Will you buy a Leatherman Wave Alpha?

[powernoodle]

Wow.  Thank you muchly. 

[NeatBeard]

Maybe.....? Not sure yet.

As a newbie to the site (but not carrying a multi-tool/knife - which is usually frowned upon here in the UK...), I have to confess to not having owned a Leatherman before, i've had a couple of cheaper knock offs in the past but I now feel like treating myself, initially I was looking at the Wave+, then the Surge, but feel that too heavy for EDC and the tasks I would use it for, so then was looking at the Charge, but then found that was being replaced by the new Wave Alpha, so erm..... yeah....... like I said initially..... maybe.

Oh and Hi everyone BTW.

[Huntsman]

Hello and Welcome Mr NeatBeard
If you can afford it, the new Wave sounds like it would be great for you. It’s a fab tool and if you don’t have one awlready  ……. well ……

[NeatBeard]

Hello and Welcome Mr NeatBeard
If you can afford it, the new Wave sounds like it would be great for you. It’s a fab tool and if you don’t have one awlready  ……. well ……

Thank you sir.

Yeah that's been my kinda thinking at the moment too, especially as the Mrs asked me for Christmas ideas the other day!   

[Top-Gear-24]

Thank you sir.

Yeah that's been my kinda thinking at the moment too, especially as the Mrs asked me for Christmas ideas the other day!   

Or you could go for the Wave + and find out yourself why this is such a populair, reliable proven tool.

And with the money you save by not going for the Wave Alpha you could get yourself a Rebar or a Bond as an extra, more "dressed", alternative.

Just my 2 cents 😉.

[Huntsman]

^^^ Wow - Is the price differential that much?     .... If so good suggestion!!

In that case it comes down to whether you want the latest, blingy, expensive, but very useful and functional tool-come-man-jewelry
Or whether you want a couple of amazing, but less exciting tools that, for instance, you could  keep in different locations eg one in car, one in house etc

[powernoodle]

On the other end of the scale, I just ordered another ST300 from Leatherman for $75 after a 25% Leatherman addict (<< my term) discount.

[genevabuck]

Wow - Is the price differential that much?     .... If so good suggestion!!

In that case it comes down to whether you want the latest, blingy, expensive, but very useful and functional tool-come-man-jewelry
Or whether you want a couple of amazing, but less exciting tools that, for instance, you could  keep in different locations eg one in car, one in house etc

I’m only getting it because of the tool set. I could easily do without the MagnaCut. A regular Wave with these implements would do me just fine.

[NeatBeard]

Or you could go for the Wave + and find out yourself why this is such a populair, reliable proven tool.

And with the money you save by not going for the Wave Alpha you could get yourself a Rebar or a Bond as an extra, more "dressed", alternative.

Just my 2 cents 😉.

Good call and worth considering, cheers.

[Farmer X]

I just ordered another ST300 from Leatherman for $75 after a 25% Leatherman addict (<< my term) discount.

Thank you for unintentionally reminding me that Leatherman offers a pretty substantial discount for active-duty military and veterans. When I get a little more in the black, I may well order a few backup ST300s.

[powernoodle]

[greenbear]

I never liked the mini handle-scissors on the Wave/Charge.  Moving them to an outside tool slot so they could be larger is a huge improvement to me, although I would have preferred to lose the saw instead of the serrated blade.  The addition of an awl is a big improvement too.  I think the G10 handles are a big improvement on usability, but I’m afraid they might add too much bulk in exchange.

I never liked the Wave/Charge scissors, too small and a bit fussy for my taste.  If one did want scissors the Surge type that are on the Wave Alpha seem better to me, but generally I am not a scissors on a multitool fan.

[Outback in Idaho]

  I would have voted in the middle: Undecided until I see more.

 Bet there is no awl yet. And doubtful there is a Blade Exchanger 2.0 or 3.0 - So obviously Leatherman is not listening to our desires, instead listening to newbies that like fancy frills and flash. All that fancy stuff doesn't make a better multitool. Flashy stuff sells. 🦎 I'd rather have function over frills any day.

  Looks cool from what I see. Spring loaded pliers get annoying. Have the Roxon I carry at work (knife removed). The replacement one I recently bartered for with a discount came with a much better awl than the first one I had.

  Miss JSews and his better cut saw blades that fit into the pocket clip area. And speaking of that, more flash and less bang for a customizable pocket clip. seriously?!? Only use I got from a pocket clip was a secondary way of holding the multitool in the sheath better. And for $200, Leatherman better have a super decent thick leather sheath being made.

  If I had the money to spare, sure I would buy an orangish one. Have no urge to to purchase one though.

  Wonder if there is anyone that made an awl for the large bit holder?

[Craig_S]

Well....

I was excited to see a primo blade and a thumb stud. But it's unfortunate that LM had to hold back the sheath that I'd use to pay for the stud. Also, I bet it still has the worthless eyeglass screwdriver?? That's been updated in the aftermarket so it can be carried and not have to take up a tool position by itself. I suppose once again LM could upgrade something and refuses to notice public or competitor improvements. Lastly, I think scales are completely worthless.

So no, LM had the chance to get more of my money and as usual they screwed up.

Craig

[Rich_SD]

Also, I bet it still has the worthless eyeglass screwdriver?? That's been updated in the aftermarket so it can be carried and not have to take up a tool position by itself.

It’s funny how one person’s trash is another’s treasure.  I find the mini screwdriver so useful that I have modded some Leathermans to add it, and I have never used it on eyeglasses. I run across so many tiny screws in my life that I find that tool critical to have.  One the other side, I find the can opener worthless, but other folks will swear that it’s one of their most used tools. 

Leatherman is listening to us.  We all just don’t agree.

[powernoodle]

 I've been carrying Leathermans since the Cambrian Period, and have never used the eyeglass driver, cork screw or can opener even once.  Each to his own on those, but I would prefer to see them disappear and replaced with something of more general utility like the package opener on the Gerber Dime.

As for the Alpha, my current neurosis - I mean thinking - is that I'll buy one and it will be Obsidian for clandestine night ops like opening Saltines in the kitchen at night without making the dog bark.

[powernoodle]

  I would have voted in the middle: Undecided until I see more.

Now that everyone has already voted, I added that as an option.  #genius   

[BPRoberts]

I'll take that option. Waiting less for info on the Alpha, and more for news on the Epsilon and Sport that're hopefully in the pipeline.

[powernoodle]

       Yeah I have not followed the rumors on those and have no idea  if or what to expect. 

[Farmer X]

I find the can opener worthless, but other folks will swear that it’s one of their most used tools. 

I've been carrying Leathermans since the Cambrian Period, and have never used the eyeglass driver, cork screw or can opener even once.

It's rare that I use a corkscrew (on SAKs, it's there primarily to store the mini screwdriver). Fine screwdrivers do come in handy on occasion. But the can opener is one of those tools that I consider important, especially since I no longer have a dedicated can opener available. I'm pretty sure that of all the multis in my horde/hoard, the ST300s are the only ones that will never see their can openers used as originally intended.

[Huntsman]

Bet there is no awl yet.
Looks cool from what I see. Spring loaded pliers get annoying.
And for $200, Leatherman better have a super decent thick leather sheath being made.

Hey mate - Maybe you have not seen the spec of this tool and recent announcements that have been discussed here and on YT etc - However .....
It does have an awl
I am pretty sure the pliers are not spring loaded
And sadly, like most LMs from now - It does not come with a sheath

[Outback in Idaho]

  Seen people use the small screwdriver as a toothpick. Made me cringe.    Have used that screwdriver very few times on eyeglasses or shades. Would rather not have it unless it was a combined in the large bit driver.

  I for one like a good awl, and I also use the Can Opener if it is more like the Victorinox version and works as well as the SAKs. Roxon did a good job on their push-type can opener, yet it can be finicky. Never once has an issue with Victorinox's can openers, and I still get food in cans - do not have to worry about fruit flies hitching a ride.
 Can Opener can also be used for a bottle opener. Yet a bottle opener cannot be used to open metal cans.

  And the Victorinox Chisel is really helpful as one corner is sharpened and it gets with the program.

  Wonder if the scales could be modified to hold a toothpick and tweezers on board? Maybe even a writing pen cartridge similar to Victorinox? Would make the tool more robust that scales that do nothing (else).

[greenbear]

Maybe.....? Not sure yet.

As a newbie to the site (but not carrying a multi-tool/knife - which is usually frowned upon here in the UK...)

You make a very good point. My first multitool was a Vic Swiss Tool (red label, still have it and use it regularly) and when buying 'weight' was not a consideration due to the carry rules in the UK - I knew I couldn't wander around with it. I have a couple of Charges (TTi and Black handled +) I have never used either, due to carrying rules. If I had my time again I would probably buy the Surge as it wouldn't be in a belt pouch due to UK laws.

[Huntsman]

It's interesting to see how the poll is going 

It was 50:50 - Now very much swinging towards 'No'

I am still a 'No' - But if my wife is reading this, or anyone out there would like to buy me one, I'd be a very happy bunny!     

[Outback in Idaho]

With the ARC and now the Wave Alpha Leatherman has done a great job to make sure I won't spend anymore money on their tools.

The last Leatherman I bought was the Free P4. And even though they costed a wopping 200 Euro over here, I bought two of them, like I used to do back then, one to carry and one to stay NIB in the collection.

The way they promoted the Free (by, in a way, dishing their own most sold tool) already bothered me, and the fact that it was probably one, if not the most flimsy pair of pliers Leatherman ever made, didn't help either.   Fun to play with, I'll give them that.

Right now the only Leatherman I would consider buying is a Crunch 2, everything else they can keep.  If I have to spend 250 Euro on a Wave, I'd rather buy myself a nice Citizen Diver for that amount (or less).

And their knife line, well, it's not the first time Leatherman tried that, and with every new attempt, they seem to be getting worse instead of better, in my opinion.

Just my 2 cents.

  Last Leatherman I bought was a Garage #5 that I got lucky enough to get an order placed while working (Home Depot). Too damn expensive. Need to send it in to get the awl replaced though. The pocket clip was not very strong either. But I do not lose that tool as easily as black or dark colored ones - part of aging I suppose?


  Best knife Leatherman created,  IMHO, was on the Charge TTi's S30V steel. That blade can hold a serious edge longer than any other I have owned. As far as the MagnaCut, I think it is a fancy name for a slightly inferior steel. It just does not hold an edge like the S30V steel does.


  Lately I've been carrying the Roxon Flex at work since I cannot have a blade on the tool - have a comb in its place. Off days it has been the Signal because it is more of the essentials without the bulk.


  I would REALLY like to see another Incarnation & Better Jaw Gripping of a Crunch 2.0 than anything else. Only other thing I would like to see is the Juice KF4 to be released as an Epic Historic Reincarnation or Release.


  In all seriousness, a Charge sized Surge has been requested over and over and over. Leatherman might get their act together and sell a Charge with a Blade Exchanger. Was thinking this Alpha was going to have a Blade Exchanger. Instead it looks like this is the Leatherman Beta or Delta class, no where near an Alpha. Fancy names and un-unique scales don't make for a #1 tool.


  Garage #5 was about the fanciest multitool I seen. And I use mine. No Bench Queens in my house, save maybe the original PST I found in Mom's purse after she passed on, and the KF4. They are where they should be even not used much. -- Still trying to find my Victorinox Spirit tools ... they seem to have grown legs and wondered off or I would be carrying those on the off-days.

[Rich_SD]

Best knife Leatherman created,  IMHO, was on the Charge TTi's S30V steel. That blade can hold a serious edge longer than any other I have owned. As far as the MagnaCut, I think it is a fancy name for a slightly inferior steel. It just does not hold an edge like the S30V steel does.

I’ve been using the crap out of my Blazer, and its Magnacut blade is still as sharp as the day I bought it. I’ve never used a S30V as much without it needing to be sharpened.  I also hate sharpening S30V blades, and if Magnacut is really easier to sharpen than S30V like everyone claims, that’s a double win for Magnacut without even considering its superior chip and corrosion resistance. 

[fullbreakfast]

I’ve been using the crap out of my Blazer, and its Magnacut blade is still as sharp as the day I bought it. I’ve never used a S30V as much without it needing to be sharpened.  I also hate sharpening S30V blades, and if Magnacut is really easier to sharpen than S30V like everyone claims, that’s a double win for Magnacut without even considering its superior chip and corrosion resistance.

I’m not a steel guy, but doesn’t a lot depend on the heat treatment applied? Could be Leatherman have not heat treated optimally to get the best edge retention Magnacut is capable of having?

[powernoodle]

As a light user who also uses an EDC utility knife with replaceable blade whenever possible, I take no position on blade steels.  But for those who are into the steel game, a metallurgist cited by knifesteelnerds.com rates MagnaCut at a 7 on toughness, 5 on edge retention and 9.5 on corrosion resistance.   S30V, for example, is 4 on toughness, 6 on edge retention and 7.5 on corrosion resistance.  Edge profile affects things as well, which can be difficult to quantize.  And heat treatment, as Mr. Breakfast sez.   I have never noticed much of a difference in blade steels, other than that D2 holds an edge a lot longer than cr@p steel.

My view, which I acknowledge may not have any basis in reality, is that the latest and greatest blade steels are all pretty much the same for the average MTO Legend, just as the iPhone 77 is not that much different than the 76.  But also, when Mr. Rich says that his experience with MagnaCut shows excellent edge retention, I believe it.

"I actually don’t recommend that enthusiasts spend all that much time analyzing the exact composition of different steels and trying to guess their properties. Even metallurgists can have a difficult time estimating properties just based on the elements. There are so many interactions between them that predictions are difficult without modeling software. In general, higher carbon and higher vanadium steels have higher wear resistance and edge retention but lower toughness. And steels with at least 10% chromium are probably stainless, except for several important exceptions like D2 and ZDP-189."

 

https://tinyurl.com/mpmtyf8a

[Rich_SD]

I’m not a steel guy, but doesn’t a lot depend on the heat treatment applied? Could be Leatherman have not heat treated optimally to get the best edge retention Magnacut is capable of having?

I have no idea, but the edge retention on the Blazer’s Magnacut blade has been outstanding.  Could it have been even better?   

[fullbreakfast]

I have no idea, but the edge retention on the Blazer’s Magnacut blade has been outstanding.  Could it have been even better?   

I didn’t realise when I made my earlier comment that the Blazer knife you were referring to was also a Leatherman. What I was trying to say is if the retention on the Arc is not as good as the Blazer, it could be the result of different heat treatment.