Will I be disappointed with the steel in the Leatherman Wave?

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Dec 11, 2009
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I have previously owned a Victorinox Rescue tool (lost it) but loved the very solid blade which would cut through anything. I am now considering a leatherman Wave but it seems 420hc steel is not the best steel available.

1) Are the 420hc blades on the leatherman wave good blades?

2) How does the metal in the Leatherman Wave blades compare to the metal in the Victorinox Rescue Tool blade for strength and edge retention?
 
Welcome to the boards:)

If you go into the Wave expecting to get the same performance out of the blade as you would from, say, a $50-$100 folder, you'll probably find it to be a little lack luster.

However, having own many, many folders in that bracket, I still wince when my knife gets its first scratch cosmetic though it may be.

What you are going to fine with the 420HC in a LM is a serviceable metal. It'll take an edge, but won't hold it forever. The typical trade off between 420HC with a brushed finish (like found on a LM) and the steel used in a Victorinox is that the 420 is probably going to hold a usable edge a bit longer as they tend to run a bit harder and have a thicker edge (both a good and bad thing). However, the Vic will sharpen up quicker (typically due to the edge geometry in addition to the softer steel) however it'll dull faster usually. The Vic steel is also about as corrosion resistant as they come short of H-1 due to its high polish. You'll have to watch the blade on your Wave. Is it going to rust off? Nah, not at all. However, it might spot up a bit more.

In short, for a multi-tool that is primarily a pair of pliers first and a blade second, the LM steel makes a pretty good knife (certainly better than the cheap knock offs). However, The Vic is a knife first and tool box second. So it probably edges out the Wave in that regard.

If you want something with a set a pliers and a premium blade steel check out LM's Charge, Skeletool, and Freestyle with the 154cm.

If you just REALLY dig the Vic steel (which I like myself), look at the Victorinox Spirit for a Wave-ish tool. You just lose the one hand opening features.

Hope this helps:)
 
Thanks for your help.

From what you have said it seems:
Corrosion resistance = Victorinox wins
Blade hardness = leatherman wins

For me blade hardness is more important.

I would ideally like the 154cm or SV30 steel but its a lot of money for only changing the main blade. As I will be using the serrated blade 90% of the time I think I'll go with the Wave.

Thanks again :)
 
I'm really happy with the cm154 on my skeletool cx but I wish they made a version that wasn't serrated. I bought the regular skeletool for my dad for Christmas because he didn't want serrations. IMHO the regular skeletool is probably the better value at this time. It would be cool if they offer different blade options in the future.
 
I'm really happy with the cm154 on my skeletool cx but I wish they made a version that wasn't serrated. I bought the regular skeletool for my dad for Christmas because he didn't want serrations. IMHO the regular skeletool is probably the better value at this time. It would be cool if they offer different blade options in the future.


Straight edge is now standard on the CX. I'm sure they'd change it if you sent it in. Or if it ever breaks, you won't be sad anymore :)

OP, my Leatherman Style CS has the same metal as the Wave. I can get it pretty sharp, but I'd like it to last longer. My Charge TTi has the S30V blade and I think it's awesome. Spend the extra cash and you'll be better off in the long run - I bought my Charge on eBay with the whole bit kit set and the premium sheath for around $160 Australian, brand new.
 
I find the Wave blade decent for a multi-tool. I only use it when I don't have a knife on me...which is essentially never.
 
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