Bought a wave, some impression, and some questions

Well it's not a matter of "hating" Leatherman multitools, I just think there are superior options out there based on my experience.

The first multitool I owned was the LM Surge. Like I said before, it had some great features... and some not-so-great. The tiny bit driver with the tiny phillips/flathead bit was a joke. I can't reach recessed screws with that. If I'm not able to do something that simple then the mutitool is no good. So I sold it and got an SOG Powerlock s61.

The Powerlock has better pliers, better crimper, much more useful screwdrivers, and the handles are more comfortable. One handed opening knife, scissors, saw, and file. The pliers can also be opened with one hand. I found its locking mechanism to be better as well. And best of all, the hex bolt construction. I love that I can replace any tool that breaks instead of sending it in for service. I can take out the tools to clean them. Can you do that with the Leatherman? No. And the SOG multitools have a lifetime warranty, something else that Leatherman doesn't have.

But the biggest issue for me was price. I was able to get the Powerlock on amazon.com for $70 including shipping & handling. The LM Charge is $100+. The new Charge TTi is $120... that's on amazon.com... and the SwissTool Spirit which would be my 2nd choice is under $50.
I own a Hiker SAK, it has seen heavy duty use and I never had any tool break so I don't believe that SwissTool screwdrivers (which are supposed to be even tougher than on the SAK) break easily. Certainly not easier than screwdrivers on the Leatherman.

In the end why should I pay this much money for a multitool that has far less features than the Powerlock, a craptacular leather sheath, and doesn't even have a lifetime warranty?
That's why to me, Leatherman = the Microsoft of multitools. Inferior and overpriced.
 
I have an old Wave with a really nice leather sheath and if the knife blades were made of one of the modern "super stainless" steels, I think it would be the ultimate multi. Right now, I just think it's a great multitool.

It sounds like the newer ones aren't so hot....

Stay sharp,
desmobob
 
I believe that (at least some of) the nylon sheaths are made in China, and the leather sheaths are made in Mexico(?).

I like both Victorinox and Leatherman tools, but for Victorinox, I personally prefer their SAKs; I find the tools in my Swisstool can be very hard on the fingernails, esp. when cold, or when my hands/nails have been wet and the nails are softer. IMO, both Vic and LM tools/implements have their own characteristics/strengths/weaknesses, i.e., LM screwdrivers are ground sharper/squarer, but Vic drivers are usually ground thinner and can fit into some screws the LM's cannot. However, on many new LM's, I would rather have the awl than that mini-screwdriver. I can get a functional mini-driver cheaply at any drug store checkout line, and don't need it on my multi.
I have a bunch of LM's and only had one quality issue; a broken lock lever on a Supertool 200. Sent it back, and they replaced it, no problem.
Jim
 
I thought that the charge and the wave had the same blade steel- 154cm

I dont want to be fiddling with bits, I want a strong, sharp knife, useful pliers, 1 Phillips,1 Robertson and maybe the scissors. Would I be better off with a pair of Klein pliers and a sebenza? probably. but i still love my wave.
 
Keith_H said:
I thought that the charge and the wave had the same blade steel- 154cm

I dont want to be fiddling with bits, I want a strong, sharp knife, useful pliers, 1 Phillips,1 Robertson and maybe the scissors. Would I be better off with a pair of Klein pliers and a sebenza? probably. but i still love my wave.
Click to expand...

The Charge TTi has a S30V blade.
 
Keith_H said:
I thought that the charge and the wave had the same blade steel- 154cm

I dont want to be fiddling with bits, I want a strong, sharp knife, useful pliers, 1 Phillips,1 Robertson and maybe the scissors. Would I be better off with a pair of Klein pliers and a sebenza? probably. but i still love my wave.
Click to expand...

Not the wave, just some regular stainless, probably 420.
 
Oh my older wave is 154cm. Oh the Aluminum charge is 154cm. I thought a charge is a charge.
 
I have the original Wave, which is a very good tool in spite of its wobbly handles. I briefly owned a Surge, which was too heavy and (I felt) a little too gimicky.

My hands down favorite edc multitool is the Swisstool Spirit (with modified main blade - no more serrations). It is easy carrying, durable and well-built, and has a useful array of implements, all of which can be accessed without unfolding the whole thing.
 
Keith_H said:
Oh my older wave is 154cm. Oh the Aluminum charge is 154cm. I thought a charge is a charge.
Click to expand...

I don't actually know what it is, but on their website it dosen't say it's 154CM, so I guess it's not or they'd say it out loud as another selling point, like they do for the charge.
 
jzmtl said:
I don't actually know what it is, but on their website it dosen't say it's 154CM, so I guess it's not or they'd say it out loud as another selling point, like they do for the charge.
Click to expand...
Your right on this one I think. The waves (old&new) and surge have "normal" steel. The Charge TI, XTI, AL, ALX have 154cm, and the Charge TTI has S30V.
 
I have had my Leatherman Supertool for 10 years, ney a problem. It has a patina on it, thats because it resides in my pocket or pack, instead of a display case.
 
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