Need New Leatherman: But Which?

[Farnsrocket]

To follow up...the scissors on the Surge don't suck. They're very useful.

Agreed.......I love my Surge!!

 

[znapschatz]

So the question becomes is the Charge Really worth the extra 40-50 bucks over the wave, Especially if you always have a dedicated folder on belt.

Good question, solved for me when I found a Tti on sale at a price only $15 more than the usual for a Wave, and at that, definitely worth it for the better blade steel and hand comfort. Deals like that don't come along too often, but with patience, can be found. Used Charges and Waves can also save $ and are a risk free purchase due to Leatherman's exceptional warranty service.

 

[estanaway]

I have an old model Wave, Charge XTi, Surge and Skeletool and have used each for ~ 1 year as my daily carry muti-tool. Below is a review of each.

Wave: Great tool for the time, the scissors worked well, the blades held a decent edge, the screwdrivers were good, but I broke the smallest trying to loosen an appropriate size screw too small for the medium bit. Found the additional weight to be accepable, but eventually put the knife in my toolbox because it was heavy enough to unbalance my pants and caused it them to ride down.

Charge XTi:

Great all around tool especially with all the bits that came with it. The downside of this tool is that the crimpers fall exactly where you use the needle nose pliers the most, and the gut hook is way to small to be useful on deer size game or larger. This is still the tool I grab when going to the range to sight in a bow, or when I am setting up, or tuning a bow. Yes I am knowledgeable in this process.

Surge:

This is a great tool to be stowed in a survival kit. The scissors and blade changer works great and the larger knife blades are great. This tool also has a tendency to feel cheap because of the size it rattles a lot and is a lot of tool for a small or medium size hand.

Skeletool:

Great EDC tool, light weight has all the tools that are commonly used. The only detriment to this tool is that it doesn't have a saw or file. Both implements are missed at times, especially in the woods. Also this tool has a tendency to pinch my hands. I am also disappointed with the ability of the knife blade to hold an edge. I usually have to sharpen the blade weekly?

These are my findings after using these tools daily for about a year each. I usually keep a pocket knife in my pocket anyways and the tool in my Urban Assault Bag (Jack Bag)

 

[Max Manley]

Charge XTi:
The downside of this tool is that the crimpers fall exactly where you use the needle nose pliers the most, and the gut hook is way to small to be useful on deer size game or larger.

This was the exact answer I was looking for when I opened this subforum.

Would you say the AL is the better choice if one uses the pliers alot?