The company is not publicly traded. I think I'll get the Wave tomorrow, and get a new lens for my camera [I'm a photographer] when I get paid for a shoot I did.

The 154CM steel blade will achieve a sharper blade and will retain its sharpness over a longer period than the 420HC steel. Its cutting ability and durability is much greater, which is an important factor for the small blades found on the these multitools.

http://cutleryscience.com/reviews/blade_materials.html#stainless

Thanks for the info! However, I think I'll get the Wave as it is less money, and I believe it will suit my needs even with lesser steel.

Hey, Markok, welcome.

+100 on the Wave II. I have at least half a dozen Wave/Charge tools around. Carry them every day. Nothing else comes close in terms of functionality.

You need to shop around though. Don't get ripped off by the big retailers. Mountain Equipment Co-op sells the basic Wave II for $69 CAD IIRC.

(Edit: if you want the black aluminum clad Charge with the 154CM blade, Costco [Edmonton] carries them bundled with the pocket clip and a basic Leatherman folder for $100 CAD. Great deal. I couldn't resist ... I'm so freakin' weak.)

Just another thumbs up for the Leatherman Wave. I've had one for a few years now. It does not replace a fixed blade knife, not even a quality folder (the knife blade on the Wave is a bit soft, though still usable). But as a general purpose tool/backup you'd be hard pressed to find anything nearly as practical. Besides, it's just the right size, not too big or heavy.

It does seem expensive but once you make the purchase you'll never regret it. You really do get what you paid for.

The big difference - for me was the S30V blade on the TTi - frankly, I had some of the leathermen with the 420HC blades - I never ever carried them as my EDC, as mostly, I want a KNIFE. Every time I tried carrying one, I was disapointed, I thought of getting the Ti with the 154cm blade, but then saw the TTi was coming out, and I waited. Glad I did - the TTi became my EDC knife, and I'm very picky about knives

The Wave is considered to be the benchmark standard for multitools.

As others have pointed out, get the 154CM or S30V steel version.

I am going to dissent on one point, and I say this as someone who has owned a Leatherman ever since Tim Leatherman brought out the original, I do not think that it is the best tool for E.D.C. For that the Victorinox tools are better.

Agree!

Softer metal and a gut hook on the surrated blade. Frankly I like the softer metal, its easier to sharpen with home made sharpeners (400 grit sandpaper carpet taped to just about anything flat). Just watch what you cut with the knife. If you need to cut metal the edge of the diamond/metal file serves as a hacksaw. For soft metal use the cutters on the pliers.

I EDC A Swiss Tool Spirit after putting my wave in storage. I like the Spirit better.