Ok, after playing with this thing here are my impressions:
First, the case. I see it as one of those things where the idea was good, but the execution wasn't as well thought out. It's nice and it works, but it is a tad bulky, the metal shield on the front is unneeded and kind of tacky, and I don't like how there is no bottom to the side and back elastic so stuff can fall out.
Now, about the tool: I like the pocket clip which holds securely and doesn't really interfere with use of the tool. Even if it did it is quickly removed by pressing the lock lever and pulling it out. I like how there is a built in lanyard ring big enough for paracord. As long as you don't loose the mini removable screwdriver bit popping out the lanyard ring isn't a problem. I have also been able to pop it out with both sides of the large bit that comes in the tool. The pliers are nice, they open wide (a tiny bit wider then my old wave) and seem very strong. They look a lot bigger then the old waves, but are only about 1/10 of an inch wider. There is even a wedge type system that stops the handles from folding closed even if the pivot is real loose, it also seems to help stop any wobble. There is no handle wobble at all and when open the handles don't "give" anywhere near as much as my old wave when squeezed.
The main blade is nice, quite a bit wider then before. The wideness makes it look shorter then the old wave, but it is actually a bit longer. It looks more like something found in an old lockback then in a multi-tool. The opening hole is a bit better then before, and the blade opens with a much more solid sound then the old wave. There is no play in it at all. It came duller then I prefer (I like close to razor sharpness), but the 154cm steel took a nice edge and if it is heat treated anything like my Benchmades it should hold it pretty well. The saw is just like the old waves, but wider, especially at the base, which I like. It does tend to catch the built in lanyard when it is being closed sometimes. The serrated blade is also a tiny bit longer and wider, with a nicer opening hole like the main blade. The outside tools are a bit more comfortable to use then on the old wave.
On the inside: When opening the implements they don't clump, which didn't bother me, but I guess no clumping is the sign of a better made tool. The locks hold the inside implements open securely and without wobble. A lot better then SOGs version of the lock I have on the Switchplier. They don't stick out the sides much either.
The can opener is a bit better and works well. The large bit holder holds the bit securely, the bits could stand to be a bit longer, there is actually enough room in the tool to make them 1/8th of an inch longer. The bits do work well, a lot better then I thought a flat bit would. The bits that come with it are ok, but I would like a few more torx style bits. A corkscrew bit would also be a nice attachment, it wouldn't be able to stay in the tool when closed, it would have to be kept somewhere else when not in use. If a hole was put in it I could keep it on my keychain until needed.
The scissors are not as wide as the old wave, so they fit in tight places better, but they don't have the leverage of the old wave. The pivot is larger though, so it might be a bit stronger. The cutting edge is also shorter, by almost 2/8 of an inch.
The small screwdriver is great, it doesn't have a lock, but it is kind of wedged in, so it does stay in. It is a good length and works on both my glasses and my photon II perfectly. My only other thought about it is they should make a pen that would fit in there too. The large screwdriver is just like the old wave, but a bit easier to get out.
I like the ruler part, not only does it work as a ruler, but it helps your grip on the tool. The Ti handles are quite grippy and look nice. The whole tool looks a bit bulkier then the old wave, but not overly so. It is about as large a tool as I would want to carry, a perfect fit between the wave and the supertool/swiss tool for someone who wants a strong full sized tool like the super/swiss, but doesn't want full time belt carry. It is about 1/60th wider then the old wave (not even noticeable by eye) everywhere but the handle pivots where they are about equal.
I am carrying it clipped to my right pocket in place of both my Benchmade 705/921 (right side) and my Leatherman Side Clip I usually carry. It has worked well in place of both of them so far. I really like it right now, only time can tell me more. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
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