Leatherman stretching there value? (Folders)

barrabas74

barrabas74

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Jul 27, 2005
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I want to start saying I love my Leatherman multitools and my T4 is a cool folder that offers options and feels like a nice change from my Swiss Army knives.

However, seeing the prices on there new folders I am scratching my head. I do not see $300 of value here. I am worried there other tools will soon climb to unrealistic prices. They are already priced higher than some will pay. There are many other multi-tools on the market now that are offering high value for a quarter the cost. Granted they aren't usa made and if tariffs go higher that will adjust the cost.

I could rant on this but hopefully my point is clear.

Does anyone own the new Blazer, Glider or fixed blades which are identical in price?

I know alot of other makers have high prices for Magnacut and stainless frame with micarta or g10 but from Leatherman it really surprised me. Especially since the Arc is $250 with more options and Magnacut blade.
 
It looks to me like their new folders are competing directly with Magnacut blades on Kershaw's Bel Air, Hogue's Deka, Buck's Range Elite, and some of Spyderco's Salt lineup... all of which are cheaper. The lock is a little different, and LM uses hollowed-out stainless for the handles. I dunno. Not compelling at all on first glance. Their new fixed blades look more like the juice is worth the squeeze, but still not exactly priced to sell over other makers who have been in this market longer.
 
I just saw one of these gear review type blog article deals on these folders and fixed blades....BTW thanks Google for watching my every move.... anyways, yuck. that's best I can say. way too pricey and ugly as sin designs. not sure who's gonna want these, but I do know it ain't me.
 
There are 89 or so folding knives with Magnacut blades made in the US going for under 250.
The HRC range is 60 to 63.....that's a huge difference in range.

I am glad they have a new shop. I hope they sell enough 300 dollar knives to keep it open.

For reference. BENCHMADE is more of a budget option for a Magnacut blade in similar materials.
When Benchmade looks like a budget option....ya messed up.
 
They’ll do well on instagram staged on a rucksack next to some coiled up climbing rope or in someone’s valet tray with their field notes, micro brand watch, and Subaru key fob.

If it wasn’t for Kershaw I’d say it’s something in the water there in Oregon. The BelAir is $150 for anodized aluminum, Magnacut and an Axis style lock!

Hell even TRM is making an all in house Ti/Magnacut frame lock for $300.

These are DOA from Leatherman.
 
It sure does feel like they're trying to justify Magpul's claims about MIM tech making things cheaper (at least Leatherman has a product to sell). They're even making Gerber's Strongarm in Magnacut look a lot more affordable.

As much as I'd like to see more new U.S. manufacturing, it doesn't seem right to have to ignore other U.S. manufacturers' similar, lower priced products to support it. They'll need to get a lot more competitive, I suspect.
 
I've had Leatherman multitools for decades, from the original to the Supertool. Very useful, albeit whatever they used for blade steel was not impressive (420J?). These new knives with Magnacut (good) look a bit clunky (OK) but seem highly overpriced (bad).
 
Well, I appreciate Leatherman's spirit of adventure and expansion. I spent a thousand bucks on some Buck Knives recently, so this a 'no'.

That being said, Leatherman quality did attract my attention with these new releases. I wouldn't mind seeing a review from one of their loyal users.
 
Buffalohump said:
All I can say is their $300 folding knife makes their top-of-the-range multitool at $250 even more appealing and I plan to get one as soon as I can.

Maybe that was their cunning plan after all? 🤣
Click to expand...
It's the old sales trick. If you want people to buy the $25 bottle of wine instead of the $10 bottle of wine, put a $50 bottle of wine on the shelf next to them.
 
Trying to talk myself out of their leatherman blazer, it is a bit steep for what it is. Who knows it might be a great knife, but for that money you can buy a great spyderco, or 75% of one benchmade
 
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Pictures would help. :rolleyes:

Their pricing is slightly better than Montana Knife Company, FWIW. They are pricing in the same range that other Instagram brands are, so image over substance which is de rigueur these days.

I kind of like the glider, but will pass.
 
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