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A Leatherman for Everyone: How to Gift the Perfect Multitool

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Camper, handyman, urban adventurer — there’s a multitool to fit everyone’s pocket or pack. Here’s how to choose the right gift for that special someone.

With a veritable tome of Leatherman tools for virtually any task, choosing the perfect multitool one can be tricky. But don’t worry. Here’s the GearJunkie guide to finding the perfect Leatherman gift for every DIYer, adventurer, tinkerer, and worst-case-scenario prepper.

Which Leatherman Should You Buy?

For the Gear Junkie — FREE P4 ($140) & FREE P2 ($120)View Post

Leatherman Free multi-tool fanned open
New Leatherman FREE P2 multitool

For that certain someone who stays up to date on all the latest and greatest gear, gadgets, and gizmos, the Leatherman FREE line is perfect. New this year, the FREE multis — including the P-, K-, and T-Series — sport the brand’s latest tech: magnets!

By incorporating magnets into the multitool’s architecture, Leatherman created a unique one-handed opening mechanism (read about it and our review here). The P4 offers up all the goodies — an impressive 21 tools — in Leatherman’s trademark pliers-based design, and the P2 boasts 19 functions.

But you can find the FREE technology in the K-Series and tiny T-Series multis too.

Shop the FREE P4Shop the FREE P2

For the Camper — Signal: $120

Leatherman Signal Knife

Ferro rod, ‘biner clip, blade sharpener, and tent stake hammer are just some of the goodies the Signal packs to meet a host of camp chores. Add in a combo blade, variety of openers and bit drivers, safety whistle, saw, and more — 19 tools in total — and you’ve got a multitool that will find plenty of use in the outdoors.

Shop the Signal

For the Knife Knut — FREE K4 ($90) & FREE K2 ($80)

Leatherman Free K4 K4x Pocket Knife
Leatherman FREE K4 and K4x Pocket Knives

Leatherman made the FREE K-Series for those looking for a sturdy knife with a smooth action. Due to the magnets in the design, opening and closing the knife is very smooth and oddly satisfying.

And, like any good Leatherman, it has the other non-knife tools one may need like screwdrivers, a pry tool, a bottle opener, and more. If you’re looking for a partially serrated blade to cut through rope, cloth, or other tough material, you may want to opt for the K4X or K2X.

Shop the FREE K4Shop the FREE K2

For the Backpacker — Skeletool: $65

Leatherman Skeletool

If you’re shopping for the person who’s ready to tackle any backcountry task, Leatherman’s Skeletool fits the bill. At 5 ounces, it should make the cut in most backpacker’s strict weight limits.

The Skeletool offers seven tools, including a knife, a bottle opener, two pliers, a bit driver, a wire cutter, and a ‘biner for clipping to a pack. Plus, the weight-shaving cutouts on the handle lend the Skeletool a distinctive look.

Shop the Skeletool

For the EDC Junkie — FREE T4 ($60) & FREE T2 ($40)

Leatherman FREE T Series Knife EDC

The T-Series rounds out the FREE line of tools. These are the lightest of the bunch and should serve as a solid everyday-carry (EDC) option for those who are looking for a slim, lightweight tool relative to the others on this list.

T-Series multis forgo the pliers and holds a knife and essential tools instead. The 12 tools on the T4 and 8 on the T2 should be plenty for daily coming and going.

Shop the FREE T4Shop the FREE T2

For Someone’s First Multitool — Sidekick: $60

Leatherman Sidekick Multi tool Camping

Looking to gift someone with their very first Leatherman? The Sidekick is a solid multitool at a great price with a variety of tools to suit most everyday tasks. Our editor received one nearly a decade ago, and it’s still going strong in his pocket.

Spring-action pliers, a saw, serrated- and plain-edge blade options, several openers and driver bits, and more make for a well-rounded first multi.

Shop the Sidekick

For the Handyperson — Wave+: $100

Leatherman Wave Plus

If it’s going to get tons of use indoors and out, the Wave+ is the tool you want. It is, according to Leatherman, its most popular multi, “hands down.”

The Wave+ has 18 tools, ranging from a wood/metal file and ruler to a saw, electrical crimper, and two separate blades — not to mention the pliers, a multitude of drivers, can and bottle openers, and scissors. It’s a little bit of everything any handyman or woman would want.

Shop the Wave+

For the Urbanite — Style CS: $22

Leatherman Style CS Multi-tool on Backpack

Just the basics here. If you know a tool will find more time clipped on keychain than a work belt, the Style CS is what you’re after. Weighing a scant 1.4 ounces, the Style CS measures under 3 inches closed but still packs in six handy tools. Scissors, file, tweezers, bottle opener, two drivers, and a 1.6-inch blade make this a solution to many everyday needs.

Shop the Style CS
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For the Traveler — Leatherman Tread Tempo LT: $400

Leatherman Tread Tempo LT Airport Travel

It’s a gear-lover’s tragedy: Every year, countless knives and multitools wind up in the coffers of the TSA. And it’s an easy mistake to make — these products are called “everyday carry,” after all. Enter the Tread Tempo, Leatherman’s answer to the carry-on friendly EDC. Each link on this watchband houses at least two tools.

In total, the Tread Tempo boasts 28 different implements in addition to the Swiss-made timepiece. Plus, you can add or remove links to adjust the size and customize this EDC to the tools you need.

Shop the Tread Tempo LT

This gift guide is sponsored by Leatherman. Check out more Leatherman gift ideas here.


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