Hi,

I'm currently looking to buy my first multi-tool and it's either the Wave or the Charge XT. For now, this tool will be mostly carried when I go fishing, backpacking and winter camping.

The reason for my indecision is the retaining disc on the Wave. Are they solid? I know this design has been used on the previous wave, but wouldn't the retaining disc loosen if by mistake a lateral force was applied to the blade/file/saw? On the Charge I don't have this doubt since the handle is holding the tools together.

Any comments or experience with this problem?

I guess if nobody replied, it means that there is no problem with the metal disk mechanism that holds the blade in place.

Stef

I didn't reply because I'm not sure what the "metal disk" is.

I have a Charge Ti, and the main blades are liner locks. As with any liner lock, I suppose there is some chance that a finger could push the liner to the side and accidently unlock the blade, but I don't see this as a concern.

The other blades lock via a catch on the back (as I recall - I don't have it here with me). Both seem very sturdy.

To me, the only difference between the new Wave and the Charge Ti is the main blade metal. The handle material really doesn't make any difference. If you've got the money to squander, go for the cool looking Ti and the nicer blade metal. If not, the new Wave is a great multitool.

P.S. Get the nylon sheath - as opposed to the leather sheath.

Every Leatherman tool I ever owned was broken either by myself or someone else. They were not being any more abused than I would expect of my SAK, which I have had for 30 years. Never owned a Wave, never will, no more Leatherman tools, metal is really cheapy!! Just my 2 cents.

I won't comment on the Leatherman Brand of Tools either way but I will say this... I have had a SOG Powerlock for a long time and been extremely rough with it and it still functions 100%. It is pretty hefty, weighing in around 9oz but it is one very tough multi tool IMHO and might be worth taking a look at if you're looking for a multi tool that can be used and abused like a real tool.

I guess a picture is worth a thousand word <img src="/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />. Here is a picture of both the LM Charge and Wave.


The red arrow points at the swivel mechanism (metal disk) of the Wave. The blue arrow points at the swivel mechanism of the charge. One is build into the the handle (charge) and the other is a not (wave).
That is why I ask if any Wave owner had problems with that disk loosening up or bending if you tried to pry something with the blade or by applying too much pressure on the metal file while filing something.

Stefan

STEFANB;
I HAVE OWNED AN OLDER STYLE WAVE FOR ABOUT 3 OR 4 YEARS AND USE IT EVERY DAY FOR SOMETHING, I USE THE FILE AND SAW ON A REGULAR BASIS AS WELL AS THE KNIFE BLADES. I HAVE NEVER HAD ANY PROBLEMS WITH IT.
HOPE THIS HELPS

That is what I suspected otherwise the Wave (old and new) would not have been so popular. But I wanted to make sure.

Thanks
Stefan