Leatherman ARC vs NexTool Flagship Pro
2 tools, measured the same way from the same sources. 14 of 28 rows read the same on all of them; the ones that differ are what follows. A rust value is the better one in that row, grey is the worse, and a dash means we have not verified the field rather than that the tool lacks it.
The Leatherman ARC weighs 244 g (8.6 oz) and the NexTool Flagship Pro 245 g (8.6 oz), so the Leatherman ARC is 1 g lighter, 0% less. By the manufacturers' own counts, the Leatherman ARC carries 20 tools and the NexTool Flagship Pro 16. The blade steel is CPM MagnaCut stainless steel on the Leatherman ARC and 5Cr15MoV on the NexTool Flagship Pro.
Specifications last verified 2026-09-30.
Where they differ
Size and weight
The Leatherman ARC weighs 244 g (8.6 oz) and the NexTool Flagship Pro 245 g (8.6 oz), so the Leatherman ARC is 1 g lighter, 0% less. Folded, the Leatherman ARC is 107.9 mm (4.25 in) long and the NexTool Flagship Pro 110 mm (4.33 in). The Leatherman ARC is the slimmer in the pocket: 17.3 mm thick against 21.5 mm for the NexTool Flagship Pro.
Sources: ARC: leatherman.com (checked 2026-09-30), Flagship Pro: nextoolworld.com (checked 2026-08-26), Flagship Pro: nextoolstore.com (checked 2026-09-30)
Tools
By the manufacturers' own counts, the Leatherman ARC carries 20 tools and the NexTool Flagship Pro 16. Only the Leatherman ARC has bit driver, diamond-coated file, wood/metal file, pry bar, awl, wire stripper, electrical crimper and impact surface. Only the NexTool Flagship Pro has ruler, stranded-wire cutters, cutting hook and glass breaker.
Sources: ARC: leatherman.com (checked 2026-09-30), Flagship Pro: nextoolworld.com (checked 2026-08-26), Flagship Pro: nextoolstore.com (checked 2026-09-30)
Blade
The blade steel is CPM MagnaCut stainless steel on the Leatherman ARC and 5Cr15MoV on the NexTool Flagship Pro. Blade length is 70.1 mm (2.76 in) against 77 mm (3.03 in).
Sources: ARC: leatherman.com (checked 2026-08-26), Flagship Pro: nextoolworld.com (checked 2026-08-26), Flagship Pro: fireandrescuetools.co.uk (checked 2026-08-26), Flagship Pro: nextoolstore.com (checked 2026-09-30)
Carry
The NexTool Flagship Pro comes with a sheath; the Leatherman ARC does not.
Sources: ARC: leatherman.com (checked 2026-09-30), Flagship Pro: nextoolworld.com (checked 2026-08-26), Flagship Pro: fireandrescuetools.co.uk (checked 2026-08-26)
Price and availability
At list price the NexTool Flagship Pro is $195.96 cheaper: $53.99 against $249.95 for the Leatherman ARC. Per counted tool that is $12.50 for the Leatherman ARC and $3.37 for the NexTool Flagship Pro.
Sources: ARC: leatherman.com (checked 2026-09-30), Flagship Pro: nextoolworld.com (checked 2026-08-26), Flagship Pro: nextoolstore.com (checked 2026-09-30)
What they share
Both carry plain-edge knife, needlenose pliers, regular pliers, replaceable wire cutters, hard-wire cutters, flathead screwdriver, bottle opener, can opener, scissors, saw, phillips screwdriver.
What reviewers say
Points raised by at least two independent reviewers on YouTube or Reddit, with how many made each one. The quotes behind every point are on the product pages.
Leatherman ARC
10 independent reviewers. All quotes
- ✓ Blade uses high-quality MagnaCut steel 7
- ✓ One-handed opening and closing is easy 6
- ✓ Blade is competent for daily use 5
- − Price is high 4
- − Wire cutters are prone to breaking 3
- − Wire cutters have a functional gap 2
NexTool Flagship Pro
5 independent reviewers. All quotes
- ✓ Blade is sharp and cuts well 5
- ✓ Scissors are sharp and perform well 5
- ✓ Tool feels premium and high quality 5
- − Tool is heavy 2
- − Missing specific tools like file or dedicated screwdriver 2
- − Specific tool functions are tight or pinch 2
Questions
Which is better, the Leatherman ARC or the NexTool Flagship Pro?
Neither leads in every measured field, so it depends on the use. Choose the Leatherman ARC if you need a tool only it carries (bit driver, diamond-coated file, wood/metal file, pry bar and 4 more). Choose the NexTool Flagship Pro if price matters (it is $195.96 cheaper at list price), you need a tool only it carries (ruler, stranded-wire cutters, cutting hook and glass breaker) or you want a sheath in the box.
Which is lighter, the Leatherman ARC or the NexTool Flagship Pro?
The Leatherman ARC, at 244 g against 245 g for the NexTool Flagship Pro, by the manufacturers' published weights.
Is the Leatherman ARC worth it?
The Leatherman ARC lists at $249.95, $12.50 per counted tool. Among 10 independent reviewers, the most repeated praise is "Blade uses high-quality MagnaCut steel" (7 of 10), and the most repeated criticism is "Price is high" (4 of 10).
Is the NexTool Flagship Pro worth it?
The NexTool Flagship Pro lists at $53.99, $3.37 per counted tool. Among 5 independent reviewers, the most repeated praise is "Blade is sharp and cuts well" (5 of 5), and the most repeated criticism is "Tool is heavy" (2 of 5).