Looking for a Leatherman

[Captain Hook]

Alright you leather heads! I've been carrying a swiss army knife for about 1 year regularly and 7 years on and off. One thing I have to gripe about is if you want a wide tool selection you have to be prepared to carry a ridiculous looking brick with a Swiss cross on it so I'm turning to the dark side and looking at buying a Leatherman. So I'm starting a poll, Wave or Rebar? 

[Lynn LeFey]

I'm afraid I can't answer that without a lot more info.

What are your needs/wants? Is weight savings more important than wider functionality? Do you need the option for a pocket clip, or would you belt carry? Will it be paired with a SAK? Do you want one hand open blades? Will you be doing heavy wire cutting with it? Will you likely need a wide range of drivers?

Ounce for ounce, dollar for dollar, you get a TON of function from the Rebar. It's lighter than the Wave, but the wave is much more versatile, with its bit holders, and quicker to get to the blades, with one-handed open.

If I were pairing a SAK with a Leatherman, I think I'd go with the Rebar. I have never needed the one-hand open blade desperately, and only really use the philips bit on the bit holder. The small bit holder is something I've never needed on the Wave, and I'd rather have the scissors on a 91mm SAK than those on the Wave.

The saws on a 91mm SAK and full size Leatherman are about on par, so you could let either of the leatherman tools do saw duty, slimming the SAK you carried. Phillips on the Letherman is, IMO, better both than the t-handle one on a Tinker (for instance) or the inline on something like the scientist.

But, knowing nothing else, I say Rebar. But more info might change my opinion.

[Aloha]

I'm sure I've said it more than enough on this forum, I'm a huge fan of the Wave  .  The honest truth tho is that you cannot go wrong with either.  The real question is BO or SS? 

[Mechanickal]

Spirit

[Kampfer]

I'm sure I've said it more than enough on this forum, I'm a huge fan of the Wave  .  The honest truth tho is that you cannot go wrong with either.  The real question is BO or SS?

Spirit

Wave is one of the greatest MT ever made, the other one is Spirit, if you carry a folder along with it.

[Captain Hook]

I'm afraid I can't answer that without a lot more info

Well I just want a lightweight multitool that is sleek and can stand up to being my go to multitool for work, projects, and EDC. I'm okay with belt carry for either one, I used to dislike the idea beacuse I had my phone holstered on my left side and my pistol on my right. But I don't find myself carrying either on my belt that often these days so pouch carry is OK. One thing I like on the rebar over the wave is the awl. I can say many times an awl has come in handy for me. BUT as far as the only thing you need the wave has the appeal of the outside blades for quick access essentially eliminating the need of a folding knife that is why I'm torn...

[leatherman-shop.de]

Wave in SS - can't go wrong. 

[Top-Gear-24]

Well I just want a lightweight multitool that is sleek and can stand up to being my go to multitool for work, projects, and EDC. I'm okay with belt carry for either one, I used to dislike the idea beacuse I had my phone holstered on my left side and my pistol on my right. But I don't find myself carrying either on my belt that often these days so pouch carry is OK. One thing I like on the rebar over the wave is the awl. I can say many times an awl has come in handy for me. BUT as far as the only thing you need the wave has the appeal of the outside blades for quick access essentially eliminating the need of a folding knife that is why I'm torn...

If you're going to carry a Leatherman along with your SAK I would say go for the Rebar, especially if  "lightweight and sleek" and having an awl are important to you.

I own both and even though I really like the Wave, it can't beat the combination of a SAK and a Rebar (or ST300) in my humble opinion  .

[ThePeacent]

my vote is Rebar, even more if paired with a SAK

 

[SteveC]

Rebar 

[Poncho65]

Either one would be a great choice if you ask me but if I had to choose then it would be a Rebar Pair it with a Vic Executive and you have an awesome combo there

[Alan K.]

If you want to carry only one then get the Wave. It has the saw, a file, scissors and a decent knife blade.  The Rebar doesn't have scissors so in my mind it must be paired with a SAK. Also the file on the Wave is much better than that on the Rebar.  My best suggestion, however, would be to get both and carry each one for a time and see which one suits you better.

[Poncho65]

If you want to carry only one then get the Wave. It has the saw, a file, scissors and a decent knife blade.  The Rebar doesn't have scissors so in my mind it must be paired with a SAK. Also the file on the Wave is much better than that on the Rebar.  My best suggestion, however, would be to get both and carry each one for a time and see which one suits you better.

Of course The MTO motto

[Glockfan]

Both would be great options, but my vote is Rebar.

[Old Boy]

Never tried the Rebar but love the Wave so much I bought multiples for the cars and Emergency kit.

If you do get the Wave look into the bit extension and a set of bits. Works well for me. You can also get the pocket clip or keychain ring as well.

But if you get those accessories the standard pouch makes a tight fit if you have other things to include.  I’ve added a Pocket Wrench and a glass breaker. So you may need to invest in a larger pouch like a Skinth.

That was what made it fun for me, customizing the accessories and carry.

Good luck. Hope you share pics.

[Captain Hook]

I'm thinking a Rebar/Vic Cadet Combo..been hankering for an alox SAK for a while too

[gregpost]

I just bought a Victorinox Outrider and was really excited because I like my EDC to have scissors and I like the larger sized SAKs. I have come to realize that I'm totally over Victorinox products that don't have one hand opening for primary EDC. Leatherman designs have spoiled my wants for EDC items.

I do carry a Rebar or ST300 when I go bike riding but that's more of a backup tool than first option EDC item. I would go Wave over Rebar if it's an EDC you want to use primarily. If you have another knife that is your first choice than that changes the equation somewhat.

[Dutch_Tooler]

If you want to carry only one then get the Wave. It has the saw, a file, scissors and a decent knife blade.  The Rebar doesn't have scissors so in my mind it must be paired with a SAK. Also the file on the Wave is much better than that on the Rebar.  My best suggestion, however, would be to get both and carry each one for a time and see which one suits you better.

Of course The MTO motto

Even better: buy both and mod by swapping tools, thereby ending up with a versatile Rebar and a rugged Wave. (Now if I only could remember where I've seen that done?  )

[VICMAN]

I vote Rebar.

[Zed]

get a wave ,you won't be disappointed 

[gerleatherberman]

I love the old school style and function of the Rebar, but if I had to choose just one LM of the two?  Wave..all day. I edc a Wave over most other MTs and I own over a hundred brand name MTs. The Vic Spirit is a top ten, as well as the Rebar. But, the Wave is a top three. 

[Justin Barylski]

I know this isn't one of your options, but have you seen the butterfly style multitools Victorinox offers like the Swisstool or the Spirit? They are worth looking into at least...
However, out of the options you did mention, I would have to say get the Wave, Its one of Leatherman's best sellers for a reason

[gerleatherberman]

One more Wave feature. Loosen the pivot screws a tiny bit and the pliers are one hand opening with a little practice. Plus, on the subject, the Wave or Rebar can be disassembled for modding/cleaning (unlike a swisstool).

On a side note:
Sometimes I feel like the 'LM sub forum' should be renamed "get a swisstool/spirit instead sub forum".

[ironraven]

Rebar.

I have a first gen Wave, without the bit holder. The ergos are funny, especially on the thumb holes. I know the newer ones are bigger, but..

[sir_mike]

I carry a sak for EDC that has the inline philips like the Explorer but I do pair it with the Wave if I am going out hiking/biking or whatever.  To me that just makes sense.  I don't really care for scissors on a MT and like the blade, serrated blade, saw and file as the main four tools.  Either one would work and it is hard to beat the Rebar as it is a tough little tool and just pair it with a Classic on your keys or in your pocket for scissor's and you have it covered.  I like the Wave too as it has the pocket clip so if I want to just carry that like I do the sak I can.

Now I am switching it up and I am gonna try a Champion Plus on suspension clip and a P4 in my watch pocket   

I am probably in a minority here but I have never really been sold on the alox sak's cause I like the toothpick/tweezers.  I really do like the idea of the alox with the colors and tough as heck handles/scales but with the lacking of a mag lens/inline layer which I use alot, I just don't use the alox ones.

[LoopCutter]

Only you can know for certain the best selection to fit your needs. 
Good advise extended, and best is to get both and try each along with your SAK.

Me, I am a tool freak, hand tools are required everyday for my work, and dedicated tools are relied on for their needs. At work my LMs are backup tools with blades fitting emergency needs, saving steps to and back from truck. 

If one is only in your budget, the Rebar makes most sense as it is about $30 less than the Wave.  If it works for you you saved $s.

I carry a SAK Vagabond and Rebar the most when away from work. 
A ST300 or Wave when on duty. Both sheath carried(not at same time)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[ThundahBeagle]

Rebar and Micra on keychain

Or

Rebar and Super Tinker in pocket.

With either of the scenarios above, I think you will have everything you need. And purchasing either combination is still less expensive than purchasing a Wave alone. As others have said, if you are carrying a SAK anyway, the Rebar is a good choice. I often carry my Rebar and Super Tinker or Mountaineer.

I do enjoy the one handed opening of my Surge, which is similar to a Wave, so I get that, but if you want tools, and not a tactical one handed knife...Rebar all the way

[ThundahBeagle]

I'm thinking a Rebar/Vic Cadet Combo..been hankering for an alox SAK for a while too

I believe that this combo leads nowhere except duplicated tools. The Cadet adds nothing in terms of scissors and the nail file can be got from a $5 nail clipper. I will admit that the cap lifter/ bottle opener is much better on any SAK, all day every day compared to LM' s bottle opener.

Now if you ent Wave and Cadet, I'd say that makes more sense in terms of tool load out. Or Rebar and Super Tinker. At least then, you always have a saw and scissors as well as blades, can, bottle openers and screw driver assortment

[Zed]

I'm thinking a Rebar/Vic Cadet Combo..been hankering for an alox SAK for a while too

I believe that this combo leads nowhere except duplicated tools. The Cadet adds nothing in terms of scissors and the nail file can be got from a $5 nail clipper. I will admit that the cap lifter/ bottle opener is much better on any SAK, all day every day compared to LM' s bottle opener.

Now if you ent Wave and Cadet, I'd say that makes more sense in terms of tool load out. Or Rebar and Super Tinker. At least then, you always have a saw and scissors as well as blades, can, bottle openers and screw driver assortment

I'm the same as try not doubling up on tools,if carrying a MT  I usually want something that has all the tools I need 

[ThundahBeagle]

I'm thinking a Rebar/Vic Cadet Combo..been hankering for an alox SAK for a while too

I believe that this combo leads nowhere except duplicated tools. The Cadet adds nothing in terms of scissors and the nail file can be got from a $5 nail clipper. I will admit that the cap lifter/ bottle opener is much better on any SAK, all day every day compared to LM' s bottle opener.

Now if you ent Wave and Cadet, I'd say that makes more sense in terms of tool load out. Or Rebar and Super Tinker. At least then, you always have a saw and scissors as well as blades, can, bottle openers and screw driver assortment

I'm the same as try not doubling up on tools,if carrying a MT  I usually want something that has all the tools I need 

Hi Zed!

If I'm going with only one, it's my SURGE!!

And some suspenders...really, I could put on my pants and belt, and just have the Surge alone on a second belt. Kind of like that old TV show, The Rifleman, you know? Just take the SURGE!! down from on over the fireplace when things get serious