Spirit x Wave

LUW

Joined
Nov 24, 2009
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675
I currently own a Gerber Multi-Pliers (the first MT? :rolleyes:) and a Kershaw Vise-Grip MT. The Gerber is ok, with it's "slip-pliers" design, but ain't very rust resistant, while the Kershaw is a PITA because the pliers always pinch my hand
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. So I want a new MT and was thinking of tmaybe the Spirit or the Wave.

I initially was interested in the new Leatherman Charge, but since the only difference I can see from the Wave is the blade material I didn't see the point in spending more for that, since I always carry a good pocket-knife. So from Leatherman I chose the Wave.

The Spirit interested me because everyone says it has a superior finish then the Leathermans, though I really don't know if that means it's better made (better materials) or just receives a better finish after it's done.

On eBay I found both for basically the same price, though I can have the Spirit with the rachet set and nylon pouch, while the Wave comes just with the nylon pouch, both for around 68 bucks plus shipping.

I don't have the opportunity to personally handle both, which of course would be ideal, so I have to base my decision on what I read. I did handle the Skeletool, and it felt solid and comfortable in my hand, but the lack of scissors puts it out of the race for me.

What would you guys recommend?
 
Don't have a wave, but I have a Surge and it is a great tool, but not as comfy to use as the Spirit. I like both of them a lot thou. Fit and Finish on the Spirit is a bit "higher" but that really only is important until it hasn't been used, then.....who cares. One thing, if you use the cutting blade a lot, the one handed opening of the wave will be useful, especially in cold, outdoor weather.
 
The one-hand opening feature that many Leatherman MTs have isn't very important to me because I always carry a one-hander pocketknife, so I won't use the blade on the MT at all. In fact, I think I never used the blades on both my Gerber or Kershaw. And the serrated "butter knife" on the Spirit would be a good variation to have for the plain normal edge folders that I carry.

Good to know you also find the Spirit more ergonomic.
 
Implement quality is higher on the Spirit , the handles are curved which is nice . The Wave has one hand opening , the Spirit has all tools accessable from the outside . Both are very nice tools , as always WMMV.

Chris
 
Since both are very good, if ergonomics is my most important concern, then the Spirit should be my choice?
 
IMHO , yes . Vic steel is more rust resistant , might be a factor in a humid tropical or sub tropical enviroment .

Chris
 
You can get an aftermarket pocketclip from Felinevet . I fail to understand what Vic . has against pocket clips , they are almost a must have in the N. American marketplace .

Chris
 
Though I will not carry this MT on my belt or pocket (or at least will carry it very rarely on my belt), a pocket clip is something that would be a very good feature to have on any MT.
 
I have an old Wave and Spirit (plus a Swisstool X, XE6, Cs4, SOG Paratool).
I EDC the Spirit and would choose that as my "one" of all my multi-tools.
Still would love to have a pocket clip for it, especially considering how slender/ergonomic it is, it would be a great pocket carry multi if it had a clip.
Might have to mod it or get it modded.
 
Put it this way , if I was restricted by law to one multi ; it would be the Spirit .

Chris
 
If I wasn't sure about the Spirit before, now I'm sold, packaged and ready to ship :o.
 
:thumbup::thumbup: Good choice! And I've read good things about that add-on clip Felinevet sells.

I had a Charge before I got my Spirit. I don't have the Charge anymore ;)
 
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:thumbup::thumbup: Good choice! And I've read good things about that add-on clip Felinevet sells.

I had a Charge before I got my Spirit. I don't have the Charge anymore ;)

With me it was the other way around :). Don't get me wrong, I have the greatest respect for the Spirit, an excellent example of design and execution. Those who sing its praises are not wrong. For my needs, however, the Charge does better, particularly with one handed (premium steel!) blade opening, true needlenose plier, screwdrivers that really fit and don't slip, accessories that greatly extend versatility without taking up too much room, more functional scissors, all adding up to a better fit for what comes up in my life. With multitools, everything is a compromise, and the Charge is what works for me. Best regards to those who opt otherwise.
 
With me it was the other way around :). Don't get me wrong, I have the greatest respect for the Spirit, an excellent example of design and execution. Those who sing its praises are not wrong. For my needs, however, the Charge does better, particularly with one handed (premium steel!) blade opening, true needlenose plier, screwdrivers that really fit and don't slip, accessories that greatly extend versatility without taking up too much room, more functional scissors, all adding up to a better fit for what comes up in my life. With multitools, everything is a compromise, and the Charge is what works for me. Best regards to those who opt otherwise.

Funny I'm the exact opposite . I hate the new Leatherman drivers and bit holders . I found the premium OH blade to be of little use , as I already carry a dedicated blade with better ergos , and grind . Implement quality on the Vic. is superior , better can and bottle openers , better scissors ( tho small ) , and that lovley little chisel/scraper /slitter thing .

To be honest I think that a lot of folks carry OH Leathermans as a politically correct tactical , that flies below the sheeple radar .

I'm a bit unrepresentative as I seldom use multitool drivers for any but the most casual of driving . Within that frame of reference , the vic drivers work fine for me . I always carry a Snap On stubby magnetic hex driver in my pocket plus a small bit wallet . These get the nasty jobs .

My intent is not to be imflamatory , or disrespectfull . Just my 0.02 cents worth .

I think the pre 2004 Wave was one of the best multi's ever , if I didn't have a Spirit , I would still be rocking one ! For me the Vics. are just better built , and better engineered .

Chris
 
...blade opening, true needlenose plier, screwdrivers that ...
I've read that quite a few times, though I don't think I understand :rolleyes:. What do you mean by real needle-nose pliers? Are the pliers on the Spirit wide?
 
The wave and charge have more pointed pliers , the pliers are a bit blunted and more rounded . I prefer them as they are more versatile and stronger . To me, thin is not a good idea in investment cast pliers .

Chris
 
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