---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Author's Statement for Transparency and Disclosure
The test sample/s featured in this article have been provided for technical testing and review by the manufacturer. Test samples are retained by the reviewer following publication of the completed review for the purposes of long term testing and product comparisons.
All output figures and test results published in this review are the sole work of the reviewer, and are carried out independently and without bias. Test results are reported as found, with no embellishments or alteration. Though best endeavours are made to maintain the accuracy of test equipment, the accuracy of these results is not guaranteed and is subject to the test equipment functioning correctly.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Author's Statement for Transparency and Disclosure
The test sample/s featured in this article have been provided for technical testing and review by the manufacturer. Test samples are retained by the reviewer following publication of the completed review for the purposes of long term testing and product comparisons.
All output figures and test results published in this review are the sole work of the reviewer, and are carried out independently and without bias. Test results are reported as found, with no embellishments or alteration. Though best endeavours are made to maintain the accuracy of test equipment, the accuracy of these results is not guaranteed and is subject to the test equipment functioning correctly.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
An essential part of every medic's kitbag, shears are also an excellent tool for anyone to have on hand. Many cutting tasks are more controlled and safer using shears rather than a blade and this is the reason I won't be without folding scissors in my EDC.
The Raptor from Leatherman are not just shears though, they are a six-function multi-tool and the main function folds making them super compact for easy carry.
Taking a more detailed look:
Leatherman's standard cardboard packaging.
As well as the Raptor, you have a plastic sheath, instructions and a Leatherman Sticker.
Starting off with a look around the sheath. You will notice it has some holes in the bottom. The notched dome on the front is due to the sheath being double sided and you can attach the clip to either side.
The Clip on the back is a multi-purpose belt and PALS mount. There is a screw head to allow you to adjust the rotation of the clip and sheath.
In its basic configuration the folded Raptor is held in the sheath by its clip.
One of the Raptor's tricks is that it can be put into the sheath in the open/unfolded state as well. Like this it is no longer held into the sheath with its clip, but instead the shear's pivot clips into the back of the sheath.
Starting to really look closely at the Raptor, here the Belt-cutter / Oxygen wrench has been opened. This tool has a lock to keep it safely open.
Like many Leatherman tools this is a liner lock type of configuration with a sprung metal leaf lifting into position.
The ring cutter is opposite the shears and has a great leverage advantage in this position. This is for non-ferrous materials and is NOT a wire cutter. I would have reservations against using this for steel wire if you want it to last. (makes me think about those who choose exotic damasteel rings who might have a problem if the ring ever needed to be cut off).
The main shears have a triangular lock button which pops out when the shears are unfolded. There are two, one for each side of the shears. Note: these do not carry the load when using the shears, instead there are protrusions on the shears that bear against the handle.
And here are those main shear blades. The lower blade has a ruler printed onto it.
The last feature is a Tungsten Carbide glass breaker point in the butt of the shears.
The reverse side of the shears.
Looking from the back you can see one of the shears' blades has a plain edge.
The other jaw has a serrated edge for exceptional bite.
These serrations deserve a closer look.
In fact they deserve an even closer look. Now that is bite!
These are full size shears, no messing with smaller less capable shears when the Raptor gives you all that cutting power in a compact folding tool.
Though PALS compatible, the version of clip on the sheath I'm testing is not ideal for webbing. As you can see it fits well enough, but does not hold the sheath tightly in place. Instead it can move about quite a lot.
Though shown on PALS webbing, also imagine the sheath on a belt. This is one of many options; the folded shears are held vertically.
And without changing the sheath, here the shears are open.
After first loosening the clip screw, the sheath can be set in a horizontal position, or any of the 12 stop positions.
Troubleshooting
This is a new section I am adding to mention any minor niggles I came across during testing, in case the information helps anyone else.
No issues were encountered during testing.
As per the description of this section, this information is provided in case anyone else finds a similar 'issue' that might be fixed in the same way.
The Raptor in use
As I mentioned earlier, I wouldn't be without scissors in my EDC. Shears are even better and I've tended not to carry them due to size. The Raptor resolves the size issue, and I now do EDC full size shears!
With their fantastic power, I've always preferred shears as they can tackle thin sheet metal and thick cardboard as well as smaller ropes and normal scissor tasks like paper. The Raptor is a revelation for me, as unlike other folding shears I've used you have the proper handles of normal fixed shears, the serrated blade which grabs onto the material being cut and the resulting control these features give you.
Opening is quick and easy. Unfold, cut.
Having used the shears for all manner of everyday tasks including perfectly cutting thin paper and super thin plastic (which can be troublesome to lesser scissors), I decided that as they are medical shears I would sacrifice a shirt to test how well the shears cut fabric.
This is a stiffened double cuff, so is more than equal to jeans or other tough clothing (as tough as I was willing to test it on).
The first part of the cut is effortless and as you can see perfectly clean with no tearing.
The thick seams needed a little more force, but it popped through to the thinner sleeve material easily. Cutting the thinner fabric felt no different to just opening and closing the blades with nothing to cut.
In my own EDC, I have taken the clip off the sheath and carry the Raptor folded and secured in the sheath.
A staunch knife user, I still EDC a folding knife and use it for many cutting tasks, so I don't see the Raptor as edging out a knife. What it does is make EDCing shears much easier.
For serious shears users, I suspect that normal fixed medical shears will not be replaced, just as an outdoorsman will use a fixed blade knife over a folder. However if I were a medic, I would carry the Raptor as my own personal carry backup to supplement the kit bag shears.
In my normal day, the Oxygen wrench doesn't get a look in, but the strap cutter is a great tool box opening boxes. If you carry a strap cutter for emergency release, then leave it untouched so it is as sharp as possible should you need it. I have a strap cutter in the car anyway so wouldn't use the Raptor's for emergency release. Similarly the glass breaker is not a constant use tool and fortunately I've not tested it.
A ring cutter…well I don't need that either, but despite me saying this is not a wire cutter, I have trimmed some electrical wire using this (instead of the shears' blades). Cutting copper and plastic insulation is no worse than a ring, so even this feature has been everyday useful.
Lastly the small ruler, well you just never know when you need to size something, so having this scale on the Raptor comes in handy when you have nothing else.
From the first moment I saw these on the Leatherman stand at DSEI 2015, I knew they were for me. Folding scissors on steroids, who wouldn't find a use for them?
Review Summary
_______________________________________________ | _______________________________________________ |
Things I like | What doesn't work so well for me |
_______________________________________________ | _______________________________________________ |
Folding shears | Sheath clip not great on PALS webbing |
Leatherman build quality | |
Plastic sheath carries shears folded or open | |
Five additional tools |
If you enjoyed my reviews, please remember to 'Like' me on Facebook and follow me on Twitter @Subwoofer_CPF
to get all the latest updates and news.
You can also find exclusive insights on Instagram and Pinterest
to get all the latest updates and news.
You can also find exclusive insights on Instagram and Pinterest