SwissTool X or 2004 Wave

S

scissorhands

Joined
Dec 27, 2004
Messages
12
I'm really struggling over which one of these to buy. I've done some research and these two tools seem to be the best in this price range but they both have their pros and cons.

I'd like to hear from people who own both of these tools. Which one do you like more and why? Any info. you can provide would be greatly appreciated.
 
Based on my experience with the old wave, and what I've learned here.

1. Swisstool is tougher, heavier, more solid.
2. LM wave one hand blade opening is great (Supposed to be improved on the new wave).
3. Which one has the implements you use most often?

Note that the steel used doesn't matter much for multi-tool knife blades. The only stand-out in the field is the LM Charge 154CM blade.

Decide which of the above is most important to you, that should help.
For instance, If you carry a small knife with you anyway, the one-hand wave opening may not be so important. If you will only do light jobs with it, the toughness may not be so important.

P.S. The SOG PowerLock is also in the same price range, just in case you needed one more to look at. (Sorry, it's my favorite of all time.) :p
 
Atrick-Pay said:
I've got a SwissTool and Wave 2004, I'm willing to do a pass-around
if someone else will run it.
Click to expand...

Since you have them on-hand, can you do a comparison yourself and post it here? Would be useful, thanks,
 
The Swisstool is to big.
The new wave has parts you can lose and tools you can't use.

Buy an old wave before I get them all for myself! :cool:

That is my review! :)

P.S. If you have a question I will try to answer it :D
 
IMO,swiss tool spirit > swiss tool X,look to that superb scissor in the spirit,it is a better design.


new wave is gd i think too

but sorry i really duno which one is the best yet.... ;)
 
Atrick-Pay said:
The new wave has parts you can lose and tools you can't use.:D
Click to expand...

I assume that you're just talking about the screwdriver bits. I believe I read in another thread that LM uses a proprietary size bit rather than the standard size that you can buy in any hardware store. Is that still true with the new wave?

My use for the tool would be just general, small projects around the house and for camping.
 
I've been carrying and using the Swisstool spirit for several months now. I really like the fact that it is almost 25% lighter that the Swisstool (7 1/4 oz versus 9 3/4 oz). As always, the locks are solid. The brand new scissor design is a great improvement over the tradional Vic scissor springs. Also good size to the scissors. Some folks don't like the blade design as it isn't pointed. It is a mariners blade design and since it doesn't have a point, could probably serve to cut seat belts and do other EMT things.

Go look at one - I believe you might want to consider it.

Best - Joe
 
The new bits (for all the new tools) are flat,
So they will fit in with all the other tools in the handle,
That is to say the bits are about a 1/8" wide and they are 1/4" think.
Not roundish (Hex) like normal bits.

You will have to buy them from Leatherman
I can take a picture if someone wants to post it
 
scissorhands said:
I assume that you're just talking about the screwdriver bits. I believe I read in another thread that LM uses a proprietary size bit rather than the standard size that you can buy in any hardware store. Is that still true with the new wave?

My use for the tool would be just general, small projects around the house and for camping.
Click to expand...

YES, the bits are leatherman only, though you can order replacements for them direct from LM.

I don't have a need for any drivers beyond phil and slot, so any extra things to lose are a disadvantage for me.

This is why I like the SOG Powerlock. - you can customize the tool selection and easily replace them, but no parts to lose.
 
Of the new Wave and the SwissTool - the CLEAR choice is the Swisstool.

I own a new Wave and only bought it since I have a custom holster for a Wave and this one fit.

The old wave had a better selection of tools. The new wave only comes with ONE bit, and that is the one in the tool. Since they have that useless eyeglasses screwdriver in the tool, they waste a bit slot. So, as bought, the new Wave has less blades than the old one.

To make that better, you need to buy the bit kit from Leatherman for $20. I have one, and they make the new Wave very versatile. However, the cost of the new Wave plus the bit kit is about the same price as the charge - with which you get extra bits (but not as many as the bit kit). So, IMHO, the new Wave is not a good value.

If you are going to EDC one tool of the ones you mention, the SwissTool is far and away the better choice.

For reference, I have a SwissTool RS, an old Wave, a new Wave, a Charge Ti and Charge XTi. I use the Swisstool as my favorite and the only thing I don't like about it is that it doesn't have a one handed opening blade. Other than that, it is far and away the best of my multitools.

J
 
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