Which multi-plier has xxxx?

[Smaug]

In the past 5 years, the market has just exploded with options. It all started with the Leatherman, which is pretty nice. I have one. I like the needlenose pliers and the metal file. There are some other things I would like to have also:

- scissors
- locking tools (without having to close the thing all the way up)
- wood saw
- pocket clip
- one-handed opening knife

Are there any out there which retain the features I like of the original Leatherman and add the ones I'd like to have? If not, which comes the closest?

I've noticed that Victorinox Swisstools are popular here... Thanks.

 

[Ross]

The Leatherman WAVE has all the options (except the pocket clip but it does have a lanyard ring) that you want. I EDC one and I love it!! I use it at work every day and it's held up great.
I have no hesitation in recommending it.

 

[Redhed]

Yeah, I gotta echo what Ross says, the LM Wave is tough to beat- has everything you want but the clip. As an aside, new designs are coming out, but I looked at a Gerber Recoil yesterday and was not too impressed at all- so who knows if anything good is coming. If you can give up a few tools and gotta have the clip, Leatherman sells one called the sideclip:

http://www.leatherman.com/products/tools/sideclip/default.asp

Tools can't be accessed while closed, however. I have considered adding a clip to the Wave or even getting a Sideclip as a backup. One thing to consider is the Wave weighs 8 oz. and the SideClip only 5 oz. As far as I know, the sideclip is about the only thing going with a clip. Heavier tools like the Wave are likely not going to be very comfortable for pocket carry, still, it'd be nice to have the option.

 

[Joe Talmadge]

Note that not all the tools lock open on the Wave, just the two knife blades, wood saw, and file. The rest of the tools don't lock open, so if you want locking screwdrivers, you have to look elsewhere.

I don't think there's a tool with everything you specified, but you can get close. The Leatherman Pulse is a fave of mine -- it's got all the tools you want, and they all lock, but there's no clip and the knife blade is not one-hand-opening.

 

[BIG MIKEY]

there right about the Wave, what you could do is have a clip put on, just take one of your old knives you dont use much that has a clip, and take the wave down to a machine shop, and have them drill some small holes to adapt the clip, that would be cool, it wont cost much to do either..

 

[Smaug]

Thanks guys, I think I'm going to get a Wave. After some thought, I have decided that it wouldn't be practical to clip to a pocket anyhow. That leaves pocket carry (also pretty big for that) or clipped on a belt. If it's going to be on a belt anyhow, it may as well be in a sheath. Clipping it to something else, like a backpack probably isn't a bad idea, but I would worry about it falling off.

Does anyone know where to get them the cheapest? (besides eBay)

 

[Marty Weiner]

Smaug

Email sent to you re a Wave.

Marty

 

[Bill.H]

The big downside to the Wave is the proprietary screws they use. You can't take it apart to modify, adjust, rearrange, or replace anything. The special tool is available but very difficult to find, plus I think you blow the warranty if you do.
Since you're going to have it in a sheath, look at the Swisstool again. The only downside to it is the size - not as big an issue if it's in a sheath. There are now several slightly different models.

 

[Smaug]

I checked out a Wave in person, and was not quite as impressed as I thought I would be. The one-handed blades aren't as fast as I was imagining. The thing I really liked was the diamond file. I didn't like the scissors at all, it doesn't seem like they would be reliable in the long run.

So I bought a Swisstool X on eBay for $52 shipped. I hope the compromise pliers don't **** me off, but if they do, I still have my Leatherman PST. Grinding or filing the screwdrivers a bit to make them more safe and useful isn't a big deal for me. I have had some firsthand experience with SAK saws, and they are VERY good. Also, I have been a SAK fan my whole life and have at least 7 SAK's. I will post my opinions on it here when I get it.

 

[TOB9595]

Smaug, be sure to let us know how this is.
I'm always leery (timothy?) of tools other than LM. I've twisted many a SAK.
I'm not even familiar with the swisstool /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif
Regards
Tom

 

[Mark_van_Gorkom]

I did manage to turn one LM screwdriver into a corkscrew /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif
The Swisstool is still as good as new.
Just put a new frame in my bike using just a Swisstool, a Cooltool and a headset spanner!
And one other thing: with a bit of practice you can open every tool on a Swisstool one handed /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[JonSidneyB]

I am sorry but I do have the Leatherman wave, and I can tell you that I find the SpyderCo pocket tool much much much more useful. The Spyderwrench gets used all the time, The Wave collects dust. And the SpyderCo product does have a pocket clip.

 

[Mark_van_Gorkom]

I have a Spyderench too, and while it is a very clever design, it's let down by details: the adjustable spanner has too much play, the pliers are a bit short, and stowing the file/screwdriver can be fiddlesome. Plus I've found the blade point too pointy and thin: promptly broke it and had the shop grind it back some. It's a nice complement to a regular multitool though, and the clip is really handy, if on the wrong side and upside down if you carry it on the outside of your belt.

 

[JonSidneyB]

Gorkom>hmmm, I have used mine for several years with out a problem. I have in fact used it to tear down thounsands for pounds of heavy equipment. I did not know I was going to have to do this and had no other tool with me except for a Swiss AutoTool and the Wave. It was the only one suitable for the job.

 

[tsg68]

The Gerber Legend 800 has all the stuff you are looking for except the clip. The saw takes standard jigsaw blades so you can put a metal or wood blade of any style in it ( it comes with a Remgrit carbide grit blade).
The pliers are spring loaded and have indexable replaceable carbide wire cutter/stripper blades. All tools pivot independently, lock and can be opened without opening the pliers. I have one but I use my Kershaw tool more than any other I own. The Schrade Tough tool isn't very tough, the old leatherman I had has very soft tool blades that strip and break easily not to mention really uncomfortable handles. I personally like the Kershaw but the tools are locked by closing the pliers, it's still the best tool I have ever owned and I am compelled by curiosity to try just about all of them at some point.

TSG /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[TOB9595]

OH NO!!
Now I feel compelled to try a swisstool. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif
Ya know it's the old paradigm, I haven't played with anything but my LM for many years and I guess the Swisstool has kept up with the times, even tho I haven't /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif
Tom

 

[tattoou2]

I have a Swisstool and used it yesterday to put together a computer desk. For me, it works very well.

 

[Smaug]

[ QUOTE ]
tattoou2 said:
I have a Swisstool and used it yesterday to put together a computer desk. For me, it works very well.

[/ QUOTE ]

That's the kind of stuff one likes to hear when he has one on the way! Hehehehe.

 

[tattoou2]

I really would be surprised if you did not like it! Enjoy...
Pete