Leatherman Wave+, Charge+ and Charge+ TTI Comparison¶
In this post, I'll show my researches about the difference between many Leatherman bestsellers, and why I ended up buying the Wave+.
Hi everyone, as I compared these bad boys before buying my first leatherman, I might as well share it! I'm just stating the pros and cons of each of the three options on the title, because they basically have almost the same tools.
Wave+¶
Pros¶
- Rounder finish, helps to get a better hold and apply more force to the pliers.
Charge+¶
Pros Over the Wave+¶
- Better knife blade (154CM steel instead of 420HC one) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-pGckfXhWk for more information).
- Gut hook on the serrated blade, useful to cut strings in a safer way and for butchering an animal.
- Classy finish with handgrips. Might be harder to put pressure on it, but better grip and finish.
- Pocket clip is sold with the Charge+.
- The molle sheath has two pockets for lights and or pens, the wave doesn't have additional pockets.
- Partial bit kit is added with the most useful bits (https://www.knivesandtools.fr/fr/pt/-leatherman-charge-plus-pince-multifonction-etui-en-nylon.htm).
Cons Over the Wave+¶
- The crimper might be harder to use because the protections around the tool are heavier and bulkier, hence you'll triple crimp sometimes.
- Bulkier. Like he really feels bigger.
Charge+ TTI¶
Pros Over the Charge+¶
- Lighter (really small difference).
- Premium finish.
- Better knife blade (S30V steel instead of 154CM one) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-pGckfXhWk for more information). Small upgrade over the 154CM one, while the 420HC is last by far (3 to 4 times worse edge retention).
Cons Over the Charge+¶
- The plier might break easily because of the additional crimper on it. At least many people said that.
Conclusion¶
Basically, each one is an upgrade from the other one. But these upgrades are not useful for everyone and should be considered as the price increase is quite huge.
I ended up buying a Wave+ because I don't need the hook, I needed the full bit kit anyway, I have a tactical pouch where I'll put it so I don't need the sheath, and if the blade isn't as good as the others to cut through ropes and card boxes, I'll use the serrated blade anyway so it is not a problem.
In addition, I recommend buying a Work Sharp Guided Field Sharpener for sharpening your leatherman : https://www.worksharptools.com/shop/benchtop/manual/guided-field-sharpener/
Have a nice day, hope it helps !