I just noticed on the Leatherman site the Leatherman Core. Has anyone taken a look at it? I've been dithering about a leatherman for quite some time, but there are enough selections that I've been a little paralyzed looking for the perfect one for me.

One nice things is that it has a bit driver similar to the Gerber model, which adapts the screwdriver to a standard hex adapter. It also has an awl, which I use alot on my SAK, though no scissors, which I also use, perhaps more than the blade.

Anyway, I'd love it if someone who's used it can share their opinion...

The advantage I saw over the New Wave is that the Core's adapter is the universal hex, so I'm not locked into Leatherman to make all the parts I might need.

It's basically the Supertool updated a little.

Rather than the adaptor, I like a small 1/4" tool that is dedicated. I like the DocAllen VersaTool, or a little right angle quarter inch bit holder that is marketed under a bunch of names. (Sorry, I can't find a picture of it.) Or a drill adaptor for the 1" bits, with one of those little thumbdriver bit holdders that Sears sells. ( http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.d...pid=00941390000 ). These last also have the advantage is that a PocketWrench can be used to hold them if you need more leverage.

Either way, I like a dedicated tool. In no small part becuase it protects the hinges of the Leatherman from being torqued, and there those times when you need to grab the screwdriver with the Leatherman. :P

You can use the Tool Adapter for the older Wave with the new Wave (and both Charge models). This will let you use standard 1/4" bits.

There is a Leatherman Bit kit and it covers the bulk of the work I've run into except security heads. Even so, you can still use their standard bit kit on the New Wave (which I have) if you wish for the full size. As mentioned elsewhere, I'd rather not put the amount of strain on my hinges if I can avoid it, but for lots of Q&D jobs, the LM shines. I keep one of the thin bit packs in the same case with my LM, so I'm covered about 98% of the time.

True, I'm locked into LM bits this way, but I generally bring real tools to the job site if I'm going to be needing something substantial. I also try to carry at least basic tool sets in vehicles, so I have a tough time imagining when this would be an issue. In a real emergency, if I'm whipping out the LM to work with screws, I'm not going to care about the hinges much and they've already proven themselves after some pretty intense torquing, so my concerns are more about keeping my LM New Wave functional for a long time than for a one-time critical job.