The Freestyle looks like, and functionally is "half" a Skeletool, designed to combat the awkwardness of the fixed carabiner at the end of the Skeletool. The Freestyle is an ultra convenient minimalist tool for when carrying a pocket knife just isn't enough.
Jaws
Plier jaws are larger than the
Squirt P4 jaws, but considerably smaller than full size jaws found on the
Kick or
Charge. Best comparison would be with the
Juice series of tools.
There are fine serrations near the nose, a gripping area below that, and a wire cutter area near the pivot. (Including a hard wire notch)
Shallow pockets are liberally scattered around the surface of the pliers. The effect on reducing weight is minimal, they are primarily for appearance.
Handles/Frame
Freestyle handles are very complex and made up of several components.
Finish is brushed stainless all over.
Like it's sibling, the
Skeletool, there is no date coding on the Freestyle.
The only folding device on the Freestyle is its partially serrated locking knife blade. The blade measures 2-1/2" long. (63mm) It is made from 420HC stainless.
Locking Mechanism
The knife blade locks open via a standard liner lock.
Other Features
Removable pocket clip.
Sheath
Dimensions
- Length open= 5-1/4" (133mm)
- Length closed = 3-1/4" (86mm)
- Width closed = 1-1/4" (33mm)
- Thickness = 5/8" (16mm)
- Weight = 4.48 oz (127g)
Variations
The
Freestyle CX is very similar to the Freestyle, but features a 154CM plain Edged blade, and a carbon fiber insert.
History
Current incarnation announced at the 2009 Shot Show. The original design was initially showed at SHOT 2007, and was somewhat closer to the
Skeletool design, complete with carabiner. The main difference between the prototype Freestyle and
Skeletool series was the lack of interchangeable bit driver, and with a fixed "multidriver" in it's place. This multidriver was designed in such a way as to work in both phillips and flathead (slotted) type screws. The Freestyle also did not have the cutout for the spare double ended bit in the handle.
The Freestyle is very similar to the
Skeletool and the
Skeletool CX. There are also two keychain Leatherman tools that are based on the
Skeletool chasis the
Style PS and the
Style CS.
More Info
Freestyle and Freestyle CX Review on Multitool.org
Off The Record