First impressions of the Wave I just received today

[ultimaonliner]

Thanks to everybody's input on my other thread asking about whether I should get a Juice XE6 or the Wave, I just got the Wave today.  Here my first impressions in chronological order(and the only other multi-tools I own are the Vic Spirit and the little Leatherman Squirts/Micra):

1. Looking at it through the clam package, I can say that aesthetically, it looks awesome.  It has sharp angles and edges on the handles with the handles exposing part of the blades showing multiple layers of the tool which gives it a kind of fancy, high-tech look.  The big pair of round rivets by the plier heads look a little goofy, like a pair of eyes, though. 

2. I open the package, and examine the pliers.  I like them better than then blunter Spirit's pliers.

3. There's no lateral play with the pliers, but I'm initially concerned at how stiff the pliers are to open and close.  But unlike the Juice S2 I had to return for abnormally stiff pliers, the Wave's pliers start to loosen almost immediately as I use the pliers on the very first night.  The pliers felt great after about a minute of just opening and closing them.

4. I start to notice how some of the edges in the handles can feel a little rough on the hands.  The Spirit's handles are pretty much smooth.

5. When the pliers are closed, I notice that the handle edges now definitely feel "edgy".

6. I open the PE and serrated blades one-handed and am amazed!  That is a definite huge plus over the Spirit.  The blades are nice and long, too.  I never liked the blunt blade in the regular Spirit.

7. I then realize I have to open the pliers up to access the other tools.  Spirit wins for being able to deploy all the tools with the pliers closed.

8. The smaller tools seem tough.  They don't have the spring locks like a Swiss Army Knife or the Spirit has, but not a big deal.

9. I start to really appreciate the overall design with the separate locks for the smaller tools with the liner locks for the blades.

10. The leather Leatherman case is pretty basic, but I do like the way the pliers can be stored open.  The Vic Spirit's leather case seems to be of much higher quality though.

So, after having only had the tool for about 30 minutes, here is my conclusion:

PROS
Long-nose pliers
One-handed opening blades (PE + serrated)
Nice locking systems
Bit drivers (I also got the 42 bit kit)
Quality build
"Industrial" appearance and aesthetics (especially when compared to the Vic Spirits polished appearance)
Not too large (but too heavy for pocket)

CONS
Rough handle edges
Need to open pliers to access tools (except blades)


Overall, I'm very pleased with the Wave.  I think as I use the tool, I'll stop noticing the handle edges.  I was just spoiled by the Vic Spirits polished, curved handles.

[bobofish]

The main difference between the wave and charge series is that on the charge's, the handles are smoothed over on both sides.

[Smitty44]

Thanks for the update,and hope you get many years of good use out of it!!!

[scrappy]

I hope you like it. my wave sees more work than any other multi. the charge is more comfortable.

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

Great review mate

[J-sews]

So how about that diamond file? It's another feature that most folks really like about the Wave. 

[Viking]

I'm always amused when people say that tools hurt their hands.  Maybe it's because I work with tools everyday and have calluss on my hands.  My wife says it's because I have "man hands". 

Thanks for the review on the Wave.  I have two!!  A great tool, but I EDC the Charge TTi.

[ultimaonliner]

Thanks for everybody's kind words.  I had no idea this was going to end up as a "review", otherwise, I would have put some pictures in at least

But, the Wave feels great, now.  I don't notice the edges at all.  I think it was a "first impression" though since the only other full size MT was my Vic Spirit.  The Spirit is one extremely comfortable and smooth tool.

The Wave is what I carry in my bag at work, and off-work, I wear it on my belt, now.