I might be stretching the rules a bit here, however I hope Dan will forgive me. I'll try and sneak in some Busse content somewhere. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Without going in to too much detail, my brother is heading back to Afghanistan for another round. Part of my thing is to do what I can to help him out gear wise. I loan him what he needs on the condition he returns it in person after a successful tour. He is a weapons tech, so he is well equipped in his shop. That doesn't stop him from volunteering for other duties that take him away from there.

His last tour saw him go over with a shiny BATAC (See Busse content! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />) which was put to good use. It is his to keep now of course and will be heading east with him again. (Take that all unbelievers that a Busse has not seen active duty! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />)

This time around he asked about a good multitool. The gerber just didn't work out as well as possible last time.

After some digging, two I looked at were the Swisstool and the Leatherman Supertool 300. Swisstool since the overview seems pretty strong, the Supertool since the option of replaceable cutting edges for the wire cutters.

The big needs are excellent quality and great toughness. Ask anyone who has been over there and they will tell you about the wonderful qualities of the sand. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/barf.gif" alt="" />

Anyone have any feedback on those two or any other suggestions? Price is not the issue as I'll happily sell blades to get him what he needs.

Personally, I'm getting a swisstool. I've heard the two of them (and maybe the SOG) are the toughest of the bunch. And no multitool is gonna take THAT much punishment..But I'd go with the Swisstool. It just seems tighter and more solid.

I've had a Swisstool for a couple of years now. I carry it every day in my man-purse, but I also use it on hikes, camping and jobs around the home and car. It's comfortable, strong and has done awesomely and still looks good as new. I highly recommend it. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

I have always had great success with my Leathermans but haven't bought a new one in over a decade.

Mustardman asked about hard use multitools over on BF and now I want to pick up a supertool 200

the supertools pliers are supposedly better because of the squarish shape of the swisstools....i think the swisstool would last longer though...i almost wish there was a noss leatherman vrs swisstool square off.

I asked about "hard use" multitools over on bladeforums, and there was a lot of good discussion.


Also a couple of jerks who gave me crap for daring to pry a washer out of a flakeboard piece of furniture with the screwdriver on my POS leatherman wave.


So, not the wave. It's junk. I broke it prying with less lateral force than I apply to my butter knife when I spread chunky peanut butter on my toast. The tip of the knife is also bent, and the ergonomics are awful.


Some tougher tools I've used are the SOG Powerlock (awesome and beefy), the Schrade Tough Tool (huge but tough), and the Victorinox Swisstools. Any of those would be an outstanding choice, IMHO. The build quality on recent leathermans, on the other hand, is absolute crap. And I've heard that the quality of Gerber tools has gone WAY WAY WAY down since I bought mine many years ago.

I have the Swisstool, Leatherman super-tool and the Schrade tool. I personally think the Swisstool and Schrade are both tougher than the leatherman. I only have one Swisstool but I have an extra Schrade. If you wish, I will be happy to send it to you to give to your brother. Send me a pm if you are interested Chris.

got a leatherman wave that i've used for a couple of years now

Kirk, that is a great offer - you are a 1st Class Dog of the highest order! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

So, not the wave. It's junk. I broke it prying with less lateral force than I apply to my butter knife when I spread chunky peanut butter on my toast. The tip of the knife is also bent, and the ergonomics are awful.


Sorry to learn of your problems with the wave. I have had great results with mine over the years. A multitool is what it is. It is a compromise. I have seen none that have accomidating ergonomics and none that can stand up to any sort of extreme use. They are what they are.

Send it in. I hear they have a great warranty and customer service. I EDC my Ti Charge (really an upgraded Wave) and I love it. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Hey Chris- not going to beat the offer that Kirk gave for sure <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />- shows the kindness of the yard <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />. I LOVE the Victorinox Swisstools. Absolutely the best IMO. Will be thinking of your brother and sending prayers <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />-Thanks <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />