Leatherman Wave - Cutting Hook Mod?

M

MarkT

Joined
Jul 27, 2008
Messages
16
Has anyone out there modded the Leatherman Wave's serrated knife blade in the Leatherman Wave to have a cutting hook similar to the Leatherman Charge ALX/TTi?

Comparing both serrated blades, you can easily see that the factory just cuts away material and grinds out a hook.

I'm considering the Wave to save some money but really want that hook to cut seatbelts in an emergency escape situation, i.e. jammed belts.

Cheers,

MarkT
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I thought about the same thing but you risk cutting yourself or another with the serrated blade on the reverse side. It's use on the Charge (or modified Wave) is more for general outdoor use such as gutting. I know a seatbelt can be pulled out away from the chest, but there is still the risk of getting cut by the serrated part. A better choice would be SOG powerlock with the V-Cutter at Lowe's for $60.
 
That's a good point. I wonder if the serrated blade itself would be good enough to get through a seatbelt. That way, you'd have the smooth side rubbing against the person instead of the other way around...
 
It will go through a seatbelt easily. Though you do have more control with a V-cutter or Strap cutter tool like this one ( http://www.knivesplus.com/ontario-asek-knife-qn-asekt.html ). I have tested serrated edges on many types of webbing, rope and cord. They are very effective for those tasks. If your not specifically looking for something with pliers and a little less weight then you may also consider the Victorinox Rescue Tool.
 
Hi,

Yeah, I agree with Morablades, the serrated edge will work just fine for cutting a seat belt.

I would caution against the Vic Rescue Tool. I bought one for use as a personal tool when I work an accident as an EMT. This last weekend I tested the tool on an old junk car. While most of the tools work as well as can be expected, there are some problems in my opinion. The philips screw drive and awl aren't needed, (not many screws to turn or holes to ream/drill at an accident). The large flat screw driver/bottle cap opener is Ok, (it's actually a bit bigger and thicker than the standard such tool on a SAK and has a liner lock to boot). They claim it can be used as a pry bar to open cases. I've never seen a case of anything used on scene, let alone have to pry it open. It's really to small to pry anything that does need prying so it's value is strictly as a screw driver.

I don't like hammer type glass breakers, (it seldom needs to be done anyway). They tend to spray glass shards all over the inside of the car, and can cause some nasty cuts on your hand and arm unless you are wearing gloves and a coat. The glass saw does work, but is slow and a pain in rear to use. We really only ever cut a windshield in preparation for removing the roof. A Sawz-All is faster and better.

The real downfall of the Rescue Tool is the knife blade. While the serrations and shape of the blade is fine, the design and execution of the liner lock is a disaster. It is everything that a lot of people say is wrong and dangerous about liner locks. The lock is thin, and snaps all the way over to the other side. In fact, it doesn't touch the heel of my blade at all. My knife blade has over 1/32" to almost 1/16" of vertical play in the blade. Not good at all!:thumbdn:

The best tool is the seat belt cutter, it's fast to get out, and cuts even faster.
But there are cheaper seat belt cutters that work as well.

All I'll say about the toothpick and tweezers is, :jerkit::rolleyes:

All in all, I can't see what could make this a 2007 Knife of the Year. There is no new ideas here, and the execution is poor. It is perhaps the best $20 dollar tool you can buy for $60 though. I wouldn't trust this tool in a real situation.

dalee
 
Essentially, I'm looking for a survival tool that I can wear on me when I fly small airplanes. If I have to put the aircraft down in the bush somewhere and it catches fire, I want to get out quickly and have something useful in my hand to help with the survival end of things. That is why I was leaning towards a multitool of some sort...

The Victorinox tool didn't really attract me as I didn't like not having a smooth blade on it.
 
Then the Wave would be the way to go since you can have the quick one hand opening of the serrated blade.
 
a guy in the multitool forum did one;
modifiedwave003jx6.jpg


it's pretty sweet! his user name is kwakster
and my hats off to him.
 
I have seen this as I am a member there too. It is a neat mod, but the serrated blade on the Wave is fine. It is made from the same steel as the standard Wave. I don't think they made a serrated blade from 154cm, only the clip point knife. I have been able to cut through many things with my serrated blade, and yes have practiced old seatbelts in wrecked cars. The Wave is an awesome way to go for an EDC tool, and a possible survival tool. I carry mine on the pocket clip for added versatility. In the event of an accident, you may not be able to quick get to your sheath, but you can just reach down to your pocket with the clip, and it is still there.
 
Is the Wave's regular blade normally 154CM steel or is that mod as well? Leatherman's website makes no mention of the blade being 154CM...

Leatherman Wave

Cheers,

MarkT
 
Interesting, I guess that picture means that the guy also changed the blades over too.

In the end, I think I may have talked myself out of a multitool for my survival needs. Ambidexterous opening capability seems to be important now as I can imagine a situation where I wouldn't be able to use my right hand to get to the tool and open the blades.

So, I'm thinking that the Benchmade RSK Mk1 552 might be a better choice with the S30V blade...

Cheers,

MarkT
 
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