Talking Tools: Leatherman Charge vs. Wave (Is the Charge worth it?)

Is the charge worth the extra cheddar? Does the upgraded blade steel, new handles and gut hook along with the included packet clip and 25% set of bits warrant your dollars vs a wave?

If the blade is regularly dulled on hard surfaces and the comfort of the wave handles is appreciated then the cost of the charge may not be worth it. Most will feel the need to purchase the full bit kit either way so the small set included with the charge isn’t much of a bonus. If a tool that stands out from everyone else’s is important or you just love Leatherman products then the charge makes a good case.

[razorback]

You also get the sheath with the loops with the Charge. The sheath with the wave doesn't have them. If you want that sheath, it's another $15 on the wave price. Add the clip, and quarter bit kit, and the price is pretty comparable I'd say. Mostly boils down to asthetics. I really like the loops on the charge sheath for carrying the bit extender, and a small flashlight. Both are great tools.

[wzfjvxf]

Everything you said about why the charge isn't as good is why as a fisherman I want, the gut hook and serrated blade make cleaning easier and a blade that holds and edge better is key for filleting.that being said if I had my way I would just get the s30v main blade and Serrated blade from the charge ti and put it on a wave.

[jacquesvanderwesthuizen]

An excellent objective review. Arguments and opinions are well made and thoroughly thought thru. Very nice to watch a review that does not just rehash everything all the other reviewers said. Thank you

[simonvance]

The basic Charge is over $350 in australia and the tti has an rrp of over $430! I’ll definitely be buying another Wave…. Thanks for the review though…

[Tapionski]

Thanks for the video I was wondering what the difference was because to me the two looked exactly the same but one was more expensive. Turns out that's exactly what it is xD.

[kctyphoon]

I was JUST about to buy a black/black oxide Charge, (i have an addiction to buying shit i dont need) but i have 2 Waves, and was lucky enough to get the limited edition Darkside from Leatherman delivered yesterday, which is basically a glorified Charge anyway. If the Darkside (i have no intentions on actually using it) feels anything like a regular Charge when you hold it - i was honestly a bit surprised how much more comfortable the Wave is to hold…. I have the Leatherman Free P4 also, which i just got like 2 weeks ago - and I’m kinda forcing myself to carry it. The Wave just feels “perfect” to hold in your hand and use. Theres no hard edges, everything is smooth esp when its broken in, its like the perfect size to carry in a pocket using the belt clip, (you dont even know its there) and everything anyone ever REALLY needs and uses (even for other people that ask to borrow it work) is already on it. I only bought the Free P4 cause i had a gift card to use, and i thought having the outside accessible scissor would be more convenient for me since i use them everyday to cut medication strips i have to take. If I’m really honest with myself though - the Wave just appeals to me more - ESP since you cant get the Free P4 in black, or in ANY color other than silver stainless steel for that matter (which makes no sense to me when the similar frame knives are available in all sorts of colors, and you’d THINK Leatherman would wanna market a black version to military personnel). I think you just cost Leatherman another sale.
Ive had the Surge also, (some asshole stole it when i left it behind by accident at work) and for anyone considering that - IMO - its a great tool, but just a little too big and heavy to “comfortably” keep clipped onto the inside of your pocket. It doesnt ‘disappear’. You know its there all the time.

[evak]

Love my wave. I use it with a pocket clip purchased separately. It's slim enough to pocket carry with no real issues for me. I've probably used it countless thousands of times.

[doughboy]

Sooo wrong. The Charge and the Surge are the best two options leatherman offers.

[MrTooljunkie]

The charge also is riveted so you cannot really tighten it if loose or do any mods whereas the Wave has Torx screws.

[lestagez]

Geez, it’s not just ten dollars, buying that blad with the higher steel, having an optional hook for seat belts, it weighs less, it’s better to have it and not use it vs not have it when you need it, for a tool that lasts a lifetime, $40 seems like a good deal for a metal that lasts longer, and several more features

[johnfellers]

Would have to agree even though I don't own a Charge but from everyone I've spoken with or review I've watched the Wave is the way to go if it's going to be your EDC working tool. I've used the Wave+ as mine and there's few things it hasn't been able to handle and you can quickly see why it's the #1 selling LM probably worldwide. So for the price difference I'd tell people to go with the Wave, however, ...I do like those colored scales and having the gut hook is appealing. Something you pointed out that is definitely worth mentioning is the wire crimping ability and how the aluminum scale are kind of in the way. For me I would never be able to use it at work if for nothing else just that reason alone, around the home, that's a different story. I plan on getting a G10 somewhere down the line( or two) but for a working man's tool...I think the Wave is the one ;) Thanks again for a great video!

[Blacksmith]

Hi..thanks for a interesting comparison..What pocket knife with the green scales is in the video..And is it spring assisted?

[brettdavis]

Who the heck is using concrete as a cutting board?

[TheDacane]

The question here is whether a quality blade steel is worth 40 bucks. If its not, buy any wave clone like an ozark trail for half the price or less.

[MCMXI]

Late to the party but this review answered the question I've been trying to figure out. Thanks!

[thaknobodi]

picked up the wave older 2nd gen, the charge ti first gen and the black Rebar all for $150

[mattsmith]

Here's another unpopular opinion,
I would pay the price of a Charge+ TTi for a Wave+ w/ S30V steel.

[victorediaz]

THESE ARE TOOLS FOR OCCASIONS, FOR EMERGENCY, TO GET OUT OF A RUSH. THEY ARE NOT FOR ALL DAY WORK. FOR THAT I WOULD TAKE MY TOOL BOX. FOR THAT ALL WOULD BE PERFECT.

[Longinusprime]

Personally I really like the Charge+ feeling, as someone who owned the wave + before the charge + the grip for me is actually better I can hold it much better and its blade lasted longer before I had to sharpen it, but the wave will always be my first multi tool and it holds a place in my heart.

Edit: it’s 5 AM cut me some slack on the punctuation lol

[debajyotinath]

oh....I thought the Charge will be easier to work with because of the aluminium handles. The Wave with its steel body really digs into my palm when I am using the blades for a long time. Ok, I understand the plier handles of the Wave is more rounded, but what about when using the blades? The Wave has a lot of hot spots (at least for me). Is the Charge same or better, or worse?