All-Purpose Tools

[Wall-nut]

This is, by far, the best forum to get first hand info on products. So here's my query: I'm gonna be byin' what used to be called a "Leatherman's Tool". There's a million of 'em out there on the market (including the "Original Leatherman's Tool"). If you own one or have an opinion on one, I'd appreciate your input before I buy one. Naturally, my primary use of this tool will be on the boat as a fisherman. I don't really care if it can saw down a Redwood in 234 hours. I am mostly concerned with its quality and its practical applications. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance.

[Airwave(OH)]

I have the original Leatherman and it is a very nice tool. I also have the smaller one with the scissors in it (can't remember name) and it is nice. Have had no trouble and use them on the boat and hunting. Leatherman came out with a newer version called "The Wave" that I believe to be even better but since I have two I didn't buy it. The blades lock back and come out alot nicer. Either way you decide you will be happy with a Leatherman !!! Geez any Leatherman Reps reading this? LOL

[EJ]

I have both, the Leatherman Wave and a knock-off. They both work fine for work when I'm not bouncing up and down in rollers, but for ease of use in difficult situations it does pay to spend the extra $.

[Big C]

I purchased some cheapo's and thats really what I got. It was something like $10 for two. The handles are really weak. I have a leatherman original and it has been great. Our autopilet needed some on the water repairs and I just happened to have my leatherman. Needed the screwdriver and the pliers. I now own 3. Boat, tackle box, and car.

[George Eh]

I have the leatherman, not sure which one as it was a gift but it is 4" long when folded and has pliers, knife, scissors, file, etc. Very handy for outdoors, hunting, fishing, camping and all, well constructed and durable. Only complaint is the knife is so sharp it scares me and is a little awkward to pull out. Wouldn't be without one. Good fishing from Rainbow Country!!!

[Phil T.]

The little one whose main tool is a scissor instead of a plier is called the Micra. Everyone needs one in a tackle box. As for the plier based tools, I have Leathermen in my pickup, in my Suburban, and on my toolbelt at work, and a Gerber in the boat. Either is good. Just be sure to buy the little Micra for working on reels, lures, and cutting line and leaders.

[captjack]

I have had a leatherman for 10 or 12 years now and I feel absolutely naked when I don't have it with me. I am constantly reaching for the right side of my belt. I have used it for everything from dehooking muskies to putting my computer together and everything in between. I have 2 of the original models now and want to get the supertool.

[Bob G.]

You know what, I got my "first" leatherman as a gift. My first impression was that it was hokey and probably would be useless. WRONGO. Know I have them all over the place and use them at home, in the car, on the boat, fishing, etc. Actually, I found it comes in handy the most at home, when you need to tighten a loose screw on a cabinet, etc etc. Great tool!

[TBO/MN]

Ditto on the Leatherman and Micra. I use the Micra the most, have it on a lanyard with hook file, A MUST in the boat. I had the Gerber and used the pliers on a rusted nut, bent the thing in two places and it wouldn't fit back together, gave it to my grandson, he has it in his tackle box, still uses it. I think for the money, you can't go wrong with the Leatherman, Micra especially.

The Big One

[doc]

The wave by far is one of the best. I've had mine for two years now and use it all the time at work, at home and in the boat. I use fireline and I no longer have to carry a special siccors to cut the fireline , the one on the Wave does it all. I sell for a sporting goods store and I have my choice, i bought the wave.

[minnesota angler]

I received a leatherman WAVE as a Christmas gift from my wife. The design on this WAVE, is by far superior to any other brand of copycats out there. Go with the best, buy a leatherman.
GOOD LUCK!

[mlc]

I've used the standard leatherman, and S.O.G. tool and my favorite by Buck knives. There are so many fine multi-use tools out there that it pays to take a look at as many as you can. Each has its own strengths and weaknesses. Many of the guys I work with also like the tool made by Gerber. I chose the Buck because the quality is definetly there. My only complaint is that this model does not have a file. There are, however, 2 knife blades that help make up for this. It also seems to be more stout than the leatherman. My chief complaint with the leatherman was all of the ridges you had to grip around when using the pliers.

mlc

[jeff reed]

Get a tool with "lockback" blades such as the Leatherman SuperTool. I hate that when the blades start to fold up when you use them. have 2 Supertools by Leatherman and woulnt be without them. I like the pointed needle nose pliers unlike the blunt one on the Gerber model.

[River_eye]

I have the Leatherman PST 2, it's like the original, except it has a hook sharpener, half serraded blade and scissors. I tell you, it's worth it's weight in gold.

I will warn you though, don't leave it out in the rain, as it's not totally rust proof. It didn't totally rust out, just a couple little spots.

But yes, they are worth the extra money.

River eye

[Wall-nut]

Thanks, everyone, for all the great info. You have helped me immensely. Here's hopin' I can do the same for you all, someday!!!

[Lund_Dude]

I am sorry, but I will need to go against the grain on this one. I have the Gerber with the needlenose pliers and would not trade it for a truckload of the others. The A-1 feature that you will appreciate is the snap open pliers. You can keep the tool on your belt and with a walleye in one hand, pull your tool, snap it open and unhook the fish with the other hand. Can't do that with the others. 90% of my use is unhooking fish and this is the best tool for that purpose. As far as quality, the Gerber, the "Original", the Buck, and the SOG are all comparable. YOu will want to look for the ergonomics that work for you.