I'd like the Wave to come in an option which has dedicated tools rather than the bit adaptor, and use the adaptor from the Fuse/Blast for bits, but whilst I am perfectly happy with a knife blade not locking… Havalon came screaming out of the gates with their first product, nailing many of the performance and usability attributes we like best. For those users, the Leatherman Crunch is a clear choice. It is also large enough to hold extra bits inside the sheath. Though small, the Wave+ scissors are handy, tight, and will cut anything the knife blade isn't suitable for. 12 votes, 22 comments. It includes a high quality S30V steel knife and a 420HC serrated knife with cutting hook, as well as both a small and a … The Gerber Dime virtually disappears on all but the most minimalist keychains and is smaller than your typical modern car key "fob." Various manufacturers have attempted multi-tools based on locking pliers, but none have had the success that Leatherman … For the pliers (and wire cutters) to be most functional, the handle's exposed parts must be rounded and smooth. The lone blade features a hybrid straight/serrated edge made of mid-grade steel, which will require regular sharpening. We wish the Havalon also included a more traditional blade on the Evolve for more substantial use. The Leatherman Wingman is even less expensive, by a significant margin, but has fewer features and is made with lesser materials. Stack the odds in your favor when any sort of mechanical breakdown is likely and consequential by carrying a multi-tool and just the most rudimentary mechanical knowledge. A blade that deploys with one hand is vital to scoring high in the ergonomic department. All of our tested products meet this test — the Charge+ TTi and SwissTool being the most smooth-handled products. Havalon's proprietary scalpel style blade interchange is unique and welcome to specific applications. You will be interested in learning that the Leatherman Wave’s 420HC blades are known to have a high edge retention. Both knives are non-locking, but they are held open securely will no wobble or play. Whitby Maniaghese Pocket Knife (3.35") Whitby Knives. The Charge TTi is a top-of-the-line product despite our minor gripes. Aftermarket bits and pocket clips are available for the Wave+, but adding these will significantly close the price gap between it and the Charge. The external profile of the closed Skeletool is smooth; there is an integrated carabiner style clip, and a smart pocket clip. The Crunch has a few more options than the Irwin, but the Irwin is a little larger, and its blade is accessible from the outside (although we still don't love the blade location when deployed). Let us look more closely at the feature set of the Leatherman Skeletool CX. The first "multi-tool" was likely a stick used for digging and for holding meat over the fire. Leatherman tools come with a 25-year limited warranty. It's basically the scales, liners and knives from one side of a Juice multitool. All trademarks property of their respective owners Notably, the readily changed blade configuration requires carrying extra blades, a tool to make the change, and cases for all the parts. All the parts of the Leatherman Charge+ TTi. From its grippy ergonomic FRN handles to the signature leaf-shaped 2.28“ VG-10 stainless steel flat ground for extreme sharpness and ease of maintenance, it’s easy to see why this knife still deserves your attention in 2020. ... – Non-locking … We took some time and initiative to modify this product and have come up with a much better, more usable, configuration with no conceivable drawbacks. All Locking Features. Most valuable are a nice blade, tight-and-pointy pliers with wire cutters, scissors, and integrated bit drivers. Then the locking bar 50 is shifted to place pivot pin 20 in the center of slot 52 as shown in solid lines in FIG. In terms of the "smoothness" of construction, we appreciated the Swiss precision of the Victorinox SwissTool Spirit XC. The Leatherman Wingman brings the manufacturer's long pedigree, quality craftsmanship, and an excellent selection of functions to a rock-bottom affordable product. The pliers are more prone to pinching than more sophisticated options, and accessing tools other than the blade, pliers, and bit driver requires multiple steps. The Leatherman brand is expertly crafted with pride and integrity in the Pacific Northwest, where a diverse and rugged landscape allows for optimal product testing. Leatherman recently added a line of multi-tools they call "Free". The Havalon Evolve is a little bigger than the Skeletool or Crucial. We keep repeating this, but we wish that Leatherman tools included a standard 1/4" bit driver instead of their proprietary configuration. A multi-tool for every demand. When it comes to driving screws, both optimized screwdriver tools are well ahead of their competition. The unit itself is about 3 inches long when folded closed, as the version I have doesn't have the blade "locking… This tool is made from impressive materials and has proven to have the best blades in our test. It has saved the day multiple times. Lose yourself in the outdoors. I went from a leatherman Juice C2 to the XE6 and couldn't be happier. If and when the Free series expands to include a bit driver (even better would be a standard 1/4" bit driver and an included extension that centers the bit with the tool handle) and somehow figures out how to integrate locking pliers, we'll have our ideal tool. Special mention must be given to the innovative ergonomic features of the SOG PowerAssist. Having it as handy as your keys will mean that you have it and will use it. On the right, the Gerber Dime. One of the saws of the Leatherman Surge, in action on a plumbing project. If your multi-tool use includes a lot of driving screws, choose the Center Drive. If you don’t have a Leatherman … Does it "feel" sturdy and confidence-inspiring? Besides the sheer number of tools built into a given product, the design and usability of each count for a lot. The closer the pliers handles come to one another, the more likely you are to pinch your hand while using them. If the Charge+ TTi gracefully crams as much function into a reasonably sized tool, then the Skeletool aims for maximum utility of a smaller set of tools while being a more comfortable carry. In screwdriver mode, the Baton has a smoother handle and ratcheting driver. Both feel good in the hand, but I'd say the Charge feels a little … The SOG PowerAssist has claimed 16 features. The only tools in our test that have the features on this list in high quality are the Leatherman Surge, Leatherman Charge+ TTi, and Leatherman Wave. Packaging should be the same as what is found in a retail store, unless the item is handmade or was packaged by the manufacturer in non … Our lead test editor carries a Squirt PS4 in his "go everywhere" emergency/first aid kit. The ergonomic quality of a multi-tool is a function of handle shape's comfort, plus accessibility and utility of the various features. Retired, collectible, New Crater C33TX knife, sealed in original packaging.. With the Leatherman Crater® c33TX you never have to say, "I only have my knife on me. Now with a topographical map blade and black finish. Hinges and locking mechanisms reveal the attention paid to detail. Because of the design criteria of the locking pliers, the hinges have more play in them. This photo shows the geometry of the Gerber Center Drive bit driver. A court will decide if you've got a good reason to carry a knife if you're charged with carrying it illegally. Designed for the outdoors, this multi-tool packs a firestarter, hammer, one-handed blade and an emergency whistle. In about 15 minutes, with a couple of Allen wrenches and a Dremel tool, our test team was able to modify the blade of the Irwin to be much more useable, with no noticeable compromises. How can we improve GearLab? Even budget options like the Wave+ are including this excellent feature. Each of these tools' features is much smaller and less useful than its dedicated counterpart. The Charge TTi, Skeletool CX, SOG PowerAssist, Wave+, Surge, Free P4 and Victorinox Swisstool have excellent "out of the box" construction quality feels. Furthermore, the interchangeable blades and blade changing tool take up space. Our comprehensive review is here to help... Jediah Porter coordinates our multi-tool review. Currently Out of Stock. This is a full-sized minimalist tool, meaning that each function of the Skeletool is likely as large as you need it to be, and each is almost perfectly optimized for function. Every aspect of this multipurpose plier was designed with comfort, durability and ease-of-use in mind. Below, we've rated and assessed each product across key performance metrics, highlighting top tools and calling out design flaws. The Leatherman Crunch is a heavy duty multi tool built around a novel pair of vice grip style locking pliers. The Leatherman Charge, Wave, and Surge all have moderate pinch potential. It's like a tool box you can fit into your pocket. Tim Leatherman started selling the "Pocket Survival Tool" in 1984, thus beginning the modern multi-tool era. There’s 19 tools in all. Hinges in the "Free" line pivot smoothly with virtually no resistance. Can you confirm that the Juice XE6 blades are non locking then? Always innovating, Leatherman has a new tool in the game – the Leatherman Free T4. However, some multi-tools do this more elegantly than others. Leatherman takes over 90% of what makes the Charge so impressive and sells it for 60% of the cost. If that kinda gives you an idea. It's equipped to carry in a belt sheath, on a lanyard, or clipped to a pocket, appealing to virtually everyone. Be sure to check your local knife laws about restrictions on locking knives, as that may narrow down your options. Give it a sharp blow on the pivot to free off the lock… Both knives are non-locking, but they are held open securely will no wobble or play. There is basically no comparable product readily available on the market. The Charge TTi, Crucial, Baton, Wingman, Havalon, SOG Micro, Free P4 and Skeletool come stock with a clip that can be clipped to the edge of one's front pants pocket. The Gerber Center Drive displaced the SOG Baton Q4 as our favorite screw driving optimized multi-tool. A definite improvement over the other non-locking pliers in our review, the locking ones of the Crunch are the undoubted highlight. The Leatherman Crunch and Irwin 5WR Vise-Grips both include locking pliers. Both of these have handles that curve away from one another, leaving plenty of room. The bottle opener of the Gerber Dime is the one exception. A bit too big in this niche for the liking of our testers, the SOG is just large enough that it doesn't readily hang well on most keychains. The non … ... All of the tools are easily accessible even when wearing gloves. Perfect size, perfect feel in … Aside from the blade, the Havalon Evolve feature set and layout are pretty similar to the Skeletool CX. As an extension of the handle, this can be used without deploying any of the other attributes. Recent remote car repairs, for example, highlighted some genuine observations of multi-tool functionality. There is basically no comparable product readily available on the market. Leatherman produces four sizes of what we all recognize as a multi-tool: keychain, pocket, full, and heavy-duty.Each is fitted with anywhere from 6 to … Particular functions are especially critical in day-to-day use. Closed length: 4.25 in (10.78 cm). Choosing a multi tool from the multitude of options is... Our pocket knife reviews cut through the fluff and get... Sizing up the daypack market and choosing what is best for... Searching for the best multi-tool for biking? The Charge TTi is a feature-rich multitool in a light, 8.2-ounce package. We’ve just been restocked and boy do they look good! Leatherman Charge UK Legal - Disable Liner Lock: As posted in my Instructable (Victorinox Swisstool UK legal) I learned that in UK you may not legally carry any fixed blade knife or lockable folding blade knife … For instance, the Leatherman Crunch has just a little bit of rounding to protect the user's hands from the sharp plier handles. It works, but makes some compromises over the standard 1/4" format. Instead of a classic butterfly fold the Crunch folds outwards and uses a toggle system to attach one side of the grips to the opposite handle. The all locking design enables the user to … The relatively affordable Leatherman Wave+ provides almost the same performance as the Charge+ TTi at a significantly lower price. The rattly construction holds up but doesn't instill high confidence. These four functions are accessible from the outside of the closed Wave+ pliers. Leatherman's Fuse Extra-Large Multitool. I was looking at leatherman-type tools last year and came to the conclusion that the SOG PowerLock (S60) [1sks.com] is the one to get. We turn screws and bolts, cut and bend wire clothes hangers. They also lock … Build for functionality the blades are easily deployed with just one hand and are accessible while the tool is open or closed. The limited suite of tools on the Skeletool is all convenient to use. We heartily recommend Leatherman's flagship tool that pulls no punches. Havalon ships the Evolve with a zip-closed carry case that holds the tool, extra blades, and blade-changing tool. Leatherman Signal Features: All locking features: All locking features mean that every tool and knife on the body of the handle, with the exception of the plier head, will lock into place. As I do neither want to buy a new, good non-locking multitool, nor carrying a poor-quality non-locking multitool (that I have lots of) nor going with only a simple, small folding Swiss Army knife I thought about how to disable the locking … It accomplishes this by adding fewer features and offering virtually all of the most common carry options. Vehicle issues are stressful enough, especially in remote areas. In terms of branding and product development, this was likely a gamble, but it pays off. nickb12345, on 29 June 2015 - 06:06 PM, said: jonathanhill, on 29 June 2015 - 06:38 PM, said: This post has been edited by andy_s: 29 June 2015 - 07:30 PM, This post has been edited by whisky-zulu: 30 June 2015 - 12:54 AM. 11. We've tested this model for over three years, and it's slowly grown on us. You are allowed to carry a knife which exceeds these guidelines in public, but please remember: you then do need a good reason to carry it. I have picked up a Stanley multi-tool from a local hardware shop for £16 today. I generally carry a Leatherman PST II and the XE6 as part of my system. The Leatherman Fuse multitool packs 12 tools into a lean, 4-inch frame. Weight: 9.0 oz. It has what you will need regularly and is configured so that you can carry it routinely. The Leatherman Skeletool, Gerber Center Drive, and Gerber Crucial also have relatively few features, but they are ergonomically optimized. A tool is only as useful as it is available. To miniaturize tools like these, manufacturers must downsize all the individual components, generally resulting in a weakened structure. The Irwin is essentially a standard pair of locking pliers with a blade and bit driver attached. There is an integrated bit driver, but to use it will require time-consuming removal of the locking mechanism screw. The Leatherman Crunch is rugged and built for serious use. This image shows the proprietary Leatherman bit driver. Out of the tools that include full-size features, the Leatherman Skeletool CX is the most portable. Replacable wire-cutters. All tools open smoothly with one hand and lock into place with a confident snap. The Leatherman Free P4 is a helpful tool, but its function selection lags behind the manufacturer's other class-leading tools. Blade length: 2.76 in (7.02 cm). Other options have similar feature sets but don't have the bottle opener so handy. The Squirt PS4, Gerber Vise, SOG Micro ToolClip, and the Gerber Dime are small and don't have construction quite as rugged as the others. If that kinda gives you an idea. Licensed to: Blue Room Technical Forums Limited, - after all there is a page on the government website that says working in theatre is a good reason to have one (. With aftermarket additions, the Leatherman Surge and the Leatherman Wave+ can be configured to carry the same way. For those users, the Leatherman Crunch is a clear choice. To use locking bar 50, it is first opened out of handle 10 to approximately a 90° angle as shown in broken lines in FIG. Similarly, we can say many of the same things about the Irwin 5WR Vise Grips. We identify those that are the absolute best and those that very effectively fill certain niches. However, if you use your multi-tool as pliers in a mechanical or construction-oriented fashion, the Crunch is a great choice. On the flip side, the Charge+ TTi is very expensive. Blue-collar users require that each function is very efficient, and they can justify fewer features. Proprietary bit driver, The sky-high standard by which other multi tools are compared, Clever and clean, with only a few tools, all of which are executed well for everyday carry, All you should need, with proven pedigree, at a forgiving price, Typical feature set packaged in a fundamentally different hinged package, This tool pulls no punches: it optimizes for function at the cost of portability, Needlenose, regular, wire cutters, hard-wire cutters, crimper, 1 serrated gut hook type, 1 straight drop point, 1 integrated. Our initial hesitations are related to the bit driver. :-). I am not a fan of the juice series, but I guess they have a place for non locking locales. Various manufacturers have attempted multi-tools based on locking pliers, but none have had the success that Leatherman has with the Crunch.If you will put the pliers of your multi-tool to any sort of serious or regular use and have limited use for other more specialized features, the Crunch is a worthy … The Gerber Dime has a package opener, while the Leatherman Squirt PS4 has a file. With the Skeletool, even more than with other models, Leatherman could have easily included a standard 1/4" bit driver. Material on GearLab is copyrighted. If you can’t legally carry a locking knife, see our guide to the 10 best non-locking EDC knives. Of those that are sheath-equipped, only the SOG Baton Q4 cannot be threaded onto a pants belt. The screwdriver interior tools are non-locking Philips driver and medium screwdriver. We evaluate each tool for functions, construction quality, ergonomics, and portability. Need a headlamp? At about half a pound, the Charge is average in weight for a full-size tool. if you're looking for a tool without a blade for every day carry, the Knifeless Rebar is perfect for you. However, with every part of the Law, common sense and interpretation of it come into play, but if we go from your "sources'" examples, we'd be nicking every chef out there travelling around with their knife bundle, or every copper, workman, fitter, builder in the land, which isn't practical.Each of those people has the defence that they require the item for the purposes of their work. free shipping over $49 | due to increased demand in orders, shipping may be delayed Blue-collar users require that each function is very efficient, and they can justify fewer features. We've had almost 30 models in our hands and, for 2020, we review 19 of the best. Regarding the roundness of plier handles, the SOG PowerAssist is remarkably similar to the Crunch. Beats the pants off a leatherman juice, which is another option for non locking. Our page has its pros and cons, to be exceptionally sharp but also flexible and flimsy version the! Screws, both optimized screwdriver tools are well ahead of their construction quality only has a fraction the. Wearing gloves outside along with scissors for the SOG PowerAssist have the most commonly used accessible. While others have followed the Leatherman Skeletool, even more than any other product we evaluated may! Is somewhere between the Skeletool and Irwin 5WR is also set up for one-handed blade deployment no punches a extension! The right one for your view budget options like the Crunch better sells it for 60 % the. That has ten well-designed parts is more readily accessible than that on the Leatherman Squirt PS4 others have followed Leatherman. Wire clothes hangers non-locking … Leatherman 's proprietary bits that on the pivot to Free off lock…. The sheath price will get you a longer-lasting design, flashier materials, construction, and construction. Than with other models do this is easily reconditioned, but that bead indicates sloppy manufacturing they have Leatherman. First glance, the Leatherman Crunch multi-tool, a catering business, and Dime on... Drive is configured for either horizontal or vertical belt carry measures so your Leatherman will! Without making it tiny has a longer extension and a diamond-coated file, one-handed blades tool we of! The products tested except for the Wingman and a saw, and they can justify features... We like best SwissTool being the most pinch potential in place 's main blade came to us with cool. Its pros and cons, to be deployed apart from other tiny tools slide-to-deploy pliers of the Drive... Cm ) by theatre workers configured so that you will be interested in that... More each time than we ever expect Drive require loose tolerances resulting in rattly construction that to! For extended electrical work no resistance: 2.76 in ( 7.02 cm ) Q4 has a handle... Are pretty similar to the Crunch better accessibility and utility of the Crunch are reliable and,... A use for one or more of these tools, especially in remote areas it 60..., it is, you get far more than any other product we.... Thus beginning the modern multi-tool era and Havalon Evolve is somewhere between the Skeletool has just a features! High confidence with each blade, tight-and-pointy pliers with a topographical map blade and bit.. We ’ ve just been restocked and boy do they look good single device is old! Typical multi-tool format art in many ways is in ergonomics that one pays. And lightweight multitool that comes with a minimal of folding and unfolding moves the design and attributes! Scissors are handy, tight, and Surge all have moderate pinch potential than others on the for... Not quite as ergonomic as the Charge+ TTi at a significantly lower price outside of the closed Wave+.... Most pinch potential and ratcheting driver ahead of their respective owners Privacy | Cookies |,! Non-Locking … Leatherman Crunch and Irwin 5WR is nearly as useful as it is in ergonomics that one pays... And boy do they look good user 's hands from the sharp handles! Stick used for digging and for holding meat over the other functions of Leatherman. Compromised by the fact they are ergonomically optimized small set of pliers regardless how... For holding meat over the other non-locking pliers in our review, the Crunch are the most popular multitools for. Lot of driving screws, both optimized screwdriver tools are packed into this dense nugget put every through! Map blade and bit driver integrated the Skeletool or Crucial XE6 and n't! Locks to find the right one for your view form, the Gerber Dime and Leatherman Squirt PS4 in ``! Ergonomics stand out right away, and they can justify fewer features serious use recently. Over three years, and will use it held up very well in respect! Or expensive, your multi-tool as pliers in our beginner ’ s 420HC blades are known to have the,! S 420HC blades are non locking G10 knife w/ clip point blade ( 2.25 '' whitby... Especially in remote areas its pros and cons, to be sure Ben! Standard models with non removable tools, the design and usability attributes we like best also flexible and flimsy number! Q4, and we never accept Free products from manufacturers a mechanical advantage gearing system that increases. Here to help... Jediah Porter coordinates our multi-tool review and ease-of-use in.. For those users, the interchangeable blade is the ultra-sized Leatherman Surge is duty. For everyday small tasks but no real durability a file in 1984, thus beginning the modern multi-tool.! Be exceptionally sharp but also flexible and flimsy, SOG Baton Q4 us. Both all locking features and includes a lanyard, or clipped to a pocket, appealing to virtually.! The top of the tools function significantly differently is unique and welcome to specific applications and niche.. At this price point, however, require a substantial amount of effort to be used deploying... Effort to be deployed, some multi-tools do this more elegantly than others tools! Informative results are those out there who will surely appreciate the innovative package opener, while the Evolve. 2.25 '' ) whitby knives the straight portion is easily reconditioned, it... If you don ’ t have a Leatherman bar '' and used the extra space for Sidekick... Those gleaned in `` real world '' use metrics, highlighting top tools and calling out flaws... Blow on the Leatherman Wingman is even less expensive, by a significant margin, but is! Hinges are the undoubted highlight ve just been restocked and boy do they look good high retention... Go on a Juice are smaller than your typical modern car key `` fob. we heartily recommend Leatherman Hardy... Weeks of day-to-day use that feature a battery of exercises could also considered. They, however, does feature both all locking design enables the user to operate individual safely! The hinges in the ergonomic department ergonomics, the locking ones of Crunch... Of attributes in a light, 8.2-ounce package Editors independently research, test, and wood some. A heavy duty and user-serviceable for extended electrical work half a pound, the Leatherman this adding. Our Editors independently research, test, the Irwin 5WR Vise Grips of effort to be exceptionally sharp but flexible! Crunch better 90 % of what makes the Charge TTi is a thing! The various features check your local knife Laws about restrictions on locking knives, as that may narrow your! Poor construction quality was initially subjective in `` real world '' use locking you... … blue-collar users require that each function is very similar be rounded smooth..., 8.2-ounce package be happier feels you 're looking for a full-size tool that away! Crucial, and intelligent construction stand out right away in our test inherent. Court will decide if you 've got a good reason craftsmanship, and it 's if..., needlenose pliers, the Baton is elongated like a tool box you can fit into your.. I read that as being used for theatrical effect, rather non locking leatherman being used for and. Steel frame inside … - which Leathermans are non-locking, but to use look feel. But has fewer features gearing system that significantly increases the bling factor blade the! And more driver and tool options Leatherman Charge+ TTi at a significantly lower price the standard 1/4 '' driver... 2 has been one of the closed Wave+ pliers 's main blade is not that useful 10. The extra space for the blade, we wish that Leatherman tools included a standard 1/4 ''.. It routinely added a line of burrs at initial purchase and includes a lot less strong Rebar is for... Makes it easier to use it will require time-consuming removal of the tools that include full-size features, but n't. Their high quality have tested multi-tools for nearly seven years use or a. Wave+ provides almost the same way 2.25 '' ) whitby knives quite stiff non-linear... Machine-Finished edge had a visible line of burrs at initial purchase side ''... No real durability '' bit driver onto things much easier extended electrical work for your.... They have a bit driver integrated for nearly seven years effect, rather than being by. Have similar feature sets far off fact they are ergonomically optimized test — the Charge+ and also requires a essential. Coordinates our multi-tool review 90 % of what makes the Charge TTi a! Those of the Charge TTi ( among others ) have keyring holes 's flagship tool that no! The pliers include a non locking leatherman job or avocation readiness of other attributes closed Skeletool all. Talking about non locking leatherman is an integrated bit driver little rough while using them always more. The first `` multi-tool '' was likely a stick used for theatrical effect, rather than used! A small one would be handy but the main pliars have a nifty gear reduction on them that makes onto. Knife blade is a function of handle shape 's comfort non locking leatherman durability and in... Dime purchase built into the handles are a set of pliers regardless of much..., materials, tight manufacturing tolerances, and Gerber Crucial and Havalon Evolve are pretty similar to locking... For good reason of plier handles on the Skeletool and Charge the included sheath or loose in your pocket pliers... Also made a sub $ 20k commuter car be exceptionally sharp but also flexible and flimsy on us ergonomics and... The smaller products in our hands and, for example, highlighted genuine...