@@cheeseswears fair point. I mentor on a robotics team. I am not a fan of multi tool pliers, nor am I a fan of the blades on the sak. These multitools just give us the worst of everything in a very expensive package 📦
I am in my fifties. I started out with a Swiss Army Knife as a kid and at the time I thought it was the most awesome thing that any human being could possibly carry in their pocket. Over several decades I was taught that "pen knives" and "stainless steel" was bad. Stick tangs or rat-tail tangs are also horrible....apparently I then learned that "full tang" is the only way to go. I am now older and wiser, and less influenced by marketing from companies trying to sell me some magical sintered steel. Swiss Army Knives are the best "weight-to-utility" solution on the planet. The Swiss Army Knife is the Zippo of knives. (although its business model is not reliant on smoking, most knives can open a bottle of wine, and frankly... they have a better build quality of anything Ive seen.)
I like the handyman. It's small enough, light enough that I can throw it in any pocket in any outfit and it doesn't stand out. I have a wave too, but it's basically twice as heavy, not always convenient to carry.
Swiss Champ for me. I carry mine for over 7 years now. Traveled over the world with me and got in handy more times than I can remember. My wife used to laugh and calling me MacGyver. Now she has 3 Swiss Army knives herself. (As for the magifier glass. I used it to remove splinters. using the parcel hook to set if upwards on the table. Having both my hands free.)
Great review. I also have both and have just ordered a replacement Swiss Champ - had the current one for about 16 years and is my preferred EDC due to weight and the number of tools I use everyday. The Wave is something that travels with me in the car or when out camping for the reasons you have mentioned. Both great multitools. Subbed.
I have carried my Swisschamp for 6 years now, and for an office job and urban use, it can't be beat, but if I was going to be doing some hard work, I put on my Swisstool, I would recommend you check one out, the pliers are superior and the fit and finish is superior to any Leatherman I have used. Also, the corkscrew on the Swisschamp is great for untying knots, and they do make mini ferro rods that can go in the corkscrew too. Good video regardless!
This just me and my experience but i find the corkscrew works too well as sometimes it will puncture the cordage so i use the philips driver instead. The corkscrew can untie knots, just gotta be careful. The corkscrew can go into soft wood and can just hang around or pick up a small log. Theres many videos showing think-outside-the-box hacks for each tool.
I used the small screwdriver blade (on the back of my Swiss Champ) to undo a knot in a triangular bandage in y first aid class today. the corkscrew was too curly; never thought of the philips driver!
There is the Cyber Tool L, which is a Swiss Champ, but replaces the magnifying glass and fish scaler with a some bits. As far as the bigger knives go, there's actually 4: The Swiss Champ XLT, the Swiss Champ XXL, the Swiss Champ XXLT, and the Swiss Champ XAVT. The XXL, XXLT, and XAVT are aimed at collectors.
From personal experiences. My swiss champ has fixed my firearms,whipper, chainsaws, household items, kids toys, appliances you name it.... my wave is good but it can't and hasnt done nearly the same amount of jobs the swiss champ has done. Only thing that's better is a little stronger blade and pliers but if u need pliers u might aswell go get real pliers with insulated handles if ur doing electrical. Aswell swiss champ has better tools scissors, file, awl, needle,tweezers,pen etc. and none of the screwdrivers get lost or fall out like the wave
Yep and if you want pliers for serious heavy duty twisting/torquing (which you shouldn't do with folding multitool pliers) as well as easy use on nuts and bolts, buy a pair of Knipex Cobras, to carry together with your Swisschamp. The 2 together are still less bulky and heavy than a LM Wave.
Man, sometimes you just need a pair of tweezers, scissors and a pen. Love my Leatherman but I always carry a midnite manager and most days a Sak on my back pocket too. The leatherman usually goes on my bag but rarely seem any use (its pretty cool though😂).
I use and own both Leatherman and Victorinox knives/tools. It depends on the need, but I normally carry a Wave Plus if I have to work at a mechanical workshop, or for DIY and small repair jobs at home. On the other hand, for daily life and hiking I find Victorinoxs to be more practical and offer a better range of tools, for more general/daily purposes (I own many their models, from a small Mini Champ to have on a key chain, up to the big Swisstool Spirit, and anything in between like the Huntsman or Forester). For example I would love to see again a cork screw on a Leatherman, like they used to have on their old Juice XE6 model (I own one, and it's a shame it was discontinued: it's almost a mid size Victorinox killer).
Very different choices, the Leatherman multi tool design is best for actual an work day using a belt carry pouch. The SAK is best for me in the smaller models but always with a cork screw,( Waiter at the small end and Climber at the top) for EDC. Fun video, Thumbs up and subscribed
So I made a decision about 9 months ago or so. I had a custom pouch made for my SAK 33 (Swiss Champ) and my leathermen surge. With my other EDC items on my belt, I found I could only carry one of them effectively. The Swiss Champ has been winning the always on me award for the year. The pen, the toothpick, the bottle opener, the scissors, even the scaled-down pliers are so useful. I also attach an olight flashlight to the keychain thing whatever it is called. I do love the surge, but I find I almost never find myself in a position where the Champ can't get the job done.
ETSY for sheaths, fyi. I had a custom one created for each tool. Plus I carry a main knife as well, so the little knives on the Champ aren't a problem.
@@mooseoxtank I too carry a main knife and Knipex Cobra XS, as well as the Swisschamp, so I also have seriously capable heavy duty pliers which can function as a capable wrench.
I carried a Swiss Champ in a belt sheath for a long time. I used it for a lot of different things. Eventually, it ended up in my range bag. Then I picked up a used Leatherman Wave at a place I used to work. That ended up in the range bag until recently. Since I carry another general-purpose knife for cutting purposes I decided to start carrying the Wave. It also helps that I started wearing Wrangler Cargo pants with a generous watch pocket that the Wave and a few other things fit well in. For some time now I have considered the SAK Swiss Champ as a knife with a variety of tools on it and I consider the Leatherman to be a multi-tool that has a knife blade on it. Both have their strong points and weak ones. Both are pretty awesome things to have on you.
Today I have a Victorinox Work Champ and a Leatherman Signal. Work Champ is in my backpack (EDC), and Signal is in my pocket. They have different tools, although both of them have a saw, they make a perfect combo. I select Signal to be in my pocket because it is thinner than the Work Champ and it comes with a pocket clip. Also, if an Armageddon happens, I have a survival tool with me 😅
@@konnorwerth4906 Not going to happen anytime soon. The native English, Scottish, Welsh & Irish peoples are not the ones being "stab happy". We are however seeing even more migrants from lands where knives are tools secondary.
@@adamkane7513 here in the USA I can carry my 6” buck 119 on my belt if I want or even a dang machete not that I would but I could I keep my buck in my bag with a leatherman for when I’m doing anything outdoors I do though carry a Swiss Army knife and a small buck the 102 woodsman on my belt if I’m wearing pants
1:17 Hi! I also did the same, and have both, and have used them for years, errr decades! 3:17 Tiny screwdriver - the Champ does of course have its own tiny driver inside the corkscrew, but it's only a flat driver. On the other hand I have never seen spectacles with Philips screws, so it never bothered me. 4:35 Pliers - the Wave wins hands down on this one! It's interesting to hear you are on your third Wave (and it's a beaut!). Some years ago I broke the tip off my pliers, and took some other damage as well. It took it in to the knife shop (back in South Africa - I'm now in UK) and it came back virtually brand new! For free! It did not cost me a cent! 6:00 Saws - I see that Leatherman have upped their game and their saw is now nearly the same size. However, there is nothing that cuts even nearly as well as the Victorinox saw! It's a double cut saw (both directions) while the Wave saw appears to cut only on the pull stroke. I have never seen a saw review that has the Wave the winner. Clear winner here. 6:59 Scissors - ditto with the scissors! SAK the clear winner. 9The scissors on my Wave (an early model) is a joke, and I never use it. Much too fiddly and flimsy. 7:30 - blades. OK here it gets interesting. I really like the Wave blade shape and I like using it, especially where a sharp, narrow point is required. For general cutting the SAK blade is adequate. I have a distinct aversion for serrated blades and the one on my Wave is particularly annoying. I find it almost impossible to sharpen to a keen edge. The locking thing is not that important for me, but the one on the Wave is nice, I must admit. 9:00 Pouch - both of mine have belt pouches, with the SAK one having way more stuff, while the Wave contains only the tool. It's amazing how similarly we see these two tools! The way I use them is that, around the house/office, the Wave is generally more useful (pliers especially) while for outdoors type work I would default to the Champ, especially the awesome saw! There is, however, no way I would not have them with me on any adventure. They are both excellent tools and tops in their fields. Thanks for a very balanced and objective review.
For their size, the pliers on the Champ are excellent. Sure, they’re not going to be able to handle as big tasks but for smaller stuff they’re great and very precise.
Great video! I have both: Wave along with the champ. My personal opinion is I very much prefer my Champ over the wave. The #2 Phillips on the champ is far more superior (IMO) and the pliers are great I have used them to take out splinters, cactus from leather shoes, and taken screws out of walls. It’s my EDC every time I leave the house. I use it as it is intended but sometimes it does do well as a light hammer. The wake I dropped when I was on a ladder and the bits no longer stay when I need them to. I would say keep one on you and the other close by 🤦🏻♂️
It might pointed out that in germany Victorinox is legal to carry but 1 hand openable blades as Leatherman Wave are not legal to carry around see german weapon law $42a. If you're controlled you need to give police an acceptable reason to be allowed carrying those blades in a unlocked box/bag (craftman, camping gear). I now carry a similar swiss army knife (6 layer 7+6 tools) in my pocket and a leatherman plier multitool clone (with bit set) in my daily bag pack. For special purposes (camping, outdoor trecking) I always have the possibility to add a bigger blade knife from my kitchen.
Great review but I’m betting that any working man who’s carried the Wave on his belt everyday for years knows that the Swiss Champ offers nowhere near the utility. However for bushcraft/outdoor purposes the Champ offers the magnifying glass (which w/ minimal practice will absolutely yield fire) and even though the saw doesn’t lock, it’s longer and affords a straighter cut & kerf. When I hit the trail, if the Champ is part of my emergency gear WORN ON MY PERSON, we are golden. On the job? Give me the Wave 365 days per year.
Good point, no doubt that full size pliers are stronger, but in my opinion the Swisschamp's pliers are not to be dismissed. From experience (deluxe Tinker) they are great at getting into tight spots and pulling out small stuff from tight spaces or holes, also picking up hot objects. Wave pliers have an excellent needlenose point, but the tool's bulk sometimes prevents it from being used in tight spaces. Still awesome though.
Great Video! I've got several Swiss Champs and Leatherman models (Charge Ti and Surge+, and more). I always bring a Swiss Champ and Leatherman whenever I travel or camp. Victorinox sells (or did) a nice durable Black Cordura Velcro Flap closure pouch perfectly sized for the Swiss Champ. The pouch accepts the Swiss Champ end in and vertically so that it lies flatter and is positioned thinner rather than thicker as compared to any of the pocket clips I have seen (yours included). These pouches are what I have mine in. Regarding the Swiss Champ's Magnifier, I have never had an issue with any of mine. The lens is ideally positioned for perfectly viewing a magnified splinter or glass shard when the Swiss Champ is rested against the affected finger, hand, foot, on the side scale farthest from the lens! Plus, it may be used on a sunny day to get a fire going.
The Champ brings me joy. It's a nostalgic thing. On my farm i edc a Charge (for the pliers) but everywhere else is the Champ. But IMHO opinion they're different categories.
Great video thanks. I EDC the SAK Handyman with the SAK Mini Champ that has a pen and light. Never leave home with out a SAK. But at times I carry my Leatherman Rebar to. At times I EDC my CyberTool 34 next to my Champion plus as they are the same thickness and fit into the one 2 inch wide sheath. Together they have everything the Swiss Champ has with a little redundancy. They both fit comfortably in my hand as they are same width as my Handyman SAK. But they say two is one and one is none. I always EDC carry at least one Swiss Army knife that has a FireFly ferro rod in place of the tooth pick. Usually I am with my truck that has tools like real plyers so I can get away with the Handyman only on a daily bases for EDC. I carry a magnifying card, credit card size, in my wallet for EDC but I like the SAK as it is is stronger at magnifying and helps a lot when my reading glasses are not enough. You can get a new magnifying glass if you send your Swiss Champ to factory possibly still covered under warranty. I always have a Spyderco or Cold Steel locking knife for EDC so my Victorinox do not need to. My choices are always both and or all of them. Like being prepared.
I have yet to need industrial pliers in the bush but often need something rust free and precision pliers that can pull splinters or even help sew with speed.
Not just a sak fan but i carry more my saks than any plier based multitools. Though plier based ones like leathermans and gerbers are excellent, i always gravitate to my vsak cuz i use knives more than pliers. Depending on the days outlook too, I'll even carry an sak with less tools with a few tools i like to have like for example hiker or huntsman.
My 2 cents! I personally use a Swiss Army Knife as my EDC it's simple lightweight and has most of what I would need, however I don't live a "Blue Collar" lifestyle, so a harder impact tool aren't necessary. I have so used multiple Multi-tools both Leatherman and Gerber, I love the practical tools and Plyers are the biggest selling point for anyone. I plan on getting a Leatherman for my own personal use and a Gerber for my car. It all comes down to how you live your life and how hard you live your life, I live a simple city live and have no immediate need for a Leatherman, but if you work hard I suggest the Leatherman but I reality.. I suggest you get both... they are good and bad for different reasons.
Leathermen are great if you constantly need a heavier duty pliers. But aside from that, they are not pocket friendly and most people are not into carrying a pouch on their belt. The Swiss Champ is big and heavier than other SAK but they can be easily carried in the change pocket / 5th pocket of pants. With that said, I have carried the SAK Champ and the Leatherman Super Tool 300. I find the Swiss Champ a much useful tool for EDC / everyday carry. The magnifying glass is very useful for me as I find myself using it to read fine print on cooking instructions and things like dates on coins and other fine print on knives and other engraved items.
If you need really heavy duty indestructible pliers go for Knipex Cobra, even the XS. They're forged and are intrinsically stronger than any folding pliers, which are only as strong as the weakest part, i.e. the pivot between handles and plier head. There are vids of guys standing on Knipex Cobra XS pliers in the air (the jaws are locked onto a nut sticking out of a wall). If you put a Leatherman of any type on the floor with the pliers out, and stand on the top handle, it will in all probability break. I carry the Swisschamp together with Knipex Cobra XS, as well as a folder for serious cutting. Still less bulky and weighs less than the Wave.
@@SubUrbanNinja-EDC Cool! My preferred folder as of late is a Spyderco too, the Urban. Made in Maniago, the knifemaking capital of Italy, from Austrian Boehler N690 steel. I'm in the UK so have to opt for a non-locking model but I love the finger choil in their designs (also on locking models oddly) which makes it almost impossible to close on your fingers by accident. I clip it to my right outer pocket, with the Swisschamp in my coin pocket. My Knipex sit a bit deeper in my outer pocket, actually held in a leather case for an iPod Nano! US design, Italian craftsmanship, Austrian metallurgy, German engineering and forging, and Swiss precision engineering, all in my right pocket.
Great video thanks. Maybe you can find a thin button compass that could be crazy glued in the the frame of your missing magnifiing glass on your SAK. Maybe they could replace the complete magnifying glass if you mailed knife to Victoronox in Switzerland
I have retired and so is my super tool 300 with the bit set but I do keep it. I prefer my swiss champ since I mainly camp and fish no need for beefy pliers while doing so. plus I can make fire with it.
But isn't Victorinox made with softer steel compared to the Leatherman? I have used Leatherman for the past 5 years, I like shiny things and tools. Had a black Surge one time and almost lost it in the woods when it got dark. I find it crazy how people get black oxide multitools when they're not even in the military because it looks cool then end up losing them. because they set it down someplace and forget about it while they're out in the wilderness. I have never lost a silver leatherman because it's so shiny I can see it in the dark even without a flashlight. I use my Wave every day. Might get the Surge again but in silver this time!
Victorinox use a special type of steel that they feel gives the best balance between utility and sharpness, and being able to sharpen the knife under less than optimal conditions, and they have stuck to that formula. When sharpening them I find the Leatherman needs more work, but does take a very keen edge. The SAK takes an acceptable edge and is quick and easy to sharpen. One has to understand these differences and learn to live with them. Blade steel choice almost always comes down to this difference. The video above does a good job of evaluating these two tools.
I always thought the cork screw was kind of an inside joke to celebrate having a drink after you survived an emergency and gotten back to civilization but it does have a few good uses in the field, notably to use as a way to loosen a knot and to use as a way to anchor a big chunk of wood to carry back to camp 😅 I am a bit bummed out that your magnifying glass popped out, i was hoping to have it as a means to light a fire if need be. The only reason i wanted the champ was for the pliers and the magnifying glass, im not sure how i feel about the size, though i am tempted to buy one still.
That’s an interesting thought. Hadn’t occurred to me. Although, I’m afraid the new one would just pop out again and I’d be in an endless cycle of sending them back just for a magnifying glass.
@@TheRealOutdoors I hope it will not be an cycle of replacing the knife ^^ I watched a bunch of videos over the last days and wanted to decide between the wave 2-hand and the swiss champ. I pulled the trigger on the swiss champ today (have it here with me right now). Not sure when I will be able to use it outside, but I'll definitely try the magnifying glas out then. You video helped, thanks :)
The corkscrew can be really useful if you need "tool reach". If you need to get fruit or a Frisbee out of s tree...you can make a starter hole with the awl at the end of a long stick/branch and then corkscrew the whole tool into the branch. Then open the saw or knife and youll have a cutting tool at the end of a long stick. I also used the can opener on the end of a stick to retrieve an rc car that fell into a curb gutter.
There are also firestarting tools that can be swapped out for the toothpick and also kept in the corkscrew. My preference is for the swiss champ but both are great.
I’ve been using the Wave+ for two years now and I love it. The file snapped last year and earlier this week the scissor handle snapped when I dropped it. I’m finding it really hard to get replacement parts in the UK (at a reasonable price as the two parts will come close to buying a brand new one) so I’m at a crossroads whether to buy another one or move onto a Victorinox. The pliers on the leatherman are excellent and that’s my driving point but I don’t want to buy another one and it breaks again.
@@TheRealOutdoors I'm very surprised to hear that about the Leatherman. I was under the impression the dealers who sell them are generally very helpful in getting the item to the right people for repairs. I've sent mine away for what turned out to be a complete rebuild, at no cost whatsoever! Message to HW: Maybe you should contact an online shop called Heinie Haynes Knives, who I'm sure would be able to give you a definitive answer. Those guys are awesome!
@@dennisleighton2812 same experience here in the Netherlands I dropped my Surge and broke the screwdriver. I wanted it repaired but got a new one free So I bought the charge TTI I thought i was too expensive but with that warranty it is 💯 worth it Lifetime tools
My wave goes camping with me, my champ is my fishing knife. There the magnifying glass is just the thing to inspect knots and the pliers ar just the thing for manipulating hooks etc. Oh and i've had my champ for 30+ years at this rate I fully expect to hand it down ;-)
I would have got the Handyman but I just had to have the inline Phillips so went for the Swisschamp. I don't mind the extra magnifying glass and scaler which I didn't really want. I carry the Swisschamp to supplement a folder and Knipex Cobra XS, it's drivers and scissors alone justify carrying it in my 5th pocket, never mind all the other tools, poking and prodding implements it provides.
I Found that the choice is what you are more comfortable with because some people are leatherman people and some people are swiss army knife People I've found out that the best swiss army to carry outdoors is explorer which carries most of the tools you will need while staying lightweight because Champ is to big and bulky and if you prefer a main blade to lock in place then the S 17 is a good choice and similar to the huntsman
Great review, either one is great. For me, any task is a decision, can I make do with what I have in my pocket or do I need to walk back to my truck or workshop for the real tool. Before practical, usable multi-tools became available in the 80s/90's, guys would generally just carry pocket knives and if they needed anything more, it was a trip to the tool box. First time I ever heard of the earliest Leatherman was late 80's (although they were around before that) and the Swisschamp came out I think in '85.
Good review of two mighty fine tools. Like you, I made it easy on myself and just purchased both. FWIW, the pliers on the Swisschamp are indeed not the greatest, but they certainly have their place and have helped me out many times. Also, unbeknownst to some, between the plier heads (just above the pivot point/center bolt) there is a wire cutter. It can cut up to 1.5mm wire fairly easily. Likewise, just underneath the plier head pivot point, is a wire crimper. Two very useful features that often get overlooked. Anyway, again, great review. Keep it up.
I often carry my Swisschamp together with a pair of Knipex Cobra XS, and a separate folder, at the moment the Spyderco Urban. The 3 together can get a lot of work done.
Tweezers and magnifying glass is perfect for removing splinters. The lack of heavy duty locking tools makes me keep the sak in the truck and wear my leatherman wave on my hip.
disagree on the magnifying glass being useless. wish it was bigger but is nice to have when you need to get a better view of something in the field. Usually more personal care type stuff, but still.
Oh bro no no no lol ... the magnifying glass is king ! I'm so shocked yours failed. I've practiced long and hard and can now get a fire going without needing anything but wood shavings and sun. Mine is 6x mag and I enjoy checking out weird bugs while hiking as well lol. Another unique feature is my champ has a digital clock, alarm, temperature and flashlight. But there's one more secret ? My champ was custom made in the factory by my friend so its very very rare lol Thanks heaps for your video 🤗
Truly, they are not really comparable items but they do have some "overlap". The Swiss Army knife is...well... a knife first and foremost. Later and larger versions added features shared by the Leatherman tool but it is a knife. The Leatherman Wave is a pair of pliers primarily with additional features. The names say it all Knife for one and Multitool for the other. Really, if you are leaning towards a multitool, then you should be comparing the Wave with the SwissTool. These are very handy in a "small jobs around the home" sense but if you plan on using the item for recreational /camping/roughing it in the wilds... the Swiss army knife is the choice (especially the larger ones like the Swiss Champ, but NOT those XXL, XAVT etc. behemoths that are just too damned big and expensive to be practical). Fun to own and display if you have the spare cash to lay out (I have a collection of Swiss Army Knives, including a couple so big they would make good book-ends!). Why choose between them at all? I carry a Leatherman Charge Titanium AND the Swiss Army "Swiss Champ" that I bought more than 30 years ago! In terms of quality of construction, I would have to give Victorinox the nod but in no way does that suggest that Leatherman is crap. Far from it.
I have questions... Why get a third Leatherman Wave? To have three of them or did the first two break? (Also, the SwissTool X Plus likely would be a more direct comparison - maybe that's going to be your next EDC.)
Thanks for the questions! The 3rd Wave was because I lost the other two. Both were sheath failures. I think I have that figured out with the Clip N Carry sheath (see video on my channel). As to the price difference, it's only about a $25-$30 difference here in the US. Still more for the Wave, but I also considered that one's a multi-tool and one's a pocket knife (even though the theoretical functions are very similar). The Wave definitely performs better with "heavier" work (not sure how to phrase it). I know this video is a bit older and I've found I almost never carry the Champ, anymore. I do need to check out the SwissTool. It was never a consideration, just because of my familiarity with the Wave.
Get the magnifying glass replaced, it's a warranty. Personally, as someone with poor vision, it's critical for me as a backup to reading glasses. It's not ideal, but I could read my phone which to send or read a text, or if I needed to read dosage instructions on a pill bottle or something.
Great, honest review. I'm a big fan of both Leatherman and Victorinox. I don't have a SwissChamp yet. Ordered one and they sent an Explorer by mistake so I returned it and still waiting on the Champ 😢 but I've carried Victorinox SAKs since I was young. Been carrying the Deluxe Tinker lately because I just had to check out the pliers and surprised to find I use them for more than you'd think. Light duty stuff of course but around home and away from work they're very useful at work...😮 I've always carried a Gerber or Leatherman multitool usually in a belt sheath. I'm a mechanic so I don't know how well the Victorinox pliers would hold up. That's why I carry the larger beefier multitool at work. They're all for quick stuff I know, maybe save a trip to the toolbox but at work I need the beefier pliers even if it's a quick job in most cases. Anyway great 👍 video I'll be back.
I got both and carry them interchangeably. The shape and the ruggedness of the blade on Wave appeals to me more. Other than the blade's locking mechanism on Wave and its pliers which really stand out, Swisschamp offers more options and I always feel the need to go back to the Swisschamp. It all comes down to personal preference. My Swisschamp is 10 years old, while the wave is just 3 :)
Swiss army ranger with key smart hanging pocket clip (makes the tool disappear in the pocket) and knipex 4inch cobras in the back pocket folded into a handkerchief (hanky is very useful, makes the pliers unnoticeable in the pocket and both fit behind a thin wallet in the same pocket.) that’s for urban carry, I suppose. I feel like if you’re “getting work done” and that’s why you need the bulk of a leather man than you should probably just grab some decent stand alone pliers. 10 bucks or less gets you better compact pliers than any leatherman. The things break just looking at em.
I've seen setups like this, before and wanted to try them out. Especially those Knipex pliers. I think they'd be much better than the Leatherman's pliers. I have another Swiss Army knife similar to the Ranger that I may try with this setup.
Man you're comparing pineapples with apricots. A fairer comparison is: Swisschamp vs LM Squirt PS4 since both are 5th pocket carries, and both cost around the same. Winner: hands down Victorinox. Also shockingly the prices where I am are more or less the same for both now. The Wave is comparable to a Victorinox Spirit or Swisstool, again that's no competition. The Swisschamp is not a one and done multitool for me. Recently I've been trying out carrying a folder - mostly Spyderco Urban - together with Knipex Cobra XS pliers. But I do use scissors a lot so I added a Victorinox Moneyclip to that, for it's small but capable scissors in a very slim compact package (plus I like the pocketclip)...but then I was missing at least a couple of drivers so I added to that a pocket folding bit driver with bit storage in it...but that pretty much filled up my 5th pocket, just like the Swisschamp! The Swisschamp already justifies it's real estate just for the 5 drivers and scissors...not taking into consideration the woodsaw which is beefier and longer than the one on my Rebar and I'm pretty sure the one on the Wave is no bigger or better than the Vic one, the file/hacksaw, and a whole host of other small tools and implements, including it's little pliers which are good for delicate jobs or fine work in tight spots. Remember I'm carrying forged Knipex Cobra XS which are 10x stronger than any Leatherman pliers. So as a supplementary little multitool with those 2 dedicated tools, I reckon I'm better equipped on every level than with a single pliers-based multitool. Also you can use different tools at the same time, in separate hands, e.g hold something with the Knipex whilst screwing or filing with the SAK. The Wave is pricey here in the UK, best price now is £110 ($136). I paid just £57 for my Swisschamp, £23 for my Knipex Cobra XS so that's £80, leaving £30 for a folder. Here it has to be non-locking for everyday carry, an ideal choice would be the Bokerplus Tech Tool 1, just a blade made from Sandvik 12C27, arguably better than Leatherman's 420, but there are plenty of other folders, locking and non locking which you can get for £30 which are better than the Wave's blade. Myself I overspent compared to the Wave, my Spyderco Urban cost £73 so the total cost of that setup is £153 but it's not about the money. The 3 items combined are less bulky and I think lighter than the Wave. Admittedly it lacks wire cutters.
It may be me being old school but I prefer Swiss army knifes over leathermans as I like simple and basic over a ton of tools the best Swiss army knives for me are the Spartan camper or hiker
I don't own a Wave so I can't compare the saws but in any case the Swisschamp saw (same as the one on my Hiker and Farmer) is certainly ''beefier'' as well as longer than that on my Rebar, I'd use ''beefy'' to refer to thickness rather than depth. Depth on saws is not an advantage and could actually be a disadvantage. I'd bet the saw on the Wave isn't thicker than the Victorinox ones. Also other Victorinox knives in 111mm and larger have even longer and thicker saw blades.
The saw is definitely better on the Champ than on the Wave, but I do like that the Wave saw will lock in place. I’ve been cut by those things before and it’s no fun.
@@TheRealOutdoors That's true, all the Wave tools are locking. Can't be fun being ''bitten'' by a saw on any SAK or multitool, those teeth are sharp! Surprisingly on 111mm SAKs like my Soldier (Trekker) the bottle opener locks, but the saw doesn't (although obviously the blade does).
@@robsinquefield9260 Thanks for confirming! As I said I don't know about the one on the Wave/Surge or Supertool (which I imagine is upscaled from the Rebar saw) but my Rebar saw is pretty flimsy, which is a shame as all the other tools on it are pretty good and robust, especially the Phillips driver which is way better than those on the Wingman/Sidekick and Free Series, as well as better than the half-profile Leatherman bits.
why not combine the traditional sak with a leatherman sryle and you get the best multitool (imho) on the planet, the swisstool. Been using it for almost 20 years and it is by far the better made product (i have owned several waves and a charge tti)
I bought a Wave and Swiss Champ for within $5 of each other used off ebay. I repair medical equipment, fix things aroudn the house, do my own car maintenance, camp, hunt, and "MacGyver" everyone's stuff at work. And the Wave sits in my car tool kit, while the Swiss Champ is on my hip, every day. Wave is too heavy for too few of tools, for the trade off of having better (not 'ideal') pliers.
Neither did mine. Thought I mentioned that in the video. Must’ve forgotten. I got it from Clip & Carry. Same company that made the sheath I reviewed in this video: Best Leatherman Sheath Clip & Carry Gear Review th-cam.com/video/6aJhZ__z7iY/w-d-xo.html
If you do not need large pliers buy Victorinox Swisschamp, if you need large pliers buy Leatherman Wave. Swisschamp will last longer without any breakdowns, the only drawback is the small pliers, but not for everyone.
Nice video, I personally carry the Leatherman super tool 300 for about 20 years. But I think I might look at the wave. Thanks for the insight. Keep up the great content.
This is not true I live near saltwater In the harsh winter of Canada and none if my leathermans have rust and iv used them hunting fishing etc. Etc. If u actually use them and oil them up once in awhile they wont rust.
@@devatwell334 I dunno a lot of people have reported issues with Leatherman's rusting, it's not just me. My Bond got pretty rusty but fair enough I was working in a wet environment and didn't dry and oil it afterwards, I've since cleaned the rust off and oiled it. But my Rebar has spots of rust in some crevices and it's never been outdoors since I bought it, I'm not allowed to EDC it as I'm in the UK and it has locking blades.
A Swiss Army knife is a knife based multitool. The Leatherman is a pliers based multitool. That’s what it mainly comes down to.
I am not so sure. I think that the sak is more of a camping or woodsman implement. The leather man is more for a handyman.
Leatherman has better knife options and a Charge feels like a knife while a Swiss Champ feels like holding your wave sideways
@@chevy4x466completely missed the point in the comment. Each multitool is built on the structure of a folding pocket knife or a butterfly pliers.
@@cheeseswears fair point. I mentor on a robotics team. I am not a fan of multi tool pliers, nor am I a fan of the blades on the sak. These multitools just give us the worst of everything in a very expensive package 📦
Exactly this is what I have always said I prefer the victorinox any day!
I am in my fifties.
I started out with a Swiss Army Knife as a kid and at the time I thought it was the most awesome thing that any human being could possibly carry in their pocket.
Over several decades I was taught that "pen knives" and "stainless steel" was bad.
Stick tangs or rat-tail tangs are also horrible....apparently
I then learned that "full tang" is the only way to go.
I am now older and wiser, and less influenced by marketing from companies trying to sell me some magical sintered steel.
Swiss Army Knives are the best "weight-to-utility" solution on the planet.
The Swiss Army Knife is the Zippo of knives. (although its business model is not reliant on smoking, most knives can open a bottle of wine, and frankly... they have a better build quality of anything Ive seen.)
I like the handyman. It's small enough, light enough that I can throw it in any pocket in any outfit and it doesn't stand out. I have a wave too, but it's basically twice as heavy, not always convenient to carry.
Yes handyman or cybertool m are the best, both have decent thickness and can do many tasks for reasonable price
The waves ability to give you a blood blister is the reason I got rid of it
Rebar is the GOAT for LM
I always carry both. Perfect combo
I don't like using Victorinox because of how difficult it is to get any tool; I don't have tough nails so for me I like the Leatherman's free platform
I'm older, so I have both as well, and many in between. My new job I found myself carrying a Leatherman skeletool and a Victorinox Compact...?
Swiss Champ for me. I carry mine for over 7 years now. Traveled over the world with me and got in handy more times than I can remember. My wife used to laugh and calling me MacGyver. Now she has 3 Swiss Army knives herself. (As for the magifier glass. I used it to remove splinters. using the parcel hook to set if upwards on the table. Having both my hands free.)
How did you board flights with that big blade?
Great review. I also have both and have just ordered a replacement Swiss Champ - had the current one for about 16 years and is my preferred EDC due to weight and the number of tools I use everyday. The Wave is something that travels with me in the car or when out camping for the reasons you have mentioned. Both great multitools. Subbed.
Leatheman heavy bought one it got stolen never got another
I have carried my Swisschamp for 6 years now, and for an office job and urban use, it can't be beat, but if I was going to be doing some hard work, I put on my Swisstool, I would recommend you check one out, the pliers are superior and the fit and finish is superior to any Leatherman I have used. Also, the corkscrew on the Swisschamp is great for untying knots, and they do make mini ferro rods that can go in the corkscrew too. Good video regardless!
Thanks for the feedback! I’ll check out the Swisstool for sure.
This just me and my experience but i find the corkscrew works too well as sometimes it will puncture the cordage so i use the philips driver instead. The corkscrew can untie knots, just gotta be careful. The corkscrew can go into soft wood and can just hang around or pick up a small log. Theres many videos showing think-outside-the-box hacks for each tool.
I used the small screwdriver blade (on the back of my Swiss Champ) to undo a knot in a triangular bandage in y first aid class today. the corkscrew was too curly; never thought of the philips driver!
There is the Cyber Tool L, which is a Swiss Champ, but replaces the magnifying glass and fish scaler with a some bits. As far as the bigger knives go, there's actually 4: The Swiss Champ XLT, the Swiss Champ XXL, the Swiss Champ XXLT, and the Swiss Champ XAVT. The XXL, XXLT, and XAVT are aimed at collectors.
From personal experiences.
My swiss champ has fixed my firearms,whipper, chainsaws, household items, kids toys, appliances you name it.... my wave is good but it can't and hasnt done nearly the same amount of jobs the swiss champ has done. Only thing that's better is a little stronger blade and pliers but if u need pliers u might aswell go get real pliers with insulated handles if ur doing electrical. Aswell swiss champ has better tools scissors, file, awl, needle,tweezers,pen etc. and none of the screwdrivers get lost or fall out like the wave
Yep and if you want pliers for serious heavy duty twisting/torquing (which you shouldn't do with folding multitool pliers) as well as easy use on nuts and bolts, buy a pair of Knipex Cobras, to carry together with your Swisschamp. The 2 together are still less bulky and heavy than a LM Wave.
Man, sometimes you just need a pair of tweezers, scissors and a pen. Love my Leatherman but I always carry a midnite manager and most days a Sak on my back pocket too.
The leatherman usually goes on my bag but rarely seem any use (its pretty cool though😂).
I use and own both Leatherman and Victorinox knives/tools.
It depends on the need, but I normally carry a Wave Plus if I have to work at a mechanical workshop, or for DIY and small repair jobs at home. On the other hand, for daily life and hiking I find Victorinoxs to be more practical and offer a better range of tools, for more general/daily purposes (I own many their models, from a small Mini Champ to have on a key chain, up to the big Swisstool Spirit, and anything in between like the Huntsman or Forester).
For example I would love to see again a cork screw on a Leatherman, like they used to have on their old Juice XE6 model (I own one, and it's a shame it was discontinued: it's almost a mid size Victorinox killer).
Very different choices, the Leatherman multi tool design is best for actual an work day using a belt carry pouch. The SAK is best for me in the smaller models but always with a cork screw,( Waiter at the small end and Climber at the top) for EDC. Fun video, Thumbs up and subscribed
So I made a decision about 9 months ago or so. I had a custom pouch made for my SAK 33 (Swiss Champ) and my leathermen surge. With my other EDC items on my belt, I found I could only carry one of them effectively. The Swiss Champ has been winning the always on me award for the year. The pen, the toothpick, the bottle opener, the scissors, even the scaled-down pliers are so useful. I also attach an olight flashlight to the keychain thing whatever it is called. I do love the surge, but I find I almost never find myself in a position where the Champ can't get the job done.
ETSY for sheaths, fyi. I had a custom one created for each tool. Plus I carry a main knife as well, so the little knives on the Champ aren't a problem.
@@mooseoxtank I too carry a main knife and Knipex Cobra XS, as well as the Swisschamp, so I also have seriously capable heavy duty pliers which can function as a capable wrench.
I love it! I do carry a Wave regularly. I want a Swisschamp because as kids that’s what we lusted for.
I carried a Swiss Champ in a belt sheath for a long time. I used it for a lot of different things. Eventually, it ended up in my range bag. Then I picked up a used Leatherman Wave at a place I used to work. That ended up in the range bag until recently. Since I carry another general-purpose knife for cutting purposes I decided to start carrying the Wave. It also helps that I started wearing Wrangler Cargo pants with a generous watch pocket that the Wave and a few other things fit well in. For some time now I have considered the SAK Swiss Champ as a knife with a variety of tools on it and I consider the Leatherman to be a multi-tool that has a knife blade on it. Both have their strong points and weak ones. Both are pretty awesome things to have on you.
Given your preference for the bit kit in the leatherman wave, you might prefer a SAK Cybertool L for your Swiss Army Knife.
- Have Both Leatherman Charge with Extra Accessories and Swiss Army Knife Champ -- Like Both -- Carry Swiss Champ most ...
Today I have a Victorinox Work Champ and a Leatherman Signal. Work Champ is in my backpack (EDC), and Signal is in my pocket. They have different tools, although both of them have a saw, they make a perfect combo. I select Signal to be in my pocket because it is thinner than the Work Champ and it comes with a pocket clip. Also, if an Armageddon happens, I have a survival tool with me 😅
Great review! Helped me make my decision! Champ all the way for me. Thanks for the video.
Thanks! Glad it was helpful!
Imagine this EDC comparison becomes irrelevant because the wave is not legal carry in the UK but the champ is..... nuts
Yall need to get those knife laws changed
@@konnorwerth4906
Not going to happen anytime soon.
The native English, Scottish, Welsh & Irish peoples are not the ones being "stab happy".
We are however seeing even more migrants from lands where knives are tools secondary.
@@adamkane7513 here in the USA I can carry my 6” buck 119 on my belt if I want or even a dang machete not that I would but I could I keep my buck in my bag with a leatherman for when I’m doing anything outdoors I do though carry a Swiss Army knife and a small buck the 102 woodsman on my belt if I’m wearing pants
@@adamkane7513 that must suck a knife to me is a utility tool and if ever needed it can act has a self defense tool .
1:17 Hi! I also did the same, and have both, and have used them for years, errr decades!
3:17 Tiny screwdriver - the Champ does of course have its own tiny driver inside the corkscrew, but it's only a flat driver. On the other hand I have never seen spectacles with Philips screws, so it never bothered me.
4:35 Pliers - the Wave wins hands down on this one! It's interesting to hear you are on your third Wave (and it's a beaut!). Some years ago I broke the tip off my pliers, and took some other damage as well. It took it in to the knife shop (back in South Africa - I'm now in UK) and it came back virtually brand new! For free! It did not cost me a cent!
6:00 Saws - I see that Leatherman have upped their game and their saw is now nearly the same size. However, there is nothing that cuts even nearly as well as the Victorinox saw! It's a double cut saw (both directions) while the Wave saw appears to cut only on the pull stroke. I have never seen a saw review that has the Wave the winner. Clear winner here.
6:59 Scissors - ditto with the scissors! SAK the clear winner. 9The scissors on my Wave (an early model) is a joke, and I never use it. Much too fiddly and flimsy.
7:30 - blades. OK here it gets interesting. I really like the Wave blade shape and I like using it, especially where a sharp, narrow point is required. For general cutting the SAK blade is adequate. I have a distinct aversion for serrated blades and the one on my Wave is particularly annoying. I find it almost impossible to sharpen to a keen edge. The locking thing is not that important for me, but the one on the Wave is nice, I must admit.
9:00 Pouch - both of mine have belt pouches, with the SAK one having way more stuff, while the Wave contains only the tool.
It's amazing how similarly we see these two tools! The way I use them is that, around the house/office, the Wave is generally more useful (pliers especially) while for outdoors type work I would default to the Champ, especially the awesome saw!
There is, however, no way I would not have them with me on any adventure. They are both excellent tools and tops in their fields.
Thanks for a very balanced and objective review.
For their size, the pliers on the Champ are excellent. Sure, they’re not going to be able to handle as big tasks but for smaller stuff they’re great and very precise.
Excellent video! Very informative between the 2. "Old German Bakery & Restaurant" NICE!!!
Great video! I have both: Wave along with the champ. My personal opinion is I very much prefer my Champ over the wave. The #2 Phillips on the champ is far more superior (IMO) and the pliers are great I have used them to take out splinters, cactus from leather shoes, and taken screws out of walls. It’s my EDC every time I leave the house. I use it as it is intended but sometimes it does do well as a light hammer.
The wake I dropped when I was on a ladder and the bits no longer stay when I need them to. I would say keep one on you and the other close by 🤦🏻♂️
Great video!
I love both, but my mostly carried one it's a Swisschamp, since 1986
you should check out the cyber tool if you like the swiss champ it has the changing bits
Swisschamp all day. Unless you need pliers. Then you go with the Victorinox Swiss Tool. I’ve never broken a Victorinox. I’ve broken Leathermans before
I carry the Swisschamp together with Knipex Cobra XS pliers, which are 100x stronger than LM pliers.
@@simonh6371really?
@simonh6371 stronger and far more adjustable, I have the 180mm pair for work, best grips ever
It might pointed out that in germany Victorinox is legal to carry but 1 hand openable blades as Leatherman Wave are not legal to carry around see german weapon law $42a. If you're controlled you need to give police an acceptable reason to be allowed carrying those blades in a unlocked box/bag (craftman, camping gear). I now carry a similar swiss army knife (6 layer 7+6 tools) in my pocket and a leatherman plier multitool clone (with bit set) in my daily bag pack. For special purposes (camping, outdoor trecking) I always have the possibility to add a bigger blade knife from my kitchen.
Crazy enough you can just hang a
Great review but I’m betting that any working man who’s carried the Wave on his belt everyday for years knows that the Swiss Champ offers nowhere near the utility. However for bushcraft/outdoor purposes the Champ offers the magnifying glass (which w/ minimal practice will absolutely yield fire) and even though the saw doesn’t lock, it’s longer and affords a straighter cut & kerf. When I hit the trail, if the Champ is part of my emergency gear WORN ON MY PERSON, we are golden. On the job? Give me the Wave 365 days per year.
Excellent summary. That’s exactly how I feel.
Good point, no doubt that full size pliers are stronger, but in my opinion the Swisschamp's pliers are not to be dismissed. From experience (deluxe Tinker) they are great at getting into tight spots and pulling out small stuff from tight spaces or holes, also picking up hot objects. Wave pliers have an excellent needlenose point, but the tool's bulk sometimes prevents it from being used in tight spaces. Still awesome though.
I’ll take the Swiss tool ( plier based ) over any leatherman any day. All tools are on the outside. Case comes with a ratchet
The awl is also an advantage in the woods
@@Davidg368 Shit I'd always assumed the Wave had an awl but you're right, it doesn't!
SWISS Tool or the Work Champ or the Spirit MX Clip
Great Video! I've got several Swiss Champs and Leatherman models (Charge Ti and Surge+, and more). I always bring a Swiss Champ and Leatherman whenever I travel or camp. Victorinox sells (or did) a nice durable Black Cordura Velcro Flap closure pouch perfectly sized for the Swiss Champ. The pouch accepts the Swiss Champ end in and vertically so that it lies flatter and is positioned thinner rather than thicker as compared to any of the pocket clips I have seen (yours included). These pouches are what I have mine in. Regarding the Swiss Champ's Magnifier, I have never had an issue with any of mine. The lens is ideally positioned for perfectly viewing a magnified splinter or glass shard when the Swiss Champ is rested against the affected finger, hand, foot, on the side scale farthest from the lens! Plus, it may be used on a sunny day to get a fire going.
I wear both as well, lol. Swiss Champ 33 and Leatherman Surge right now.
The Champ brings me joy. It's a nostalgic thing. On my farm i edc a Charge (for the pliers) but everywhere else is the Champ. But IMHO opinion they're different categories.
Great video thanks. I EDC the SAK Handyman with the SAK Mini Champ that has a pen and light. Never leave home with out a SAK. But at times I carry my Leatherman Rebar to. At times I EDC my CyberTool 34 next to my Champion plus as they are the same thickness and fit into the one 2 inch wide sheath. Together they have everything the Swiss Champ has with a little redundancy. They both fit comfortably in my hand as they are same width as my Handyman SAK. But they say two is one and one is none. I always EDC carry at least one Swiss Army knife that has a FireFly ferro rod in place of the tooth pick. Usually I am with my truck that has tools like real plyers so I can get away with the Handyman only on a daily bases for EDC. I carry a magnifying card, credit card size, in my wallet for EDC but I like the SAK as it is is stronger at magnifying and helps a lot when my reading glasses are not enough. You can get a new magnifying glass if you send your Swiss Champ to factory possibly still covered under warranty. I always have a Spyderco or Cold Steel locking knife for EDC so my Victorinox do not need to. My choices are always both and or all of them. Like being prepared.
I have yet to need industrial pliers in the bush but often need something rust free and precision pliers that can pull splinters or even help sew with speed.
Not just a sak fan but i carry more my saks than any plier based multitools. Though plier based ones like leathermans and gerbers are excellent, i always gravitate to my vsak cuz i use knives more than pliers. Depending on the days outlook too, I'll even carry an sak with less tools with a few tools i like to have like for example hiker or huntsman.
As always, SPOT ON, informative and very well presented. Great stuff!
My 2 cents!
I personally use a Swiss Army Knife as my EDC it's simple lightweight and has most of what I would need, however I don't live a "Blue Collar" lifestyle, so a harder impact tool aren't necessary.
I have so used multiple Multi-tools both Leatherman and Gerber, I love the practical tools and Plyers are the biggest selling point for anyone. I plan on getting a Leatherman for my own personal use and a Gerber for my car.
It all comes down to how you live your life and how hard you live your life, I live a simple city live and have no immediate need for a Leatherman, but if you work hard I suggest the Leatherman
but I reality.. I suggest you get both... they are good and bad for different reasons.
I keep my leathman in my truck. Too bulky to wear.
Leathermen are great if you constantly need a heavier duty pliers. But aside from that, they are not pocket friendly and most people are not into carrying a pouch on their belt. The Swiss Champ is big and heavier than other SAK but they can be easily carried in the change pocket / 5th pocket of pants. With that said, I have carried the SAK Champ and the Leatherman Super Tool 300. I find the Swiss Champ a much useful tool for EDC / everyday carry. The magnifying glass is very useful for me as I find myself using it to read fine print on cooking instructions and things like dates on coins and other fine print on knives and other engraved items.
If you need really heavy duty indestructible pliers go for Knipex Cobra, even the XS. They're forged and are intrinsically stronger than any folding pliers, which are only as strong as the weakest part, i.e. the pivot between handles and plier head. There are vids of guys standing on Knipex Cobra XS pliers in the air (the jaws are locked onto a nut sticking out of a wall). If you put a Leatherman of any type on the floor with the pliers out, and stand on the top handle, it will in all probability break.
I carry the Swisschamp together with Knipex Cobra XS, as well as a folder for serious cutting. Still less bulky and weighs less than the Wave.
@@simonh6371 i currently carry a Swiss champ and Spyderco Native lightweight in a homemade belt pouch. I am considering getting a Knipex.
@@simonh6371 th-cam.com/video/oC9Gnwts5hE/w-d-xo.html
@@SubUrbanNinja-EDC Cool! My preferred folder as of late is a Spyderco too, the Urban. Made in Maniago, the knifemaking capital of Italy, from Austrian Boehler N690 steel. I'm in the UK so have to opt for a non-locking model but I love the finger choil in their designs (also on locking models oddly) which makes it almost impossible to close on your fingers by accident. I clip it to my right outer pocket, with the Swisschamp in my coin pocket. My Knipex sit a bit deeper in my outer pocket, actually held in a leather case for an iPod Nano!
US design, Italian craftsmanship, Austrian metallurgy, German engineering and forging, and Swiss precision engineering, all in my right pocket.
@@simonh6371 awesome.
Great video thanks. Maybe you can find a thin button compass that could be crazy glued in the the frame of your missing magnifiing glass on your SAK. Maybe they could replace the complete magnifying glass if you mailed knife to Victoronox in Switzerland
The magnifying glass is great for people who spend a lot of time in woods long grass , great for suspects scabs /nymph ticks.
I have retired and so is my super tool 300 with the bit set but I do keep it. I prefer my swiss champ since I mainly camp and fish no need for beefy pliers while doing so. plus I can make fire with it.
But isn't Victorinox made with softer steel compared to the Leatherman? I have used Leatherman for the past 5 years, I like shiny things and tools. Had a black Surge one time and almost lost it in the woods when it got dark. I find it crazy how people get black oxide multitools when they're not even in the military because it looks cool then end up losing them. because they set it down someplace and forget about it while they're out in the wilderness. I have never lost a silver leatherman because it's so shiny I can see it in the dark even without a flashlight. I use my Wave every day. Might get the Surge again but in silver this time!
Victorinox use a special type of steel that they feel gives the best balance between utility and sharpness, and being able to sharpen the knife under less than optimal conditions, and they have stuck to that formula. When sharpening them I find the Leatherman needs more work, but does take a very keen edge. The SAK takes an acceptable edge and is quick and easy to sharpen. One has to understand these differences and learn to live with them. Blade steel choice almost always comes down to this difference.
The video above does a good job of evaluating these two tools.
Stronger steel doesn’t necessarily mean better.
Man I hope you were quick finding your Leatherman in the woods, mine rust like nobody's business, even if kept indooors in the dry and oiled.
Swiss army knife been around for 130 quality. I just ordered my Swiss Champ a day ago. I had a Swiss army knife since I was 7 Years old.
I always thought the cork screw was kind of an inside joke to celebrate having a drink after you survived an emergency and gotten back to civilization but it does have a few good uses in the field, notably to use as a way to loosen a knot and to use as a way to anchor a big chunk of wood to carry back to camp 😅
I am a bit bummed out that your magnifying glass popped out, i was hoping to have it as a means to light a fire if need be. The only reason i wanted the champ was for the pliers and the magnifying glass, im not sure how i feel about the size, though i am tempted to buy one still.
I think victorinox has life long warranty, has it not? Would they replace you swisschamp for the damaged magnifying glas?
That’s an interesting thought. Hadn’t occurred to me. Although, I’m afraid the new one would just pop out again and I’d be in an endless cycle of sending them back just for a magnifying glass.
@@TheRealOutdoors I hope it will not be an cycle of replacing the knife ^^
I watched a bunch of videos over the last days and wanted to decide between the wave 2-hand and the swiss champ. I pulled the trigger on the swiss champ today (have it here with me right now). Not sure when I will be able to use it outside, but I'll definitely try the magnifying glas out then. You video helped, thanks :)
The corkscrew can be really useful if you need "tool reach". If you need to get fruit or a Frisbee out of s tree...you can make a starter hole with the awl at the end of a long stick/branch and then corkscrew the whole tool into the branch. Then open the saw or knife and youll have a cutting tool at the end of a long stick.
I also used the can opener on the end of a stick to retrieve an rc car that fell into a curb gutter.
There are also firestarting tools that can be swapped out for the toothpick and also kept in the corkscrew. My preference is for the swiss champ but both are great.
That’s cool! Didn’t know that. Will have to check that out.
Yes the Firefly and the FireAnt.Cool but expensive!
In UK I use Swisschamp because is UK friendly, in Poland in Wave ,I like both in the same way , both great tools .👍🤘good vid .
I’ve been using the Wave+ for two years now and I love it. The file snapped last year and earlier this week the scissor handle snapped when I dropped it. I’m finding it really hard to get replacement parts in the UK (at a reasonable price as the two parts will come close to buying a brand new one) so I’m at a crossroads whether to buy another one or move onto a Victorinox. The pliers on the leatherman are excellent and that’s my driving point but I don’t want to buy another one and it breaks again.
I'm not sure how it works in the UK, but can you send it back under the 25 year warranty to have Leatherman fix it?
@@TheRealOutdoors I'm very surprised to hear that about the Leatherman. I was under the impression the dealers who sell them are generally very helpful in getting the item to the right people for repairs. I've sent mine away for what turned out to be a complete rebuild, at no cost whatsoever!
Message to HW: Maybe you should contact an online shop called Heinie Haynes Knives, who I'm sure would be able to give you a definitive answer. Those guys are awesome!
@@dennisleighton2812 same experience here in the Netherlands
I dropped my Surge and broke the screwdriver. I wanted it repaired but got a new one free
So I bought the charge TTI
I thought i was too expensive but with that warranty it is 💯 worth it
Lifetime tools
I have both and enjoy both
My wave goes camping with me, my champ is my fishing knife. There the magnifying glass is just the thing to inspect knots and the pliers ar just the thing for manipulating hooks etc. Oh and i've had my champ for 30+ years at this rate I fully expect to hand it down ;-)
Seems like you are only using the tools of the Swisschamp, which are also part of the Handyman. The second is much smaller.
I would have got the Handyman but I just had to have the inline Phillips so went for the Swisschamp. I don't mind the extra magnifying glass and scaler which I didn't really want. I carry the Swisschamp to supplement a folder and Knipex Cobra XS, it's drivers and scissors alone justify carrying it in my 5th pocket, never mind all the other tools, poking and prodding implements it provides.
I Found that the choice is what you are more comfortable with because some people are leatherman people and some people are swiss army knife People I've found out that the best swiss army to carry outdoors is explorer which carries most of the tools you will need while staying lightweight because Champ is to big and bulky and if you prefer a main blade to lock in place then the S 17 is a good choice and similar to the huntsman
Great review, either one is great. For me, any task is a decision, can I make do with what I have in my pocket or do I need to walk back to my truck or workshop for the real tool. Before practical, usable multi-tools became available in the 80s/90's, guys would generally just carry pocket knives and if they needed anything more, it was a trip to the tool box. First time I ever heard of the earliest Leatherman was late 80's (although they were around before that) and the Swisschamp came out I think in '85.
How did you break the magnifying glass?
Didn’t break it. It just fell out without me knowing it. They’re not glued in there real well.
Good review of two mighty fine tools. Like you, I made it easy on myself and just purchased both. FWIW, the pliers on the Swisschamp are indeed not the greatest, but they certainly have their place and have helped me out many times. Also, unbeknownst to some, between the plier heads (just above the pivot point/center bolt) there is a wire cutter. It can cut up to 1.5mm wire fairly easily. Likewise, just underneath the plier head pivot point, is a wire crimper. Two very useful features that often get overlooked. Anyway, again, great review. Keep it up.
I often carry my Swisschamp together with a pair of Knipex Cobra XS, and a separate folder, at the moment the Spyderco Urban. The 3 together can get a lot of work done.
Tweezers and magnifying glass is perfect for removing splinters. The lack of heavy duty locking tools makes me keep the sak in the truck and wear my leatherman wave on my hip.
The file on the Swiss Champ is also a metal saw (bottom of the file). Nice feature to have if you to need to do metal work.
Good point! And come to think of it, I've actually used it quite often! Thanks.
Why not do a Swiss Champ vs Spirit X Review?
Good and honest review, I appreciate.
The pliers on the swiss champ is perfect for removing splinters and fish hooks.
The cork screw is fantastic for undoing stubborn knots. I have never seen a knot that it would not help untie. I carry both daily and use both daily.
disagree on the magnifying glass being useless. wish it was bigger but is nice to have when you need to get a better view of something in the field. Usually more personal care type stuff, but still.
Agreed. I removed splinters with mine. And read fine print that was way too small to read.
The leather man surge is on my belt every day and the Swiss work champ in 111mm in my back pack which is never to dar
Corkscrew is great for digging into knots in ropes.
Oh bro no no no lol ... the magnifying glass is king !
I'm so shocked yours failed.
I've practiced long and hard and can now get a fire going without needing anything but wood shavings and sun. Mine is 6x mag and I enjoy checking out weird bugs while hiking as well lol.
Another unique feature is my champ has a digital clock, alarm, temperature and flashlight.
But there's one more secret ? My champ was custom made in the factory by my friend so its very very rare lol
Thanks heaps for your video 🤗
Dude that’s so sickkk!! Does your friend work for victorinox ??
@@ramon2008
Used to mate. But you can build your own find parts online and taking apart other units. Utube is full of videos for that 👊🏻
@@video-oq1hj thanks man! I’ll look into it. Gonna upgrade that swisschamp
I carry Swiss champ, cold steel knife and mini pliers.
I prefer the leatherman wave I own both but the wave fits me better
Truly, they are not really comparable items but they do have some "overlap". The Swiss Army knife is...well... a knife first and foremost. Later and larger versions added features shared by the Leatherman tool but it is a knife. The Leatherman Wave is a pair of pliers primarily with additional features. The names say it all Knife for one and Multitool for the other. Really, if you are leaning towards a multitool, then you should be comparing the Wave with the SwissTool. These are very handy in a "small jobs around the home" sense but if you plan on using the item for recreational /camping/roughing it in the wilds... the Swiss army knife is the choice (especially the larger ones like the Swiss Champ, but NOT those XXL, XAVT etc. behemoths that are just too damned big and expensive to be practical). Fun to own and display if you have the spare cash to lay out (I have a collection of Swiss Army Knives, including a couple so big they would make good book-ends!). Why choose between them at all? I carry a Leatherman Charge Titanium AND the Swiss Army "Swiss Champ" that I bought more than 30 years ago! In terms of quality of construction, I would have to give Victorinox the nod but in no way does that suggest that Leatherman is crap. Far from it.
What happened to your previous leatherman waves?
I lost both of them. 😢
I have questions... Why get a third Leatherman Wave? To have three of them or did the first two break?
(Also, the SwissTool X Plus likely would be a more direct comparison - maybe that's going to be your next EDC.)
Thanks for the questions! The 3rd Wave was because I lost the other two. Both were sheath failures. I think I have that figured out with the Clip N Carry sheath (see video on my channel). As to the price difference, it's only about a $25-$30 difference here in the US. Still more for the Wave, but I also considered that one's a multi-tool and one's a pocket knife (even though the theoretical functions are very similar). The Wave definitely performs better with "heavier" work (not sure how to phrase it). I know this video is a bit older and I've found I almost never carry the Champ, anymore. I do need to check out the SwissTool. It was never a consideration, just because of my familiarity with the Wave.
Get the magnifying glass replaced, it's a warranty. Personally, as someone with poor vision, it's critical for me as a backup to reading glasses. It's not ideal, but I could read my phone which to send or read a text, or if I needed to read dosage instructions on a pill bottle or something.
Im a victorinox fan but the wave saw is much easier to use for me, just because is thinner and more flexible
Great, honest review. I'm a big fan of both Leatherman and Victorinox. I don't have a SwissChamp yet. Ordered one and they sent an Explorer by mistake so I returned it and still waiting on the Champ 😢 but I've carried Victorinox SAKs since I was young. Been carrying the Deluxe Tinker lately because I just had to check out the pliers and surprised to find I use them for more than you'd think. Light duty stuff of course but around home and away from work they're very useful at work...😮 I've always carried a Gerber or Leatherman multitool usually in a belt sheath. I'm a mechanic so I don't know how well the Victorinox pliers would hold up. That's why I carry the larger beefier multitool at work. They're all for quick stuff I know, maybe save a trip to the toolbox but at work I need the beefier pliers even if it's a quick job in most cases. Anyway great 👍 video I'll be back.
Thanks!
I got both and carry them interchangeably. The shape and the ruggedness of the blade on Wave appeals to me more. Other than the blade's locking mechanism on Wave and its pliers which really stand out, Swisschamp offers more options and I always feel the need to go back to the Swisschamp. It all comes down to personal preference. My Swisschamp is 10 years old, while the wave is just 3 :)
Swiss army ranger with key smart hanging pocket clip (makes the tool disappear in the pocket) and knipex 4inch cobras in the back pocket folded into a handkerchief (hanky is very useful, makes the pliers unnoticeable in the pocket and both fit behind a thin wallet in the same pocket.) that’s for urban carry, I suppose. I feel like if you’re “getting work done” and that’s why you need the bulk of a leather man than you should probably just grab some decent stand alone pliers. 10 bucks or less gets you better compact pliers than any leatherman. The things break just looking at em.
I've seen setups like this, before and wanted to try them out. Especially those Knipex pliers. I think they'd be much better than the Leatherman's pliers. I have another Swiss Army knife similar to the Ranger that I may try with this setup.
Simple. For EDC, SwissChamp. For work, Wave 100 percent, though I'm a Rebar guy
the Swiss champion is not handy as the leatherman wave for me. but both not my daily carry.
Man you're comparing pineapples with apricots. A fairer comparison is: Swisschamp vs LM Squirt PS4 since both are 5th pocket carries, and both cost around the same. Winner: hands down Victorinox. Also shockingly the prices where I am are more or less the same for both now.
The Wave is comparable to a Victorinox Spirit or Swisstool, again that's no competition.
The Swisschamp is not a one and done multitool for me. Recently I've been trying out carrying a folder - mostly Spyderco Urban - together with Knipex Cobra XS pliers. But I do use scissors a lot so I added a Victorinox Moneyclip to that, for it's small but capable scissors in a very slim compact package (plus I like the pocketclip)...but then I was missing at least a couple of drivers so I added to that a pocket folding bit driver with bit storage in it...but that pretty much filled up my 5th pocket, just like the Swisschamp! The Swisschamp already justifies it's real estate just for the 5 drivers and scissors...not taking into consideration the woodsaw which is beefier and longer than the one on my Rebar and I'm pretty sure the one on the Wave is no bigger or better than the Vic one, the file/hacksaw, and a whole host of other small tools and implements, including it's little pliers which are good for delicate jobs or fine work in tight spots. Remember I'm carrying forged Knipex Cobra XS which are 10x stronger than any Leatherman pliers. So as a supplementary little multitool with those 2 dedicated tools, I reckon I'm better equipped on every level than with a single pliers-based multitool. Also you can use different tools at the same time, in separate hands, e.g hold something with the Knipex whilst screwing or filing with the SAK.
The Wave is pricey here in the UK, best price now is £110 ($136). I paid just £57 for my Swisschamp, £23 for my Knipex Cobra XS so that's £80, leaving £30 for a folder. Here it has to be non-locking for everyday carry, an ideal choice would be the Bokerplus Tech Tool 1, just a blade made from Sandvik 12C27, arguably better than Leatherman's 420, but there are plenty of other folders, locking and non locking which you can get for £30 which are better than the Wave's blade. Myself I overspent compared to the Wave, my Spyderco Urban cost £73 so the total cost of that setup is £153 but it's not about the money. The 3 items combined are less bulky and I think lighter than the Wave. Admittedly it lacks wire cutters.
It may be me being old school but I prefer Swiss army knifes over leathermans as I like simple and basic over a ton of tools the best Swiss army knives for me are the Spartan camper or hiker
I carry both of them.
So do I, now
I don't own a Wave so I can't compare the saws but in any case the Swisschamp saw (same as the one on my Hiker and Farmer) is certainly ''beefier'' as well as longer than that on my Rebar, I'd use ''beefy'' to refer to thickness rather than depth. Depth on saws is not an advantage and could actually be a disadvantage. I'd bet the saw on the Wave isn't thicker than the Victorinox ones. Also other Victorinox knives in 111mm and larger have even longer and thicker saw blades.
The saw is definitely better on the Champ than on the Wave, but I do like that the Wave saw will lock in place. I’ve been cut by those things before and it’s no fun.
@@TheRealOutdoors That's true, all the Wave tools are locking. Can't be fun being ''bitten'' by a saw on any SAK or multitool, those teeth are sharp! Surprisingly on 111mm SAKs like my Soldier (Trekker) the bottle opener locks, but the saw doesn't (although obviously the blade does).
Victorinox saw will run circles around the Leatherman saw I have both!
@@robsinquefield9260 Thanks for confirming! As I said I don't know about the one on the Wave/Surge or Supertool (which I imagine is upscaled from the Rebar saw) but my Rebar saw is pretty flimsy, which is a shame as all the other tools on it are pretty good and robust, especially the Phillips driver which is way better than those on the Wingman/Sidekick and Free Series, as well as better than the half-profile Leatherman bits.
why not combine the traditional sak with a leatherman sryle and you get the best multitool (imho) on the planet, the swisstool. Been using it for almost 20 years and it is by far the better made product (i have owned several waves and a charge tti)
I bought a Wave and Swiss Champ for within $5 of each other used off ebay. I repair medical equipment, fix things aroudn the house, do my own car maintenance, camp, hunt, and "MacGyver" everyone's stuff at work. And the Wave sits in my car tool kit, while the Swiss Champ is on my hip, every day. Wave is too heavy for too few of tools, for the trade off of having better (not 'ideal') pliers.
'have 'em both!
The cool tool to pick up the pot when it's hot.
I prefer a good victorinox handyman because it's more compact. if i have to use bigger pliers, i'd have a leatherman clone.
SAK with knipex xs cobras
That Swiss army knife is too bulky. Interesting to hear how you carry that tool
Mate I carry mine in the 5th pocket of my jeans. European slim fit jeans (Jack & Jones)...not skinny though I can't get my legs into them.
Swiss Champ = Bushcraft and outdoors/ multi purpose
Swiss Cybertool = small electronics/urban / multi purpose
Leatherman = urban environment
My Swiss Champ didn't come with a belt clip.
Neither did mine. Thought I mentioned that in the video. Must’ve forgotten. I got it from Clip & Carry. Same company that made the sheath I reviewed in this video: Best Leatherman Sheath Clip & Carry Gear Review
th-cam.com/video/6aJhZ__z7iY/w-d-xo.html
Why not carry a leatherman wave, along with a small SAK that fills in the missing pieces...
I actually tried that when I first bought the Wave (before getting the SwissChamp). I got the SAK Huntsman and still really like that one.
I carry a Spyderco and Knipex Cobra XS and the Swisschamp fills in the missing pieces.
After ten years with Victorinox, you no longer ask this question.!
Wave💯 do you even have to think about this question Leatherman Wave above all everything you need in a small little compact tool
If you do not need large pliers buy Victorinox Swisschamp, if you need large pliers buy Leatherman Wave. Swisschamp will last longer without any breakdowns, the only drawback is the small pliers, but not for everyone.
Even better combine the Swisschamp with Knipex Cobra XS pliers like I do...and a Spyderco Urban. Swiss, German and Italian perfection.
@@simonh6371 I read your answer today and a month ago I bought Knipex and Spyderco Urban before traveling to Italy :P
Nice video, I personally carry the Leatherman super tool 300 for about 20 years. But I think I might look at the wave. Thanks for the insight. Keep up the great content.
I find that the metal used on victorinox tends to be noticeably softer than that of the leatherman tool.
Yeah but unless you live in the desert your LM will rust like crazy. You can leave a Victorinox in a bucket of water for weeks and not a spot of rust.
This is not true I live near saltwater In the harsh winter of Canada and none if my leathermans have rust and iv used them hunting fishing etc. Etc. If u actually use them and oil them up once in awhile they wont rust.
@@devatwell334 I dunno a lot of people have reported issues with Leatherman's rusting, it's not just me. My Bond got pretty rusty but fair enough I was working in a wet environment and didn't dry and oil it afterwards, I've since cleaned the rust off and oiled it. But my Rebar has spots of rust in some crevices and it's never been outdoors since I bought it, I'm not allowed to EDC it as I'm in the UK and it has locking blades.