Help out a newbie

A

ajdddyoung

Joined
Jan 5, 2007
Messages
169
I am a veteran of knives but a newbie to the whole multi-tool deabate. I am looking into a few different multi-tools. The Leatherman Charge AL, The SOG Powerlock, and the Swisstool RS.

The Leatherman AL - my only real concern is rust. I have read alot about people having this problem. Any input from someone who has this tool would be greatly appreciated.

The SOG Powerlock - I don't like the covers on the handles, but do't know if rust is an issue

The Swisstool RS - Really don't know much about this one. Where I live there are no knife shops within a 2 hour drive, so I have never handled one of these.

Let me know what you think, I appreciate your wisdom. If there is another great model not listed here by all means fill me in.
Thanks again
 
Could you tell us a bit more about your intended uses? From your mention of rust as a concern, I assume you will use this tool outdoors where it will be exposed to perspiration, or acids/salts?

I've never owned a Charge, so I can't comment on it directly. To the degree it shares features with a new Wave (which I have owned) I would think it's a very solid tool and of course has four tools that can be opened without deploying the handles.

I've never owned a SOG but I've handled several and they're very solid but, in my view, are better for folks who will predominantly use the pliers. The tools on SOGs always underwhelm me, but that's just my gut reaction and is not based on hard use of the tools.

My SwissTool has handled everything I've ever thrown at it. It has a great reputation on this forum, too. It is quite large and might be too big for EDC for some, though.
 
MG_Saldivar said:
My SwissTool has handled everything I've ever thrown at it. It has a great reputation on this forum, too. It is quite large and might be too big for EDC for some, though.
Click to expand...

If size is an issue, you might consider the SwissTool Spirit.
 
felinevet said:
If size is an issue, you might consider the SwissTool Spirit.
Click to expand...

I've owned one; it was as well-made as the SwissTool (and other Victorinox products) but I didn't like the weird knife blade. I know there's another Spirit version now with a 'normal' Vic spear blade but I understand that one's missing the scissors... *sigh*

Well, at least I have my Pulse for pocket carry now. :D
 
MG_Saldivar said:
I've owned one; it was as well-made as the SwissTool (and other Victorinox products) but I didn't like the weird knife blade. I know there's another Spirit version now with a 'normal' Vic spear blade but I understand that one's missing the scissors... *sigh*

Well, at least I have my Pulse for pocket carry now. :D
Click to expand...


I edc my Spirit most of the time, often paired with a small, dedicated knife of some sort. I have had a number of Victorinox and Leatherman tools, and the Spirit has the best combination of useful implements, quality, and compact size. I also disliked the wierd blade, but I don't mind it so much after removing the serrations and beveling both sides of the cutting edge (this only took about 30 minutes).
 
The big Swisstools are good, reliable choices, all of them, but they are heavy. I highly recommend the Swisstool Spirit. I've gotten rid of a lot of multitools but the Spirit replaced them easily. I actually like the funny knife blade. I carry a regular knife anyway, so a serrated or chisel blade or anything specialized is more use than a poor substitute for my Sebenza or Military, and so forth.

The handle covers on the SOG Powerlock can be popped off in a second. Nice pliers, short tools, very heavy. Recently bought my third Wave and I'll probably keep this one, with the pocket clip. It's a handy heavy duty multitool, probably for my gear bag.
 
I live in the tropics and have rust issues with all my Leatherman Tools (Charge Ti, First Edition Wave, SuperTool, Micra). Even with deliberate care, they still develop rust even while in storage! :(

My Swisstools and Vic SAKs, on the other hand, get exposed to water, moisture and even rain. With a thorough wipedown and little lubrication, the STs maintain their spotless qualities. My EDC for several years now is a SwissTool X Plus, and it has never let me down, ever. I've dulled a few blades here and there, even damaged the awl on one, but they still maintain their walk and talk. =)
 
I've got a Charge Ti which has never rusted, but I am careful with it after reading about others that have had problems.

Never had a SOG so can't comment.

The Victorinox Swisstools are very well built. I've had them in and out of water, left them wet for hours and have never had a problem with rust. The RS is fairly big, about the same size as a Leatherman Core/Supertool. If you've handled one of these, it should give you some indication as to size. If that is too big, then as others have said, the Spirit is a fine tool.
 
It depends what you are going to use your multitool for and how frequently. Camping? Everyday on the job? Or just occasionally with multiple uses. If your just use it a few times a week like I do then a Leatherman Blast should serve you well. If your a heavy user then a Leatherman Wave or Swisstool may suit your needs better.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top