bibury. I’ve had it for quite awhile with 0 issues. Leatherman and benchmade have gotten absolutely ridiculous.
Yeah just another trophy multi-tool like the Benchmade Narrow $325 another trophy knife these are not EDC tool for the working class person. I still own $20 multi-tool I purchased 30 years ago when I go on an excursion means more than 48 hours put in my backpack one needle nose plier, Cold Steel SRK 5 / 3 1/2 + 4 front and back pocket.
Yeah… I’ve been using the Chinese Multitools for a bit now. I beat them up, lend them to people who beat them up or lose them. It’s a lot less painful too do that with a $25 bibury than a $275 Arc.
@@eva2k0 yeah, If you move around as much as I do on the job, you run a big risk of misplacing the damn thing. I can't tell you how many times I left mine in a ceiling or set it down somewhere and forget where and have to back track to find it. $275 is ridiculous.
@@pretentiousname01 google leatherman and medical worker discounts. It’s not always advertised. There are sites that give lists of discounts for emergency workers, medical and teachers etc. You’ll find a ton of companies do this now post Covid and we are always getting Covid… so may as well… need to send copy of medical ID and DL and all set. One time purchase for leatherman so I got a few items. Got the tool bag, bit extender and extra bit kit. Came to $220 after tax and saved like 30-35%
@@pretentiousname01 at the bottom of the website they have an option for “Special Discounts.” My wife was able to get a discount as a teacher. They offer discounts for medical, military, first responders, and educators.
Leatherman seems caught between two narratives (at least). On the one hand, you have incredible design and innovation that has the benefit of what Leatherman has done in the past, on the other, the sense of "quality," tools that are made better stronger and more durable. Collectors are a niche market and until these other companies establish a legacy, it is the one market Leatherman is free to exploit with little competition. But not every company is a Victorinox... A company that has managed to maintain a solid identity and place among it's typical consumer. Nobody would claim a Swiss Army Knife is the highest absolute quality, but everyone knows a standard and consistent level of quality is guaranteed. Leatherman drops the ball because it does not really trust itself to provide exceptional quality, or exceptional niche value. Your wonderful comments show this ambivalence on their part: I happen to love their bits because you can carry them for all sizes, but would never call them a quality kit, doesn't Leatherman know the difference? I mean their extensions are great, what prevents them from quality all the way through and through? I agree with you 100%. If I were going to run the leatherman ship I would go all out on the niche market and make very expensive multi tools. People will pay, if the quality is there. They have lost the other markets in many ways. As far as the other offerings, You could dress them up with better finishes, steel, etc. Go for that "Macy" appeal (I know I am dating myself here lol)... When you bought an appliance at Macy's it was expensive but well made, and when it was on sale!!! It is simple EDC: We all love Roxon, Bibury, Victorinox, but except for Victorinox, who amongst these companies could get away with charging 500 bucks for a multi tool? I think Leatherman alone could do so... And make it work with quality all the way around. This would pull them out of trying to dominate the big box market, and give them a new direction to really thrive in... there will always be a place for a slightly more expensive, more durable, tried and true "Wave" but this market is saturated compared to the niche market that companies like Snap On have shown to be a succesful consumer group.
I personally would love to see some niche tools be made more. Such as the Mr.Crunch. I would love a tool like that. But instead Leatherman is making tools that are far more expensive than the competition while not having many benefits over them. They have the capital and name to make some neat tools that people DO want. The Free series to me is an attempt to make niche tools but also a lack of understanding on how. If they made the Mr.Crunch in higher quantity they could also see what people want to make more tools. I want to use something new, something awesome. But if they keep locking these neat tools into only being an unused collector piece I never see them becoming better. I want a cool tool to use, not collect dust. I have enough garbage for that lol. I wish I could have the Mr.Crunch, but I refuse to pay so much for an overpriced collectors piece.
@@braixeninfection6312 Leatherman need to take a real leap here... I see people willing to pay a premium for a very nice knife, which many consumers will pay more than several hundred bucks for. Like Max EDC indicated, if they put more thought into their accessories, from a price point/quality issue, things like holsters, attachments and bits, and made really good quality shiat, with no caveats, they would own the market for that typically consumer. I have a hard time believing if Knife nerds (said affectionately) are willing to go in the range a really nice blade costs, that Multi tool lovers will not do the same. I bought a beautiful blade from n eastern Euro company for 86 bucks that came with a leather holster that is better than any holster I have seen Leatherman do... Surely if this can be done at that price point, it can be done for a premium tool. Leatherman already has the collectors, and you have the name brand recognition, because of the market for tradesmen that would not think to purchase anything but a Leatherman. I mean give a tradesman a nice locking bit that can lock in at two angles, really nice accessory bits, along with the flat bits, a beautiful leather pouch, a premium steel with great quality tools and sell it for 500 bucks. Go all in lol.
Man, you are spot-on about the missing two tiers on the Free-based tools. I've owned these: - Old, old, leatherman - can't remember the model - lost - Skeletool - lost - Wave - had it for many many years - gave it to my brotger when I bought the Free P4 - Free P4 - love the magnets, hate the toolset. Still have it, still in great shape. Still hate the toolset. - Arc - has the Tools I really wanted - very similar to the Wave. - Surge - I wanted a Wook Horse, but I returned it the next day because it so stiff out of the box that I had to do Everything two-handed. I already owned the P4... I wish we could buy replacement tools from Leatherman, or better yet, a build-your-own option on their website. I NEVER user the tiny screwdriver bits and would love a 1/4" bit holder. If I had that customized option, I would have stayed with my Free P4 - purchased in June 2021. I know you can get aftermarket tools, but they are too expensive and some look kind of rough next to the original tools and parts. Also, on them not updating the Wave etc, it might be that their Patents have run out and China Knockoffs are available now for $35... If they sold a basic Free P4 (Arc) with the Arc's toolset (no Magnacut Blade), I would own that. *Great videos! I'm glad you're spending the money on testing these and sharing your observations, so we don't have to. Thanks!
I agree. The P4/P2 toolset sucked so I never got one. Even though I wanted one quite badly. I got an ARC and love the toolset. It does everything I need. But even still I modded it. Because I do not want nor need some of the tools. I changed the saw to a t-shank for jigsaw blades. I can still have a wood saw that way if needed. I do want to change the micro bit driver and awl out but haven't found the tool I want as a replacement. Everyone needs or wants it different and they should have options from factory. It's not like a ton of extra work is needed on Leatherman's part. They really need to adapt for the customers needs because as is, I see it becoming a problem. Especially as the clones are becoming more popular.
@@braixeninfection6312 Exactly! You would think they would see all the 3rd Party tools coming out and jumped on it and at least started selling replacement options... Oh! And I do think the Arc is way too expensive. How did we go from $150 P4 to a $230+ Arc with no cheaper Arc Option? 😳
@@KitchenMycology Much too pricey. Especially this obsidian version. I wouldn't mind the price if the tool gave some new features. But basically $50 more for a new color is ridiculous.
Bought this in the states, was thrilled that they released a new colorway. Where I live the normal arc is the equivalent off 400 bucks so for me it was a steal🤷🏼♂️ I agree with that it looks amazing!
My first multitool ever was a Leatherman Wave. I still have it, complete with the leather pouch it came with. I think I paid about $130 at the time, and brought it back with me from the US to Ireland. Later I bought a Leatherman Micra and later a Squirt ES4. Great tools that at the time they represented value and quality. But these days you can buy something for a lot less than a Leatherman and it's still a great tool. There are even clones of their tools for 1/4 the price. I think this company / brand has been coasting way too long on their reputation and it will come back to bite them if they don't wise up and start being competitive.
I got the Arc (base, but I got my name engraved on the body and my motto engraved on the blade) a couple months ago, and it was my first good multitool I've bought for myself. I generally don't need a full tool kit in my life, so the Arc acts as a replacement for most things I need to do around the apartment (also, I occasionally help friends build for events and we do group builds in the woods). I was initially in the market for a really good quality pocket knife, so that was what initially drew me into the Arc (and I was looking at paying close, or more, to that amount anyways for some of the knives I was looking at) and it really feels like something I could use every day and pass down to kids and grandkids. I wanted something that felt like "I bought the best and i don't need to worry about it". But then I did a deep clean of my duplex, and misplaced my Arc for a week and I was legitimately upset the whole time because I knew I wasn't going to drop that money on another one any time soon (very much makes me want to get a Wave and/or Signal and/or Skeletool) I LOVE the one-handed open, but I got accused of having a switch blade when I opened in the office (I work in manhattan), and it honestly makes me a little nervous that it might get confiscated if I use it as Every Day Carry (I have to go into offices with security screens sometimes). so this defeats the purpose of an EDC if I'm nervous to carry it every day - at the same time, I feel like i'm one of the target market for this type of multi-tool, so it's a bit of a paradox. But I wouldn't want to leave my house with my Obsidion if I'd bought one.
It might be worth checking out the knifeless rebar; there is the disadvantage of not having a blade as part of your kit, but all the other tools are there and shouldn’t cause any issues for co-workers.
Lol just bought one. It's the looks. I never got the original because it seemed to expensive. This one looks so good - I'm so disappointed to hear about the sheath. That was part of my thinking.
Leatherman Obsidian could have sold it for $550 if it came with a full bit kit, bit driver, Leatherman ratchet, leather sheath, special Leatherman Arc sticker, and replacement cutters. Twice the price, larger profit, with just as many sales.
I boight the obsidian. I agree, its the best out the box leatherman ive ever owned. I own the original arc too, the coating does seem to make a difference. I noticed its easier to clean and im happy i dont have to worry about rust anymore.
Nice review, thank you. Nice you mentioned the 15% off sale. If one falls into the category of first responder or military, Leatherman offers a 30% discount on non limited items which I think is very cool of them.
I totally agree . These are out of my price range, so I just settle with my surge. And I only bought that one because I broke the plier off on my supertool 300. If they had one in a more budget version, I would most likely buy one. I actually was saving to buy a p free 4 when it became discontinued. The one hand system really appeals to me. However, I missed out. I have almost bought a charge before, but thought maybe they pulled the p free series because they have something else coming. I truly wish they would at least let us know more about the future of their designs. Because if all they are going to do is keep getting more " Gucci ", then they are going to put themselves out of business. The average person doesn't buy every model that comes along and disregards the previous one they have. NO, WE USE ARE STUFF TILL IT BREAKS, OR SOMETHING BETTER COMES ALONG. With that said, they can't expect us to jump on their command. That will just drive everyone away.
I think this proves the one thing I have suspected for a while now.... Leatherman is to knife guys what Apple is to tech guys. The company can treat customers like crap, over charge, make some features MUCH worse, make accessories hard to get, slowly diminish the value to price ratio, and remove product lines that people like or that are unique (crunch for me), and suffer little to no consequences. In fact, if they pull and Apple move by rereleasing a product in a new color that adds a feature that SHOULD HAVE been apart of it to begin with, coating for added corrosion resistance, people will happily pay more and say good on them. If people were hoping Leatherman was going to right the ship by treating customers better or fix what is wrong with the tools and lineup, don't hold your breath. Apple has been running this playbook for decades and they just keep getting worse while raking in the money. But what do I know??? I'm and android and PC guy because I like options, , somewhat better prices, the ability to make choices, and the ability to make my own repairs on pc and take my phone to more repair shops. Oh, and if we are judging Leatherman tools by looks alone.... The Leather Garage 5 has this best in my book! ANOTHER all black multitool? Yeah yeah yeah. Big deal. But that 40th anniversary tool lacked the tool loadout I like and I STILL WANTED IT!
Bibury is solid! I first took a liking with their bit driver that locks at two angles and recently bought their latest 21 plus bonanza lol. They are not the most comfortable tools to use, but they definitely are solid and functional. They got me out of a jam recently, we had driven through wires that wrapped around the car tire well and the pliers cut away with no problems.
I’m sticking with my P4! but I love how these Arcs look as well. I can’t decide which Arc looks better. I think Leatherman has a balanced lineup, there’s something for everyone. They could update their old tools but I don’t mind them keeping their current designs. LM are not iPhones, they’re not designed to be replaced each year with version 16
I’m also a collector, but mostly a user tool guy. I bought my ARK with a 20% discount….. but the new ARK is out of my reach. And we’re not talking about the Garage line… I love Leatherman, but garage is way too much for me. Thanks for showing the new one. Kind regards from Spain 🇪🇸
I got the obsidian. I also got the black nylon sheath, a full bit kit, and the ratchet driver. I wish the included sheath came with side pockets for the ratchet driver or bit extender. I have heard if you put the bit kit in with the bits facing the belt side it doesn't catch as much. I also wish the rachet driver came in black. Definitely something I have on or near me in the truck every day. I have all the full-size tools, but so often, you can just pull out a good multitool and do a job without hunting down the right tool or climbing down the ladder or whatever. I think it is totally worth it
In $🇨🇦 I have purchased new a Skeletool RX, Rebar, ST 300, Bond (redux 2024) and a Micra (or 2) for the same price as one ARC OBSIDIAN in $🇨🇦. So for me even with a Magnacut blade it is not worth it. Just my opinion, to each their own. Great content.🤘
For what it's worth, I only picked up the obsidian because it wasn't that much more than a regular arc. I've carried the Charge TTI since 2018 and very recently checked out new models.The fit and finish on the Obsidian is second to none. The action of deploying the pliers is comparably crisp to using a balisong.
I just got my Obsidian yesterday. I was so excited and couldn't wait to open it, but… shortly after opening it, I was utterly disappointed. Starting with the sheath. There was already a stretch mark that cracked exposing the underlayer on the bottom left corner. The snap button is mounted about 8mms to the right. The leather is thin, it looks and feels cheap, and there is not much weight to it. They might as well not include one. I don't see it lasting more than a month on normal use. I’m probably not going to use the sheath anyway, but now I’m definitely not going to use it. That’s beside the point. What happened to quality? At first glance, the Obsidian looked great and it functioned well but upon closer inspection, the fasteners holding the plier head to the handles were mismatched! One side was black and the other side was champagne colored. 🤦♂️ come-on man! Are you serious? Who the hell is in charge of quality control? I feel like they are not taking their craft seriously. This might be my last Leatherman. They need to get their act together.
@@maxlvledc Yes, I have pictures to prove it. The first thing I did was to call customer support. I wasn't going to complain about the sheath but since I’m calling them anyway, I might as well. I sent them pictures and now waiting for a reply.
it's cool enough that I wish I could trade my arc in for it, but I'm not a collector and it's still as great as ever, so I'm afraid the obsidian's out for me
@@charlesheller5767 thanks but not really the same. The way I use my tool at work, I need the one hand option with all tools on the outside where I can use gloves to grab the tools.
I have to disagree with your final claim here. I love your channel. I love Leatherman. I've owned one since I was 15. I've had at least 1, usually more than 1, on my person every day for years. Everyday I have a surge and squirt ps4 at work. yes, regular non-collector consumers *feel* left out, but they aren't. not in this regard. I own the Arc and the 40 Year Special, which is essentially an Arc but with a White/Bronze colorway. I love them both. the tier one model you want already exists. You just described the FreeP4 and FreeP2. no, they're not exactly the same, but the fundamentals, the one handed implements, the full 420hc body, the "free series" gray sheath. the P4 and P2, which i personally dislike, are the tier 1 models, and they're in the price range you described, and the tier 1 models are always released before tier 2 and tier 3. in this case, they were released a couple years before the tier 2 and tier 3. I love your work, and I value your opinion, but I have to disagree with you here, on this singular claim. I agree that the Arc and this new Arc colorway are collectors only, you're preaching to the choir. like I said, I have the 40 year special, and a bunch more. thanks again, keep up the great work
the P2/P4 has not been available on Leatherman.com for more than a year now, I've heard its now finally back on amazon. But I can say for a fact the P4 is NOT a budget version of an arc. No Large file (Diamond), no bit driver, no Precision bit holder. Quite a bit different.
"it sits nicer" (thick leather ones). I like that you brought that up. It's a good design measure: how well does it sit?. It would have been better without the bit kit slot. I'm not mad they made this celebration of the ARC. Looks like they finally got their process tuned in on the tool itself.
So, I enjoy multitools and "budget" watch collecting. It's interesting to me that a watch (which only has a single true function) with decent specs at $270 is considered extremely economical to that community, but this tool is considered a luxury collector's item for rich people to the EDC community... My Arc was a gift from my wife, and I honestly enjoy it as much as any watch I own. I think Leatherman identified a niche in the market for people who prioritize the fit and finish above straight function, a multitool doesn't have to only be a rough and compromised collection of tools.
I cannot agree with you more. I bought the obsidian and it’s a really cool looking tool. It functions the best out of any Leatherman I have bought out of the box. The sheath is garbage. One sleeve of the bits is an insult as well. Leatherman’s silence in the market is frustrating. They need to hire you on their marketing team
Thought about buying it for 275$ did not want to spent the money luckily yesterday i could grab it for 233$. Still to much but i could get myself to do it.
I have an Arc and honestly I carry my P4 more. I like the beefy package opener/pry tool and I pocket carry so I dont carry extra bits. Plus the extra reach of the fixed Phillips driver. Only thing Im missing on the P4 is the real diamond file.🤷👊
I look at this and I think about car brands. Ford can sell you a car under 30k, but then they make the Lincoln brand and sell you one as well for 100k. This is the Lincoln of multi tools, not every needs one or wants one. But it exists for the select few that want it. I’m fine with my Wave+, going on a whole year now with one by my side and no need to upgrade.
Could you do a video on how you clean and daily care for your Arc/Obsidian? As a first time quality tool owner, I'd really like to learn how to make my Arc last for a generation and it would be helpful to see someone else do it (as opposed to some of the written instructions I've seen online - I want to see it actually applied to a piece with 1. these materials and 2. at this price point). I definitely don't want to use the wrong chemical combinations, etc.
The free range makes every other leatherman look Stone Age by comparison. This Obsidian addition and the other semi limited editions which I am sure are to follow at $275 considering this tool is currently at the very top of the game seems quite reasonable ! Is it a workshop tool no, cost and magnets being an issue, buy a wave of that. But as an EDC for some people it’s the equivalent of a quality watch at a fraction of the cost.
Great review, thanks. (Leatherman has always been a marketing failure, they are manufacturers not marketeers!) I began collecting multitools in 1990 with the original Leatherman. At last count I have around 15 different Leathermans and 10-15 other competitor multitools. Through the years I collected, gifted, replaced, worked with, and now exited Leatherman. The Leatherman I like best is the Surge II or Blast (the least are all their sheaths with metal snaps, yuck!!). My disappointment with the brand began with the Free series. Probably won't return to Portland's original multitool company.
It seems as if they are just trying to get rid of over stocked bits that no one really uses (you mentioned something similar to this in a previous video). At least let us pick our own bit system for a premium tool like this!
Loved my P2 and how fidgety it was. Literally bought the Arc Obsidian because I wanted that same functionality but in black. Honestly, I don't like the champagne color and want to black it out but...that's a whole other expense, so there's that problem. Regrets? A little, lol.
Couldn't have said it better myself. Ran into the same issues with my sheath, but mine might be even tighter yet. If I use a sheath and not the pocket clip, I will just use the sheath that came with my original Arc, but I shouldn't have to for this price.
Sheaths and bit kits are big parts of any multi tool. For more than $150 I want heavy leather and a decent kit. I'm glad I got my orange Wave years ago from Cabela's with a nice sheath.
There are two versions of the Bit Kit. The original contained an R2/R3 bit. I suspect they threw this bit in because they had spares, akin to their saying the quiet part out loud when they released Garage Batch 003: Parts. You also didn't mention that this set includes both and R1/R2 bit and a R2/R3 bit, doubling up on a drive size that doesn't exist in the country that Leatherman is from and functionally only providing you 8.5 bits because the R2 side is a duplicate even if you are from specifically Canada and have a use for it.
1 word but over and over again....FLEX FLEX FLEX.... My leatherman in the draw... ond the gerber amd the Sog... FLEX win win win... I can get 3 FLEXs AND spare bits !!! For the cost if this over hyped thing ! No brainer.... 😊
I would not pay that for a multitool. I rather buy another Supertool 300 in black to mod with my Surge like I saw you did in one of your videos which then I can mod to my liking and still will be a lot cheaper then the regular ARC, I’m just saying… As always another great video #Maxlvledc.
When they let me know that the Obsidian was available, it left me with the impression that Leatherman is tone deaf. At least they discontinued the G10 Charge+. :))
I suspect that Leatherman assumes the customer knows to remove the pocket-clip in order to use the sheath. Why would any tool need a clip if it's secured in a sheath?
IMO, the ARC should only be looked at if you're looking to upgrade your Wave/Clone and none of the Free line quite hits the benchmark for your tool needs. With the yearly discount offered to various groups you can get a Surge plus the full bit set and still come out cheaper than the base ARC. Fully kitted out with the extended driver or ratcheting driver (if it ever reappears), carbide breaker and/or replacements, I find this to be a more compelling value for around 160-170 dollars. The only real pull to spend more on the ARC is the knife, which is better, and the FREE technology and potential fidget factor. That's a tough sell when you get so much more tool for cheaper.
Could not agree more to your views. I just want an updated Wave+ and surge that have their tools accessible from the outside when closed. I don't need any fancy steels for the blades, I don't need another colour variation of the signal, and I certainly don't need a $275 ($375 here in Canada), pretty tool. It looks cool yes, but it is way too expensive and niche to be something they are spending so much of their focus on.
A good leather sheath/carrying case would further increase the price - so I would figure that most of the $45 extra cost went into that leather case it came with. Something as simple as it came with could cost at least $30. @$20 for material (1 square foot)and $10 for the labor sounds right enough. Rest is for coating, I’m guessing.
*ITS OFFICIAL!!!!!!!!! AS OF 1:07PM EST TIME THE LEATHERMAN OBSIDIAN HAS SOLD OUT!!!!!!!!! GGS TO ALL WHO GOT 1.* *THE SOULESS DISGRACES ALREADY WANT 500+ DOLLARS SO SO COMICAL.* *8/////*
I agree with you that I wouldn't have a problem with the collector focused releases if there were also budget/paired down releases to go along with it. Even the base level ARC is really expensive, and it seems like Leatherman thinks that people looking for a useful tool at a good price are not a market that is worth spending any innovation, time, or money on. They can just crank out the Wave design that has barely changed in 20 years to the everyman while focusing on providing new tools to their collector customers that will pay top prices and be repeat customers.
Discussing the logic behind the inclusion of the cheap sheath and bit kit reminded me of an analogy to the manufacturers of high end outdoor boots that are commonly found priced in the $400+ range. They usually include cheap insoles and many savvy buyers that use their boots daily then must go and purchase aftermarket insoles for another $30.00 (purchasing a new pair of 'Superfeet' was our common practice with each new set of boots). I'd love to be a fly on the wall in the boardroom when the high paid exec's give the reasons why saving a few pennies on the bundled accessories is done. Could it be perhaps they feel it will stimulate the sales of further accessory items that will support exponential profit margins similar to the original item?
The SwissTool Spirit X comes with a leather pouch that has the good slot for the accessory and the ARC would fit in that. I think it's Brown only tho, D.
Hi max!! In my humble opinion, if I take care of my tools it will take care of me!!! The obsidian is way too expensive. I’m wondering in which direction is leatherman going? I feel like they don’t really care about the blue collar workers anymore!!!
@@Hector-vx5yc They just don't care, period. My Obsidian came with mismatched fasteners (color-wise), and the sheath sucks. It feels like a money grab.
@@kennethyuen9849 wow!! I’m so sorry!! To spend $275 on a product that you are not happy with..?!🤯 I had a gut feeling about that!! Thank you so much for sharing, I’m definitely NOT getting one!!
Ok,... who was it who wrote to Leatherman on their small batch hand-made artisanal paper with their rose gold ceracote microtech pen and asked for a fancier more exclusive and more expensive Leatherman ARC? I have some property on the moon to sell you.
Would have been nicer to have a matte black leather and champagne color stitching to mirror the tool. Or alternatively a unique color leather like the original wave sheath or something to complement the Champagne highlights. Basically either mimic the look of the tool or make it its own unique sheath that looks like no other. I also agree that the compact folded sheets are better than the ones that flare out.
I am just an observer of tools and tech but i dont understand the "made in US" trait as if that is an advantage. This tool for example looks awesome but the sheath and bit holder are not top rate by any standard. So to me a snart business sticks to making what they are good at.and if that means the sheath is made in Europe and the holder in Asia so be it. Its impossible to be top dog at everything. So maybe a perfect multitool looks like: Tool : made by leatherman Sheath- top leather maker Bit holder-whia I dont know anything about leather so I have no idea what company you'd have make that. But then Leatherman could sell it and maybe the other companies could sell it too I don't know how they would do the profit sharing or the revenue sharing but that's up to them. I think the mistake that businesses have made in the US consistently over years and years maybe even hundreds of years is is not collaborating with other businesses in other countries or even in the US. It's always an US versus them. and I remember this is when I was younger probably in high school or maybe in college carrying about the Japanese car companies and how instead of competing against each other they were actually sharing technology. And I just remember thinking how that's so unheard of here in the US in that competition is the best thing for for the consumer. And I think over the years that's proven to be totally false. And probably led to some of the unethical practices that some of these companies have. And I would probably even include Apple and Microsoft. When are the things about technology did I learned early on is most programmers or developers believe in open source in the technology should be widely available not limited. So I wish other businesses would share these kind of the principles. That is probably a pipe dream but hey we can hope
I just got an Obsidian today. The frame still flexes like chinesium and the blade came dull AF just like my original Arc. It also took forever to sharpen, which means that they still haven't put a real heat treat on the thing. I won't be surprised if the cutters break the first time I cut fence wire like the ones on my original Arc did either (even my Center-Drive's bunk ass carbide cutters didn't break on fence wire). Two Arcs, two fails. It's a crying shame. The Arc would be ideal for my motorcycle's onboard kit if it had any sort of decent build quality. The "leather" sheath is trash too. It is a sweet looking tool though, I'll give it that much. Yank the clip and it'll go right in the sheath
In Canada while including sales tax, the Arc Obsidian is $431, the standard Arc is $345. And they don't even include one of the bit kits that makes you spend another $47. Thats a hard pass for me the Wave+ works just as well
regular Arc in europe = 300 euros :) nice for a tool :) thanks leatherman for your "fidget tool who cant cut anything and broke the cutter if it's not in the right tight spot" :)
As a regular jo the wave black oxide is at the top of my price range. I'll stick with that. Leatherman is marketing more towards fancy tools and collectors. Not the average jo citizen anymore
Brother that's how all the Gerbers come and I know you know this. That's the ONLY LM I've ever seen with that action and I wouldn't assume they come that way. My 1985 PST has that action, but all the little tools are useless.
I’m trying to buy the arc as a Christmas gift for my dad. I’m considering the normal arc with 30% student discount and the Obsidian with 15% insider discount (the student discount code is not applicable for the Obsidian, unfortunately). Do you think the Obsidian is worth it at 15% less?
You know… I bought the Arc…I think I still like my Free P4 better. It feels more solid and durable to me. To me the Arc is now my fancy tool I will barely use.
Its not like this was 450 dollars in some countries (mine included) to begin with. Cant wait for the next multitool from LM that will finally cost more than a flagship smartphone.
@@doughappel4886 same here. I found the video from maxlvledc after I made that comment. Those links are broken. Now I want those cutters. I do sound engineering. I cut and splice wires at least 20 times per day. I want that polish upgrade that were mentioned. I don’t mind the stock cutters, but I’ve replaced them twice;; and that’s not bad as much as I use my Arc. I’m always on the search for better tools.
Guys, Leatherman in my opinion have got this right, the market has changed ! Traditional blue collar customers are buying imported clones while at the same time bitching about wages and the US loosing manufacturing jobs, go figure ! While the upstart EDC groups cover a wide spectrum which includes a large section of premium item purchasers. Leatherman seems to have waited until the regular ARC sales started to flat line before releasing the obsidian, big news and revived sales in I suspect a largely premium EDC market. Given time these will also no doubt slow and what’s the betting then they will release one or even two slightly more budget friendly models, maybe even G10 and other models, they are going to milk this, catering to the now more ARC familiar and accepting market ! Let’s face it Leatherman are never again going to compete in the budget tool markets again unless in desperation they transfer manufacturing abroad given US costs. So why not play to their strengths and cater to the US growing perceived premium entitled market.
I got one. I’m sort of a collector, tho, so I wasn’t too bent out of shape about it. Don’t know why someone that isn’t in to collecting them would pay the premium, tho
Any idea / insight on why their sales aren't available on the European website ? Nor is the obsidian btw . Talk about neglecting potential customers eh !
@@maxlvledc it’s Insane but they screwed people over with Garage 007. I’m sure people like myself broke away from work to get orders in thinking they would sell out in minutes and it’s a month later and they are still selling it. It’s also the only one they don’t state how many they are making. Feels very shady
Unless you are a collector or have loads of disposable income, I don't see how you can justify that tool unless you have a massive discount
Yep
Really wonder what their cost is to produce such a tool...
@@dsimon33871 Everything but the magnacut blade should be relatively cheap to produce since they have parts of similar construction on far cheaper tools, and those cheaper tools still give them a healthy margin.
@@maxlvledc
*TALK ABOUT THE COMICALY DISGRACEFULLY BAD ADHEASED GLUE INSIDE THE SHEATH.*
*LOOK INSIDE WITH A FLASHLIGHT AND YOUR JAW WILL DROP.*
@@maxlvledc
*WHEN YOU SEE WHAT IM TALKING ABOUT YOU WONT WANT YOUR EXPENSIVE MULTI TOOL TOUCHING THAT DISGRACEFUL NOT FINISHED GLUE THE WHOLE THING IS JUST DAM DISGRACEFULLY SAD8/////*
Standby for a "tropical" edition in a year with some blue and pink for an additional cost.
*IF THEY DISGRACEFULLY EVER DARE RELEASE A SATANIC RAINB0W ILLNESS EDITION THE COMPANY IS PERMENATLY DONE FOR.*
😒😒😒😒😒😒😒😒😒😒😒😒😒
Nothing wrong with releasing a collector piece. It's not like it's the only ARC on the market, and Leatherman still makes other, more budget-friendly tools.
I'm not going to get one, but it definitely looks cool as hell.
Damn rich people problems lol. I’m a contractor, so I’ll still with my actual tools. When I’m not near my truck, I’ll stick with my bibury. I’ve had it for quite awhile with 0 issues. Leatherman and benchmade have gotten absolutely ridiculous.
This is a common sentiment atm
Yeah just another trophy multi-tool like the Benchmade Narrow $325 another trophy knife these are not EDC tool for the working class person. I still own $20 multi-tool I purchased 30 years ago when I go on an excursion means more than 48 hours put in my backpack one needle nose plier, Cold Steel SRK 5 / 3 1/2 + 4 front and back pocket.
Yeah… I’ve been using the Chinese Multitools for a bit now. I beat them up, lend them to people who beat them up or lose them. It’s a lot less painful too do that with a $25 bibury than a $275 Arc.
@@eva2k0 I think I got the same one aren't they great mine was 30
@@eva2k0 yeah, If you move around as much as I do on the job, you run a big risk of misplacing the damn thing. I can't tell you how many times I left mine in a ceiling or set it down somewhere and forget where and have to back track to find it. $275 is ridiculous.
I just got one with a medical worker discount for $160 or so. Worth it with that. Never had a full leatherman, just the minimalist ones.
Where do you find this option? I work at a hospital and could be convinced....
@@pretentiousname01 google leatherman and medical worker discounts. It’s not always advertised. There are sites that give lists of discounts for emergency workers, medical and teachers etc. You’ll find a ton of companies do this now post Covid and we are always getting Covid… so may as well… need to send copy of medical ID and DL and all set. One time purchase for leatherman so I got a few items. Got the tool bag, bit extender and extra bit kit. Came to $220 after tax and saved like 30-35%
@@pretentiousname01 "SheerID" runs the leatherman discount for first responders, teachers, medical professionals, and military
@@pretentiousname01it’s on the website. Educators and first responders, military can get 30% off.
@@pretentiousname01 at the bottom of the website they have an option for “Special Discounts.” My wife was able to get a discount as a teacher. They offer discounts for medical, military, first responders, and educators.
Leatherman seems caught between two narratives (at least). On the one hand, you have incredible design and innovation that has the benefit of what Leatherman has done in the past, on the other, the sense of "quality," tools that are made better stronger and more durable. Collectors are a niche market and until these other companies establish a legacy, it is the one market Leatherman is free to exploit with little competition.
But not every company is a Victorinox... A company that has managed to maintain a solid identity and place among it's typical consumer. Nobody would claim a Swiss Army Knife is the highest absolute quality, but everyone knows a standard and consistent level of quality is guaranteed. Leatherman drops the ball because it does not really trust itself to provide exceptional quality, or exceptional niche value. Your wonderful comments show this ambivalence on their part: I happen to love their bits because you can carry them for all sizes, but would never call them a quality kit, doesn't Leatherman know the difference? I mean their extensions are great, what prevents them from quality all the way through and through? I agree with you 100%.
If I were going to run the leatherman ship I would go all out on the niche market and make very expensive multi tools. People will pay, if the quality is there. They have lost the other markets in many ways. As far as the other offerings, You could dress them up with better finishes, steel, etc. Go for that "Macy" appeal (I know I am dating myself here lol)... When you bought an appliance at Macy's it was expensive but well made, and when it was on sale!!!
It is simple EDC: We all love Roxon, Bibury, Victorinox, but except for Victorinox, who amongst these companies could get away with charging 500 bucks for a multi tool? I think Leatherman alone could do so... And make it work with quality all the way around. This would pull them out of trying to dominate the big box market, and give them a new direction to really thrive in... there will always be a place for a slightly more expensive, more durable, tried and true "Wave" but this market is saturated compared to the niche market that companies like Snap On have shown to be a succesful consumer group.
Thanks for this!
I personally would love to see some niche tools be made more. Such as the Mr.Crunch. I would love a tool like that. But instead Leatherman is making tools that are far more expensive than the competition while not having many benefits over them. They have the capital and name to make some neat tools that people DO want. The Free series to me is an attempt to make niche tools but also a lack of understanding on how. If they made the Mr.Crunch in higher quantity they could also see what people want to make more tools. I want to use something new, something awesome. But if they keep locking these neat tools into only being an unused collector piece I never see them becoming better. I want a cool tool to use, not collect dust. I have enough garbage for that lol. I wish I could have the Mr.Crunch, but I refuse to pay so much for an overpriced collectors piece.
@@braixeninfection6312 Leatherman need to take a real leap here... I see people willing to pay a premium for a very nice knife, which many consumers will pay more than several hundred bucks for. Like Max EDC indicated, if they put more thought into their accessories, from a price point/quality issue, things like holsters, attachments and bits, and made really good quality shiat, with no caveats, they would own the market for that typically consumer. I have a hard time believing if Knife nerds (said affectionately) are willing to go in the range a really nice blade costs, that Multi tool lovers will not do the same. I bought a beautiful blade from n eastern Euro company for 86 bucks that came with a leather holster that is better than any holster I have seen Leatherman do... Surely if this can be done at that price point, it can be done for a premium tool.
Leatherman already has the collectors, and you have the name brand recognition, because of the market for tradesmen that would not think to purchase anything but a Leatherman. I mean give a tradesman a nice locking bit that can lock in at two angles, really nice accessory bits, along with the flat bits, a beautiful leather pouch, a premium steel with great quality tools and sell it for 500 bucks. Go all in lol.
Man, you are spot-on about the missing two tiers on the Free-based tools.
I've owned these:
- Old, old, leatherman - can't remember the model - lost
- Skeletool - lost
- Wave - had it for many many years - gave it to my brotger when I bought the Free P4
- Free P4 - love the magnets, hate the toolset. Still have it, still in great shape. Still hate the toolset.
- Arc - has the Tools I really wanted - very similar to the Wave.
- Surge - I wanted a Wook Horse, but I returned it the next day because it so stiff out of the box that I had to do Everything two-handed. I already owned the P4...
I wish we could buy replacement tools from Leatherman, or better yet, a build-your-own option on their website. I NEVER user the tiny screwdriver bits and would love a 1/4" bit holder.
If I had that customized option, I would have stayed with my Free P4 - purchased in June 2021.
I know you can get aftermarket tools, but they are too expensive and some look kind of rough next to the original tools and parts.
Also, on them not updating the Wave etc, it might be that their Patents have run out and China Knockoffs are available now for $35...
If they sold a basic Free P4 (Arc) with the Arc's toolset (no Magnacut Blade), I would own that.
*Great videos! I'm glad you're spending the money on testing these and sharing your observations, so we don't have to. Thanks!
I agree. The P4/P2 toolset sucked so I never got one. Even though I wanted one quite badly. I got an ARC and love the toolset. It does everything I need. But even still I modded it. Because I do not want nor need some of the tools. I changed the saw to a t-shank for jigsaw blades. I can still have a wood saw that way if needed. I do want to change the micro bit driver and awl out but haven't found the tool I want as a replacement. Everyone needs or wants it different and they should have options from factory. It's not like a ton of extra work is needed on Leatherman's part. They really need to adapt for the customers needs because as is, I see it becoming a problem. Especially as the clones are becoming more popular.
@@braixeninfection6312 Exactly! You would think they would see all the 3rd Party tools coming out and jumped on it and at least started selling replacement options...
Oh! And I do think the Arc is way too expensive. How did we go from $150 P4 to a $230+ Arc with no cheaper Arc Option? 😳
@@KitchenMycology Much too pricey. Especially this obsidian version. I wouldn't mind the price if the tool gave some new features. But basically $50 more for a new color is ridiculous.
@@braixeninfection6312 I agree 100% I don't understand buying the Obsidian. If you're a collector, then Ok. But I'm not
Bought this in the states, was thrilled that they released a new colorway. Where I live the normal arc is the equivalent off 400 bucks so for me it was a steal🤷🏼♂️ I agree with that it looks amazing!
They need to make a power pint sized multitool with and offer a base budget steel and a high end ti/Magnacut version….they would sell so many
When they male a Power Pint competitor, they need to put a Victorinox quality scissors on it.
My first multitool ever was a Leatherman Wave. I still have it, complete with the leather pouch it came with. I think I paid about $130 at the time, and brought it back with me from the US to Ireland. Later I bought a Leatherman Micra and later a Squirt ES4. Great tools that at the time they represented value and quality. But these days you can buy something for a lot less than a Leatherman and it's still a great tool. There are even clones of their tools for 1/4 the price. I think this company / brand has been coasting way too long on their reputation and it will come back to bite them if they don't wise up and start being competitive.
I got the Arc (base, but I got my name engraved on the body and my motto engraved on the blade) a couple months ago, and it was my first good multitool I've bought for myself. I generally don't need a full tool kit in my life, so the Arc acts as a replacement for most things I need to do around the apartment (also, I occasionally help friends build for events and we do group builds in the woods). I was initially in the market for a really good quality pocket knife, so that was what initially drew me into the Arc (and I was looking at paying close, or more, to that amount anyways for some of the knives I was looking at) and it really feels like something I could use every day and pass down to kids and grandkids.
I wanted something that felt like "I bought the best and i don't need to worry about it". But then I did a deep clean of my duplex, and misplaced my Arc for a week and I was legitimately upset the whole time because I knew I wasn't going to drop that money on another one any time soon (very much makes me want to get a Wave and/or Signal and/or Skeletool)
I LOVE the one-handed open, but I got accused of having a switch blade when I opened in the office (I work in manhattan), and it honestly makes me a little nervous that it might get confiscated if I use it as Every Day Carry (I have to go into offices with security screens sometimes). so this defeats the purpose of an EDC if I'm nervous to carry it every day - at the same time, I feel like i'm one of the target market for this type of multi-tool, so it's a bit of a paradox.
But I wouldn't want to leave my house with my Obsidion if I'd bought one.
I think there are many similar stories to this.
It might be worth checking out the knifeless rebar; there is the disadvantage of not having a blade as part of your kit, but all the other tools are there and shouldn’t cause any issues for co-workers.
Just open the blade slowly (not flicking it) or with two hands. it sucks but you won't get caught
You can remove the thumbstud too if you want to
What's your motto
Lol just bought one. It's the looks. I never got the original because it seemed to expensive. This one looks so good - I'm so disappointed to hear about the sheath. That was part of my thinking.
Leatherman Obsidian could have sold it for $550 if it came with a full bit kit, bit driver, Leatherman ratchet, leather sheath, special Leatherman Arc sticker, and replacement cutters. Twice the price, larger profit, with just as many sales.
Your right
I boight the obsidian. I agree, its the best out the box leatherman ive ever owned. I own the original arc too, the coating does seem to make a difference. I noticed its easier to clean and im happy i dont have to worry about rust anymore.
Nice review, thank you. Nice you mentioned the 15% off sale. If one falls into the category of first responder or military, Leatherman offers a 30% discount on non limited items which I think is very cool of them.
Yes but only good for one use every 365 days from first purchase but still a good discount.
Comparing this sheath to the gerber leather sheath for the centerdrive is where the fun really starts
hahaha, I almost did!
I totally agree . These are out of my price range, so I just settle with my surge. And I only bought that one because I broke the plier off on my supertool 300. If they had one in a more budget version, I would most likely buy one. I actually was saving to buy a p free 4 when it became discontinued. The one hand system really appeals to me. However, I missed out. I have almost bought a charge before, but thought maybe they pulled the p free series because they have something else coming. I truly wish they would at least let us know more about the future of their designs. Because if all they are going to do is keep getting more " Gucci ", then they are going to put themselves out of business. The average person doesn't buy every model that comes along and disregards the previous one they have. NO, WE USE ARE STUFF TILL IT BREAKS, OR SOMETHING BETTER COMES ALONG. With that said, they can't expect us to jump on their command. That will just drive everyone away.
I think this proves the one thing I have suspected for a while now.... Leatherman is to knife guys what Apple is to tech guys. The company can treat customers like crap, over charge, make some features MUCH worse, make accessories hard to get, slowly diminish the value to price ratio, and remove product lines that people like or that are unique (crunch for me), and suffer little to no consequences. In fact, if they pull and Apple move by rereleasing a product in a new color that adds a feature that SHOULD HAVE been apart of it to begin with, coating for added corrosion resistance, people will happily pay more and say good on them.
If people were hoping Leatherman was going to right the ship by treating customers better or fix what is wrong with the tools and lineup, don't hold your breath. Apple has been running this playbook for decades and they just keep getting worse while raking in the money. But what do I know??? I'm and android and PC guy because I like options, , somewhat better prices, the ability to make choices, and the ability to make my own repairs on pc and take my phone to more repair shops.
Oh, and if we are judging Leatherman tools by looks alone.... The Leather Garage 5 has this best in my book! ANOTHER all black multitool? Yeah yeah yeah. Big deal. But that 40th anniversary tool lacked the tool loadout I like and I STILL WANTED IT!
Apple for knife guys is just Benchmade lmao
I'm in canada and I just looked it up its 375.00 at cabelas and the original arc is 300. That's crazy to me
For that price I can get 7 bibury surge clones with extra money left
The value proposition is horrible
I'm a Bibury guy now but glad Leatherman still making these. Just means it will eventually trickle down to the other brands.
Bibury is solid! I first took a liking with their bit driver that locks at two angles and recently bought their latest 21 plus bonanza lol. They are not the most comfortable tools to use, but they definitely are solid and functional. They got me out of a jam recently, we had driven through wires that wrapped around the car tire well and the pliers cut away with no problems.
I’m sticking with my P4! but I love how these Arcs look as well. I can’t decide which Arc looks better. I think Leatherman has a balanced lineup, there’s something for everyone. They could update their old tools but I don’t mind them keeping their current designs. LM are not iPhones, they’re not designed to be replaced each year with version 16
I’m also a collector, but mostly a user tool guy. I bought my ARK with a 20% discount….. but the new ARK is out of my reach. And we’re not talking about the Garage line… I love Leatherman, but garage is way too much for me. Thanks for showing the new one. Kind regards from Spain 🇪🇸
I got the obsidian. I also got the black nylon sheath, a full bit kit, and the ratchet driver. I wish the included sheath came with side pockets for the ratchet driver or bit extender. I have heard if you put the bit kit in with the bits facing the belt side it doesn't catch as much. I also wish the rachet driver came in black. Definitely something I have on or near me in the truck every day. I have all the full-size tools, but so often, you can just pull out a good multitool and do a job without hunting down the right tool or climbing down the ladder or whatever. I think it is totally worth it
In $🇨🇦 I have purchased new a Skeletool RX, Rebar, ST 300, Bond (redux 2024) and a Micra (or 2) for the same price as one ARC OBSIDIAN in $🇨🇦. So for me even with a Magnacut blade it is not worth it. Just my opinion, to each their own.
Great content.🤘
For what it's worth, I only picked up the obsidian because it wasn't that much more than a regular arc. I've carried the Charge TTI since 2018 and very recently checked out new models.The fit and finish on the Obsidian is second to none. The action of deploying the pliers is comparably crisp to using a balisong.
I just got my Obsidian yesterday. I was so excited and couldn't wait to open it, but… shortly after opening it, I was utterly disappointed. Starting with the sheath. There was already a stretch mark that cracked exposing the underlayer on the bottom left corner. The snap button is mounted about 8mms to the right. The leather is thin, it looks and feels cheap, and there is not much weight to it. They might as well not include one. I don't see it lasting more than a month on normal use. I’m probably not going to use the sheath anyway, but now I’m definitely not going to use it. That’s beside the point. What happened to quality?
At first glance, the Obsidian looked great and it functioned well but upon closer inspection, the fasteners holding the plier head to the handles were mismatched! One side was black and the other side was champagne colored. 🤦♂️ come-on man! Are you serious? Who the hell is in charge of quality control? I feel like they are not taking their craft seriously. This might be my last Leatherman. They need to get their act together.
Really?!?!! They missmatched the pivots??
@@maxlvledc Yes, I have pictures to prove it. The first thing I did was to call customer support. I wasn't going to complain about the sheath but since I’m calling them anyway, I might as well. I sent them pictures and now waiting for a reply.
@@kennethyuen9849 they should replace immediately lol
@@kennethyuen9849 I'm curious to see how they handle this!
it's cool enough that I wish I could trade my arc in for it, but I'm not a collector and it's still as great as ever, so I'm afraid the obsidian's out for me
Those tale of the knives carriers are awesome
I’d buy a 420c stainless arc. Maybe.
The off brand tools are looking better everyday
Love my p4 though. Hard to move on
Try the SQT. It's only $45. If you don't like it, give it away. Either way, you will not be sorry.
@@charlesheller5767 thanks but not really the same. The way I use my tool at work, I need the one hand option with all tools on the outside where I can use gloves to grab the tools.
Looks way better in your video than online pics. Now I almost want to buy one. 😂
I have to disagree with your final claim here. I love your channel. I love Leatherman. I've owned one since I was 15. I've had at least 1, usually more than 1, on my person every day for years. Everyday I have a surge and squirt ps4 at work. yes, regular non-collector consumers *feel* left out, but they aren't. not in this regard. I own the Arc and the 40 Year Special, which is essentially an Arc but with a White/Bronze colorway. I love them both. the tier one model you want already exists. You just described the FreeP4 and FreeP2. no, they're not exactly the same, but the fundamentals, the one handed implements, the full 420hc body, the "free series" gray sheath. the P4 and P2, which i personally dislike, are the tier 1 models, and they're in the price range you described, and the tier 1 models are always released before tier 2 and tier 3. in this case, they were released a couple years before the tier 2 and tier 3. I love your work, and I value your opinion, but I have to disagree with you here, on this singular claim. I agree that the Arc and this new Arc colorway are collectors only, you're preaching to the choir. like I said, I have the 40 year special, and a bunch more. thanks again, keep up the great work
the P2/P4 has not been available on Leatherman.com for more than a year now, I've heard its now finally back on amazon. But I can say for a fact the P4 is NOT a budget version of an arc. No Large file (Diamond), no bit driver, no Precision bit holder. Quite a bit different.
I have the Leatherman charge ti. Love it it's almost to nice to use lol. I think it's the best Leatherman multi tool.
Actually, I think they worked on everything on this tool. I am very happy with how the tool came out. This is how they all should be.
It loooks almost like my beloved P4. The difference even in utility I don’t find so huge to justify buying the Arc.
"it sits nicer" (thick leather ones). I like that you brought that up. It's a good design measure: how well does it sit?. It would have been better without the bit kit slot. I'm not mad they made this celebration of the ARC. Looks like they finally got their process tuned in on the tool itself.
So, I enjoy multitools and "budget" watch collecting. It's interesting to me that a watch (which only has a single true function) with decent specs at $270 is considered extremely economical to that community, but this tool is considered a luxury collector's item for rich people to the EDC community... My Arc was a gift from my wife, and I honestly enjoy it as much as any watch I own. I think Leatherman identified a niche in the market for people who prioritize the fit and finish above straight function, a multitool doesn't have to only be a rough and compromised collection of tools.
I cannot agree with you more. I bought the obsidian and it’s a really cool looking tool. It functions the best out of any Leatherman I have bought out of the box. The sheath is garbage. One sleeve of the bits is an insult as well. Leatherman’s silence in the market is frustrating. They need to hire you on their marketing team
I had to ⏸️ the video to come & say I absolutely love this channel!
@@RyanErickson-g3v thanks!
Thought about buying it for 275$ did not want to spent the money luckily yesterday i could grab it for 233$. Still to much but i could get myself to do it.
I have an Arc and honestly I carry my P4 more. I like the beefy package opener/pry tool and I pocket carry so I dont carry extra bits. Plus the extra reach of the fixed Phillips driver. Only thing Im missing on the P4 is the real diamond file.🤷👊
I look at this and I think about car brands. Ford can sell you a car under 30k, but then they make the Lincoln brand and sell you one as well for 100k. This is the Lincoln of multi tools, not every needs one or wants one. But it exists for the select few that want it. I’m fine with my Wave+, going on a whole year now with one by my side and no need to upgrade.
The lack of communication from Leatherman has been a fundamental problem for years!
Could you do a video on how you clean and daily care for your Arc/Obsidian? As a first time quality tool owner, I'd really like to learn how to make my Arc last for a generation and it would be helpful to see someone else do it (as opposed to some of the written instructions I've seen online - I want to see it actually applied to a piece with 1. these materials and 2. at this price point). I definitely don't want to use the wrong chemical combinations, etc.
Hmm, good question..I'm not 100% sure myself
The free range makes every other leatherman look Stone Age by comparison. This Obsidian addition and the other semi limited editions which I am sure are to follow at $275 considering this tool is currently at the very top of the game seems quite reasonable ! Is it a workshop tool no, cost and magnets being an issue, buy a wave of that. But as an EDC for some people it’s the equivalent of a quality watch at a fraction of the cost.
Wish I'd seen this before I hit the order button. I bought the obsidian in large part because of the sheath. I'm still using my old New Wave sheath.
I want to see the Ti Charge with magnacut, replaceable wire cutters and spring pliers. That to me would be the ultimate tool.
Great review, thanks. (Leatherman has always been a marketing failure, they are manufacturers not marketeers!) I began collecting multitools in 1990 with the original Leatherman. At last count I have around 15 different Leathermans and 10-15 other competitor multitools. Through the years I collected, gifted, replaced, worked with, and now exited Leatherman. The Leatherman I like best is the Surge II or Blast (the least are all their sheaths with metal snaps, yuck!!). My disappointment with the brand began with the Free series. Probably won't return to Portland's original multitool company.
It seems as if they are just trying to get rid of over stocked bits that no one really uses (you mentioned something similar to this in a previous video). At least let us pick our own bit system for a premium tool like this!
Loved my P2 and how fidgety it was. Literally bought the Arc Obsidian because I wanted that same functionality but in black. Honestly, I don't like the champagne color and want to black it out but...that's a whole other expense, so there's that problem. Regrets? A little, lol.
Man I wish they had an arc that had the magnacut with no DLC. I'm still tempted by the base arc though
Couldn't have said it better myself. Ran into the same issues with my sheath, but mine might be even tighter yet. If I use a sheath and not the pocket clip, I will just use the sheath that came with my original Arc, but I shouldn't have to for this price.
I think the bit kit will work better the other way around in the case try it thanks for sharing this video with us 👍
Nah, makes it worse
It work's great for me🤔
Sheaths and bit kits are big parts of any multi tool. For more than $150 I want heavy leather and a decent kit. I'm glad I got my orange Wave years ago from Cabela's with a nice sheath.
There are two versions of the Bit Kit. The original contained an R2/R3 bit. I suspect they threw this bit in because they had spares, akin to their saying the quiet part out loud when they released Garage Batch 003: Parts.
You also didn't mention that this set includes both and R1/R2 bit and a R2/R3 bit, doubling up on a drive size that doesn't exist in the country that Leatherman is from and functionally only providing you 8.5 bits because the R2 side is a duplicate even if you are from specifically Canada and have a use for it.
1 word but over and over again....FLEX FLEX FLEX.... My leatherman in the draw... ond the gerber amd the Sog...
FLEX win win win... I can get 3 FLEXs AND spare bits !!! For the cost if this over hyped thing ! No brainer.... 😊
I would not pay that for a multitool. I rather buy another Supertool 300 in black to mod with my Surge like I saw you did in one of your videos which then I can mod to my liking and still will be a lot cheaper then the regular ARC, I’m just saying… As always another great video #Maxlvledc.
When they let me know that the Obsidian was available, it left me with the impression that Leatherman is tone deaf. At least they discontinued the G10 Charge+. :))
I suspect that Leatherman assumes the customer knows to remove the pocket-clip in order to use the sheath.
Why would any tool need a clip if it's secured in a sheath?
IMO, the ARC should only be looked at if you're looking to upgrade your Wave/Clone and none of the Free line quite hits the benchmark for your tool needs.
With the yearly discount offered to various groups you can get a Surge plus the full bit set and still come out cheaper than the base ARC. Fully kitted out with the extended driver or ratcheting driver (if it ever reappears), carbide breaker and/or replacements, I find this to be a more compelling value for around 160-170 dollars. The only real pull to spend more on the ARC is the knife, which is better, and the FREE technology and potential fidget factor. That's a tough sell when you get so much more tool for cheaper.
Could not agree more to your views. I just want an updated Wave+ and surge that have their tools accessible from the outside when closed. I don't need any fancy steels for the blades, I don't need another colour variation of the signal, and I certainly don't need a $275 ($375 here in Canada), pretty tool. It looks cool yes, but it is way too expensive and niche to be something they are spending so much of their focus on.
A good leather sheath/carrying case would further increase the price - so I would figure that most of the $45 extra cost went into that leather case it came with. Something as simple as it came with could cost at least $30. @$20 for material (1 square foot)and $10 for the labor sounds right enough. Rest is for coating, I’m guessing.
Thanks for the review. 😊
*ITS OFFICIAL!!!!!!!!! AS OF 1:07PM EST TIME THE LEATHERMAN OBSIDIAN HAS SOLD OUT!!!!!!!!! GGS TO ALL WHO GOT 1.*
*THE SOULESS DISGRACES ALREADY WANT 500+ DOLLARS SO SO COMICAL.*
*8/////*
@@mgtowanonymous3120 oi
I agree with you that I wouldn't have a problem with the collector focused releases if there were also budget/paired down releases to go along with it. Even the base level ARC is really expensive, and it seems like Leatherman thinks that people looking for a useful tool at a good price are not a market that is worth spending any innovation, time, or money on. They can just crank out the Wave design that has barely changed in 20 years to the everyman while focusing on providing new tools to their collector customers that will pay top prices and be repeat customers.
Sure glad I got my P2 when I did! $heesh cool review!
I look at my out of warranty SuperTool in it's leather sheath and then to the ARC. What the hell happend, Leatherman?
Discussing the logic behind the inclusion of the cheap sheath and bit kit reminded me of an analogy to the manufacturers of high end outdoor boots that are commonly found priced in the $400+ range. They usually include cheap insoles and many savvy buyers that use their boots daily then must go and purchase aftermarket insoles for another $30.00 (purchasing a new pair of 'Superfeet' was our common practice with each new set of boots). I'd love to be a fly on the wall in the boardroom when the high paid exec's give the reasons why saving a few pennies on the bundled accessories is done. Could it be perhaps they feel it will stimulate the sales of further accessory items that will support exponential profit margins similar to the original item?
The SwissTool Spirit X comes with a leather pouch that has the good slot for the accessory and the ARC would fit in that. I think it's Brown only tho, D.
Hi max!! In my humble opinion, if I take care of my tools it will take care of me!!! The obsidian is way too expensive. I’m wondering in which direction is leatherman going? I feel like they don’t really care about the blue collar workers anymore!!!
@@Hector-vx5yc They just don't care, period. My Obsidian came with mismatched fasteners (color-wise), and the sheath sucks. It feels like a money grab.
@@kennethyuen9849 wow!! I’m so sorry!! To spend $275 on a product that you are not happy with..?!🤯 I had a gut feeling about that!! Thank you so much for sharing, I’m definitely NOT getting one!!
Ok,... who was it who wrote to Leatherman on their small batch hand-made artisanal paper with their rose gold ceracote microtech pen and asked for a fancier more exclusive and more expensive Leatherman ARC? I have some property on the moon to sell you.
Would have been nicer to have a matte black leather and champagne color stitching to mirror the tool.
Or alternatively a unique color leather like the original wave sheath or something to complement the Champagne highlights.
Basically either mimic the look of the tool or make it its own unique sheath that looks like no other.
I also agree that the compact folded sheets are better than the ones that flare out.
Been waiting for this
I am just an observer of tools and tech but i dont understand the "made in US" trait as if that is an advantage. This tool for example looks awesome but the sheath and bit holder are not top rate by any standard. So to me a snart business sticks to making what they are good at.and if that means the sheath is made in Europe and the holder in Asia so be it. Its impossible to be top dog at everything.
So maybe a perfect multitool looks like:
Tool : made by leatherman
Sheath- top leather maker
Bit holder-whia
I dont know anything about leather so I have no idea what company you'd have make that. But then Leatherman could sell it and maybe the other companies could sell it too I don't know how they would do the profit sharing or the revenue sharing but that's up to them.
I think the mistake that businesses have made in the US consistently over years and years maybe even hundreds of years is is not collaborating with other businesses in other countries or even in the US. It's always an US versus them. and I remember this is when I was younger probably in high school or maybe in college carrying about the Japanese car companies and how instead of competing against each other they were actually sharing technology. And I just remember thinking how that's so unheard of here in the US in that competition is the best thing for for the consumer. And I think over the years that's proven to be totally false. And probably led to some of the unethical practices that some of these companies have. And I would probably even include Apple and Microsoft. When are the things about technology did I learned early on is most programmers or developers believe in open source in the technology should be widely available not limited.
So I wish other businesses would share these kind of the principles. That is probably a pipe dream but hey we can hope
I just got an Obsidian today. The frame still flexes like chinesium and the blade came dull AF just like my original Arc. It also took forever to sharpen, which means that they still haven't put a real heat treat on the thing. I won't be surprised if the cutters break the first time I cut fence wire like the ones on my original Arc did either (even my Center-Drive's bunk ass carbide cutters didn't break on fence wire). Two Arcs, two fails. It's a crying shame. The Arc would be ideal for my motorcycle's onboard kit if it had any sort of decent build quality. The "leather" sheath is trash too. It is a sweet looking tool though, I'll give it that much. Yank the clip and it'll go right in the sheath
In Canada while including sales tax, the Arc Obsidian is $431, the standard Arc is $345. And they don't even include one of the bit kits that makes you spend another $47. Thats a hard pass for me the Wave+ works just as well
If the Surge was offered with an improved blade such as the magnacut, I would happily pay more for it than the Arc.
one of many potential surge upgrades.
regular Arc in europe = 300 euros :) nice for a tool :) thanks leatherman for your "fidget tool who cant cut anything and broke the cutter if it's not in the right tight spot" :)
I think the MUT is actually still more expensive. I have the original ARC and it works just fine for me.
As a regular jo the wave black oxide is at the top of my price range. I'll stick with that. Leatherman is marketing more towards fancy tools and collectors. Not the average jo citizen anymore
Pass
275$ saved for a bandsaw
in all honesty if they brought back the Squirt in this configuration with torx screws I would get it immediately, no hesitation.
Brother that's how all the Gerbers come and I know you know this. That's the ONLY LM I've ever seen with that action and I wouldn't assume they come that way. My 1985 PST has that action, but all the little tools are useless.
I’m trying to buy the arc as a Christmas gift for my dad. I’m considering the normal arc with 30% student discount and the Obsidian with 15% insider discount (the student discount code is not applicable for the Obsidian, unfortunately). Do you think the Obsidian is worth it at 15% less?
If you can get 30% off go with regular one for sure
You know… I bought the Arc…I think I still like my Free P4 better. It feels more solid and durable to me. To me the Arc is now my fancy tool I will barely use.
Funny! You think 275 USD is expensive. We pay 300 USD for the regular ARC in Germany. ;) But I still love my one!
I'm waiting for the "P2" version of the Arc. No saw or file little slimmer and lighter. Bit more EDC friendly.
doubt it will come, but who knows.
I could have gotten an Arc....chose to get an ST300 because I knew I would inevitably baby an insanely expensive Leatherman Arc
Its not like this was 450 dollars in some countries (mine included) to begin with. Cant wait for the next multitool from LM that will finally cost more than a flagship smartphone.
it gotta be really good to get me away from a surge.
5:53 I want more info about the cutter blades from Poland. Does anyone have a link?
I made a video on this
The links in that video are no longer good. The guy must have stopped making them?
@@doughappel4886 same here.
I found the video from maxlvledc after I made that comment. Those links are broken.
Now I want those cutters.
I do sound engineering. I cut and splice wires at least 20 times per day. I want that polish upgrade that were mentioned.
I don’t mind the stock cutters, but I’ve replaced them twice;; and that’s not bad as much as I use my Arc.
I’m always on the search for better tools.
Turn the bit kit around with smooth side facing in. This was simple to figure out.
nope, still catches on the lock tabs. But good idea.
thanks for 15% news!
Yeah... I remember when the best one was around 70... heck with leatherman... going to do a roxon or sonething
Guys, Leatherman in my opinion have got this right, the market has changed ! Traditional blue collar customers are buying imported clones while at the same time bitching about wages and the US loosing manufacturing jobs, go figure ! While the upstart EDC groups cover a wide spectrum which includes a large section of premium item purchasers. Leatherman seems to have waited until the regular ARC sales started to flat line before releasing the obsidian, big news and revived sales in I suspect a largely premium EDC market. Given time these will also no doubt slow and what’s the betting then they will release one or even two slightly more budget friendly models, maybe even G10 and other models, they are going to milk this, catering to the now more ARC familiar and accepting market ! Let’s face it Leatherman are never again going to compete in the budget tool markets again unless in desperation they transfer manufacturing abroad given US costs. So why not play to their strengths and cater to the US growing perceived premium entitled market.
I got one. I’m sort of a collector, tho, so I wasn’t too bent out of shape about it.
Don’t know why someone that isn’t in to collecting them would pay the premium, tho
Any idea / insight on why their sales aren't available on the European website ?
Nor is the obsidian btw .
Talk about neglecting potential customers eh !
no idea...
Even if Leatherman prices these things at $500 (I hope they do) someone will buy. Status item
I picked it up during the insider sale for $207. If you ever want to part with the Mr. Crunch Dom, I would give you double what you paid for it 😂😂😂
yea.....noooo, they are $4000 atm lols!
@@maxlvledc it’s Insane but they screwed people over with Garage 007. I’m sure people like myself broke away from work to get orders in thinking they would sell out in minutes and it’s a month later and they are still selling it. It’s also the only one they don’t state how many they are making. Feels very shady
It's called a Robertson bit , not a Robinson bit ! Also your Leatherman charge plus has Rust on the file ! 😅
Any link where you got the replacement wire cutters for the plyerhead?
I did a whole video on this. ua-cam.com/video/rXuaUQYnO_g/v-deo.htmlsi=j4DlGEY-Jqflcq7l