Leatherman 831078 Freestyle Multi-tool

by Leatherman

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

For the adventurer seeking a compact multi-tool that packs a serious punch, the Leatherman 831078 Freestyle Multi-tool fits the bill. This versatile multi-tool features durable DLC-coated stainless steel construction with a pair of wire cutters, a dual-action set of pliers, and a blade that can be easily opened with one hand.

The Leatherman 831078 Freestyle Multi-tool includes: 420HC stainless steel clip-point combo straight/serrated knife Needlenose pliers Regular pliers Wire cutters Hard-wire cutters

Add a pocket-size frame and an outside-access blade to the list of conveniences.View Larger.

For superior durability, the body is stainless steel with a Zytel handle insert.View Larger.

Premium Blade Holds Edge Three Times Longer
The Freestyle CX boasts long-lasting, multi-purpose strength in a pocket-size 3.45-inch frame. This multi-tool features DLC coating for scratch and corrosion resistance as well as a 154CM stainless steel blade that will hold its edge three-times as long as a traditional stainless steel knife. A carbon-fiber handle insert allows the CX to offer a superior strength to weight ratio.

Designed for Superior Control, Power, and Comfort
Designed to act as your "go to" pocket knife without giving up multi-tool functionality, the CX boasts an ergonomic grip to ensure comfort and ease of use. The outside-accessible blade is easily opened with just one free hand, so while you're holding the fishing line or the flashlight in one hand, you can swiftly make cuts with the other. The CX's two-in-one needlenose/standard pliers sport both hard and regular wire cutters.

The CX also includes a removable clip, allowing you to store it on your belt or pocket for easy access at all times. Whatever the adventure, the CX is the ideal tool for powerful functionality in a portable package.

The CX is covered by a 25-year warranty.

About Leatherman: Time-Tested Tools
On a low-budget trip through Europe in 1975, recent college graduate Tim Leatherman faced a number of impromptu "fix-it" situations that his traditional pocket knife couldn't help with. Over the next eight years, Tim used his engineering background to produce countless designs and hundreds of prototypes for the tool he wished he'd had on that trip.

In 1983, the original Leatherman Pocket Survival Tool hit the market. By 1993, Leatherman was selling more than one-million tools a year. Thanks to their durability and versatility, Leatherman products--which now include multi-pliers, knives, pruners, and LED lights--are a mainstay of tradesmen and women, sailors, fishermen, hunters, backpackers, scouts, and do-it-yourselfers the world over.

What's in the Box
Leatherman 831082 Freestyle CX Multi-tool

The Freestyle is a great companion tool while you're fishing, biking, or camping.

Product Description

The Leatherman Freestyle is great as a stand-alone device or a companion for those activity-specific tools that don't feature pliers or a knife.

See all Product Description

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 4.7 x 1.7 x 1.5 inches ; 4.8 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B001T82R4Y
• Item model number: 831078
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (36 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,712 in Home Improvement (See Top 100 in Home Improvement)
  • #33 in Home Improvement > Power & Hand Tools > Hand Tools > Multitools & Accessories > Multitools

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars It's a good pocket knife, but I won't be retiring my Wave anytime soon, September 21, 2009

By 

Timothy V. Horst "Digital Shaman" (Oakland, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Leatherman 831078 Freestyle Multi-tool (Tools & Home Improvement)

I've been carrying a Leatherman Tool for well over two decades, and have used it at least once every day I've carried it. I've carried a Leatherman Wave for the last ten years, and it's served me rather well that entire time.
When they came out with the Skeletool, it looked too awkward for me with the large carabiner clip, so I decided against trying to upgrade to it. This appeared to be approximately the same tool minus the clip, so I pulled the trigger on buying it.
The knife blade is well placed and easy to open, which has always been a major failing of the Wave series and I'm rather happy with it.
The pliers on the other hand are kind of awkward and thin looking. Unlike the previous Leatherman tools, I don't feel as comfortable using them as casually on tough jobs. While their design does lend more toward a more comfortable carry the handles are too short and the curve makes for a clumsy handhold on them.
I would have preferred that they retained the bit driver that was on both the Wave and the Skeletool.
Overall, I do occasionally carry this, but view it more as a pocket knife than anything else, and that's just not why you carry a Leatherman. It tends to stay on my nightstand more often than not and I've gone back to my Wave almost exclusively.
I realize they can't all be winners, and I'll still look forward to the next tool they release.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Wasn't for me, January 30, 2010

By 

N. Berry "north" (USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Leatherman 831078 Freestyle Multi-tool (Tools & Home Improvement)

I love Leatherman, and when I first heard about this product, I thought it would be for me. I own/have owned several LM tools, including the Skeletool. I thought that a product that was a one-handed opening knife along with pliers would be perfect. In reality, it was too bulky for the limited functions that it offers. I much prefer my Skeletool because of the carabiner/bottle opener and bit driver. If the Freestyle wasn't so bulky, maybe I would have liked it better. But it's not much of a size increse to go with a Skeletool, Juice, or even a Charge/Wave. And those tools have so many more functions.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Not very happy., June 14, 2011

By 

Towert7 (MA, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Leatherman 831078 Freestyle Multi-tool (Tools & Home Improvement)

I purchased the leatherman freestyle mainly as a fishing tool for cutting line, attaching sinkers, and removing fish hooks. This tool works for all these uses and folds up into a nice small size.

The metal is very strong and the knife is exceptionally sharp. The knife takes effort to get the liner lock to lock, but once it does it seems pretty sturdy. The belt clip is firm enough without being unnecessarily firm.

I would have rated it 5 stars if it ended here, but sadly it doesn't.

Leatherman advertised this tool as having 420HC stainless steel. After using it twice for light saltwater fishing the tool started to rust like crazy. It wasn't until I checked leatherman's support website that they mention their stainless steel is not truly stainless, it is only a little corrosion resistant. This came as a big shock to me.

Despite my best efforts to remove the rust with an abrasive pad and WD40, it still has rust spots I can't get out.

I'm going to have to find something more corrosion resistant for salt water use.
For this reason I give this product 2 stars for falling short of my expectations.