Leatherman’s Top-Tier Multi-Tool Just Got a Fan-Requested Upgrade

This limited-edition treatment of the ultra-premium ARC delivers the same game-changing functionality in a whole new package.

By Steve Mazzucchi

Published October 1, 2024

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Just about a year ago, to much fanfare, Leatherman introduced a pretty groundbreaking new multi-tool.

The product of years of development, plus input from 240 beta testers, the ARC boasted 20 handy functions — all one-hand accessible via the latest generation of the brand’s revolutionary, magnet-based FREE technology — and a modified drop-point blade made of the super-est of super steels, MagnaCut.

According to the brand, this all-new satin-finished colorway comes at the request of its fans. They seem to have good taste, as the champagne accents and durable matte black PVD coating really pop.

Taken together, this package represented the most potent combination of functionality, user-friendliness and premium materials we had ever seen — and earned it an almost instantaneous place in the Outdoors category of the GP100, our annual roundup of the year’s best and most innovative products.

Today, the brand takes a bit of a victory lap with the introduction of the limited-edition ARC Obsidian, which gives the magical multi-tool a whole new look.

Leatherman ARC Obsidian

$275 at Leatherman

Leatherman ARC Obsidian

According to the brand, this all-new satin-finished colorway comes at the request of its fans. They seem to have good taste, as the champagne accents and durable matte black PVD coating really pop.

Beyond the attractive aesthetics, you get all the great features that make the original so excellent.

leatherman-arc-folded — The new ARC Obsidian packs the same functionality as the original — but a striking dark aesthetic all its own.

We’re talking needlenose and regular pliers, premium replaceable wire and hard-wire cutters, an electrical crimper, wire stripper, saw, spring-action scissors, can and bottle opener and awl.

The ARC also packs a wood/metal file, a diamond-coated file, a large screwdriver, pry tool, impact surface and edge tool.

leatherman-arc-unfolded — From the front and back, the ARC Obsidian opens up to place a full complement of tools at your disposal.

Plus there’s a large and small bit driver, complemented by nine double-ended bits to tackle just about any around-the-house or in-the-field task that should arise.

Of course, the MagnaCut steel blade also returns.

Rounding out the features are a removable pocket clip and a black leather sheath (with bit pocket), to protect the sparkling sheen when the multi-tool is not in use.

That being said, considering what the ARC is capable of, we can’t imagine it’ll spend much time under wraps.