Hi all,

I'm new to this concept of EDC and the more I read about it, the more it makes sense to me. I think the boy-scout in me is awakening <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />. I already own a SAK camper for many year, but after getting my fingers cut, I'm ready for locking blades. I'm looking at buying a multi-tool, but I don't know which of the following to buy: Leatherman wave, charge Ti or wait for the Surge.

I don't think I'll be carrying this tool on me in an urban environment, it will be mostly for my fishing trips in Northen Quebec, for hiking and winter camping. I intend to carry this tool at my belt, and it will be my primary blade. Sometimes I'll carry either a fixed or folder blade in my backpack, but I'll mostly rely on the multi-tool.

I selected those tools because:
1. they have one-hand opening capability,
2. all the tools have capability to lock in place,
3. they are getting good reviews here.

I was going to buy the Charge Ti, but then I read Doug review on the Surge and now I'm undecided. <img src="/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

My biggest question is: "Should I wait for the Surge?". I like the Surge configuration; locking awl, easy access scisor, big scisors, replaceable file/saw/hacksaw. The only draw back, is the size. Will it be a burden to carry? Are the Surge's extras worth it?

What tool do you think is the best? Getting more than one is not an option for my budget.


Thanks, Stefan

A safety feauture should not exclude the use of safe practice. Do you trust firearms safeties? Do you trust a vehicle airbag to do its job without the use of a seatbelt? I don't.

OK, now that I'm off my soapbox. I would get a Victorinox Swisstool. It's heavier, but it is built to last. I have had mine for 6 years and it still is as solid as the first day I got it. I don't EDC it, but it sees quite a bit of use. The only thing is that it doesn't have the one-hand opening you are looking for. I don't find that a problem because I don't see a multi-tool as a knife. It is a pair of pliers, with some extra stuff in the handles. I rarely use the knife blade on a multi-tool. I have knives that I use for cutting tasks.


Robert

Before buying the Surge, I might suggest you find something that weights 12.2 ounces and clip it to your belt for a few days. If you find it uncomfortable, then look elsewhere.

I have a Charge Ti (8.4 oz), and am NOT planning on hanging it from my belt. I use the wonderfully lightweight (3.2 oz) Ritter RSK Mk1 for that.

What do you plan to do with the Leatherman?

If you want a one-handed-opening knife, I'd recommend the Rittergrip.

If you want to use the pliers to remove swallowed hooks from fish, then I'd advise getting a longer needlenose pliers - the Leatherman's pliers are too "robust" for that.

If you want scissors, then I'd suggest putting a Leatherman micra (1.75 oz) in your pocket, though test them out first. I have 3 micras (gifts) and the scissors on one of them are not very good at fine cutting.

If you want tools (pliers, screwdrivers, files, etc), then get the Leatherman and carry it in a bag. I like the Charge Ti, but wonder if the Wave would have been a better value.

I agree with Robert, get a Victorinox Swiss tool. I have had numerous Leatherman tools and all have, bent, broken or been given away due to their cheap metal construction. They are NOT somethng I would count on for anything! The last one I gave away was a SuperTool, gave it to a friend that was in Iraq, broke it in less than a week, I then sent him a Swiss Tool and it lasted through the warzone time and he still carries it everday on his civilian contruction job, no problems!
Cheers

Not to derail the thread, but I wondered if the Victorinox Swisstool supporters who have already weighed in on this topic have seen or tried the new version - the Swisstool Spirit? I have had the same negative experience with the Leatherman products, specifically the Wave, finding it flimsy, not even lasting me a year in daily use.

I've handled the original Swisstool and found it's weight too much for a portable tool. The new Spirit model weighs in at almost one third less (205g. vs. 285g or for those who still use the old British system: 7.23oz. vs. 10.05oz.). I'm wondering how it holds up in the sturdiness department?

The only blade on the spirit seems like rather a rotten shape. Square-ended sheepsfoot partially serrated?

I have seen the Spirit. The weight does not bother me when I carry my Swisstool. I only carry it when deployed to the Middle East or on a stateside TDY (temporary duty). I never carry it in civilian clothes or to work when at home, but that is not because of the weight issue. The original Swisstool has a selection of tools that fits my purposes a lot better than the combination of tools on the Spirit.


Robert

I EDC the SwissTool - high quality, no regrets.

I hope you held leatherman to their 25 year guarantee and got you money back.
I also opted for the swisstool, and while I can't say I've taken it into a warzone, it has held up very well, and I certainly have no regrets.

I'd buy the Core :grin.