I can't believe I was about to buy a charge + tti over a wave + when the charge is just a wave in a fancy coat, with a better knife! I thought everything apart from the blades were titanium. Thanks for this. I definitely don't need a charge as my bicycle tool!
I replaced the Wave pliers with the Leatherman Rebar pliers, they are exactly the same with the only difference that the Rebar have the 154CM replaceble wire cutters, which is a plus, they also have the electrical wire crimper positioned at the bottom of the pliers head instead of the tip, much, much, better location than the one on the Charger TTI which IMO they're good for nothing. I also replaced the Wave 420HC blade with the S30V blade, purchased online by it self, brand new and for only 15 bucks, both blades are interchangeable. The Wave serrated knife can also be swapped with a cutting hook blade but I have no use for a hook. Now I have a upgraded Wave with better tools without braking the bank, but if you like the TTI only because of the scales and you have the extra $$ to purchase one, go for it!!
Except ....who cares? For the functions one would use an EDC knife for; opening packaging, cutting food, or well that’s about it for EDC knives, any basic knife tool steel would work just fine. And probably be easier to sharpen over time.
Those are blasting cap crimpers I believe. Wave has 420hc blade steel, the charge TTi's S30V is a harder more durable blade steel. It holds an edge longer, however it's harder to sharpen. Very cool down to earth review.
Rick Spagne, my choice is 1 of each of nearly everything Leatherman has. I collect and test the tools just for my own pleasure. I have other stuff too like SOG, Gerber and you name it (if its high end) and i probably have it. I carry a Wave gen 2 or a Charge TTI gen 2 every day. Usually the Wave if its going to get dirty or there is a chance for losing it. You are right, both are phenomenal tools, its all about what you want in a tool. Now there is the Wave Plus, and the Charge and TTI Plus, with replaceable wire cutters. Those are the bomb. Almost like a Surge but much lighter.
I like my wave just fine. And if I want a good steel in a knife that's why I carry my Spyderco para2 in s110v. So yep im with ya👍🏼 The plain old wave fits the bill
My two cents on it, I bought free p4 and after a week, knife tip broke from falling 10 inches onto wooden bench. Got it replaced no problem but, for future purchases I decided that I need multitool with better knife steel. So, I went with charge, thought about it and decided to spend extra 30 bucks and went with tti. Very happy with. I have Spyderco Smock that rocks s30v steel, so I am familiar with that steel. That's just m opinion
i just bought my leatherman wave last week... all the tools that i see on charge tti was already in wave... so the difference is the titanium...whats the use? if a person had some extra money to buy the much expensive ones then its good... but for me the functionality comes first second is the price... where wave has it all.
Rick Spagna wow, thanks for the comparison of the two, really looking at the factual side, not the normal youtube 'OH THIS IS SO GOOD, AND THIS REALLY SUCKS, GET THIS NOT THIS', really helps! I'd love to see more videos like this almost at 1k GOO!!!!! Oh just watched the end of it, wow you're opinion is factual you're not flashy like other people on youtube, KEEP IT UP! :)
It’s funny how fast technology is changing things. Today, 3 years from this post, the S30V no longer the “high end” steel :). However, I still carrying the Charge instead of my recently acquired Free P4
I occasionally carry the Leatherman Skeletool CX because it has 154CM straight edge blade, pilers, and screwdriver set. It's super light, but I was considering getting a Wave or a Charge. How does it pocket carry with its clip?
BECAUSE IT DOESNT MATTER. You molecular metallurgists pretend that people cant do stuff with 420HC. Why overpay for something that will be inconsequential.
It matters if you use the knife to cut often, especially hard materials. S30V is a high end material used in more expensive knives. Your argument boils down to cheap knives being just as good as expensive knives and that is simply not true. Leatherman claims it is 6 times harder than 420C, so it stays sharp for much longer. I agree that for many people, the 420C blade stays sharp and cuts fine. Being softer means it also is easier to sharpen, so if you don't mind a little extra maintenance to hone the blade occasionally your Wave can stay just as sharp as the Charge Tti. but its also nice to have a blade you can really use and abuse and know that it will not dull, and that's what S30V gives you.
That gut hook on the end of the knife can also be used to cut off clothes from someone who has suffered an accident without accidentally cutting into them.
For what it's worth, the titanium on the scales is no big deal, but the S30V vs. a 420 steel is, as far as these things go, like a Lexus compared to a Pontiac. Thanks for the video. Your Wave has a pocket clip. New Wave's do not come with one. Did you add that somehow, or is that a feature of the older model?
navajas rs Mr. navajas rs. Pontiac? Those POS are still in production? By the way, comparing a Pontiac to a Lexus; now, and without a doubt, that was a really gross insult against Lexus. Compare a Pontiac to a Chevrolet, or a GMC POS product, and now you are comparing rotten apples to rotten apples.
I like the review. Chances are that it may not be 70% better, but even if it is somewhat better that makes a difference to someone who has the money anyway. Plus, the blade steel is apparently 500% better.
The charge is silky smooth opening the tools and has a better steel so less sharpening. So if you do not know how to sharpen a knife and you like quality buy the charge. If you know how to sharpen knives and the lower quality does not bother you buy the Wave, Like opting for real leather versus leatherette when buying the same car model.
1st of all 100 bucks to 170 bucks is not 70% difference its around 50 which is still huge I must admit but the difference is in the material,. While titanium does not offer much in terms of superiority to steel (in this application) it is many times more expensive than steel to both purchase and machine and does wear much better over time (ive seen 5 year old TTIs and waves)...also the blade steel is exponentially better ... there are 300 dollar flip knives with S30v steel blades just for the steel alone cost this much so i think these differences though they may seem subtle is what makes the charge so much more expensive ( it should cost more actually)...does it make the leatherman charge better as a multitool than the wave in terms of pliers etc? of course not but its the reason why people buy 20000 dollar rolex rather than a 10000 dollar rolex for these small but significant differences...just my 2 cents
+CootShooter You are not using the math correctly. You want to find the percentage increase between $170 and $100. To do this, you divide the difference between the two numbers by the original starting amount. Since we are increasing 100 to 170, then 100 is our starting value. [(170-100)/100] = 0.7 or 70% A $170 tool is 1.7 times the cost of a $100 tool. Either way, you can find both of these tools for much cheaper than MSRP but I still think the Charge TTi is overpriced when compared directly with the Wave.
S30V steel blade on the charge is about 5 times better than the 420HC steel blade on the wave. the titanium doesn't make a big difference, but i think it makes the tool better fall-resistant. also the pliers on the charge tti are stronger and have a bit more on them.
Right, the 420HC steal blades don't work at all. Especially on boxes, clam shell packaging , and zips ties...you know the basically uses for the average person. Those items are uncuttable with 420HC steal. Thanks for clearing that up, now you can go back to teaching your molecular metallurgy class.
You're right, I am the one being "dramatic". It's me who is overstating things (the blade is 5 times better). Sigh. You do realize some people like a slightly softer blade? It handles almost all of the of the tasks perfect, if not all, and it is easier to sharpen.
Really. Its not like S30V is enchanted. On a knife like this the difference will be barely noticable. Infact the 420HC might be preferable as its much easier to sharpen with pocket size stones like the dc4 and cc4. Sharpening these multitools in some sharpening systems is far from ideal. The titanium is mostly for for looks. It's not stronger than steel in any way. Processing it is alot more expensive. But its very corrosion resistant and also a bit lighter. Personally I dont think this is a working mans tool. Its for someone who wants a nice lookong tool to be used on rare occations and perhaps serve as a conversation piece. The s30v steel could very well stay sharp its entire lifetime with such light use. A similiar logic applies when its used in expensive pocket knives. The minor added features on the Charge are just extra selling points.
+Rotwang72 I honestly would rather a blade hold the edge better to begin with, than be softer and slightly easier to sharpen, which just means I'd be taking away more and more metal off the 420HC blade over time. And by the way, you would do well to lose some of that snark.
Good common sense review. You are dead on al the points you make. I also have both the Wave and the Charge TTi.. I think the Wave will works as well in most instances. And I agree I am not sure the Charge is worth the extra price. The knife steel in the Charge is better, but for what I use the multi tool for the regular steel of the Wave works fine. I actually prefer the pliers if the Wave, I think they are stronger.
The purpose of the Charge is to offer something with more attention to aesthethics that can be carried as a stylish EDC tool. To achieve this they tricked out thier all time best seller. It makes perfect sense if you look at it that way. Kind of like how you different prices for similiar folding knives even both will cut stuff. That being said, I feel the Charge TTi needs a overhaul with brass bushings, replacable cutters and better fit and finnish over all to fit in with the most recent versions in the Leatherman lineup.
Joshua, the reality is, if you dont know the difference between S30V and 420HC, then it isnt worth the difference in price. If at any point you had the chance to do a true comparison, and really know the difference you would fork over the cash quickly for the better knife blade, assuming 50% of your use is cutting with that blade. Comparison, i am a Master Tech at an auto shop, i can cut hose day after day after day with the Charge TTI day after day after day, and it doesnt get dull. With the Wave i cut hose and boxes and such for about a week or 2 depending on jobs and i have to sharpen it. After a year of this the blade is getting thin, and the Charge TTI is STILL SHARP never been sharpened. So yeah, people are freaking out about the steel. It took getting a knife with S30V steel to know the difference and to upgrade to the Charge TTI.
@@rodx5571 what the eff are you talking about. For EDC uses (opening packaging and cutting food) basic O1 tool steel is more that great. Only morons who are suckered into the stupidly subtle differences of steel types for EDC purpose deserve to lose the extra money (and time) they lose over the steel
I'd be opening the stupid vaccum plastic packages all day with that guy hook instead of flailing every which way with the knife like I currently do to open them lol.
also the tti weighs .3 oz less than the wave. If money is not concerned, the charge is basically straight out better, except fro the length lost on the needlenose pliers because of the crimper.
Just watching the vid, it appears that the Charge might be a bit 'thicker', which kind of makes sense, since the Wave is kind of a 'sheet metal' housing, and the Charge is molded titanium. Does anyone know if it is in fact a bit thicker?
Hey, there is nothing wrong with a $30K Ford either but a $250K Ferrari is just so much more fun. Will it get you from A to B? Yes! But if you can afford the TTI and just look at it from all angles for hours - why not??
I have just purchase a charge tti. I also did test magnestic with titanium scale. But the result is magnestic piece attract the scale pretty strong. The scale appear scratch at the place touching the pocket flip. Anybody has same issue with me?. I suspect the thing leatherman call "titanium"
I can't believe I was about to buy a charge + tti over a wave + when the charge is just a wave in a fancy coat, with a better knife! I thought everything apart from the blades were titanium. Thanks for this. I definitely don't need a charge as my bicycle tool!
I replaced the Wave pliers with the Leatherman Rebar pliers, they are exactly the same with the only difference that the Rebar have the 154CM replaceble wire cutters, which is a plus, they also have the electrical wire crimper positioned at the bottom of the pliers head instead of the tip, much, much, better location than the one on the Charger TTI which IMO they're good for nothing. I also replaced the Wave 420HC blade with the S30V blade, purchased online by it self, brand new and for only 15 bucks, both blades are interchangeable. The Wave serrated knife can also be swapped with a cutting hook blade but I have no use for a hook.
Now I have a upgraded Wave with better tools without braking the bank, but if you like the TTI only because of the scales and you have the extra $$ to purchase one, go for it!!
s30v is a super steel. used in high end knives. probably one of the best Stainless steel right next to CM54
Dont forget m390
M390 is pretty awesome as well
Except ....who cares? For the functions one would use an EDC knife for; opening packaging, cutting food, or well that’s about it for EDC knives, any basic knife tool steel would work just fine. And probably be easier to sharpen over time.
Those are blasting cap crimpers I believe. Wave has 420hc blade steel, the charge TTi's S30V is a harder more durable blade steel. It holds an edge longer, however it's harder to sharpen. Very cool down to earth review.
Charge is a fancy wave , a collecters item due to the different steel usage
Rick Spagne, my choice is 1 of each of nearly everything Leatherman has. I collect and test the tools just for my own pleasure. I have other stuff too like SOG, Gerber and you name it (if its high end) and i probably have it. I carry a Wave gen 2 or a Charge TTI gen 2 every day. Usually the Wave if its going to get dirty or there is a chance for losing it. You are right, both are phenomenal tools, its all about what you want in a tool. Now there is the Wave Plus, and the Charge and TTI Plus, with replaceable wire cutters. Those are the bomb. Almost like a Surge but much lighter.
I like my wave just fine. And if I want a good steel in a knife that's why I carry my Spyderco para2 in s110v. So yep im with ya👍🏼 The plain old wave fits the bill
It doesn´t get more honest than this.
An unbiased review for the regular user.
btw, S30V is a great steel in a multitool, just sayin´.
My two cents on it, I bought free p4 and after a week, knife tip broke from falling 10 inches onto wooden bench. Got it replaced no problem but, for future purchases I decided that I need multitool with better knife steel. So, I went with charge, thought about it and decided to spend extra 30 bucks and went with tti. Very happy with. I have Spyderco Smock that rocks s30v steel, so I am familiar with that steel. That's just m opinion
Love the honesty. Higher price doesn't always mean better. Although that S30V blade is better I don't think it's 70% better.
i just bought my leatherman wave last week... all the tools that i see on charge tti was already in wave... so the difference is the titanium...whats the use? if a person had some extra money to buy the much expensive ones then its good... but for me the functionality comes first second is the price... where wave has it all.
Rick Spagna wow, thanks for the comparison of the two, really looking at the factual side, not the normal youtube 'OH THIS IS SO GOOD, AND THIS REALLY SUCKS, GET THIS NOT THIS', really helps! I'd love to see more videos like this almost at 1k GOO!!!!! Oh just watched the end of it, wow you're opinion is factual you're not flashy like other people on youtube, KEEP IT UP! :)
Also I tend to watch videos with good, clear camera lenses used to record, really brings out the definition!
S30V is the selling point for many people who bought this tool.
It’s funny how fast technology is changing things. Today, 3 years from this post, the S30V no longer the “high end” steel :). However, I still carrying the Charge instead of my recently acquired Free P4
I occasionally carry the Leatherman Skeletool CX because it has 154CM straight edge blade, pilers, and screwdriver set. It's super light, but I was considering getting a Wave or a Charge. How does it pocket carry with its clip?
Dude, how can you do the review not knowing S30V blade? The blade itself worth the extra cost.
BECAUSE IT DOESNT MATTER. You molecular metallurgists pretend that people cant do stuff with 420HC. Why overpay for something that will be inconsequential.
It matters if you use the knife to cut often, especially hard materials. S30V is a high end material used in more expensive knives. Your argument boils down to cheap knives being just as good as expensive knives and that is simply not true. Leatherman claims it is 6 times harder than 420C, so it stays sharp for much longer. I agree that for many people, the 420C blade stays sharp and cuts fine. Being softer means it also is easier to sharpen, so if you don't mind a little extra maintenance to hone the blade occasionally your Wave can stay just as sharp as the Charge Tti. but its also nice to have a blade you can really use and abuse and know that it will not dull, and that's what S30V gives you.
The blade is crap. The liner-lock has blade play. Get a wave and buy a spyderco with the savings.
S30V is the key to the price difference, i’d say.
Great video!
That gut hook on the end of the knife can also be used to cut off clothes from someone who has suffered an accident without accidentally cutting into them.
Do they HAVE to have been in an accident though? 😉
For what it's worth, the titanium on the scales is no big deal, but the S30V vs. a 420 steel is, as far as these things go, like a Lexus compared to a Pontiac.
Thanks for the video. Your Wave has a pocket clip. New Wave's do not come with one. Did you add that somehow, or is that a feature of the older model?
+navajas rs You can buy them aftermarket on amazon, they're pretty cheap.
navajas rs
Mr. navajas rs. Pontiac? Those POS are still in production? By the way, comparing a Pontiac to a Lexus; now, and without a doubt, that was a really gross insult against Lexus. Compare a Pontiac to a Chevrolet, or a GMC POS product, and now you are comparing rotten apples to rotten apples.
I like the review. Chances are that it may not be 70% better, but even if it is somewhat better that makes a difference to someone who has the money anyway. Plus, the blade steel is apparently 500% better.
I bought my wave for like $40 from costco.
I might be mistaken but doesn't the charge tti come with the bit driver attachment plus bits and like a flashlight maybe? Where the wave doesn't?
The charge is silky smooth opening the tools and has a better steel so less sharpening. So if you do not know how to sharpen a knife and you like quality buy the charge. If you know how to sharpen knives and the lower quality does not bother you buy the Wave, Like opting for real leather versus leatherette when buying the same car model.
1st of all 100 bucks to 170 bucks is not 70% difference its around 50 which is still huge I must admit but the difference is in the material,. While titanium does not offer much in terms of superiority to steel (in this application) it is many times more expensive than steel to both purchase and machine and does wear much better over time (ive seen 5 year old TTIs and waves)...also the blade steel is exponentially better ... there are 300 dollar flip knives with S30v steel blades just for the steel alone cost this much so i think these differences though they may seem subtle is what makes the charge so much more expensive ( it should cost more actually)...does it make the leatherman charge better as a multitool than the wave in terms of pliers etc? of course not but its the reason why people buy 20000 dollar rolex rather than a 10000 dollar rolex for these small but significant differences...just my 2 cents
It's exactly 70%....
$100 x .7 = $70
$100 + $70 = $170...
I guess technically it's 170% more but you get the idea
+SmartSlinger x%/100% : 100/170 = 58.8%
+CootShooter This is the equation for "what percent is 100 of 170?"
+CootShooter You are not using the math correctly. You want to find the percentage increase between $170 and $100. To do this, you divide the difference between the two numbers by the original starting amount. Since we are increasing 100 to 170, then 100 is our starting value. [(170-100)/100] = 0.7 or 70%
A $170 tool is 1.7 times the cost of a $100 tool. Either way, you can find both of these tools for much cheaper than MSRP but I still think the Charge TTi is overpriced when compared directly with the Wave.
S30V steel blade on the charge is about 5 times better than the 420HC steel blade on the wave. the titanium doesn't make a big difference, but i think it makes the tool better fall-resistant. also the pliers on the charge tti are stronger and have a bit more on them.
Right, the 420HC steal blades don't work at all. Especially on boxes, clam shell packaging , and zips ties...you know the basically uses for the average person. Those items are uncuttable with 420HC steal. Thanks for clearing that up, now you can go back to teaching your molecular metallurgy class.
+Rotwang72 you are being dramatic, i'm not saying that 420hc steel is worthless, just that s30v steel is better.
You're right, I am the one being "dramatic". It's me who is overstating things (the blade is 5 times better). Sigh. You do realize some people like a slightly softer blade? It handles almost all of the of the tasks perfect, if not all, and it is easier to sharpen.
Really. Its not like S30V is enchanted. On a knife like this the difference will be barely noticable. Infact the 420HC might be preferable as its much easier to sharpen with pocket size stones like the dc4 and cc4. Sharpening these multitools in some sharpening systems is far from ideal.
The titanium is mostly for for looks. It's not stronger than steel in any way. Processing it is alot more expensive. But its very corrosion resistant and also a bit lighter.
Personally I dont think this is a working mans tool. Its for someone who wants a nice lookong tool to be used on rare occations and perhaps serve as a conversation piece. The s30v steel could very well stay sharp its entire lifetime with such light use. A similiar logic applies when its used in expensive pocket knives. The minor added features on the Charge are just extra selling points.
+Rotwang72 I honestly would rather a blade hold the edge better to begin with, than be softer and slightly easier to sharpen, which just means I'd be taking away more and more metal off the 420HC blade over time. And by the way, you would do well to lose some of that snark.
Thanks, I was wondering about the differences since they seemed so similar!
Simon Vance Which tool would you choose, if you're considering buying one?
Rick Spagna i would choose the charge AL. Similar to wave just less sharp edges and comfortablr grip,plus not as expensive. Good review
Good common sense review. You are dead on al the points you make. I also have both the Wave and the Charge TTi..
I think the Wave will works as well in most instances. And I agree I am not sure the Charge is worth the extra price. The knife steel in the Charge is better, but for what I use the multi tool for the regular steel of the Wave works fine. I actually prefer the pliers if the Wave, I think they are stronger.
The purpose of the Charge is to offer something with more attention to aesthethics that can be carried as a stylish EDC tool. To achieve this they tricked out thier all time best seller. It makes perfect sense if you look at it that way. Kind of like how you different prices for similiar folding knives even both will cut stuff. That being said, I feel the Charge TTi needs a overhaul with brass bushings, replacable cutters and better fit and finnish over all to fit in with the most recent versions in the Leatherman lineup.
Man every on is freaking out about the steal lol
Joshua, the reality is, if you dont know the difference between S30V and 420HC, then it isnt worth the difference in price. If at any point you had the chance to do a true comparison, and really know the difference you would fork over the cash quickly for the better knife blade, assuming 50% of your use is cutting with that blade. Comparison, i am a Master Tech at an auto shop, i can cut hose day after day after day with the Charge TTI day after day after day, and it doesnt get dull. With the Wave i cut hose and boxes and such for about a week or 2 depending on jobs and i have to sharpen it. After a year of this the blade is getting thin, and the Charge TTI is STILL SHARP never been sharpened. So yeah, people are freaking out about the steel. It took getting a knife with S30V steel to know the difference and to upgrade to the Charge TTI.
@@rodx5571 what the eff are you talking about. For EDC uses (opening packaging and cutting food) basic O1 tool steel is more that great. Only morons who are suckered into the stupidly subtle differences of steel types for EDC purpose deserve to lose the extra money (and time) they lose over the steel
The crimper is to crimp lead weights for fishing.
I'd be opening the stupid vaccum plastic packages all day with that guy hook instead of flailing every which way with the knife like I currently do to open them lol.
LOTR quote.... nice :)
the crimper is for eod operations such as crimping blasting caps
also the tti weighs .3 oz less than the wave. If money is not concerned, the charge is basically straight out better, except fro the length lost on the needlenose pliers because of the crimper.
Just watching the vid, it appears that the Charge might be a bit 'thicker', which kind of makes sense, since the Wave is kind of a 'sheet metal' housing, and the Charge is molded titanium. Does anyone know if it is in fact a bit thicker?
+Alan Jezusko The charge is noticeably thicker in the hand, to its detriment.
The cimper is below the plier, between both handles.
the crimper is probably for military use like crimping blasting caps.
s30v .....learn about it here: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CPM_S30V_steel
Hey, there is nothing wrong with a $30K Ford either but a $250K Ferrari is just so much more fun. Will it get you from A to B? Yes! But if you can afford the TTI and just look at it from all angles for hours - why not??
I have just purchase a charge tti. I also did test magnestic with titanium scale. But the result is magnestic piece attract the scale pretty strong. The scale appear scratch at the place touching the pocket flip. Anybody has same issue with me?. I suspect the thing leatherman call "titanium"
Don't the pliers serve as a crimper
Fishing
umm why are you reviewing this when you can't even sharpen a knife you should really learn.