Leatherman doesn’t get sentimental very often, but the Crunch is proving to be an exception. The Portland multi-tool maker is officially retiring one of the odder, more cult-loved entries in its catalog, and rather than letting it quietly vanish from shelves, it’s sending the thing off in style. Meet the Leatherman Garage Batch #008: Captain’s Crunch.
The Last of Its Kind
The Crunch’s story runs all the way back to the beginning. The original concept grew out of a 1970s prototype that founder Tim Leatherman tinkered into shape, nicknamed Mr. Crunch, before the multi-tool was even a recognized category.
So this isn’t just another limited drop. It’s the closing chapter on a design tied to the company’s origin story, fittingly handled by Leatherman Garage, the brand’s experimental wing for small-batch oddities. And it definitely looks the part, complete with CNC-machined 420 stainless with a Scotch-Brite finish, gold PVD accents, and a custom black leather sheath to boot.
Pliers That Actually Lock
Anyone who knows the Crunch, knows those locking pliers really helped this tool earn its devoted following. Plenty of multi-tools give you pliers, but genuine Vise-Grip-style clamping is really hard to find in this space.
And these also have a trick up their sleeve. Instead of the 180-degree handle fold you get on a modern Leatherman, the Captain’s Crunch’s jaws swing out of one handle and latch onto the other at a pivot point. An adjustment screw at the base lets you dial in exactly where the jaws bite and lock down.
Tricks Up Both Handles
Now, back out that adjustment screw entirely and you’ll find a quarter-inch bit driver hiding underneath, compatible with standard and Leatherman flat bits. That same handle is laser-marked as an 8-inch ruler, because the engineers clearly weren’t done.
The other handle is just as packed. It carries a fold-out large bit driver plus a holder for a lockable 2.2-inch scalpel, which swaps out for a T-shank saw blade or nail file. Wire cutters, hard-wire cutters, a stripper, and a pin vise live in the pliers themselves. At 6.6 ounces and 4.2 inches closed, it’s a lot of toolbox for something just under half a pound.
Spec Sheet
Brand: Leatherman
Model: Garage Batch #008: Captain’s Crunch
Closed Length: 4.2 in
Open Length: 5.5 in
Overall Thickness: 0.54 in
Primary Blade Length: 2.2 in (scalpel)
Weight: 6.6 oz
Frame Material: CNC-machined 420 stainless steel
Frame Finish: Scotch-Brite with gold PVD accents
Tools: 11 (incl. locking pliers, wire/hard-wire cutters, scalpel, dual bit drivers, pin vise, ruler)
Included Bits: Phillips #1 & #2, Screwdriver 1/4″ & 3/16″
Included Accessories: Leather sheath
Limited Edition: Yes, final run
MSRP: $250
Pricing & Availability
The Leatherman Garage Batch #008: Captain’s Crunch is available now for $250, capped at one per household. Given that it’s the Crunch’s official last call, don’t expect it to stick around. Head over to Leatherman’s website before it sells out.
Recap
Leatherman Garage Batch #008: Captain’s Crunch
Leatherman retires its rare locking-plier multi-tool with a $250 gold-accented stainless steel final edition. The send-off the Crunch deserved.
