Leatherman who owns one??

68MHJCs · 02-03-2009, 09:05 AM

I was interested in purchasing one and just was wondering which model do you recommend? I was torn between Core, Surge and the Wave. Your thoughts? I have heard theat the WAVE pinches somtimes and the other two are heavy and bulky for the negatives let me know what you think.

DangerMouse · 02-03-2009, 09:47 AM

i keep a wave in my tool pouch and use it frequently. i have an older LM too, but it's buried in my shop somewheres....
i got that one for actually working on leather projects! i made the wife a custom-sized purse, she couldn't find a suitcase that looked good with her outfits.
any of the folding pliers will pinch if yer not careful.

had to chase that car 3 blocks to get it back......

DM

Chemist1961 · 02-03-2009, 10:31 AM

I have a Wave and a Gerber. I bought the Wave at a Pawn Shop, lifetime warranty included.....Always keep one in the car.

Leatherman has a no hassle service plan and has been very good. My wife sent my Gerber into cold storage one winter in a suitcase and it rusted a bit.

The Gerber factory rep I met at a hunting show gave me grief about misuse when I asked about how to clean it.

I met the Leatherman folks at the same show and asked about a small flaw, told them my Pawn Shop story. The rep asked to see the knife and then asked for a business card and took out a zip lok bag. Two weeks later a new knife showed up... Can't beat that.....They could have just replaced the flawed blade or honed it or told me how to.

About a year later we used that same Leatherman to repair a base amp for John B Williams during an impromptu jam session in an LA hotel. Very fun night...

Without the Leatherman there would have been no music.

Figure out what tools you will use most and try them. I found several screw driver tips are awkward on different tools. Then check how it fits your hand. Don't buy a Knockoff.

DangerMouse · 02-03-2009, 10:40 AM

"Don't buy a Knockoff"

you got that right!!!!
i have about 4 or 5 of them i've gotten as presents laying around rusting.... lol
junk.... nuttin' but junk.

DM

68MHJCs · 02-03-2009, 10:53 AM

They were gifts and yes they are not the same. Its like saying yes I have a car its got some features and starts but its not a BMW or Honda. You get my drift. How will I know how it fits in my hand and how it works when they are sold in those sealed plastic packages. Maybe some stores have them on display and can test them from there. Not sure what stores have display models to actually open and test. But I am real close to buying and just dont want to spend $ and not get the best model for me. The black bits they are removeable??? Not sure if Id like that. Im thinking the tools I would be most interested in are knife, pliers, saw and screwdrivers. What about scissors do they come in handy or are they just in the way such as I think the thread loop may be.........who is wearing this around their neck??? man that must hurt your chest having that bounce off of it. that is what that is used for correct?

68MHJCs · 02-03-2009, 10:57 AM

Where do the other screwdriver bits go? How is that clip point knife? I think I would like that. Andshould I disregaurd the reviews that state that the wave pinches alot? I may be just someone who doesnt know how to use it well or it does in fact pinch alot.

68MHJCs · 02-03-2009, 11:08 AM

I didnt proof read this one sorry for the misques above.

DangerMouse · 02-03-2009, 11:10 AM

i've been pinched more by needle-nosed pliers than by my LM.... i tend not to use them for the same things, i guess.
NN tend to slip off the things i use them for more. hate that.... heh

DM

Chemist1961 · 02-03-2009, 11:36 AM

Cost wise, Big bix stores, Sams Costco, etc may be cheaper, but self serve, sealed packages or search online reatilers, BASS pro, etc.

Service wise any good hunting or outdoors store should have several different ones in a display case... and the name of a rep if you have a problem

arc2029 · 02-03-2009, 11:48 AM

Absolutely DO NOT buy a knockoff (of course, this should be common knowledge by now; I'm sure everyone has a knockoff "horror story").

My knockoff quite literally fell apart after a few months. Bought a Leatherman online (you can usually find a better deal than your local hardware/outdoor store) and never looked back.

arc2029 · 02-03-2009, 11:51 AM

FYI, I bought mine at

www.leathermanstore.com.

jcalvin · 02-03-2009, 01:51 PM

Leatherman Charge xTI and I love it. I went with the titanium b/c I have stopped carry many of other multitools that were too bulky. Lightweight, easy to open/articulate, never pinches, and supprisingly has a stong "squeeze" to it.

68MHJCs · 02-03-2009, 01:53 PM

Do you think 1 leatherman is better than the other in the full size tools? Or is it just he preference of the buyers need? Core, Wave and Surge. By looking it looks like correct me if wrong but Wave most popular and Core one of the two biggest and strongest then Surge the best? Highest price as well. I dont think I could really lose buying any of these and may get a second down the line just trying to get some input from members who own one already.

perpetualjon · 02-03-2009, 03:36 PM

Here's what I wear on my person at all times (even when I go to church!)

My Leatherman has been with me longer than my 10-year marriage. I can't remember how many times it's saved my tush (and those around me) in a pinch. Mine is the original. There are lots of newer versions with improvements. I can't see most of any of them as a bad choice (of the quality brands). Frankly, HAVING one on your person at all times far outweighs choosing the right model. They're all fairly decent compared to being stuck out in the middle of knowhere with nothing but your keys to fix something!!

68MHJCs · 02-03-2009, 04:01 PM

I thinkin you dont work at the airport or go through the airport. JK Thats alot of cargo. But if you didnt need it .....it wouldnt be there.