Replacing a Wave

GraysonK · **on:** August 14, 2009, 02:25:38 AM

Hi guys,
Okay, no I haven't broken it. Yes, it still works. And probably I AM out of my mind, but I've decided that I really like the more traditional look of the LM tools and am thinking of replacing my Wave with a Core. I have looked at dozens of threads with pics of different LM's but I was wondering if anyone could post a pic of the two tools side by side. I know that recently I recommended the Wave to someone, but I've really been using the Pulse a lot lately (just tinkering stuff) and with the exception of the tool clumping thing I really like it a lot better than my Wave. Ergo's just feel so much better. I don't mean to sound wishy washy. I do think the Wave is an excellent tool, but I want a Core because of the looks and hopefully the feel. I know it is bigger than the Pulse, but I figure if I can handle the Wave in my hand then I can handle the Core.
So in addition to pictures (if anyone has time) I was wondering what ya'll thought about this.
This all ya'lls fault anyway.

Before I joined this forum I own a Wave and a couple of Gerbers. Now not only do I own those but also 2 Juice Models and a Pulse and I've apparently developed my own "taste" in MT's. *sigh*

Thanks everyone again for being such a great group.
Gray

Leatherman123 · **Reply #1 on:** August 14, 2009, 02:27:01 AM

Why not wait for a Supertool 300?

GraysonK · **Reply #2 on:** August 14, 2009, 02:29:17 AM

Quote from: Leatherman123 on August 14, 2009, 02:27:01 AM

Why not wait for a Supertool 300?

I knew someone was gonna say that. LOL! I thought about that, but I'm actually hoping that maybe I could do a trade. I don't know if a Wave for a Core would be a good trade, but I was thinking of trying it. Does the Core have the clumping thing?

Zack · **Reply #3 on:** August 14, 2009, 02:29:56 AM

Take a Surge and remove the one handedness of it that will get you in the size ball park.

Leatherman123 · **Reply #4 on:** August 14, 2009, 02:31:23 AM

Quote from: GraysonK on August 14, 2009, 02:29:17 AM

Quote from: Leatherman123 on August 14, 2009, 02:27:01 AM
Why not wait for a Supertool 300?
I knew someone was gonna say that. LOL! I thought about that, but I'm actually hoping that maybe I could do a trade. I don't know if a Wave for a Core would be a good trade, but I was thinking of trying it. Does the Core have the clumping thing?

Nope, the core has washers that eliminate clumping.

GraysonK · **Reply #5 on:** August 14, 2009, 02:32:58 AM

Quote from: Zack on August 14, 2009, 02:29:56 AM

Take a Surge and remove the one handedness of it that will get you in the size ball park.

So you think it might be too big?

Quote from: Leatherman123 on August 14, 2009, 02:31:23 AM

Quote from: GraysonK on August 14, 2009, 02:29:17 AM
Quote from: Leatherman123 on August 14, 2009, 02:27:01 AM
Why not wait for a Supertool 300?
I knew someone was gonna say that. LOL! I thought about that, but I'm actually hoping that maybe I could do a trade. I don't know if a Wave for a Core would be a good trade, but I was thinking of trying it. Does the Core have the clumping thing?

Nope, the core has washers that eliminate clumping.

Cool! Thanks.

Leatherman123 · **Reply #6 on:** August 14, 2009, 02:34:41 AM

Your welcome!

Yeah, the Core's a great tool. The implements are excellent! I love the serrated blade shape!

Zack · **Reply #7 on:** August 14, 2009, 02:35:30 AM

For a size comparison look at Chakos thread below yours. He has a Core, old wave, and new wave lined up right next to each other.

Poncho65 · **Reply #8 on:** August 14, 2009, 03:30:53 AM

Well I believe I would stick with the Wave I have broken the lock on a Core 2 different times

Same side of the tool both times

(No abuse whatsoever as I was only closing the tool the last time it happened

) It is the side with the saw, it moved to the side a little and somehow put enough pressure on the lock release to break the pin $:-\$ Just my 2 cents though as many have had good luck with them

If you ask me just go and track an original SuperTool down on Ebay and you should be set

Or since you like the Pulse the ST 200 might be good for you

GraysonK · **Reply #9 on:** August 14, 2009, 04:12:09 AM

After I started looking at Chako's collection a little more closely, I actually wondered if I should add the Super Tool to my list. But what about clumping and locking mechanism? I also really like the Blast but I wasn't sure if it was in the same category as far as what it could handle. And ideas on that? I would love a Supertool 200, I think that would be ideal, but again what about clumping?
Thanks guys.

Gray

Chako · **Reply #10 on:** August 14, 2009, 04:35:37 AM

Clumping isn't necessarily a bad thing. In the old days, that was a feature as traditionally, many of those folding tools were darn nigh impossible to get out otherwise.

The Super Tool is the grandfather of the Super Tool 200, which begat the Core, and then soon, the Super Tool 300. They are all great big MTs. The Super Tool feels better then the Core. The Core just feels cheaper than the older MTs that Leatherman used to produce. The tool set is great on any of these models. The Core does eliminate the clumping if you don't like that.

Give me some time and I can take some photographs of them side by side. How does a photo of the Surge, Core, Super Tool and Blast sound to you?

GraysonK · **Reply #11 on:** August 14, 2009, 04:41:16 AM

Quote from: Chako on August 14, 2009, 04:35:37 AM

Clumping isn't necessarily a bad thing. In the old days, that was a feature as traditionally, many of those folding tools were darn nigh impossible to get out otherwise.

The Super Tool is the grandfather of the Super Tool 200, which begat the Core, and then soon, the Super Tool 300. They are all great big MTs. The Super Tool feels better then the Core. The Core just feels cheaper than the older MTs that Leatherman used to produce. The tool set is great on any of these models. The Core does eliminate the clumping if you don't like that.

Give me some time and I can take some photographs of them side by side. How does a photo of the Surge, Core, Super Tool and Blast sound to you?

I was hoping you'd chime in on this. That sounds great to me. No, the clumping is bad per se and I'm really interested in replacing the Wave with one of these. It's just hard to narrow down. I know they all have their downfalls. I'm just so impressed with the Pulse that I'd really like a heavier duty MT that feels like that. Since Poncho mentioned the ST 200, I'm seriously considering it.

What do you think?
Thanks, Chako and everyone else.
Gray

Leatherman123 · **Reply #12 on:** August 14, 2009, 04:46:24 AM

The Core has the plastic inserts, although I've NEVER had a problem with them, I suppose they could be a deal breaker to some people..

GraysonK · **Reply #13 on:** August 14, 2009, 04:50:44 AM

Quote from: Leatherman123 on August 14, 2009, 04:46:24 AM

The Core has the plastic inserts, although I've NEVER had a problem with them, I suppose they could be a deal breaker to some people..

Where?

Chako · **Reply #14 on:** August 14, 2009, 05:01:50 AM

Yes, the Core does have plastic in its construction. Unlike the smaller Kick, Fuse, and Blast, your hands will rarely come into contact with it, as its inside the handles and not part of the handles where you hold it.

Here are some photographs. I hope these help you.

Left to right: Super Tool, Blast, Core, Surge.

You can see the plastic in the construction here very much like the Blast. Possibly to save some weight.

One thing to remember, the Super Tool does show its age with an antiquated locking system. It is the old "you need to move another tool 90 degrees to push the metal tab out of the locked tool to unlock it" method. Not half as convenient as newer locking mechanisms.

GraysonK · **Reply #15 on:** August 14, 2009, 05:11:17 AM

Thanks Chako, that's perfect and it does help. But it also raises a couple more questions. How does the Blast hold up against the Wave in terms of plier strength and usability of the phillips? I'm not fond of those scissors, but I could live with them. Right now I'm leaning toward the Supertool 200 or the Core. I really like that phillips on the Core and ST, is the ST 200's phillips like that too?

Chako · **Reply #16 on:** August 14, 2009, 05:21:34 AM

Well, if you are looking for a heavy duty tool, the Blast is the runt of the litter. It competes in many ways with the Wave, as the Surge competes against the Core. Likewise, if you look at family traits, you could argue that the Wave and Surge are to the Blast and Core. Both families follow certain design and construction features to an extent.

Plier strength is good all around. Leatherman does not make weak Pliers that I know of. They all seem to do the job, even from the lightweight Kick. The Phillips is a different beast. If you don't like the removable stubbies from the Wave/Surge, then the long model on the core is your ticket to Phillips bliss. You can see the family resemblance in the Phillips between the Blast and the Core. The Core's is longer because the tool is larger.

I can't help you with the Super Tool 200. I haven't seen one yet to comment on it. However, I would get that model over the original Super tool because of the locking features.

Mr. Whippy · **Reply #17 on:** August 14, 2009, 05:38:43 AM

I'm going to chime in.

I had an original Supertool. Once I got a PST, I almost never carried the Supertool. It was bigger, heavier and really only added a saw to the tool set. The PST was simply handier for me and much more pocketable. The original locking mechanism was occasionally a PITA because it required 2 hands to safely change tools.

I didn't really bond to the Supertool 200 either, mostly because I didn't like the locking mechanism, but to be fair, I had become used to the Wave locks, which IMO are superior.

I haven't used a Core,but I do have a Surge. In general I like the Charge/Wave sized tool better because:
1. Smaller and more pocketable
2. File and Saw are both on the tool at the same time

I will say that the Scissors on the Surge work well and the large standard driver is awesome.

FWIW.
YMMV

LatinoHeat · **Reply #18 on:** August 14, 2009, 03:55:02 PM

Pst is a great EDC. Small enough to fit in your pocket, and has enough tools to handle whatever comes your way on a day to day basis. I got one and love it. I am voting against the Core or the Blast. Both have similar locking mechanisms, and I broke the lock on the can opener side using the can opener to open a can. You figure they would have made the tolerances enough where it could take handling the job it was intended for. I have heard of the Core's locks breaking too, and if you look at the Core and Blast's locking mechanisms, the Core's actually look flimsier. Don't trust them. If you really liked the Pulse, why not get a Pulse? Another question, what do you do everyday to need a huge multitool for? I'm just asking because the medium ones can pretty much handle anything the big one's can, and as has been said already, they are more pocketable and less heavy/bulky. I agree with you on the older multitools being more hand-friendly. My PST and Sideclip are simple, nononsense tools that feel great in the hand, except when using the pliers, and only if you squeeze down hard. My Wave feels good ONLY when using the pliers, which is one of my least used tools. It has sharp, uncomfortable edges everywhere, and it bites when using the pliers. I love it and carry it mainly because it was a gift from my wife when we were dating for 6 months, so it has sentimental value. However, I agree, the older tools were made very well.

Benner · **Reply #19 on:** August 14, 2009, 08:24:12 PM

For me, I'd much rather have the Original Supertool than the 200, and I'd rather have either of those over the Core. The Supertools are as solid as they come and I actually like the locks on the original as there is pretty much nothing to break.

Leatherman123 · **Reply #20 on:** August 14, 2009, 08:29:17 PM

...simpler is always better!

LatinoHeat · **Reply #21 on:** August 14, 2009, 10:07:00 PM

That's why I love all the original tools. PST, Supertool, Sideclip, etc. Locks or not, they are all simple tools, yet built really well.

AHB · **Reply #22 on:** August 14, 2009, 10:10:42 PM

Stick with your Pulse...

Or the Original Supertool rather than the Core.

GraysonK · **Reply #23 on:** August 14, 2009, 11:01:54 PM

Alright guys, you've convinced me...I'm just gonna stick with the Pulse for now. It's going to be my "bigger" tool from now on. I'll just hang onto the Wave. I like my Juices for most stuff, but sometimes I need longer locking screw drivers because I really crank on them sometimes. Anyway, I'm just gonna use my Pulse like crazy and if I find I need a bigger tool sometime then I'll revisit this issue. Thanks for all the advice. However, if anyone has a leather sheath for the Pulse out there or knows where I could get one I'd much appreciate it.
Gray

Poncho65 · **Reply #24 on:** August 15, 2009, 04:43:18 AM

Quote from: GraysonK on August 14, 2009, 11:01:54 PM

Alright guys, you've convinced me...I'm just gonna stick with the Pulse for now. It's going to be my "bigger" tool from now on. I'll just hang onto the Wave. I like my Juices for most stuff, but sometimes I need longer locking screw drivers because I really crank on them sometimes. Anyway, I'm just gonna use my Pulse like crazy and if I find I need a bigger tool sometime then I'll revisit this issue. Thanks for all the advice. However, if anyone has a leather sheath for the Pulse out there or knows where I could get one I'd much appreciate it.
Gray

Good luck on finding a old school leather sheath for the Pulse

I finally broke down and just made 1 for mine

Glad you are sticking with the Pulse it is a great MT for most any job

The locking system on the original is the most aggravating of all the locking MTs but it is the simplest and therefore least breakable of all the SuperTool/Core series that is why I like it

Sea Monster · **Reply #25 on:** August 16, 2009, 09:12:49 AM

I'm not sure how long I've had my Blast, but I couldn't be more pleased with it.

I've said it before (as have others)
It doesn't really excel in any one area (I prefer my Helmsman blade, my OHT saw, my Soldier Awl, & my Classic scissors), but it doesn't really let you down anywhere either. Everything about it is "good enough", and that's what multitools are about.

(I got one in stealthy ninja black ops night time commando B-2 bomber black, so the plastic doesn't stand out too much)

It would certainly be a worthy replacement for a Wave

Tinnie · **Reply #26 on:** August 16, 2009, 10:05:14 AM

Quote from: Nomad on August 16, 2009, 09:12:49 AM

I'm not sure how long I've had my Blast, but I couldn't be more pleased with it.

I've said it before (as have others)
It doesn't really excel in any one area (I prefer my Helmsman blade, my OHT saw, my Soldier Awl, & my Classic scissors), but it doesn't really let you down anywhere either. Everything about it is "good enough", and that's what multitools are about.

(I got one in stealthy ninja black ops night time commando B-2 bomber black, so the plastic doesn't stand out too much)

It would certainly be a worthy replacement for a Wave

Where the bloody hell were you

GraysonK · **Reply #27 on:** September 02, 2009, 02:57:00 AM

Okay, I've changed my mind...again. Hey, I'm a girl...I'm allowed to do that!

Anyway, I've decided I'm not replacing the Wave...at least not right now. This past weekend I discovered I love it again, so I'm gonna keep it. However, I am looking at getting a BO one. But answer me this, why is it that the Surge is huge but costs less than a Wave...is it a "this one's more popular so we'll charge more for it" kind of thing? Sigh, oh well. I enjoy all my tools. I'm babbling, I know. For absolute sure I'm getting the bit kit and extender in the very near future. Thanks again for all the great advice and help. You guys really rock.
Gray

Crouton · **Reply #28 on:** September 02, 2009, 04:15:09 AM

Quote from: GraysonK on September 02, 2009, 02:57:00 AM

Okay, I've changed my mind...again. Hey, I'm a girl...I'm allowed to do that! Anyway, I've decided I'm not replacing the Wave...at least not right now. This past weekend I discovered I love it again, so I'm gonna keep it. However, I am looking at getting a BO one. But answer me this, why is it that the Surge is huge but costs less than a Wave...is it a "this one's more popular so we'll charge more for it" kind of thing? Sigh, oh well. I enjoy all my tools. I'm babbling, I know. For absolute sure I'm getting the bit kit and extender in the very near future. Thanks again for all the great advice and help. You guys really rock.
Gray

You may want to check out an Old Wave one day, it's slightly less bulky than the New Wave. The Surge is huge and much heavier but it appeals to a much smaller market segment. I have 2 Surges (bought one, traded for one) and I literally laugh at them when I play with them. The increased size just does not translate sufficiently into a more useful product or even in my opinion a more rugged one than the Wave.

The Blast BTW is a great tool if you can get past the whole "I have to open the tool to get to the blades" thing, which you have gotten past already if you love your Pulse.

My advice, acquire the tools you are curious about, trade for them and then get a feel for what you really want in a tool. Then trade away the ones you don't want for other cool stuff. Lather, rinse, repeat.

I can help you out a bit and suggest you get a Charge TTi. That's my choice for EDC as it has the best of what I need in a tool.

Sean · **Reply #29 on:** September 04, 2009, 04:28:19 PM

Well said Jeff.

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