Is a Leatherman multi-tool worth the extra $$$

[Pete7]

The dog has my Gerber, one day I will find it when gardening

I really miss it.

Pete

[boat driver]

Originally Posted by Russ Goedjen

The leatherman Crunch hard to find but worth every penny has a vice gip pliers which is a real tool. Nothing else is even close to the power of the crunch.

i second the crunch. online leatherman or Cabellas carries.
ine is 20 years ?old- and serves me on board and on shore, Lifetime warranty but the four times I have sent it back (improper abuse) they return it within a week no charge.
Simple, sturdy, and the basic essentials. Stainless.

[roverhi]

Have been carrying/using a Leatherman Skeletool CX for more than ten years. It's a small lightweight tool that fits the hand nicely and contains most of the tools that I've ever needed it for. Have a Wave but don't like the way it feels in my hand where the Skeletool just seems to fit.

The only two things I've found they could change are making the screw driver bits Philips and straight slot instead of Phillips or straight slot. 99% when I need to change the bit it's Phillips to staight slot or vice versa and that requires digging the other type of bit out of its holder in the handle rather than turning the bit end for end.

The second thing is it's so light and easy to carry that I forget to take it out of my bag when flying. Luckily they've got those mail packets available at most airports so it's easy to send it off in the mail rather than lose it. Have missed one flight sending it off. Fortunately the airline didn't charge me to go out on the next flight an hour later.

[Don C L]

Originally Posted by Hartleyg

I used to live in Arizona and carried a Gerber, which I liked. When I went sailing, the "hard" parts of the Gerber(mostly the pliers, but some other bits) immediately rusted - badly.

This was my experience too, though even the Leatherman needs cleaning and lubrication. Aerokroil is great for that and all other stuck things.

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Pir8te.

[Goldog]

For 20 years if my pants have a belt I have a leather man wave. I’ve used gerbers as well and surges and others but the wave is my choice for size weight and tools, the tiny eye glass is well used for many things

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Goldog.

[skipmac]

I have a Leatherman Wave and the Gerber equivalent (but forgot the model name).

I use the Leatherman most because the tools, especially the blade and pliers, on the Gerber are just a bit smaller than I like. However the Gerber is a much higher quality tool, better design and better made.

One thing I really hate about the Wave, if you don't hold it just right the pliers will pinch your finger and take a chunk of skin out. Dumb, dumb, dumb design. Gerber doesn't do that.

[jmschmidt]

No, many of the knockoffs are just as good and some have better more usable features for sailors. You just have to check them out in person or by them from Amazon so you can return them if they don't measure up.

[billburr]

They are all good, but, make sure you have a lanyard attached to the tool and your belt. They go overboard too easily!

[nwdiver]

I have a Wave bought when it first came out on a lanyard I carry in my pocket, a Skeletool CX with the carabiner hangs at the nav station....

When on the big schooner I spend time aboard a straight blade Myerchin with spike sits in the middle of my back so I can reach it with either hand, no need to open it....

[GoneDiving]

+1 for the Leatherman. Just have a look at the different models and determine which accessrories you prefer.

The interchangeable driver and hex heads are VERY useful. The blades hold an edge well but are quite brittle and prone to snapping if used as a lever. This is why I stopped lending mine to others "just for a minute".

I have noticed that the new cut price models are no where near as sturdily built as the original ones.

[Stu Jackson]

I tried a multitool years ago. I found I preferred single use tools. I keep my "frequently used" tools in my nav station, so always close at hand. I am fascinated/impressed by the wide attraction so many of you have for these tools. Maybe I'll try one again.

[Sextant]

Can't beat Leatherman Charge Titanium with additional tool clip in pouch!! Small lanyard to fit around wrist when using on deck or anytime really. I have carried one everyday for many years and many miles Cruising. Great backup service as well. Lifetime guarantee. Don't leave home without one!

[meirriba]

I have 4 (yes, four) Leatherman Wave tools. One on the navstation (on my belt when sailing), one in the ditch bag, two at home (upper and lower floor). And, one simple and cheap Roher Pro multitool in the car that proved itself very well to my surprise...