The Wave + is still the leader

VorpelSword said:
The Surge does look interesting. Seems heavy though. I'd have to hold a Wave and Surge side-by-side to make a decision.

Is the Surge blade any larger than the Wave? Or did they just plug in the same blade to the larger tool? In videos it is hard to judge.
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Looks like it's time to do some...

...

...basic math. :eek:

Wave

closed length = 4"
total weight = 8.5 oz
blade length = 2.9"

Surge

closed length = 4.5"
total weight = 12.5 oz
blade length = 3.1"

So the Surge is ~12.5% longer, ~47% heavier, and has a ~6.9% longer blade.

On paper, the size advantage doesn't seem worth the extra weight. But this is a very narrow set of numbers which does not account for the numerous advantages of the Surge. Everyone has to make their own judgement call, but I think most people do end up coming to the conclusion that the weight of the Surge is too much.

I personally would not carry a Surge, but I can see why somebody else would, and I can definitely appreciate the improvements it has over a Wave. The Surge's big scissors outperform every other Leatherman design, and are arguably just as good as Victorinox's scissors. The tool exchanger allows a huge level of versatility because it lets you use any T-shank jigsaw blade, plus you can easily swap out a new file when the diamond coating on the old one wears out. The bigger pliers are much stronger and the extra handle length provides more leverage while using them. The inner tools are easier to deploy, and there's even an awl instead of that stupid mini bit driver.
 
Thanks for the math.

Lacking a significantly larger blade, the weight would be a major issue for me. The Wave model is already not a pocket tool for that reason. I will try to get them both in my hands to really figure that out.

fgor now, I am coming down on the Wave side. Perhaps with the thought of getting a replacement blade in another steel . . .later. I have never had to use replaceable bits other than the default Phillips/flat head, but its good to know they are there. I have also liked the eye-glasses tiny bit set.

If I need a bigert blade, I'll carry a something ese in addition to the wave.
 
VorpelSword said:
Thanks for the math.
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Many Bothans died bringing us that math. 😢
VorpelSword said:
Lacking a significantly larger blade, the weight would be a major issue for me. The Wave model is already not a pocket tool for that reason.
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There are other options.

The Leatherman Rebar is lighter and cheaper, but lacks scissors. You can pair it with a small SAK with scissors or a set of folding scissors like the ones made by Fiskars. The Fiskars folding scissors are surprisingly good. Good examples of small SAK models with scissors would be the Alox Classic SD or the Jetsetter. Victorinox scissors are great. Even the small 58mm model scissors have no trouble cutting things like paracord and shock cord. Still, you might find the Fiskars more comfortable to use if you do a lot of cutting.

Rebar

closed length = 4"
total weight = 6.7 oz
blade length = 2.9"

There's also a knifeless Rebar. It has scissors, but no knife blade. The scissors are the same as you'd get on a Wave. This might be your best option if you plan to also carry a dedicated knife anyway. The knifeless Rebar weighs about the same as a regular one.

The Rebar doesn't have bit drivers. It has some dedicated flat heads and a full 3-dimensional #2 phillips. You can attach Leatherman's bit adapter to the #2 phillips if you really want to use bits, but it's a little awkward.

Lastly, you could opt to carry a set of Knipex Cobra XS pliers (4" or 100mm long), or a Cobra 125 (5" or 125mm long). Cobras are insanely good for their small size. You can pair a set of Cobras with a swiss army knife of your choice. Lots of options there. Or you could pair a cobra with a dedicated knife and a bit driver of your choice. There are a few pretty decent options out there for portable bit drivers.
 
Guy McVer said:
I personally would not carry a Surge, but I can see why somebody else would, and I can definitely appreciate the improvements it has over a Wave.
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I carry a Surge...well, actually, I carry two Surges! Yes, two giant, heavy Surges every day, everywhere I go. One clipped to the left front pocket of my jeans (I know, I've heard the rumor: "A Surge is way too large for pocket carry!) and one with nearly every imaginable accessory in a Skinth Plus sheath over my right hip. I know, it's hard to believe that, with all that extra weight, I can even stand up, much less walk. That's an extra 4 oz (over the Wave) times two! Keeps me from blowing away on windy days!
JPEG_20220401_215236_7123726301364079414.jpg
I almost forgot the Benchmade that lives clipped to my right front pocket. I used to carry a Wave, and I still think that it's the best all around multitool (I occasionally carry a Charge when I want to go light like out to dinner or church.)
I also love all three versions of the Super Tool, and I like the PST, the Rebar, and the Core, but, lacking one-hand-opening blades on the outside of the tool, they all stay home in the drawer.
Now about scissors, they are a must for me.
JPEG_20220401_212556_8700501467389157139.jpg

Small scissors, such as those on the Wave are great for delicate tasks, while the hefty ones on the Surge are bigger and stronger and better suited for heavy duty cutting. They serve different purposes. The same is true about the needle nose pliers on the two different versions of the Surge.
JPEG_20220401_213115_1368516553184684027.jpg
The new Surge (middle) has stouter jaws; the original Surge (right) and the Wave (left) have pointier jaws that I choose for more delicate tasks.
JPEG_20220401_213457_2622156596007671902.jpg
I love the awl that appears on both versions of the Surge (missing on the Wave), but I would definitely choose the eyeglass screwdriver of the original Surge over the jumbo prybar of the new Surge. Why do I carry one of each? Some tasks require two tools, such as one to hold the nut while the other turns the screw. I need two pliers to open my super glue, etc. Now for accessories, I carry them all (almost): the entire bit kit, extra saw blades, and the bit extension. I sleep better knowing that I'm likely to have what ever bit I need when I need it.
JPEG_20220401_214516_734147287692357040.jpg
Only the Surge has a file that you can use to touch up the blade on the very same tool (because it swaps with the wood saw). And, with two Surges on my person, I keep the file on one and the saw on the other.
JPEG_20220401_213327_6267809345188875248.jpg
The Skinth has room for everything with space left for a Lumintop EDC01 flashlight ($12) and a spare magazine for my little .380.
JPEG_20220401_214922_4737160070884767257.jpg
So that's my take on the Leatherman lineup. I don't know anyone else who EDCs like I do, but it's a free country, and this is how I go. Take in all the good advice you've received from all of us who have chimed in, and have fun making your choice. If you've stayed with me through this ridiculously long post, thanks for listening. T-A
 
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I personally think the Bond Is probably the best tool they've ever made.

It's the perfect refinement of the PST, just the basic essentials executed well.
It's not trying to incorporate everything but the kitchen sink and encouraging you to misuse it by feeling like it's intended to replace a toolbox.


There are things about the wave+ that are a good idea, but they have not found a way to incorporate them into the kind of tool I would ever buy.
 
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Lee D said:
ST300 is sill the king…change my mind.
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If you made me pick one tool to have on my side in the middle of nowhere, it would be the 300.
Broken in enough to butterfly open, great basic non-gimmicky tool set, and built for hard work. When I hit the jobsite and I am hip deep in a hole, I pack my 300.

I know people hate the cost for what you get, but the P4 has proven to be the best edc tool for ME. One hand blades and tools, good workable size, love the spearpoint, and I generally find replaceable bits on a tool pointless. I'm a contractor. I have literally 5 toolboxes on my truck/at my counter that I can get specialty bits from. For me, a MT is a basic set of rudimentary tools that can turn a screw, pry open a can of glue, pull and grip something, or pop open a beer. The P4 is about as close to a "one and done" tool/knife I get get for carry. If they released a $200 model in titanium and with a more premium knife steel, I may give up my knife/tool combo.

That said, I've been trying to "get by" with a Bond edc. So far, so good. It's slow, it's basic, and doenst have the the size to grab something like the ST300, but for most jobs, it's been solid. It does have the best non-locking positivity of a tool set I have ever felt on a LM. Great walk and talk on the tools.
 
I’ve got a few smaller mt’s but don’t actually use em much. For years I carried a Charge tti, and it’s a great tool. Keep a Mut in my vehicle. The one I carry everyday now however is the Crunch. It’s for me, by far the best mt. A huge plus is fitting in my coin/watch pocket.
 
spyderg said:
I’ve got a few smaller mt’s but don’t actually use em much. For years I carried a Charge tti, and it’s a great tool. Keep a Mut in my vehicle. The one I carry everyday now however is the Crunch. It’s for me, by far the best mt. A huge plus is fitting in my coin/watch pocket.
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A Crunch fits in your coin/watch pocket?!
 
the-accumulator said:
I carry a Surge...well, actually, I carry two Surges! Yes, two giant, heavy Surges every day, everywhere I go. One clipped to the left front pocket of my jeans (I know, I've heard the rumor: "A Surge is way too large for pocket carry!) and one with nearly every imaginable accessory in a Skinth Plus sheath over my right hip. I know, it's hard to believe that, with all that extra weight, I can even stand up, much less walk. That's an extra 4 oz (over the Wave) times two! Keeps me from blowing away on windy days!
View attachment 1782025
I almost forgot the Benchmade that lives clipped to my right front pocket. I used to carry a Wave, and I still think that it's the best all around multitool (I occasionally carry a Charge when I want to go light like out to dinner or church.)
I also love all three versions of the Super Tool, and I like the PST, the Rebar, and the Core, but, lacking one-hand-opening blades on the outside of the tool, they all stay home in the drawer.
Now about scissors, they are a must for me.
View attachment 1782212

Small scissors, such as those on the Wave are great for delicate tasks, while the hefty ones on the Surge are bigger and stronger and better suited for heavy duty cutting. They serve different purposes. The same is true about the needle nose pliers on the two different versions of the Surge.
View attachment 1782032
The new Surge (middle) has stouter jaws; the original Surge (right) and the Wave (left) have pointier jaws that I choose for more delicate tasks.
View attachment 1782033
I love the awl that appears on both versions of the Surge (missing on the Wave), but I would definitely choose the eyeglass screwdriver of the original Surge over the jumbo prybar of the new Surge. Why do I carry one of each? Some tasks require two tools, such as one to hold the nut while the other turns the screw. I need two pliers to open my super glue, etc. Now for accessories, I carry them all (almost): the entire bit kit, extra saw blades, and the bit extension. I sleep better knowing that I'm likely to have what ever bit I need when I need it.
View attachment 1782037
Only the Surge has a file that you can use to touch up the blade on the very same tool (because it swaps with the wood saw). And, with two Surges on my person, I keep the file on one and the saw on the other.
View attachment 1782040
The Skinth has room for everything with space left for a Lumintop EDC01 flashlight ($12) and a spare magazine for my little .380.
View attachment 1782046
So that's my take on the Leatherman lineup. I don't know anyone else who EDCs like I do, but it's a free country, and this is how I go. Take in all the good advice you've received from all of us who have chimed in, and have fun making your choice. If you've stayed with me through this ridiculously long post, thanks for listening. T-A
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All I can say is... you're on the right forum. :)
 
Steely, I think you have an unusually deep watch pocket if you can fit a Bond in it!
JPEG_20220402_221047_6333965362901486469.jpg
T-A
 
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the-accumulator said:
Steely, I think you have an unusually deep watch pocket if you can fit a Bond in it!
View attachment 1783022
T-A
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20220403-114204.jpg

Yep, depends on the pocket ;)
 
I'm just saying... my jeans don't have 5th pockets that big.

I've got some slacks that might do the trick... maybe. But they're made with a different style of 5th pocket that sits lower down where it's kinda hidden inside the other pocket.
 
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