Help picking out a multi tool

C

cracker

Joined
Apr 18, 2002
Messages
9
I'm kinda deciding between the Leatherman Wave and the new Gerber.

Any help or endorsements on other multi's?
 
Think about the part of the tool that you're going to use the most... now think about how easy it is to get to that tool... with a little practice (although slightly awkward), I can deploy the pliers on the Gerber one handed (I have the older model, I don't know about the newer ones)
 
The very best advice is for you to do a search here and you will
find a long list of post on the following subjects.......

Multi tools

Leatherman

Sog

Swiss tool

Gerber

With this information you will have more than enough to make an informed buying
choice. Good hunting & welcome ,mate.
 
I have a Leatherman Wave, and like it. I have no experience with the Gerber tools, so I can't compare.

I like the Wave. It is comfortable in my hand, and has most of the tools I need. I also like that the knife blades can be opened without opening the pliers. You get a fully serrated and full plain edge knives, better than a compromised single blade in my mind. The knives are also locked with something that resembles a liner lock, plenty sturdy for this type of blade. My only complaint is the steel used for the knife blades, but it performs plenty well.


Erik
 
In my store I have the Leathermans, Victorinox Swiss Tools, Gerber, Buck, SOG and Kershaw.
But my personal favorite is the Victorinox Swiss Tool X plus. All parts are to open without opening the pliers and all are fixable.
I don´t like the Wave because the inner parts, the screwdrivers, are not fixable. The Gerber Legend is nice and has its advantages but, like I said, I prefer the Swiss Tool.
 
You will probably get a lot of conflicting replies to this post. There is also enough contradictory information in the archives to make your head swim. To help you sort it out and make sense of the search results, try making a list of criteria that are important to you. For example:

How hard are you going to use your multitool? Are you going to use it as a replacement for stuff in your toolbox, or for occasional fixups and emergencies, or for camping, etc?

How important is weight and bulkiness to you?

How do you plan to carry it? Belt sheath, knapsack, or pocket?

Which tools do you plan to use most frequently? How accessible does each tool need to be?

Do you require a locking mechanism?

Depending on your answers to these questions, you may end up with a different LM or Gerber model, or with a different manufacturer altogether.

I have three LM (Wave, Juice S2, Micra) and use each one in different circumstances. I know a lot of people who are happy with Gerbers. I don't think the brand matters much, and you will find a lot of enthusiasts for each. The main thing is to decide how you are going to use it and get something that meets your needs.
 
I carry a Micra as a kind of "gentleman's knife" for the scissors and the nail file/nail cleaner mostly, and the eyeglass screwdriver sometimes.

I often carry the Supertool for the saw and file, and the solid lock-up of all the tools. I had a Wave but didn't keep it. Beautiful knife, but ... I don't like tools that don't lock, I don't need tactical opening on a multitool sheepsfoot, etc.

If I were looking for my first, I might go for the Supertool 200, for the easier unlocking, or I might go along with pizzini.at and get a Victorinox. They are just as solid and reliable as the Leatherman line. I really like the simpler, cleaner designs.

I had a Schrade Tough Tool, which was a workhorse, easier to use than a Supertool, with more cutting tools. I didn't need it with my Supertool, but it was too good to waste, so my brother got it :D

Remember, any of the higher-end -- not necessarily expensive! -- models will be a good buy, so don't worry too much, once you find one that matches your requirements.
 
You've already received great advice in the above posts, but here's my less than 2 cents: I'm not a big multi-tool fan but keep a Gerber in my vehicle. Although I've used it only a few times, it's nice knowing all those options are available in a compact package. I like the lockup feature, and the pliers can be put into action one-handed if necessary. I would simply go with the brand that says 'buy me,' and try to find a decent deal on it.
 
Lots of goof advice. I personally have a Wave in its belt sheath on me all the time I'm not asleep.

The pros are the usual - one hand knife opening/liner lock for convenience and safety, nice make, a real engineered feel, all the necessary/usual tools.

Specifically, the smallest of the flat screwdrivers is just the right size for us spectacle wearers, the next size up is useful for those of us who use gas powered lighters (it's just right to adjust the flame size on a standard nozzle), all the flat "bits" are perfectly acceptable as small levers. The diamond-coated side of the file makes an excellent knife sharpener when away from my stones and hones.

Cons: blade quality, but you get that with every multi-tool. Both are usable, but they're strictly for back-up or if someone asks to borrow a knife as far as I'm concerned. I've used the serrated one more than the plain one personally for jobs that need a bit more "oomph" than a plain edged folder. Annoying propriatory screws, 'nuff said. Plier jaws/wire stripper/cutter is probably the weakest point, nowhere near as good as the Gerber Legend (which is what I'm assuming you're talking about). No hassle to me since if I need pliers or wire strippers/cutters, I'll just grab a pair from my tool box. Only ever used twice away from home.

So if the power for cutting/clamping is neccessary, I'd say go with the Gerber. If the jaws are gonna get as little use as mine, I'd say go for the Wave.
 
The best advice I can give you is to read the very comprehensive reviews of both the new Gerber and the Wave at www.equipped.org (in the "gear" section). The Wave is rated waaay ahead.
 
Trappers in northern Alberta seem to prefer the Gerber because they can access the pliers one-handed (for cutting snares, mainly). I see a lot of regular Leatherman tools being toted by construction guys and truckers. I prefer my Leatherman Super Tool (except for the crumby steel in the blades:( ) but find it a bit heavy to carry on the belt. so it goes in the daypack on hikes or in the car when traveling.
 
Well let's see...I've got a Leatherman Supertool, Wave, Mini, SOG Powerplier and Paratool, Bucktool, Mini Bucktool, but since I acquired a Leatherman Juice that's all I carry.
 
Another vote for the Wave. ;)

First of all, I've been a Leatherman fanatic for 10+ years and I strongly recommend any Leatherman multitool. Having used the PST, Super Tool, Micra, and Wave, I'd have to say that the Wave is the most handy for me.
I've had my Wave for a few months now, and I don't go anywhere without it. Plenty of advantages in having easy opening and locking blades, scissors, and more. You get great Leatherman quality, plus that great 25 year warranty. :D
 
I know you've almost decided between the Leatherman & Gerber, but I wanted to recommend the Victorinox Swisstool to you.

Over the last year or so I've tried many multitools, including selections from both Leatherman and Gerber. All nice tools, however I've returned to the swisstool each and every time. A multitool is always on my belt on in my pack, and the swisstool has always performed way beyond my expectations from quality of the accessories to comfort in the hand.

My largest problems with the Leathermans was getting the tools out, I could never get a good grip with my fingernail especially with the Wave. Gerbers were nice tools also, but I couldn't get used to the slight flex in the handles when gripping very tight.

Oh also forgot to mention. I've never carried the toolbits it came with, rather a BM940 in it's place. That knife fits in there perfectly!

Anyways, just wanted to throw it out there for you. Victorinox has a whole line of them now I believe with different tool configurations.
 
Personally I like the Swisstool...
but to tell you the truth I think the ultimate multi tool for me would be the SOG powerlock with the Tini coating on it...now that is one tough multi tool...anyone here own one??

two top sellers in my local store are the Swisstool and the Wave...
 
even had it on a plane on 9/11 (yep!).

Aside from airplane travel post 9/11, I never go anywhere without it. A terrific tool.
 
After all the endorsements I think I'll go with the WAVE.

They have them at a local hardware store for $64. Sound like a decent price?
 
cracker, $64.00 is right in the ball park for the WAVE. I paid about that for mine at Target. It is a good tool. None of the tools it contains are as good as the real individual thing, but in a pinch it offers a ton of versatility in a belt pouch sized package. Don't worry much about the screw driver blades not locking, if you use them with the tool in the closed up position then they can't fold enough to hurt your fingers anyway. I bought one of the original Leatherman tools years ago and was totally impressed with it and what it could do. I haven't bought a new full sized tool until recently (did get a Leatherman Juice S2 a few months ago to try it) and WOW have they come a long way! I stay with Leatherman because they pioneered these tools and my first one never let me down. I still have the first one I bought and keep it in my camping bag (it still works great).
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top