FREE P4

Let me tell you about the LEATHERMAN FREE P4 Multitool. I used to carry a flimsy little keychain tool that could barely open a bottle (and usually drew blood in the attempt). I decided it was time for a serious upgrade. I needed a tool that said, "Yes, I am prepared. Possibly over-prepared, but definitely prepared."When this beauty arrived, it felt substantial. Like holding a tiny, folded-up robot butler. The magnetic locking system is pure genius – it snaps open and closed with a satisfying thwack that makes you feel instantly more competent. Opening the tools is a one-handed operation, which is crucial for those moments when your other hand is occupied (usually holding the thing you're trying to fix, or a sandwich).This thing is packed with 21 tools. Twenty-one! I'm pretty sure I don't even know 21 different ways to use a tool, but the P4 has me covered. Pliers, wire cutters, knives (straight and serrated!), scissors, screwdrivers of various sizes, an awl, a can opener, a bottle opener (finally, a reliable one!), a ruler... it's like a tiny hardware store in your pocket. I've used it for everything from tightening a loose screw on my glasses to opening a package that was clearly designed by engineers who hate humanity.The pocket clip is sturdy, and the included nylon sheath is great if you prefer to carry it on your belt, though clipping it directly into my pocket feels more... ready for action. I find myself looking for excuses to use it. "Oh, this apple needs slicing? P4, engage!" "This loose thread? Scissors, activate!" My regular tools are starting to look nervous.If you appreciate quality craftsmanship, love having a tool for every possible scenario (even if that scenario is just opening a stubborn bag), and enjoy the satisfying feeling of magnetic locking, this Leatherman FREE P4 is an absolute game-changer. It's well-made, incredibly versatile, and makes me feel like I could tackle almost any minor repair or cutting task that comes my way. It's a seriously impressive piece of gear.

One of the best features of this multitool is that you can access every single tool while only using one hand. The package opening tool is awesome and not commonly found on other leatherman tools. The package opener allows you to open boxes and even cut through clam shell plastic rather than dulling your knife blade, it also works great as a pry tool and sturdy flathead screwdriver. My one complaint is that the knife blade is not made of better quality steel.

I have collected and used a lot of Leatherman Tools over the last 10 years or so, and the Free P4 easily holds its own--and in my experience surpasses--Leatherman's golden standard; the Wave.The ability to open everything one-handed on this tool is not just a gimmick. You can tell there was a lot of engineering and effort put into the design of this tool. From the use of magnets to keep the implements closed, to the contouring of the "nubs" at the base of the tools that you "roll" your thumb over to deploy them. This is not one-hand opening that requires your tool to be worn in, some clever trick/manipulation of the tool, or dexterous hands; it is intuitive and easy to use, which means it is actually useful and saves a lot of time, especially when you find your other hand being occupied during a task!With respect to the toolset, I think it is just about perfect. I know some people would prefer that this had Leatherman's flat-bit driver, but the P4 includes a dedicated Philips head driver, as well as multiple flatheads. Personally, I prefer the dedicated drivers because they are significantly more robust and offer more reach than the flat-bits. I also think this fits the "spirit" of the tool, wherein every implement is just one hand away. At the point you are carrying a spare bit kit and having to swap them out, the tool has become two-handed, and Leatherman already has plenty of other "two-handed" tools to choose from.All in all, the Free P4 is an excellent tool for a wide-variety of tasks, and well worth the money. For an EDC it carries surprisingly well with the pocket-clip (which is very nice) despite being a full-size multitool. Furthermore, I have no doubts of its durability (perhaps only surpassed by the Super Tool and Surge) even in a hard-use environment. Unless one-hand opening is of zero interest to you, you can't go wrong with the P4!