Leatherman is one of the most productive and well-regarded multitool manufacturers on the market, but it’s no secret that their products are often on the more expensive side. While the company has started releasing affordable Leatherman tools that can do the trick for casual users, most of its full-size models still come at a hefty premium. Some of the fans of this product may say that its price is due to Leatherman as an American company that makes all its products in the US, arguing that its reputation for quality craftsmanship makes it expensive. They may rightly remind you that “you get what you pay for.” However, there are still those who may have doubts about whether some of Leatherman’s high-end products are worth the sticker price.
One of the most prominent examples of this that you may have heard of is the Leatherman ARC – a stainless steel 20-function multitool in black DLC that costs $249.95. The company has marketed this product as its most advanced multitool to date. Key features include a MagnaCut steel blade designed for corrosion resistance and long-lasting edge retention, and all of its tools are externally accessible, lockable, and designed for efficient one-handed operation. But still, that’s a great value for a hand tool that fits in your pocket. So, with that in mind, it’s worth checking out what expert reviewers and those who have already dropped cash on the Leatherman Arc have to say about it.
Owners love the Arc, even if the price is hard to swallow
The Leatherman Arc has been around for a few years, and currently has an excellent rating of 4.6-of-5 stars on the Leatherman website. This score was compiled from over 2,000 reviews, more than three-quarters of which were full 5-star scores. Reviewers on the site were also asked to rate the product on three specific metrics: quality, comfort, and ease of use. It received near perfect scores for quality and ease of use, suggesting that customers are completely satisfied with the device’s structural integrity and functional performance. However, the comfort level is small.
Most reviewers seem to really like the Arc, with many saying they’ve carried Leatherman tools for decades and that the Arc has become their new favorite. Some have compared the Wave models and said the Arc is superior in every way, and many have gone out of their way to say that this tool was worth every penny.
It is worth noting that most of the 3 and 4 star reviews received were critical of the price, but not all of them. There have been a few people who have found that the attachment sits loosely on the frame. There have also been a few reviews that specifically called out power tools, such as wire cutters and crimpers, for feeling cheaper and more fragile than others. These complaints do not change, but they are few. Those who may be skeptical about relying on reviews from Leatherman’s website may be interested to know that the Arc has a 4.2 out of 5 on REI’s site, with many praises and criticisms alike.
Professional reviewers love it
While customer reviews are good to have in your back pocket, it’s also good to check out what pro reviewers have to say about the Leatherman Arc. Many of these stores will do extensive testing that can give you a better idea of each product’s strengths and weaknesses. GearLab’s Kyle Hameister gave the multitool an 84 out of 100, making it the top product on the publication’s list of the best multitools. He gave it 9 out of 10 for usability, quality, and ergonomics, while its lowest score was portability, thanks to its 4 ¼-inch length and 8.6-ounce weight. He pointed out that it’s worth the price for those who are impressed by its feature set, but that not everyone will need it, and there are more affordable multitool options for those who want something smaller and don’t need a top knife or a dozen driver bits.
Danny Perez of Popular Mechanics did an in-depth review of the Arc and seemed very impressed with the quality of the tool. He explained that the MagnaCut blade is a big part of the reason the multitool is as expensive as it is. Premium metal is strong, rust-resistant, and helps keep an edge, but it’s more expensive and plays a big role in driving up the retail price. He also enjoyed the tool’s basic hand feel, one-hand-free operation technology, and its raw performance, calling the Arc “the best multitool money can buy.”
Meanwhile, Everyday Carry’s Mike Bautista argued that the Free magnet system, MagnaCut knife, and bit driver make the tool worth saving. He pointed out that this tool is designed to last and is worth the investment for everyday wear lovers.