Leatherman Charge worth it over Wave

[Vincent]

I am in need of a new multi-tool and need something very functional. Unfortunately the spyderench doesn't suit my needs. So I have narrowed it down to the Leatherman Charge or the Wave. I just don't know if the Charge is worth the extra $50 or so, compared to the wave.

What do you guys think?

[SimpleIsGood229]

In two words: heck no! Oh, and this is coming from a guy whose small multitool EDC rotation includes a Charge TTi.

Admittedly, I was a sucker for the S30V and titanium. In retrospect neither matter much. Sure, the titanium scales are cool, but they don't do much (for the price premium) for functionality. I thought I would love the main blade's being S30V, but I don't find it to hold an edge well (non-optimal heat treat?). In addition, one doesn't generally buy a multitool for the blade; isn't this due to carrying Spydies?

Actually, I wish I would have gone with the Surge for the awl, the external scissors, and the larger size.

[Vincent]

It seems nice to have S30V primary blade, but I always have 2 full S30V spydercos on me at almost all times anyway.

[SimpleIsGood229]

Yep. I find MT blades to serve as little more than as backup/beater blades.

If you don't mind carrying a 12 oz. multitool, I suggest the Surge. The file/saw socket even accepts standard jigsaw blades. It's quite a tool.

[araneae]

Vincent PM inbound.

[Specialblend2786]

If you already edc a knife with decent steel then I don't see a reason to get the Charge.

That being said, if you can find a Charge AL for cheap somewhere I think it's worth it, just cause I think they look cool. You can find them on eBay for a decent price.

[Water Bug]

Personally, I'd give a nod to the Leatherman Wave over the Leatherman Charge TTi. The 420HC used in the Wave's knife blades is sufficient enough, especially if you're already carrying higher end steels in your :spyder: s.

I do find the Leatherman Charge TTi's handles to be more comfortable when using the pliers, but the stainless steel handles of the Wave work just fine. I believe the Leatherman Charge TTi does come with additional bits for its large driver, as well as a removable lanyard ring and pocket clip, if that's important to you.

I agree with the suggestion of going with a Leatherman Surge. It's basically a larger version of the Wave with the addition of an awl and a blade exchanger for versatility.

[vampyrewolf]

I've got a Core on my belt and a Surge in my vest... the Charge is on my table at home right now. I've usually got 2 of em on/with me.

When looking at a multi, I don't think about the blade steel or handle material. I carry at least 2 other good knives on me and everything scratches up. That leaves the main jaw and tools to differentiate between multi's and to choose from.

The Surge has external scissors and an adapter that will take jigsaw blades (the saw/file adapter) and the usual assortment of screwdrivers. If you don't mind the weight (12.5oz on 4.5"), it's a great tool.

The Charge has internal scissors, the file and saw are individual tools, and the usual assortment of tools inside. The real advantage here is weight. 8oz and 4"... use the clip and it goes unnoticed.

If the surge had a #1 phillips as an attached tool (not via the socket) I'd be carrying it over my core. I'll be modifying a LM knife though over the break so that MIGHT fix the phillips problem and let me use my surge more.

[SimpleIsGood229]

Here is an excellent thread on the Surge's blade exchanger.

http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,8105.0.html

http://www.multitool.org is a gold mine of multitool info. Mutlitools, flashlights, guns, Spydies...does this madness not ever end? :D

[wescobts]

I carry my :spyder: (Native SE) and an SAK (soldier) and a small pair of Channel pliers, handles everything and I distribute the weight so as not to feel it all in one spot. :D

[GradeMaker]

Have you considered and ruled out the Vic Swisstool and/or Spirit?

[McBain]

I have a Charge TTI, and it comes with a pocket clip that I can clip it inside my LFP. To me, this is a great feature, as I don't usually like to carry on my belt. Im not sure if this a feature for the Surge, but that looks like one beast of a multitool!!

[RLR]

I love both my Charge and Wave (older model) equally. That doesn't help, does it!

[SimpleIsGood229]

I love both my Charge and Wave (older model) equally. That doesn't help, does it!

Which Charge do you have? I actually acquired my Charge TTi as a replacement for my pre-'04 Wave. I couldn't stand the non-locking screwdrivers, as they would close under heavy pressure. The pre-'04 wave is also annoyingly wobbly; when closed, the handles have way too much lateral play. Thankfully, Leatherman solved all of this wit the new Wave.

I think it's quite interesting to note the continued development of Leatherman's tools.