Multitool.org Forum

Tool Talk => General Tool Discussion => Topic started by: colubrid on August 27, 2006, 01:15:36 AM

Title: Newbie question: Help me decide: LM Wave/Charge OR Vic spirit?
Post by: colubrid on August 27, 2006, 01:15:36 AM



I posted this on bladeforums and after several views I have had no response yet. So I thought I would try it here.



Any input on which of these i should get? I have handled a Wave but never seen the Vic spirit or LM Charge in person.

When closed are the LM Wave and the Vic Spirit the same length? I am leaning towards the Vic because of the rust issues with LM but the size of either one can be a deciding factor since I want something smaller.

Also what is the difference bwtween the Wave and Charge besides the handle materials? I assume they have the same tools except the Charge is more expensive . Is this correct...or does the Charge have better all around quality?
 
Title: Re: Newbie question: Help me decide: LM Wave/Charge OR Vic spirit?
Post by: Kapt Kopter on August 27, 2006, 01:41:21 AM
Hello and welcome to MultiTool.org forums.
Well for me I would pick the Charge, I am a long time user of Leatherman products and haven't seen any problems with rust on any that I have owned.
I would go for the Charge just for the CM154 blade steel on the main blade.

Kap
Title: Re: Newbie question: Help me decide: LM Wave/Charge OR Vic spirit?
Post by: prime77 on August 27, 2006, 02:07:34 AM
I have all three and I'd say you should choose between the LM Charge and the Vic Spirit.  The Wave and the Charge have all the same tools but the Charge does have the better bade and handles.  Also I think that the Charge feels better in my hand. It might not matter but on mine the removable pocket clip fits better on my Charge than on the Wave. I've have lots of LMs and I haven't had any rust problems with any of them. Something you shoud keep in mind is the spirit blade. It's a combo serrated sheepfoot type.  While the Charge has the both. I have seen the new Spirit S that has the regular SAK spearpoint blade inplace of the scissors. 
Title: Re: Newbie question: Help me decide: LM Wave/Charge OR Vic spirit?
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on August 27, 2006, 02:18:23 AM
Personally I would stick to the Spirit.  It can be had much cheaper than the other two, has a better warranty (lifetime versus 25 years, although that might be a moot point!) has a better tool selection, all the tools lock... what more need be said?
Def
Title: Re: Newbie question: Help me decide: LM Wave/Charge OR Vic spirit?
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on August 27, 2006, 02:19:44 AM
I forgot- I'll try to get some pics of the Wave and the Spirit together for you soon.
Def
Title: Re: Newbie question: Help me decide: LM Wave/Charge OR Vic spirit?
Post by: colubrid on August 27, 2006, 09:31:14 AM
Thanks for the replies everyone.

I will probably end up getting both. It just a matter of avaliable funds. Since the Spirit is cheaper and has the locking mechanism on all the blades is a big plus. Plus I like all my Victorinox knifes.

The size of the Spirit is the only remaining question. I am looking forward to the side by side pics from Defender.

Thanks Defender~!
Title: Re: Newbie question: Help me decide: LM Wave/Charge OR Vic spirit?
Post by: David Bowen on August 27, 2006, 12:28:55 PM
Price wise I would recommend the spirit, great selection of tools in a small package that are easy to get too, as for the Charge I don't know...the 154cm blade is tempting but I already own a new wave. If its anything like that then it's pretty slick, the one hand opening combined with a pocket clip rules :)

David
Title: Re: Newbie question: Help me decide: LM Wave/Charge OR Vic spirit?
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on August 27, 2006, 02:30:45 PM
No problem.  I just got up, so once I get both eyes pointed in the same direction, I'll try to get those photos taken for you.  I would also be remiss if I didn't suggest that you check out Tim's shop (FELINEVET) over at SOSAKOnline for the best prices on just about everything Victorinox.  You probably already know that by now, but I am just making sure!
www.felinevet.sosakonline.com
Def
Title: Re: Newbie question: Help me decide: LM Wave/Charge OR Vic spirit?
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on August 27, 2006, 05:08:15 PM
Here you go- Sorry they are a little blurry, but I am just taking a break from ripping up the kitchen floor...
Def
Title: Re: Newbie question: Help me decide: LM Wave/Charge OR Vic spirit?
Post by: colubrid on August 27, 2006, 07:23:16 PM
Cool,,, thanks!

Looks like the LM is smaller, heavier and thicker, while the spirit takes up more room because of the curved handle design.

Decisions decisions...
Title: Re: Newbie question: Help me decide: LM Wave/Charge OR Vic spirit?
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on August 27, 2006, 08:27:40 PM
Between the two of them, I find the Spirit to be the better tool, and the only thing the Wave has over it is the one handed opening.  Of course, if you are left handed, this is also useless as the blade isn't accessable from the left hand.
Def
Title: Re: Newbie question: Help me decide: LM Wave/Charge OR Vic spirit?
Post by: colubrid on August 27, 2006, 10:50:08 PM
Is this a good price for a Spirit?

They have them listed at $54.95 and the Spirit plus for $66.95... Is the plus bigger than the regular sprit? Does it have an extra bit holder?

http://www.knifeworks.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWCATS&Category=302&Page=1
Title: Re: Newbie question: Help me decide: LM Wave/Charge OR Vic spirit?
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on August 27, 2006, 11:23:00 PM
I don't know what Tim has them listed for off the top of my head, but the Spirit Plus is the same tool, only with the addition of a wrench (or ratchet) and screwdriver bits.  Oh, and a corkscrew.  Can't forget the corkscrew!
I have alerted Tim to this thread and he should be around shortly to tell you if that's a good price or not.
Def
Title: Re: Newbie question: Help me decide: LM Wave/Charge OR Vic spirit?
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on August 27, 2006, 11:28:17 PM
Tim is $5 cheaper, plus free shipping, which is $6.95 at Knifeworks.
http://felinevet.sosakonline.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=shop.flypage&product_id=186&category_id=541a03b2b0e1b6dbd972e9f5af5ca992&option=com_phpshop&Itemid=1
Def
Title: I am all over that deal...
Post by: colubrid on August 27, 2006, 11:41:49 PM
WOW. ! that is a great deal. Thanks Defender for all your help. I looked at his page earlier but could not find the Vic multitools for sale. I have to spend some more time navigating there.
Title: Re: Newbie question: Help me decide: LM Wave/Charge OR Vic spirit?
Post by: felinevet on August 27, 2006, 11:44:27 PM
Tim is $5 cheaper, plus free shipping, which is $6.95 at Knifeworks.
http://felinevet.sosakonline.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=shop.flypage&product_id=186&category_id=541a03b2b0e1b6dbd972e9f5af5ca992&option=com_phpshop&Itemid=1
Def

Thanks Def. I will extend my "free shipping" to members of this forum as well. If you don't see what you want in my store, let me know. Chances are I can get it for you and I pride myself on customer service. ;)
Title: Re: Newbie question: Help me decide: LM Wave/Charge OR Vic spirit?
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on August 27, 2006, 11:45:35 PM
Just cheat like I do and use the search function on the lower left! ;)  And if you need anything SAK or SAK related and you can't find it in the store, you can always feel free to e-mail him.  He's usually got it, or if he doesn't, he'll get it for you.
Def

PS- I see Tim beat me to that last part!
Title: Re: I am all over that deal...
Post by: felinevet on August 27, 2006, 11:47:17 PM
WOW. ! that is a great deal. Thanks Defender for all your help. I looked at his page earlier but could not find the Vic multitools for sale. I have to spend some more time navigating there.


I will be reorganizing my store in the future with a separate section for Vic multi-tools. Right now they are under "Victorinox - New".
Title: Re: Newbie question: Help me decide: LM Wave/Charge OR Vic spirit?
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on August 28, 2006, 01:02:07 AM
Glad to have you over here too Tim.

For anyone that doesn't know, any and all proceeds from sales either in Tim's store on www.sosakonline.com or in his eBay store go to fund the Feline Veterinary Emergency Assistance Program (www.fveap.org) to help folks with sick and injured pets afford life saving treatment.  Definately a good cause, and a worth addition to Multitool.org.  Watch for Tim's banner to appear here very soon.
Def
Title: Re: Newbie question: Help me decide: LM Wave/Charge OR Vic spirit?
Post by: Fred on August 29, 2006, 11:06:18 PM
I lik ethe Spirit too and think it's the better choice although you can't go wrong with either of them.really, it's just a matter of which one you buy first!
Title: Re: Newbie question: Help me decide: LM Wave/Charge OR Vic spirit?
Post by: colubrid on August 30, 2006, 12:57:14 AM
I just emailed TIm and told him I want to order a Sprit. WOOO HOOOoo! Can't wait to get it!
Title: Re: Newbie question: Help me decide: LM Wave/Charge OR Vic spirit?
Post by: colubrid on August 30, 2006, 01:02:48 AM
I may aslo get this Dutch version of the Vic soldier. It has larger stronger blades.

Pretty nice. And the soldier is my favorite SAK. Tims site is great.
(http://felinevet.sosakonline.com/images/stories//vic%20kl92.jpg)

Title: Re: Newbie question: Help me decide: LM Wave/Charge OR Vic spirit?
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on August 30, 2006, 01:24:12 AM
Actually, the DAKs (Dutch Army Knives) aren't any different from the Soldier model, except for the keyring and looks.  But, the Soldier is heavier duty than regular (cellidor scaled) SAKs.
I carry a KL89 quite a bit.  I like the Soldier configuration but I really like the keyring.  I could just carry a Pioneer, but why bother when I could carry a DAK? :D
Def

PS: here's a new article I just posted on SOSAKOnline that you might be interested in.
http://www.sosakonline.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=126&Itemid=35
Title: Re: Newbie question: Help me decide: LM Wave/Charge OR Vic spirit?
Post by: colubrid on August 30, 2006, 01:49:25 AM
I think the Pioneer has the same configuration. Onbly I thought the Duthc version had bigger tools.

On Tims site it said this knife is more robust. So i assumed that meant the can opener and bottle opener are thicker and stronger. Hey i am just learning here.
Title: Re: Newbie question: Help me decide: LM Wave/Charge OR Vic spirit?
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on August 30, 2006, 01:58:22 AM
They are indeed bigger and more robust- than the standard red handled SAKs.  They are identical to the ones on the Soldier, Pioneer and all other ALOX models.

The ALOX models are thicker and heavier duty because they are all descended from the original Soldier's knife.  The red plastic handled models are descended from the original Officer's Knife and so isn't quite as robust as the officers don't face the same challenges as the soldiers do.

Quote
i am just learning here

That's what we are here for! 
Def
Title: Re: Newbie question: Help me decide: LM Wave/Charge OR Vic spirit?
Post by: felinevet on August 30, 2006, 02:08:30 AM
The AMEFA KLs are indeed much larger and beefier than the current issue Soldiers or the Vic made KLs.
Title: Re: Newbie question: Help me decide: LM Wave/Charge OR Vic spirit?
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on August 30, 2006, 03:27:47 AM
Yeah, you have a point there- I thought we were discussing Victorinox KL's, not AMEFA.  Now there's a horse fo a different color!
Def
Title: Re: Newbie question: Help me decide: LM Wave/Charge OR Vic spirit?
Post by: colubrid on August 30, 2006, 04:39:07 AM
"The AMEFA KLs are indeed much larger and beefier than the current issue Soldiers or the Vic made KLs."

Okay so they are bigger than the regular Vic soldiers. Thats what I wanted.

The reason I liked the Vic soldiers is because they have larger can and bottle openers than the standard Vics. A larger version that is either thicker or longer has got to be the one to use and abuse. ;D
Title: Just got the AMEFA
Post by: colubrid on September 08, 2006, 01:31:02 AM
Well I just received the AMEFA KL92 from Tim and they do look the same size.

(http://www.fototime.com/ftweb/bin/ft.dll/standard?pictid={8E3D3BB6-CC6A-415D-AAFE-E8ADDD2B0F16}&exp=f&moddt=38967.933975463&ssdyn=1)
(http://www.fototime.com/ftweb/bin/ft.dll/standard?pictid={C7B329C1-8C17-4449-9D44-A1EDDAF8C101}&exp=f&moddt=38967.9345015625&ssdyn=1)
(http://www.fototime.com/ftweb/bin/ft.dll/standard?pictid={43937A02-3E36-4E4D-B7D4-FB0D2D0ED1F1}&exp=f&moddt=38967.9351455671&ssdyn=1)
(http://www.fototime.com/ftweb/bin/ft.dll/standard?pictid={BFB2AF8F-6BE5-420B-9370-2D610B0C32FE}&exp=f&moddt=38967.9363431481&ssdyn=1)


(http://www.fototime.com/ftweb/bin/ft.dll/standard?pictid={47F202D7-9EE2-4E68-BE24-9E3FB8FB93B1}&exp=f&moddt=38967.9370312847&ssdyn=1)
(http://www.fototime.com/ftweb/bin/ft.dll/standard?pictid={8B4914C2-14E5-4E58-90FB-70E3779819DE}&exp=f&moddt=38967.9386746644&ssdyn=1)
(http://www.fototime.com/ftweb/bin/ft.dll/standard?pictid={CE84C861-7040-4273-AF4C-E456DAEF6778}&exp=f&moddt=38967.9334106713&ssdyn=1)
(http://www.fototime.com/ftweb/bin/ft.dll/standard?pictid={8E3D3BB6-CC6A-415D-AAFE-E8ADDD2B0F16}&exp=f&moddt=38967.933975463&ssdyn=1)



Title: Re: Newbie question: Help me decide: LM Wave/Charge OR Vic spirit?
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on September 08, 2006, 01:39:02 AM
That doesn't look like an AMEFA... by '92 they were Victorinox, not AMEFA.  The AMEFA made DAKs are bigger and bulkier.
Def
Title: Re: Newbie question: Help me decide: LM Wave/Charge OR Vic spirit?
Post by: colubrid on September 08, 2006, 01:47:12 AM
Got my Vic Spriit in today from Tim as well.


OH my! Is it ever nice.


My first impression was confusing while trying to open the blades.  Then I realized the thump nicks where on opposite side on the same side. Weird. But If I can get used to opening up a LM or SOG then this is a snap.

My second impression was the scissors. I thought it was to small. Then I tried it on my beard and toe nails. Wow, It works great.  Now my only concern is the slick phillips I have read so much about. I will have to try it out and see if it as slippery as everone says it is..

SOG Powertool top. Spirit bottom:
(http://www.fototime.com/ftweb/bin/ft.dll/standard?pictid={E0531B46-E11A-4BBC-93F3-72D8D36B7E3D}&exp=f&moddt=38967.9464502894&ssdyn=1)
(http://www.fototime.com/ftweb/bin/ft.dll/standard?pictid={23923E0E-0DD7-47F6-A376-F0DA3338E570}&exp=f&moddt=38967.9470112847&ssdyn=1)

Leatherman KIck on the left. Spirit on right.
(http://www.fototime.com/ftweb/bin/ft.dll/standard?pictid={4457B81E-B42E-4CE6-97B6-23FDFBF0F45D}&exp=f&moddt=38967.9475843982&ssdyn=1)

(http://www.fototime.com/ftweb/bin/ft.dll/standard?pictid={F2DCB232-097C-463A-AC6C-B59E19195DF7}&exp=f&moddt=38967.9311733796&ssdyn=1)

Look how much wider the SOG has to open up:
(http://www.fototime.com/ftweb/bin/ft.dll/standard?pictid={F5B0F70E-F62B-4F90-AC21-695848379462}&exp=f&moddt=38967.9299535532&ssdyn=1)


SOG and LM Kick:
(http://www.fototime.com/ftweb/bin/ft.dll/standard?pictid={6E44E948-328F-4913-AA56-2D347CAFAA80}&exp=f&moddt=38967.9305838194&ssdyn=1)

The best part I like is the can opener on the Vic Spirit. Its the only one that I can use effeciantly. Probably from so many years of using them on Vics.
(http://www.fototime.com/ftweb/bin/ft.dll/standard?pictid={21AA2333-E01F-4983-89A6-5CC9F59A6D7E}&exp=f&moddt=38967.9317103241&ssdyn=1)

AND finally here are the phillips on the SOG, LM and Vic. I was shoked to see the LM I bought had rust on it. I purchased the LM two months ago and put it into my car console. It has been sitting there untouched ever since . Rust all over it.

Guess it true about the LM's rusting. This knife had no contact with sweat, water . Just good old georgia humidty in July/August.

(http://www.fototime.com/ftweb/bin/ft.dll/standard?pictid={85D936E3-30B5-40AA-BFBC-6439602A622B}&exp=f&moddt=38967.932288507&ssdyn=1)

Acually you cannot see the rust to well on this side. There was a lot more on the other side of the LM. I will get a pic later and post it.
(http://www.fototime.com/ftweb/bin/ft.dll/standard?pictid={984B874A-B92A-492E-8D0C-19289724A1F3}&exp=f&moddt=38967.9328473264&ssdyn=1)

Title: Re: Newbie question: Help me decide: LM Wave/Charge OR Vic spirit?
Post by: colubrid on September 08, 2006, 01:50:51 AM
Side veiw of SOG and Vic Spirit:
(http://www.fototime.com/ftweb/bin/ft.dll/standard?pictid={87B96081-D607-45BB-9EB9-B98E02145FFC}&exp=f&moddt=38967.9451396644&ssdyn=1)

(http://www.fototime.com/ftweb/bin/ft.dll/standard?pictid={B86951C6-64F4-4189-AC92-34DFFC86BB39}&exp=f&moddt=38967.9457004861&ssdyn=1)
Title: Re: Newbie question: Help me decide: LM Wave/Charge OR Vic spirit?
Post by: colubrid on September 08, 2006, 01:53:07 AM
That doesn't look like an AMEFA... by '92 they were Victorinox, not AMEFA.  The AMEFA made DAKs are bigger and bulkier.
Def


I know. I thought thats what the ad said... this is the same knife we discussed about on here. I just got an email back from Tim and he said it is not an AMEFA (?)
Title: Re: Newbie question: Help me decide: LM Wave/Charge OR Vic spirit?
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on September 08, 2006, 02:07:04 AM
AMEFA is a seperate brand that made DAKs before Victorinox took over the contracts.  They are bigger and bulkier but I don't know how much heavier duty they are, or whether they had to add the bulk to make it as sturdy as the Vic.
Personally, I think you got the better deal on the Vic than the AMEFA brand, which is nice, but didn't overly impress me.  I'll try to get some pics up soon of the two together.
Def
Title: Re: Newbie question: Help me decide: LM Wave/Charge OR Vic spirit?
Post by: colubrid on September 08, 2006, 02:08:00 AM
Thanks Def!
Title: Re: Newbie question: Help me decide: LM Wave/Charge OR Vic spirit?
Post by: felinevet on September 08, 2006, 02:31:54 AM
Sorry for the misunderstanding. We were talking about two different brands together and they got mixed up. :-[
Title: Re: Newbie question: Help me decide: LM Wave/Charge OR Vic spirit?
Post by: felinevet on September 08, 2006, 02:34:38 AM
I like a lot of LM tools but frankly I can't figure out why they're the only brand I have had that rust up. I have had to toss tons of used micras because they were nasty with rust. ???
Title: Re: Newbie question: Help me decide: LM Wave/Charge OR Vic spirit?
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on September 08, 2006, 02:49:02 AM
Funny you should bring that up too- I initially felt bad by posting the pic of the phillips heads on my Juice models in the Juice review on the main site:
http://multitool.org/content/view/26/1/
I was concerned about showing the rust on what was otherwise a brand new multi.  I haven't seen alot of rust on multis, which is surprising since I live in one of the worst places in the world for rust, but the ones I have seen it on are mostly Leatherman models.  Of course, I have seen stain resistant AUS 6, AUS 8 and ATS 34 and 55 blades develop rust out here too, so I never thought too much about it.
Def
Title: Re: Newbie question: Help me decide: LM Wave/Charge OR Vic spirit?
Post by: colubrid on September 08, 2006, 02:54:41 AM
I have had the SOGS for a while and as you can see there is no rust problem with them either.