If you’re going to bring folding scissors along, it might as well be one that can perform a few more tricks beyond just traditional snipping duties. That’s the idea behind a tool like the Leatherman Rescue, which offered a multi-function scissors tool for field medics during emergency situations. While great for emergency workers, it’s a bit too much for regular folks who just want a pair of scissors with a couple extra tricks up its sleeve. The Leatherman Raptor Response offers a simpler and more affordable alternative.
You can think of it as a stripped back version of the Raptor Rescue. It has a similar size and collapsible mechanism, albeit with fewer accessory functions, making it essentially a shearing tool with any extra function integrated right on the scissor components, with no flip-out functions to deal with. Like we said, it’s just simpler.
The Leatherman Raptor Response is a pair of shears that measure 7.25 x 1.7 x 0.85 inches (length x width x thickness) when deployed, while collapsing to a compact 4.3 x 1.7 x 0.85 inches when folded. The shearing edges measure 1.9 inches long, so while it’s far from the biggest scissors you can wield, that length of edge and the stainless steel blades should be able to handle many cutting jobs you’ll encounter day to day. It also has micro-serrations on the inner blade that make it viable for cutting fabrics and similar soft objects without any slipping or binding. For the most part, the scissors resemble that on the original Rescue.
What makes it different? Primarily, the omission of two tools, namely the glass breaker and the strap cutter. That means, you won’t be able to use this to break car windows or slice off seat belts during vehicle emergencies like the medic tool it was based on. It will, however, do everything else it does.
The Leatherman Raptor Response retains the ring cutter function from the Rescue, albeit moving it to the hinge of the blades, so you can grip the handle when using it. We know… you probably won’t need to cut rings off anyone’s fingers any time soon, but it’s there if you need it. The shears also have a ruler etching on the dull edge, although it’s only in centimeters (no inches for you, imperial measurement fans), as well as a wrench sized for use with oxygen tanks in the handle, which may or may not be useful, depending on whether you’re caring for sick people who needs help with their breathing (hey, there’s still a pandemic going on).
At the size, it’s small enough to carry in most any pocket, sheath, or EDC pouch when collapsed, making it very convenient to bring along wherever you’re going. If you prefer carrying it on a pocket edge or a belt, though, you can attach the included clip, which is made from cerakoted aluminum. There’s also a lanyard hole at the end of the handle if you want to use it as a slightly oversized key fob.
The Leatherman Raptor Response is available now, priced at $69.95.