I think Leatherman has won me back

[ducktapehero]

So, a few days ago I was considering buying a new multi-tool. I wanted something lighter and less expensive than my Spirit but I wanted a saw so my LM Kick was out too. I was also seriously considering buying an SOG Pocket PowerPlier.

I went camping this weekend and using the saw reinforced my desire to have a saw on my EDC MT. I still like my Spirit and the Swisstool but both are expensive and heavy. Plus, due to their shiny finishes I always feel terrible when I have to use them as a hammer. I've done it but it makes me cringe. Plus I'm not real happy with Victorinox anyway but that's a different thread. 

Well yesterday I was at Lowe's and they had a LM Wave. My "impulse power" kicked in and I got it and brought it home. Honestly, after playing with it for a while I didn't see what the big deal was. It was uncomfortable, heavy for the amount of tools you got and the scissors were nail shredders getting out. I was bummed, should I get the SOG, or what should I do? I don't really like getting multi-tools w/o being able to play with them and hold them so I was real shy about the SOG. My last experience with an SOG product was underwhelming.

So I took the Wave back to Lowe's and was looking around and I saw it. The LM Blast. It had the same tools as the Wave(minus the serrated blade which ain't a big deal for me) and it was $25 cheaper. It also had a saw and I knew it was over an ounce lighter than the Wave so I picked it up.

I brought it home and I am in love. It's inexpensive enough that I won't freak out if I lose it but it has everything I need. It's big for pocket carry but it is reasonable and it won't tear up my pocket like the Wave would have done, plus I can get the tools out w/o tearing up my fingernails.

Plus, with the blades, I simply don't trust liner locks as much as other locks so that makes me happier too. Granted I still have to open the tool to get the blades deployed but that feature isn't worth $25 to me. When it's cold I doubt my thumbs could have flipped them out anyway. The only thing I wish I could change would be to replace the small bit driver with an awl. Why can't Leatherman realize an awl is extremely useful?

This multi-tool is a wonderful compromise of size, weight, performance and cost. As far as I'm concerned it's a much better value than the Swisstools and the Wave, and MUCH more comfortable to carry and use than the Wave. I have to admit the Swisstools still have it beat when it comes to pure ergonomics but they're pricey.

So, until further notice, I'm a LM guy.





Oh, by the way, my LM Kick has rust on it. 

[NutSAK]

   Excellent.  I'm glad you were able to change your mind.  As a fellow Swisstool Guy, I think you would have been very disappointed by the Pocket Powerplier.

It sounds like the Blast fits your needs perfectly. 

[prime77]

Glad you like your Blast. 

[Poncho65]

  Glad the Blast fits your needs dth It is a good compromise in alot of ways which does make it a very versatile MT When I EDC'd mine it never let me down I just went to the next bigger size of multi's

[PyroJames]

Congrats on your new Blast, DTH.    The Blast is on my wishlist as well (Fuse too since it combines both the small size of the Kick and the locking components of the Blast.)

[Swiss Man]

Wouldn't you know just this weekend I traded my Blast for a Wave. (so are we polar opposites?)

[WhichDawg]

wow, if I find a blow up doll I wonder if Swiss Man would trade...never mind

I understand a lot of what your saying DTH, good you found what you wanted bro

[Benner]

It's good to see that LM has won you back and that you like the blast mate. 

[rp252]

Good to hear you like it mate

[Smitty44]

The Blast is a great choice DTH,this is what I did to a Fuse that you can also do to your Blast,every Multi should have an awl.

[jim guy]

I really like my blast too, I think of it as modern day pst.

[ducktapehero]

One thing that surprises me is how long the blade is on the Blast. I didn't even realize it until my Mother-in-law said that "the blade on that thing is as long as my paring knife". I didn't realize it was that long until I compared it to the blade on my Kick and it is at least a good 1/2" longer.

Another thing I noticed is the date stamps. On 1 handle it says 0109 and the other says 1008. So I guess have of this MT sat around the factory for 3 months.

But anyway, I still love it after a few days. THIS is what a good inexpensive MT should be. Nothing fancy but enough tools to cover most jobs.

[FrankenPC]

The Blast is a great choice DTH,this is what I did to a Fuse that you can also do to your Blast,every Multi should have an awl.
(Image removed from quote.)

I love a good awl.  Makes a new belt hole and reams out that newly cut tubing.  Great tool.

[scrappy]

I think the blast is under rated

[David]

Blast is a good tool. Glad you like it DTH.   

Smitty thats a good mod.          I agree every MT needs an awl.

[HBlaine]

The Blast is a good, solid little MT.  It's the one I keep in my car as a backup, or for when I "don't have a MT with me."

Though I do have to admit that, if I have to choose one or the other as a all-day work tool, I'll pick the Wave.  I had the same problems as you did with a 25th Anniversary model.  However, I picked up a standard at Lowes, and all those problems were solved.  Prior to getting my Surge and ALX, I used the living h*ll out of that Wave, and had no trouble with it.