Freestyle anyone?

665ae · **on:** January 16, 2009, 04:31:11 AM

Small but Powerful
Freestyle will feature an outside-accessible blade, the legendary Leatherman pliers with wire cutters and unique look of the Skeletool. Freestyle will weigh only 4.5 ounces and fold up to carry with little or no notice in a front pocket, or with the removable pocket clip on a belt.

Two Models
Both models will begin shipping in late May; the Freestyle with 420HC straight/serrated combo blade and the Freestyle CX with 154CM straight blade. The bodies of both models will be 100% stainless steel for durability with Zytel or carbon-fiber (CX) handle inserts for weight reduction. The Freestyle CX will feature DLC coating for scratch and corrosion resistance. Both models are small enough to slip into a front pocket with some change, but will feature a pocket clip for portability on a belt.

Great Value
Price-point friendly (MSRP: $48 and $72) and minimal size means Freestyle models will make great “companion” tools. Many job-specific tools don’t feature pliers or a knife. Freestyle will make the perfect addition for these vital functions in a pocket-knife-size tool. As a stand-alone tool, the Freestyle can take the place of an everyday carry knife that includes pliers without adding any bulk to the belt.

Both the Freestyle and the Freestyle CX will be covered under Leatherman’s industry-leading, 25-year warranty.

Leatherman Freestyle Specs
100% Stainless Steel Body
Zytel Handle Insert
Regular Pliers
Needlenose Pliers
420HC Knife
Wire Cutters
Hard-wire Cutters
Removable Pocket Clip
Length: 3.45 in | 8.76 cm
Weight: 4.5 oz | 127.57 g

Leatherman Freestyle CX Specs
100% Stainless Steel Body with DLC Coating
Carbon Fiber Handle Insert
Regular Pliers
Needlenose Pliers
154CM Knife
Wire Cutters
Hard-wire Cutters
Removable Pocket Clip
Length: 3.45 in | 8.76 cm
Weight: 4.5 oz | 127.57 g

Anthony · **Reply #1 on:** January 16, 2009, 04:34:48 AM

No caribiner or weird driver? Cool!

When did this happen to the design?

Mr. Whippy · **Reply #2 on:** January 16, 2009, 04:35:51 AM

Very nice!

Personally, I'd miss the bit driver, but I think it will be very popular.

hawkchucker · **Reply #3 on:** January 16, 2009, 04:37:43 AM

Its nice they killed the non replacable driver.

jzmtl · **Reply #4 on:** January 16, 2009, 04:42:28 AM

Is it me or do they look really weird? Like a guy with no feet.

Pacu · **Reply #5 on:** January 16, 2009, 04:44:50 AM

I like it!

J-sews · **Reply #6 on:** January 16, 2009, 04:46:00 AM

Very interesting! They kept that one a pretty tight secret didn't they?

Grant Lamontagne · **Reply #7 on:** January 16, 2009, 04:48:06 AM

Mikey beat me to it, but here's a few more pics I took:

Note that the serrated and plain blades are reversed on the standard and CX versions of the Freestyles from the standard and CX versions of the Skeletools.

Def

J-sews · **Reply #8 on:** January 16, 2009, 04:50:23 AM

Quote from: Defender on January 16, 2009, 04:48:06 AM

Note that the serrated and plain blades are reversed on the standard and CX versions of the Freestyles from the standard and CX versions of the Skeletools.

Def

Ooooooh! Aaaaaaahhhh! Definitely put me down for a CX!

Pacu · **Reply #9 on:** January 16, 2009, 04:52:23 AM

Looks like the weight is the same in both models. SS and CX Weight: 4.5 oz | 127.57 g?

I'd go for the 154 blade and coating CX model myself.

Mr. Whippy · **Reply #10 on:** January 16, 2009, 04:53:35 AM

Dramatic decrease in size! I think I'd go for the CX version too. Very tempting!

Zack · **Reply #11 on:** January 16, 2009, 04:58:56 AM

Pliers and knife...very cool concept. I want one. I do miss the biner though, I actually prefered to carry it that way in my pocket by looping the biner to the side of my pocket.

Poncho65 · **Reply #12 on:** January 16, 2009, 05:11:17 AM

Very small now me likey

It's like a

!!!MINI!!!

except without the file and screwdriver

Very neat concept on the Skeletool frame

Many knife only guys might even buy this

(Like my Dad

)

David Bowen · **Reply #13 on:** January 16, 2009, 05:13:15 AM

Wow an excellent change on Leatherman's behalf. I am sad to see that there is no driver on it though, maybe this will help spread even further into the tool world. It does look very sleek and somewhat alien in appearence. I like, looks very comfortable and it's sure to be a hit with folks everywhere.

I'm Still Bison · **Reply #14 on:** January 16, 2009, 05:23:52 AM

I can see a lot of those being sold,and I can also see pairing it with a Cadet for a terrific combo.

donvito · **Reply #15 on:** January 16, 2009, 05:25:06 AM

Looks much better than the first prototype seen last year. Put me down for a CX

cliosguy · **Reply #16 on:** January 16, 2009, 05:25:32 AM

WOW

i want a cx right now

J-sews · **Reply #17 on:** January 16, 2009, 05:26:53 AM

Quote from: donvito on January 16, 2009, 05:25:06 AM

Looks much better than the first prototype seen last year. Put me down for a CX

You think this one is good, just wait until you see NEXT years Shot Show version!

NeitherExtreme · **Reply #18 on:** January 16, 2009, 05:27:33 AM

weird weird weird weird. Weird. No screwdrivers at all.

I'm not sure what to think.

I like the tool, but I need screwdrivers!!!

Pacu · **Reply #19 on:** January 16, 2009, 05:30:56 AM

since it's more knife than tool that 154 blade does make it need worthy. Hope Target carries it...or one of our site carriers. Gotta keep it in the family

jzmtl · **Reply #20 on:** January 16, 2009, 05:39:06 AM

Oh yeah did you ask them about their liner lock slide all the way past tang problem? Or have they remedied it?

WhichDawg · **Reply #21 on:** January 16, 2009, 06:03:57 AM

Industry leading 25 years?

that would make Lifetime.... Mega-Industrial-Economy Leading?

but great shots and ty for sharing that boss!

gafftapegreenia · **Reply #22 on:** January 16, 2009, 06:59:38 AM

With the MSRP in the Freestyle, I am sure that Amazon will have killer deals on 'em. Can't wait to get one!

DaveK · **Reply #23 on:** January 16, 2009, 10:26:07 AM

It's funny that they say that the CX has carbon fiber inserts for weight reduction, and it actually weighs the same as the standard model!

It's also great that having originally published pictures of the Freestyle with the caribiner, they have rethought and dropped it. It looks like some of the mods on here recently!

4.5oz, wow.

Needless to say, I'll be getting both. Any ideas about when yet?

Sea Monster · **Reply #24 on:** January 16, 2009, 11:04:15 AM

I'm going to go with my usual dislike of anything new.

What the hell is the charm of carbon fibre anyway?

I'll admit it looks kinda cool.

But that's just it, I wear sunnies to look cool, I carry a multi so I can abuse the tits out of it.

I can see it being successful though -heck, it could just be a sweet looking carbon fibre folder for all most purchasers will care, the pliers just add something to fiddle with.

hawkchucker · **Reply #25 on:** January 16, 2009, 01:49:07 PM

Ya knoew I came back tothis one, and I got to say. I dont get it now. Iy oyou really look at it they kinda went the Gerber route. They just removed the driver, and the Clip.

I hate to make this statement but it is the Suspension of the LM line.

hawkchucker · **Reply #26 on:** January 16, 2009, 01:56:04 PM

Hey look I can design for LM now. I can put the clip on the other side, and Now we corner the market in left hand friendly Multi tools with a clip. Never done before.

DaveK · **Reply #27 on:** January 16, 2009, 02:03:13 PM

I see what you are getting at HC, but to be honest, the Suspension was a good idea, it's just that the quality sucked.

These things are more in competition with the Juice line than the Skeletools maybe?

LM used to size their tools like so:

Category	Size (Closed)	e.g.
- Keychain	2.5"	Micra
- Pocket	3.25"	Juice
- Full Size	4.0"	Kick, Fuse, Blast, Charge, Wave etc
- Extra Large	4.5"	Surge

I notice that the new LM website has started to blur those old categories now, but I assume the Freestyle will now be classed as a Pocket Tool, as opposed to a Full size like the Skeletool, or the original Freestye prototype.

hawkchucker · **Reply #28 on:** January 16, 2009, 02:11:18 PM

I also understand that it is certainly difficult to come up with working designs that have to go to shot, themn into production, but It would be nice to see something with more substance than a Re tricked out tool.

Maybe it is just me this morning but I really dont like it. They should just say that nothing new coming out due to R&D on the lights, and getting them out. and Just leave it. However they now do have something else to add to the stable.

Benner · **Reply #29 on:** January 16, 2009, 02:45:36 PM

Quote from: hawkchucker on January 16, 2009, 04:37:43 AM

Its nice they killed the non replacable driver.

That was my thought as well.

Really minimalistic isn't it. $:-\$

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