Attack of the Clones (Leatherman Wave that is)

[Happy Gilmore]

I just purchased a new Bibury mutitool and was shocked to find that its a true Leatherman Wave Clone.

This is only the beginning from what I can tell.

https://www.amazon.com/BIBURY-Multitool-Multi-Pliers-Screwdriver-Spring-Action/dp/B08QVP4QY6/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?dchild=1&keywords=bibury&qid=1630947982&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExVURDMzBIRUhCS0ZXJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwODIyMDI5M0k1NkxKV1NVS0ZQRCZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwMjUzNDAyM1A3S0hITzVMUlVTQSZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=

mine was significantly cheaper at $39

[RF52]

Good to see they are using waterproof stainless steel

Sent fra min M2002J9G via Tapatalk

[Happy Gilmore]

Good to see they are using waterproof stainless steel

Sent fra min M2002J9G via Tapatalk

Yeeeeppp 

[Rich_SD]

Wow!  It's made with "product production technology".    I also like this line - "It is a life, a must Overhaul tools" 

[Dutch_Tooler]

"are developed by combining assembly and collocation" 

"will provide a lifetime warranty to escort your life"

[pfrsantos]

Yup, they had me at "【Multi-scene diversity】 Our multi-functional pliers, considering the tools that will be used in multiple scenes such as home, camping, outdoor, etc. ​are developed by combining assembly and collocation. They are versatile and are a right-hand man in daily and outdoor situations. "

I like how it "uses a precision blanking process, using a special fine blanking die to blank parts in a purely shear form, with micron-level precision and a smoothness superior to that of ordinary pliers. "

 

[NetsNJ]

Got this for $30 - the Amazon price had dipped to $40 and the WeAllJuggleKnives code 5URBE73U took off another $10. 

It was a good buy at $30.  Neither this nor the Ozark Trail Multiforce can compare to Leatherman Wave, but we already knew that.  Is the Wave 3x better?  I'd still say yes given that for a normal person (non-collector) these tools can work for decades. 

Comparing with the Ozark Trail Multiforce:

Pros:
- Much, much better file
- Eyeglass screwdriver is a nice addition without sacrificing any tools
- Thinner saw with just-as-aggressive teeth
- (at least on mine!) the serrate blade is sharper
- Thinner and lighter than MF, which is very thick relative to Wave.
- Scissors same as Ozark Trail: still excellent!

Cons:
- The plier head is much worse.  Stiffer, grittier, and with a much smaller opening radius.  The plier head on the Ozark trail is quite nice.
- The frame stock is thinner than the Multiforce (MF).  The MF was nice in that it didn't try to replicate the Wave's folded channels.  It had a very thick "internal" frame for the pliers, with much thinner "side plates" covering the outside blades.  Copying the Wave, the Bibury frame is one piece of sheet metal, and it thinner.  The MF just feels more solid.
- The Large flat blade is thinner, and the bit driver also seems to have slightly less material (and less strength) but that could just be my copy, I imagine there is some variation.
- No pocket clip, no bit extender.
- I prefer the MF having the blades on the same pivot as the internal tools, so that you can adjust tension of pliers and fold out tools separately.  That said, I think the Bibury/LM design is a bit safer.  With the outside blades on the same pivot as tools, you could accidentally open the blades if carelessly trying to open the pliers, this is impossible on the Wave.
- Outside tools are "less smooth" than the MF, I think it's a washer thing??

This forum can be whiny and I think Leatherman gets a lot of crap for no reason! When they do something new they are told it is gimmicky, too expensive, too niche, they should stick to classic designs.  When they tweak classic designs they are told that they aren't innovating.  (With the exception of the plier heads that bind up - that is inexcusable at LM's price point!)  I buy these copies as a collector, but handling them really makes me appreciate a genuine Leatherman!

[Happy Gilmore]

Got this for $30 - the Amazon price had dipped to $40 and the WeAllJuggleKnives code 5URBE73U took off another $10. 

It was a good buy at $30.  Neither this nor the Ozark Trail Multiforce can compare to Leatherman Wave, but we already knew that.  Is the Wave 3x better?  I'd still say yes given that for a normal person (non-collector) these tools can work for decades. 

Comparing with the Ozark Trail Multiforce:

Pros:
- Much, much better file
- Eyeglass screwdriver is a nice addition without sacrificing any tools
- Thinner saw with just-as-aggressive teeth
- (at least on mine!) the serrate blade is sharper
- Thinner and lighter than MF, which is very thick relative to Wave.
- Scissors same as Ozark Trail: still excellent!

Cons:
- The plier head is much worse.  Stiffer, grittier, and with a much smaller opening radius.  The plier head on the Ozark trail is quite nice.
- The frame stock is thinner than the Multiforce (MF).  The MF was nice in that it didn't try to replicate the Wave's folded channels.  It had a very thick "internal" frame for the pliers, with much thinner "side plates" covering the outside blades.  Copying the Wave, the Bibury frame is one piece of sheet metal, and it thinner.  The MF just feels more solid.
- The Large flat blade is thinner, and the bit driver also seems to have slightly less material (and less strength) but that could just be my copy, I imagine there is some variation.
- No pocket clip, no bit extender.
- I prefer the MF having the blades on the same pivot as the internal tools, so that you can adjust tension of pliers and fold out tools separately.  That said, I think the Bibury/LM design is a bit safer.  With the outside blades on the same pivot as tools, you could accidentally open the blades if carelessly trying to open the pliers, this is impossible on the Wave.
- Outside tools are "less smooth" than the MF, I think it's a washer thing??

This forum can be whiny and I think Leatherman gets a lot of crap for no reason! When they do something new they are told it is gimmicky, too expensive, too niche, they should stick to classic designs.  When they tweak classic designs they are told that they aren't innovating.  (With the exception of the plier heads that bind up - that is inexcusable at LM's price point!)  I buy these copies as a collector, but handling them really makes me appreciate a genuine Leatherman!

Glad I'm not the only one who noticed the improvement to the file. My plier had no issues. For $30 it's still solid.

[NetsNJ]

@maxlvledc, could just be variation sample to sample, but my Ozark Trail plier head opens meaningfully more widely than the Bibury.  The grind on the head is also different, I think they are different heads.

I watched your video, I really think the scissors are (ex-ante) identical.  Same exact manufacture.  I think it is just poor QC on Chinese tools.  For me, the Bibury and OT scissors are both excellent on most copies.  I have another copy of the OT where the scissor spring slides off the lever immediately.  I think the differences you see in the video aren't innate to the tools, just randomness in production.

[Adam5]

(Image removed from quote.)

@maxlvledc, could just be variation sample to sample, but my Ozark Trail plier head opens meaningfully more widely than the Bibury.  The grind on the head is also different, I think they are different heads.

I watched your video, I really think the scissors are (ex-ante) identical.  Same exact manufacture.  I think it is just poor QC on Chinese tools.  For me, the Bibury and OT scissors are both excellent on most copies.  I have another copy of the OT where the scissor spring slides off the lever immediately.  I think the differences you see in the video aren't innate to the tools, just randomness in production.

I agree 100% with your assessment.

[mikekoz]

   I have the Walmart version of this tool and take it to work with me every day. I also own two Waves. I guess I have a different idea of what a clone is than some folks. To me, a clone is an exact copy. This tool, while being heavily influenced by the Wave, is not a clone of it. Like others have said, it is also not as good, but it is a great value for the dollar, in my humble opinion! 
 

[Adam5]

Got this for $30 - the Amazon price had dipped to $40 and the WeAllJuggleKnives code 5URBE73U took off another $10. 

Available for $30 again (have to use the WeAllJuggleKnives code).

[Qubit]

Cant currently get these in the UK (well can buy the Bibury one from Amazon for £55 or $75!).   So I ordered the Daicamping from AliExpress (hopefully the Daicamping name does not signify what might happen if one should go camping with this multitool. )

Just received it today.  Definitely better than the Swiss Tech clone I got previously.  The main blade is extremely sharp, the diamond file looks like it might last a little longer at least and the 1/4 bit driver is good as are the scissors and no sloppy pliers this time.    Only issue is the main blade is so stiff that one handed opening is not possible.  Not the first clone I've had that problem with.  (Ill have to get some T17 torx bits to slacken it off a little).    Total cost was £32 or approx $40.