First heard of Leatherman when I joined the Army. I remember my Drill Sargeant recommended us to purchase one. At the time, the only one that was available was the PST. I still have it to this day.
You Joined the club early! I’ve always been a knife guy and have a few Swiss army tools but have slowly started carrying them less. Just ordered my first small leatherman to take its place to backup my main folder. Very excited
@@benyaffe5389 Closest thing to a Sonic screwdriver there is in yesterday's and today's marketplace. If a person needs the pliers Leatherman was there pretty much first in a meaningful way but sure dig up some old products few bought or patents few made of vaguely similar "multitools" if you want but I've seen them I'll bet and it proves little... Leatherman created a mass market for these things and a pretty unique formfactor. It or the copy of it is the predominant form factor more or less or inspired by it not some pair of regular pliers with their handles machined at their ends to screwdrivers or other "multitools" that were around longer... Pliers need come up unexpectedly more than people think. I recently needed pliers, unexpectedly just to loosen a car oil fill cap some brute overtightened to the point it required a tool for what is supposed to be a tool-less procedure. The only tool I had? One of my Leathermans! Sure I own many pliers but I don't carry them with me. I have Swiss Army Knives but most have no pliers or if they do they aren't relavant for the normal type knives as opposed to SAK multitools.
I stand by my first multitool, the Leatherman Signal, because it's surprisingly handy even if you don't use the survival tools (and I have used them when going hiking to remote areas)
@@shkiper555видел на авито, что чел продавал за 7 тыщ что ли свой сигнал, у него лезвие судя по всему под боковой нагрузкой треснуло, так что вовсе режущей кромки не осталось, но благо это вроде бы все заменяется
You should check out available third party 3d printed parts which allow the whistle slot and sharpener slot to be used for extra bit carriers. So other interesting options available like tweezer holder etc.....
The leatherman crunch is what made me a leatherman fan. Bought one and took it to war in Iraq in 2005, carried it on my belt every single day and I can’t count how many times I used it over there. I still have it, it’s mangled and bent up but still works.
Just got myself a Charge+, for me it has everything the Wave has but in a better package. The bits and G10 handle make it really useful for work, variety of tips and extra purchase on the handles are great.
@@cyphersuit1 Could be habit or tradition, some people like the same thing they’ve always had. Others want one as close to the one they remember their dad/grandad having, so its more modern aesthetics may not tick that box.
@@cyphersuit1 Expense maybe. It's quite a bit more expensive. Still if you got the money it's basically an upgraded wave. Better knife steel, a gut hook on the serrated blade and a titanium body to name the biggest differences. They also include a bit kit a lanyard eye and a pocketclip with the charge.
Great summary of many great tools. I've carried a Leatherman of some variation for 30+ years. My subjective opinion, based on what I need and use on a daily basis, is my #1 favorite Leatherman (and multitool in general) is the Leatherman Wave+. 1) If it doesn't have scissors,I won't use it. I need basic scissors all the time. 2) I wear glasses, as do my wife, kids, and parents. The Leatherman Wave+ is the only multitool I know of that has all the other tools I use regularly, plus a small precision Phillips/flathead driver with which I can repair eyeglasses (and many small electronics). I have given the Wave+ to both of my sons and many other friends/family because it is legitimately the best general multitool out there.
One thing nobody ever mentions on Leatherman Videos is the crimper underneath the pliers head on the Surge and Wave. I use to use this feature a lot personally being in the Electrical/Telecoms trade.
I've finally found the perfect equipment: the combination of the Leatherman Crunch, the Leatherman Super Tool 300 and the combination of the three various Leatherman bit kits (one of them having the on-Phillips adaptor). This toolset, which i keep in just two separate sheaths, gets me able to do absolutely all jobs in my house and my garden with a children's playground, swimming pool and a shed, as well as everything when my friends need my help in their own homes.
I was a Leatherman dealer for long and also use it working at heights. Very useful and confi… am agree with you my favorite tool is the Wave too…!! Best regards from Spain
I have Leatherman Crunch and the pliers are the best from Leatherman, just amazing what you can do with it, i was going to buy Leatherman Charge ± TTI but i prefer the Crunch for what i need and i don't regret buying it
A great selection! I own 6 of your top 7 (having yet to yield to the Free technology) plus quite a few more from Leatherman's 25 year output. For me, the Squirt P4 and Style CS make a fine dual pocket carry that edges out the capability of the Micra by a might. And while the Skeletool and Wave see the most sunshine, old-timers Core, Kick and Fuse have found spots in various kits in and around the car, home, and shop.
Personally I like the toolset of the Squirt PS4. I understand that the pliers are small, but they’re still much stronger than the pliers in any normal Swiss Army Knife (the few SAKs that have them at all), making it a nice accompaniment to a SAK. Small pliers are often much better than no pliers, and are sometimes even better than large pliers because they can fit though gaps to grab something that larger pliers can’t. I’m sure the scissors are not as good as the Micra scissors, but I mainly use multi tool scissors for cutting threads, tape, tags, hairs, and papers, and for those tasks, the PS4 scissors are great. It’s very compact and all tools (other than the pliers) are outside-accessible.
the ps4 is totally underrated. so well designed and a perfect set of tools. it is by far my most used multitool because i always carry one in my pocket. its so light it never feels annoying.
The Squirt PS4 has been my daily carry for years. I've tried multiple mini multitools, including the Micra and the Gerber Dime. For me, the PS4 wins every time. I don't really miss the bigger scissors, and being able to access all of the tools without having to open it all the way up is a huge plus. Additionally, I find the opened position of the knife on the Micra a bit inconvenient.
My first surge was without replaceable wire cutters. Instead of the small flat head it came with a micro screw drivers for glasses. With the new surges I've Frankensteined them with another leathermans micro screwdriver. Only one I carry.
Before I purchased Leatherman Crunch, I never thought it would be a favourite multitool. My understanding is though that it is no longer in production and out of stock in most places. Without a doubt the locking pliers is a game changer. I am always suprised, just how large the pliers open up and provide clamping force. You never can achieve this with regular pliers. I love it so much I have 2 of them. Both paired with either the Victorinox larger SwissTool or smaller Swisstool Spirit X. My only compliant is the fit and finess of leatherman tools. Things like the pliers ends not lining up.
many years ago i bought a Leatherman PST II (in the gadget shop, in Paisley i think) ), 6 months ago I sent it for service, and, as i expected it was replaced with a Wave +. Great kit, great service and a great Brand.
Can't argue with the Wave+ being number one overall. Leatherman simply nailed this multitool, and knocked it out of the park. It is as close to multitool perfection as a gadget can get. Thanks for doing this awesome review, and I look forward to your future videos. Keep up the great work!
I'm a microscope technician and carry a Skeletool daily. Since i roam with a bag of more capable tools i don't need an tool with lots of functions. The Skeletool is perfect for those quickie moments i don't want or need to dig into my bag.
I purchased a Skeletool CX soon after they were first released, and it actually has a combination straight edge and serrated blade, made from 154cm steel.
Great video and I love your list. My personal favorite is the P4 It is an outstanding tool with the innovations to making every function one-handed. I especially like Leatherman’s choice to arrange the two blades, so that no matter which hand you have your tool in one of the two knives is accessible one-handed. As someone who is left-handed, this allows me to open a blade with my dominant hand.
I have the p4 also has a lot of useless tools in it though I don’t use most of them I wish it had a small bit like most the others also own a wave plus but my p4 is my main looking to get a surge next arc is way to damn expensive
Thanks for the good review John! I have several Leathermans and Victorinox. Mostly I run with the Spirit X in my backpack, a Micra in my first aid pouch and a Skeletool on a pocket. Love all them
Out of the seven other Leathermans I own the Skeletool CX is the one I carry every day accompanied by my Micra for the scissors which do work extremely well!
I agree! My EDC is the Charge TTi, essentially a fancy Wave with titanium scales and a blade made from S30V steel. I consider this design the best from Leatherman and the best of all multi tools. I carry the Surge when I am working on my sheep farm.
I bought a Style PS for airplane travel a while back. It's so easy to clip to my keychain that I started carrying it all of the time. Always having it with me makes it my most used Leatherman. It's is a good complement to pocket knives and other tools that I might carry.
Happy Friday Jon, I have been a Swiss Army Knife fan all my life yet despite that I did own a Leatherman ( an early model, possibly the 3rd variant, can't recall now) for 34 years, I never pocket carried it but kept it in my office desk at work & when I retired I gifted it to my replacement & as far as I know he was still using it up to 5 years ago - the last time I visited my old place of work. It was useful for all sorts of little repair jobs in the office & at the time the only SAK's I carried with me in my pocket to & from work was a 58mm Classic SD or a 58mm Midnight Manager on my key ring and my minimalist 84mm Bantam (economy model without scale tools ) in my pocket, so having a Leatherman multi tool on hand in the office was a real boon. The modern variants of the Leatherman seem to have improved somewhat in capabilities over the original models but despite that I don't intend to buy one & if I was in need of a multi-tool I would pick one of Victorinox's Swiss Tools like the Swiss Tool Spirit MX Clip over a Leatherman
Carried a Sidekick for a few years and went for a Wave+ a year ago and it’s just so capable. Has its downsides and things I’d change but overall it really is a great tool.
I've had my Leatherman Wave for years, what a multi tool. I made the terrible mistake of letting a old Radio Ham borrow it for the Screwdriver while at a Radio Rally and he buggered off with it. Never to be seen again, absolutely gutted. Hence why I'm here, looks like I'll be buying the Wave+ thanks for your help! All the best, Doc GlowGadgets 😉
I used to EDC a Wave + but it just felt like a brick in the pocket, so now he lives in my backpack as a tool for anything that needs doing. Now I went a little cheaper and EDC a Rebar which definitely seems to sit in the pocket a bit lighter not to mention I threw some cord through the lanyard ring so I can easily drag it out of my back pocket.
So, after seeing this one, I think I did well with the Rebar at half the cost of the Wave. But I think I will get the Micro, just because of the scissors. I’ve got room in my pockets for that. I love the light weight of the Rebar. Small means it will travel with me, large and heavy means it stays home. Cheers!
I have all of them on your list bar the surge, As for edc I carry a folding knife on myself but other tools are located either on vehicle key chains or vehicles themselves, you don't forget them that way.
The Dutch police standard issue multitool is a Wave+ with the serrated blade / seatbelt cutter combo from the Charge+ and an awl instead of the can opener. Not sure if they cobbled it together themselves using replacement parts, or if the very large order (I'd wager some 45k units) allowed them to have it custom made by Leatherman. IMO the only thing missing for a first responder is a window breaker.
Early !! Seriously the wave is my all time favourite pliars based tool carry it camping because it’s very useful I have a wingman, squirt pS4 and rebar fantastic tools made in the good ol USA
100% agree on the Skeletool CX. For me key, it is the only one too have a reasonable option to have Philips, flathead, and two Torx. For tough work I use the surge with rachet, metal saw, wood saw and a micro flash light. If I would find a multitool with a bitholder (Torx for me), flathead and Philips I would consider swapping the Skeletool CX. Any single handed ideas are welcome. Lucky living in Switzerland.
I like the Leatherman Rebar and Super Tool 300. But, I detest the models with the slimmed down bits. They are only good if you want to strip the heads of Phillips and hex screws. YMMV
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and this list. I have, and have had one or two Leatherman Tools over the years. I have never been disappointed. Unless maybe one could be said to be disappointed when a particular tool was discontinued... I have found I might use say, the Rebar more daily and the Wave for long trips; I have one that lives in my vehicle. One tool might be better suited in one place over another.
I've been carrying this leatherman wave every day for 25 years now. I've worn out 3 sheaths, but the tool despite constant use is still in perfect shape. I don't like the wave+ nearly as much. Wish I could get another just like this one though.
Hello Jonathan - a very nice overview, thanks! I still have my New Wave ( gen.2) which is still going strong...the only difference between the NW & the W+, is the W+ has replaceable cutters & a crimper at the base of the pliers...we also complain about the price increases on this side of the pond, especially since the QC is not consistent...we commiserate with our European brothers & sisters as the mailing charges & entirely unreasonable tool & blade laws add insult to injury....
I think if you already carry a SAK, the Skeletool CX makes the most sense as an addition. I've had a Wave but between the Skeletool, my SAK Hiker, and a Mora companion it doesnt get carried much. I can almost always come up with a more convenient and serviceable combination for any adventure.
I have the 1st gen wave and still carry it everyday. Absolutely outstanding. I broke the jaws on my first wave by jamming the tips into a nut on a chop saw and trying to turn it sideways to free it up by using a wrench on the wave. The lateral force broke the jaw. Deserved to break them for being an idiot. I have had the replacement pair since then. If you use them right they won't let you down. I have had the replacement pair for well over 20 years. Best tool purchase ever if you figure how often they have been used through the years.
Did they cover that under warranty or did you just buy another wave? Heard there's a 25year warranty but not sure if they would cover that or not, I ended up breaking the tips off my surge pliers but I just ground the tips down so they weren't all jagged and uneven. Look pretty good and function fine but I was curious if they might send some replacement pliers out.
@@Lithium023 The Leatherman warranty is terrific. It is now listed as 25 years . But they always take care of their products , even damaged tools . That is one reason to love them ..
I know it would be kind of a change of pace as far as your videos go but I (and I’m sure the other entrepreneurs who follow you) would love to see a video dedicated entirely to your history as a business owner, your stores, the lessons you learned along the way, tips for other business owners, unique things about owning a business specifically in the UK, etc. Great video though as always Jon; I appreciate the work you put into all of your content.
👍. Skeletool started my edc and leatherman collection. However please the bond… open the blade, close the tool. Locked blade. Lifted. The end. Don’t argue with…..
So just to drop my two cents as somebody who owns a crunch, skeletool, surge, wave, and squirt, I have to mention that the crunch is really cool, but I feel the bottle opener (cap lifter) function sucks, just as a warning to others. Only other thing I feel compelled to say is that I don't fully see why you prefer the micra to the squirt since I haven't found a standard edc situation where the squirt's scissors wasn't up to the task, but have had many situations where not having a small pair of pliers would have left me in a bind.
I still have my leatherman wave bought for me by my then to be wife and her parents, it is still the most treasured and used thing I have, not to mention the most reliable tool I’ve owned 😊
I'm a leatherman user (event technician) since 1995 under tough circumstances. A supertool 20. It's still existand. I bought myself a new rebar knifeless! Riminds me on my supertool 200! Much more compact without the knifes and weight reduced! I'm carrying a separate knife (benchmade bugout) anyway.
i myself just bought a leatherman wave + but if i could change one thing about it, it would be to get rid of the saw on the outside tools and replace it with a good pair of big scissors similar to the wingman and in place of the scissors original place i would have an awl or room for a built in pocket clip.
My surge still has the tiny exchangeble bit and i do use it sometimes but i only use it as a backpack tool for it's weight. I prefer the skeletool as it is fairly light and still has the most important tools. I wasn't a fan of serated knives until i had that skeletool, tuns out that the serations were the perfect size for cutting the outer insulation of the cables i worked with.
Agree completely that the Skeletool is the best for EDC if you don’t frequently encounter needs for heavy duty pliers. Sadly, I recently lost my first generation Skeletool CX (with the carbon fiber, which I thought made the tool look more refined) and had to spend the $90 to replace it with the generation 2. It’s worth it to have such a versatile tool, especially when combined with the bit driver extender and some Wiha bits.
I recently got a wave+, my skeletool cx lives in my around the house EDC now (aka my robe pocket). How did you lose yours? My guess is you were using the pocket clip and it came out and you didn't notice it.. because the pocket clips are horrible on these.
@@NaturalBornGriller That’s probably how it happened. Went back to target to see if anyone found it. Was also at a relative’s house that day. Might be in their couch for all I know. Will have to check the next time I visit. If it turns up I will be ecstatic. I’d had it for nine years and it was well broken in. Didn’t realize how much until I opened up the new one.
@@rustybarrel516 rough man, I took my pocket clip off after dropping it in a parking lot. I was running to hop in my car after leaving the commuter train.. I was 2 blocks away when I felt for it, then remembered the 'tink tink tink' of it hitting the ground in the parking lot. U turn, got it back - still have it to this day
I carry a victorinox explorer and a crunch as my EDC though I'm considering getting a knifeless rebar to make my carry legal. I love the functionality of the crunch though and mole grips are always good to have on me as I ride a motorbike. They're very useful if you drop the bike and break a lever as you can clamp the on the the stump that's left to get you home.
The best multitools, sad that I couldn't buy from India,.but I see many local stores try to replicate these designs but most of the time I dont it handle single hand handling. So I started collecting the models close enough to the leatherman collections. From the list I would pick the surge model even though its from 2nd in the list, i feel its best over all.❤
I carry a leatherman surge daily on a dairy farm in Michigan. It’s a workhorse. I’ve had it for a few years, and am about to send it in for some warranty work. I hear they’d warranty operation is top notch.
I got a supertool 300 as a present. Very very useful, but I discovered for my day to day job, a simple, quick accessible knife suffices. If I would've gotten the wave, that was that, but now I got a small böker knife in my pocket and my supertool in my backpack
I've had a leatherman wingman for several years and love it. I use it at least every couple of days for some job or another around the house. Maybe not quite as premium as all these ones but it has never failed once. No denying even lower model leathermans (or is it leathermen?) are still head and shoulders above the rest in terms of quality.
Can’t fathom why the Wingman isn’t on this list. I have EDC’d it for over 10 yrs., Wore it for work as a FF and use it daily. The name was a perfect fit. Like a good wingman it won’t let you down and is always by ur side( or in ur pocket)
Awesome video good sir! Now I want a micra! My edc is the skeletool cx. I also have the charge + g10 and the signal. Lastly I keep the sidekick for its spring loaded pliers I use for my wire mobile sculptures. I wanted to buy my wife the skeletool, but maybe the micra is a more useful edc option for her bag.
Great reviews. Small annotation - one hand opening alone isn't a legal problem in Germany. Only when the blade has a locking mechanism, things get problematic - just as in the UK.
The combination of one-hand opening in combination with the locking blade is problematic for legal carrying in Germany, only one of the features is fine. Therefore, the Spyderco UKPK is quite popullar in Germany as well as the leatherman wave+ 2h
The first Leatherman I bought was the Surge. It is truly beastly, so much so that I don't carry it! I have a small kit in a Vanquest pouch I built around the Surge that I keep in my 4Runner. What I do carry everyday is a Wave (not the Wave+) that was my second Leatherman. I found a nice holster from Clip & Carry and the Wave carries very easily on my 1.5" web belt. The Wave gets used almost everyday. Beware, though, that the Wave will pinch the #%%^ out of you if you get a bit of your palm between the backs of the blades when using the pliers. I have had blood blisters twice, accompanied by an appropriate amount of atmospheric ionization from my vocal response to said pinch. I keep a pair of Mechanix gloves in my kit for those times I'm doing much with the Wave. Great list. Thanks.
Wonderful and informative video, good sir! You earned my subscription and a thumbs up. Just wanted to put my 2 cents in and say the Leatherman Free P2 became my all time favorite multitool BUT I did choose to void the warranty by replacing the Phillips and flathead screwdrivers with an aftermarket, exchangeable bit driver that worked with BOTH Leatherman skinny driver bits and standard 1/4 inch driver bits. Which I ordered online for about $25 and, in my opinion, that made the Free P2 far more useful and my favorite multitool. For about 3 months, until I dropped it into a lake while fishing. If the water wasn't freezing cold, I would have dove in after it. Alas, Cochiti lake claimed my favorite multitool for the fish to awe at, as it still sits on the bottom of the lake. Sad day indeed.
My favorite compact multitool is Juice S2 and large multitool is Victorinox Swisstool. I knew about the UK laws, but not about Germany's. For a knife collector like me it would suck. I'm so glad we have no rules and there are also no stabbings or shootings.
I've used the Surge for a few years everyday as a water treatment plant operator/fireman and I'd say it comes out of my pocket 12-20 times a day minimum. Couldn't be happier with a multi-tool.
@@warhammer90000 Sorry for the late reply. I bought the all black version of the surge and the only wear sign is my own fault. I used the small flat blade screw driver bit as a pry bar and chipped the end. I did however, fix it on a grinder wheel to make it flat again. I would recommend the surge to my grave, given I've had it for 3 years and not sharpened it once and only cleaned and oiled it. I will buy another one if this one fails in 2 decades. No idea. Might out-live me. It's definitely a buy it once product.
Yeah, I've met Americans that wont come to Canada because of our BS gun laws, which I've always thought was a bit crazy... however, the sour taste I'd get from visiting a country where my multi-tool is illegal would be very similar.
I still have and use my original Wave, and I still think it's more elegant than any of the current range. There is nothing in the newer models I find compelling enough to make me retire the original Wave.
Wave+ has been my EDC for 3 years - it’s my favorite piece of multi tool swag. Also some of the best for specific situations; Leatherman Signal is the only logical choice specifically for camping/adventuring. And the Style PS is a little TSA compliant Leatherman making it the only choice for EDCO (every day carry on 😜)
Thanks Jon, great run down and list. Seems to me you were a trail blazer in the EDC business with so many stores. I still have and love my original Leatherman.
I would love a skeletool with a diamond file rather than a blade. I always have a pocket knife. So, with a file, the skeletool would give me everything I needed!
I carried and owned four Skeletool CX. Lost one have one away. Keep on in my camping pack. Carried one for years. I switched to the Signal a few months ago just to test it. I like it. It's not much larger or heavier then the Skeletool, I don't really notice it but I'll probably switch back at some point. I prefer the Skeletool over almost any pocket knife. Feels like a "normal" pocket knife but is WAY more useful. The standard is ok but I think the 420hc is garbage steel for what Leatherman charges. The CX has far superior 154cm. I think it's worth the price.
First heard of Leatherman when I joined the Army. I remember my Drill Sargeant recommended us to purchase one. At the time, the only one that was available was the PST. I still have it to this day.
Weight and size relative to tools provided the PST holds it's own even today. Also you have the progenitor of the breed!
You Joined the club early! I’ve always been a knife guy and have a few Swiss army tools but have slowly started carrying them less. Just ordered my first small leatherman to take its place to backup my main folder. Very excited
@@benyaffe5389 Closest thing to a Sonic screwdriver there is in yesterday's and today's marketplace.
If a person needs the pliers Leatherman was there pretty much first in a meaningful way but sure dig up some old products few bought or patents few made of vaguely similar "multitools" if you want but I've seen them I'll bet and it proves little...
Leatherman created a mass market for these things and a pretty unique formfactor. It or the copy of it is the predominant form factor more or less or inspired by it not some pair of regular pliers with their handles machined at their ends to screwdrivers or other "multitools"
that were around longer...
Pliers need come up unexpectedly more than people think.
I recently needed pliers, unexpectedly just to loosen a car oil fill cap some brute overtightened to the point it required a tool for what is supposed to be a tool-less procedure.
The only tool I had?
One of my Leathermans!
Sure I own many pliers but I don't carry them with me.
I have Swiss Army Knives but most have no pliers or if they do they aren't relavant for the normal type knives as opposed to SAK multitools.
Cool story brah.
Love that story! 👍🏻 Both grandads carried pocket knives which I thought was so cool as a kid. Many years later here we are bingeing EDC videos 😂
I do marine construction in the USA, I carry a Leatherman Super Tool 300 daily, and if I lost it today I'd buy another tomorrow.
I carry and use a surge every day. Love it. Have the same ratchet attachment plus bit kit.
I use the Leatherman Charge + TTI, never disappointed me for the last 18 years or so!
Same. Better blade steel and the gut hook is very handy for all sorts of things
I just picked one up maybe a few weeks ago I love it, replaced my damaged wave + limited edition! Maybe eventually I'll get another wave +
I stand by my first multitool, the Leatherman Signal, because it's surprisingly handy even if you don't use the survival tools (and I have used them when going hiking to remote areas)
Он крепкий? Как держит нагрузку? Не чего не сломалось?
@@shkiper555видел на авито, что чел продавал за 7 тыщ что ли свой сигнал, у него лезвие судя по всему под боковой нагрузкой треснуло, так что вовсе режущей кромки не осталось, но благо это вроде бы все заменяется
@@shkiper555однако это просто нештатное использование ножа
You should check out available third party 3d printed parts which allow the whistle slot and sharpener slot to be used for extra bit carriers. So other interesting options available like tweezer holder etc.....
The leatherman crunch is what made me a leatherman fan. Bought one and took it to war in Iraq in 2005, carried it on my belt every single day and I can’t count how many times I used it over there. I still have it, it’s mangled and bent up but still works.
Thank You for your service! too bad a darn crunch is over 250$ on EBay now
Just got myself a Charge+, for me it has everything the Wave has but in a better package. The bits and G10 handle make it really useful for work, variety of tips and extra purchase on the handles are great.
I have both the charge+ and charge+ tti.
Amazing.
These are the best Leathermans
Why are they not in the Top7? What might be the reason?
@@cyphersuit1 Could be habit or tradition, some people like the same thing they’ve always had. Others want one as close to the one they remember their dad/grandad having, so its more modern aesthetics may not tick that box.
@@cyphersuit1 Expense maybe. It's quite a bit more expensive. Still if you got the money it's basically an upgraded wave. Better knife steel, a gut hook on the serrated blade and a titanium body to name the biggest differences. They also include a bit kit a lanyard eye and a pocketclip with the charge.
I'd take the Rebar. It's got every tool and it's smaller and lighter than the Wave. Plus it's cheaper.
Great summary of many great tools.
I've carried a Leatherman of some variation for 30+ years.
My subjective opinion, based on what I need and use on a daily basis, is my #1 favorite Leatherman (and multitool in general) is the Leatherman Wave+.
1) If it doesn't have scissors,I won't use it. I need basic scissors all the time.
2) I wear glasses, as do my wife, kids, and parents. The Leatherman Wave+ is the only multitool I know of that has all the other tools I use regularly, plus a small precision Phillips/flathead driver with which I can repair eyeglasses (and many small electronics).
I have given the Wave+ to both of my sons and many other friends/family because it is legitimately the best general multitool out there.
Thanks for taking the time to do a thorough review of your top 7 multi-tools!
Your welcome 👍
@@JonGadgetYou’re *
@@omnipresent417 really man
@@Benzion-x3q Indeed
@@omnipresent417 u have too much free time man
One thing nobody ever mentions on Leatherman Videos is the crimper underneath the pliers head on the Surge and Wave. I use to use this feature a lot personally being in the Electrical/Telecoms trade.
True, I use the wire crimper a lot doing mechanic/electric work on cars/boats/equipment, etc. 😉
...or the included lanyard clip under the saw ;)
I do hvac install in Texas and the leatherman wave+ is always on my hip and never fails me when I need it the most 🙏🏽
I've finally found the perfect equipment: the combination of the Leatherman Crunch, the Leatherman Super Tool 300 and the combination of the three various Leatherman bit kits (one of them having the on-Phillips adaptor). This toolset, which i keep in just two separate sheaths, gets me able to do absolutely all jobs in my house and my garden with a children's playground, swimming pool and a shed, as well as everything when my friends need my help in their own homes.
I was a Leatherman dealer for long and also use it working at heights. Very useful and confi… am agree with you my favorite tool is the Wave too…!! Best regards from Spain
I have Leatherman Crunch and the pliers are the best from Leatherman, just amazing what you can do with it, i was going to buy Leatherman Charge ± TTI but i prefer the Crunch for what i need and i don't regret buying it
I've been using the Squirt PS4 for 13 years now. Use it constantly and love it.
A great selection! I own 6 of your top 7 (having yet to yield to the Free technology) plus quite a few more from Leatherman's 25 year output. For me, the Squirt P4 and Style CS make a fine dual pocket carry that edges out the capability of the Micra by a might. And while the Skeletool and Wave see the most sunshine, old-timers Core, Kick and Fuse have found spots in various kits in and around the car, home, and shop.
I love your review! Really good points you make about each model, benefits and drawbacks.
Personally I like the toolset of the Squirt PS4. I understand that the pliers are small, but they’re still much stronger than the pliers in any normal Swiss Army Knife (the few SAKs that have them at all), making it a nice accompaniment to a SAK. Small pliers are often much better than no pliers, and are sometimes even better than large pliers because they can fit though gaps to grab something that larger pliers can’t. I’m sure the scissors are not as good as the Micra scissors, but I mainly use multi tool scissors for cutting threads, tape, tags, hairs, and papers, and for those tasks, the PS4 scissors are great. It’s very compact and all tools (other than the pliers) are outside-accessible.
the ps4 is totally underrated. so well designed and a perfect set of tools. it is by far my most used multitool because i always carry one in my pocket. its so light it never feels annoying.
The Squirt PS4 has been my daily carry for years. I've tried multiple mini multitools, including the Micra and the Gerber Dime.
For me, the PS4 wins every time. I don't really miss the bigger scissors, and being able to access all of the tools without having to open it all the way up is a huge plus.
Additionally, I find the opened position of the knife on the Micra a bit inconvenient.
How's it going with the scissors spring ? tnx@@someguy9204
It's a beautiful piece if kit.
Saying that, when it came through the post and I seen the size of it I burst out laughing.
My first surge was without replaceable wire cutters. Instead of the small flat head it came with a micro screw drivers for glasses. With the new surges I've Frankensteined them with another leathermans micro screwdriver. Only one I carry.
I like Leatherman but also very much like the Swiss-tool by Victorinox.
Especially Spirit version
Before I purchased Leatherman Crunch, I never thought it would be a favourite multitool. My understanding is though that it is no longer in production and out of stock in most places.
Without a doubt the locking pliers is a game changer. I am always suprised, just how large the pliers open up and provide clamping force. You never can achieve this with regular pliers.
I love it so much I have 2 of them. Both paired with either the Victorinox larger SwissTool or smaller Swisstool Spirit X.
My only compliant is the fit and finess of leatherman tools. Things like the pliers ends not lining up.
I lost mine 3 years ago and miss it.
many years ago i bought a Leatherman PST II (in the gadget shop, in Paisley i think) ), 6 months ago I sent it for service, and, as i expected it was replaced with a Wave +. Great kit, great service and a great Brand.
Would have thought the Free P2 would be higher up the list. Best Leatherman I've ever owned.
I bought my first leatherman from you, or at least from the gadget shop in london, around 98 I think. Used it until I misplaced it a year or so ago.
Can't argue with the Wave+ being number one overall. Leatherman simply nailed this multitool, and knocked it out of the park. It is as close to multitool perfection as a gadget can get. Thanks for doing this awesome review, and I look forward to your future videos. Keep up the great work!
Non no no. Try a surge...
Can you swap out that eye glass tool and put an awl instead?
18:23
@shadow-wulf that plus a pocket clip and I would be all over it
@@elividler697Leatherman sells a pocket clip attachment for it.
Love my Surge. I carry it everyday I wear pants.
I'm a microscope technician and carry a Skeletool daily. Since i roam with a bag of more capable tools i don't need an tool with lots of functions. The Skeletool is perfect for those quickie moments i don't want or need to dig into my bag.
I purchased a Skeletool CX soon after they were first released, and it actually has a combination straight edge and serrated blade, made from 154cm steel.
I've had my Leatherman Wave for years. I bought before going on a military exercise in Oman in 2001. It still serves me well.
Great video and I love your list. My personal favorite is the P4 It is an outstanding tool with the innovations to making every function one-handed. I especially like Leatherman’s choice to arrange the two blades, so that no matter which hand you have your tool in one of the two knives is accessible one-handed. As someone who is left-handed, this allows me to open a blade with my dominant hand.
If the P4 had a bit driver, it would be close to perfect for me. So the new Arc will be that for me.
@@revolutionimagesmedia7789 thanks for the update, no idea the Arch was coming out. I took a look at the specs and it looks awesome.
I have the p4 also has a lot of useless tools in it though I don’t use most of them I wish it had a small bit like most the others also own a wave plus but my p4 is my main looking to get a surge next arc is way to damn expensive
Thanks for the good review John! I have several Leathermans and Victorinox. Mostly I run with the Spirit X in my backpack, a Micra in my first aid pouch and a Skeletool on a pocket. Love all them
So many multi-tools, so hard to choose. This was very helpful. Thanks!
Been carrying The Crunch, Surge, 4” Knipex and Milwaukee Fastback and my bases are covered.
Out of the seven other Leathermans I own the Skeletool CX is the one I carry every day accompanied by my Micra for the scissors which do work extremely well!
I agree! My EDC is the Charge TTi, essentially a fancy Wave with titanium scales and a blade made from S30V steel. I consider this design the best from Leatherman and the best of all multi tools. I carry the Surge when I am working on my sheep farm.
I bought a Style PS for airplane travel a while back. It's so easy to clip to my keychain that I started carrying it all of the time. Always having it with me makes it my most used Leatherman. It's is a good complement to pocket knives and other tools that I might carry.
Happy Friday Jon, I have been a Swiss Army Knife fan all my life yet despite that I did own a Leatherman ( an early model, possibly the 3rd variant, can't recall now) for 34 years, I never pocket carried it but kept it in my office desk at work & when I retired I gifted it to my replacement & as far as I know he was still using it up to 5 years ago - the last time I visited my old place of work. It was useful for all sorts of little repair jobs in the office & at the time the only SAK's I carried with me in my pocket to & from work was a 58mm Classic SD or a 58mm Midnight Manager on my key ring and my minimalist 84mm Bantam (economy model without scale tools ) in my pocket, so having a Leatherman multi tool on hand in the office was a real boon. The modern variants of the Leatherman seem to have improved somewhat in capabilities over the original models but despite that I don't intend to buy one & if I was in need of a multi-tool I would pick one of Victorinox's Swiss Tools like the Swiss Tool Spirit MX Clip over a Leatherman
skeletool cx is my choice, love the look and design of it.
Carried a Sidekick for a few years and went for a Wave+ a year ago and it’s just so capable. Has its downsides and things I’d change but overall it really is a great tool.
The sidekick is my everyday carry, love the tools it comes with and the spring action pliers…
@@Kingswoods140 there have been very few times I’ve wished for the spring pliers. But when I have? Oh boy have I missed them.
A few words on the Signal? Love the videos, well done!
The Wave + is my favorite. Thanks for the comparison video. I enjoyed it.
the Leatherman Super Tool 300 is my favorite.
I've had my Leatherman Wave for years, what a multi tool. I made the terrible mistake of letting a old Radio Ham borrow it for the Screwdriver while at a Radio Rally and he buggered off with it. Never to be seen again, absolutely gutted. Hence why I'm here, looks like I'll be buying the Wave+ thanks for your help! All the best, Doc GlowGadgets 😉
I’m a carpenter and I catty the Leatherman P2 since it came out. It is the best Leatherman for the type of work that I make.
The gold-plated leatherman trophy is very cool!
I used to EDC a Wave + but it just felt like a brick in the pocket, so now he lives in my backpack as a tool for anything that needs doing. Now I went a little cheaper and EDC a Rebar which definitely seems to sit in the pocket a bit lighter not to mention I threw some cord through the lanyard ring so I can easily drag it out of my back pocket.
Bought my Wave in 2003 and it’s still going strong!
I have carried a Wave or Surge every day for over 20 years, a deep pocket carry clip is a must!
So, after seeing this one, I think I did well with the Rebar at half the cost of the Wave. But I think I will get the Micro, just because of the scissors. I’ve got room in my pockets for that. I love the light weight of the Rebar. Small means it will travel with me, large and heavy means it stays home.
Cheers!
I just bought the p2 for work, and I like it so much I made it my EDC.
Iv had a leatherman wave for allmost 13 years now, returned it to leatherman a few weeks ago and got the wave plus in return.
I have all of them on your list bar the surge,
As for edc I carry a folding knife on myself but other tools are located either on vehicle key chains or vehicles themselves, you don't forget them that way.
For me, number one is the Surge which I am using from last 8 years
The Dutch police standard issue multitool is a Wave+ with the serrated blade / seatbelt cutter combo from the Charge+ and an awl instead of the can opener. Not sure if they cobbled it together themselves using replacement parts, or if the very large order (I'd wager some 45k units) allowed them to have it custom made by Leatherman. IMO the only thing missing for a first responder is a window breaker.
They sell the glass breaker bit separately that you can put in the bit slot.
Early !! Seriously the wave is my all time favourite pliars based tool carry it camping because it’s very useful I have a wingman, squirt pS4 and rebar fantastic tools made in the good ol USA
100% agree on the Skeletool CX. For me key, it is the only one too have a reasonable option to have Philips, flathead, and two Torx. For tough work I use the surge with rachet, metal saw, wood saw and a micro flash light. If I would find a multitool with a bitholder (Torx for me), flathead and Philips I would consider swapping the Skeletool CX. Any single handed ideas are welcome. Lucky living in Switzerland.
I like the Leatherman Rebar and Super Tool 300. But, I detest the models with the slimmed down bits. They are only good if you want to strip the heads of Phillips and hex screws. YMMV
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and this list. I have, and have had one or two Leatherman Tools over the years. I have never been disappointed. Unless maybe one could be said to be disappointed when a particular tool was discontinued...
I have found I might use say, the Rebar more daily and the Wave for long trips; I have one that lives in my vehicle. One tool might be better suited in one place over another.
I've been carrying this leatherman wave every day for 25 years now. I've worn out 3 sheaths, but the tool despite constant use is still in perfect shape. I don't like the wave+ nearly as much. Wish I could get another just like this one though.
Hello Jonathan - a very nice overview, thanks! I still have my New Wave ( gen.2) which is still going strong...the only difference between the NW & the W+, is the W+ has replaceable cutters & a crimper at the base of the pliers...we also complain about the price increases on this side of the pond, especially since the QC is not consistent...we commiserate with our European brothers & sisters as the mailing charges & entirely unreasonable tool & blade laws add insult to injury....
Thanks for the feedback Edgar
Excellent overview Jon. While I’m more familiar w/Victorinox multi-tools, I wouldn’t mind owning a Leatherman or two so I appreciate this overview. 🙏🏻
I think if you already carry a SAK, the Skeletool CX makes the most sense as an addition. I've had a Wave but between the Skeletool, my SAK Hiker, and a Mora companion it doesnt get carried much. I can almost always come up with a more convenient and serviceable combination for any adventure.
I have the 1st gen wave and still carry it everyday. Absolutely outstanding. I broke the jaws on my first wave by jamming the tips into a nut on a chop saw and trying to turn it sideways to free it up by using a wrench on the wave. The lateral force broke the jaw. Deserved to break them for being an idiot. I have had the replacement pair since then. If you use them right they won't let you down. I have had the replacement pair for well over 20 years. Best tool purchase ever if you figure how often they have been used through the years.
Did they cover that under warranty or did you just buy another wave? Heard there's a 25year warranty but not sure if they would cover that or not, I ended up breaking the tips off my surge pliers but I just ground the tips down so they weren't all jagged and uneven. Look pretty good and function fine but I was curious if they might send some replacement pliers out.
@@Lithium023
The Leatherman warranty is terrific.
It is now listed as 25 years .
But they always take care of their products , even damaged tools .
That is one reason to love them ..
I know it would be kind of a change of pace as far as your videos go but I (and I’m sure the other entrepreneurs who follow you) would love to see a video dedicated entirely to your history as a business owner, your stores, the lessons you learned along the way, tips for other business owners, unique things about owning a business specifically in the UK, etc.
Great video though as always Jon; I appreciate the work you put into all of your content.
👍. Skeletool started my edc and leatherman collection. However please the bond… open the blade, close the tool. Locked blade. Lifted. The end. Don’t argue with…..
So just to drop my two cents as somebody who owns a crunch, skeletool, surge, wave, and squirt, I have to mention that the crunch is really cool, but I feel the bottle opener (cap lifter) function sucks, just as a warning to others. Only other thing I feel compelled to say is that I don't fully see why you prefer the micra to the squirt since I haven't found a standard edc situation where the squirt's scissors wasn't up to the task, but have had many situations where not having a small pair of pliers would have left me in a bind.
I own one of the originals in leather case when they first started. And a Wave.
I'm a plumber and the crunch is a great tool for that trade, I'm on my third, first was stolen, 2nd got replaced under warranty.
I still have my leatherman wave bought for me by my then to be wife and her parents, it is still the most treasured and used thing I have, not to mention the most reliable tool I’ve owned 😊
I'm a leatherman user (event technician) since 1995 under tough circumstances. A supertool 20. It's still existand.
I bought myself a new rebar knifeless!
Riminds me on my supertool 200!
Much more compact without the knifes and weight reduced!
I'm carrying a separate knife (benchmade bugout) anyway.
i myself just bought a leatherman wave + but if i could change one thing about it, it would be to get rid of the saw on the outside tools and replace it with a good pair of big scissors similar to the wingman and in place of the scissors original place i would have an awl or room for a built in pocket clip.
My surge still has the tiny exchangeble bit and i do use it sometimes but i only use it as a backpack tool for it's weight. I prefer the skeletool as it is fairly light and still has the most important tools. I wasn't a fan of serated knives until i had that skeletool, tuns out that the serations were the perfect size for cutting the outer insulation of the cables i worked with.
love my wave+ I have it in a small kit with the bits kit and with a thrunite ti flashlight and the ratchet driver 👌
I really like the Micra and my Signal, always with me, the signal is never in the top when people talk about Leatherman but i'm very happy with it
Agree completely that the Skeletool is the best for EDC if you don’t frequently encounter needs for heavy duty pliers. Sadly, I recently lost my first generation Skeletool CX (with the carbon fiber, which I thought made the tool look more refined) and had to spend the $90 to replace it with the generation 2. It’s worth it to have such a versatile tool, especially when combined with the bit driver extender and some Wiha bits.
I recently got a wave+, my skeletool cx lives in my around the house EDC now (aka my robe pocket). How did you lose yours? My guess is you were using the pocket clip and it came out and you didn't notice it.. because the pocket clips are horrible on these.
@@NaturalBornGriller That’s probably how it happened. Went back to target to see if anyone found it. Was also at a relative’s house that day. Might be in their couch for all I know. Will have to check the next time I visit. If it turns up I will be ecstatic. I’d had it for nine years and it was well broken in. Didn’t realize how much until I opened up the new one.
@@rustybarrel516 rough man, I took my pocket clip off after dropping it in a parking lot. I was running to hop in my car after leaving the commuter train.. I was 2 blocks away when I felt for it, then remembered the 'tink tink tink' of it hitting the ground in the parking lot. U turn, got it back - still have it to this day
I carry a victorinox explorer and a crunch as my EDC though I'm considering getting a knifeless rebar to make my carry legal. I love the functionality of the crunch though and mole grips are always good to have on me as I ride a motorbike. They're very useful if you drop the bike and break a lever as you can clamp the on the the stump that's left to get you home.
The best multitools, sad that I couldn't buy from India,.but I see many local stores try to replicate these designs but most of the time I dont it handle single hand handling. So I started collecting the models close enough to the leatherman collections.
From the list I would pick the surge model even though its from 2nd in the list, i feel its best over all.❤
I carry a leatherman surge daily on a dairy farm in Michigan. It’s a workhorse. I’ve had it for a few years, and am about to send it in for some warranty work. I hear they’d warranty operation is top notch.
I got a supertool 300 as a present. Very very useful, but I discovered for my day to day job, a simple, quick accessible knife suffices. If I would've gotten the wave, that was that, but now I got a small böker knife in my pocket and my supertool in my backpack
I've had a leatherman wingman for several years and love it. I use it at least every couple of days for some job or another around the house. Maybe not quite as premium as all these ones but it has never failed once. No denying even lower model leathermans (or is it leathermen?) are still head and shoulders above the rest in terms of quality.
Can’t fathom why the Wingman isn’t on this list. I have EDC’d it for over 10 yrs., Wore it for work as a FF and use it daily. The name was a perfect fit. Like a good wingman it won’t let you down and is always by ur side( or in ur pocket)
Awesome video good sir! Now I want a micra! My edc is the skeletool cx. I also have the charge + g10 and the signal. Lastly I keep the sidekick for its spring loaded pliers I use for my wire mobile sculptures. I wanted to buy my wife the skeletool, but maybe the micra is a more useful edc option for her bag.
Great reviews. Small annotation - one hand opening alone isn't a legal problem in Germany. Only when the blade has a locking mechanism, things get problematic - just as in the UK.
The combination of one-hand opening in combination with the locking blade is problematic for legal carrying in Germany, only one of the features is fine. Therefore, the Spyderco UKPK is quite popullar in Germany as well as the leatherman wave+ 2h
Great list. I agree with your #1, the wave is my EDC since 2008
The first Leatherman I bought was the Surge. It is truly beastly, so much so that I don't carry it! I have a small kit in a Vanquest pouch I built around the Surge that I keep in my 4Runner.
What I do carry everyday is a Wave (not the Wave+) that was my second Leatherman. I found a nice holster from Clip & Carry and the Wave carries very easily on my 1.5" web belt. The Wave gets used almost everyday.
Beware, though, that the Wave will pinch the #%%^ out of you if you get a bit of your palm between the backs of the blades when using the pliers. I have had blood blisters twice, accompanied by an appropriate amount of atmospheric ionization from my vocal response to said pinch.
I keep a pair of Mechanix gloves in my kit for those times I'm doing much with the Wave.
Great list. Thanks.
Great videos well done
Be safe all my good fellas,
That gold leatherman is so cool. A very belated congratulations on your award! 🎉
Wonderful and informative video, good sir! You earned my subscription and a thumbs up. Just wanted to put my 2 cents in and say the Leatherman Free P2 became my all time favorite multitool BUT I did choose to void the warranty by replacing the Phillips and flathead screwdrivers
with an aftermarket, exchangeable bit driver that worked with BOTH Leatherman skinny driver bits and standard 1/4 inch driver bits. Which I ordered online for about $25 and, in my opinion, that made the Free P2 far more useful and my favorite multitool. For about 3 months, until I dropped it into a lake while fishing. If the water wasn't freezing cold, I would have dove in after it. Alas, Cochiti lake claimed my favorite multitool for the fish to awe at, as it still sits on the bottom of the lake. Sad day indeed.
surprised the wingman isn't on this list. have been using mine for years. such a great tool.
Great Video ! I love my sidekick it was given to me as a gift when I left the Military great tool to carry !
My favorite compact multitool is Juice S2 and large multitool is Victorinox Swisstool. I knew about the UK laws, but not about Germany's. For a knife collector like me it would suck. I'm so glad we have no rules and there are also no stabbings or shootings.
Juice range was great, love Spirit X
I've used the Surge for a few years everyday as a water treatment plant operator/fireman and I'd say it comes out of my pocket 12-20 times a day minimum. Couldn't be happier with a multi-tool.
I am aiming to buy one too. Do you see any signs of corrosion on your Surge?
@@warhammer90000 Sorry for the late reply. I bought the all black version of the surge and the only wear sign is my own fault. I used the small flat blade screw driver bit as a pry bar and chipped the end. I did however, fix it on a grinder wheel to make it flat again. I would recommend the surge to my grave, given I've had it for 3 years and not sharpened it once and only cleaned and oiled it. I will buy another one if this one fails in 2 decades. No idea. Might out-live me. It's definitely a buy it once product.
@@DerekFletcher1 I have the surge now and I am pretty happy with it
and yes, it will definitely outlive me haha
The knife restriction reminder every model really makes me appreciate living in America.
Yeah, I've met Americans that wont come to Canada because of our BS gun laws, which I've always thought was a bit crazy... however, the sour taste I'd get from visiting a country where my multi-tool is illegal would be very similar.
I still have and use my original Wave, and I still think it's more elegant than any of the current range. There is nothing in the newer models I find compelling enough to make me retire the original Wave.
Wave+ has been my EDC for 3 years - it’s my favorite piece of multi tool swag. Also some of the best for specific situations; Leatherman Signal is the only logical choice specifically for camping/adventuring. And the Style PS is a little TSA compliant Leatherman making it the only choice for EDCO (every day carry on 😜)
Thanks Jon, great run down and list. Seems to me you were a trail blazer in the EDC business with so many stores. I still have and love my original Leatherman.
Replace micra with Style PS, and it's a perfect list 👌. The old Micra tools cut well..but modern Micras don't cut well for some wierd reason.
How weird Dom! I prefer big scissors over the pliers 😊
Excellent presentation!
Well done!
I would love a skeletool with a diamond file rather than a blade. I always have a pocket knife. So, with a file, the skeletool would give me everything I needed!
i got the surge, would not trade it for anything, it's best combination of tools for my needs.
I carried and owned four Skeletool CX. Lost one have one away. Keep on in my camping pack. Carried one for years. I switched to the Signal a few months ago just to test it. I like it. It's not much larger or heavier then the Skeletool, I don't really notice it but I'll probably switch back at some point.
I prefer the Skeletool over almost any pocket knife. Feels like a "normal" pocket knife but is WAY more useful.
The standard is ok but I think the 420hc is garbage steel for what Leatherman charges. The CX has far superior 154cm. I think it's worth the price.
Thanks for sharing. Good to hear 👍
@@JonGadget Thank you! And thank you for your informative videos!