ARC Multi-Tool
Leatherman Arc 20 Tools Including CPM MagnaCut Knife With a whopping 20 tools, the Leatherman Arc is deservedly the new flagship multi-tool of the legendary Leatherman brand. The Arc is the pinnacle of Leatherman craftsmanship in a number of ways, from its FREE technology to its customizable bit driver, which is a highly requested feature. It also uses cutting-edge materials like CPM MagnaCut steel with a DLC coating for its knife, which has an excellent balance of edge retention in addition to corrosion and wear resistance. Lightweight, Heavy-Duty Multi-tool The Arc makes for a great EDC multi-tool for multiple reasons. For one, its size is easy to carry at 4.26" when closed and weighing just 8.6 ounces. Second, the Arc has a pocket clip, making it a cinch to place on your pocket corner or bag strap so you can carry it with you anywhere. Third, the included holster (with pockets for your eight double-ended bit kit pieces) broadens the possibilities for carrying the multi-tool with a dedicated spot for it on your utility belt.
Why r/BuyItForLife recommends it
18 mentions from real owners
- #1Dec 5, 2025
Best thing to buy for $100
I carry for work and when I'm out on my motorcycle the ARC in my coveralls happily. I have it in my pocket in ZapWizards holster with bunch of fiddly bits, a sucrets tin with other bits in my cycle bag. never broken down on the side of the road. I like old motorcycles. I have my older Leatherman's in the glove box, fishing tackle, lodge but no one touches my damn arc.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #2Dec 5, 2025
Best thing to buy for $100
I have the Leatherman ARC (had all their other ones) and it's by far the best EDC I've ever had--can't think of more than two days in a row I haven't used it. Yeah I repair things, fix things. BUT for my most utility it's my Victorinox Tinker Swiss Army Knife--had it since I was 10 or so--not a tool on it I don't use Awl, Philips, screw driver, can opener , little knife, big knife---don't need the scissors---that sits on my key chain.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #3Nov 4, 2025
Which brands/products have gotten better over time?
Coffee (beans from varied independent roasters), Harbor Freight Tools, Leatherman (ARC)--leatherman really upped its game.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #4Nov 2, 2025
What’s a purchase that’s not fun, not flashy but now you swear by it?
Leatherman ARC. It's in use 5 out of 7 days per week, multiple times. Gets what I need done over and over.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #5Oct 2, 2025
Looking for a BIFL multi-tool
Based on what you said, I'd suggest either the Leatherman Skeletool or the Leatherman Signal. The Skeletool is a slimmed down version, that is effectively just a knife, screwdriver, bottle opener and pliers - and it's about the same size as a normal pocket knife. The Signal is more robust and marketed towards outdoor activities like camping, and has a larger tool set and also weighs more and is bigger (and it has a fire starter, and whistle and sharpener built in, which is cool, even if somewhat gimmicky). I would decide based on whether he carries a knife daily already and how attached he is to said knife. If he has a pocket knife he already really likes, then I'd get the Signal as a complement to the pocket knife that he can take on trips it has on hand around the house, but he prob won't necessarily carry it every day. If he doesn't already regularly carry a knife (or if the knife he already has is low quality or non-sentimental) then I'd go with the Skeletool, as that has more potential to actually get used more often, as it is small and light on that it's not a burden to carry daily. Any of the other Leatherman models would be just fine as well (the "Arc" is top of the line if you wanna go all out). I've never had a SOG mulitool, but their knives are legit. As for Gerber, I'm personally not a huge fan, as that brand has put out some garbage products in the past. The multitools are prob fine tho, but I'd choose Leatherman over Gerber all day, personally.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #6Oct 2, 2025
Looking for a BIFL multi-tool
You could not go wrong with a Leatherman Arc or Free P4. Outside of those specific models, I'm of the opinion that there are better options not made by Leatherman. The SOG PowerAccess for full-size and the PowerPint for a smaller more compact size are probably my favorite no brainer options. I'm also a fan of the Roxon multi tool because you can customize it to hold whatever implements you want, though that's a bit newer so the "buy it for life" aspect could be up in the air. It may be difficult for you to figure out exactly what implements your husband would want so it may be difficult not spoiling the surprise. It is also a cheaper option so there is more wiggle room with just buying more than he could need to let him experiment, or even change the implements depending on if he's camping or at home.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #7Sep 5, 2025
What purchase made you smile more often, maybe without meaning to?
In recent years--the Leatherman ARC. Can't get enough of that multitool (and the case I got for it--case that holds additional tools. The amount of things I'm able to do quite effectively with this case and tool amazes me. My Swiss Army Knife (Victorinox)--Tinker model without scissors. Had that for decades. Always with me, daily. Always makes me smile--can't tell you how many times the tweezers on that, the awl, the Philips have just been grabbed, done their thing and done. My Mac Knife (Chef's knife)--always makes me happy. Others have their favorite Chef's knife--totally get folks love of particular brands. No debates on sharpening. I can sharpen well but when you've held something for 30 years almost daily--wow. My mini tripod (going on 50 years)--very different build than the ones you get today but this little thing is solid, has made many great photos---still going. My large 100 year old cast iron pan. Daily use---smile at it every day. My Danner Logger Boots of 40 years. Sure I've resoled them but same boots, same great fit-yes I do a couple bouts of shoe shine/leather treatment. My Triumph Bonneville (now on 24 years)-it has carbs, it's serviceable. I had an older one I sold (from 1969) that the new owner still has but I wanted that electric start---vehicles can be buy it for life if you know a bit of maintenance.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #8Aug 10, 2025
American product worth importing?
Leatherman ARC or other Leathermans. Enjoy.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #9Aug 6, 2025
Recommended multitool
Have had lots of Leathermans and the ARC just got it right! plus all the things I can add to it---
View on Redditopen_in_new - #10Aug 6, 2025
Recommended multitool
Leatherman ARC SAK-Tinker without scissors
View on Redditopen_in_new - #11Aug 6, 2025
Recommended multitool
I carry a Leatherman Charge+ but there are some minor irritations with it. Main one is the pliers as there's not enough space between the handles for me to comfortably use them. If you pick up a used one, make sure that the wire cutters have the replaceable cutters. Luckily I don't use the pliers as often as the other tools. I use the eyeglass screwdriver, bit driver, scissors and knife most often. It is an older design and the patent has run out so there are lots of clones which are arguably better in some respects. I also have the Leatherman ARC. It fixes the pliers issue. The tools are also more easily accessible. Only downside is that I prefer the scissors on the Charge+ which, though smaller, seems to cut fabric better.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #12Jul 5, 2025
Your Top 3 BIFL Items
Leatherman arc, le creuset 7.5qt chefs oven, ruger 10/22.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #13Jul 2, 2025
What purchase changed your habit?
Great question I thought---practical, something people can observe. Cordless stick vacuum--for sure--compared to the 1960s grabbing all that Hoover stuff--vacuum all the time now. Dust buster type thing in an office or workshop--much cleaner Better bathmat, these new diatomaceous earth ones are great for drippy people---got two going with kids and it's a game changer Airfryer with doors on the front---makes me use it all day, including toasting. Cordless drill, Cordless hand pruner Leatherman ARC Small portable jumper cable / battery with an aircompressor.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #14Jun 3, 2025
Some of my favorite BIFL EDC items.
Leatherman ARC, Victorinox SAK Tinker (no scissors), Mag Light sometimes, Zippo Sometimes. Pen can be an old bic --have some over 40 years old. pencil stub (golf pencil), sometimes a tiny magnifying loupe which has a hard cover and dangles on my keychain
View on Redditopen_in_new - #15Jun 1, 2025
Gift for man who works nightshift outside
Leatherman ARC, A really decent cologne to mask smells (Canoe or something), Swiss Army Knife.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #16May 1, 2025
What's one item you've owned for years that's still going strong-and was totally worth the money?
My Leatherman ARC
View on Redditopen_in_new - #17Apr 6, 2025
Interested in niche daily products
Leatherman arc. Tons of functionality and I find myself fidgeting around with it.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #18Feb 2, 2025
What’s one product you bought that has lasted forever and was totally worth it?
My list seems to be the Kitchen Aid Lift Mixer, Leatherman ARC, Zojirushi Rice Cooker, Old Straight Edge Razor , Sennheiser Headphones (corded), Danner Logger Boots, Carhart Overalls, Victorinox Tinker, Cast Iron Fry pans, big and small, Cast Iron Dutch Oven. Mac MTH 80 Chef's Knife, Zippo Lighter, Samsung Portable SSD Drives, Zeroll Icecream Scoop, French Press Coffee Maker, English Pub Glasses (hold hot and cold liquids).
View on Redditopen_in_new