Guilty - the old SAK did have some crud on it and maybe this is what contributed in part to it being difficult to open the tools.

From what I've gathered reading your responses, the New Wave is the easiest opening tool, but the SAK Spirit should be fairly easy to open if regularly cleaned and lubricated (actually this could apply to almost anything).

I've read elsewhere that the SAK Spirit is the more sturdy (ok ok - hold your horses) but this might just be as a result of improper care and use of the Leatherman tools. I don't plan to abuse any tools unless my life depends on it.

Any comments on the relative strength of the SAK Spirit and New Wave?