This one really comes down to your own personal preference. If you want possibly the most rugged and capable multi tool on Earth you should go for the Surge. If you’re wowed by the next gen functionality of the P4 it’s a great option to go with. Conclusion – Final Thoughts On the Leatherman Free P4

On to the basics. The Free P4 is a 4.25 inch long, 8.6 oz multi tool. This puts it firmly in the full size to heavy duty class of multi tools and gives it substantial capabilities. Leatherman Free P4 Tools The only downside here is that the P2 brings a combo blade, and you can’t use it for precision projects. With that said, owners have also complained about the combo blade on the P2. A combo blade is never a good idea, and you will struggle to get the desired precision with this setup. The first thing you’ll notice with the Free P4 is that Leatherman kept the classic butterfly fold design. Even more fitting, the use of a magnetic clasp system actually allows you to swing the P4 open just like you would a butterfly knife. We’re big fans of substantial scissors on a multi tool and the Free P4 doesn’t disappoint here either. It provides a large pair of spring action scissors that showcase the same epic haptics Leatherman is so proud of.OUR GUARANTEE: We’re proud to stand behind every product that leaves our factory in Portland, Oregon; That’s why we offer our 25-year warranty, so you can be confident your Leatherman lasts a lifetime

Lazenby did tell me that there was one unexpected benefit in certain instances. When working around metal shavings, an open tool will collect shavings near the base of the handle. According to Lazenby, this proved fortunate, as it drew shavings away from the implements’ pivot points and made them easier to dispose of. I have not tested this, however. Leatherman FREE Buying Tips Leatherman FREE (left) is 10% lighter than the Wave (right)

If you’re an expert and don’t mind the robust structure offered by P4, then going with this tool will serve you well. We take extraordinary measures so your Leatherman product will give you many years of dependable service. If it doesn't, we will gladly repair or replace it, at our discretion, with one of equal or greater value under our 25-year guarantee for tools and 10-year guarantee for lights. This warranty does not cover abuse, alteration, theft, loss, or unauthorised and/or unreasonable use of your Leatherman product. This warranty does not cover sheaths, accessories, imprinting, colour finishes, cleaning, or sharpening. There are a few things worth noting on the FREE that users may or may not like. For starters, the pliers are not spring-action, so you will open and close them manually as needed. I prefer spring-action pliers, but this isn’t a deal-breaker. Leatherman is well known for the quality and durability of their individual tools. Our experience with the Free P4 has shown that they’ve kept this dedication to quality while upgrading the overall experience. The Leatherman Free P4 has a few extra tools on it that include a saw, Serrated knife, and ruler, making it a perfect choice for those extensive jobs that you might possibly be looking to have.