Leatherman’s Updated Pro-Grade Multi-Tool Deserves a Spot in Every Emergency Kit

One of the beloved brand’s most underrated products just got a bunch of fresh looks that boast a functional bonus.

Close-up of a metal and teal-colored mechanical tool against an orange background, showing intricate components including screws, a lever, and a small window with the number "9" visible.

Published 2 hours ago

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Play word association with “Leatherman,” and a pretty familiar silhouette probably springs to mind: pliers pointed to the sky with two handles fanned out below with various blades and screwdrivers and other implements emerging from them.

That makes sense, as classic multi-tools like the Signal and Wave+ are among the brands most popular products.

Leatherman Raptor Rescue shears with stainless steel blades and red and gray ergonomic handles, featuring a built-in ruler and multiple rescue tools. — The Raptor Rescue may lead with its shears, but true to the Leatherman name it offers other critical functions too.

Meanwhile, another offering flies a bit under the radar yet may be even more indispensable when the bullet hits the bone, so to speak.

Perhaps that will change with the Raptor Rescue’s colorful new makeover, which adds a lot of personality and a bit of extra value to mix.

Shear beauty

For those unfamiliar, the Raptor Rescue multi-tool is the brand’s unique interpretation of trauma shears, embraced by first responders and other emergency professionals worldwide who need quality cutting tools that are compact, quick and reliable.

While the product has been in Leatherman’s line for several years now, the brand just introduced five new colorways timed to coincide with National Preparedness Month.

A pink and red handheld can opener with a metal cutting wheel and a rotating handle. The body is primarily pink with a red grip inside the handle loop. The metal components include a cutting blade, a turning mechanism, and a locking lever. — The only place you could possibly lose the Raspberry Rose variant might be on the shores of a pink lake.

Each of the new variants features two-toned handles — Icy Mint, Woodland, South Beach, Garnet and Raspberry Rose — which add a bit of flair to your EDC, but that’s not all.

The small functional benefit here is that unlike more staid hues, some of these shears really pop, which should make them a bit easier to spot if you happen to drop in the sand, dirt or snow.

Beyond scissors

Now, why are they a pro’s favorite? Leatherman brings a multi-tool point-of-view to the design, which means they not only fold up nicely but offer additional functions.

The lead feature is of course the 1.9-inch 420 stainless steel shears which are fantastic for cutting through everything from clothing to seatbelts and thick bandages.

This belt compatible sheath adds the time-saving benefit of not having to unfold the shears before using.

Leatherman

In my own experience, they’re also great for crafting perfect moleskin blister-surrounding donuts when a pair of ill-fitting snowboard boots completely destroyed my ankles on a backcountry snowboarding trip.

However, staying on brand, Leatherman doesn’t stop there. The Raptor Rescues also integrate a strap cutter, a ring cutter, a ruler, a carbide glass breaker and an oxygen tank wrench.

Compact rescue tool with a teal circular handle and red accents, featuring a stainless steel blade marked with measurements up to 5.1 cm, a seatbelt cutter, and a glass breaker tip. — Folding down small, the Raptor Rescue can come up huge in emergencies — everyday situations too.

These additional tools dramatically boost the utility of a 5.8-ounce tool that, when folded up, measures just five inches in length.

The Raptor Rescue comes with a utility holster compatible with the standard first responder utility belt. Meanwhile, for us mere EDC enthusiasts, the built-in pocket clip will probably suffice.

Availability and pricing

The Leatherman Raptor Rescue is available now in the five new colorways (plus six extant variants) for $100.

Leatherman Raptor Rescue

$100 at Leatherman

About the Author:

Now managing editor, Steve has served in a variety of roles with GP since 2019. Having previously written and edited for such publications as Men’s Health, Men’s Journal, Esquire and ESPN, he enjoys covering a range of topics — but mostly those pertaining to cycling, snow sports, pocket knives and motos — and dreams of a utopian world in which everyone’s bike seat is at the proper height.