Wave vs Spirit (American OHO vs Swiss Utility)

[Hull_ n_Back]

If anyone's interested, my thoughts on the Leatherman Wave and how I think it compares with the Swisstool Spirit....

I've had the Wave for a couple of weeks now (thanks again Zack!!) and.......meh! Don't get me wrong, it's a quality piece of kit, rock solid build and a decent toolset but I think I've been spoiled by our Swiss friends. While the OHO on the blades is fantastic (and very cool!) I just can't seem to get over the fact that I have to open it up to get to the other goodies. With the Spirit, everything is available on the outside of the tool. Yes, I have to use two hands but to be honest, that's not been a problem for what I've been using it for (general DIY and camping/hiking trips).


Other random thoughts on the Wave...

• Interchangeable bits I can see being useful but not sure I want to carry a bit-set around with what is already a fairly hefty lump of metal
  
• Diamond file, WOW!!. Probably the one thing I would really miss. Have LM patented this? Can't think of any other reason why other MT manufacturers haven't jumped all over it
  
• Scissors. Missing from my Spirit (I have the BO 'S' model) and seem to do the job but I've not really needed them yet
• Can/Bottle opener. A real let down. Maybe it's me but it can't seem to open bottles, am I doing something wrong here?? It might work great as a can opener but when was the last time I needed to open a can??? The Spirit doesn't have a problem with  bottles, even when the user has had a few...
• It really needs an Awl. Probably one of the most used tools on my Spirit 

I'll give the Wave some more time to try and win me over but don't be surprised it you see it appearing in the Trade/For Sale forums very soon.


Interested to here any thoughts/opinions.

[texasflyfisher]

I have both and have to agree, the Wave is OK but the Spirit is much better. I like the longer screwdrivers and that they are located solidly in the center of the Spirit for maximum torque. The chisel like tool is great, too. Plus it is oh so smooth to open all the implements. I really dislike the opening of the tools in the Wave.

[Hull_ n_Back]

Oooh, forgot about the chisel. I would definately miss that!

[Pacu]

Wave>Spirit  imo

the one handed opening blades (use all the time) seals the deal.

i love both though..

[SlackOne]

If there was a OHO Spirit like the one Bob made I'd be all over it.

As it is, I'll keep my Wave and its OHO main blade.  The pocket clip doesn't hurt, either.

[sawman]

I think the only correct answer is to own both and alternate them for EDC.  I've given up saying one multitool is better than another.  The fact is just about all of them are superior in their own way (except for the really junky multitools).  So buy them all and enjoy 

[Freudian Frog]

I agree with the OP. Solution - carry a Spirit and a knife.

[Sgt Bash]

Gotta go with Sawman on this one. Get them all.. 

Have (or still do) owned New and old wave and the spirit. I have always carried a dedicated folder so the OHO blades were no biggie BUT I still carry a wave sometimes for all in one type carry.

If a manufacturer brought out a mutitool that contained the best of the best features in one then we would all stop collecting tools...thats no fun but comparisons like these are always good to see.

Sarge

[duckman1975]

If there was a OHO Spirit like the one Bob made I'd be all over it.

As it is, I'll keep my Wave and its OHO main blade.  The pocket clip doesn't hurt, either.

Wish Victorinox would follow Bob's lead and produce a OHO spirit and swisstool.