Looking for a New Multi-Tool

N

Nick15

Joined
Sep 9, 2010
Messages
240
I'm looking for a new multi-tool to replace my SOG Powerassist. I'm mainly interested in a Leatherman Charge, Leatherman Surge, or the SOG Powerlock. Post some pics and prices and I'll see what I think. Thanks!!!
 
SOG multitools seem to be large and clunky to me.

Leatherman Charge TTi is one of my favorite multitools, great tool set and everything locks plus you get an s30v blade. I carried the original Charge Ti for many years.

I've never used the surge but it's a big tool, it's like a larger version of the wave except with the file/saw being interchangeable. Too many interchangeable tools means more to carry.

My current tool of choice is the Swiss Spirit X. It's a little more compact than the charge and all of the tools are accessible from the outside. it does lack one hand opening tools but the only thing i really need one hand opening is my main blade but i have a pocket knife as well for that. The best part of the Swiss Spirit is the fit and finish. It's highly polished, the tools all lock up tightand it's got a couple of essentials the other tools lack like the Awl. You never know how much you miss having access to an awl until you get it back. The scissors get better leverage than any other rmultitool scissors that i have ever used.. I don't have a bad thing to say about it at all.
 
freedoom said:
SOG multitools seem to be large and clunky to me.

Leatherman Charge TTi is one of my favorite multitools, great tool set and everything locks plus you get an s30v blade. I carried the original Charge Ti for many years.

I've never used the surge but it's a big tool, it's like a larger version of the wave except with the file/saw being interchangeable. Too many interchangeable tools means more to carry.

My current tool of choice is the Swiss Spirit X. It's a little more compact than the charge and all of the tools are accessible from the outside. it does lack one hand opening tools but the only thing i really need one hand opening is my main blade but i have a pocket knife as well for that. The best part of the Swiss Spirit is the fit and finish. It's highly polished, the tools all lock up tightand it's got a couple of essentials the other tools lack like the Awl. You never know how much you miss having access to an awl until you get it back. The scissors get better leverage than any other rmultitool scissors that i have ever used.. I don't have a bad thing to say about it at all.
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Ya, I've really been wanting to get my hands on a Leatherman Charge TTi but I just don't have the money to fork out on a new one; even though I'm sure they are worth every penny. If you have one or find one thats used for a reasonable price hit me up (unless you want it).:D
 
I would go with the Charge. It's multitool perfection in my opinion. Keep looking on eBay though. I've found NEW Charge TTi's for $70 buy it now/shipped!
 
Yepp, that's what I decided to do and if I could find one for $70 bucks it would be perfect.
 
If your only knife is in your multitool, then the Charge TTi is the best option because it has a S30V blade. If you carry a separate folder like I do, then SOG is better due to their stronger pliers and tool interchangeability.
 
Sep said:
If your only knife is in your multitool, then the Charge TTi is the best option because it has a S30V blade. If you carry a separate folder like I do, then SOG is better due to their stronger pliers and tool interchangeability.
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That's a good thought. I've always carried my powerassist as my main edc because of the assisted blades , but now I bought a ZT0350 and a few other folders to carry with my m-tool. I think I might look into the Charge AL instead of the TTi because it's almost the same thing for a better price.
 
Nick15 said:
That's a good thought. I've always carried my powerassist as my main edc because of the assisted blades , but now I bought a ZT0350 and a few other folders to carry with my m-tool. I think I might look into the Charge AL instead of the TTi because it's almost the same thing for a better price.
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If you carry a ZT0350 and your mind is set on Leatherman, just get the Wave. Charge AL is identical to the wave except for the 154CM blade and aluminum scales. You don't need the blade because you have the ZT, and the Aluminum scale doesn't make it lighter, at all. The Wave is more solid structurally in my opinion, because the "scales" on it are actually integral to the frame. It's the same piece of steel folded over, thus increasing rigidity.
 
freedoom said:
The best part of the Swiss Spirit is the fit and finish. It's highly polished, the tools all lock up tightand it's got a couple of essentials the other tools lack like the Awl. You never know how much you miss having access to an awl until you get it back. The scissors get better leverage than any other rmultitool scissors that i have ever used.. I don't have a bad thing to say about it at all.
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A Spirit was among several multitools I tried and rejected before settling on a Charge. While the high polish is pleasing to the eye and no doubt goes a long way in retarding rust, it also rounds screwdrivers just enough to be somewhat slippy. Those on Leathermen fit and perform better on almost all screws I have encountered. Also, the scissors don't open wide enough. It's okay on fishing line, maybe, but almost useless on a lot of things I normally cut. Although I respect its good qualities, the Spirit just wasn't a good fit for me.

That's a good point ;) on the awl, however. The lack of one was a holdback on the Charge for me until I found a custom awl mod that fits into the clip slot. With that in the kit, a TTi immediately went into my EDC where it has been ever since.

BTW, I am surprised and a little mystified how little respect an awl gets in the general community that Leatherman doesn't even offer one on its best selling Wave/Charge models. I use mine for wood screw guide holes, scraping out corrosion from tubing and other odd jobs often enough that I consider it as essential an item as a wood saw or bottle opener. Well, maybe not as essential as a bottle opener :D , but still!
 
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