Leatherman ARC Multi-Tool Review
After a season of daily carry and trail use, here's why the Leatherman ARC with MagnaCut is our overall favorite—and why the flagship price is justified
The Leatherman ARC multi-tool is our favorite overall multi-tool. Courtesy Chris Meehan
October 30th, 2026
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Our verdict
We tested a lot of great multi-tools this year, but the US-made Leatherman ARC really stood out, and it wasn’t just me. At one point while having dinner with six of Treeline Review’s writers and editors, I brought out a box of the tools we were evaluating. After opening and closing each and checking the tools, every single person agreed that the ARC was the best.
While the US-made ARC doesn’t have the most tools, it has a perfect blend of tools for most people. They’re by far the easiest to access of all the high-quality tools we tested, offering true one-handed opening, locking, and closure. This makes it great for changing tools mid-project, even when your other hand is busy holding something in place.
The MagnaCut blade, with a lifetime of free sharpening (should you ever need it), is just the final piece to put it over the top. The only thing I’d like to see changed is replacing the bit driver with a standard bit socket rather than the proprietary one Leatherman uses. Nevertheless, after testing nearly 20 currently available multi-tools, the ARC is simply the best overall.
Leatherman ARC multi-tool
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Leatherman ARC multi-tool specifications
MSRP: $250
Number of tools: 20
Weight: 8.6 oz
Closed length: 4.25"
Open length: 6.45"Blade length: 2.76"
Blade material: MagnaCut Stainless Steel
Blade lock: Yes
One-hand operable: Yes (FREE technology)
Included bits: Phillips #1-2 & 3/16" Screwdriver
Made in: USA
Warranty: 25 years
What we liked
Carving a stake with the MagnaCut Blade of the Leatherman ARC felt like cutting through butter. Courtesy Chris Meehan
One-handed access with strong locking and closure
An ideal set of tools for everyday use
Great pliers with wire cutters and strippers built in
MagnaCut steel blade should rarely, if ever, need sharpening, and Leatherman offers a free sharpening service
What could be better
Bit driver could use standard bits
At $250 could include a ratchet
Awl could have a hole to thread a line through for gear repairs
Comparison table
| Multi-Tool | MSRP | Weight | Tool Count | Tool Material | Blade Material | Locking Blade | Scissors | Screwdriver(s) | Bottle Opener | Ratchet |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leatherman ARC | $250 | 8.6 oz | 20 | Stainless steel | MagnaCut steel | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Leatherman Wave Alpha | $200 | 8.3 oz | 18 | Stainless steel | MagnaCut steel | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Leatherman Wave Plus | $130 | 8.5 oz | 18 | Stainless steel | 420HC stainless steel | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Victorinox Swiss Tool X Plus Ratchet | $210 | 16.1 oz | 38 | Stainless steel | Stainless steel | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Gerber Stakeout Spark | $80 | 5.4 oz | 10 | Stainless steel | 5Cr15MoV stainless steel | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ |
Who is the Leatherman ARC for?
Anyone who needs a dedicated, durable multi-tool that can do almost anything you’d want a multi-tool for.
Someone who regularly needs both a best-in-class knife and small saw for daily work.
Anyone who regularly needs to rapidly switch tools to get a project done and doesn’t want to keep going back to the tool box.
A multi-tool for backcountry adventures, manufacturing shops, or work around the house or office.
Our testing protocols
The needle-nose pliers and wire cutters on the Leatherman ARC were among the best we tested. They easily stripped wires, both thin and thick, without compromising the stranded wires inside. Courtesy Chris Meehan
Test 1: Blade and cutting performance
We tested the Leatherman ARC’s MagnaCut blade in the same way we tested the blades of nearly 20 other multi-tools. Before testing each blade we looked at it through a microscope, looking at the blade angle, bevel, and sharpness. Then we ran them through a battery of tests to simulate real-life uses and environments and gave each a score between 1 and 5 in each test. That included how well they did slicing through 2 inches of foam, multiple cuts on paracord, cardboard, the depth of slicing and then carving through 7/16-inch wood dowels—this allowed for a better apples-to-apples comparison than cutting through branches, which aren’t uniform throughout.
After all the other tests, we went back and cut paracord again to see if there was any noticeable decline in cutting ability. Then we looked at the blade through the microscope again to determine if there was any damage to the blade after testing. We also compared the blades to a utility knife blade and an X-ACTO-style blade to see if they outperformed the multi-tool knives.
The Leatherman ARC and its sibling, the Leatherman Wave, were the best tested, earning 5 points in every category except slicing directly into wood. There they were outperformed by knives with serrations. Otherwise, the ARC sliced through foam like a hot knife, made mincemeat out of paracord, carved the dowel into the sharp point for a tent stake in under 15 seconds, and showed no damage after the barrage of tests.
We also love that Leatherman offers free sharpening for the ARC’s MagnaCut blade. Chipped or broken blades are assessed case by case and are not automatically covered.
Test 2: Pliers, wire cutters, and gripping performance
The ARC’s pliers are narrower and taper to a finer needle nose than those on most of the other high-end models we tested, including the Victorinox Swiss Tool X Plus Ratchet and the Gerber Center-Drive Plus. Yet, the unsprung pliers were among the most effective we tested. The thinner, narrower needle nose pliers were better at gripping and twisting wires in tight spaces. Yet they were still burly enough that they never felt like they were flexing under pressure, like some other models did. They also grabbed bolt heads well for tightening loose bolts and hose clamps.
We also did a uniform test of the wire cutters using them to cut and strip larger (12-gauge) and thinner (22-24-gauge) wires and to cut spokes and bike cables. The replaceable blades of the ARC tool performed excellently across all of the tasks, even handling cutting bike cable and spokes with relative ease, and we didn’t see any damage to the blades afterwards.
The saw on the Leatherman ARC was among the best we tested. Courtesy Chris Meehan
Test 3: Saw
Since Treeline Review started with backpackers, they’re still core to us and our values, and having a pocket saw is important in the backcountry. As such, we tested each saw on the same dowel we whittled into tent stake points. The combination of short and long teeth on both sides of the saw blade made the quickest work of the material when we cut it when compared with other saws we tested.
Test 4: Carry, ergonomics, and daily use
Testing the ergonomics of a multi-tool is a more subjective test than most of the others we did, considering it’s about the feeling of the tool in the hand, as well as the ease of accessing every tool or function within the multi-tool. We assessed how the tool felt in hand, how easy it was to deploy each tool and how well the pocket clip worked.
Test 5: Durability and the field season
After a phalanx of tests and daily use in the field we didn’t see any damage to the Leatherman ARC. We can’t say that for some of the models we tested. We expect that this piece from Leatherman should last for years—if not decades of use. We also like the accessible Torx screws, although Leatherman recommends factory service for disassembly and warns that taking the tool apart yourself may void warranty protection.
Test 6: Lock safety
We assessed lock safety on the Leatherman ARC by opening and deploying all of the tools separately. Each folding tool on the Leatherman ARC secures in place with a back lock. We assessed lock safety on the Leatherman ARC by opening and deploying all of the tools separately and then pressing on the spine of the tool with a decent amount of force. The tools stayed in place without any budging once locked in place.
Performance in the field
More stake carving with the MagnaCut steel blade. Courtesy Chris Meehan
The MagnaCut Blade
Obviously, a few months of testing isn’t a lifetime of use, but the MagnaCut blade handled all of our tests with the ease of a mantis shrimp slicing through the sound barrier—it surpassed expectations and didn’t see any noticeable wear. Which is something we’d expect of MagnaCut steel, a more robust steel that a number of knife makers are turning to for its superior ability to retain an edge. We also love that if somehow you do dull the blade, Leatherman will sharpen it for free!
FREE Locking Mechanism
The black levers inside the handles of the Leatherman ARC lock each tool in place and are exceptionally easy to engage and release on both sides of the tool. Courtesy Chris Meehan
The Leatherman ARC makes deploying and putting away tools easier than any other multi-tool we tested. The FREE technology consists of a couple things: magnets that hold handles and tools together when the pliers are closed, a design that enables one-handed access to all the tools while said pliers are closed, and a locking feature that releases as easily as pushing a button. It is the killer feature that really puts it over the top compared to the other multi-tools we tested—it pretty much deploys with the ease of a good switchblade knife.
Access to Tools When Closed
Opening up the Leatherman ARC’s tools with ease made doing tasks like replacing this castor collar easy, where two other multi-tools failed. Courtesy Chris Meehan
The Leatherman ARC is one of a few plier-style multi-tools we tested that allowed access to all the tools while closed. But it also makes that access much easier, thanks to the aforementioned FREE technology. With others, like the Victorinox Spirit or Swiss Tool, you still need both hands to really access the tools and oftentimes you really need a fingernail to open them up. It’s easy to say the ARC is the best here.
Bit Driver
We used the bit driver to help start spoke nipples on spokes when building a new bike wheel. Courtesy Chris Meehan
We love the small bit driver and are more circumspect about the large bit driver, which uses proprietary, rectangular bits—rather than the standard hexagonal bits you can get anywhere. Still, one friend, an airplane mechanic, notes that he really likes the rectangular shape of the bits and says he thinks it may allow for applying more torque without slipping.
Ergonomics
The Leatherman ARC feels solid and comfortable in hand and all the tools lock solidly in place. Even when wrenching hard on a screwhead or bolt with the pliers, we didn’t notice any rough or sharp edges pushing into our hands as we did with some other models.
The closed handles don’t cut into the hands when tools are deployed. Likewise, when in plier form, the rounded edges of the handles make them easy to bear down on. The only handles that were more comfortable in hand were those of the Leatherman Wave Alpha with their layered G10 handles.
The ease of use and ability to deploy every tool while the pliers are closed—and with one hand—give the ARC a huge ergonomic advantage. Each tool is easy to find and deploy with one hand.
In testing we found that though it doesn’t come with a pouch, it fits easily in a hip or cargo pocket and has a solid belt clip for those that want to carry it that way.
Everyday Utility
This is it. If you want something that can do most things well and don’t want to keep grabbing for things in the toolbox, or the “miscellaneous” drawer in the house, the ARC fills the need. We’d be happy to use it to whittle wood, cut branches, hammer tent stakes in, strip wire, file off rough edges on wood, metal, and plastic, tighten up the screws holding the earpieces of sunglasses, open a can, and more. The ARC does it all really well.
Durability and Construction Quality
With one season in hand, the US-made Leatherman ARC barely showed even superficial signs of wear. The construction quality is great. Everything pivots smoothly but locks into place securely. We anticipate that we’ll be handing this off to a loved one someday decades in the future and maybe they’ll have to send the blade in for a free sharpening—but maybe not.
Sustainability
Leatherman Tool Group, which makes all of its tools in the US, doesn’t discuss sustainability efforts on its site and there is scant information about its sustainability efforts. However, we note that all of the tools we received from Leatherman came in recyclable cardboard boxes with little to no plastics. A quick search of the Web shows that Leatherman also has taken steps to reduce its energy use and its use of natural gas.
Should you buy the Leatherman ARC?
Buy if:
Ease and speed of use are priorities
You want one of the best sets of blades in a multi-tool
You want the highest-quality tools in a multi-tool
You want the best toolbox replacement for most situations and users.
Skip if:
You’re balking at the price (we think it’s still worth it); there are other great options available for less
You only need a micro or keychain multi-tool
You need more tools in a multi-tool—like a ratchet or standard bit driver (a ratchet is available separately)
You’re looking for a more camping or backpacking-specific tool (in which case, we recommend the Gerber Stakeout Spark)
Where to buy the Leatherman ARC
The Leatherman ARC multi-tool is popular, so you have options when it comes to retailers. Here are some of the pros of the retailers.
REI
Pros: 100% satisfaction policy for 1 year and 10% rewards (on select non-sale items) for members.
Backcountry
Pros: Member-only offers and early access to select promotions through Summit Club; Gearhead chat customer service is excellent
Advice on where to buy
In general for gear, we recommend purchasing from a place with easy or free returns, like REI.
FAQ
The Leatherman ARC next to the Victorinox Swiss Tool X Plus Ratchet. The ease of use and tool selection put the ARC over the Swiss Tool X, though the latter has more tools. Courtesy Chris Meehan
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In our opinion, absolutely. The ease of use and quality of tools make the US-designed-and-made Leatherman ARC worth it.
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MagnaCut steel slashed through all the noise among blademakers out there back in 2021 when it became available. Now many knife manufacturers like Buck, Benchmade, Kershaw, and Spyderco use it in some of their premium knives.
The steel was developed by metallurgist Larrin Thomas of Knife Steel Nerds. BladeHQ, a knife retailer, explains that “CPM MagnaCut is a steel that offers admirable performance in all categories: It has great toughness, great edge retention, and exceptional corrosion resistance.” It’s a sentiment echoed by other manufacturers and blade enthusiasts.
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Leatherman’s current standard ARC package does not include a separate accessory bit kit; extra bits and the Ratchet Driver are sold separately. Check the retailer listing for bundled extras. The Ratchet Driver accepts Leatherman flat bits and standard 1/4-inch hex bits.
Other multi-tools to consider
Leatherman ARC vs. Leatherman Wave Alpha or Wave Plus
MSRP: $200 (Alpha)/$130 (Plus)
Number of tools: 18
Weight: 8.2 (Alpha)/8.5 oz (Plus)
Closed length: 4.04" (Alpha) / 4" (Plus)
Open length: 6.25"
Blade length: 2.88" (Alpha) / 2.92" (Plus)
Blade material: MagnaCut stainless steel (Alpha)/420HC stainless steel (Plus)
Blade lock: Yes
One-hand operable: Blades and some tools
Included bits: Eyeglass screwdriver, Phillips #1-2 & 3/16" screwdriver
Made in: USA
Warranty: 25 years
The long-popular Leatherman Wave is now available in two forms: the Alpha with a MagnaCut Blade and a slightly different toolset, and the Plus version with 420HC knife blades. The MagnaCut steel blade and G10 composite, colorful handle options on the Alpha add $70 to the cost of the tool.
We tested the Alpha and found that it’s also an excellent multi-tool for most people. But the FREE technology and toolset of the ARC, including a hammer-like striking surface, still edged it out in the end.
Read our full Leatherman Wave Alpha review.
Leatherman Wave Alpha/Wave Plus
Wave Alpha
Wave Plus
Leatherman ARC vs. Victorinox Swiss Tool X Plus Ratchet
MSRP: $210
Number of tools: 38 tools/functions
Weight: 10.2 oz (tool), 16.1 oz (total)
Closed length: 4.5"
Open length: 6.75”
Blade length: 2.75”
Blade material: Stainless Steel
Blade lock: Yes
One-hand operable: No
Included bits: Phillips #0 and #3, Torx T10 and T15, 3 and 4 mm hex
Made in: Switzerland
Warranty: Lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects (tool); 2-year warranty (accessories and leather pouch)
This tool from the inventor of the world's most famous multi-tool, the Swiss Army knife, is a great option for someone who wants every tool possible, hence it won our Most Complete multi-tool award.
Sold as just the Swiss Tool X, it has 26 functions and retails for $155. As tested with the ratchet, hex bits, corkscrew, and mini screwdriver, it boasts 38 tools and functions. The ratchet is small but does a great job working screws and bolts and comes with Allen head and Torx bits, as well as space for four more bits of the owner’s choosing.
Still, the ARC outshone the Swiss Tool X. The ARC has a better mix of tools that most people will use, where some of the tools feel redundant on the Swiss Tool X. The ease of use and access to tools on the ARC is better and having everything in one unit in hand is easier than carrying a larger tool with separate accessories in a pouch. That’s something you have to do if carrying the complete Victorinox Swiss Tool X Plus Ratchet with you.
Separate parts also make it more likely to lose parts over time. Lastly, the fragile, thin leaf spring insert on the Swiss Tool X scissors is more likely to break or even slip out than the more robust, integrated spring on the Leatherman ARC.
Read our full Victorinox Swiss Tool X Plus Ratchet review.
Victorinox Swiss Tool X Plus Ratchet
Leatherman ARC vs. Gerber Stakeout Spark
MSRP: $80
Number of tools: 10
Weight: 5.4 oz
Closed length: 4.5”
Open length: 6.3”
Blade length: 2.5”
Blade material: 5Cr15MoV stainless steel
Blade lock: Yes
One-hand operable: Somewhat
Included bits: None
Made in: China
Warranty: Limited lifetime
The Gerber Stakeout Spark and the Leatherman ARC aren’t in the same category of multi-tools. The Stakeout Spark is a speciality multi-tool for camping and backpacking and it does the things a camper would need very well and has some dedicated tools for that, like the ferro rod and the tent stake puller.
The Stakeout Spark does its job well and won our Best Multi-tool for Camping/Backpacking category—a category that’s core to most Treeline Review readers, as well as its writers and editors. However, for everyday use it falls far behind the usefulness of the ARC in terms of what it can do in the garage, around the house, and on the job site.
Gerber Stakeout Spark
Why you should trust us / About the author
I’ve relied on multi-tools for decades, using them for everything from car and home repairs to bike work, camping and more. One of my favorites, which I use weekly—if not daily—I’ve had since I was a mountain guide in Colorado in 2001. Over the years I’ve collected a number of them and keep them in strategic places like the console of my car, the bag I keep in my pedicab, whichever backpack or activity tub I’m using the most in the season. So I’m well versed in what to look for and how to use the various parts of a multi-tool.
As one of the first reviewers for Treeline Review starting back in 2019, I’ve covered a lot of outdoor adventure gear across multiple activities, among them hiking, camping, climbing and mountain biking.
Beyond my work with Treeline Review, I have authored multiple outdoor guidebooks. My most recent Falcon Guide, “Colorado’s Best Front Range Adventures: The Greatest Hiking, Climbing, Paddling and More From Denver to Colorado Springs and Fort Collins,” arrived in Spring 2021. In it, I cover the region's best hiking, biking, climbing, and rafting. I’m also the author of Falcon Guide’s “Climbing Colorado's Fourteeners: From the Easiest Hikes to the Most Challenging Climbs” and edited Justin Lichter’s excellent guide to thru-hiking titled “Trail Tested: A Thru-Hiker's Guide To Ultralight Hiking And Backpacking.” This experience has helped me become a first-rate gearhead and product tester.
I have 20-plus years of exploring, hiking, backpacking, mountain biking, climbing, guiding, and playing in the wild. I worked with National Geographic and their mapping division in developing their Colorado 14ers Map Pack Bundle. I’ve written about hiking and climbing for Elevation Outdoors, including stories about Colorado 14ers and outdoor apps to boost adventures.
In addition, I’ve written columns about ultralight hiking and gear for Backpacker, gear reviews for Treeline Review, Popular Mechanics, Bicycling, Popular Science, and other publications, including Elevation Outdoors, 5280, and more.
At Treeline Review, we strive to offer unbiased reviews to help you find the best product for the price. Treeline Review doesn’t accept sponsored content, native advertising, or paid reviews. I am not sponsored by any companies, nor are any of my family members sponsored by, employees of, or ambassadors of any of the companies in this review.
Find more of Chris Meehan’s reviews on his Treeline Review author page.
