Multitools

outdoorsfan

outdoorsfan

Joined
Sep 30, 2009
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2,351
Recently I've been assessing my EDC gear, removing unnecessary weight, seeing what I might want to swap out, etc. One of the items that I think it might be time to upgrade is my current multi tool. In my pack is the early 90's vintage Leatherman survival tool. It's functional but does not offer the same breadth of tools or options found on newer designs.

I've watched some reviews and done a bit of research and am looking at the Leatherman Wave but wanted to ask you guys what you carry, how well that choice works, how well it functions and how you typically use it.

Any and all opinions and observations are appreciated!

Thanks

ODF
 
My wave has been displaced as my edc in favor of the Victorinox Swiss Champ SOS. I still use my wave when working around the house but the Swiss Champ is hard to beat for versatility and finish.
 
I have a handful of multitools, from different manufacturers. My favorite, by far is the Leatherman Wave. For overall quality and usefulness of the tools included, it's hard to beat.
 
I've heard the Vic tools are very high quality so I will have to look into those as well as the LM Rebar.

Thanks for the tips!
 
CPL_KABAR said:
My wave has been displaced as my edc in favor of the Victorinox Swiss Champ SOS. I still use my wave when working around the house but the Swiss Champ is hard to beat for versatility and finish.
Click to expand...

:eek: I read- my wife has been displaced as my edc… Glad I was reading cross eyed :D.

Otherwise no comment on the question at hand - sorry - I use a SOG occasionally but without enthusiasm.
 
I prefer the Leatherman Supertool but I'm not that concerned about weight and haven't really used anyone else's offerings. Being left-handed I stick with the Supertool because it's not geared to a right-handed person like the Wave and some other models. Thinking about upgrading to the Supertool 300 because of the improved lock/unlock system (yes, I'm not riding the crest of the fashion alb e advances in multitools wave…)
 
The Leatherman wave is a fine tool. I hear good things about the Victorinox models, but have not used one.
I've been using a Leatherman Charge Tti for the last few years, and I like it a lot. It has a S30v blade, and I really like the interchangeable driver bits. A very handy tool.
 
SWMBO has a Wave, I have a Charge and a Juice, depending on the chores I may need to deal with.
Juice fits in a pocket & is fine for house chores, mowing the lawn (cutting string off the blade, etc...) Charge handles everything else and lives in the cab of the truck unless I'm hiking/camping.
 
You don't need no stinking multitool, just get a SAK Jack. (I mean Sean);)

DSCN0165.jpg


I had a Wave, but gave it away, but I must say I did like it.(except the weight)
It rode in my hunting pack until I gave it away.It came in handy for pre-season trail clearing of branches.
I also had a Surge, but it was so big & heavy I kept it in my truck where it was stolen from.:rolleyes:

I can't say I miss the weight of either multitool, but I wouldn't be caught dead without a SAK.(even if it's just a classic or rambler in my pocket.)

Pictured is the Ranger on top that goes camping with me & the Hercules on the bottom that rides in my EDC Pack.
The old Champ in the middle is retired after serving me well as a mechanic in the Marines for better than a decade.

Save some weight & get yourself a SAK.(Jack ;))
 
I should add that I would have a Charge TTi if they didn't cost so dang much.
 
I've got a Leatherman MUT, it's great, strong as hell but it's big and heavy, I have a Leatherman Charge ti, much more compact but still fairly heavy. I love them for the screwdriver bit system, so much more compact than standard. And the charge has a mini for glasses too. If you really want to cut back on weight, I've got a Gerber Dime hanging on my backpack, not as useful as a full sized multi but so small and light you don't even notice it.
 
I use a LM Rebar quite often. Relatively inexpensive for a Leatherman, and it has done everything I need it to. I think you used it at the last Michigan gathering during the carving contest.

The only complaint I have about it is that when really bearing down on the pliers, the edge of the handles are a little uncomfortable in the hand.
 
My son has my original LM wave, I have the newer version. Both have seen hard use for years and are still in fine shape. I've had a Gerber, own a Victorinox, and have a few others floating around here too. Fit and finish on the Vic is the best, but the Wave is my go to.
 
I carry a Leatherman wave every day at work putting it through all kinds of tasks including braking down ammo crates working on m4's hammering down small steaks and nails in the field I've used it to cut pretty thick wire at 35 below zero after my buddy snapped his pliers on his Gerber cutting the steel bands of our mortar round crates I trust that thing with my life best multitool I've ever had. With that being said I also like the supertool 300 although it is pretty heavy to carry around all day I've been looking forward to getting a rebar as soon as the funds allow. I also know a lot of guys who swear by the victorinox multitools as well cant really go wrong either way IMHO. hope it was some help too you even though its not really new info

Kappi011
 
i too have a Wave and like it. i have used a couple others but can't recall the names. sure, it is hefty, but so am I! i don't complain about a pound on my belt or in my pack. if i was really concerned about that, then going to the gym would be more beneficial. :p
 
Thanks for all the feedback. I am still debating what to do. One thing that is a factor is my realization that I really don't use my multi tool very much at all. It has seen some use but I really prefer full sized hand tools and will always grab those before a multi for any task. I carry a small tool pack that has the LM but also a full sized screwdriver with interchangeable bits, a small pry bar and a few other goodies. In looking at the cost of these tools, I don't know if it makes sense for me to replace my old school LM or not. It's in like new condition considering the light use it's seen and the jury is still out on whether or not the increased features of a Wave or Rebar justify the cost.

I will probably be picking up a Gerber Dime though for use as a pocket EDC tool. Seems like a lot of useful stuff in a small, light package and the sub $20 price tag looks like a bargain. I also like that package opener as I hate those clamshell packs. I cut the living crap out of myself opening one before...the wife was not happy about the blood on her upholstery!
 
outdoorsfan said:
Thanks for all the feedback. I am still debating what to do. One thing that is a factor is my realization that I really don't use my multi tool very much at all. It has seen some use but I really prefer full sized hand tools and will always grab those before a multi for any task. I carry a small tool pack that has the LM but also a full sized screwdriver with interchangeable bits, a small pry bar and a few other goodies. In looking at the cost of these tools, I don't know if it makes sense for me to replace my old school LM or not. It's in like new condition considering the light use it's seen and the jury is still out on whether or not the increased features of a Wave or Rebar justify the cost.

I will probably be picking up a Gerber Dime though for use as a pocket EDC tool. Seems like a lot of useful stuff in a small, light package and the sub $20 price tag looks like a bargain. I also like that package opener as I hate those clamshell packs. I cut the living crap out of myself opening one before...the wife was not happy about the blood on her upholstery!
Click to expand...
There you go Sean, if it ain't broke, don't fix it.:thumbup:
 
mykel m said:
There you go Sean, if it ain't broke, don't fix it.:thumbup:
Click to expand...

Oh and I forgot to mention that the LM is always accompanied by an SAK...I have two set-ups (backpack and Maxped Neatfreak, the Neatfreak was from a trade with Joel and I love that bag) each has the same model LM. One has a Vic Rucksack and the other a Hiker. Maybe this is why these bags need to go on a diet!
 
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