Need some advice on what type of leatherman to buy.

A

Aquacopter

Joined
Mar 22, 2007
Messages
158
I have been doing some research on leatherman multitools and I know I want one of them just not which one. I like how the surge can change saw blades and it even looks like you might be able to put your own blade of choice. But it is rather large for carrying in the pocket. The one I am really looking at is the Charge Ti for the belt cutter and scissors. It also has a better grade of steal on the clip point blade. I am just wondering how the ones that you guys have handled have worked out? Thanks ahead of time for any advice.
 
Aquacopter said:
The one I am really looking at is the Charge Ti for the belt cutter and scissors.
Click to expand...

Are you referring to the Charge TTi (Ti has been discontinued). This is a handy tool if you require quick access to the knife blades, saw and file, as these are located on the outside of the tool. The weakness of this tool for some folk is the bit driver system, as some find the reach too short.

If you carry a primary knife, you may also want to consider the Swisstool Spirit. I am really growing fond of this tool and use it more than my Leathermans.
 
Yeah your right the TTi was the one I was trying to refer to. I would replace my normal carry with this tool. I normally carry a spyderco raven and a SAK one handed trekker. I like the fact of the easy access to the blades and saws on the leatherman line and they would be my main tools with everything else being just a nice advantage.
 
I have a Wave and really like it. One thing I've noticed is you can carry a Leatherman/multi tool ANYWHERE and nobody gives it a second thought. Even though on my Wave I can flick out the large locking razor sharp knife blade in a instant and its a very effective weapon (I would guess, never used it for that). It just is amusing how people are about that kinda stuff.
 
Go for it, you won't be dissappointed. I have 2 of the older Ti's and one normally accompanies me when hiking.

If you are intending to pocket carry, the TTi is supplied with a removeable pocket clip. Very useful.
 
Victorinox Swisstool are better quality - in particular, the steel won't rust like Leatherman does when exposed to humidity or salt water.
 
Millhouse said:
Are you referring to the Charge TTi (Ti has been discontinued). This is a handy tool if you require quick access to the knife blades, saw and file, as these are located on the outside of the tool. The weakness of this tool for some folk is the bit driver system, as some find the reach too short.

If you carry a primary knife, you may also want to consider the Swisstool Spirit. I am really growing fond of this tool and use it more than my Leathermans.
Click to expand...

Leatherman makes a bit extender that adds 3" reach to your screwdriver. It's well worth owning.
 
The Wave is great, I use it backpacking. I use and abuse a Core everyday at work. A bit on the heavy side for the trail, but awesome at my side on the job. I saw the LM Core at Home Depot in a clamshell pack, along with the 301 folder and screwdriver bit/driver set for the Core for $49. A most excellent gift idea.
 
i like my leatherman blast, but i think that the vic spirit looks like it would be much more functional and durable. but if you are set on a leatherman, the blast is pretty good for $40 :thumbup:
 
jh205 said:
Victorinox Swisstool are better quality - in particular, the steel won't rust like Leatherman does when exposed to humidity or salt water.
Click to expand...

It's not that Leatherman sucks or anything, but after having a number of LMs, I do prefer the Vic Swisstools - especially the Spirit:

higher build quality - no looseness or floppiness
more varied array of implements
all implements accessible without unfolding the pliers


That said, I did get a LM Juice Pro in a trade recently. It's a great light duty edc, but it is the Vic Spirit that remains my favorite.
 
I've had the LM Wave for a number of years now. It has worked for me when I needed it but I never really stressed the tool that much; in other words, I don't think I've used it to it's potential so I don't know what will happen when I do. It has had everything I've needed in the past so unless you're looking for a SAK-ish tool that has everything but the kitchen sink, the Wave would be perfect.
 
Before you decide, do yourself a favour and check out the Victorinox Swiss Spirit. I bought a Wave for a really good price, but took it back and bought the Spirit. No regrets!

Doc
 
I like leatherman but after researching mostly on here (there is a multi tool forum, btw)
it seems anyone that had both a vic and a LM most prefer the vic.
I have a LM squirt and a crunch, I rarely use them, my saks are used daily. I am definetly in the market for a swiss tool spirit.
 
Liam Ryan said:
I like leatherman but after researching mostly on here (there is a multi tool forum, btw)
it seems anyone that had both a vic and a LM most prefer the vic.
I have a LM squirt and a crunch, I rarely use them, my saks are used daily. I am definetly in the market for a swiss tool spirit.
Click to expand...

Liam, you won't regret it. I love this thing. At one time I said I would never carry a multi tool in favour of an SAK - times change. The only other multi tool (I'm excluding SAK's when I say multi tool) I would consider is the Victorinox Swiss Tool X.

Doc
 
I also prefer the Vic. I've likewise had good luck with Buck and Schrade multis.

DancesWithKnives
 
I've had the first gen Leatherman Wave for a while now and it only gets better with age. If I get my hands on it I just open and close it, even if I'm not gonna use it, just for fun. You can open it kinda like a rusty butterfly knife once it loosens up. Oh, and I forgot it's also functional. I use it for just about everything from prying my broken key out of my ignition to sawing through match sticks to stretch my pennies.
Seriously, I love the Wave. I bought it when I had just enough money to justify it and now I can't imagine having spent my money a better way. It's light, functional, efficient, and has a really good warranty. A lot of multitools are out there and they all offer something different. But, I can't imagine using a tool in as many ways as I do the Wave. All the tools on it are practical and make sense, no frills, just function. Anything you can't use the wave for there's a special tool for, like a knife or a screwdriver.
A multitool is just that, several tools in one. That is to say, several mediocre tools to replace the real things.

You cannot disassemble a car with a multitool. But, you could get pretty far with a Wave and a bottle of whiskey.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top