Leatherman Freestyle

[2dividedby3equals666]

Leatherman could make a EvilDesigned Skeletool. He did a really awesome mod on it, only started liking these FreeStyle/Skeletool lyne because of his mods!! Great review man, take care!!

[Jackup460]

I'd love to take the Skeletool's handle with the screw drivers bits and swap it on my Freestyle.

[DOTCurrency]

Thanks for the video i'm going to get skeletool

[alexrbanco]

In this video you say that if the freestyle had a bit driver it would be your perfect EDC knife. I have been carrying the Gerber Crucial for almost a year now and I think you should definitely check it out

[terrystouf]

Thanks for the review,Im considering a skeltool, I have to agree about the unnesesary carabiner,and about the usefulness of the driver,what about grinding the carabiner off and blending a curve at the end to maintain the bit cover?I dont have one in hand , so,Is that insanity , or does it seem do-able?I realize ones skill could make it ghetto or factory perfect.Thanks...

[1jump2many]

@terrystouf: It sounds like a good idea for a mod. Check out multitool(dot)org. There are a lot of mods members have made to various multitools.

[jhensley620]

Thanks for the help. I am buying one for my Husband. BTW he uses his wedding ring to open up bottles.

[ohnevergoingtoquit]

open a bottle with your teeth, cool party trick. bad news later

[pagant100]

Thanks very much you have helped me make my mind up,i agree with you about the everyday practicality of this tool,so its the CX for me with maybe a Screwpop on my key chain,thanks again for another concise review...

[scott762mm]

Ive been thinking about getting one to carry while im at work, and now im sold. Thanks for the info.

[viciousKev]

I like how you struck on the fact that you can use any flat edge to open a bottle. The lack of a screwdriver is a pretty big fault for my needs, though. Thanks for the comparison.

[1jump2many]

I'm sorry but I am not qualified to comment on the legality of the Leatherman Freestyle in your area. I would suggest you contact your local law enforcement or possibly Leatherman to find out the facts.

[TheRedline161]

The relevant law is found in the Prevention of Crime Act 1953. Section 1 (1) provides; That any knife that requires the push of a botton or any force of a object (no matter how small) is illegal (lock knife) . But it also states that a multi tool as long as proven to be of use in everyday life (job etc) is legal ( or have to have a good reason) This particular knife when stopped by the police i personaly would think would be conviscated but not sure any idea or experiences ? reply please

[mrdavincivideo]

1j2many-excellent review! Thanx for taking the time, you did an excellent job outling the pros and cons. What is your experience with Spyderco's m/t's? Would you consider doing a review on them?

[edschembri1]

very helpful video, thanks

[calebjohnfoster]

thanks, very informative

[keEinn45]

I like my freestyle. it's something I always have on me.

[entwistle14]

@keEinn45 do have the freestyle or the freestyle cx?

[1jump2many]

@entwistle14: Both. If you only want to get one, I would get the CX model. Better blade steel.

[tbombadil1]

I got the regular Freestyle a few weeks ago. This is my fourth or fifth Leatherman. I like the styling as an EDC knife with a small pliers but I'm not at all pleased with how rough the tool works. None of my other tools open as roughly as this one and I've worked and worked it. Is this because the "Made in USA" is no longer on the tool?

[tbombadil1]

I got the regular Freestyle a few weeks ago. This is my fourth or fifth Leatherman. I like the styling as an EDC knife with a small pliers but I'm not at all pleased with how rough the tool works. None of my other tools open a roughly as this one and I've worked and worked it. Is this because the "Made in USA" is no longer on the tool?

[tysondbailey]

Thanks for the vid

[TheJoshy1992]

are the pliers better or worse then the original pst pliers? Im just wondering because I dont like carrying around the pst, and the only things I really use are the knife and pliers anyway, if I need a screwdriver Ill use my SAK

[1jump2many]

@TheJoshy1992: I guess that would depend on what you want to use to pliers for. The PST pliers are more pointed and bit thicker. The swivel joint on the Freestyle is larger in diameter. The handles on the Freestyle are more comfortable than on the PST so you could put more leverage when crimping or cutting wire, imo. I collect MT's and have a lot of respect for the PST. The main difference between them for me is the PST is more needle nosed.

[TheJoshy1992]

@1jump2many Hey thanks for the quick response, I think I'm going to go out tommorow and buy a freestyle. I've been keeping an eye on it for a little while now, because Im looking for something light, that would be used for light tasks, but still had a good pair of pliers on it. After watching this video, and getting your opinion, I'm pretty set on it. Thanks alot.

[mustangfootball63]

Subscribe 

[QwAdr0x256]

^mac gyvers best friend ;)

[mahaoin]

NIce video! It will helps me a lot!!!

[dirtystrings]

Bought myself a skeletool cx for xmas.I love collecting too! The Freestyle looks awesome too! Great review!

[1jump2many]

@dirtystrings: If you like the Skeletool you'll have to buy the red one sold exclusively at REI, :-) It's just the Skeletool, not the Skeletool CX model, painted red. Be careful, collecting MT's is addictive, :-) Thanks for watching.

[solemneulinger]

i just got a leatherman freestyle and its awesome!!!!!

[JadedBeliever]

Great video! Just what i was looking for, thanks.

[ucmanne]

VERY nice!, i just ordered the freestyle from amazon, where i live its only legal if ur carrying a multitool compared to carrying a knife which is illegal, thanks alot!

[sharky0922]

great review, very clear and simple. thank you

[pspjunkie777]

what is YOUR favorite MT? victorinox or leatherman? which model?

im gonna get the skeletool cx.

[1jump2many]

@pspjunkie777: My favorite "all around" MT is either the Leatherman Charge TTi, Leatherman Old Wave or the Victorinox SwissTool Spirit X. I like the array of tools they have.

[cretinkiller9000]

@1jump2many i love the old wave its so much better than the new one

not a fan of the bit driver on the new ones

[1jump2many]

@cretinkiller9000: I like the scissors on the Old Wave much better too.

[VinceFull]

Nice review, but I don't see any logic reason to buy one of these when you can buy a much more capable MT with the Juice. Granted it looks cool, but that's pretty much it and, well, a more dedicated lockable blade.

[kpride220]

i hate combo edges as well but, this one's not too bad since the teeth aren't as jagged

[valk974]

Hey there, thx for the video, very useful !!

[ArsenaultMuzic]

Does it need to be broken in

[1jump2many]

@ArsenaultMuzic: Yes, they can be stiff when you first buy them. That is the case with all Leatherman MT's.

[next2thetracks]

Was about to buy a skeletool. Might just get the freestyle now. Thanks for the good review

[sabr686]

Thanks, this helped. Nice to hear from knowledgeable, practical experience.

[heratus007]

i didn't much cared for the carabiner on the skeletool so i am glad that they have gotten rid of it but the fact that it doesn't have a screwdriver[even a fixed one] is a real bummer

[KalConduitman]

just picked one up to carry with a victorinox champion

[andude3]

y dont you just cut it off

[deanznz]

I have an old PST too and I was surprised when you said the weight of the freestyle was 4.5 oz as the old PST is 5 oz with more tools on if for only 1/2 oz more. So I wondered how would you compare the two ? Also you could get the dremel out and do a custom cut job on the bottle opener on the skeletool... ha ha. Nice in-depth videos by the way.

[1jump2many]

@deanznz: I've never noticed there was so little difference in weight between the two MT's. Thanks for pointing it out. I just took the specs from Leatherman's web site. I've got 3 PST's. One I bought in 1990 and used the other two I stumbled across in stores that must have been "old stock". Thanks for the compliment. :-)

[bobfet1]

I just picked up the basic Freestyle today at Costco for $30, they had it packaged with a cheap holder and a small flashlight

[1jump2many]

@bobfet1: That is a good deal. If it was one of Leatherman's Serac model flashlights it would be a REALLY good deal. Thanks for the info.

[rainmechanic]

Cant get by without the bit driver....

[survivalkid5108]

I dont understand I got the free style for 39.99 and I can get the free style cx gor 5.01 more what do you mean 20 dollars more



[1jump2many]

You are confusing the Freestyle CX and the new 2010 Style CS. The Style CS is a keychain tool, similar in size to the Leatherman Micra. It sort of resembles a miniture Skeletool.

[survivalkid5108]

@1jump2many you could be right but the free style was 39.99 and I see the freestyle for 45.20 I dont know but I like your videos and are you stoping makeing videos or are you just busy?

[1jump2many]

Thanks for the encouragement. I don't make many videos. I usually only make a video on an item if I can't find a video on YouTube. I just do them to give others an idea of what the item is like before they buy it. For instance I was going to make a video of the new Leatherman Style and Style CS but after I bought them I noticed someone had made videos on them so I didn't. The last video I did was on the Victorinox Dual Pro X SAK.

[pdawg691]

i agree that the screw driver would have been a big + because mostly what i use on my MT are the screw driver and the pliers.

[zamo161]

Thanks for nice show :)

Regards from Poland

[undeknifable]

Apparently they have them for sale at Bi-Mart for about 18$! (I found my in Ashland, OR)

[merkava001]

too dramatic "i dont know why...." too much times

[TokyozzFinest]

should have made the clip on the skeletool removable

[TokyozzFinest]

you sir seem like a bad ass

[bombaybomber]

Can this be used as a keychain?

[tomfaranda]

Nice video, but the leatherman s2 has the pliers, a knife (not as good as the freestyle one), a good scissor and several drivers. Think I'll stick with it.

[arcticsquirrelmonkey]

not to mention that it just looks freakin menacing. awesome

[seesundae1]

This tool needs a lot of things. A bit driver for one - there's plenty of space where the carbon fiber/zytel is. A more ergonomic handle - while it fits your hand well for knife use, the pliers handle is "backward" from a traditional pliers handle, so you need sasquach hands to get any leverage when gripping larger items. The pliers "action" and the opening of the pliers are very resistant, like it needs serious lubing. And I pinched my hand with the handle while using the pliers.

[kyleismrsmiley]

I bought Sog power lock for it seems to be the beefiest one out there. I wanted the Swiss Mulltitool pliers but it didn't look as strong. Still I hear people complaining how its too big, heavy or too many tools. But yeah I don't mind it.

Bummer to hear the freestyle doesn't have the bit component, Id get the skeletool but that clip/bottle opener makes it too bulky for a pocket. I'll keep my Kershaw 1620H3 with me for now.

[solotair]

fantastic video & comparison with the skeletool. What you highlighted and concluded is spot on the money - the freestyle with the screwdriver bits would make it perfect. I know which one I'm buying - glad you noted the difference on the blades between the CX & std. Thanks a lot mate

[GunzGonda]

first 3:30 mins was a waste of time... i didnt search freestyle to hear your personal opinion on the skeletool

[aknifecollector]

oh and what you called a choile is really called a spanish notch

[Kane5565]

They are the same thing, two terms for the same notch, it was originaly designed to stop a blade in a knife/sword fight from running the lenght of the blade to the weilders hand, and could also be used (if the choile was large enough) to trap an opponents blade. Later it was found usefull in createing a stop point for material being cut, helping to stop it from contacting the cutters hand.

[julimosi]

Great video,, best i have seen so far

[aknifecollector]

is there a pocket clip on this tool?

[1jump2many]

Yes, just like the Skeletool. I never noticed I failed to point that out until you brought it up. Thanks.

[jsp48080]

Thanks for the review. Totally agree...if it had the driver I'd get one immediately. I don't have the need for the corkscrew, 1" scissors, nail file, tweezers, etc. etc.

[13mschen]

freeplay- ha.

[zdamned1]

I was looking for exactly this video!

[beefnliver]

No screwdriver, huh? Bummer.

[justwyld]

great info! helped me with my decision!

Thanks!

[rwingsfan86]

30+ multi tools!!!

Send one my way!!! lol

[1jump2many]

That was the number back when I made this video. I have around 60 now.  :-)

[zigzagchris]

@1jump2many im in desperate need for one if ur willing to spare!! im poor

[primecreator]

Outstanding reviews. I've watched a few multi-tool reviews and your picture clarity and focus is the best I've seen. You have well considered analysis, without dragging out all the boring details, and you cover all the main points. Very helpful reviews. Thanks.

[PhillieBRidin]

just bought the freestyle cx today i'm lovin it so far but i wish it had the bit driver on it. i paid 59.99 a @ Cabelas i would say i got ripped off but i hate waiting when i order online 5/5=)

[8383lucky]

the caption was funny..thanks alot for the great review. I really like that freestyle cx with the better blade. i was also thinking of getting the skeletool cx as well. I like collecting them as well. But i do agree about the stand alone bottle opener. the lighter is just as easy to grab out the pocket

[1jump2many]

You probably already know this but just in case you don't, the Skeletool CX now comes with a 154CM plain edge blade instead of the 154CM combo edge blade. Actually right now it's harder to find the plain edge but they are finally filtering up through the older stock. I bought a Skeletool CX with the 154MC PE blade. I still like the FreeStyle better, I just wish it had a bit driver.

[edog82266]

This tool is too minimal for me but I think I would pair it up with some type of SAK . Nice review .

[meiklejohntheuesr]

This is a really good review, it was really helpful to me

[HuskyKMA]

Another possible reason for the carbon fiber is that it is very stiff and has a very high breaking strength. So when you are really going to work with those pliers, you don't have to worry as much as you would with the Zytel about the handles flexing or breaking.

Aside from that, thanks for the vid. I think I'm going to jump on the Freestyle CX and adopt it as my work tool.

[iDeallyst]

what camera are you using to record this?

great video

[1jump2many]

It's a Canon Powershot SD950IS and I have it set to Macro.  I think the lighting also has A LOT to do with the quality. Thanks.

[akaVrt]

Thx, man. Great review! You really help me to make a right decision and go directly to CX version of Leatherman Freestyle, not the cheaper one. Thx once more!

[janevski]

You answered my questions... thanks! I will be having a closer look next time I see one. This could be the multi-tool for me since most just turn me off by having way too many gadgets on them.

[1jump2many]

To my knowledge Leatherman only puts spring openers on their Key-chain multi-tools. The Freestyle is a Pocket-Size multi-tool.

[xxxxxxxx183]

why doesn't this multi-tool have a spring opener on the pliers? i actually decided not to buy this just for that reason.

[1jump2many]

They are two completely different multitools. The Wave has many more tools than the Freestyle CX. It all depends on what you think you will need to use. The Freestyle is more like a pocket knife to me. Small and fits in your pocket. I don't like to carry a multitool on my belt but keep one in my truck. It all pretty much comes down to your lifestyle. Good luck.

[tallicafan987654321]

i am going to buy this knife but on the side of the knife they should put in a bit driver and scissors. then that would be my ideal edc knife.

[Bierkameel]

Good review, after seeing this i'm going for the CX.

[carrotop1113]

what a tank. youre the best

[MIIBB]

Do u think you can unscrewl the parts of the pliers and just have the knife? Im just curious x] Thx great vid. I bought one. Great =]

[vincentvega0000]

thanks to your video i just bought the freestyle cx in our local store.

[SirFatFred]

nice!!!

[scotismydog]

great review! one question, though: is the blade the same length on the Frestyle and Skeletool?

[1jump2many]

Yes, the blades are the same size on both Skeletool and both Freestyle sizes. Both offer CX models which offer better blade steel, 154CM. The difference is the 154CM blade on the Skeletool CX is a combo blade. Although better steel, it looks exactly like the design on the 420HC Freestyle blade. The plain straight blade is only on the Skeletool model, not the CX. The blade style of the Skeletool models is flip flopped opposite the Freestyle models.

[gimepepe]

I believe the newer Skeletool has a plain 154 cm blade (they changed it)

anothet difference between the normal and the CX version is that the CX has a hard coating (tungsten)

[yukiotakata]

you video helped me a lot

thank you

[1jump2many]

My mission for this video is fulfilled. I'm glad you were able to take some perspective away from this video to help you make your decision. Cool :-)

[yukiotakata]

it helped a lot.

for a full scale multitool with a goodprice what you advises?

[1jump2many]

The Leatherman Wave is a good all around multi-tool. Another good one from Leatherman is the Charge TTi, but it's expensive. SOG Powerlock w/V-Cutter is also a great multi-tool. The cool thing about SOG is you can modify the tools to your liking. As long as you replace a tool with a like sized tool. So if you buy a SOG and wish it didn't have a file and had a V-Cutter instead you can buy just the V-Cutter and replace the File with it. Check out their web page.

[bluemonk35]

Great review, I wish like yourself that they did a freestyle with a bit drive.

[luvmykimber]

ive had mine(the cx)for about a month now and its hands down my favorite multitool.

[sebastyan9999]

some people say it's really dificult to clean the tool handles (skeleton and freestyle) because of the holes wich are dificult to clean

[1jump2many]

Not really. There are a couple holes that might be tight to get at, but nothing that a pipe cleaner can't get to.

[sebastyan9999]

thanks

[sebastyan9999]

thanks for this review, i really want this tool