To Charge or Crunch

CQC-7 · **on:** July 20, 2007, 03:57:43 AM

I am taking opinions on what I should do. I was think that I am in some sort of a drought. Not literally, it is raining cats and dogs here now. I am thinking of my next toy for the collection.

I am taking any opinions.

Should I get the Leatherman Crunch?

Maybe the Leatherman Charge Ti?

Or even one of those Leatherman Knives with all the cool bells and whistles? Which by the way I handled one for the first time today and I thought it was solid, well made, and might be worthy of carrying.

I am open to opinions.

Fred · **Reply #1 on:** July 20, 2007, 04:05:44 AM

depends on whether you are a collector or a user since the Charge is discontinued. you can still find them available as old stock or used but they are done for and replaced by the AL model

Grant Lamontagne · **Reply #2 on:** July 20, 2007, 04:12:25 AM

I like the Crunch better, but then I only have the XTi model. The AL and Ti look like a better configuration to me.

Although the unofficial Multitool.org motto is "all of the above" so I guess you know what the real answer you are going to get it!

Def

I'm Still Bison · **Reply #3 on:** July 20, 2007, 05:16:17 AM

All of the above..you know you want to,you really do ;D Charge Ti would be the route I'd go.

CQC-7 · **Reply #4 on:** July 20, 2007, 05:21:29 AM

Yes, I thought that I would get someone with that answer. The answer that I thought I would get would be "buy both." But then again, your answer fills that role nicely. I was at Dicks sporting goods today. They seemed to have a lot of the charge series left over. I wonder why they chose the Aluminum to replace the Titanium? My guess would be cost. However, my father works at a Ti manufacturing facility and he says that Ti is strong but not as easy to work with as one might believe, I guess that it is very dificult to make Ti to the right tolerances. So, that might be another reason why.

I will have to say that I like the idea of the crunch having locking pliers and all. I need a set of smaller vice grips more than I'd care to admit and I never have them on hand. The Crunch blade, although not all that is to be desired is effective when needed. Since I usually have a SAK with me anyway, that is no problem when I need a spearpoint.

I will have to say that I am really impressed with the Leatherman knife with the bit holder in the handle. I'll just say that it is much more of a tool than I thought it would be.

Anthony · **Reply #5 on:** July 20, 2007, 06:31:06 AM

I'd go with the Crunch...you can use them as "regular" pliers in a pinch, but you can't use the pliers on a Charge as locking pliers

The Leatherman knives might look like toys online, but in person they are solid. I just took a ceeramic rod to my C305 tonight and it's like a razor now. Now if it was the plain edge version I'd be 100% happy with it (I hate serrations

)

The drivers on my knife lock up solidly despite not having an actual lock, and they have great reach. A Phillips and flathead literally 3 seconds away (I keep mine clipped to my pocket)

Raukodur · **Reply #6 on:** July 20, 2007, 10:40:12 AM

you seem to be torn between the LM knives and their mulitools, I think the LM Skeletool would suit you well, unfortunately its not out yet so I would recommend the crunch, it is unique and would not be like any other multitool you have.

CQC-7 · **Reply #7 on:** July 20, 2007, 03:50:06 PM

I agree that the crunch is definately different. A folding set of locking pliers with a few other tools thrown in. What is not to like. I was leaning that way for a long time and now having found out that the Charge series is discontinued it make me lean even further. I am a bit disturbed at why leatherman would drop the Ti handles from the charge series. It doesn not seem like a good idea to me but then again, I am sure that they have their reasons.

David Bowen · **Reply #8 on:** July 20, 2007, 04:07:14 PM

I don't own a crunch but did own a Kershaw tool, the tool could be used as pliers as well as vice grips. The only difference is, the crunch folds where the Kershaw doesn't. One of these days I will get my hands on one....one of these days. For versatility I would go with the Charge, but then again it's a one sided....err one handed issue

David