Leatherman Charge Ti

[Lenny]

I wanted one of these badly but didn't want to pay $99 for it which seems to be the going rate.
Then, I stopped in at the Army/Navy store in Allentown, PA and they had it for $89. So I checked a few out and bought one.
I haven't used it extensively yet, but here's my comments:
- everything on it is stiff, which I assume will loosen up with use
- tools don't clump at all when pulling one out
- the lock is ingenious, simple, and foolproof
- the clip point blade is awesome, razor sharp, nice point, good length, and
just enough belly to be useful; plus, it's 154-CM; the serrated sheepsfoot
blade is also razor sharp although I haven't used it; it's a slightly different
shape than the one on my Wave (anybody need a Wave)
- using the pliers, the handle is almost as comfy as a regular pair of pliers;
definitely more comfy than my Wave, plus you can exert much more
clamping force on the jaws
- the interchangeable tool bits are simple to change and snap in so they
don't fall out
- the eyeglass screwdriver/s are too small for some of my sunglass screws; I
really think they need to be the next size up; plus, when closed, the tip of
the screwdriver hits the scissors handle
- the scissors are tiny and sharp as hell; but I don't like them having to be
open to fold into the handle; perfect usage scenario- cutting zip ties in
tight places
- I absolutely love using the clip on the tool; this gets rid of the major beef
I've always had with multi tools - having a bulky thing hanging off my belt
which is obviously bulkier due to the sheath; unfortunately, I can't carry
the spare bits this way, but I don't think I'll need them too often
- I have the leather sheath which is OK; it's black. the slots on the sides
are for what? I don't know. First I thought you could put the clip and
lanyard loop in them but they're open at the bottom. Kinda useless. The
slot in the back for the spare bit carrier is a bit tight, with the tool inside
also, but other than that, no major problems. The snap is very tight and
secure.
I'll try to write more as I use it.
Lenny

 

[Nakano 2]

Hi Lenny. I was thinking about getting one myself. Let us know more as you use the tools. Is the Ti advantageous as far as weight savings is concerned?

N2

 

[K Williams]

Which do you think will stand up to rough use longer? I've used a SuperTool(the original model, not the 200) for many years, and was considering buying a Wave for it easier access knife.

 

[Lenny]

Nakano,
The tool is quite heavy for its size.
I can only assume it'd be heavier without the Ti.
It's very solid though.
K Williams,
Never used a Super Tool, but the Charge is definitely more robust than my Wave.
Lenny

 

[Gossman Knives]

I have the XTI and love it. We went to the farm to sight in muzzleloaders last week and I had two guns to put scopes on. Usually I carry a small tool kit just for this, but with the new Leatherman I didn't need it. It had everything I needed to scope mount two rifles. I highly recommend it. The only thing I don't like is the elastic on the leather sheath. I don't think it will hold up very well.
Scott

 

[ZENGHOST]

I picked up an XTi the other week and have been carrying it as my main EDC since then. For me, the decision to carry it came down to the clip. The reason I never carry a multi-tool (besides various Squirts and Micras) is because I don't usually wear a belt so sheath doesn't work. My opinions follow Lenny's pretty closely. The Charge is a bit heavy despite the Ti construction, but I didn't find that it was too heavy for carry. The clip works well and I am especially pleased with the easy one-handed opening of the blades. The blade is nicely shaped and I like that it's 154CM (one of my favorite steels) and the opening hole works very well and the locks all work well. With that said--the things I don't like are that the bits are in a holder in the sheath as opposed to on the tool itself. The sheath is extremely bulky and I don't like the fact that the clip is unlocked by the same lock that undoes the tools on that particular handle. This thing is built like a tank, though, and the handles are pretty comfortable to use.