Hi - I am looking for a good multitool

S

SteelGuy

Joined
Aug 18, 2004
Messages
28
Hi all,

I Already own a leatherman micra, and love it.
I recently decided that Swiss Army Knives, while useful in some scenarios, are not what I need...

I usually use a SAK For its tools...and the micra takes care of small jobs.

But honestly, I need a regular sized multi tool to handle various tasks around the house, from building a desk to fixing a computer etc etc.

I've heard a lot of nice comments about the upcoming swiss tool spirit, and was looking into that - seems like the fire has died down before the thing has come out - probably nothing to read to far into but all the same, who knows when the things gonna come out at this point?

So my question is, between leatherman and Victorinox, which tools would you recommend?

I like the Leatherman Charge - seems a bit pricey though compares to some of the Vic's Swiss Tools.

The leatherman wave doesn't seem like a bad idea either..

I am however, a bit confused between the diffrences between the wave and the charge (Seems like everything is just a bit bigger, but same material steel)

Also confused between the Regular Swiss Tool, the X, and RS if someone could give a general overview of those.
I note some features missing and some added on them - but I know a lot of you guys have many of these tools in your collection, and can give a better perspective than just reading off the features..

Pretty much Im not loyal to any brand, I just want something that is useful and will help me out...

Also, I am not looking to EDC This, I use my micra for that - Only looking to use it when Needed, take it on a trip etc.

Thanks,
SteelGuy
 
SteelGuy said:
Hi all,

I Already own a leatherman micra, and love it.
I recently decided that Swiss Army Knives, while useful in some scenarios, are not what I need...

I usually use a SAK For its tools...and the micra takes care of small jobs.

But honestly, I need a regular sized multi tool to handle various tasks around the house, from building a desk to fixing a computer etc etc.

I've heard a lot of nice comments about the upcoming swiss tool spirit, and was looking into that - seems like the fire has died down before the thing has come out - probably nothing to read to far into but all the same, who knows when the things gonna come out at this point?

So my question is, between leatherman and Victorinox, which tools would you recommend?

I like the Leatherman Charge - seems a bit pricey though compares to some of the Vic's Swiss Tools.

The leatherman wave doesn't seem like a bad idea either..

I am however, a bit confused between the diffrences between the wave and the charge (Seems like everything is just a bit bigger, but same material steel)

Also confused between the Regular Swiss Tool, the X, and RS if someone could give a general overview of those.
I note some features missing and some added on them - but I know a lot of you guys have many of these tools in your collection, and can give a better perspective than just reading off the features..

Pretty much Im not loyal to any brand, I just want something that is useful and will help me out...

Also, I am not looking to EDC This, I use my micra for that - Only looking to use it when Needed, take it on a trip etc.

Thanks,
SteelGuy
Click to expand...

Well, IMHO the spirit has a long way to go before it can compete with the new wave and charge.

The main upgrades to the NEW WAVE (from the old wave) are:

Bigger blades (same old steel)

ALL tools lock - no more clumping

interchangeable bits (but you do not get extra ones with wave)

beefed up pliers.

In addition to all the above, the CHARGEs have:

removalbe belt clip OR quick release lanyard ring.

Extra bits (8 or so, which fit in sheath) (In the future, LM will sell a big bit kit)

Titanium handles (mostly for looks)

Main plain edge blade is 154CM steel, better than the old type

Option of [scissors, flat driver - Ti] or [cutting hook, extra bit holder, cap crimper - XTi]

I don't own any swisstools, but I know they are sworn by and are big, tough and heavy (older non-spirit ones)

The charge may seem expensive, but I bought my old wave many years ago for 79.00 and the charge is selling online for about 100.00. With all the upgrades, it is probably worth that much. If the blade steel and extra bits don't matter, the NEW wave is a good choice which will be cheaper, but won't be out for a couple months yet.

Check out all the charge pictures on this forum...
 
Welcome, multi tool virgin !! :)

Yup, I think the Spirit will be a great tool without any doubt BUT it won't topple the LM Charge from the top spot which must have been Victorinox's intention !!

Yup, the Charge is double the price of the SwissTool and the New Wave isn't all that much cheaper - the differences between a Charge Ti and the new Wave aren't that many but I reckon are quite important :-

1) Better steel used for the main blade = Kick Ass !
2) Titanium Handles = very slightly lighter but not that big a deal although it is majorly cool = Kick Ass !
3) Belt Clip + Quick Release Ring + Extra Bits are all included = not that big a deal cos you can get these seperately for the Wave if you need them and most likely will bring the price up to Charge level anyway !!!

Overall.... just spend a few bucks more on a Charge if you decide to go for LM :)

The SwissTool differences are not that great either ....

1) SwissTool has Serrated Blade
2) SwissTool X has Serrated Blade replaced with Scissors
3) SwissTool RS has Serrated Blade replaced with Scissors and Metal File/Saw replaced with "Belt Cutter" (which is really just a curved Serrated Blade)

If I was you.... I would without hesitation, go for a SwissTool... why ?

1) You can buy them for about $40
2) It is built like a Tank and will take anything you throw at it
3) You dont want to EDC so the bigger size and heavier weight won't matter
4) You dont need the Scissors on the X and RS versions as you have Micra
5) You will be helping the Swiss economy cos they are really poor over there .... ok maybe not but buy one anyway :D
 
get them both!LM and vic are two of the best!!!!this is the best u can do..... ;)
 
I would go to the trouble of putting any prospective tool both on your belt and in your pocket for a while to see how they carry. I'd EDC a leatherman supertool if it wasn't so heavy.

I use a LM Wave myself. Mine is 5 years old and holding up well.
 
Like so many Multi tool Gus today, I think the Charge is it! yes I don't have one yet myself but I hope to change that soon. I think the total package you get especially after the bigger bit kits come out can not be matched from any other multi tool. I have been doing a lot of research on the charge and I think it is a big step forward. You will have all kinds of fun just researching the tools to see what is right for you.
 
Thanks all for your responses
My other question, besides which to get, would be where to get them from - haven't found a site that sells swisstools for about $40 yet..any help with that?


The LM Prices seem around stable at what they are, and the 2 most significant reasons not to get an LM is price and that im not EDC'in it as some of you pointed out, so I am leaning towards Swisstool - since its weight shouldn't matter.

Whens the new wave due? Are the extra bits for the Charge just hex bits?

Is swiss tools answer to the bits the swiss tool plus?

The biggest problem right now is that im investing in a knife and the tool at the same time - realizing I need both at the same time :cool: :)

Thats why I am skimping cash on the tool...in the sense that LM's while they seem nice, im not sure if I have money for the investment, where Victorinox has a comprable product for less than half the cost...

So is the main advantage of the Wave is that its lighter than the rest?

Thanks again.
 
wave had a gd size,one hand opening knife and reasonable price.plus,it is 100% stainless steel LM. ;)
 
I have a SOG Paratool and like it very much. It's not the newest or latest but I have been very impressed with it. They have them at a Gun shop in Paducah Ky for $29.95. Thier web site can be seen at www.eliteguns.com


John
 
Hello all - I am a newly registered member. I have lurked here for some time and have enjoyed reading all your informative posts. The Mulit-Tool bug had bitten me HARD lately, so I finally got off my lazy B*** and registered!

As far as which Multi to pick for occassional use, I would go for one of the Larger variety such as Leatherman Supertool 200 or Victorinox Swisstool. I have tried EDC with both of these but have found them to be just a little too heavy in the pocket. I don't wear a belt so that leaves out the sheath option. I recently purchased the new Leatherman Charge Ti and have found one problem with it so far. The phillips bit is so short that I was not able to complete a project of assembling a stand for a water cooler because that bit would not reach down far enough into the hole to tighten the screw fully. Has anyone else experienced this yet? I was just a little disappointed, and went back to my trusty PST 2 to complete the project.

Well I have gotten a little off topic here on my first post and I apologize, but my point is go for the Bigger tools if EDC is not a concern! Look forward to learning and sharing with you all!
 
Good point !

It's a real bitch when your well loved multi lets you down just when you need it !!

So far my SwissTool has been always up to the job and never has a headache when I need "her" !!!!!
 
I Know. I LOVE my Swisstool! I just wish it was a little bit smaller, so it would be easier for pocket carry. I guess thats why I have already pre-ordered the Spirit, hoping it will be all that I think it will! Hopefully just a smaller version of the awesome Swisstool! For my money, a 4" Tool, with blades accessible without opening the pliers, individual springs for no clumping, all tools locking, scissors AND an awl on the same tool, it HAS to be a winner! I just wish they would hurry up and release them! Have a Great Labor Day all!
 
Fool4Blades said:
I Know. I LOVE my Swisstool! I just wish it was a little bit smaller, so it would be easier for pocket carry. I guess thats why I have already pre-ordered the Spirit, hoping it will be all that I think it will! Hopefully just a smaller version of the awesome Swisstool! For my money, a 4" Tool, with blades accessible without opening the pliers, individual springs for no clumping, all tools locking, scissors AND an awl on the same tool, it HAS to be a winner! I just wish they would hurry up and release them! Have a Great Labor Day all!
Click to expand...



Great your getting a Spirit !!

Don't forget to post a HUGE review with a million pictures !!

I cant see why LM dont think an Awl is worthy !! They put an Awl on their Juice range (well sort of!) but left one out of their flagship model !!

I also love the Chisel on the SwissTool - it's come in useful so many times I cant imagine being without it now !!
 
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