Leatherman Darkside
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- Опубліковано 4 жов 2024
- The Leatherman Darkside is the second edition tool from the Leatherman Garage. Based on the Leatherman Charge series of tools it offers some features from a previous special edition Charge, the Tom Sachs SP Charge+. Some new features on this tool include the Diamond Like Coating, new two layered G10 handle scales, and a new pivot design for the main pliers. The new removable and adjustable pivot is the one feature that stands out with this tool. It has been suggested that this design was implemented to allow for the Diamond Like Coating to be applied evenly on the plier head. I tend to agree with that assessment. Though it has the added benefit of allowing the end user to adjust the tension on the pliers as well as the ability to disassemble the tool for routine cleaning and maintenance. Let's take a closer look at the Leatherman Darkside.
Leatherman is focusing too much on aesthetics and not functionality. I would love to see them come out with job-specific multitools.
Yes please! Remember when they had tools dedicated to like every sort of extreme sport? What happened to that!
Much like the gerber MP600 DET. A tool set for specific jobs.
Like a multitool for electricians.
One for fishermen.
One for outdoors bushcraft.
And many other fields.
Their current variants are merely just reiterations with the same toolsets. Nothing new and nothing much inovative.
just remember some people would prefer multi-tools that are not job-specific, some prefer a more well rounded tool.
Need one for theatre techs;
Locking pliers
OHO knife
Wingnut spanner
Flathead pry/driver
Zip tie scissors
Hammer for beating "talent" over the head
And of course a PVC tape dispenser 😅
@@marmite8959 I find that twisting zip ties with the pliers snaps them open
I wish they would implement the scale tools for all their multitools.
I know a lot of people don't like them and think they're gimmicky. Maybe they could just offer them as an option? As a former Vic user I'd love them
The aesthetics on this tool are absolutely stunning.
You don’t have it then, because mine is losing pieces of dlc coating and keeps getting scratched by opening and closing.
Really bad quality control from leatherman. Extremely disappointed.
You are joking! It's just a Wave!
Dope. I just feel like its been 15years they selling the same tool they just change name
So, after going to the trouble of creating a less-than-perfect way to implement a screwdriver that's, almost any screwdriver you want to carry... but they continue to put screwdrivers in their tools. At least they didn't forget to put a can and/or bottle opener into it...
I'm really hoping that Knipex notices the number of folks daily carrying their pliers and start making _just_ pliers (pump and wrench) with folding handles.
Knipex could literally put what's left of Leatherman out of its misery
Yep. I carry the little cobra pliers nearly every day.
The small wrench pliers fit in your pocket
I live them they are good for surprisingly big bolts too
The only "experimental" design feature of this tool is the serviceable plier head. I too would like to see it as the future of Leatherman plier heads. The scale tools were probably leftovers from the NASA tool production and the scales could be put on any Charge, not worth the premium price. I could make some in my garage lol.
yeah same, not really wort it , same with the mr. crunch, they seem cool , but are just a way to charege more for a less functional tool
Really great tool. Love the adjustable pliers, the look, and all the scale tools. If it wasn't a garage release I feel it would have gotten a more positive reception.
You’re probably right.
Still the absolute best multitool reviewer on UA-cam.
That is a great looking leatherman. I love the extra handle tools and the pivot adjustability.
Kinda funny how leatherman can’t get their stuff together for the Q.C. On the plier pivot so they go to an adjustable pivot. Meanwhile victorinox is laying back drinking beers
I've owned 4 swisstool spirit x, and 2 swisstools and all of them have play in the pivot, all line up differently at the tip, and half had gaps in the wire cutters.
3 of the 4 Spitits and both the swisstools have side to side play.
I don't know why guys act like Victorinox has such better QC or tolerances than Leatherman.
I don't know why guys
@@SuperSteelSteve I own 2 spirits and they’re both perfect. None of the tools have any play, plier pivot is tight but free swinging and the fit is perfect
@@Cooldibs like I said, went through 6. I've even still got pics and videos of all the play and gaps.
I even bought the new black oxide MBX (one hand deployed straight and serrated blades) and the plier heads have play too. Tools are pretty solid on one side.
I don't think I'm special or am just having bad luck. I'd be willing to bet nearly every one has play.
@@SuperSteelSteve dude that sucks! Have you ever tried contacting them? Maybe I’ve just gotten lucky😂 are your sprits newer ones or are they older ones?
@@Cooldibs newer. Over the last year or so.
I didn't contact them because I thought my first was a dud... then the second... then the third lol.
I just kept returning them and getting a replacement hoping I'd get a solid one.
The tool is great, but the QC and tolerance everyone talks about I just don't see. For me both victorinox and leatherman have the same issues.
I love the adjustable pliers.
Thanks Leatherman. I now trust Victorianox more and will continue purchasing their products over yours now.
Leatherman specifically said on their website that they wanted to focus on bumping up the aesthetic presentation of their tools with the Darkside. Unfortunately, this poses the double-edged sword dilemma of the knife enthusiast world- people will gladly fork over hundreds, if not thousands of dollars for a pretty knife made out of nice materials that they are then completely unwilling to use because of the price.
I agree with other comments on job-specific multitools. In my opinion, there are basically two kinds of multitools that can exist. General-purpose tools that have a little bit of everything, and specific-use multitools for addressing one kind of job. You’ll never sell as many specific-use multitools, but you’ll get a stronger fan base if it’s made properly.
If Leatherman Garage really wanted to wow the multitool enthusiast world, they would leave an open-ended survey asking “What activities (hobbies or work) do you use hand tools in?” Then pick a popular category that hasn’t been focused on before and make a brand new multitool around that.
Guitar maintenance/customization
Kayaking
Skydiving
Robotics
Art craft projects
Gardening
Nursing
Teaching/Education
Something VERY new that will force them to completely rethink how a multitool can/should be designed.
Some good suggestions for target groups, but judging by the Darkside Leatherman won’t be acting on any of them. This all seems to be a smarmy marketing exercise.
Totally agree! For example I do cycling, every cyclist carry tools on every ride to adjust and fix stuff by the roadside. But the cycling world have its own set of toolbrands, like Pro, BBB and Park Tools. Would love to bring a Leatherman on my rides.
I’m actually surprised they never made a cyclist tool. The had a tool for surfers but not cyclists, how does that make sense?
I seriously doubt that anyone is going to buy these gimmicky limited editions and actually use them - they're being produced for collectors, just like Snap-On's gold-plated ratchets a few years ago, or the new Victorinox 1897 replica officer's knife (a snip at £390). I'd be more interested in Leatherman coming up with something, uh, useful.
Yay! He’s back!
Looks just like my blacked out leatherman wave + besides the g10
I missed out on this one that thing is slick
Shame. They base a design off the Charge series but don't even include it's most appealing feature (vs the Wave, in my opinion): the hook on the back of the serrated blade.
When I first got a Charge TTi I never though I'd really use that tool, but it's now in my top used tools for the thing.
Somewhere nutnfancy is rubbing himself wishing he had a Leatherman dark side
Just grabbed one Wednesday. $250. Nicer than the leatherman mr crunch. Have no use for the carbide scribe. Wish it had a hip clip
looks like a toy from here. I was wanting a newer one til I seen that handle flex. super tool still works fine after 25 years
Sick! I love the scales!
Mine just came the other day, and OF COURSE - ups left in on my porch in the rain…. Luckily wasnt out there too long. I’m debating on weather or not i wanna apply some leather conditioner to the inside of the case. Seems like it will certainly get brittle over time. Gotta be honest - my Waves feel much better in the hand. Kinda wondering if the regular charges feel like this also. I was considering buying a black/black oxide Charge to add to the family.
I have a TTI , a surge and a Wave
Both the surge and the wave feel more rigid
The way they did the scales on the charge TTI is just weaker than the folded steel of the wave
I wish they just machined the handles of the TTI out of a single block of titanium and charge the extra 100,-
@@maxgainz8406 i agree with the wave / surge feeling much more sturdy. I had a Surge till i left it at work by accident a few years ago and some asshole stole it. The Darkside doesnt feel anywhere near as sturdy and rigid as the wave. I have the Free P4 too, and I’m honestly kinda forcing myself to carry it over my wave. I HATE that Leatherman doesnt offer it in a black oxide version. Theres far more engineering in the P4 - but really doesnt offer anything over the Wave (beside the “new and cool” factor) - and again, the Wave is more comfortable to hold and use.
I was debating on getting this Dark Side. I figured I would lose out on getting one considering the low production numbers…. so I bought one of the last Mut’s I could find as I have a need for it. Glad I did as this dark side does not appeal to me. I like being able to adjust the head but everything else seems gimmicky. I almost have enough money left over to get a Vic clip. I always wanted to try a Vic. Thanks for this inital review. Always enjoy them.
i can vouch for the Spirit Swisstools
The MXBS model looks really good, i got a "butterknife" model currently, that blade is wicked sharp, best serrated blade i have ever tried
The Leatherman garage is turning out to be just as dumb as I thought it would be. They are releasing stuff that should have been integrated in the original versions a long time ago for double the price in limited edition runs that scalpers buy up, and sell for 5x the original price. Somehow it's worse than sprint run knives; they only get put up for 2x the original price.
Fun stuff...
Yes! This is literally nothing more than the Wave with extra steps. Super disappointed.
You are right. Instead of calling this a "Darkside", they should call it what it really is, a "Wave, MK 3".
Nothing new. Same old same old, with a bolt together pliers.
I agree, and I would say we are in the majority. When they posted on instagram, I ripped them a new hole on their shitty business practice and was the top voted comment by far. They don’t care about their fans anymore. Not the ones that actually use their tools as tools
Have you seen a two tone G-10 liner like in other tools or product? I've machine G-10 before, that is pretty thin, how do they keep it straight and flat?
I have never had the need to adjust tension on any of my leatherman tools. I have also not ever desired a black coating. I'm not sure who the market is for this.
a huge percent of recent leatherman pliers come with suuuper stiff plierheads, usualy its the black coatet tools that get it worst.
Some are so tight you need to pry them open with a screwdriver, i have seen some people having to lab them with grindingpaste to get them in a working condition.
Its almost a "thing" having to fidget with the pliers on new tools for a few hours to get them working now..
I kinda feel like they could.of done more honestly
What would you have liked to have seen?
@@txtoolcrib I really would of liked to see some new interior tools or changed up ones, the pivot is cool but the scale tools just arnt super innovative, people mod these and add tools all the time I'd really love to see like a big change, something really cool or useful in the tools
This would be great at $125 and it would be perfect if it included removable tools to take it apart.
scale texture pattern is off (angle of the pattern doesnt match on both sides). blue coloring on scale doesnt match blue on case. I would send it back.
Seems like a missed opportunity to switch to a more moldable polymer scale material and not include integrated bit storage. It would also mean thicker scales which would make up for the reduced stiffness. Also odd they would tinker with anything on the blade-heavy wave/charge platform and neglect making the diamond file removable to help touch up those blades.
Hey Ben - commenting here because there isn't a better place to leave this. I'm guessing you got the email about Garage release #3 later this month with the picture that appears to be two different knife blades. I thought I'd let you know that there are probably quite a few of us who'd enjoy listening to any speculations you've got based on that picture. To get a little wild here, I'm wondering if #3 isn't going to be a classic multitool but something that's primarily knife-based rather than pliers-based, and the picture suggests perhaps that this release might have interchangeable blades. I can think of a very small number of folding knives over the years that had interchangeable blades but I think I'd have enough fingers left to drink a beer if I started counting those knives on my fingers. (Time for some Google searching on that topic, maybe.). Looking forward to anything you've got to say on this one!
The Garage series is no different than the sleazy business practice spyderco has with sprint runs. It gets products into scalpers hands and they sell it for a premium because they were there first. The dark side sold out in less than 4 minutes, if that, and half an hour after it was launched, they were already populating on eBay for 800-1000$. Any company that appreciates their fanbase wouldn’t do this, and would go the route of gerber or benchmade with their custom shop where you can choose what materials and colors you want on a knife. Leatherman has become a hollow shell of what they used to be, and it’s sad to see. Stuff like this is why I am selling all my leathermans, and moving to better companies.
what do you think of the garage #5 spring loaded pliers?
I wish my free p2 had this plier head. I'm always dealing with it tightening up
Does somebody know wheter the serrated blade is also s30v if the plain edge is?
It is 420HC.
I REALLY wish Leatherman would machine different style cutter blades as an accessory, that work like standard diagonal cutters instead of these bypass cutters which i hate.
they "almost" do, look at the replacement EOD cutters, they are still bypass but they are a heck of a lot sharper than the normal boltcutter style ones.
TX tool crib has a video on them.
@@ItsBoyRed already have em.
@@kctyphoon oh well, there you go i guess : /
MaxLvlEDC did a video where he modded some Klein Blackfire pliers to be real sidecutters, sadly they are no longer made but the video is still worth a watch
Shitty scales and FOMO cashgrab bullshit aside, they absolutely MUST bring the screw pivots over to every other tool in the future.
The DLC is nice, but not something I would opt for. I like the scale tools. I agree 100% on the pivot.
@@txtoolcrib The scale tools themselves are pretty nice, I agree. Especially the scribe. Might even justify its own internal slot.
But I'm very much not a fan of the G10 material. The DLC is eh, it being there or not wouldn't affect my purchase.
Thanks for the closer look.
The pliers after the "Garage" -beta test will trickle down to other models.
Will the pocket clip work
$250 for a dressed up charge? Hard pass from me
$1,999.99 on eBay prices!! 💥💥💥💥💥😃😃😃😃🤤🤤🤤
There's one on eBay for sale for $595. Several under $650.
Who the hell actually uses the Micro-driver on their Leatherman?...... Optometrists?
How do we get notified about these Garage tools? By the time I heard about this one, they were already sold out
I'm willing to bet that Leatherman has a mailing list you can sign up to for emails about new releases.
Sign up for their mailing list.
Don't worry. Just buy a Wave. Same thing....
@@Billhumphreys3370 Surge*
What is the cost?
$250.00!
@@CrowManyClouds About the price of a G10 or TTi here in europe.
Sold out. Unless you pay ebay prices
Leather case needs some Obenauf, awfully dry leather
I just think Leatherman is just running out of tools options
So it's worse than a reskin?
Reduced functionality, low QC, aesthetic changes that end up reducing product quality....
LM has a tendency to ask an arm and a leg for this kinda stuff. Looking at you NASA-Surge.
How is this tool reduced functionality or low QC?
Niche market at $250.
Really $250 for una wave dark??jajaja, leatherman for collection it's ok, but to work, I think there are other cheaper options and work same, I have leathermans, gerbers and sog, so, leatherman can be more beautefull, but yo works I prefer other Mark...good vídeo...congratulations
ADD AN AWL!!!
@@B_L_Smith no mini screw driver. Also, I think spirts are missing either the serrated edge, saw, or file, and I don't think their straight edge blade is as good as the leatherman. Unlike the leatherman, the bits don't attach to the tool itself, they attach to a separate bit holder. Finally 3d bits are nice, but when the bits are 2d, you can carry more of them and they take up less space.
@@B_L_Smith If I wanted to and if sold separately, I could get the victorinox set and use it with my charge+ The blister thing won't happen if your are careful. I never said the spirit was poorly designed tool nor did I say it was a piece of junk. I doubt very much that anything Victorinox makes is junk. I am sure the spirit is a good tool. I just prefer the wave/charge+, I would prefer it even more with an awl(and I believe a lot of people agree with me on that).
I really cant see where Leatherman are going with their tools now a days? What a pointless model! Is this for a collection? Is this what the future holds for Leatherman?
I think they seem to have lost their way, over the last few year's!
What about a replacement for juice models?
seems like leatherman is never gonna make a good tool again.
This is ridiculous as being in the garage. Leatherman is trying to milk peoples money with Leatherman garage with their prices. This tool in particular has little to no difference. Disappointing and they are going down a bad path. Make true beta versions in the garage. Don’t sell me the same thing with a slight “enhancement” - put that in your next production line. Smh 🤦🏻♂️
Rebar is so much better then this darkside
Leatherman's design team is really circling the drain. This is nothing but an overpriced wave plus. Another model given to certain people.
So another over glorified “Gucci Charge+ / Wave+” …..I’ll stick to my LM Surge
Bye leatherman, im going to Victorinix
Bye!
Just another mediocre Wave clone.
These are convenient in some situations but never a real tool .
Just open the damn box! Jeeze🤦♂️
You know how to operate fast forward don’t you?
Next up from the Leatherman Garage.....the Leatherman SUCK! It does a quarter of the stuff the WAVE does it costs ten times as much and there are only 100 available!!!!