I've been carrying Saks or multitools since I was 12 or 13,and Leatherman tools specifically since 2003.I've used a PST a Wave2 and now the bladeless Fuse as my work EDC.I work in retail in Central London,and end up using my tools everyday for anything from wraping gifts to building/demolishing store fittings.
So why the evolution of my EDC?
I'd wanted the PST for years and lucked into a private job,which payed out enough to buy the LM.Three years ago one of my mates changed his Vic Swiss Tool for a LM Surge,prompting my other mate to upgrade his PST2 in the same way.Whilst window shopping with them I fell for the Skelitool,but I logicked my way to buying the Wave(better IMO than the Surges).I still cant believe I feel for peer preasure
I had queried a number of Policemen I know regarding the legality of the LMs,and was always told that I had nothing to worry about(if I had have been black or asian,and ten years younger,it might have been different).But being of law abiding,if slightly paranoid nature,I'd been watching prices,and in January a bargin appeared on Amazon,and I made the leap...
I seem to suffer heavily from post perchase disonance (feeling vaugly unhappy)with LMs when I buy them now and the Fuse was no exception.I found the tools difficult to open,due to the plastic grips,I greatly missed the bit driver,and THERES NO FRAKING BLADE
Having said that,I bought a bit driver kit,which in truth is not as good as that built into the Wave or the Skeli,but the Fuse does have a decent sized and lengthed Philips driver,which the Wave lacks(resulting in my needing to carry both Wave and PST together),and in truth the big Philips is the tool I tend to use most.The pliers are good,as are the flat drivers.I do like the file,which I find more useful than the Diamond file on the Wave.The sissors are fine,if smaller than those on the Wave.
The lack of a blade(the reason for having this tool) is a major pain,as I often need to flatten packing boxes and the like.I bought a Byrd Finch to fill this need,and it generally stays in my locker when I'm not at work.I found the pouch holds a 84mm Alox vic comfortably hence the being a SAK rather than the Byrd in the pic!
So how do I feel about the Fuse having carried it for 2 months or so?
Well I do like it!No,I've grown to love it!I do miss the OHO blades on the Wave,and the Wave's bit driver,but it is lighter and more compact,also its more comfortable to hold.It has given the excuse to buy some other fun stuff(such as the Byrd).Its also less intimidating to look at than the Wave.
If you dont mind buying the extra bits,its an ideal tool for the average guy in the UK,and invaluable at work,but when I went off on the shooting comps,or if I'm off on the mountain bike,I'll be taking the Wave!
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