i have noticed that alot of people on the forum despise leatherman. is the tool really that bad? and is the new charge worth purchasing? if it isnt which is the best choice?

I currently edc the PSII, but I've ordered the New Wave.
I'm very satisfied with the quality of the PSII. Were it all comes down to is to use the right tool for the right job.

If I need big pliers, I'll get my Vise Grip. If I need a big screwdriver, I'll use a big screwdriver. I use the leatherman for those occasions were I cannot use my regular tools, and they haven't let me down.

I've EDC a Leatherman Wave for years and love it!. I own Gerbers and a Swisstool as well, but they're not what I choose to carry. So there!

Leatherman tools are just fine for edc. I have been using Leatherman sense I was a freshmen in high school I have never had a problem with there quality. All the problems I have read about were covered under the warranty. You could do A LOT worse than Leatherman. If I were you I would go to a knife shop that has the Leathermans, Gerber, Victornox, etc multi-tools on display and get a feel for them. For most people it is a preference they have to choose one tool over the next. Just like Ford V.S. Chevy or Dewalt V.S. Makita.

Just have fun and get the tool that best fits you. <img src="/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

I'm not one of them, but talking about multitools is like talking about cars. Or wives. Someone has thier opinion, and they won't change it without a gun at thier head. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I like the Leatherman SuperTool, and the classic PST. I carried the later for about 4 years, and the former now for 7 or 8. The SuperTool lives on my belt every day, unless I need to be really spiffy (weddings, but I've had my PST in a few tux jackets and vests over the years), and my one grumble is the hinge of the pliers- it has picked up some play, so it doesn't cut softer wires very well any more, but I also carry a pair of dikes on me or near me, so it doesn't bother me.

The blade doesn't hold an edge as well as I'd like, but I don't really mind that bit. I'm not planning on the blade as anythign but an emergency blade, and I usually have several others at my disposal.

I am a little disappointed in the Squirts, they seem to be very soft in the jaws, but it isn't fair of me to judge them by the standards of a full sized multitool.

The Wave I don't like. Someone has to. I have my concerns about the strength of the hinge pins for the blades, not enough metal and the stresses are asymmetric. It looks to easy to tear off the blades to me.

As for the new ones, I couldn't tell you.

As for those who are wondering why I dislike the others...
The Gerber doesn't feel right in my hands, and I watched a SOG fixed blade break once while it was being used to quarter a bear. Haven't used the Vics, but they are out of my price range.

Multi tools has a lot to do with personal preferences and what compromises you are willing to take.
I own tools from Leatherman, Gerber, Victorinox and some other lesser known brands.
Not one of them is my perfect tool.
My usual first EDC pickup multi tool is my Leatherman Wave old style because the jaws suit my work better than my others, and the knife is easily opened one handed while working. However, I am always resharpning the knife. The tools implements aren't the best quality either. If the jaws on either of my Victorinox Swiss Tools were a better fit, they would be my first pickup.
My first Wave was worn out in about 2 years and had to have the jaws replaced under warrantee. My second Wave is starting to show signs of wear, and Im starting to look for a replacement. I havent been inspired with the new Wave or Charges yet. For me there seems to be as many draw backs as advantages but I am leaning towards the Charge TX.
As for costs, down here Leatherman, Swiss tools and Gerbers are all around the same prices but Gerbers are usually a bit dearer out of the 3.

I would definately visit a few shops and try them out before buying. Handle them, and imagine what you want the tool for and get the feel of the tool. Then buy the one that suits you.
The best quality tool in the world will be useless if its not usable to you.

I have a Leatherman P4 and Charge Ti, my wife has a (old style) Wave and Juice, and my twins have P4s. My coworkers liked my P4 so much they both bought one. They are very handy and they work well. I don't know what other people are using them for but they seem very sturdy and everyone I know that has one loves them.

> is the tool really that bad?

Leatherman make several ranges of tools. I suspect some are better than others. We shouldn't really damn or praise Leatherman without saying exactly which tool we mean.

My Leatherman "Super Tool" has served me well for several years. No complaints at all.

I have used a Leatherman Original, Wave and KF4 for years, I have not had any problems, but that may be due to the way I use them. They are not perfect and I would rather use a unique tool (screwdriver, pliers, saw, etc.) but a mulitool is handy and serves as useful tool for many small jobs encountered daily.

Pete