First impressions leatherman charge....

K

K2QB3

Joined
Jul 27, 2004
Messages
125
I just got my XTi,with nylon sheath.

First off I like the new sheath a lot, you can drop the tool in open and still, just barely, close the flap, and it has three small pockets for assorted gear, two that would be perfect for a metal match or ceramic rod, or both since there's two, and the pocket intended for the bit holder behind the tool.

Next, the pocket clip, all I can say is it's about time. seems to work just fine, neat design being removable and interchangable with the quick release lanyard.

Blades were both razor sharp on this example,which is good. What really made me happy though is that the lockup on both blades was excellent, unlike either of my waves, even the saw and file lock up tight in all directions.

The rest of the tool package is good, the locking system for the small tools is a huge improvement and seems to work fine, I wish they'd included an awl.

Leatherman, could you make an awl that would fit in the bit holder please?

The tool really isn't that much bulkier than the wave, and seems much tougher/stronger in all areas, the handles don't flop around when closed nearly as much as the wave handles did.

Overall I'm very pleased so far, and I had high expectations for the tool to begin with.
 
This review just makes me want one that much more. I am really looking forward to it.

Why did you choose nylon over leather? I am curious because I'm trying to decide myself. I'm leaning to nylon.

I also agree about the need of an awl. I would really like to see one in there somewhere.
 
Thanks for the review K2QB3. I must definately get me a Ti. I hope they become available over here at the end of August. :confused:
 
Had my eye on this one, glad to see they are on sale finally.
I gave my Wave to my son last year and have missed it.
It seems Charge is an improvement to the Wave, must have one. What are they going for over the internet?
 
I saw the Charge Ti (not the XTi) yesterday at Sharper Image and Eastern Mountain Sports, and handled three open samples (they're packed in sealed clamshells).

Overall, great design, and great handles. But I'm troubled by the QC, at least on this first run, and I don't see how you could check the one you buy before plunking down your cash, given the sealed packaging.

There were greater-than-usual for Leatherman differences in the smoothness and tightness of the pivots on the three I tried, despite the bronze washers (and all of these Charges had just arrived the day before). The pivot bolts are tamper-resistant Torx. On two of them, one side was definitely tougher to open than the other (for the pliers pivot) (it made opening them far more of an adventure than I expected).

The pocket clip was great at first glance, but very loose -- it moves around on the mounting point to the handle, and feels ready to come off.

Worse, I was really, really upset at the QC on the main blade (the only one that's 154CM). The thumb holes on all three had very sharp edges, enough to tear skin on my thumb. No smoothing or chamfering at all, and one had a burr. And the edge grind on all three of the main blades I could try was pretty bad. Not only did the two sides not match, but each one had tremendous variation in the width/depth of the edge grind on EACH side. Each one had, at least on one side, a grind that sometimes went to double the width/depth of edge grind for 1/4" to 1/2" whenever the blade edge departed from a straight line, and the edge was roughly ground. This isn't the sort of thing you could reprofile without losing too much of the thin blade. Leatherman's blade edges haven't been in the league of most factory folders, and I was hoping for something better with the Charge. I think these were the worst edges I've seen on any dual-grind Leatherman, and I own six of their tools (two Squirts, two Juices, a Crunch, and a SuperTool). Maybe their workers haven't figured out how to grind the upgraded steel, or they've not given them the right tools.

I'm going to wait until I can find some dealer with plenty of samples I can test out before buying. Otherwise I fear I'd end up sending back sample after sample, or making repeated trips to a brick & mortar dealer until they refuse to open up anymore.

So it might not be a good idea to rush into this. Or they sent a bad batch to eastern Pennsylvania.
 
If you need a reason for nylon over leather: storage. You shouldn't store knives (especially Leathermans, I've found) in leather sheaths, and constant carry in one could induce oxidation.
 
I just received mine...
(happily) more Wave like in size than I expected...a little thicker/clunkier.
The handles and tools feel good and secure. My main blade was almost as bad as JML described...mine was a tad more evenly ground, but not at all sharp. The tools lock in well. Unlocking is easy and predictable. The pliers and handles feel more substantial than the wave. Not too much handle bounce. The pliers require different effort to open and close. One side is smooth, the other side is very tight. The scissors are very sharp and the spring action is great. Haven't used the clip yet. So, a B for overall quality...
 
NeedleRemorse said:
If you need a reason for nylon over leather: storage. You shouldn't store knives (especially Leathermans, I've found) in leather sheaths, and constant carry in one could induce oxidation.
Click to expand...

I carry my multi tool in a leather sheath, and have had no oxidation, or any other problems.

Been doing it this way for several years.
 
I had a bad experience with my Leatherman. I maintain my knives very well, and I stored it (dry) in its sheath for a couple of months. When I took it out, there was rust on the plain blade and the serrated one. Luckily, they're satin finishes, so I just used a little bit of sandpaper and it was fine, but I won't store a knife in a leather sheath anymore.
 
... I still have my loyal SuperTool with me after so many years & the only thing I think will replace it is a SuperTool 200 (awl & everything you need in the field). I'm not a square head, but my experience with the Wave wasn't good enough. :cool:
 
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