Rev vs Arc Multitool
Buy the Rev for a light, affordable everyday carry at $44.95 at Leatherman as of November 3. Buy the Arc if you want 20 one-hand-opening tools and a MagnaCut blade and will pay $230.00 at eBay as of November 3. The Arc costs about five times the Rev, so the choice is budget and weight versus tool count and blade steel.
Today the Rev costs $205.00 less at its best price.
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Rev
4.6Choose the Rev if you want a 5.9 oz, 14-tool multitool for pocket carry at under $50.
- Light at 5.9 oz and short at 3.8 in closed for pocket carry
- Outside-accessible locking blade opens without unfolding the tool
- $44.95 at Leatherman as of November 3 is a low entry price
- Replaceable pocket clip included
- Made in Portland, Oregon
What separates them
| Rev | Arc Multitool | |
|---|---|---|
| Tool count | 14 tools | 20 tools |
| Weight | 5.9 oz (168 g) | 8.6 oz (244 g) |
| Closed length | 3.8 in (9.7 cm) | 4.25 in (10.8 cm) |
| Blade steel | 420HC, 55-59 HRC | MagnaCut, 60-63 HRC, PVD coated |
| One-hand opening | Outside blade only; knife hard to open one-handed | All tools open one-handed via FREE technology |
| Scissors | None | Included |
| Pocket clip | Replaceable clip included | Removable clip included |
| Price | $44.95 at Leatherman as of November 3 |
Price history
- Rev: lowest $42.35 on Nov 2 at Walmart.
- Arc Multitool: lowest $249.95 on Oct 31 at DICK'S Sporting Goods; $249.95 on Nov 1.
Prices at every store
Rev
- LeathermanNew
In stockReturn policy
$44.95Observed at 10:34 PM
Also available at
- Common Cents EMS SupplyCheck price at Common Cents EMS Supply
- WalmartCheck price at Walmart
- West MarineCheck price at West Marine
Arc Multitool
- LeathermanNew
In stockReturn policy
$249.95Observed at 10:34 PM
Also available at
- eBayCheck price at eBay
- Willey KnivesCheck price at Willey Knives
- AdoramaCheck price at Adorama
Specs compared
| Spec | Rev | Arc Multitool |
|---|---|---|
| Tool Count | 14 tools | 20 tools |
| Closed Length | 3.8 in | 9.7 cm | 4.25 in. | 10.8 cm. |
| Weight | 5.9 oz | 168 g | 8.6 oz. | 243.81 g. |
| Open Length | 6.0 in. | 15.2 cm. | 6.45 in. | 16.38 cm. |
| Blade Hardness | 55-59 HRC | 60-63 HRC |
| Overall Thickness | .59 in. | 1.5 cm. | 0.68 in. | 1.73 cm. |
| Blade Length | 2.6 in | 6.6 cm | — |
| Blade Steel | 420HC Stainless Steel | — |
| Ruler Length | 1.5 in | 3.8 cm | — |
| Product Type | Multi-Tool | — |
What reviewers say
Rev
Rated 4.6 out of 5 from 743 ratings, owners mostly like the size, the sharp outside-opening blade and the build quality. Complaints cluster around the missing scissors, unspringed pliers and a clumsy bottle opener.
- Perfect size for everyday carry
- Sharp blade reachable without opening the tool
- Handy package opener
- Solid craftsmanship and good feel in the hand
- Pliers lack spring action
- Expected scissors but there are none
- Bottle opener is hard to use and poorly made
- Knife is hard to open one-handed
Arc Multitool
Owners rate the Arc highly for its smooth one-handed operation, premium materials and MagnaCut blade. Complaints center on the price, the missing sheath, weight and some fit-and-finish details.
Questions and answers
- Which is better for everyday pocket carry?
- The Rev. It weighs 5.9 oz and is 3.8 in closed, versus 8.6 oz and 4.25 in for the Arc. The Arc's weight is a common complaint from buyers.
- Is the Arc worth the extra money?
- If you use a blade hard and want one-hand opening on every tool, yes. The MagnaCut blade at 60-63 HRC holds an edge far longer than the Rev's 420HC. If you mostly open boxes and tighten screws, the Rev covers it for $44.95 at Leatherman as of November 3.
- Which has better steel?
- The Arc. Its MagnaCut blade is rated 60-63 HRC with a PVD coating for corrosion resistance. The Rev uses 420HC at 55-59 HRC, which is easier to sharpen but dulls faster.
- Does the Rev have scissors?
- No. The Rev's 14 tools do not include scissors, and buyers complain about it. The Arc includes scissors, though some buyers say they don't meet well.
- Which lasts longer?
- The Arc should hold up longer on the blade and has a Cerakote frame finish. The Rev is the simpler tool with fewer moving parts. Neither carries a stated warranty period in the specs here.
- Can I open the Arc's tools with one hand?
- Yes. Every Arc tool is outside-accessible and opens one-handed with FREE technology, and all outside features lock. On the Rev only the blade is outside-accessible, and buyers say it is hard to open one-handed.