Need help choosing a multitool for dedicated BOB

[Jodfrey]

I've been looking for a while at getting a Leatherman, but have been unsure about what i would need on a dedicated BOB multitool. I'm not really wanting to spend the top end Leatherman prices for something that is venture out rarely.

These were the Leatherman's I had in mind, in price ascending order:

http://www.leatherman.com/product/Freestyle
http://www.leatherman.com/product/Freestyle_CX
http://www.leatherman.com/product/Skeletool
http://www.leatherman.com/product/Skeletool_CX
http://www.leatherman.com/product/Wave
http://www.leatherman.com/product/Charge_AL
http://www.leatherman.com/product/Charge_TTi

I like the idea of the outside open locking knife, which is why models such as the Juice are not in.

I've seen reviews that state the Wave can be uncomfortable when using the pliers, due to the edges on the handles, something that does not happen on the Charge models.

I know the Wave is a common choice and people rave about them, but i don't really like the price for a dedicated BOB multitool.

There is no real reason why i want a Leatherman, apart from people do rave about them, so does anybody suggest any particular model or a like for like brand and quality?

 

[JDO330]

I have a Juice, Charge AL and the Skeletool and to be honest I dont really like any of them. If I had to choose then it would be the Skeletool everytime as its more comfy to hold and lighter. In preference I choose a SAK and if your worried about not having pliers then take a pair with you (£2 for the value ones in supermarkets and some DIY stores).

Regards, Jon.

 

[nunzionuk]

I like the wave, but its one of the more pricey ones.

The surge is also meant to be good, with changable blades and what nots.

 

[Realbark]

I have a couple of multitools but this Bahco in my car BOB. Its not day to day kit so i cant comment on longevity etc but is a solid tool and the blade sharpened up easily.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Bahco-BAHMT...K6CA/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1297364875&sr=8-2

 

[slasha9]

As a self confessed Leatherman addict I own most of those on your list, for a BOB I would be inclined to take a Wave, just because it's got more tools on it, like a saw etc. Just thinking that with a BOB you are never really sure what's going to turn up that might need your attention so I prefer to keep my options open. I can never really tell what the advantage is in any practical terms of a Charge over a Wave, and I have small hands so I find that using the Surge is pretty much like using a sword with a hinge.

Whenever I go into the outdoors I carry a Wave if that's any help.

Sean

 

[3bears]

in the past year I've gone from a Gerber Legend to a Leatherman Surge , talk about a world of difference! I know the Surge it a bit chunkie for some, but its a one stop toolbox

 

[Barn Owl]

I use a wave.

 

[naefearjustbeer]

I have a wave, One of the first ones so it is slightly different from the newest version. Quite happy with it and it used to be my EDC until i decided the locking blades were at odds with law. Now it is in the car tools. Very useful and robust piece of kit.

 

[Johnnyboy1971]

A vote here for the supertool 2000. But also use a charge.
I have six of the full sized Leathermans and don't find any of them un comfortable
And use mine on a daily basis.
For heavier cutting I also have a Kershaw Blue Mountain for work.

 

[WeThePeoplexfbm]

my muit tools is super old dont ever know the brand XD i found it in ym brother room back ni the day(3 years ago) still going strong ^^

 

[Jodfrey]

Where is the best place to get the more expensive leatherman's, as i'm coming up short on getting a good price for any of them.

Can't believe they are sold in UK pretty much GBP for USD!!! Starting to think it might even be worth paying international shipping and import charges! Any ideas?

 

[almac]

i have an older wave. i've had it for years. it's a bit on the heavy side, and the nylon case for it is very worn, but it is a great tool.
the only thing it doesnt have is an awl.
if the discomfort bothers you while using the pliers, just wear gloves. i usually pack gloves in my kit anyways.

 

[Captaincrash]

My Surge goes with me everyday....as said before, its a chunky tool but I have big mitts and find it to be a perfect fit. My wave stays in my truck...

 

[Jodfrey]

Ive looked into importing a leatherman from US, and yes i get it cheaper to start with, but once all duties, taxes and shipping has been paid, they dont work out much cheaper.

Im struggling finding european continent leatherman's, and the ones i have found are pretty much UK price.

Any other places i might try, or am i going to have to bite the bullet?

 

[marcelxl]

Leatherman fan too. I have two Charges and the TTi is my most important & favourite bladey thing. Used for 6yrs now including having it on belt daily and it getting worked everyday (I am a tradesman) as well as it taking on 100's of outdoorsy tasks over the years, to me its the ultimate using multitool with little competition, edging the Wave by being a little chunkier and more comfortable. I Like all leathermans & genuine SAKs though TBH, and one of the cool things about them is you can usually find one that suits you perfectly............I have a drawer full of different ones!

 

[Whittler Kev]

in the past year I've gone from a Gerber Legend to a Leatherman Surge , talk about a world of difference! I know the Surge it a bit chunkie for some, but its a one stop toolbox

I've gone the other way (did I really just say that?) I prefer the Gerber as the blades are easily aces sable while closed and I like the idea of being able to change the saw blade ultra-easily with the ones available from poundland etc

Just seen these two on Fleabay

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/GERBER-MULTI-...969?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3a630341a9

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/GERBER-MULTI-...326?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3a63033f26

 

[Trev]

Hi ,
I'd get a low end Leatherman , but ALSO get a SAK . That way you should cover most tools with the bonus of when your using the Leatherman ( eg pliers ) you can also be using the SAK ( eg saw , blade , screwdriver )
Cheers , Trev .

 

[Ronnie]

LM Fuse on special offer at Heinnie Haynes:

http://www.heinnie.com/product.asp?strParents=&CAT_ID=222&P_ID=532

 

[shaggystu]

i've got an old wave that gets a ot of use, mainly the screwdriver bits and occasionally the pliers.

...... In preference I choose a SAK and if your worried about not having pliers then take a pair with you (£2 for the value ones in supermarkets and some DIY stores)......

couldn't agree more. for the purposes of a BOB i'd much rather have a few good dedicated tools, such as pliers, than one multi-tool.

stuart