I have been thinking of getting a Leatherman tool. I have never owned one. Which model do some of you think is best ?

By best I mean most versatility and usefulness versus size of tool

The Leatherman Wave. It has everything I need. Use it all the time. Several years ago, I broke the tip on the pliers. It was still functional though. I sent it back to see if it could be repaired and they sent me a brand new one. Can't beat a warrantly like that.

Great quote thumper! Going to buy one for the landowner.

I have what I guess was the original model and used it until the locking machanism on one side broke, so the tools on the side do not lock.

I then purchased the Wave and have carried that for many years. I use mine almost every day in some fashion. There are other great multi-tool brands out there, but I don't think you can go wrong with a Leatherman.

Well, literally you get what you pay for, but you don't always need all that you pay for, so it's okay to think it through. If you're not Macgyver, you can probably get by without left handed widget pullers, or champagne bottle openers. I have an original Leatherman that my daughter bought for me over twenty years ago. It's still pretty much like new and it's been used a lot. Fact is, I use the knife blade to gut deer and small game...I don't whittle with it or pry staples out of wood, etc. I use the pliers and the narrow pointy blade thing as well...but not a lot. I don't use gut hooks as they area a pain in the arse to keep sharp enough to work well, so the original is perfect for me.

I also have a Gerber that the same daughter bought me about ten years ago, and I rarely use it except around the house because it has so many accessory blades that it is too bulky and heavy for practical carrying. If I had to get another, it would be as close as I could get to the original Leatherman tool. It's relatively lightweight and a quality tool. That knife blade has dressed seven or eight deer and sharpens back up with a steel. If it needs cleaned, I put it in the dishwasher with the next load and let it dry...then touch up the blade and go.

If you're into gadgets, then the world is your oyster for multi-tools. But pay attention and check reviews because it's a fact that when it comes to quality, you don't always get what you pay for.

Get the Wave. All my friends in my archery circle got the wave, its the best for our needs. I got mine over 10 years ago and I love it.

I think the original is what the Wave is now, but they added a couple things to the newer model. Mine came with a leather sheath that would slide onto a belt.

I obtained the one I have in 1997, so I think it might be the original model? It has seen a lot of use over the years, but I cannot readily think of a time I used it on my archery tackle. I don't often carry it on my person, but I keep it handy in my truck. I believe that both of my only (and minor) complaints - sharp edges against the hand when bearing down on the pliers and the necessity to pull out a new tool 45-90 degrees in order to close a current tool have been eliminated on newer models.

I will check out the Wave.

Thanks fellas

Ken

Good tools........

I'd buy a Leatherman when I start shopping at Dick's. LIKE NEVER.

Bowmania

anything on my belt unravels when I go potty. if you are thin it might be ok. a belt clp would be more stable. tried to trade my wave and Victorinox multi tool on here and flea mkt. no tackers. but finaly sold the wave last year. both were well made and too heavy for me...ymmv

Mine stays in my fanny pack..not on my belt. I'm pretty pleased with mine since it will do anything any other knife will and won't close on your fingers. Damn hand for getting a stuck point out of a stump too. Likely not fancy enough for some though I suspect, but that's okay.

Wave is a good combination and mix of having everything you need and being a reasonable weight and size...

Leatherman super tool.... To quote Red Green ,...” If they don’t find you handsome, they gotta find you Handy !!!

I have what I believe is the original, wifey bought it for me many years ago. The closest current offering I see on their site is the "Super 300". Have sawed many an ill-placed limb with that thing. Heck, you could probably overhaul a small block Chevy with that thing;).

Agree with Thumper .

Wave. I have had one for 20+ years on my belt at all times. You won't believe how much you will use it once you have one. If you forget it once, you will feel like you are missing a part of you. The knife blades are not the best but the rest of it is. I carry a knife anyway. I did send one back for a new knife blade. I got back a brand new one in a new leather sheath. I went out and bought a second one, just for kicks.

I have 2, an Original Leatherman and a Leatherman "Super". Both are fantastic. The Supertool is bigger and not as handy to carry but a quality-made tool just as the Original.

I bought the wingman

Another vote for the Wave.

My local True Value hardware store didn’t have the Wave in stock, but he is ordering me one. I am supposed to get it next Wednesday. Thanks for all your help.

Ken

Fantastic tool, I have the first one they came out, along with a spare. Also have with the saw, but don't carry it near as much.

I have the wave.

I have the original, must be 20 yrs old. Still haven’t figured out how to sharpen the knife blade with the file.

MP

Mpdh,.......it’s easy,....but you gotta be quick....REAL quick. LOL

I have broke two of them. I sent them back they sent me new ones free. great warranty.

Wave guy here too. If I don't use that thing at least a dozen times a day then it means I'm sick in bed. Not inexpensive, but when I figure the DECADES that I've had and used it everyday it is "cheap"! I think I paid about $75.00 for it 22 years ago, so that means it's cost me about $3.50 a year, or .0096 cents a day!

ST300, which is a model I don't know is still made, is always in my hunting pack.

The Wave is a fantastic multi-tool and probably one of Leathermans best sellers .

The Wave. My only complaint with it is it does not have an awl.

I run a letherman wingman or Gerber MUT at work. Think my next one will be the one from the company that takes the scalpal blades.

I guess I'm different. My favorite is the Rebar. It doesn't have a lot of things I don't need but does have a saw which is a must and also it has replaceable wire cutting blades which sometimes need to be replaced. Great company to deal with.

My Mom got all my brothers and I each one about 20 years ago and I feel bad I keep it in a drawer . Not sure which model it is but it has about everything you would ever need .Just may get it out and start using it again.Where do you find the model?

Well I just went out and found it and mine just has Leatherman Super TOOL? Not sure if that is the model or am I missing something?

“ I’d forget my pants before I left the house without my Leatherman “ Thumper..... you get that on the Leatherman’s Web-site. !!!

I have the original.

Went and did some research on it and some of the originals were time stamped on the inside of handle.What I found out is first production run was 1994 and mine was 0896 which meant August 1996 so two years after they started making them I guess? Very good condition and still everything is tight . My mother gave me mine when I was 33 years old and I am now 55. She passed away in 2002 and I didn't want to ruin it cause it was a gift from her so I stored it in a drawer in my shop But it was meant to be used so I'll put it to good use from here on. Now I am going to call all my brothers and see if they have the same time stamped in theirs as well.

Thumper,that is supposed to say “ you have to get that on the Leatherman’s Web- Site “.......Lloyd

I am a Victorinox Swiss Tool Spirit X user. It is the smaller version and nothing is redundant, from scissors to metal file and saw.

I have an original model. I also have one that was issued in black with a blasting cap spike and blasting cap crimper. Showed it to an EOD guy and he drooled but had never seen one before. I find them to be just the right thing in many situations, and mine is in mysterious pack

My day pack-auto correct

I like the wave and the Rebar. The Rebar is actually thenmost pocket friendly Leatherman.

This is from the perspective of a who makes a living with tools. I have enough in my work van to build a house, because well, that's what I do. Are multi-tools ever the best tool for the job? No, but they are a darn sight better than nothing. Having said that, I have a Wingman and one of the original Super tools, I think the old Super tool is higher quality but more of a pain in the butt to get tools open and closed. Always keep one in the car when traveling and usually have one along on stump or 3d shoots.

I have had all kinds of multi tools over the years, gerber, SOG, Schrade, original leatherman, Wave, Surge, SUpertool and supertool 300, and rebar. The leathermans are IMO consderably better than all listed with the Wave being the best, or at least that was the case until I picked up the Swisstool sprit and then the Swisstool. The swisstools make the leathermans look cheap in fit and finish, and i was a huge leatherman fan. But after getting the Swisstools i sold all my leathermans. The leatherman is still a good tool and i think you will like it fine, just don't go look at a Swistool. And yes once you carry a multitool it is hard to not have one with you.

Sidekick and Wingman most recently. I used to fly for work a couple times a week and lost several due to getting to security, forgetting to put them in baggage and no time to mail it to myself.

Wave is great but bigger than I like for every day carry.

Have original leatherman with case .... this tool has been just excellent for 20+ years. My constant companion

Carried a wave for a few years. 99.99% of the time all Inisee were the screws drivers, pliers, and knife.

I discovered the Skeletool CX, and haven't looked back for 12years now. I use it multiple times a day. Even field dress a bunch of rabbits, a few squirrels, and a bunch of turkeys with it.

One thing I've found over the years is no matter which one you choose the case they come with are not made of good quality materials.

In fact I lost an expensive SOG muti tool one year elk hunting while using one of the cheap sheaths these tools come with.

That prompted me to come up with a belt sheath that not only holds the tool securely but is comfortable to wear on either the right or left hand side and doesn't interfere with putting on a seat belt.

Here is what I build for multi tools. I highly recommend you get a good sheath to carry your multi tool in!

Had mine forever, think it's a wave. A lot of tools on it. I don't leave home without it, if I forget it I turn around, my wife thinks it's rios. Most people freak out if they forget there phone, my whole day is ruined if I don't have my leatherman on my hip.

You too? It's like being NEKKID!

Got my tool today. I am impressed by it’s main knife blade. Thanks for all your imput. It seems as good as some of you said it is.

I liked the original Pst and pulse. What is not cool about Leatherman is they will not repair a PST or Pulse, instead you will be sent a new equivalent model. I do not care for the new ones.

I really appreciate this thread! I had all but forgotten about my leatherman too. It's pretty old. I have since traded out my edc folder for my leatherman, which is smaller and has so much more to offer! I don't know that it has a "name" of any sort. Just a plain old leatherman. I have the leather sheath, but am carrying in my pocket without the sheath.

I carried a Gerber Flick for over 20 years before I wore it out and I used it almost every day, your going to find that every time you need it you have something in one hand already and the Letherman isn't a one hand opening tool. Try to take a large nasty slimy northern pike off your lure while holding it with one hand trying to open a Leatherman LOL

+1 For the Wave. Bass Pro has them on sale for $79 right now I believe.

Actually, Ghost308, my leatherman easily opens to the pliers with one hand. Like a butterfly knife. I practice it often!

I have the same model as George and find it useful both hunting and fishing , and yup , mine rides in the pack most of the time .

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