I'm in the market for a new multi-tool, and have been a doing a lot of research, but as with all things that you research online there are always good and bad. I've only owned Leatherman brand in the past with the exception of the three or four off brand "cheapies" I have lying around for use where they're convenient. I'm thinking of getting something I will have on me when outside working. The Leatherman Wave and Surge are looking promising, but Gerber and SOG offer some similar alternatives at a lower price point. So what is everyone using and what are your thoughts? As a side note, I was almost going to pull the trigger on the Black Oxide Wave, but after reading the reviews of the coating essentially being cosmetic and coming off on your hands, I decided to do some more research before pulling the trigger. I want a good set of pliers, wire strippers, a knife blade that is SHARP (ideally one that can be extended while the tool is still closed), and beyond that, I don't care much about what else is included.
I had a Leatherman several years back and really liked it. ... lost it somewhere. I just have a small Gerber now that I like but it is not a multi tool. Leatherman is a good one... that's all I got.
I have the Leatherman Skeletool. They are pretty handy, but don't expect much from the pliers as far as twisting and prying.
I have been pocket carrying a black leather man wave since Christmas and love it! All the reviews saying that the finish comes off are bogus, the finish just has a coat of oil on it when I comes. One rinse off fixed that. Mine still looks brand new after nearly three months. The only problem I had was breaking off the pocket clip once but that was easily fixable. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I have been using the Leatherman Wave for the last 7 or 8 years and love it! Sent from my iPhone 5S using Tapatalk
I have 2 leatherman Originals(great for in the pocket carrying and adequate for most needs though not the most convenient and blade doesn't lock), 2 leatherman Waves that I carry on the belt occasionally(great tool), and 1(left out of 2) leatherman Charges that I carry on the belt everyday...only thing wrong with it is the gut hook broke off the tip of the serrated blade(did this on the other one before I lost it as well). Also had numerous offbrand cheapies and used others Gerbers. I like the Charge best for all the functionality(and multi interchangeable driver bits) though the Wave with the scissors is nice for fishing and easier to carry in a pocket(and both have locking blades). Though I don't think I'll ever need another multi-tool(at least I'd hope not), I'd be torn between buying a Charge, Surge or Wave but likely end up with another Charge. The MUT looks cool to.
Hands down, Gerber Diesel! I have mine on me every day. It saves me so much time around the resort, not having to run around looking for tools. This model is rugged as hell and has all the tools I need. The flip out head is nice and I'll never use a multi-tool that has the tools fold out from the outside again. Makes using the pliers a huge pain. ... plus, you always have a bottle opener on you
I've heard great things about those. Everyone on these survivalist boards I'm reading love those, the SOG and the Leatherman's. Fitz, have you had to use your warranty for anything on the Gerber?
No I haven't. I had the same model in silver before, but I welded it's jaws together "testing" a breaker I wanted to get the black one anyway. It's held up to anything I can throw at it.
