It’s maybe hard to believe that Leatherman is turning 40. The brand is such a household name that for years, I used it as a stand-in for any multitool. And I know I’m not alone.
To mark its 40th birthday, Leatherman is releasing a new tool in its Garage lineup — a series of limited-edition runs with names like Mr. Crunch, Darkside, Parts, and EUROPE75.
The latest release is BATCH #005, and it combines Leatherman’s utilitarian vibe with a few special touches (similar to the ballpoint pen addition on the Darkside) that might grab the attention of dedicated EDC fanatics.
Leatherman BATCH #005 Details
The primary blade is the most notable touch, constructed from MagnaCut steel. MagnaCut is a stainless steel developed specifically for use in knives. The metal has garnered a reputation for being a good choice for smaller folding blades. It’s “a big deal,” according to Sean McCoy, GearJunkie’s knife expert.
“Long story short — [MagnaCut is] probably the best all-around knife steel on the market for its holy grail of toughness, edge retention, and corrosion resistance,” he told me.
The MagnaCut blade is 2.8 inches long, giving the Batch #005 a total open length of 6.5 inches. Closed, the multitool comes in at 4.25 inches. At 8.65 ounces, the Batch #005 won’t exactly vanish into your pocket, but chances are you’ll put this bad boy into a case or on a dad-friendly belt sheath anyway.
Leatherman built the Batch #005 on its proprietary FREE multitool platform, a system that facilitates one-handed opening and closing. As a bonus, all the tools lock, not just the primary blade.
Speaking of the tools, you might be asking what Leatherman has on deck for this limited-edition run. The answer is, “so many that it makes more sense to list them in bullet point form.” Behold:
- MagnaCut steel straight blade
- Spring-action needlenose pliers
- Spring-action regular pliers
- Wire cutters
- Hard-wire cutters
- Electrical crimper
- Saw
- Spring-action scissors
- Package opener
- Awl
- Can opener
- Bottle opener
- Wood/metal file
- Diamond-coated file
- Edge file
- Large bit driver
- Small bit driver
- Extra-small screwdriver
- Pry tool
- Impact surface
As if that wasn’t enough, you can swap out the bits on the screwdriver and adjust the tension on the plier jaws until you’ve got it dialed in to your liking. The BATCH #005 blade handles are finished with a Cerakote coating.
How does it compare to the other garage releases, you ask? Well, it’s roughly the same size and weight as the Leatherman Darkside, with a similar list of tools. Though, BATCH #005 is definitely the only Garage release using the most advanced materials the knife industry has to offer. The MagnaCut steel, customizable bits, and replaceable wire cutters are icing on the already delicious cake that is the Leatherman FREE.
Leatherman Garage BATCH #005 Availability
If you do like it, you’ll have to act fast. Leatherman’s only making 1983 serialized units, a number chosen to commemorate the year Tim Leatherman launched the company.
If you want to get your hands on one, keep an eye on Leatherman’s socials and website. It will go on sale July 5, though the exact price and drop date aren’t publicly available … yet.
