I have an original Wave and it feels way more solid than my brand new Charge ALX, I've used that wave pretty hard for the last 9 to 10 years and it's never let me down... I know I've squeezed with the very tip of the pliers until I couldn't squeeze any more. Only damage ever was some denting to the wire cutting blades when I used them on heavy barbed wire (probably not recommended anyway).

My old roommate had a Swiss tool and it felt solid as a rock (very heavy too if that's not an issue) but I never put it to use on anything.

I played with a friend's SOG with the power multiplying "gears" but didn't like the ergonomics, that was years ago too so perhaps they've improved.

Except every other tool I mentioned has better ergos than the wave. My original Gerber Legend has better ergonomics than some normal pliers, in fact - the only reason I didn't suggest it was that the newer ones seem to be poorly made compared to the originals. And I've pried the daylights out of stuff with my SOG and Schrade and never had a tool break on them.



The new Waves are just junk, and that's compared to MANY other multi tools I own. I had an original wave, and it was more well built, but it still had lousy ergonomics.




Yes, I can send my Wave in for repair or replacement, and I probably will eventually, but the wave is going to be relegated to a drawer in the kitchen or something - it's just not well built enough to stand up to EDC duty. And I sure as heck wouldn't send it to the sand box.

Are there any multi-tools in the +100 dollar range? It seems like they are all sub/around that price range, which isnt a bad thing but I'm sure some people would prefer paying more for one they can pound on.

Swisstool here.

The old Gerbers were crude, but reasonably tough. The new ones seem to be made of pot metal. The jaws on mine dont even line up.

I have a broken Schrade Tough Tool upstairs that lasted about a week when I got it. I consider them to be absolute junk as well.

I havent got any Leathermans except a Micra that I got for free at an Army surplus store last weekend. It is used and clicky.



Get a Swisstool.

Hm <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

I bought mine well over a decade ago - it seems most multi tools were built better back then <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/banghead.gif" alt="" /> How long ago did you get yours? If the newer ones are crap, I've gotta stop suggesting them.


I've rarely heard a bad word about the swisstools though <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> They aren't the most innovative or sexy design, but they sure seem like a solid workhorse.

I like / use the Leatherman Wave or Surge.

-Stan

I have the Swisstool Spirit and it is high quality, the blades and other tools within the handles work great and they do not clump together when you get them out. Also the user does not have to open the tool to get to the blades and such.The over all fit and finish is second to none. I also have an old Supertool 200,my biggest issue with it is the clumping and the lock style. Just my 2 cents

I have used Leatherman, Gerber, and others in the past. Unfortunately I gave my old Leatherman away to a "buddy" that thought he needed it worse than me (no longer a buddy) and the Gerber I have is plain worn out. I have recently started looking at the multitools again and have about decided on a Swiss one since they are sounding like the quality ones of this time. I figure I can throw it in the pack and be GTG. I have been trying to buy a used Wave from a pawn shop that I would send in for repair but I figure if it is going to be much hassle and shipping I might as well get a new one. Oh well, time to get back to work so I can afford one.

I'm telling the boss! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

now I know you've read our posts in the outdoor section Chris! about MTs <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />
(check out the Leatherman Mut thread!)

IMHO Swisstools have the best quality. Sogs are the strongest (compound leverage pliers) and Leatherman has the most models.

the LM ST300 is sweet, and the reviews are very good, he should like it and use it well.

You didn't mention which Swisstool, the original size/one (several models of it) or the smaller "Spirit" (also several models with different tools) which many feel is the most ergonomic, best tool compliment out there, about Wave-size. not the best for hard use IMO. I have tried and it wants to bend too much so I use more heavy duty ones.

you could go by warranties:
Leatherman: 25 years (and still honoring over 25 year stuff)
Victorinox: Lifetime
Sog: Lifetime
Gerber: Lifetime. who seems to be trying to get better but we'll see.

for Tanks, hard use MTs:
Leatherman Surge, Leatherman ST300
Victorinox Swisstool (standard, X, RS)
Sog PowerLock
Paladin PT-540 (Sog-Collaboration)

are all good and should serve him well <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Swisstool for Brown in AZ

Both children and my lovely wife have them in their packs also.

I have been using a Leatherman Charge Ti at work for the last year.

Works great on all kinds of equipment repairs.

Had a Leatherman Pulse and it broke within the first week of using it. I bought a Victorinox Swiss Spirit and that's still going strong...great tool !