Author
Michael Charboneau
Photographer
Courtesy Leatherman
Earlier this year, Leatherman debuted its first release from the Garage, the brand’s in-house skunkworks lab devoted to creating new, off-the-wall products beyond its core lineup of multi-tools. The first product to emerge from The Garage was Mr. Crunch, a modern update on one of Tim Leatherman’s original prototypes. Today, the company has unveiled its second limited-edition release: The Darkside.
As the name implies, the new American-made multi-tool wears a completely blacked-out finish, but the innovations here go beyond a monochrome paint job (though, frankly, it's enough for us). According to Leatherman, The Darkside “embodies the creative process of exploring the unknown, uncovering inspiration in unfamiliar places.” It was also inspired by the brand’s previous collaboration with the artist Tom Sachs.
The Darkside is based on Leatherman’s popular Charge multi-tool with 23 different tools, and incorporates a host of unique features including layered handles made with ultra-tough G10 composite and PVD coatings. PVD is short for physical vapor deposition, a process where material is vaporized in a vacuum to coat an object, which gives it excellent scratch-resistance and durability (plus sounds really cool).
Like the Tom Sachs Charge, the Darkside offers 23 tools, including needlenose and regular pliers, smooth and serrated knives, a saw, a diamond-coated file, a pen, and multiple screwdrivers. And like any good multi-tool, there’s also a bottle opener, so you can crack open a celebratory beer after successfully tightening that loose drawer knob.
In addition, all the tools lock in place for easy use, and many are operable with just one hand. When closed up, the Darkside measures a compact four inches long, and it weighs just 8.5 ounces. It also comes with a snap-closure leather sheath for snazzy storage when you’re not using it.
Want to add it to your everyday carry kit? You’ll have to act fast: Like the Mr. Crunch, the Darkside will only be available in a hyper-limited batch of just 500, and will likely sell out within hours of release at 12:00 noon EST.
Price: $250
Published 06-14-2022
