Need a New Multitool...

[Nephron44]

Hey everyone!

I got a new job and am looking for a new Multitool. This tool will be used while on duty (law enforcement) and around the house. I won't be EDCing it too much, but I'll have it on my duty belt and probably keep it close by at home just in case. I have a Leatherman Wave, but was thinking of switching it up a bit. I want to keep costs below 75 USD please. Anyone have any opinions? Leatherman? Gerber? SOG? What would you all recommend? Thanks!

 

[WEB2]

Sog powerlock

 

[BeastMode24]

Personally I don't think there's much better than a leatherman wave. Got everything you'll need and their use s30v for their blades (according to my parents neighbor who works in engineering for them) and they come very sharp from the factory. Nice and compact size and the tools being accessible without having to open the pliers every time is quiet convenient. Just my 2 cents.

Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk

 

[ThePeacent]

For law enforcement, I'd recommend the Gerber MP600, MP800 Legend and SOG Powerlock or SOG Powerassist. Mainly because they are really tough, builkt like tanks, can be opened one handed and have the basic tool loadout for most chores.

If you want tool density and lighter weight, go for a Spirit.

If you want lots of tools, brute strength and don't mind the weight, go Swisstool.

In case you really dig your Wave, maybe try the Surge, it's a Wave on steroids and will take much abuse, apart from giving you great scissors, and replaceable file/saw. Weighs a lot, though.

To go simple and lightweigt, you can check out the SOG PPP, LM Skeletool or Wingman, or Gerber Octane, MP400. All these give you lightweight pliers with basic implements, and are more economically priced.

Finally, if you want a brute force tool, easy to operate with gloves, with big sturdy tools and can take much abuse, pick up a ST300 or Gerber MP1, or an old Supertool (can be had for cheap!)

 

[Nephron44]

Personally I don't think there's much better than a leatherman wave. Got everything you'll need and their use s30v for their blades (according to my parents neighbor who works in engineering for them) and they come very sharp from the factory. Nice and compact size and the tools being accessible without having to open the pliers every time is quiet convenient. Just my 2 cents.

Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk

Charge TTI uses S30 V, I don't think the Wave does.

 

[Nephron44]

For law enforcement, I'd recommend the Gerber MP600, MP800 Legend and SOG Powerlock or SOG Powerassist. Mainly because they are really tough, builkt like tanks, can be opened one handed and have the basic tool loadout for most chores.

If you want tool density and lighter weight, go for a Spirit.

If you want lots of tools, brute strength and don't mind the weight, go Swisstool.

In case you really dig your Wave, maybe try the Surge, it's a Wave on steroids and will take much abuse, apart from giving you great scissors, and replaceable file/saw. Weighs a lot, though.

To go simple and lightweigt, you can check out the SOG PPP, LM Skeletool or Wingman, or Gerber Octane, MP400. All these give you lightweight pliers with basic implements, and are more economically priced.

Finally, if you want a brute force tool, easy to operate with gloves, with big sturdy tools and can take much abuse, pick up a ST300 or Gerber MP1, or an old Supertool (can be had for cheap!)

Excellent suggestions! How about the Gerber Diesel?

 

[BeastMode24]

Wave has s30v, just confirmed with the guy who works there . Idk about "older" generations but the one I got from him last year has it. So many choices and all serve their purpose, maybe go check some out somewhere and see which one seems like it will fit your needs the best

Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk

 

[znapschatz]

Wave has s30v, just confirmed with the guy who works there . Idk about "older" generations but the one I got from him last year has it. So many choices and all serve their purpose, maybe go check some out somewhere and see which one seems like it will fit your needs the best

Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk

The guy who works there is misinformed. Both Wave knife blades are made of 420HC steel, while the similar Charge TTI has a PE blade made of S30v, although the SE is 420HC just like the Wave. My TTi is right in front of me. so I can see what is etched on the blade. Go to the Leatherman web site so you can see for yourself. For myself, I think the Wave blade will hold up well enough for multitool use. I can see where S30v is perhaps a better choice for a dedicated knife, but Waves are used differently.

 

[Nephron44]

I always carry a sturdy Benchmade knife, so I'm not as worried about the blade. Don't get me wrong...I would very much appreciate a sturdy, locking, workable blade on my Multitool for basic cutting chores, but I don't really care about the material or how easy it is to open as it's only a backup to my main blade. Besides, any emergent use for a blade (rescue, self defense, etc) will demand my main blade over a Multitool blade anyway.

 

[ThePeacent]

Agreed, normal Wave is 420HC. Not bad at all, at least in any of my LM tools.

About the diesel, I never had one. Can be flicked out and the tool loadout seems attractive, very complete and capable. The construciton seems robust and durable(and heavy), but I can't really comment based on experience.

 

[scottc3]

LE with a Leatherman! Obviously you are serving the public. Thank you! Stick with Leatherman, get a used TTi or earlier Ti, though you might need to spent part or most of another 20.00.
My take:
LM TTI and Ti benefits over WAVE?
Ti slightly lighter then TTi-
Ti 154CM blade thinner tip THEN TTi S30v;
Ti handles a little more abbreviated then TTi; thumb cut outs less sloped then TTi;
best CS
actual weight? Ti feels perceptibly lighter then TTi

2 washers per side vs waves 1 x washer (not sure do not have wave)
grip better w ti scales
increased pliers closing power
no blasting cap crimper on Ti
= more consistent locks and pivots
AND
easier to customize with security torx without buggering up.
Txtoolcrafters S35vn blade, plus 0.381mm thicker then LM-TTi-S30v

2.286 OEM S30v thickness = .090 inches= 2.286, actual measure = 0.950" or 2.413mm

2.667 Txtoolcrafters S35vn thickness = 0.105 inches= 2.667, actual measure = 0.110" or 15 thousands thicker, or 2.794mm

2.667 - 2.286 = 0.381mm thicker, actual from measure = .377mm (line on a mm /cm ruler are painted about a half mm thick).

swapping pliers
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q63VoTlrDe8