2004 was a pivotal year for Leatherman because that is when they first introduces the new Wave and the Charge series, which will be the focus of this topic.
Of course, one can't help but note that the Wave has almost the same tool layout as the Charge Ti with a few differences. Lacking are the special blade steels of the more expensive Charge, and the more exotic handles.
Anyhow, back in 2004, the Charge XTi and Ti came onto the scene. The Charge is one of Leatherman's top ended multi-tools, and quite often command a price premium over other models. Considering the similarities between the Charge Ti and the New Wave, fancy steel and exotic handle materials add a lot to the price.
In 2007, Leatherman came out with another set of Charges. Not only was there an updated version of the Ti which now bears the model designation Charge TTi, but there was also a duo of Aluminium scaled Charges called the Charge AL, and Charge ALX, which both departed from the XTi, Ti, and TTi's titanium handles.
In 2013, Leatherman updated the Charge TTi with new scale artwork.
Another nice thing about these models, Leatherman saw fit to stamp the date code inside the handles. For example, 0811 would mean the eight month which is August, and the 11 representing the year, which in this example is 2011.
Now what exactly makes a Charge XTi, Ti, TTi, AL, and ALX different from other models you might ask. Namely two things: 1. Tool load-out, and 2. Handle material.
As previously mentioned, the older XTi and Ti, along wtih the newer TTi all feature titanium handles. The AL, and ALX feature aluminium instead.
As far as tool load-outs go, here is a quick and dirty guide to model identification:
- XTi and ALX feature two removable bit drivers.
- Ti and AL does not feature a strap cutter on the top edge of the serrated blade. The pliers do not feature a cap crimper either.
- TTi does have a strap cutter.
- Ti, TTi, and AL feature scissors instead of the dual removable bit drivers.
- The Al and ALX have a name tag riveted to the handle.
- The Ti and AL do not feature cap crimper heads. The ALX, XTi, and TTi do.
- There is also a difference in steels used for the knife blade depending on the models. The Charge AL, ALX, XTi, and Ti use 154CM steel. The Charge TTi uses S30V steel.
Now onto some photos of the Charges I do have in my collection.
I tend to break down the Charges into models, but also by colour. The first group are basically the naked Titanium Charges.
Here is an example of a Charge Ti. Note the absence of a strap cutter on the serrated blade, and the addition of that pair of scissors. Also note the lack of a cap crimper head.
Here is a Quackster Custom Charge Ti. The modifications here include a hand hones serrated blade, removal of the bit drivers for a 3D Phillips driver,and small flat head driver.
Here is an example of a Charge XTi. Note the presence of the belt cutter, cap crimper head, and inclusion of 2 removable bit drivers.
This is an example of a Charge TTi. Note that it appears similiar to the older XTi with the cap crimper head and belt cutter. We know this is a TTI because if features scissors and lacks the XTi's dual removable bit drivers.
Now this is a special Charge TTi. Denmark has strict knife laws. One hand opening is not allowed there. To circumvent those laws, Leatherman produced a special run of two hand opening Leathermans that feature a nail nick instead of the hole cutout. I had to buy these from a Danish dealer.
Another very special Charge. This is #3 of a Multitool.org run. Only 5 blue and 5 green were produced. The doner was a Charge ALX.
Next up are the various black Charges. Now I can't say for certain in the US, but here in Canada, these are very hard to come by and locate.
Here is a Black Oxide Charge ALX. There are reports that the black oxide covering on the name plate comes off easily.
A BO Charge Ti.
A BO Charge TTi. Not sure if this came like this, or was a repair job.
A BO Charge XTi.
Here is another special Charge. This is one of two prototypes in existence. This is a DLC coated Charge TTI. DLC stands for diamond like coating which is very scratch resistant and quite different from black oxide.
Another special Charge. This is a one off prototype featuring two Damascus blades and the DLC coating. Both this and the above prototype were produced in 2010, one year later than the 2009 DLC and Damascus Wave.
Next group will be the Camo Charges.
The camo charges tend to be US retailer exclusives. Come to think of it, most if not all camo charges officially produced are for exclusive sales in one store or another. These Charges are no different. There are two different camo Charges. The camo handled and stainless steel of the Bass Pro Shop, and the cam handled and BO coated tools of Cabela's. Both are big outdoor retailers.
A Bass Pro Shop Charge XTi.
A Bass Pro Shop Charge TTi. Not sure if there ever was a Bass Pro Shop Ti, but I strongly suspect there is.
A Cabela's Charge XTi.
A Cabela's Charge Ti.
A Cabela's Charge TTi.
A newer 2013+ scaled Cabela's Charge TTi.
Now its time to go into the aluminium based Charges. We have seen a BO ALX above in the dark section.
A Charge ALX.
A Danish Charge ALX with nail nicks instead of blade holes.
A Danish Charge AL with nail nicks instead of blade holes.
A Charge AL.
Now for the newer scaled Charge TTi which first came out in 2013.
A Texas Toolcrafter custome Charge TTi featuring the newer handles, and a Damascus blade.
A Charge TTi featuring the newer handles.
Now for some boxed sets and more special Charges.
A 25th Anniversary silver Charge which came out in 2008. Only 999 of these were made. Comes in a very fancy presentation case.
A Costco exclusive 25th Anniversary Charge AL. Plenty of extras with this one.
Another Costco exclusive, a Charge SLV.
This next one is a bit different. It is a Charge SLV that comes with an EDC kit inside a nice Leatherman metal presentation tin. I am given to understand they didn't make too many of these kits.
And a final shot of most of my Charges in their drawer.
In total, I have 28 Charges, with no duplicates.
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