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Powernoodle's spontaneous ARC/P4 Challenge

us Offline powernoodle

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Re: Powernoodle's spontaneous ARC/P4 Challenge
Reply #240 on: February 28, 2025, 10:14:14 PM
Is it even that much better than the Wave?

That's an honest question that deserves an honest answer - which is no.  Not at $250.  No way.

The ARC gives you a MagnaCut blade and neodymium magnets.  For my average guy usage, the 420HC blade steel on the Wave+ is just as good as MagnaCut - because I am not sharpening either very frequently.  If you are sharpening every 48 hours, then you probably need a utility blade rather than an MT.  As for the magnetic deployment, I'm neither impressed nor put off by it.  I am just as happy with the Wave+ deployment that was handed down from the demigods in Seattle in the days of old.

Now, if you are a MT freakazoid who plays the MT game hard, who gets on MTO several times a day and wants to have the (alleged) flagship MT from the market leader, then you have to hold your nose and pay $250 to play the game.  I bought a used one, and that was back when the MSRP was $229. 

The ARC is pocket jewelry for the MT freak who needs a hit of dopamine and is willing to kiss Leatherman's boots on the MSRP.  For everyone else, which is 99.9% of MT purchasers, you are better off with a more reasonable MSRP like you find on the Wave+, ST300 or Rebar.  I have written about it in the past, but I think the ST300 at $99 is the best value on the Leatherman website.  And I subjectively enjoy the look and feel of it more than that of the ARC, but each to his or her own on that one.

Peace be with you.   :salute:  :tu:


us Offline JonesE

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Re: Powernoodle's spontaneous ARC/P4 Challenge
Reply #241 on: February 28, 2025, 11:22:23 PM
Hi Alan, I agree with a lot of what PN said. Since you have the P4 and seem to be struggling with using it, I wouldn’t bother with the Arc. I do have a suggestion for you and that is try and occasionally carry the P4. I didn’t originally click with the P4 when it came out. In fact, I sold mine off after a month or so of owning it. A year or so ago, I picked another one up when it went on sale at REI and used my dividend to bring the price down. I started carrying it occasionally and on Fridays. All multitools have compromises, it is just a matter if you can live with them or not.

JonesE


us Offline JonesE

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Re: Powernoodle's spontaneous ARC/P4 Challenge
Reply #242 on: February 28, 2025, 11:34:25 PM
Day 28 Happy Free Friday!



JonesE


us Offline Poncho65

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Re: Powernoodle's spontaneous ARC/P4 Challenge
Reply #243 on: March 01, 2025, 02:31:35 AM
Great thoughts on the ARC and P4, guys :salute: I feel much the same and I only got an ARC because I got both (yes both :facepalm: :rofl: ) second hand and couldn't pass up the mark off I got for them (we are talking P4 and cheaper prices  :o ) I also get along better with a Wave/Charge than the Free series as well but do on occasion carry the ARC :cheers:

This challenge has been an excellent one to follow as well :woohoo: :like: :like:


us Offline powernoodle

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Re: Powernoodle's spontaneous ARC/P4 Challenge
Reply #244 on: March 01, 2025, 01:19:40 PM
Yeah P, I won't rule out paying $350 for the next ARC with rose gold plating and baby seal skin sheath.  But I don't own a bass boat or golf clubs, so this is where my discretionary toy spending goes.

 :cheers:

Powernoodle Day 29



I used the ARC to open an inhaler for my mild asthma symptoms.  You know - when I could have just torn it open.  Good times.


gb Offline Crunchie64

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Re: Powernoodle's spontaneous ARC/P4 Challenge
Reply #245 on: March 01, 2025, 02:00:52 PM
Yeah P, I won't rule out paying $350 for the next ARC with rose gold plating and baby seal skin sheath.  But I don't own a bass boat or golf clubs, so this is where my discretionary toy spending goes.

 :cheers:

I think this is exactly it when it comes to discussion of prices.

In my opinion, the Leatherman Free tools are the best, most usable multitools on the market.

Do I need a limited edition version with fancy coloured scales and a super steel blade?

No.

Would I just spend the money on a different slightly unnecessary toy or bauble if I didn’t buy the Arc?

Probably.


us Offline JonesE

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Re: Powernoodle's spontaneous ARC/P4 Challenge
Reply #246 on: March 01, 2025, 07:41:10 PM
Day 29



Today is garage clean up day. Already got a bay sorted into piles. One for donation, one for recycle, and another for the dump. The 551SBK and the P4 are my companions for the day. Used the Arc to break items down to more manageable sizes to fit into the back of the wife’s SUV. It was nice having the P4 with me today. It limited the number of trips to the toolbox. It still amazes me how much junk one can accumulate in a few short years.

JonesE


us Offline Barry Rowland

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Re: Powernoodle's spontaneous ARC/P4 Challenge
Reply #247 on: March 01, 2025, 09:34:14 PM
Believe me I understand that! 
Barry


us Offline powernoodle

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Re: Powernoodle's spontaneous ARC/P4 Challenge
Reply #248 on: March 01, 2025, 10:25:27 PM
I may have mentioned earlier in this thread, or elsewhere, that we are in the process of moving after 31 years in the same house.  This is not for the faint of heart.

 :cheers:


us Offline KevCarter

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Re: Powernoodle's spontaneous ARC/P4 Challenge
Reply #249 on: March 02, 2025, 12:01:00 AM
I may have mentioned earlier in this thread, or elsewhere, that we are in the process of moving after 31 years in the same house.  This is not for the faint of heart.

 :cheers:

Good luck Brother. 😂😂😂

 :cheers:
He who dies with the most friends, wins.


us Offline powernoodle

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Re: Powernoodle's spontaneous ARC/P4 Challenge
Reply #250 on: March 02, 2025, 12:03:42 AM
 :salute: :salute: :salute:


us Offline Barry Rowland

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Re: Powernoodle's spontaneous ARC/P4 Challenge
Reply #251 on: March 02, 2025, 02:03:30 AM
Prior to 13 years ago, when we finally bought a house, we moved regularly.  I can't imagine 31 years PN!  You're not kidding.  It's definitely not for the faint of heart  :facepalm:
Barry


us Online Alan K.

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Re: Powernoodle's spontaneous ARC/P4 Challenge
Reply #252 on: March 02, 2025, 03:00:57 AM
I've lived in my house since 1994.  I don't think I'll be moving from here until the gentlemen from the county come in full protective suits and carry me out in a zippered vinyl bag.  However, you all have convinced me to carry the P4 for a week and see how it goes. :cheers:


us Offline powernoodle

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Re: Powernoodle's spontaneous ARC/P4 Challenge
Reply #253 on: March 02, 2025, 01:43:06 PM
However, you all have convinced me to carry the P4 for a week and see how it goes. :cheers:

Alan that was the whole point of this exercise, so our work here is done.  We did not do this for the Badge, because there is no Badge!  It was done solely for the love and furtherance of the multitool arts and sciences.  :cheers:

Thanks JonesE and everyone for playing along.   :salute: :salute: :salute:  :tu: 


Powernoodle Day 30


My respect for the diamond file has been increased over the last 30 days.


us Offline KevCarter

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Re: Powernoodle's spontaneous ARC/P4 Challenge
Reply #254 on: March 02, 2025, 02:37:08 PM
Alan that was the whole point of this exercise, so our work here is done.  We did not do this for the Badge, because there is no Badge!  It was done solely for the love and furtherance of the multitool arts and sciences.  :cheers:

Thanks JonesE and everyone for playing along.   :salute: :salute: :salute:  :tu: 


Powernoodle Day 30

(Image removed from quote.)
My respect for the diamond file has been increased over the last 30 days.


Great job on the challenge powernoodle. It's been a lot of fun following along!

 :like:   :cheers:   :like:
He who dies with the most friends, wins.


us Offline powernoodle

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Re: Powernoodle's spontaneous ARC/P4 Challenge
Reply #255 on: March 02, 2025, 02:38:05 PM
Thank you, Your Lordship.   :cheers:


us Offline Barry Rowland

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Re: Powernoodle's spontaneous ARC/P4 Challenge
Reply #256 on: March 02, 2025, 02:50:16 PM
Great job guys and this was fun!
Barry


us Offline JonesE

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Re: Powernoodle's spontaneous ARC/P4 Challenge
Reply #257 on: March 02, 2025, 06:29:56 PM
However, you all have convinced me to carry the P4 for a week and see how it goes. :cheers:

Glad to hear you are going to give it a go. Would be good to get your thoughts at the end of the week on how it went.

JonesE


us Offline JonesE

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Re: Powernoodle's spontaneous ARC/P4 Challenge
Reply #258 on: March 02, 2025, 06:36:20 PM
Day 30



Wow, this challenge flew by fast. Got the Arc with me today.

Thank you PN for hosting this one. And thank you to those that followed along and commented. Your encouragement was appreciated, especially your thoughts on these two tools.

JonesE


us Offline KevCarter

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Re: Powernoodle's spontaneous ARC/P4 Challenge
Reply #259 on: March 02, 2025, 06:45:32 PM
Day 30



Wow, this challenge flew by fast. Got the Arc with me today.

Thank you PN for hosting this one. And thank you to those that followed along and commented. Your encouragement was appreciated, especially your thoughts on these two tools.

JonesE

 :like: :like:

 :iagree: :iagree:

 :cheers: :salute: :tu:
He who dies with the most friends, wins.


us Offline powernoodle

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Re: Powernoodle's spontaneous ARC/P4 Challenge
Reply #260 on: March 02, 2025, 06:49:15 PM
Day 30

Great closing pic, sir.  Thanks again for being part of this.   :tu:


us Offline Poncho65

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Re: Powernoodle's spontaneous ARC/P4 Challenge
Reply #261 on: March 03, 2025, 11:52:45 AM
Congrats on finishing to both of you :hatsoff:

If we end up having a badge down the road then you gents will definitely be up for it  :salute:

I have enjoyed following along and wished I would have remembered to participate a bit more with pics  :oops: But still very glad I followed along and got some insight from others about the ARC and Free series  :woohoo: :like:


us Offline JonesE

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Re: Powernoodle's spontaneous ARC/P4 Challenge
Reply #262 on: March 03, 2025, 04:13:22 PM
Great closing pic, sir.  Thanks again for being part of this.   :tu:

Thank you Sir, It was an honor doing the challenge with you.

JonesE


us Offline JonesE

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Re: Powernoodle's spontaneous ARC/P4 Challenge
Reply #263 on: March 03, 2025, 04:15:13 PM
Thanks Poncho! Glad you were able to follow along.  :cheers:

JonesE


us Offline powernoodle

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Re: Powernoodle's spontaneous ARC/P4 Challenge
Reply #264 on: March 04, 2025, 01:50:00 PM
Thanks, P.   :salute:


us Offline FolderBeholder

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Re: Powernoodle's spontaneous ARC/P4 Challenge
Reply #265 on: March 05, 2025, 02:25:35 AM
Congrats on finishing the challenge JonesE and powernoodle!  :salute:
Rest in peace ColoSwiss, you will always be remembered.


us Offline powernoodle

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Re: Powernoodle's spontaneous ARC/P4 Challenge
Reply #266 on: March 09, 2025, 09:10:09 PM
Congrats on finishing the challenge JonesE and powernoodle!  :salute:

Thanks, Lisa.   :salute: :salute: :salute:  :tu:


us Offline Barry Rowland

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Re: Powernoodle's spontaneous ARC/P4 Challenge
Reply #267 on: March 10, 2025, 02:10:28 AM
Great job guys!
Barry


Offline MrToolJunkie

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Re: Powernoodle's spontaneous ARC/P4 Challenge
Reply #268 on: March 12, 2025, 05:56:11 AM
Awesome job. I have been carrying my P4 regularly since getting it when Amazon had them on sale and I really have come to like it. The one hand opening has been great for numerous projects as I get settled in my new house. I use all the implements except the can opener. I have found everything to work fine. I have an ARC and might carry it, but the P4 has served my needs and I don't need to worry about losing my expensive ARC.


us Offline Fireman

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Re: Powernoodle's spontaneous ARC/P4 Challenge
Reply #269 on: March 13, 2025, 12:26:18 PM
That's an honest question that deserves an honest answer - which is no.  Not at $250.  No way.

The ARC gives you a MagnaCut blade and neodymium magnets.  For my average guy usage, the 420HC blade steel on the Wave+ is just as good as MagnaCut - because I am not sharpening either very frequently.  If you are sharpening every 48 hours, then you probably need a utility blade rather than an MT.  As for the magnetic deployment, I'm neither impressed nor put off by it.  I am just as happy with the Wave+ deployment that was handed down from the demigods in Seattle in the days of old.

Now, if you are a MT freakazoid who plays the MT game hard, who gets on MTO several times a day and wants to have the (alleged) flagship MT from the market leader, then you have to hold your nose and pay $250 to play the game.  I bought a used one, and that was back when the MSRP was $229. 

The ARC is pocket jewelry for the MT freak who needs a hit of dopamine and is willing to kiss Leatherman's boots on the MSRP.  For everyone else, which is 99.9% of MT purchasers, you are better off with a more reasonable MSRP like you find on the Wave+, ST300 or Rebar.  I have written about it in the past, but I think the ST300 at $99 is the best value on the Leatherman website.  And I subjectively enjoy the look and feel of it more than that of the ARC, but each to his or her own on that one.

Peace be with you.   :salute:  :tu:

 :like:

Thank you for your life affirming post!   :salute:  I feel much better about my $100 pain threshold on MTs and my choice of the ST300 as my large user.  I still feel that the PST is the best Leatherman  because it has a great weight/size to performance ratio.  If I have a pile of CC points, coupons, or dumb luck on price, I'll buy an Arc because I'm an addict who can't stay in recovery more than  a few weeks at a time.

Good luck and Godspeed on your challenge!


 

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