My wife wants a good quality, not expensive knife and a leathernan for Christmas.
There are so many leathermans out there, Im over whelmed.She doesn't want a mini, or a huge, has bits, etc., model.
Something that has scissors, sharp blades, screwdrivers, something to keep in the vehicle to be useful, and be handy for use in her office. No major abuse, in other words.

As for the knife, general use, no pocket clip, non tactical looking, and stays sharp.

Any suggestions for models and makes?

I have a Gerber, not Leatherman - dunno the model. I just get a cheap one as I have a habit of dropping them out of the boat.

small Case folder and if you can find one the original Leatherman would be about perfect

As for the knife, locking or non locking?
Non locking I would say case sodbuster or sodbuster jr.
Locking I would say any look that you like from Gerber, Kershaw, or Buck.

Multi tool, find an old leatherman supertool in new condition on Ebay. Good tool without all the BS.
http://www.leatherman.com/85.html

older Wave. Before they started coming with removable bits.

My youngest has one called the sidekick. it's got nice ergos, low on gadgety frills, just the basics. Maybe search for that one, if they still make it that may fit the bill.

The "Wave". It is the best all around tool, has a great blade and assorted tools that you can really use. I never go anywhere without it. These elk were gutted with it and the saw blade will do the brisket quite easily.

If she doesn't elk hunt, it will still do any job she would want to do with a multi-tool...

leatherman blast. as multitools go, it is very competent. it is small enough to carry in your pocket and has all the doodads most people need. it can be broken if you try hard but they replace it with no questions asked. i've had one for about 10 years and had it replaced once when i was trying to use it for something it was not designed for. mine is on me all the time.

http://www.amazon.com/Gerber-31-000...=8-23&keywords=winchester+multi+tool

I've got a bunch of different multi-tools. While not as quality as a Gerber or Leatherman, this one is not too large and has a decent array of features. The one I've got has done a lot of stuff for me and they don't break the bank.

For a knife, I know you said no clip, but...

http://www.amazon.com/Buck-Knives-7...386&sr=1-107&keywords=buck+knife

I've had one of these for over a year now. I've got a lot of knives, but this one is really sweet. It can be had for $25 at Walmart if you watch closely and the Winchester multi-tool is $15 at the same place. The Buck is made in USA. The Winchester is China crap, but she won't cry if somebody cops it out of her desk at work.

I like the Gerber tool because I can open it with one hand, but it will pinch you if the pliers slip.

CRKT makes good knives.

I have em all, but carry a SOG. Was issued to me before my first tour in Iraq, its been on 2 OIF tours and 2 OEF tours, fixed a ton of vehicles and a whole lot of menial tasks as well.

I'm on my third Leatherman Wave.
I use it for work and have only replaced them as I've worn the blade down from sharpening or broken a blade by abusing it.
Great tool.

Bob

I've got more multi tools than I need now, but if I was in the market for one, I'd consider that assisted opening SOG that's out now pretty strongly.

Mark, that almost describes the wave that I carry all the time. However, it does have screw driver bits that reverse (Philips/straight) that are regular size and a miniature set of screw driver bits that also pull out and have a Philips head on one side and a straight blade on the other end. The small set are a good size for eyeglasses. I've even used the scissors a time or 2. I'm looking at my old leatherman supertool (that some guys suggested) right now and I don't see a set of scissors on it anywhere and I know that was one of the things she wants it to have. I use my wave quite a bit at work and around the house..

splattermatic;
Top of the morning to you sir, hopefully this finds you well and keeping warm enough.

For a multi tool I've carried an original Leatherman since the '80's and bought a Wave in the early '90's after seeing one that a Wyoming fireman carried - we camping in Cody if memory serves.

Anyway when our girls asked for a multi tool I searched ebay and picked up an original Wave for each of them a couple years back and then bought a new model Wave for our eldest daughter's boyfriend last Christmas.

The new one isn't that bad actually and some refinement does address some of the loosening up issues my original Wave has.

The originals are US made and I'm not sure about the newer ones - sorry.

For a knife that holds an edge I can recommend any US made Buck that has been heat treated by Paul Bos. Whatever they do to S30V just flat out works.

Hopefully that was useful information to you or someone out there this morning. All the best to you this Christmas season.

Dwayne

New SOG�Last one was replaced free of charge (after many years of use the plier jaw snapped under load). I always carry a Cold Steel folder, I think they hold up pretty well, come in a lot of different blade types, sizes and they are running sales right now for Christmas.

I found a wave on ebay that's a package deal with a micarta, that I could use for fishing.

We'll see how bidding goes!

I think Im going to look for a "prince" knife.IIRC, Buck makes it.
Had one for years, carried it all over the world, but alas, it disappeared one day... No idea where it went.

oops, I was wrong about the name of that one. it's a "wingman" not a sidekick.
I think sidekick is a little bity one we might have got one of the kids years ago.

Wingman is on the right of photo with a beat up wave to the left that belongs to my oldest son.

Carry a Wave (and use it) everyday at work but it's too bulky for non-work EDC. I don't want to carry a sheath on my belt. However, if your wife is leaving it in the vehicle that's not a big obstacle.

My EDC Leatherman is the Skeletool and I can't recommend it highly enough. Has everything you need (especially the beer opener!) and nothng you don't. I've got the model wih the 154 CM steel blade. Awesome little tool. (BTW, they're on sale at our local Sportsmans Warehouse--don't know if that's true at all of them).

For a small useful knife it's hard to beat a little folder from GEC. A ton of models and styles to choose from, as well.

IIRC a previous fire thread showed Gerber to have become liberal anti gun.

Original Leatherman.

Leatherman. Knives vary depending on what she is cutting ect?

Daily chore knife would be Kershaw Leek or similar. I'm fond of Cold Steel Knives as well, something like their "voyager" series or the AK-47 Knife. Google their website.

I know a couple of guys that are multitool junkies and both love the leatherman wave.

I've always used Sog, never had a problem.

Check'em out. Sog Multitools.

I have leatherman and SOG. I recommend SOG because of the ability to change blades. One breakes, replace it with a new blade. You can put the tools and blades you want. I have two knife blades in mine. Didnt really need a can opener. SOG also has very good customer service.

Inexpensive knife ? Around the office ?

I've got two of these little buggers. One is in my pocket and the other is on the kitchen window sill. They get used for odds and ends more than any knife I own and if I lose/break one I'll just order some more.

http://www.knifecenter.com/item/OEM...h-Blade-Orange-Rubberized-Kraton-Handles

Available in pink if she likes that color.

http://www.outdooredge.com/Mini-Grip-Folding-Hunting-Multi-Use-Knife-p/mini-grip.htm

Gerber....like it but the carbide cutters broke...they cut amazing before
Had several leather an tools and like them very much

I have used several. MOF I just gave my last gerber away to my B-I-L.

The Leatherman Super Tool is the one I will always retain.....

Leatherman wingman. Spring loaded pliers and a pocket clip.

Real handy and can be had for $30.

I have two Leatherman tools. An original first generation, my favorite except that the pliers are hard on the hands, and a Wave. The latter is more practical for all round use but heavy.

For a non tactical pocket knife look at the Bob Dozier designed folders sold by K-Bar. Spear point blades and good steel for $20.00. For a very fine and elegant but expensive knife, look at a French made Lagoule $150.00+.

I have a Wave for an all purpose in the woods. But for everyday I carry a Wingman. It's lighter.

Leatherman Wave.




Close the thread!
We're done here.

Works for me.

THE END

Owned them them all.

Get the Wingman.

People that are recommending the Wave, have never owned the Wingman.



Merry Christmas,
Dave

Wrong. got them both. Wingman, while a decent tool - it's a Leatherman afterall - ain't no Wave.

Bull-fugging-schit.

Read the OP. Aside from the clip the Wingman meets all criteria.



Clark

Oh...a clip! Well now.

The Sidekick is also a good option. It's a slightly different version of the Wingman.




Dave

One wants a Wave on his belt.

Not so fast boys.

Get her the original multi tool and have her name put on it.

http://www.swissknifeshop.com/shop/swiss-army/victorinox/swiss-army-knives/do-it-yourself

Wave is good.

On a re-read Sir, you are correct as the OP wants the tool for a woman.

Carry on.

I bought my boy the Leatherman Wave. It is nice to work with. I have the Surge, a little bigger but I have huge hands ( 6'5") so it fits nice in mine.

I cannot comment on other brands.

Leatherman Wingman is by far the most useful pocketable multitool.

For serious work, a SOG PowerTool.

I have a Leatherman Wave which I bought to replace my original Leatherman that I lost while camping.

I have a question for the forum and it concerns lending out your Leatherman to others even for a moment. The problem is that people do atrocious things to tools they don't own. I've had people drop it on the knife point on concrete or use the knife point as a screw driver or try to cut things they shouldn't be cutting. I'm at the point where I refuse to lend it to anyone and of course everyone thinks "What a dick head". I now do my best to carry concealed just so I'm not asked to borrow it when they see it on your belt.

Do any of you lend out your Leatherman?? and if so under what conditions??

I've had dozens of cheap and high end multitools. By far, this Victorinox is my favorite.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0002...18540286&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SY200_QL40

It takes a lot for me to loan a tool anymore. Only to certain people. People I know for a fact respect tools in general, especially other people's tools. And people wo I know could/would replace it in a heartbeat if they broke or lost it.

Same here. I'm to the point I'd rather have 'em think I'm a dicck for not loaning than have my gear broken and have them still think I'm a dicck because I wasn't a good sport about the whole thing when they break something.

If they don't care enough to buy X, they probably don't care enough to take care of my X either........

And to answer the OP's question, I vote the Super Tool. It's got everything but a crescent wrench (or a silly little pair of scissors), and truly covers the multi-tool bases IMO. I've owned all three generations of Super Tools and they're only down-side is the need for belt carry. Especially the latest ST300. But I carry other stuff in my pockets, and don't want a Leatherman of any size in there other than the Squirt which I carry in my watch pocket. YMMV, which is why Leatherman makes so damn many models.

Honestly, I probably use the scissors more than anything else

Can't stand Irish pennants

Can't recommend anything fit for a woman but the Ti Charge is UBER.


I feel naked without it in my pocket.


Got in a hurry about a month ago and used it to cut through a piece of 1/4" wire cattle panel. Bent the cutting jaws all to hell and had to file them down in order to open/close the needle nose. I knew it wasn't a good idea but time was major factor.

Leatherman's are truly great but do not attempt to use one in place of a bolt cutter.....grin

Much better.



Clark

I don't think it matters size or weight wise, since it'll be in the vehicle most of the time. The wave appears to have what she was looking for, in what she would have a need for an all purpose tool in her activities.

She made mention, that I was making a big deal out of a mt.
I told her, why buy cheap, or one that was lacking for what she could foresee a use for.
Its not like its gonna be used daily, but a just in case tool.

Thanks guys. A wave is in her future.

BTW, I've had an original for at least 15 years now.

Fair enough---------not saying my way is the only one. SAKs have had scissors even before Leathermans have, but I've never understood the need for 'em on a knife. I cut everything with knife blades that could be cut with scissors. Maybe that comes from a lifetime of making slip joints work for everything.

I did the same thing years ago with my first Super Tool----------cutting too much barbed wire. I felt like an idiot after I did it.

The latest Super Tool (ST300) has replaceable jaws for just such mistakes. I haven't had to replace mine yet, but it's nice knowing I have the option.

Leatherman Wingman here. Love it. Even if my latest one did get donated to airport security...

God I hope not! I have several Gerber items and love their products!

*Edit*

A quick search showed its Tim Leatherman, president, Leatherman Tool Group, Inc. that is the flaming Lib.

Gerber supports a anti-hunting group, see link.

Gerber Anti-Hunting support.

Well chit...

went into Home Depot today looking for some light bulbs and in the Christman trinket section they had Leatherman Sidekicks for $18.

Where are Leathermans made? I have almost bought one many times, but I have never seen a country of origin on any packaging. Usually a USA product will have the marks or the flag.


Otherwise, I just have the Gerber that was in my mil-spec 556 cleaning kit.

has a logo stating Oregon

Good choice Mark. She'll love it. I have an original that I've had for about 16 years myself. I never used it as much as I do my wave. The wave goes with me wherever I go. It's very handy...

found this:


Aw, the power of Google is indeed strong:

Officials at Portland-based pocket tool maker Leatherman Tool Group are celebrating after an appeal court reversed part of an $18 million verdict against the company. The plaintiffs alleged that Leatherman engaged in deceptive advertising by stamping "Made in U.S.A." on its popular multitools, even though they included pieces from non-U.S. manufacturers.

Legal wrangling, however, may not be over.

Still to be decided is how much of $6 million in attorney fees Leatherman will pay. The appeal court also upheld a ruling that the company must advertise it violated California laws.

Meantime, Leatherman's attorney is upbeat, in large part because the ruling means Leatherman won't have to pay $13 million in restitution to California consumers who bought tools during the class-action period.

"We are very gratified by this decision �� it remedies a great injustice: The multimillion award was quite literally, unsupported by any evidence," said Jerry Falk, an attorney with California-based Howard Rice Nemerovski Canady Falk & Rabkin.

"We are not happy the court took away the restitution and are seriously considering an appeal," said Howard Rossbacher, an attorney with Los Angeles-based The Rossbacher Firm, which in 2003 filed the class action complaint against Leatherman. "But both sides have things they won and lost."

At the crux of the original complaint was deception in advertising.

The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, alleged Leatherman violated California laws by labeling its tools with "Made in U.S.A."

The complaint asserted that because Leatherman tools include pieces from non-U.S. manufacturers, the company couldn't claim legally its products are "Made in U.S.A." Specifically, Leatherman imports five parts out of the average of 30 parts composing each of the tools in question.

"Made in U.S.A.," court filings allege, implies Leatherman products are higher-quality and worth their relative high prices compared with those charged for "Made in China" knockoffs made by competitors.

With a portion of parts coming from vendors outside the country, court filings allege, Leatherman tools are cheapened and consumers weren't getting their money's worth.

The company did not dispute that some parts incorporated into its products are made outside the United States.

For instance, Leatherman buys European-made files, corkscrews and other components.

The jaws for its pliers come from a U.S. company that moved manufacturing to Mexico.

The plier jaws, and some other imported products, arrive at Leatherman's 120,000-square-foot manufacturing facility to be finished �� ground, hardened and polished �� by its manufacturing work force of more than 300.

"Anybody who came into our factory and saw all the parts and work that goes into the tools would conclude that we actually do produce it here," said Roger Bjorklund, Leatherman vice president of marketing.

Other portions of the tools are fabricated on-site before all the pieces are fashioned into finished devices.

Federal courts have determined that the tools qualify as "Made in U.S.A.," Bjorklund said.

To appease critics, though, the company stopped imprinting its tools with "Made in U.S.A." about the time of the filing of the class action suit.

An absence of evidence led the appeal court to strike down the monetary award.

The $13 million awarded as restitution might have overestimated anything due to consumers.

That amount represented 25 percent of the company's gross revenue in California throughout five years and is equivalent to more than all of Leatherman's profits on its California sales.

The two California laws in question date to 1961. They aim to prevent companies from unrightfully profiting off products manufactured off-shore but sold as domestically made.

In the years since the California Legislature enacted them, Leatherman's is only the second case to receive a court verdict. A complaint against Kwikset is pending in the California Supreme Court and others are working their way through the courts.

I've used most of them and think the Swisstool is the best full size multitool.
For the lady I'd check out the Swiss Spirit.
I liked the Wave's quite a bit but have had the blade locks break. Still like the Wave lot.
Sog's and Gerbers aren't even in the running IMO.

Don't forget swiss army.... I carry one a friend has when in AK... its very small, very nice, good quality scissors etc...

Did not know they made such, until he gave it to me to use.

Yep!

Ahhh cmon no one wants to read my Sycamore style cut n paste from hell???

A pair of Wilde 7 inch pliers and a Schrade folding knife.

i hit the high points

seems that is all too common now days.

at least Leupold doesn't lie about it and uses "Assembled in USA"

others use "Made is the USA of foreign and domestic parts"

Why can't one use "Every damn piece is made in the USA, by Americans"

I use the original Leatherman PST. I think that my son has a Wingman. For a small purse knife, I got my daughter a Gerber LST. It is very thin and light.

I may have a dozen multi tools. Have 4 Leatherman.

The one I like the best and would not be without --- Leatherman Wave.

Home Depot has the Leatherman Sidekick for $18 each. I just bought 6 of them for Xmas gifts. The ones they have don't have a sheath, but still, that's a heck of a deal. Spring loaded pliers, saw and knife that can be used without opening the handles. If the Philips head blade was a bit better (and the wire cutter a bit better), it'd be near perfect. Think I'll hit the other Home Depot here in town.....

Yep,mine were $29 at Cabela's.

Love my Leatherman Sidekick.

Been more than happy with my first generation Leatherman. Knife, screw drivers, file, leather punch, pliers, and can/bottle opener. No scissors though and a cork screw would be nice.

Well, I'll be heading to HD this week.

I currently have a Rebar and the SOG PowerLock and like them both. Oh, and a few SAKs. Adding a SideKick to the mix would be nice.

I have an original Leatherman PST.

Agreed

I carry an early version of the Leatherman Wave, bought it because an earlier leatherman grew legs and walked away! I had this one for 16 years now, along with that I carry a Buck 110, its a replacement for my Puma Duke that I had carried for 40 years and retired, the buck was just till I decided on what I wanted to replace the duke, its been such a good knife I decided that It will do, bought it at Walmart in Washington State back on 2012 on a Cherry Drying contract! You can't beat either for price and durability!

I have a Gerber, SOG, and two Leathermans. I think the Leatherman has the best quality overall and the most flexibility. I have an old basic Leatherman I keep in my shooting bag, and in my truck is a Leatherman Surge.

I keep the SOG in my wife's car, and the Gerber is in a drawer.

Mostly I carry my Swiss Army Knife, but at times I'll strap on the Leatherman.

These were in the "Xmas gift" section, not the regular tool section. Go on the Home Depot website and put in your zip code to see if your local store has some in stock. Get 'em while they got 'em......