review – Leatherman brand multi-tool has become part of me Electronic data center Long before EDC became a mainstream term to describe the things we carry with us every day. The problem I faced was the trade-off between pocket space and functionality – the most useful tools often took up too much space in my pocket, even with the pocket clip. The Leatherman Ainsworth EDC Sheath is designed to solve this problem and provide me with a place to carry my flashlight when I’m out and about.
What is it?
The Leatherman Ainsworth EDC Sheath is a premium belt-style sheath that holds your favorite multi-tools and flashlights (or similarly sized cylindrical objects). The sheath also has a clip for keys.
What’s in this box?
The Ainsworth EDC sheath is wrapped in a paper towel in the now standard Leatherman style packaging.
I also received a nice Red Wing Heritage belt that complements the sheath and supports my pants (this is an important feature since I recently lost weight, most of my pants won’t work without some support hold up again).
Hardware Specifications
- 140 mm wide
- 113 mm high
- 25mm thick
- Leather is 3mm thick (double in places)
- Belt slot accepts belts up to 38 mm (approx. 1.5 inches) wide
- Torch holder can accommodate torches with a diameter of 16-18 mm
- The Medium Sheath will accommodate the following Leatherman brand multi-tools (or similar)
Bond, Charge, Crunch, Curl, Free P2, Free P4, Rebar, Rev, Sidekick, Skeletool, Wave, Wingman - The large sheath accommodates the following Leatherman brand multi-tools (or similar)
OHT, Signal, Super Tool 300, Surge
Design and Features
set up
The intended setup is to wear the Leatherman Ainsworth EDC Sheath over your favorite belt while letting the belt pass through your belt loops, then simply slide your favorite Leatherman multitool into the center pocket, place your favorite Slide the flashlight into the side pocket, then clip your key ring into the metal clip.
My setup didn’t go so well. I’m chagrined to find out that none of the flashlights I use regularly are in the 16-18mm size range and therefore either risk falling or don’t fit the torch mount (no, I don’t take it as a signature from the universe, I need to buy one new flashlight). I do have a bolt action marker that fits perfectly, but since I don’t carry it very often, it’s not a great thing to use for testing.
custom made
My solution was to use old fashioned leather fit techniques to customize the fit of the flashlight holder and tool bag. One of my current favorite flashlights is the yellow Streamlight Polytac X, which is larger than 18mm but seems to work. My customizations included wetting the Leatherman Ainsworth EDC sheathed torch and multi-tool bag, and using the long and short sleeves in the tool box (3/4″ size, 3/8″ drives are fine for people playing at home) to stretch the torch slightly Sleeve to the right size, then put a plastic-wrapped multi-tool (in this case a free P4) into the tool bag and let everything dry overnight. This mimics the process of everyday wear for months (or years) and allows the leather to form on its own based on your tools.
After customization
I would say my flashlight and P4 are perfect for their new home.
Performance
I have tested many of my various multitools (Wave – all generations, Free P2, Free P4, Free K4, Skeletool, Signal) and can confirm that the size/fit recommendations are correct.
waves
Skeleton Tool
Free K4
Free P4
Signal (Not even close – get a larger version)
As I mentioned above, I chose to put my P4 and Polytac X in a Leatherman Ainsworth EDC sheath.
I usually put the phone on the right side and the multitool on the left, but the location of the key clip more or less dictates that I put the case on the right side. Because of the belt loop location on the jeans, I had to thread the waistband through the back slot on the jacket, then through my belt loop, and out of the jacket. While inconvenient, it does keep the sheath in place.
I’m on my computer most of the time, but I did try the Ainsworth EDC sheath to see how it goes in my “everyday life”. My keys stayed on the clip for about 20 minutes before I wanted to throw them across the room. After removing them, I didn’t really notice the sheath after the first hour – I had subconsciously adjusted my position in the chair.
In addition to my computer jockey testing, I wear the Leatherman Ainsworth EDC jacket for camping, weekend visits to various home improvement stores, farm supply stores, big box retail, and yard work. After wearing the sheath 3-4 days a week for three weeks, I noticed that the sheath does fit my body and vice versa. I find myself stuffing my keys into my pockets to keep them from wobbling around and clanking, but that’s what I do when I clip my keys to my belt loop with a carabiner. I haven’t had any flashlights or multitools accidentally come out of their sheaths, but had to work through muscle memory when unlocking the keys (I usually use a carabiner that stays on the keychain).
The Ainsworth EDC sheath works well, but I haven’t quite gotten used to putting the multitool on the right side. After about a week, I also stopped using the keyring clip. It’s not part of my normal routine. I think if someone like me who chooses to carry a multi-tool is “clumsy”, Leatherman will offer a version without the key clip, and maybe a “left-handed” version.
I don’t think I will continue to use the Ainsworth as an EDC tool, it will be reduced to an everyday tool base on my desk and will only be worn when I’m out and about with my scouts.
what do I like
- Premium leather and construction
- Holds multi-tool and flashlight
- Die to your EDC tool.
what would i change
- Make a version without the key clip
- “Left-handed” version available
- Make a version with a slightly larger torch holder
final thoughts
Leatherman Ainsworth EDC sheathing is another premium product from the Leather Tool Group. No design or execution flaws, but it doesn’t quite fit my EDC needs/carrying preferences. However, if you’re used to using belt clips to carry your keys and multitools in a right-hand pull configuration, this might be the case you’re looking for.
Price: $84.95
where to buy: Leatherman Tool Group and Amazon There is a smaller version of the tool
resource: This product sample is provided by Leatherman Tool Group.
