Leatherman Rev Multi Tool – Review

A multi-tool of some sort accompanies me most everywhere I go, and most of those I use – from the Micra on my key ring to the Super Tool 300 in my van repair kit – are Leatherman Multi Tools as I find them to be the best for my needs in terms of materials, design, tools and tool layout.

The new Leatherman Rev Multi Tool follows in this pattern and offers a well thought out selection of fully functional tools in a handle that is ergonomically designed.

The tools comprise:

• Needle nose pliers
• Regular pliers
• Wire cutters
• Hard wire cutters
• Wire strippers
• Ruler 3.8cm/1.5”
• Can opener
• Bottle opener
• Wood/metal file
• Phillips head screwdriver
• Medium slot head screwdriver
• Small slot head screwdriver
• Package opener
• Knife

The knife is made from 420 HC stainless steel, has a length of 6.6cm/2.6”, and features a drop point and a hollow grind. The only tool to be accessible when the Rev is closed, the knife has a secure lock (which is easy to release to close the knife), but despite the blade having a generous “nail nick” cut-out I found it difficult to open the blade single-handed.

The other tools are located inside the subtly curved handles and are easy to access with generous “nail nocks” and although not locking click securely into position, are designed to minimize the risk of accidental closure.

All the tools perform well. For example, the wire cutters are quite capable of cutting barbed wire and the 420HC blade offers good edge retention, combined with corrosion resistance, while not being too hard to hone once it is dulled by use – and the handle (despite the replaceable pocket clip) proved reasonably comfortable even during prolonged use.

The pocket clip is replaceable/removable, but is not overly obtrusive and offers a secure carry.
The only negative remarks I can make about the new Leatherman Rev Multi Tool are that the file/ruler seem somewhat short, and that I, for my general usage, find the package opener a bit redundant.

Apart from those minor points, I find the Leatherman Rev, which measures some 9.7cm/3.8” long by 3.3cm/1.28” wide, weighing approx 175g/5.9oz and costing around $33, a well thought out, full-size multi-tool for everyday use. It will earn its pocket space.

Review by John fenna