Help Choosing New EDC

[Nephron44]

Hey everyone!

I work full time in medicine and part time in law enforcement, and for fun I like to hike, shoot, and play guitar.

I used to carry a Leatherman Wave on duty, a Leatherman Raptor in my medical bag, and a standard Leatherman Skeletool as my EDC.

I bought a Leatherman MUT to replace the Wave for duty use, and I plan on putting my Wave along side my Raptor in my medical bag.

Here's what I need help with...

I am looking for a nice quality Multitool for EDC, around the house, and plain clothes work. I am looking for a tool with a one hand opening, outside accessible, locking knife blade. I like the Wave's setup for scissors and drivers, but I am open to anything.

I thought about getting another Wave, but I am hoping for something at least a little different.

Anyone have any suggestions for a strong yet easy to carry tool that will fit my many roles?

Thanks!

P.S. It doesn't have to be Leatherman...I just want a good quality tool from a reputable brand with a good warranty so I can use the tool to its fullest potential without worrying about it

 

[irona]

Maybe a Charge TTi? A lot like the wave, more expensive, but you get S30v blades.


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[Nephron44]

I had a Charge TTI, but all of the outside tools rubbed on the scales when opening and closing, and the hinges actually felt like there was sand in them when unfolding the tool. I don't believe a tool of that price should be like that...it should be perfect! It went back to the store...

 

[Scott321]

How about a dedicated knife and a smaller multitool?

Some combos I've carried here and there:
BM 940 + LM Squirt
BM Mini Onslaught + LM Juice

I also liked carrying the LM Crater C33TX because the knife was better for slicing than the Skeletool, and it was very light for an OK set of tools... although I sanded down the handle to my liking:

I like my Alox more than the LM Crater, but it isn't one handed openning (also honorable mention to my SAK Fieldmaster):

IMO, the Vic OHT was a little heavy for it's tool set (unless you are going to use the saw a lot; no scissors), and the blade has up and down play.

 

[ThePeacent]

Hard to beat the Wave for that OHO locking blade + scissors and drivers, but consider some of these just for variety and trying out newer things:

LM Wingman: Scissors are OK, lighter than the Wave and comes with pocket clip, a big plus for casual carry and EDC. OHO locking blade, 50/50 edge, it's a breeze to sharpen back and gets scary sharp. Drivers are OK, great big flathead but small crappy phillips. File is useless, package opener is awesome if you open boxes/packages/zipties/clamshells.

Gerber MP800 Legend: My favorite Gerber MT, one of their quality, all-time USA products, no Chinese crap and nothing to do with their newer offerings. Has an excellent OHO blade, I like it better than my Wave's, Surge's and Wingman's knife.

Also has a unique feature in the multitool world, OHO scissors.

Extremely nice scissors, made by Fiskars (that's their trade). Short drivers, but very sturdy and nicely made. Exchangeable jigsaw blades like the Surge, Sturdy aluminum body, spring loaded pliers, ultra versatile jaws shape and size, and replaceable wire-cutters. File is average.

Compatible with Leatherman's bit adaptor, to have all bits and heads available

You may also consider:

SOG Powerassist: The unique compound leverage from SOG will give you enormous gripping power, and smooth "balisong" opening for the pliers. Their assisted opening (Powerassist) is gimmicky and works meh, but the blade itself is nice. Scissors or V-cutter, you can choose between those. Us made too, if that's a plus
Gerber Strata: Very nice offering for OHO blade (half serrated, useful wharnie shape like the Wingman), strong construction, traditional folding pliers which are spring loaded and have replaceable cutters. Drivers are very well done
Gerber FLIK: Not very popular, has some big flaws, but OHO utility style blade, decent scissors, great flicking action.

 

[slight]

I really like the Leatherman Wave, but when I am carrying my standard edc lineup sans-multitool (subcompact pistol, spare mag, cr123 1 cell flashlight, cellphone, RAT tourniquet, pocket knife, wallet, keys) it was just too much for me. I much prefer a smaller leatherman and my pocket knife (or sometimes fixed blade.) I was never hindered carrying a multitool without a standalone folder, but a separate knife just works so much better for me. Then I can use the not as good multitool blade for lending out or something I don't want to cut with my nicer knife.

The squirt is too small for me, so I like the juice better, it has more functionality. I did carry a squirt that had scissors instead of pliers on a keychain, but after I lost it I didn't miss it enough to replace.

If I wasn't buying another Leatherman Wave, I would look at the newer SOGs. They have a feature where you can close the tool up and it holds a standard hex bit. Of course, Leatherman does have an adapter that allows the use of regular bits.

If I were you, I just would keep the Wave I have now and either not put an additional multitool in my medical bag or go with something more medical oriented like the Skeletool RX (skeletool in orange with glass breaker bit and 154cm blade) or Benchmade Triage (blade, safety hook, glass breaker.)

 

[Nephron44]

Anyone have any experience with the Leatherman Signal? Seems like it has stronger pliers than the wave...

 

[Ryo Saeba]

The signal has the same pliers as the rebar. Not really stronger but you can replace the wire cutters if they get messed up instead of having to send your tool in for a warranty repair.