I EDC a Rebar in Coyote brown ceracoat, it's stiff to action open the handles. It's good enough for my general light purposes. Reminds me of the original Leatherman when they 1st came out in the mid 80's. I run my Rebar in a matching Coyote Clip&carry kydex sheath. Nice convenient light carry.
I like all three for different uses/reasons. I often find myself with the Rebar ( or SuperTool 300) in a heavier duty setting. Partially because the implements then to lend towards hard use, and partly because it just seems to happen that way. I really like my Free P4 for light detail, or "dressed up" events. Its smooth operation combined with it's cleaner looks (less industrial I guess) it fits nicely with a suit. EDC tasks...Wave+ style frame. It's just got too many benefits. It's strong, easy access to what you need most, and comfortable.
If the Rebar was more like a Swisstool in that the tools were external I’d say it’s easily the best for my uses. I used the Charge/Wave for many many years, broke a lot of them and I’ll confirm it’s a fantastic tool. I got a Free P2 for FREE and as such I find it great. For its retail price though, it’s not great. I swap between the P2 and the Swisstool Spirit now. The bit driver on the Wave is a turn off for me. I used to love it but now prefer to use a dedicated Philips with more reach. That said, the Swisstool is absolutely my favorite over anything Leatherman makes. That said, Leatherman still makes some real great tools.
My P4 will be here after the holiday. I have the Wave +, Surge & a Mut. Also have the T4 and I like the way the tools deploy. Hoping the P4 will be a better EDC than the Wave+. Keep up the excellent content.
The Free P2 is my EDC multitool. It's perfect for me: pocket size, not too heavy, and every tool is one-hand open. I love how everything is easily accessible with only one hand; I originally EDCed a Wingman and once I upgraded to the P2, I don't think I can go back to a multitool that doesn't have every tool accessible with only one hand. I will agree with you about how there is a major flaw with the magnets in the sense that tradesmen and people that work in environments with lots of metal particles/shavings would not be able to carry and use the Free series without it attracting a lot of metal debris. Kind of ironic that professions where a multitool is king wouldn't be able to carry one of the most premium/modern multitools on the market. But if you just need a high-end edc multitool like me, then I definitely recommend the P2.
I tend to agree with you on the points you made here. I think I have said before that I have taken pains to make all my Leatherman multi-tools (PST, Super Tools, Wave, Surge, & Juice), except the Crunch, one-hand opening, because that feature on the SOGs makes a huge difference. Leatherman does not make it easy, but it is doable and well worth it. It is often the case that I'm reaching for my multi-tool with one hand while holding something I don't want to put down in the other One thing that sets those Leathermans [even Grammarly doesn't like that plural] apart from virtually all the other brands is their maximum use of space; within the outer dimensions; the space is much more completely filled by the tools. The tools are consequently beefier/longer, especially the outer, bladed tools (knife, saw, file, etc.).
I use the SuperTool 300 for work. One of the lesser reasons I selected it over the Surge is Canadian criminal code (which is vague at best). Particularly, the knives are not easily accessible and it is worn on the belt (clearly visible).
As much as I respect TX Tool Crib, I have to say that I love my Free P2 & P4. I feel they are far better for my personal needs than the other frame designs.
I wish you had included otf/slide out pliers as a category in this video to compare the pros and cons. Personally I like to switch between the oht and the charge tti depending on what I'm doing
Great video! Been back and forth on getting a Free P4 for ages but seeing that play in the handles is now a deal breaker for me. I think it would be cool if Leatherman could find a way to make a wave-esque tool with some cutaways for weight saving similar to the Skeletool. I love my Wave but sometimes it gets a little heavy for EDC and the skeletool sometimes lacks features I need.
I personally edc a supertool 300, but have you thought about carrying a skeletool along with a swiss army knife? The huntsman could be a good choice, but if you want the file, you could go with the handyman.
@@BassMaster.454 I did try that (with the same tools) but didn't really like it. In hindsight I think the issue was having two tools clunking around in my pockets so maybe I should consider getting one of those EDC pocket organizers to keep everything together
The slickness of SuperTool 300 frame makes it look great and doesn't create any hot spots in hand when using one of the tools. Combined with the strongest plier head and solid Phillips driver it's easily the best multitool for the price. The only thing that really worries me is friction lock between handles and pliers, if the metal wears off it'll stop locking properly.
When I have to do some quick but serious fix, Surge and Wave is always the way to go. Feels firm, is firm, grips firm especially with the newer year models having coarse needle-nose plier teeth. Personal preference is finer teeth though.
I have all 3 and I definitely like the wave the most, the rebar I never really carry it stays in the truck in case I need it, I have a p2 that I carry sometimes like if I don't expect much hard use but the wave I carry everyday to work and use it for everything
I think I like the Rebar style frame the best. The Wave pliers are very comfortable to use, but I’ve always hated all of the sharp edges and hotspots when using the external tools. I believe that the Charge series improves on that a bit, but I’ve always thought they were overpriced for what is basically a Wave with more comfortable handles. As for the P4, all of that play in the handles would drive me crazy. It looks nice, but I prefer something that feels solid and well built.
I have a Surge from 2007 and another one, black oxide', including the impruvments added in 2013 to the model, bought in 2020. I also have one Rebar. Like someone told here, I think the Rebar is an ergo disaster. It also not sturdy. Not in the pivots plus the needle nose broke after short time. (I grinded it to equalize the length of the noses and now it look like it has the inner jaws of the Mr. Crunch...) I agree the Wave/ Surge / Charge frame style is the strongest available today but like you said, the Free P2 / P4 and the Swisstools have some design advantages. If I was one of the engineers in LM I would opt for some kind of combination between the Wave / Surge and the Frees plus Swisstools. May be some kind of eccentric hinges like the swisstool but adjustable like in the LM. I also would adopt the Free and the Swisstools location of the 1 and 2 hand opening tools so they all will be in the oposit side of the scales. i.e., the oposit side of the pliers pivots. In that way, Lm can make a hibride of 4" Surge and Super Tool 300 plus the 3.5" size like the Wave / Charge and the Rebar. Thus, they can save some amount of expense, using the same tools in each size. They can also make some variants of the same model as with the Swisstools, for better tool selection and the benfit of the user. Hope you understand my points as Im not an english speaker... :(
The basic slim rectangle is what I like, I just want a basic compact multitool that's not full of too many extra frills that I don't need. My multitool isn't a pocket knife so I don't need a blade at all let alone a one handed blade, and I don't really need one handed access to anything else on my multitool either. Once in awhile I may need to acces my pliers with one hand, my old Fuse is slick as glass and I can manage with my Bond.
I'm usually in agreement with your multi tool philosophies, but this time I'm not so sure. I haven't once heard of a free series frame breaking whereas there is a post on the various social medias of a surge/wave frame breaking nearly every week. I've seen a couple springs break on a free series but the frames and pliers seem to be vastly superior in durability compared to the older models. The main problem with the wave/surge frame is the section directly behind the pliers jaw stops. The break in the frame causes work hardening on that small section that needs to withstand the most force. They often crack in that area. The Free series frames do not have this problem. Leatherman has even confirmed that the Free P series pliers are the strongest pliers they've ever made. Another small detail I think needs to be pointed out is that the 4 long tools (or 2 in the P2) in the Free series are retained via the springs, not the magnets.
It's like one's kids --- each one is great in various ways, you love them all, and you can't choose, so you have all of them, and maybe several of each type, even to the point that you've spent too much money and you damn well know it, but hey, it's worth it somehow, and you can play with them all while watching TV; just be careful not to hurt yourself or them with careless moves
I don't think they're ever going to significantly improve on the charge frame. It's near perfect. The TTi scales are much more ergonomic than the wave without sacrificing rigidity.
I currently have the middle frame in a wave 2nd gen variant. The left frame just looks cheap to me, I had a budget Leatherman when I was a teen and it had a similar looking frame, I didn't like the look. The right frame looks more polished/advanced but I was never compelled to switch to it.
Good video, Ben - Wave definitely! For the reasons you mentioned, plus it feels so good in hand...very solid...hard to believe the p4 is the most expensive of the bunch...the magnets are not my cup of tea and in spite of it's great engineering, the tool looks like it's ready to come apart...not substantial like the OG Wave, the + and the Surge...
I like the rebar frame, i actually carry a Bond because of uk knife laws. I don't mind that its inside tools and two hand opening. I just wished they'd added scissors and replaced the knife blade with the serrated one off the rebar!
Never liked the Rebar style frame, it's an ergo nightmare unless you've got tradesman level callouses. The lack of one hand opening told is also a major problem.
I still like the BOND. If it weren't for legal issues in my country I'd take a REBAR though. I'm left-handed so in any case a Wave wouldn't work for me 😕
The worst frames are in Ti Charge. You are paying extra for 10 grams less. You paying for SV30 blade which is not even close to SK5 in cutting, but rusty and far worst in maintains than Victorinox blades. If all except cutting tools are made of titanium it would have sense. And of course externally accessible. The Leatherman tools are simple inferior to Victorinox tools. The only advantage is one hand opening which is banned in in UK and Germany, the biggest European markets.
That’s far from the only advantage. Both companies do things well. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, and you have clearly stated yours. I wonder though, is your opinion based solely on the products of the companies, or is it more deeply rooted in a disdain for the USA?
I EDC a Rebar in Coyote brown ceracoat, it's stiff to action open the handles. It's good enough for my general light purposes. Reminds me of the original Leatherman when they 1st came out in the mid 80's. I run my Rebar in a matching Coyote Clip&carry kydex sheath. Nice convenient light carry.
Sidekick frame style - nicest in hand for long use and easiest to clean.
I like all three for different uses/reasons. I often find myself with the Rebar ( or SuperTool 300) in a heavier duty setting. Partially because the implements then to lend towards hard use, and partly because it just seems to happen that way.
I really like my Free P4 for light detail, or "dressed up" events. Its smooth operation combined with it's cleaner looks (less industrial I guess) it fits nicely with a suit.
EDC tasks...Wave+ style frame. It's just got too many benefits. It's strong, easy access to what you need most, and comfortable.
If the Rebar was more like a Swisstool in that the tools were external I’d say it’s easily the best for my uses. I used the Charge/Wave for many many years, broke a lot of them and I’ll confirm it’s a fantastic tool. I got a Free P2 for FREE and as such I find it great. For its retail price though, it’s not great. I swap between the P2 and the Swisstool Spirit now. The bit driver on the Wave is a turn off for me. I used to love it but now prefer to use a dedicated Philips with more reach. That said, the Swisstool is absolutely my favorite over anything Leatherman makes. That said, Leatherman still makes some real great tools.
My P4 will be here after the holiday. I have the Wave +, Surge & a Mut. Also have the T4 and I like the way the tools deploy. Hoping the P4 will be a better EDC than the Wave+. Keep up the excellent content.
The Free P2 is my EDC multitool. It's perfect for me: pocket size, not too heavy, and every tool is one-hand open. I love how everything is easily accessible with only one hand; I originally EDCed a Wingman and once I upgraded to the P2, I don't think I can go back to a multitool that doesn't have every tool accessible with only one hand.
I will agree with you about how there is a major flaw with the magnets in the sense that tradesmen and people that work in environments with lots of metal particles/shavings would not be able to carry and use the Free series without it attracting a lot of metal debris. Kind of ironic that professions where a multitool is king wouldn't be able to carry one of the most premium/modern multitools on the market.
But if you just need a high-end edc multitool like me, then I definitely recommend the P2.
I tend to agree with you on the points you made here. I think I have said before that I have taken pains to make all my Leatherman multi-tools (PST, Super Tools, Wave, Surge, & Juice), except the Crunch, one-hand opening, because that feature on the SOGs makes a huge difference. Leatherman does not make it easy, but it is doable and well worth it. It is often the case that I'm reaching for my multi-tool with one hand while holding something I don't want to put down in the other
One thing that sets those Leathermans [even Grammarly doesn't like that plural] apart from virtually all the other brands is their maximum use of space; within the outer dimensions; the space is much more completely filled by the tools. The tools are consequently beefier/longer, especially the outer, bladed tools (knife, saw, file, etc.).
I use the SuperTool 300 for work. One of the lesser reasons I selected it over the Surge is Canadian criminal code (which is vague at best). Particularly, the knives are not easily accessible and it is worn on the belt (clearly visible).
As much as I respect TX Tool Crib, I have to say that I love my Free P2 & P4. I feel they are far better for my personal needs than the other frame designs.
Interesting comparison - I wasn't aware that there are magnetic features at all! (I only have the Signal)
I wish you had included otf/slide out pliers as a category in this video to compare the pros and cons. Personally I like to switch between the oht and the charge tti depending on what I'm doing
You should compare FREE P4 and Spirit. Which one has more rigid frame and solid feel?
Definitely the Spirit. Victorinox is solid.
Great video! Been back and forth on getting a Free P4 for ages but seeing that play in the handles is now a deal breaker for me. I think it would be cool if Leatherman could find a way to make a wave-esque tool with some cutaways for weight saving similar to the Skeletool. I love my Wave but sometimes it gets a little heavy for EDC and the skeletool sometimes lacks features I need.
I personally edc a supertool 300, but have you thought about carrying a skeletool along with a swiss army knife? The huntsman could be a good choice, but if you want the file, you could go with the handyman.
@@BassMaster.454 I did try that (with the same tools) but didn't really like it. In hindsight I think the issue was having two tools clunking around in my pockets so maybe I should consider getting one of those EDC pocket organizers to keep everything together
Never had an issue with my heavily abused P2 frame regardless of your concerns
Thinking about getting the free p2, don't have a huge need for the saw and I don't mind having a combo blade, also is slimmer than the p4
Can get them for a great price new on ebay
The slickness of SuperTool 300 frame makes it look great and doesn't create any hot spots in hand when using one of the tools. Combined with the strongest plier head and solid Phillips driver it's easily the best multitool for the price. The only thing that really worries me is friction lock between handles and pliers, if the metal wears off it'll stop locking properly.
When I have to do some quick but serious fix, Surge and Wave is always the way to go. Feels firm, is firm, grips firm especially with the newer year models having coarse needle-nose plier teeth. Personal preference is finer teeth though.
I have all 3 and I definitely like the wave the most, the rebar I never really carry it stays in the truck in case I need it, I have a p2 that I carry sometimes like if I don't expect much hard use but the wave I carry everyday to work and use it for everything
I think I like the Rebar style frame the best. The Wave pliers are very comfortable to use, but I’ve always hated all of the sharp edges and hotspots when using the external tools. I believe that the Charge series improves on that a bit, but I’ve always thought they were overpriced for what is basically a Wave with more comfortable handles. As for the P4, all of that play in the handles would drive me crazy. It looks nice, but I prefer something that feels solid and well built.
I have a Surge from 2007 and another one, black oxide', including the impruvments added in 2013 to the model, bought in 2020. I also have one Rebar. Like someone told here, I think the Rebar is an ergo disaster. It also not sturdy. Not in the pivots plus the needle nose broke after short time. (I grinded it to equalize the length of the noses and now it look like it has the inner jaws of the Mr. Crunch...) I agree the Wave/ Surge / Charge frame style is the strongest available today but like you said, the Free P2 / P4 and the Swisstools have some design advantages.
If I was one of the engineers in LM I would opt for some kind of combination between the Wave / Surge and the Frees plus Swisstools. May be some kind of eccentric hinges like the swisstool but adjustable like in the LM. I also would adopt the Free and the Swisstools location of the 1 and 2 hand opening tools so they all will be in the oposit side of the scales. i.e., the oposit side of the pliers pivots.
In that way, Lm can make a hibride of 4" Surge and Super Tool 300 plus the 3.5" size like the Wave / Charge and the Rebar.
Thus, they can save some amount of expense, using the same tools in each size. They can also make some variants of the same model as with the Swisstools, for better tool selection and the benfit of the user.
Hope you understand my points as Im not an english speaker... :(
The basic slim rectangle is what I like, I just want a basic compact multitool that's not full of too many extra frills that I don't need.
My multitool isn't a pocket knife so I don't need a blade at all let alone a one handed blade, and I don't really need one handed access to anything else on my multitool either.
Once in awhile I may need to acces my pliers with one hand, my old Fuse is slick as glass and I can manage with my Bond.
What are your thoughts on the goat tool demos?
Wave Plus frame style is the best compared to the Rebar and Free P4 in my opinion. And Wave Plus is my most favourite multitool.
i like the Free P4, i enjoy the fidget factor that no other tool even comes close to.
I'm usually in agreement with your multi tool philosophies, but this time I'm not so sure. I haven't once heard of a free series frame breaking whereas there is a post on the various social medias of a surge/wave frame breaking nearly every week. I've seen a couple springs break on a free series but the frames and pliers seem to be vastly superior in durability compared to the older models. The main problem with the wave/surge frame is the section directly behind the pliers jaw stops. The break in the frame causes work hardening on that small section that needs to withstand the most force. They often crack in that area. The Free series frames do not have this problem. Leatherman has even confirmed that the Free P series pliers are the strongest pliers they've ever made. Another small detail I think needs to be pointed out is that the 4 long tools (or 2 in the P2) in the Free series are retained via the springs, not the magnets.
It's like one's kids --- each one is great in various ways, you love them all, and you can't choose, so you have all of them, and maybe several of each type, even to the point that you've spent too much money and you damn well know it, but hey, it's worth it somehow, and you can play with them all while watching TV; just be careful not to hurt yourself or them with careless moves
I don't think they're ever going to significantly improve on the charge frame. It's near perfect. The TTi scales are much more ergonomic than the wave without sacrificing rigidity.
Wave style and I am one handed due to a work related injury
Great video.
I currently have the middle frame in a wave 2nd gen variant. The left frame just looks cheap to me, I had a budget Leatherman when I was a teen and it had a similar looking frame, I didn't like the look. The right frame looks more polished/advanced but I was never compelled to switch to it.
Good video, Ben - Wave definitely! For the reasons you mentioned, plus it feels so good in hand...very solid...hard to believe the p4 is the most expensive of the bunch...the magnets are not my cup of tea and in spite of it's great engineering, the tool looks like it's ready to come apart...not substantial like the OG Wave, the + and the Surge...
I like the rebar frame, i actually carry a Bond because of uk knife laws. I don't mind that its inside tools and two hand opening. I just wished they'd added scissors and replaced the knife blade with the serrated one off the rebar!
Never liked the Rebar style frame, it's an ergo nightmare unless you've got tradesman level callouses.
The lack of one hand opening told is also a major problem.
I still like the BOND. If it weren't for legal issues in my country I'd take a REBAR though. I'm left-handed so in any case a Wave wouldn't work for me 😕
The worst frames are in Ti Charge. You are paying extra for 10 grams less. You paying for SV30 blade which is not even close to SK5 in cutting, but rusty and far worst in maintains than Victorinox blades.
If all except cutting tools are made of titanium it would have sense. And of course externally accessible.
The Leatherman tools are simple inferior to Victorinox tools. The only advantage is one hand opening which is banned in in UK and Germany, the biggest European markets.
That’s far from the only advantage. Both companies do things well. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, and you have clearly stated yours. I wonder though, is your opinion based solely on the products of the companies, or is it more deeply rooted in a disdain for the USA?