Frag Out! Magazine
Issue link: https://fragout.uberflip.com/i/1258433
K'S IN USE Couple months ago, two new Leathermans were sent to us: FREE K2X and FREE K4. These pretty minimalistic folding knives but with some additional features. Of course, tools are less com- plex and far simpler that the tools in fully-fledged Leatherman multitools. "K's" are far more comfortable to carry in the pockets due the flat oblong shape which sits better in the pocket than a bulky multitool. They are also way lighter than tools! The truth is that Average Joe usually needs a blade, screw- drivers and maybe scissors on most occasions. Pliers, files, and other tools are used less often. This means that Leatherman FREE folding knives are more functional than "P's" or "T's". The blade length is good enough for everyday work and will not scare the shit out of the people around you too. Blade is easy and con- venient to use. One hand operation and lock release are smooth and comfortable for both right and left handed users. The 420HC stainless steel is good to go for everyday use, cuts more than well, stays sharp for a long time and might be quickly sharpened. Blade width makes it easier to spread the butter, by the way. For comfortable and safe use, good grip is required. The FREE K-series knives handle is just right. The overall shape is well pro- filed for medium and large hands and the thumb ramp improves the grip. The bottom profile of scales prevents the hand from sliding off the grip. The texture of the scales improves the grip even with a wet hand. Please expect the dark grey color coating in K2 and K4 to wear off during the use (it's not DLC). There are two drawbacks of the scales. One is purely visual as they look pretty cheap from the top. Second is the clip, which pinches the palm. Stronger grip = more pain. And there is absolutely no good solution for the problem. You can unscrew the clip but then you need to safely place the knife in the pocket somehow. Side note, the same clip in tools is far more comfortable probably because of different location (near the upper part of scale in tool versus lower part in knife). All the other tools are as functional as those in FREE P2 and P4. They are simple to use due the magnetic locks. No problems with broken nails or using force to reach the tool. You need to press the rear part of the tool (the back-lock notch) and pick it up. All the tools will open simultaneously, but with one hand you can close tools not needed. It may sound complicated, but it is not. Well, in gloves it is a bit harder but still doable. There is nothing innovative and groundbreaking in the tools featured in the K-series. They work as intended. BTW, the pack- age opener on the side of the screwdriver is far more comfort- able than the hook-shaped opener from some of the multitools. This new one is definitely a better one. Also, when you are using tools and not the knife, the above-mentioned pocket clip will not be pinching your hand. FREE K2's and K4's do not come with cover or pouch. Some of the customers would use them to carry knives instead of clipped to the pocket as the clip could be removed. ACCESSORIES