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| Send us your Comments and Feedback on the Leatherman Wave. |
From: Greg Miller
Date: 1-July-98
Hi Doug!
I am really impressed with your review of the WAVE. You really did an outstanding job - I wish I could find reviews like this on cars :-)
As far as the rest of your WEB Site goes - Thanks.
I am just getting into backpacking with my sons and I found your page while looking for tips on putting together a survival kit. The information you provided was just what I was looking for. I printed the Kids Wilderness Primer and my sons read it (12&13). They enjoyed it and learned a lot.
It is really nice of you to provide this WEB Page for the rest of us interested people.
From: Tom Wheeler
Date: 10-July-98
Just received my WAVE today. As A LEATHERMAN user, I too, was very impressed.
The straight blade on this tool is stiff enough that is almost impossible to open it one handed. A quick call to LEATHERMAN told me what I already knew, send it back and they would take care of it pronto.
I then asked if it would be possible to get the torx tool to adjust it myself. As a dealer, I explained to the nice lady on the phone, this would enable me to adjust mine and a customers if it would need to be done. I was told that the only was to fix the problem is to send it back. They have no intention to make the torx tool available. The only way I see is to have a tool made.
They were surprised that I even had a WAVE! I purchased mine from CABELAS. LEATHERMAN said not very many have been shipped yet. I'm NOT faulting LEATHERMAN or the WAVE. This kind of thing happens. I'm sure things will slick up with time. A drop of WILSONS ULTRALUBE helped some on the blade pivot. By the way, if you haven't tried this stuff, it's amazing on knife actions, guns, etc., THE BEST!
Your evaluation was correct. This tool will be great to modify. The WAVE also fits great in a SUPERTOOL synthetic pouch. The leather pouch is NICE with a different look. It even says WAVE on the front. There are numbers on the inside of both handles. Appears to be serial numbers. I have plans for this WAVE and will post the results of the mods.
The WAVE is ULTIMATE MULITOOL!
From: Dan Gauthier
Date: 21-July-98
I was just searching the web for the newest edition of the Leatherman pocket tool called "The Wave" when I came to your site. I have never seen such terrific coverage of a product as this! Kudo's to you. I have looked at the Leatherman hundreds, maybe thousands of times, but could never justify buying something that required several steps to get to the utility that I use most. I have carried a Buck 112 on my side for years and like the convenience of having quick access to a knife. Finally its here! Something to replace my knife with that doesn't require three steps to open it!
From: Simon Long
Date: 12-August-98
I received my Wave in the mail today, from Shoplite. 78 dollars plus shipping - I strongly suspect I may have the first Wave in Europe... ;) ;)
I've owned an original Leatherman PST for five years or so now, and when I saw the review of the Wave on this site, I knew I had to get one. On finally getting my hands on one, I am pleased to say that I am not disappointed.
The first impression of the Wave is of a more modern, advanced design than the original PST. The PST was designed to do a job, nothing more - the Wave feels like it was designed to both do the job and to look good. It feels just as solid as the original PST, but is noticeably wider and heavier. The little design features, like the way the blade covers cushion the handles, and the way the blade locks are cut from the same piece of steel, are a delight.
The blades are a vast improvement over that of the PST - I was never impressed by the PST's blade - inferior to that of a SAK in terms of edge. The Wave's main blade is as good as that of a SAK, so full marks there. The pliers are pretty much unchanged, although the rounded handles make them much more comfortable. Very ingenious design for the spring in the scissors. Haven't tried many of the other blades in use yet, but all seem to be as good as those on the original.
I would echo the sentiment on the website that I'd prefer an awl and one fewer driver blades - the awl on the PST was quite useful. That is about the only criticism I'd have, though.
The leather pouch is *much* better than that supplied with the PST. Properly stitched and shaped, and looks pretty stylish with it.
I work at a design consultancy, and I had a bunch of industrial designers playing with my Wave this morning. All of them were really impressed by the design. It's a very nice piece of kit. If you're thinking of getting one, I'd urge you to go for it!
From: Willis Hogan
Date: 12-August-98
Just found your great site! I enjoyed the Wave test. I wish they'd put a pocket clip on it.
From: Rick Buchanan
Date: 12-August-98
I enjoyed this article very much; except for finding out how much the Wave will cost. Ouch!!
From: Howard Saunders
Date: 12-August-98
The only gripe with all these brilliant U.S. made multi-tools is that unlike the good old Swiss Army knives, they don't have a bloody corkscrew. If you hike in any of the French, Spanish, Italian mountains the non-essential extra that everyone takes with them is a bottle of wine and these things just don't cut the mustard with them. Surely a corkscrew could be built in?!
From: Carl Peters
Date: 29-August-98
Thanks for the good reviews on your site
RE: Leatherman Wave
Yay!! Hey, I saw one of these today and was quite impressed.
My complaints:
1) The new design removes one of my uses for a Leatherman: I often use the part of the metal that extends beyond the pliers (in the folded in position) as a large flat screwdriver or to pry open things (like paint cans). (though the easy access blades do make up for this.)
2) I like the modification suggested for the file on the PST2 and wish Leatherman would incorporate it.
3) Size: It's already thicker than the Supertool (and fits better on a belt than in a pocket) so why not make it the same length and give us longer blades, saw, and file
4) Blade position (I'm a lefty)
5) Why only a false edge on so much of the clip point blade?
[Editor's Note: Sharpening the false edge would make it illegal in many states and countries.]
6) Not really a complaint, just a comment: The whole "comfort problem" with the other design was never an issue for me (but then, I work a lot with my hands)
Things I liked:
1) The blades: The serrated sheepsfoot is great and I prefer a clip point blade (while the narrow tip may be more fragile it is also more versatile in my experience)
2) Scissors,
3) Easily accessible blades (I carry a knife simply because using the one on my Supertool is too inconvenient),
4) Saw (the one on my Supertool cuts copper pipe too [but I only had to do that once]),
5) Good construction,
6) Warranty,
7) everything else that is Leatherman.
From: Eric Wicks
Date: 31-August-98
Hey Folks!!! I work part time at REI in Atlanta. When I saw the WAVE I had to purchase it then and there!! It is a fabulous tool, and blows the Gerber tools away without a breeze!!! I have fallen in love with my new toy and will find some way to use it daily... I highly recommend the WAVE as one of the best tools around, however, we all know Leatherman will come out with something much better!!! Have a GREAT day and remember... CAMP HARD!!!
From: Scott Clark
Date: 29-August-98
Just a quick note - I recently purchased a Wave and discovered that the tamper resistant screws are not Torx head. Torx head fasteners have six point recesses, and the fasteners on the Wave have five point recesses. These will probably be much harder, if at all, to find. Aside from that, I agree with your evaluation, and am quite pleased with my new Wave.
From: Guy Whitfield
Date: 8-September-98
Hi All,
About the Wave - Damn good tool, does its job very well and seems to be able to deal with most everyday needs. So far mine has seemed to be required by someone or other in my office everyday for one reason or another.
I like both blades, and find the pliers great. The non-rounded edges on the driver blades definitely beat my Swiss Champs. All I miss is (as has been mentioned before) a cork screw -- there isn't that much call for survival in London! So, a cork screw would have been nice.
One warning to other users -- I know this is in the User Manual/Piece of Paper, but DO NOT USE THE WIRE CUTTERS ON HARD WIRE, or anything other than soft material. As I found out (before I engaged my brain), they are really easily damaged, and once you put dents in the shears the smooth operation of the tool as a pair of pliers is impaired. If you have already done this ( I might be the only muppet to have done so, but I doubt it.), a trip to the jeweller will sort it for you, unless you have access to really small files. Jewellers files will smooth away the burrs -- and if you want perfection some will backfill the remaining U-shaped indentations if you ask nicely.
Finally, could American people please stop moaning about the cost of the tools! Over here (UK) they cost around 8/5ths the price it costs you guys. My Wave was £90, or $146, and that's standard for over here. And, guess what? We still think they're good value. It's just a bit sickening when you hear the price they are in the states. All in all though, if you are tempted to splash out on a multi-tool, Leatherman are definitely streaks ahead and it is simply amazing how many uses you can use them for. The scissors are far superior to those found on any other similar tool or SAK that I've come across.
Well have fun folks, if you buy one, I guarantee you wont be disappointed, and will be fiddling for days.
From: Brandt Belknap
Date: 28-September-98
Hey, I have been carrying Leatherman tools for about eight years. Have had a few originals, a Gerber in the middle, and currently a Super Tool. I have found the Super Tool to be an exceptional product that handle an astonishing array of hardcore tasks with ease. By the way, I spend most of my time working in and about theaters doing any number of technical jobs. After having the Super Tool, I could never go back to the Original due to the size difference. The extra leverage and added strength are indispensable.
However I saw a Wave in a local shop recently and was very impressed. I also carry a Spyderco Military Clipit (liner lock) as a regular carry, and the liner locks on the Wave were impressive indeed.
My big wish is that they produce a Wave in Supertool dimensions. I am also flabbergasted to see that there is no ruler or scale. I have gotten used to carrying a small 6" metal rule (made by General Tool) that is graduated in 32nds and 64ths (that's what a summer in a machine shop will do for ya). I would die for a nice engraved scale, on one side even. It does not even need to fold out.
I am most likely to purchase one either way, I mean how could anyone resist. It's nice to finally see something "new" from Leatherman. Something that no $12 hardware store cheapie copy can even begin to imitate.
Thanks for some really excellent reviews. By far the best I have seen on the web for these kind of products so far. Keep up the good work.
From: Jan Levine
Date: 28-September-98
Your website is excellent. I looked at it for flashlight reviews (you're dead right about the UKE lights and the MicroLights) and multi-tools. But I want to tell you about my experience with the Waves that are being shipped.
On Friday, I looked at about ten samples in Eastern Mountain Sports (their second shipment) and at about three in a Remington store in the same mall. All of the samples had defects. The samples were worse than pieces I looked at when the item first shipped.
On most, the tension was far too tight on one or the other of the linerlock blades. Dangerously tight. On many, the grind lines on the edge of the main blade were uneven, with wavy lines on some. Then I found that many of the samples were uneven when closed. The two sides did not match, and the variation in closure (even if intended) was far too great to be by design.
I think they have some QC to work on. The variations were far greater than on samples of the Super Tool (which I have), and the competing Victorinox QC is excellent, regardless of the design flaws.
Perhaps they're rushing production to get them out, but that's unfortunately going to hurt them in the long run.
I wish they went a bit further in their efforts to refine the product before shipping them. For example, the misalignment of the handles when closed may be linked to the varying stiffness of the blades. I wouldn't be surprised if the blades were tight because they wanted the handle misalignment to be minimized. Those pivots are doing double-duty.
They also should have chamfered the thumb opener slots on the two blades, which wouldn't have been easy given the irregular shape, but which would add to the user's comfort. I also think their subcontractor (?) on those knife blades isn't taking care to grind the blades properly. All of the Leatherman blades I've seen (on the older models as well) have a grind and polish problem that Shrade used to have on their knives. My Super Tool and Micra have this problem too. There are two points on the blade where either the grinder or polisher has to move the tool from the parallel position, and you can tell (usually at the end of the edge grind, it shows up where the belly goes to the point and where the side near the choil flattens out for the pivot).
They could have used a better quality stainless (440C or ATS-34) for the main blade and charged for it; given the overall excellent design and the increased knowledge many people have about knife steel (in part because of other mass producers like Benchmade, Gerber, and Buck using better steels) they would have gotten the extra money easily. On the Micra they should have ground the blade on both sides; the chisel grind is tough to sharpen (I ended up using my Spyderco Sharpmaker to redo the grind on both sides) and it wouldn't have increased the cost that much.
I forwarded your comments to Leatherman and this is their response:
According to the Wave product engineer, there may be at least some foundation to the complaints regarding blade tension and handle alignment Jan lodged in the messages you sent me today. The other issues brought up appear to be without merit.The thumb slots are chamfered; any more and you'd lose grip.
We must disagree that our grinding quality (and yes, it is ours, not a subcontractor's) is poor in any manner. We have the best sharpening of any of our competitors. And despite already having the best knife blades in the multi-tool category, our sharpening has actually improved in the last couple years. We've never before heard the complaints he makes about polishing of the Super Tool and Micra blades, products that have been on the market for several years. Sure, the Micra could have been sharpened on both sides, but that decision was as much aesthetic as cost-driven. Tim Leatherman is not motivated by money; he just wants to run a business the way it should be run and make tools that, because his name is on them, are as good as possible.
The quality of our steel is as high or higher than our competitors as well. The two materials Jan notes, 440C and ATS-34, are not used in a tool by any of our competitors. The *knives* which use these materials cost as much as a Wave (or more) but do not also include ten other blades and pliers. My thought is you'd be quite a ways toward a $200 multi-tool if you did that; at that price, we're real unlikely to be able to sell enough to pay for our tooling costs. We are certainly flattered have our multi-purpose tools compared to high-quality, single-purpose sidelocking knives like those produced by Benchmade.
From: Hirby Eiui
Date: 2-October-98
Well, I've been carrying the Wave since it first came out. Was one of the first to have it cause it was specially ordered (dealer got a whole three on their first order.
Overall I really like the tool. The only major complaint I have is the leather sheath and the thumb nicks on the tools on the side with the Phillips screwdriver.
The sheath would appear to be nice at first, but besides the crappy snap (already noted by others), the belt loop is too thin a piece of leather and the stitching holding it on stinks. After about 5 months of carry, it flops all around on by belt because the leather has stratched all out and even the stitching is stretched out and looks like it will fail soon.
I never had this problem with the old original Leatherman because the leather was thick on the belt loop and it used rivets to hold it together instead of thread.
The main gripe I have with the nail nicks on the Phillips side of the handle is that the are too deep with too little room to get to if you don't have real finger nails. My tools are still stiff (good thing) but that makes it hard to get purchase with the fingernails. They need to have the nail nicks just a tiny bit closer to the edge.
From: Peter Ervin
Date: 13-October-98
At first I really liked the Wave, but it really isn't up to any hard use. The point at which the handles connect to the pliers is rather weak and prone to a lot of flex and if you're not careful some bending too. It is a great concept and well made but if they'd made it similar in size/strength to the Super Tool I'd have more use for it.
For anyone who has a Super Tool and would like to have some very high quality sissors in it, I have come up with a great solution. I also have a Gerber Scout and I noticed that the sissors on it are the same thickness as the knife blades on the Super Tool. I took out the serrated blade and put the Gerber sissors in and they fit perfectly, but they do not lock. With the screw done up firmly, but still allowing easy rotation of the tools, the sissors will work just fine and you can even alter the angle at which you use them. This has made my Super Tool even more versitile without giving up an strength which is important to me. By the way, the sissors on the PST11 and the Wave will not fit the Super Tool.
From: Daniel Lyons
Date: 12-November-98
Firstly, I would like to compliment the creators of this website; it is excellent in all respects.
At the place where I intern, we fix and upgrade computers. The other people there purchased earlier versions of the Leatherman; most used it as an emergency tool -- rarely used but when their toolkits were out of reach or a bother to get to. A few days ago, they got in several Leatherman Micra. No one I asked really knows what they're going to do with it; it seems to be more of a status symbol than anything else. Well, as I will probably fixing computers in college, I was looking for a multi tool of some variety to help in the various tasks, such as pulling jumpers with pliers, screw driving, wire stripping/cutting, etc. There are no Swiss Army tools that fit the bill, as their screwdrivers are *never* long enough, and with rounded edges, they tend to slip easily. Furthermore, the tools on Swiss Army knives tend to be weak and slip anyway. At any rate, I went to the Leatherman site to learn more about the various types of Leatherman available, and I heard about the Wave. Thanks largely to this article, I have ordered mine on eBay.com for an incredible price (always check there). In short, thanks.
Incidently, this tool weighs about as much as a Palm Pilot, if you carry one. I put mine in my pocket, and aside from the occasional fear of breaking it when bumping into something, it hasn't been a problem for me. All of my pockets are accomodating enough for it, and I expect they will be for the Wave as well.
A note to the European complaints about lack of corkscrew. In America, the traditional beverage of fishing, hunting, and most other outdoor situations is not wine. It is beer. Though I do not drink (nor could I), it is simply a fact that if one is going to design a tool in America or for Americans, it will include a bottle opener but not a corkscrew. It simply is a big, bulky thing that is never used here. Besides, for whatever reason, I have never seen anyone here open a bottle of wine with anything but a large, complicated separate tool. Though it may be unfair to you, don't expect it to change--here, hardly anyone uses it, hardly anyone looks for it, and hardly anyone cares. I've heard many complaints about it taking up space on a knife.
Thank you,
Daniel
From: Christophe Seigneur
Date: 11-December-98
Thank's for your review.
I'm a French user of the Wave. I have a Victorinox SwissTool, a PST II and a Wave and my prefer tool is the Wave (the PST II is very good too).
I have just one problem with it, the handle where there is cross-shaped is hard when I want open it. The serrated blade is hard too. I prefer the weight of the PST II, but I carry the Wave because it's beautiful and very strong.
In France the only multi-tool are : Leatherman, Victorinox and Schrade. But for me the best in all is Leatherman.
Sorry for my english :-) and congratulations for your site (very good and detailed).
From: Richard Rochfort
Date: 25-January-99
I purchased a Wave last week and I am very satisfied with the tool. I have always carried a belt knife since I am a photographer and pilot and use it several times daily. One handed knife use is important to me. I would like to see a holster (Kydex would be perfect) which can be carried at the waist without a belt such as on a tuxedo waist or on running shorts (I really do carry my knife everywhere I wear pants). In the past I have purchased "inside the pants" guns holsters, cut off the waist clip and paid a shoemaker to sew it on to the issue holster .. it didn't work with the Wave .. the tool is too tight in the holster.
From: Peter Garland
Date: 27-January-99
Well I have been shopping like crazy. I own a Vic.knife with just about everything, and 2 smaller ones, I also have a Spyderco Rescue (great one handed knife), and now I am about to get a multi-tool. The prolem with the wave that I have seen (as demonstrated by a friend) is that when holding the pliers the hand has a tendancy to rest with the thumb on the one handed blade (either side) and somtimes when applying leverage and working in a quick situation you can inadvertently open a blade and if in a hurry you won't notice it. This allows for an opportunity for the index or pinky finger to be on the edge side of the partily open blade OUCH. Now you might think this is just a stupid person, but many of us tried it, and if in a hurry it does happen more than one would think. I am in the production business and have seen all the tools out there and although I have to make some modifacations I am going with the Vic. tool to bad the new one is not out yet. I found it for $60 American on the Web.
As a side note most people I know who use these tools also carry mini-mags. (I carry 3, cause everyone is always borrowing them) If you have an olde one and the new batteries with the tester (Duracell) don't fit due to diameter contact Deracell and they will swap maglites with you. Call first I think they are in Connecticut USA. I just peel the label off and they work fine. Who needs a tester if the light is dim it is time to replace the stupid battery
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From: Jeff Barnhart
Date: 29-January-99
I found your website while researching survival information. I think your site is very informative and well thought out/organized. I am a paramedic, and have carried a Leatherman Super Tool for the last couple of years and found it extremely handy for all the little things that need to be delt with in the line of duty.
Recently, I purchased a WAVE tool, and find that more often then not, the Super Tool gets relegated to my briefcase. The WAVE is quicker with regards to the knife blades and the positioning of the file and saw also are a BIG plus. Also, the small screwdriver is very handy for tightening the tiny screws on eyeglasses. I have used the WAVE tool to replace the battery in my personal vehicle, and while not the greatest method in the world, it did allow me to get my truck back on the road.
Once again, thank you for the very informative site and please keep up the good work.
From: Stuart Tierney
Date: 23-February-99
I recently purchased a Leatherman, a Supertool no less. And I did have the opportunity to look at the whole product range, including the new 'wave'. I know that my reasons for purchase were that this was to be used 'only to save my carcass', and I couldn't see the wave doing the job required. The supertool was considered by myself to be the better tool for the job (aside from a full tool box!) but I did appreciate the user friendliness the wave offered.
My (humble) thoughts are that 'if you are using it every day, for small jobs, then get the wave, your will appreciate it', but if your are buying like me 'to avoid being worm bait', then don't waste the extra dollars on it, I can see it failing when you need it most.
From: Ryk Sheppard
Date: 24-February-99
I discovered that the bck of the saw blade on the WAVE makes an excellent striker for artificial flints- I've gotten better results using the back of the WAVE saw then I have using anything else I could find around my place.
From: Daniel Jackson
Date: 28-February-99
I like the new Leatherman Wave. It is much more refined and ergonomically designed than any of the previous models of Leathermans.
I still prefer the Victorinox Swiss Tool with its locking tools and easier accessibity.
I did Email Leatherman regarding the problem with the snap on the leather sheath. Much to my surprise, Teresa at Leatherman not only responded to my Email promptly, but sent me a replacement directly without first requiring that I return the defective sheath. I consider this to be an excellent example of great customer service! This makes me believe in their support of their products. I would recommend the Leatherman Wave just based on their excellent customer service and the design of the tool.
From: Jason Corsberg
Date: 2-April-99
Hi,
I am a prior military medic and have used several different types of multiplier. For me they are a requirement. I bought a Wave and love it!!!! Best investment I ever made. I have never used anything like it. Everyone in my workplace is forever asking to use mine. I hope whoever invented this marvel is getting what he deserves. Thank you Leatherman! Keep it up.
From: Martin Mittendorf
Date: 28-October-99
Hi Doug,
First of all: My compliments for your pages and esp. the tools section! A really usefull resource while planning to replace an old knife/tool etc.!
You listed far more ARGUMENTS for your opinion, than anybody else I consulted could give me. So developing a personal opinion has been made easier.
I share your opinion concerning the WAVE-Tool being the best offer at the moment and I would LOVE to buy a left-hander version.
The true drawback for me is the lack of a Gerber-style tool-adapter. With one of these added (not the Leatherman Style) - slim, long, magnetic versatily could be boosted beyond - my - phantasy. I would want Hex- maybe Torx- and Pozidriv-Bits - and an awl-bit seems also possible. Plus various extensions (lengths, angled, and for NUTS - maybe those famous and costly universal 3/8" nuts in a 1/4" version?!)
Also, the changeable-saw-blade option seems appealing to me - it could replace saw and serrated blade). In this context, I would also like to ask for a bright white or orange coating(like TiN-Coating only brighter) for bits (and blades?). So one can find them in dust or dirt.
Last: Yes, you're right: a more aggressiv hacksaw/file, please!
Again, Great site!
Martin
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