LEATHERMAN, FREE T4 Multitool and EDC Knife with Magnetic Locking and One Hand Accessible, Built in the USA, Stainless, Crimson

I've had my T4 for a week and have put it through its paces at work, in the house, and in the yard, so I've got some opinions. The T4 is a good EDC option with a few nice features and a few areas where it could be better. Obviously, this is a Swiss Army Knife (SAK) replacement, not a Wave or Surge-style multitool with pliers. So, if you need pliers, you should probably look at the P2 or P4, because this isn't the right tool for you. The T4 has the advantage of being smaller and lighter than the P2/P4, but it is quite bulky in comparison to a SAK like the Super Tinker. Two adjectives that come to mind are boxy and thick. And I believe the comparison to the SAK Super Tinker is reasonable because the features are nearly identical: However, the T4 has significantly beefier tools, such as a knife, screwdrivers, scissors, awl, tweezers, and so on. The T4's large flat screwdriver, for example, is a hefty 1/8" thick, so you can use it as a pry bar with confidence. The T4 does not "disappear" in your pocket, which is a disadvantage. You're well aware that you're in possession of it. I can't emphasize how thick the T4 is enough. It's worse than you think because the raw numbers don't accurately reflect how thick it is. This feels thicker than a SAK of the same thickness due to the boxy square corners. Fortunately, it also includes a pocket clip, which I find to be extremely useful in terms of reducing bulk. (As an aside, the clip is an optional extra for the T2. ) ) So, here are my general weight and size impressions: It's more convenient than carrying a Wave, but it has fewer features (i. e. pliers, saw, etc. ), but it may be more inconvenient than a SAK, despite the T4's more robust tools. br>br>The T4's biggest selling point, in my opinion, is one-stop shopping. hand use. From the scissors to the tweezers, I can open them all with one hand. When you're working on a project, this is critical; for example, last night I was tying an apple tree to a stake with one hand while cutting the twine to length with the other. That's what EDC is all about: having the right tool at the right time. The one-of-a-kind br>br> Opening with one hand is perfect. except for the tool I use the most: It's a challenge to open the knife. I understand why, after all, you don't want the knife to pop open in your pocket, but it's still a lot more difficult than it should be. I've only had it for a week, so maybe it'll break in, but it's clumsy as is. I believe it could have been closed with a thumb stud or with less spring force. I'm not always successful in opening the knife on the first try. The T4 knife will feel like a step backwards if you're used to spring assist knives. There's no way to sugarcoat it: this is a huge letdown for me. But, in the end, I can open zero tools with one hand on my Super Tinker, so the T4 retains the advantage, and I'll take what I can get. Let's take a look at some of the more specific tools. br>br> I already mentioned how thick the large flat screwdriver is, but the head's width is oddly small. I was expecting a full 1/4" wide head, but the "package cutter" feature takes away some of that material, leaving a strangely skinny "large" screwdriver. In fact, the head of the medium flat screwdriver is too thin as well. The thickness is about the right size for an outlet cover, but the width is far too narrow. It's just that the sizes appear to be odd. The tiniest of the three flat screwdrivers is nearly perfect for tightening the screws on my glasses. br>br>With the exception of the hard opening, the knife blade performs admirably and is razor sharp. The blade has an aggressive curve that will be difficult to sharpen, but it has no negative impact on performance. Leftists, on the other hand, should be wary. When held correctly, the knife extends all the way to the bottom of the thick handle. When cutting close to a surface, I cut right-handed, which works well for me, but it could be awkward for a lefty. br>br>The file is a hit-or-miss proposition. The double-decker bus The single-cut side works extremely well, despite being far too short; the miss is the single-cut side. I wish they'd included a diamond-cut side. It would be fantastic to be able to touch up a blade in a pinch or simply smooth something down without having to file the crap out of it with a coated file on this side, similar to the Wave. br>br>The awl is quite nice, though when you open it one-by-one-by-one-by-one-by-one-by-one by-one-by-one-by-one-by-one You're pushing with your left hand on the sharpened side, which is a little risky. The scissors appear to be in good working order as well. They're a step up from the SAK scissors, in my opinion. In that regard, the tweezers are adequate, and I prefer them to the SAK tweezers. br>br>While I don't consider the pocket clip to be a "tool," it is quite useful. It has a long carry range and is much more durable than the Wave's clip, in my opinion. I've never been able to get the Wave's clip to open up wide enough to fit over my jeans pocket, but the T4 clip has a nice flared end that makes clipping it a breeze. The Wave clip came off by accident recently, but the T4's is securely screwed to the scale. There are no issues. br>br>The Phillips head driver is one of the 1/8" thick tools and appears to be sturdy, but it performs poorly. To avoid stripping, you must really push in toward the screw. I can't seem to apply moderate torque without slipping out of the screw as I seat it, so the head geometry must be strange. I've tried a few dozen different screw types and found that some are superior to others. The greater crime is that the bit head has already been damaged. Using relatively light torque, I made permanent dents in the driver head with my third screw. Leatherman, are you serious? You're capable of much more. br>br>Which leads me to the T4's most significant missed opportunity: I'm surprised they didn't include an exchangeable bit holder in this thing. It's already around 2 o'clock in the morning. Why not throw it in? It's only a couple of inches thick, so why not? Then it doesn't matter to me if the bits are damaged. I'm sure I'll be able to find something else to do with them. It appears that I am using a Wingman rather than a Wave. That isn't a compliment, by the way. (Perhaps this is a poor analogy, but my Wingman feels cheap in comparison to my Wave, Style, or Squirts. ) )br>br>Did I mention everything locks when I was talking about tools? Because everything is secure, which is fantastic. This is a nice bonus that actually works. It's a little awkward to use one hand to unlock certain tools, but overall, it's a good system. This is yet another resounding victory over my SAKs. br>br>The plastic spacers are the T4's only other flaw. It is "glass-free," according to the sales literature. "Nylon filled"? Cool. However, the tool still has a cheap feel to it. Pliers are a type of tool that has been around for a long time. With all of the spectacular steel on display, the based tools feel solid and robust. Plastic, in my opinion, detracts from the aesthetics in any way. It also makes it appear unnecessarily thick because you immediately think to yourself, "just take out all the plastic and this will be half as thick!" Of course, that is most likely nonsense. br>br>Apart from the shoddy Phillips driver (did they get a bad batch with a bad heat treat? ), the overall build quality is pretty good. ), and the construction quality is excellent. In any of the tools, there is absolutely no play. They are 100% rock solid locked in place with no play in any direction at all times in any direction at all times in any direction at all times% It has the appearance of being a high-end device. except for that dreadful Phillips head I can't express my displeasure with it enough. )br>br>Now that I've heard a lot of complaints, what's my overall impression? Is it something I'll be able to transport? Without a doubt. On occasion. I don't always require a full multitool with pliers and everything else. Sometimes all I need is a tool that can perform the most basic functions. This week, I discovered that the pocket clip and one-way mirror are both useful. The T4's tools were in my hand and ready to use faster and easier than a SAK because it was opened with one hand. I don't think I realized how convenient it was until I used it in real-life situations. br>br>However, the T4 appears to be a compromise machine. It's not as full-fledged as it once was. I don't have a saw, bit changer, decent size file, or pliers, but it's easier to carry and I may not need them. On the other hand, it is neither light nor thin. When compared to a SAK, it feels like a brick, but I get some beefy tools and they open with one hand, so it's a win-win situation. I'll use it in a variety of EDC situations. I'm relieved that the T4 is available. On other days, I'll gladly take my Wave, and on others, I'll simply carry my Executive SAK on my keychain. ) At $60, I'm not sure I'd say the T4 is easy to recommend. It has the feel of a $50 tool that can be used immediately. a $40 purchase I'm glad I have it, but I don't think it's worth much right now. I'm sure I would have felt better if I had waited for a sale. And if the next iteration of these T* tools addresses even a couple of my concerns about thickness, lack of a bit holder, and screwdriver shortcomings, one-third of my concerns will be addressed. The inability to open a knife with one hand, the absence of a diamond file, or the cost. It'll most likely be my all-time favorite EDC. br>br>On a semi-related note, it'll probably be my favorite EDC of all time. On a related note, after using this tool, there is no way in hell I'm going to buy a P4 for $140 if one of the tools isn't an interchangeable bit driver. This Phillips head will be largely destroyed in a year or less, based on my initial use. The P4 appears to use the same design, which I'm not willing to pay $140 for. Carrying the T4 also reminded me how much I missed the Wave's full-size diamond file, which the P4 lacks. I think I'm happy with the Wave and T4 combo for now, and I have no desire for the P4 until the tools are improved or the price is drastically reduced. So there you have it. br>br>That concludes my assessment. In a nutshell, the T4 is a good EDC option with some hit-and-miss features. It's a hit-or-miss tool, but it's one-of-a-kind. The use of one hand overrides a slew of flaws. However, if you can find one on sale, you should take advantage of it.

Jaxon Reed

| Oct 14, 2021

  The Benefitsbr>br>It is lightweight. It's comfortable to carry around in your pocket. The scissors, awl, screwdrivers, and file all have the same design as the Free P4's tools. Leatherman's new pliers, to be precise. They're all magnetic, and they're all locked. Hand-opening system that is comfortable to use with the thumbs. The blade is nice and sharp, but it is smaller than the blade on the Free P4 pliers. However, the T4's compact design is aided by the smaller blade. Tweezers are an excellent addition as well. The Badbr>br>On the inside of the tool, there are a few plastic parts. It contributes to the light weight, but it also has a cheap, 3D-printed feel to it. I didn't check to see if this pocket tool is covered by Leatherman's 25-year warranty, but I have a feeling it isn't because the tool's plastic parts don't appear to be built to last that long. For a high-end brand like Leatherman, this is extremely unusual. I'm hoping I'm mistaken because I like this little guy in general.

Kolton Krause

| Jul 11, 2021

This thing is mostly polymer plastic and isn't even close to being worth the whopping $65 price tag. I only bought it because my free multi tool lacked scissors and a bit holder, both of which leather man failed to provide! I believe this is the last product I'll buy from them!.

Teresa Chase

| Feb 01, 2021

Over the last few weeks, I've been using a Free T4 almost every day and am very impressed with its performance and build quality. br>br>I have several Victorinox SAKs, but I prefer the Free T4 to the SAKs for several reasons. In high-use situations, the T4 outperforms the SAKs. T4 screwdriver blades are more durable than SAK steel and do not appear to deform under pressure. Because the T4 Phillips is on the tool's end rather than in the middle, there is less clearance required. When I press down on a stubborn fastener or use the awl to bore a hole in wood, all of the T4 implements lock firmly, so they don't collapse on my fingers. br>br>Paracord was easily cut with the scissors on my Free T4. In comparison to the T4 scissors, my SAK scissors cut paracord more cleanly. br>br>I'm not bothered by the fiberglass reinforced nylon spacer on the T4. My Victorinox One Hand Trekker, Spyderco, and Benchmade knives all appear to be made of the same material. br>br>Instead of the replaceable bits on my Leatherman Wave and Skeletool multitools, I prefer dedicated screwdrivers (such as those found in the T4). br>br>On the FreeT4, there are two things that could be improved. My knife blade requires a bit more force to open than I'm used to. Because the pocket clip screws rip the threads in my jeans pocket, I keep the T4 tucked away in an old, but stylish leather belt holster.

Ibrahim McIntyre

| May 19, 2021