Leatherman is perhaps the best-known brand in the world of multitools. I first got my hands on a Leatherman Wave 15 years ago, and despite the massive amount of use and abuse it's seen, the multitool functions just as well today as it did in 2010 (aside from a blade in need of sharpening).
While the Wave represents one of the brand's mid-tier offerings, the Leatherman Arc sits at the top of the pile as its flagship, tough-built model. Priced at $249 — double — that of the Wave, I wanted to find out if the extra cost is actually worth it.
Leatherman Arc like No. 1: Seriously durable design
It's hard to wear-test a multitool in just two weeks, but I did my best to simulate extreme situations, including performing a pair of drop tests from a height of 3 feet on to pavement. I did this both with the multitool closed and open positions. The result: Essentially no visible damage at all.
I also soaked the tool in water and allowed it to air dry overnight to check for rust. Similarly, nothing was present. It's worth noting that the primary knife blade features a fancy Magnacut steel blade, something not offered on lower-end Leatherman models. This high-quality steel has a reputation for excellent rust and tarnish resistance, edge retention and painless sharpening.
The frame and hardware are also stainless steel, while the handle is finished in a durable Cerakote ceramic coating.
Leatherman Arc like No. 2: Tools you'll actually use (including a hammer)
In all, the Leatherman Arc boasts 20 genuinely useful tools in one. Here's the official list:
- MagnaCut Knife Blade
- Needlenose Pliers
- Regular Pliers
- Large Bit Driver
- Small Bit Driver
- Diamond-coated File
- Wood/Metal File
- Pry Tool
- Replaceable Wire Cutters
- Replaceable Hard-wire Cutters
- Impact Surface
- Large Screwdriver
- Bottle Opener
- Can Opener
- Awl
- Spring-action Scissors
- Saw
- Wire Stripper
- Electrical Crimpe
- Edge File
In my time so far with the Arc, I've used the knife blade, pliers, bit driver, and impact surface (hammer) the most. The Knife is sharper than anything I currently own and makes it a breeze to break down the dozens of Amazon boxes that seem to arrive daily.
This is the first multitool I've come across with a hammer-like tool, and though I was skeptical of its capability, it took just one whack of the Arc to bend a faulty outdoor metal gate mechanism back into place.
I'm also a big fan of the spring-loaded scissors, which are just the right size for virtually any job, from cutting flower stems to trimming stray, overgrown beard hairs. The serrated saw blade also made quick work of trimming back a handful of overgrown blackberry brambles invading my driveway. That said, the saw blade isn't Magnacut steel and instead seems to be identical to the one found on the more affordable Wave.
Leatherman Arc like No. 3: An ultra-smooth operation
The Leatherman Arc is one smoooooth operator. Not only can you fling the thing open using just one hand (though that takes a little practice), but everything snaps into place once the pliers are deployed with an oh-so-satisfying click.
While on cheaper models, the tools tucked into the handles can be a pain to deploy, that’s far from the case with the Arc. Everything slides in and out of the handle with minimal effort.
Leatherman Arc like No. 4: Simple, reliable locking system
The Leatherman Arc also features an impressive and easy-to-operate tool locking system. Simply open the tool of your choice all the way to lock it into place. Once you're done, pull on the black metal tab behind the tool to disengage the lock and tuck it back into the Arc handle.
Leatherman Arc like No. 5: Compatible with other Leatherman accessories
Cross-compatibility between products in a brand’s lineup is something that brings me great joy. The Leatherman Arc features the same small and large bit drivers as the brand’s other multitools. This means that the bit kit I picked up for my Leatherman Skeletool also works with my new Arc tool.
The only bits that come with the Arc are a standard small and a large screwdriver with both Phillips and slotted sides.
Leatherman Arc dislike No. 1: Heavy for an EDC
Despite being largely impressed by the Leatherman Arc, there are a few drawbacks to it. For instance, with a weight that's just over half-a-pound (8.5 oz), the Arc is a pretty hefty everyday carry (EDC) option, though I suppose you could stow it in a belt holster.
By comparison, the aforementioned Leatherman Skeletool weighs just 4.6 ounces; the Wave, meanwhile, is 7.4 ounces.
The Arc is also pretty big, even when folded up, with a length of 4.2 inches, a width of 1.4 inches and a thickness of 0.7 inches. While those dimensions were still small enough to make the Leatherman pocket-friendly (in my case), the added weight wasn't something I'd want to deal with for long periods. I was also a little worried it would cause my drawers to eventually fall.
Leatherman Arc dislike No. 2: Pricey
Finally, the high price is difficult to ignore. The Leatherman Arc is $249, double that of the Leatherman Wave and more than three times the cost of the Leatherman Skeletool.
Or, you could buy seven of these highly-rated Leatherman Arc dupes from Amazon for the price of one Leatherman Arc.
Leatherman Arc: Verdict
For casual DIYers and home repair enthusiasts, the Leatherman Arc is probably overkill. Instead, consider the Leatherman Wave. It offers a similar form-factor and array of tools at a far more affordable price. While not as durable as the Arc, the Wave is still impressively well-built and resilient.
For folks who work with their hands for a living, like contractors, electricians, handymen, etc., the Leatherman Arc makes more sense. With upgraded durability, including a higher-quality knife blade, the Arc will require less upkeep and likely survive more wear and tear in the long run.
Ultimately, I plan to continue to use the Arc as my primary go-to tool, and have little doubt it will remain in that position for years to come, if not decades. That said, the far lighter Leatherman Skeletool remains my preferred travel and pocket-friendly multitool.
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