locking sak or leatherman wave

it depends. if i have another knife/axe/machete with me, i really prefer the leatherman, because the main downfall of the leatherman is the crappy knife, so if i have somthing to make up for that lacking, then i am fine. but, if it were a one knife scenario, i would go with the locking SAK, just because that has a much better knife on it.
 
That's a really good question. One that I have been trying to figure out myself tho in my case it's a locking sak or swisstool. I look forward to reading replies from those who have an answer. Good question RR
Jim
 
I really like the locking saks but I've had some problems with the action on after a month or 2 of carry the get real gritty and hard to open and close, (it seems almost like they're grinding) I rinse and washem when theyu get like this and give 'em a littl eoil but couple of dozen openings later its back to the same thing...... I don't seem to have the same problem with the wave, and I think it's do to the liner lock..which allow for a more open construction...It is a shame though because I much prefer saks, and lock back designs..
 
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The only time I go with the wave is if I have something mechanical that I'm bringing (something motorized, etc.) and I need a mini tool kit. There is nothing in the woods (or in a 'bushcraft' sense) that the SAK can't do better than the wave.
 
The only Leatherman I have is an older Super Tool. It's a pain to get the blades out, and while they may have gotten better, I've bonded with my SAK Rucksack model.
 
I have wrecked SAKs just using them in regular use. I like the wave (have 2) and the extra weight doesnt bother me.
 
I switched from carring a sak when I got my first leatherman. I carried the wave for about two years(edc)and used it everyday, I have since upgraded to the charge, and have had this one on my belt about five years. I like saks, but the leatherman is built better and is more usefull.
 
I think that a set of pliers is mostly useless in an outdoor scenario but the other blades on my SuperTool surpass anything I have seen in an SAK so a MT would be my pick...
 
I would prefer to use a LM wave Multitool. To me there is and it's a shame, plenty of metal or trash to use in a emergency situation. I use the pliers to pick up pots or stuff out of the fire.
 
SpookyPistolero said:
The only time I go with the wave is if I have something mechanical that I'm bringing (something motorized, etc.) and I need a mini tool kit. There is nothing in the woods (or in a 'bushcraft' sense) that the SAK can't do better than the wave.
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Ditto on hauling a Wave when you have mechanical stuff. The SAK is lighter and less expensive too. If you own a Wave, it's better than nothing by a long sight. If I found myself in a tight spot and only had a Wave, I would be counting my blessings and not crying about it :) I think a good multi-tool is the ultimate Urban Survival Tool (we coin UST?) and I EDC one.

Consider what tools you need in the woods. I've gone searching for the Perfect Multi-tool and it usually comes down to something like scissors or a saw when looking at one model vs. another. An SAK Classic can fill the scissors niche, as well as toothpick or tweezers, or you can get a small pair of scissors that work better than any knife-bound ones that weigh 0.5oz. Fiskars makes some good small ones-- You can get them uber cheap on eBay. A Gerber Sportsman's saw will provide a better saw than any multi-tool for $12 and only 3oz weight.

You can buy a decent folding knife, scissors and folding saw for the same or less than a good multi-tool and end up with similar weights too. By having separate tools you spread out the risk of loss or breakage (at the expense of simplicity and space).

If you go with a Mora, a small pair of scissors and a Gerber Sportsman's folding saw and you have 7oz total weight and about $25 invested--- less than Ebay prices for a middle-of-the-road SAK, and you have a very usable fixed blade knife, good scissors and a saw with a 6.3" blade. Weird, huh? These aren't the toughest tools, but IMHO they are at least as tough as multi-tool blades.

The issues are really compactness and fashion. I'm prone to it as much as anyone-- my Mora just isn't isn't as sexy as a nice Leatherman or even an SAK. But when you get down to saving your backside, the Mora and the larger saw looks better to me. I own all the above too!

I forgot to add a p-38 can opener to the mora/scissors/saw option :thumbup:
 
A SAK is great for the woods.Actually I like the ALOX models better than the 111 mm locking SAK's.

If I want a piler based multitools I would go for the Swiss Tool,but only when fishing or having something mechanical to deal with.

My favourites are the 93 mm SAK's Soldier and Farmer :thumgup: :thumbup: :thumbup:
 
i think it is dealers choice, i have carried my old leatherman supertool since they first started making them, it has done a lot of work over the past 20 or so years, in many hunting camps from fixing the door handle on a sheepherders stove, to gun repairs, to field dressing an elk when i had lost my main knife. i will keep it with me for quite A WHILE.

that said i also have become attached to a OHT and have been carrying that edc for about 5 years now, i have a military match attached to it, this is about the most basic survival kit you can have, it too has come in handy opening packages, fixing the grill, and other household tasks. i have come to like both of them so i guess you need to takes your choice.

alex
 
RescueRiley said:
Which would you prefer for outdoor use and why?
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I guess it depends on what type of outdoor use...

For day hiking and camping, I always have a SAK in my pack to augment whatever knife is on my belt.

When hunting, fishing or bicycle camping, I prefer to pack the Wave. It has saved the day a few times. I love my old Wave and its leather pouch. If the Wave's knife blades were made of S30V, VG-10 or CPM154, I'd consider it to be just about perfect.

Stay sharp,
desmobob
 
SAK for the woods, wave for town. However both will serve you well. I just prefer the SAK saw to the leatherman hands down, and that is the item that will likely get the most time in the bush...
 
I would say that most likely it would be the Leatherman Wave if I was out camping or had anything mechanical with me. For the likes of a day or two hiking I probably go with something like the SAK one handed trekker, due to weight, the stronger blade and it do just about anything I need.
 
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