Scalpel holder for Leatherman FREE P4 & P2

New metal pricing information

This modification adds a #4 Scalpel holder to your Leatherman FREE P4, P2 T2, T4 or Mr. Crunch

#MainBladeAllorSawP4

The "Main Blade (All) or Saw (P4)" variant replaces the Main Blade on the FREE P4, P2 T2 or T4.   It can also replace the saw on the FREE P4. However, you will need to remove the three thin washers between the smaller implements.

#SerratedBladeP4orScissorsP2orP4

The "Serrated Blade (P4) or Scissors (P2 or P4)" variant is a mirrored design. It can replace the Serrated Blade on the FREE P4, or the scissors on the FREE P2.

Features:

• Both versions may be installed at the same time to hold two different blades.
• Holds large scalpel blades which fit to a #4 handle profile.
• The blade can be folded into the tool  just like the regular blades.
• Replaceable blades allows to exchange a dull blade for a fresh sharp blade anytime. (Blades are not included.)
• Built-in thumb tab.
• Available in three finishes:
• Select "Silvered Bronze" for the closest fit to the tool
  
• Select "Bronze" for a fully bronze color
  
• Select "Blackened Bronze" for a contrasting dark bronze look
  
• See this page for an image of all three side by side

Design:

This is another customer requested product. Designed in collaboration with Shapeways and fellow Multitool.org user: Metro Grade Goods. Please visit his shop if you would like a Scalpel holder or other tools such as the Leatherman Charge. Details on the Multitool.org design thread.

User installed modification:

You must remove the existing main blade, scissors or serrated blade. Taking the tool apart is a non-destructive process, however any warranty concerns are entirely up to the user.  Text and video instructions on how to install are below. 

Compatible Scalpel Blades:

Scalpel blades are ultra sharp and  inexpensive in quantity. You can simply replace the blade when dull. Please dispose of used blades responsibly.  Take great care when installing or removing scalpel blades. Use pliers or another tool to grip the blades. Do not use your bare fingers.

FREE P2 & P4:

I recommend using Havalon 70A, Havalon 60A, or Wiebe, or Gerber Vital replacement blades. These are the longest blades that will fit into the FREE series. They are also long enough to ensure the blade won't accidentally deploy while using the pliers. All these have physically been tested to fit.

Note the 70A blade is the safest to use as it won't have the sharp tip that can tilt out when the tool is in your pocket.

Shorter blades that fit the #4 handle profile should also work, but are not long enough to lock in place while using the pliers. For an example of what I am talking about: Try tilting the scissors on your tool while the pliers are deployed, and then the main blade. The main blade is blocked by a hard stop built into the pliers.

FREE T2:

#26 blades fit the FREE T2 perfectly.

FREE T4:

Either #22, and #26 blades have been tested to fit. Will fit any short scalpel blade that fits a #4 handle profile.

Warnings:

Compare to a standard knife: Scalpel blades are ultra-sharp.

Unless you are using a 70A blade: The blade tip is very close to the edge of the tool. This makes any a partial deployment more likely to catch on something. As such, I recommend using sharp tipped blades only with a holster or pouch.  I do not recommend using it in a pocket or with the default belt clip.

Post Processing:

The part may arrive with some polishing compound in the slot. To clear the slot of debris: Use a thin metal implement to scrape away any debris. I use the back edge of a scalpel to do this. Hold the the blade with pliers not bare fingers!.

You can also gently use a rotary tool with a very thin cutting  wheel. (Dremel 0.025" thick wheel recommended).  Take care not to remove too much Color as that will effect the fit of the blade.

The mounting hole may require reaming using a drill bit capable of handling stainless steel.  A 1/8" or 3.2mm drill bit may be used for this task.

Installation:

For a live demonstration see the video at the top of this page. The tool must be taken apart to install this modification. 

1. You will need two Torx T9 bits to remove the screws holding the tool together.
2. The screws need to be loosened by holding one side with a bit, and turning the other side.
3. The screws are secured using thread-locking compound, and gentle heat may be required to loosen the compound on some tools.
4. Care should be taken to open the tool on a clean surface.
5. Remove the blade you plan on replacing.
6. Also remove the spacer washer that sits between the blade and the outer scale.
7. Install the Scalpel holder. (Without a blade pre-attached)
8. Silicone based lubricant may be added during assembly.
9. Re-install the post and screws. The tightness of the tool will depend on the amount of torque you apply during reassembly.
10. Before installing a blade: Ensure the scalpel holder fully locks in the open position, if for some reason it doesn't fully lock, you may need to file away a small amount from the knee that catches on the latch mechanism.
11. Take great care when installing or removing scalpel blades. Use pliers or another tool to grip the blades. Do not use your bare fingers.