Leatherman LEAP - The next Leatherman multitool!

[Etherealicer]

I dont know, I think the wood saw is more dangerous than the sheepsfoot blade they have on there.  I hurt myself way worse with that when I got my champion as a kid then I ever did with the knife.  But you can probably remove that too.

MSRP: $54  But what will the street be?  Id expect it to be similar to the wingman/sidekick

+1
Sure I cut myself as a kid, but this was usually a clean cut. I used the saw far less but have hurt myself more with them and far nastier.

[SolomonKane79]

$54 MSRP is a joke.  This tool, while it is based in good intentions, looks like yet another mediocre flop from Leatherman.  As far as the juice scales, I feel that updating color is a huge copout and it's looking like they just don't want to listen to what the customers really want.

Amen.

[WWW]

I completely understand no interest in the LEAP, but I think it's a lot better than aiming toward more and more specialized extreme sports.

  In my case I did not showed much interest for the Leap for the same reasons I didn't showed for the specialized sports tools, they're too specialized and I don't fit those that they focus as target.

  But I totaly agree that a tool oriented for the younglings seems to be a better estrategy instead of focusing on too specialized one piece tools.

[Spatha]

Pertaining to the juice line. I cant believe they are actually doing those handles.  WTF are you thinking. Make them the same color/texture all the way around. 

   They are horrid.  Maybe they will call it the Juice Frankenstein.

[Cupboard]

I rather like the look of that actually, although it will only really be of use for a few years. The problem that I see with it is that's it's not going to be a "cool" tool to be seen with.

Funny that a tool designed to be safe and harmless for kids would be illegal to carry without good reason over here 

Edit:

I asked Leatherman’s contact for clarification about the knife blade, and whether it can be installed and removed by parents, and they informed me that once the knife blade is installed, it is attached for good.

The reason we didn’t want the ability to remove the blade once it’s installed is that, knowing the way things go, kids might try to disassemble the tool themselves, which wouldn’t be safe. Once the supervisor feels the child is ready, the knife blade is permanently inserted to the tool to avoid that. Installation is pretty easy and safe since it has a guard, but taking it out again would be pretty tough.

[Spatha]

Just to clarify,  it is the look of the new Juice scales that I don't like, and that is just my opinion.  I actually like the look of the coloured, textured scales but I would much prefer both handles to have the same colour.   

The LEAP, on the other hand, I think is an excellent new tool, in principle at least.  I am reserving judgement on its function until we see some hands-on testing.  It seems that the Wingman/Sidekick have been generally well received though, and the tools have that look about them to my eye, so I am optimistic about the quality.

The way I see it, the Leap is a great long term investment by Leatherman for them selves and the MT community.

1)The kids that gets this tool, will in a few years want a "real" Leatherman. If the price is low on the Leap, they will prbably sell more of the pricier tools later.

2) the dads and grand dads buying the tool will probably be tempted get a new tool for them selves while they are looking at the MTs in the store, especially if the Leap is not too expensive.

3) a new generation growing up with MTs will keep them in buisness for many more years. It might help turn around the current development of more and more people thinking of knives and MTs as murder weapons, and not tools.

 

[gregozedobe]

I asked Leatherman’s contact for clarification about the knife blade, and whether it can be installed and removed by parents, and they informed me that once the knife blade is installed, it is attached for good.

The reason we didn’t want the ability to remove the blade once it’s installed is that, knowing the way things go, kids might try to disassemble the tool themselves, which wouldn’t be safe. Once the supervisor feels the child is ready, the knife blade is permanently inserted to the tool to avoid that. Installation is pretty easy and safe since it has a guard, but taking it out again would be pretty tough.

We'll see.    

 I'll bet some MTo members buy one just to see how hard it really is.  And I'll be surprised if some don't work out just how to do it and tell all the rest of us.   

[colt 1911]

I think it is great for kids. With all the prepping going on, this might make them feel a little more part of it.

[Stuey]

They show how the blade attachment starting at ~1:00 mark.

It looks like the knife blade is non-removable once attached, under normal circumstances. Take a tamper-proof Torx screwdriver to the handles, and all bets are off.

[Chako]

Can't say that I see that. Looks like the attachment system of many a SAK and other multi-tools out there. If that is the case then, it looks like the blade can be added and removed easily.

[Syph007]

Ya Id be surprised it the blade wasnt easily removed.  It looks like a light click over pivot system. 

After thinking about it more, I think I would get one for my oldest.  Hes 11 and I made him a custom 58mm SAK he loved, so I think he would like these too.   I gave him a test with my LM crunch and he figured out how to open it.

[Etherealicer]

Anyone else notice that when she closes the blade she has to shift grip to prevent the blade closing on her hand BECAUSE of the special designed locking system (about 1:26)? The whole locking does not convince me, its placed where you hold the knife and it appears you might release the lock while using it.

[sticktodrum]

I don't see that being a problem. It looks like it functions similarly to Wenger's lock on the Ranger knives. The button is just an extension of the internal liner lock. Kershaw also released a knife like that at SHOT Show this week, the Thistle. There's a button on the handle that disengages a liner lock. It had similar intent of keeping fingers out of the blade's travel.

If you are holding it edge-down, and close away from you, your hands don't enter the path. It was just the way she was holding it for display, that makes it look that way.

Either way, it indeed is wise to wait until one handles the tool to see how it all works out.

[Etherealicer]

I don't see that being a problem. It looks like it functions similarly to Wenger's lock on the Ranger knives. The button is just an extension of the internal liner lock. Kershaw also released a knife like that at SHOT Show this week, the Thistle. There's a button on the handle that disengages a liner lock. It had similar intent of keeping fingers out of the blade's travel.

If you are holding it edge-down, and close away from you, your hands don't enter the path. It was just the way she was holding it for display, that makes it look that way.

Either way, it indeed is wise to wait until one handles the tool to see how it all works out.

Agreed on the holding part, just thought its funny because she puts emphasis on how safe that locking mechanism is.

[Act2uToo]

On a slightly different angle, what gets me is the aesthetics, (or lack thereof) on the LEAP's tools.  Almost all of LM's past designs show an artist's touch when it comes to the shape of the blade - even the blade of the Micra has a bit of a drop to the point that is pleasing to the eye.  But the LEAP ... UGH!  That funny bubble on the spine for the nail nick/hole looks ... well it sure doesn't speak to me at all.  To each his own, though.  YMMV. 

[rdub934]

Any word on a release date for the Leap?

Also, why put a saw on a tool for kids? The more I have thought about it, the more ludicrous it seems. Put a file on there, instead. Safer and still useful.

[Nhoj]

Any word on a release date for the Leap?

Also, why put a saw on a tool for kids? The more I have thought about it, the more ludicrous it seems. Put a file on there, instead. Safer and still useful.

I disagree. I can't see much use a kid would have for a file. A saw however could cut sticks for a fire or to roast marshmallows.

[Ombudsman]

The only thing I like about the Leatherman Leap is that FINALLY they decided to make a design with full outside opening tools (like the Gerber Flik)

Hope to see this "innovation" for Leatherman in future iterations of their Wave and Charge type of multitools.

[Syph007]

The only thing I like about the Leatherman Leap is that FINALLY they decided to make a design with full outside opening tools (like the Gerber Flik and Diesel)

Hope to see this "innovation" for Leatherman in future iterations of their Wave and Charge type of multitools.

Thats a great point!

[Lynn LeFey]

The only thing I like about the Leatherman Leap is that FINALLY they decided to make a design with full outside opening tools (like the Gerber Flik and Diesel)

Hope to see this "innovation" for Leatherman in future iterations of their Wave and Charge type of multitools.

I think you might be forgetting the OHT. And the Squirt.... and the Style CS/PS. And sorta-kinda the Freestyle, although that's just a blade 

But I'm pretty happy to see the outside opening tools.

[Ombudsman]

The only thing I like about the Leatherman Leap is that FINALLY they decided to make a design with full outside opening tools (like the Gerber Flik and Diesel)

Hope to see this "innovation" for Leatherman in future iterations of their Wave and Charge type of multitools.

I think you might be forgetting the OHT. And the Squirt.... and the Style CS/PS. And sorta-kinda the Freestyle, although that's just a blade 

But I'm pretty happy to see the outside opening tools.

Ops ! you are right    I was hoping this to be a new trend for Leatherman 

[Cupboard]

it is still sort of new though, they haven't done it *like this* before and if they did with with the Wave that would be rather nice.

Edit: in fact, a Wave sized Leap might be quite good...

[Lynn LeFey]

Just so you all know, I sent an email to Leatherman, requesting the chance to get an early preview model for review here. I feel confident that my incredible charm will be sufficient to land me one. LOL

What the heck, right? Nothing ventured, nothing gained.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Etherealicer]

Just so you all know, I sent an email to Leatherman, requesting the chance to get an early preview model for review here. I feel confident that my incredible charm will be sufficient to land me one. LOL

What the heck, right? Nothing ventured, nothing gained.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I hope you referenced your saw review and the scissors review! They are super.

[Syph007]

Just so you all know, I sent an email to Leatherman, requesting the chance to get an early preview model for review here. I feel confident that my incredible charm will be sufficient to land me one. LOL

What the heck, right? Nothing ventured, nothing gained.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Good for you! Lets hope they realize what a wise decision it would be!

[Breezy12]

Just so you all know, I sent an email to Leatherman, requesting the chance to get an early preview model for review here. I feel confident that my incredible charm will be sufficient to land me one. LOL

What the heck, right? Nothing ventured, nothing gained.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I'll keep my fingers crossed for you, Lynn. I'd love to see a review from you.

[Monrogue]

Just so you all know, I sent an email to Leatherman, requesting the chance to get an early preview model for review here. I feel confident that my incredible charm will be sufficient to land me one. LOL

What the heck, right? Nothing ventured, nothing gained.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I'll keep my fingers crossed for you, Lynn. I'd love to see a review from you.

+1   

[Mercury]

Good idea Lynn, that way we can get a hands on view.   

[Lynn LeFey]

I'd be happy to field questions, and supply the best quality photos I can manage upon request if this happens.

Plus, obviously, measurements, comparison photos with other products side-by-side, etc.

One can hope. Maybe I can point any Leatherman rep to this thread if given the chance to show the interest in the idea.

Maybe Leatherman would also be cool and generous, and allow the reviewed tool to be part of a promo give-away after the review. Just sayin', Leatherman.   

[kirk13]

Just so you all know, I sent an email to Leatherman, requesting the chance to get an early preview model for review here. I feel confident that my incredible charm will be sufficient to land me one. LOL

What the heck, right? Nothing ventured, nothing gained.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I think you've got a better chance than Jothra