The New Leatherman ARC and 5 Things I Hate About It

This thing has real potential it overall this is my first impressions and a few things I can’t stand about it already.

[nickedcr]

The charge is a premium wave
The arc is a premium free p4

[kstogie]

I think it should be pointed out that the Arc is an upgrade to the Free series (the Free P4 in particular), not the Wave. The Free series is designed to be easily one hand operable for all of the implements, and the design choices reflect that. The pocket clip is placed so the tool can pull out and the knife opened with one hand without having to flip the tool around. The thumb stud used because it makes it easier to deploy the knife than the hole. Sure, they could have included the ruler, but it's next to useless anyways as far as an accurate measuring device goes.

If you like the Free series and have money to burn on Magnacut, then this tool may be for you. If you don't like the Free series, this is probably not the upgrade you are looking for, for your Wave, Charge, etc.

[toolinedc]

Ok, please give me one example of having the shorter blade being a problem ? Did you actually had to cut something and you weren't able to do it because of that slighlty shorter blade ? (Why do you guys always complain about everything ??) Do you even use you multitool ?

[tomfaranda]

No ruler? That is a little loss - surprising how often I've used on my waves

[fredeschen]

I hear the cutters are breaking and the notch is annoying. I’ve never used one of those rulers. I’d like to get one if they improve the wire cutter.

[mike_qbik]

I hear the ARC is sharp on the edges, P4 has much smoother edges. Can you confirm?

[Braindoner]

Remember guys, this is why we don’t do preorders. They get your money and you get a product you may/may not be happy about. Wait for the company to work the kinks out, then buy a later generation…like Sigs.

[slayersboxer]

debated for a week whether i should get a arc or a charge plus black, went with the charge plus, more time tested and i just love the way it looks.

[diezelle]

I don't recommend using the Leatherman Charge+ as a hammer, obviously. You forgot to mention that the thumb stud allows for quick opening by pulsing. Many buy blade opening systems to be able to open them when wearing thick gloves, etc. Finally, the Leartherman Arc has the new wire cutter which is very bad.

[Braindoner]

Oh, I just learned the wire cutters tend to crack. Something you might want to check on your Arc.

[lloydwee]

There are many tools out there. Choose your tools wisely. I chose the Arc over my TTI

[JC_]

It reminds me of what some car brands like Jeep have done. going from rugged, no nonsense utility vehicles built to last, to trying to become more like luxury products that are less useful and more fragile. too much emphasize on things like the fidget factor. Considering the price point, i guess it seems obvious this is more of an expensive toy than a tradesman’s work tool meant to be put through the ringer. the surge and swisstool still reign supreme imo.

[kevola]

I agree with your thumb stud on the blade observation but I find putting a hole in the file to be an equally dumb mistake.🇨🇦

[appleztooranges]

My take on things I don’t like after owning the arc and 35 other Leatherman multitools;
1) no ruler
2) feeling of the arc. Seems slick
3) pliers. Don’t like the bulky look. Hard wire cutters failing on a lot
4) thumb stud should have been implemented on both sides
5) small size awl

[gingebrien]

A great video. Hate the clip & thus removed it. And albeit you can sort of flip it one the handle locks down in plier form the ability to flip is gone. Last but not least the concept of one hand use is only got the outside blade it file. Maybe it’s me but getting the other tools out is more difficult
And yes sad the ruler is gone. Is it worth the $240. Not really.

[CuttingBoardRx]

100% agree with every point you made in this video! Combined with your earlier excellent assessment of MagnaCut being a jack of all trades and master of none, I am firmly convinced that Leatherman has produced a very gimmicky product. Also, the more I learn about proper sharpening, the more I find the thumb studs to be a huge throw back because they always get in the way. Thanks for saving me $200+

[Walkingman.]

Yea the thumb hole is better than a stud, even in Emerson’s like the snake.

[jamesholding]

There's definitely some problems that are just now hitting the net and it's unexcusable for a $230 multitool. Leatherman will have to remedy these soon.