Which Leatherman should i get? Charge? Surge? Wave?

J

justinw

Joined
Jan 28, 2011
Messages
10
I bought a Leatherman Micra and now i want something bigger, the Charge Tti, Surge, and the Charge Alx are the ones I have been looking at, anyone have a recommendation for me?
 
Of the tools you listed, I have found the Charge Tti to be the most desirable for my needs. I have a Leatherman MUT, a Leatherman Super Tool 300, and a SOG Powerlock, and the Charge Tti reigns supreme over them all, IMHO.
 
I've packed my charge everyday on the ranch for 5 or so years now and would sooner cut off my left hand than get something else. The 154cm steel blade seem to stay sharper other peoples waves. The only problem I've had was breaking one side of the pliers off at the wire crimper. Leatherman fixed it for free. You can't go wrong with a charge.
 
Without knowing what you do, it's not easy to make a suggestion. If you're a handyman that needs a backup tool, the heavy duty Surge is good. If you carry a separate high quality folder, then get the Wave because you don't need Charge's premium blade. If this is the only tool you carry, then the Charge makes sense.
 
Sep said:
Without knowing what you do, it's not easy to make a suggestion. If you're a handyman that needs a backup tool, the heavy duty Surge is good. If you carry a separate high quality folder, then get the Wave because you don't need Charge's premium blade. If this is the only tool you carry, then the Charge makes sense.
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That's good advice. In pondering among them, however, consider that while the Surge is the most versatile because of the extra heft, blade exchanger feature, and an awl, which the Charge and Wave lacks, it is also heavy enough to make a difference for EDC, although of no consequence if it will be carried in a bag or glove box.

It may not seem that the extra @ 3.5 oz compared to a Charge would count for much, but after a few hours on your belt or clipped to a pocket, it will definitely make itself felt. Although aware that the extra ounces don't matter to many others, I am not one of them. In my experience, it was kind of subtle. My conscious mind thought it made no difference, but I found myself reaching for the Charge much more often than the Surge and finally had to admit to myself that for me, the Surge was just over the line too darn heavy (also sharp-edged, but that was fixable with a bit of sandpaper). OTOH, the Charge rides with me all day, hardly noticed until needed, and has been up to all demands, so far.

But as they say, YMMV (how do you pronounce that? :D)
 
if you want to save money, get the new Wave, it's practically the same as the charge TTI (small details are different and the steel of course) but a lot cheaper
 
znapschatz said:
That's good advice. In pondering among them, however, consider that while the Surge is the most versatile because of the extra heft, blade exchanger feature, and an awl, which the Charge and Wave lacks, it is also heavy enough to make a difference for EDC, although of no consequence if it will be carried in a bag or glove box.

It may not seem that the extra @ 3.5 oz compared to a Charge would count for much, but after a few hours on your belt or clipped to a pocket, it will definitely make itself felt. Although aware that the extra ounces don't matter to many others, I am not one of them. In my experience, it was kind of subtle. My conscious mind thought it made no difference, but I found myself reaching for the Charge much more often than the Surge and finally had to admit to myself that for me, the Surge was just over the line too darn heavy (also sharp-edged, but that was fixable with a bit of sandpaper). OTOH, the Charge rides with me all day, hardly noticed until needed, and has been up to all demands, so far.

But as they say, YMMV (how do you pronounce that? :D)
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I had the Surge but gave it away because it's as heavy as a boat anchor. Since I'm not a professional mechanic/plumber/carpenter or the like, I don't have to put up with it. On the other hand I carried the Wave in a belt sheath for years and not bothered by its weight.
 
I have the old Charge TI, aside from having 154CM steel for a main blade as opposed to S30V on the TTI, I like the pliers better without the crimper and I'm an electrician. I just find that using a pair of crimping pliers for that purpose does a better job anyway.

That being said, the wave will do fine and for alot less $$$
 
I just got the ALx used for like $60. It's amazing, I love it. I was thinking about the Tti but I didn't really need the scissors since I have the Style CS. But like the others have said, it's mostly about what you plan on using it for, as well as what other tools you'll be carrying around with you. I like the ALx because of the redundant screwdrivers. I can carry more bits without a bit kit.
 
Thank you everyone, I'm going with the Charge Tti, I'm new to knives and I'm starting to collect them. What would be a good addition to my collection? I have a Kershaw, Swiss Army Evogrip 18, Leatherman Micra, Leatherman Charge Tti soon, 3 other swiss army knives and 3 cheap bad ones
 
Welcome to Blade forums !!

Well I was going to suggest the Wave, as mine has been rock solid for several years now, and I use it often. But I see your going with Charge Tti. Good luck, enjoy your new tool.
 
justinw said:
Thank you everyone, I'm going with the Charge Tti, I'm new to knives and I'm starting to collect them. What would be a good addition to my collection? I have a Kershaw, Swiss Army Evogrip 18, Leatherman Micra, Leatherman Charge Tti soon, 3 other swiss army knives and 3 cheap bad ones
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Victorinox Pioneers or Farmers are basically standards :P
 
Hey Brennanscott, I completely agree with you about the crimper. As an electrician, you would know. I have to do a fair bit of well work and trailer wiring for those jobs I've always got the truck and toolbox handy. I never used the crimper. That being said I have ridden a hell of alot of mile with a wave on my belt and since getting a charge ti, I wouldn't go back. I've used it to cut calfs, ear marks, fix fence, clean animals and holding steel for welding. If you use what you pack like I do, the lighter the better. The better the steel the better
 
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