Leatherman Wave vs. Leatherman Charge TTi Multitool comparison and review (shorter and sweeter)

[@bloodstriper3649]

Excellent review. Love the 1950s radio voice. "Aliens have invaded..."

[@russellfinch348]

😂😂😂👌

[@TazsDeliveries]

“I made car parts for the American working man…” -Ray Zalinski (Tommy Boy)

[@daginn896]

Sorry for my bad english, im Scandinavian, so bear with me. It really depends in my opinnion, "super steels" are hreat at home and I much prefer them in those scenarios. I also prefer them for short hikes. But for longer hikes, 7 days and more, I prefer "lesser steels". They are easier to sharpen and less brittle (in general). You can always touch up your super steels in the wild, but when you misstreat it and it gets dull or a chip (which do happends to the best of us), you simply cant repair it without propper sharpening tools. Lesser steals is easy, even in the wild. So for me it depends on the scenario :)

[@emrevarlik]

that is a very good point

[@driveintherain]

Good point, but if I'm on a long trip, I would probably bring another knife, not going to rely on a multi-tool only :)

[@Erik-sq8nz]

your exactly right

[@Hailexx]

This is the first time I've seen your channel, your casual humor and EXCELLENT detailed review that is objective and relevant has earned you a new subscriber.

[@eyewandersfoto]

I've had my original Charge Ti for a decade now - every day use - always carry it. Still just as good as it was in 2006. Best tool I've ever had, period. No question.

[@bravomanel]

Do you carry it on your pocket ? or it's too big for it ?

[@eyewandersfoto]

@@bravomanel It lives in my pack now for the last couple years, but I always carried it in the leather belt holster that came with it. Also has a pocket clip. It isn't too large to go in a pocket, but it's heavy and not very comfortable. I'd put in my pocket when using it frequently but it's too bulky/heavy to just carry that was generally IMO, yes.

[@bravomanel]

@@eyewandersfoto Oh, nice to hear from you, it has been hard to choose between the Charge TTI and Wave+, both have advantages and disadvantages. To help me a little more, have you used the Wave already ? do you know if it's a little better at least, for carrying on your pocket ? I want a multitool to carry on the pocket every day, considered the Skeletool but has too little functions for me...

[@TheRaveBarn]

@@bravomanel Buy the wave+. I have 2 and an original wave and use them every day.

[@bravomanel]

@@TheRaveBarn Thanks for the advice man

[@edwardkane1978]

You are still my favorite YT reviewer. You generally cut right through the b.s. and get straight to the point. I like the way you think. Keep up the good work.

[@jaskey]

Hey Nick, just wanted to let you know that the seat belt cutter works amazingly well for cutting tapes on packages. It makes it so that you don't run the risk of damaging the contents.

[@howardbecdove9780]

Well presented - such a nice change from the fan boy “survivalist”. Love the humor..... I’ve gotta go back and see what else you’ve done.

[@peacelizard]

"I don't tend to cut up a lot of animals, so ... such is life."

[@michiganprotection]

Nick I'm a knife maker from Michigan. I've been a listener of yours for years. I appreciate the help in getting good fit and finish on my work. I plan on making a custom multitool like these. For now I'm just a collector. Getting a tti for Christmas

[@rajsteint6487]

I did my research on the Leatherman Charge plus TTI and the Wave plus, and both are very good multi-tools. I handled and played around with both of them before buying. I ended up buying the Charge plus TTI because I think overall it is better quality, you get the belt clip and lanyard loop, you get the bits for the driver, you get a S30v blade which is really good (I have it on my knives, such as my Benchmade Osborne G10) and it's great, it has the hook on the serrated blade which is very handy for cutting straps and other things, it has brass washers which make it smoother opening up the tools, people complain about the crimper but it can be very useful and it doesn't seem to get in the way of me doing tasks with the pliers, the titanium is stronger and more durable and lighter. Buy once, cry once. Spend the money and get the quality!

[@lsteiner]

I was sitting on the fence. Your thoughtful analysis pushed me over to the Wave side. Cheers!

[@MegaMrbutch]

You come across as a really nice guy in this video👍

[@TazsDeliveries]

I am subscribing for two reasons… This was a great review and help me make a choice on which Leatherman to get and reason two, your voice 🕺🏻🙏🏼🤣

[@charleshorsley7220]

This guy sounds like Mow the bartender from the Simpsons.

[@marcinszczesny54]

😂😂

[@theoberfaust]

Moe

[@davidkalashnikov8883]

Charles Horsley so are you telling me he isnt moe?? 😂😂

[@56585656587]

He most definitely Moe and the same guy from the Stooges as well.

[@brucebelvin2058]

But when he fixes your drink he fixes it with a Leatherman.

[@bigben7739]

I've had for almost ten years the discontinue Charge TTi with the old scale artwork. It has the exact same tools as the new scales TTi shown in this video and also uses the same S30V blade. In 2013, Leatherman updated the looks of the Charge TTi with new scale artwork but I still prefer the original because it feels more comfortable in hand, the new design is little thicker, larger and 10g heavier, and in my opinion, the old/discontinue design also has a better looking Titanium scales with the embossed letters. By the way, the pliers, the cutting hook and the S30V of the Charge fit perfect on the Wave...Well, just in case you're thinking on purchasing these parts online and doing a swap.

[@gttennisandfitness4476]

Best no none-sense review of Letherman products on KZbin. You need to do more my friend.... clear.....no bs.....good humour with truth. Respect to you and thanks

[@jtoth1995]

I literally subscribed because I love your voice.

[@Snapper314]

I've owned both Leatherman Charges & Waves and carried one of them every day for almost 2 decades. They are great tools for those wanting to carry a multitool that compromises little on features & function.

[@CKarhu85]

Carrying the Charge+ TTi everyday and I truly appreciate it! I also have the Wave+, but it's not as nice. The Charge certainly looks nicer with the Titanium scales, but the phosphor bronze washers makes a huge difference in the smoothness of the Charge! The S30V blade is awesome, keeps an edge for a long time. But one of the features that actually makes a difference is the "gut hook". I've used it for countless amounts of zip ties! But I'm not a fan of the "crimping thingie" in the pliers, I actually replaced my Charge+ pliers for the Wave+ ones, making it truly useful as pliers again! Please remove the crimpers from the Charge+ TTi pliers head! So my takeaway from the Charge+ TTi is, the gut hook, the phosphor bronze washers and the S30V steel. Actually, I would be OK without the S30V in reality. Is the complete package worth the premium price? No. Is it nicer? Yes! I'd go for the Charge+ TTi any day! 😎

[@rhsking05]

Great video! JMO, you should be a radio host personality or go into being a voice actor. You have a great 40’s radio host voice that is very classic and unique! Again, great video and very descriptive.

[@woody5135]

Nick Shabazz, thank you for not being negative!! Many other people on youtube are negative and point out disadvantages - you point out that it may be useful, unlike others that trash the tool without thinking about the use... thank you! Continue!!

[@thedeadshed5719]

Love this guy's accent and vocabulary. Also great comparison

[@techposo]

I took my Wave in for blade repairs under the leatherman warranty. When I got it back, it was replaced with a 154CM blade. :D

[@GloriousRed1]

The Voice win me over it's awesome, much love from the UK

[@joerye6271]

Thanks for taking the time to do this comparison. It's greatly appreciated

[@Got2Learn]

Nice video Nick, I have the Wave and I couldn't be happier man, it's my EDC and I got the bit kit and made myself a "socket adapter" which is pretty cool !

[@benlg9125]

Excellent review and exactly my opinion. I have the Charge TTi, AL and recently bought the Wave. The Wave is definitely the better value and best option if you are going to just get one.

[@TehHellequin]

Nick, what sold me more than anything was 'A Wave and a nice dinner is a better deal than a Charge.' I'm going to start thinking about a lot of things that way.

[@grovesy333]

Both very impressive pieces of hardware, I love how leatherman does these with the replaceable wire cutters now excellent tools and an amazing company

[@TheArtikFoxx]

Amazingly informative, really like that you had them side by side. Thank you sir!

[@E.L.RipleyAtNostromo]

Great comparison, thank you. And FWIW, I think your voice is great, easy to listen to! I just bought a new Wave+, and was considering sending it back and getting a Charge as I heard it was more ergonomic and comfortable in the hand. (?). But the Wave+ feels pretty good to me, so I think I’ll keep it and perhaps look for a replacement S30V or 154CM (Charge AL) blade as some have recommended. Only thing I’ll be missing then is the gut hook, and I can live without that. Thanks again for a good review of both models.

[@bryanlarsgaard9714]

A distinct comparison video well done Nick. The TTi has rounder edges, the weight is the same. I EDC an Charge AL for the better ergos. A Wave lives in my workbelt, and a OG wave in the pack.

[@bighousefan2223]

LOL, love the accent! Thanks for the vid, just bought the Wave, was considering taking it back and getting the Charge but you helped convince me to stay the course!

[@bilakos1987]

Holy shit. Since I subscribed, the channel has grown 10k. Beautiful thing. Way to go Nick.

[@trd8749]

good comparison, since this video came out, Leatherman has bought out the Charge+ which is a Wave+ but with the hook, nicer washers, and a normal plier head, no the blasting cap crimpers! Doesn't cost as much as the Tti and much more usable (unless you deal with blasting caps). I think you would pick this over both of tool in this vid.

[@poisonfortheweak]

Definitely get the bit kit as said. There have been multiple occasions where I’ve run into a weird screw (square, star, etc) and the bit kit had the correct fitting bit. Those times alone made it worth it. One negative of the Wave+ that I’ve found is my knife blade started forming some small splotches of rust on it almost immediately without even really having used it. Don’t know what that’s about. I can buff it out but it seems to keep coming back. Nothing major, but definitely irritating. Not sure if the Charge blade steel would prevent this. Also, the website says that the Charge TTI is actually a fraction of an ounce heavier- which is contrary to the video and what you would think with the titanium. It’s literally a negligible difference though. They’re pretty much tho same weight.

[@stevedriscoll2539]

Great review Nick. I have a wave plus and two 2nd gen waves: one is black oxide and one I ground the pointy tips down on the pliers to make it more blunt (that’s my edc). I like the 2nd gen wave better than the plus (I don’t like the replaceable wire cutter bits because it looks like they weakened the plier head. I was kicking myself recently for not getting a charge ti for a good price, but after your review, I really think I don’t need the charge, thanks

[@bradyblackburn4863]

I've had a Charge Tti for a little over a year, and your review is spot on. I've never used the crimper (okay, I used it once as proof of concept but I've never NEEDED it). The gut hook is perfect for cutting string, tape, and those little plastic ties that come on everything. The one big advantage is the S30V main blade since it keeps its edge for the longest time. If you are going to use the knife blade on a daily basis and under hard use, the Charge is worth a little extra cash. If not, get the Wave or the Charge AL.

[@GiuseppeCovino1987]

Hey Nick, it seems that you could switch the S30V of the Charge into the wave, since you ave both, can you check if it is possible? Thank you for your video!

[@madjob8]

proly already mentioned, but the alx sacrifices scissors for an extra bit holder, so you can carry every tool you need in 1 configuration for changing out electrical sockets. some people do a lot of that.

[@Smaug1]

Here's a thought: take the blade off the Charge TTi and put it in the Wave. Then sell the castrated Charge TTi for $50 or something. It's a tamper-resistant Torx, but you can just Dremel a groove in it and take it off with a flat head screwdriver, if you don't have TR Torx bits.

[@tasmedic]

What an excellent comparison, and so succinct. Thanks!

[@juanpadilla3203]

Mort from family guy did a great quick comparison. Well done sir

[@GlockUSMC]

Thanks for the honest and short review.

[@waterman308]

Good review. plain and straight up with a decent sense of humor. thanks!

[@sheek3]

The Wave's footprint (for some reason, is just smaller than the Charge and Surge despite been almost identical), S30V Steel knife, bigger scissors - a la Surge, file moved to the internally held tools, and perhaps a reservoir for an additional bit like the Skeletool.

[@TheVirtualcool]

" If you`re drowning with money... " love it! nice review man!

[@NickDanzinger]

Excellent concise video answering the question I had, explained with a cool accent to boot! Thanks.

[@michaelcampbell9541]

Best voice ever, should be an actor

[@raphaelbeinhauer9242]

The wave uses 420HC. 440C would be better.

[@My03Tundra]

S30V steel is great, but, it has its disadvantages. It is harder to sharpen, unless maintained continuously, and is more prone to chipping because of the additional hardness. I have two Leatherman tools, a Wave and a Sidekick. Both are excellent, with one for light use, and the other with the bit set being my mini toolkit. I also have a Victorinox Spirit, but I hate the primary knife blade on that.

[@morganbradley6588]

If you not overly concerned with the warranty of your leather man you can purchase aftermarket s30v blades and replace the 440 blade from the wave? The blades sell for around 20ish $ each

[@Jepskis]

I see a big difference in the way these two tools are constructed. On the frame of the tool where the logo and the model name are stamped you can see that the charge is solid all the way, hinge to hinge. The bolts that hold the blades, and the pliers on the charge are less likely to fail (loosen, wear out). This is not talked about much and is a big reason the charge is of higher quality and in my opinion worth the extra cost.

[@mlvcnt]

Right. The added material on the handles on the Charge adds to its weight and bulk. I have both the Wave+ and the Charge TTI (pre +) and I prefer the Wave for pocket carry. But if you can find an older Charge TTI in good condition that comes with the bits and pocket clip, it's actually the better deal, as Dan Christy mentions.

[@steventorres5768]

I love this man's Accent, makes me miss NY. .😭 CONEY ISLAND LET'S GOOO!

[@chinnzzillanoochie2613]

Bought a leatherman wave. Thanks Nick 👉😎👉

[@kidthorazine]

Man this is a late comment, but as someone who ended up replacing a Wave with a Charge+ (Aluminum scales not the Titanium one) one big difference that Nick didn't point out is that the fit and finish on the Charge is way better, I've had three Leatherman Waves and all of them had weird fit and finish issues (stiff pliers, loose rattling locks that sort of thing) and I've never seen a charge that suffered from any of that.

[@Adipatus]

Just the video I was looking for. I think I'll go for the Wave. Thanks.

[@Seveneleven44]

I have every leatherman ever made, but carry a knife everyday. When I do in fact carry a leatherman, it’s either a wave or skeletool cx. I worked as a contractor for USG for three years and the skeletool was the most useful pocket tool I used during that time. Used it every single day at work for 3 plus years and no issues. Wish it was a little more beefy, maybe a half ounce heavier or so. Honestly the skeletool is all I have ever needed in a pocket tool, minus scissors. If leatherman put scissors on the skeletool! Oh my, that would be hard to beat.

[@ViceCommando]

I don't have the Wave but I love the Charge TTi. I do have Surge and one downside that might happen with Wave too is that when you wash and lubricate your tool the Surge is more difficult to clean up. Just because the gun oil (that I use) makes it more slippery after, while the Charge TTi has more grip in its handles so its really easy to use after that oiling too. Is it worth the extra money? Probably not, but then again we are all here to enjoy little things like that too, right?

[@NickShabazz]

+ViceCommando Yeah, the grippiness is definitely a difference. And you're right, "Worth the money" is hard to talk about in every day gear. Is a high-end watch "worth more" than a basic quartz? Is a custom knife going to cut better than a basic model? Maybe, maybe not. But if it brings you some joy, it's all good.

[@lmrproduction5387]

Cool. Thanks for taking the time to make this video.

[@jimmygrey6848]

I sold my wave and bought a surge, sold the surge to buy a charge tti. Bought the Surge back from the guy I sold it to because he lost it and bought another to replace it, then found it again so he had 2. Now I just miss my Wave... Bought a Skeletool Cx to fill the void but it's not the same.

[@bigmofo1122]

I had the Charge too, and returned it. There was blade play and the liner lock didn't feel secure enough to be a main knife. It's not worth the extra money if it can't be main tool. I got the Wave instead. It still got blade play but it okay for a backup knife.

[@Frip36]

"If you crimp a lot of things." LOL

[@gubourn]

as an electrical apprentice. The gut hook is great for cutting tape. it would now be a dealbreaker for me to not have. when you are fishing and snaking cables, the gut hook is an easy way to safely cut tape without cutting cable, especially if you dont have a stanley on you and maybe you have let your blade go

[@Innomen]

Excellent video. No bullshit. Thank you.

[@anthonysmith4072]

Love your reviews man keep it up!

[@rainohhell7365]

Amazing review . I would agree with all your points , having owned both myself 👍🏻

[@believeyourowneyes]

No one mentions the "other" use of the serrated blade fish hook. It is a darn nice bottle opener. I know this sounds trivial, but I personally fondle my pocket knife, whichever it is. At the end of a hard days work, I like to pop off the cap of a cold one. Having a nice tool in my pocket for the task is very satisfying.

[@sashimifr]

the million dollar question is : why the f did they make a charge and a wave. and why isn't the titanium model substantially lighter ? This all makes very little sense.

[@vinny2976]

Thanks Nick! Helpful review.

[@gazay7777]

I recently got a charge for $107. I think it's a good upgrade vs the wave, which I can find for around $85 locally. It's worth the extra $22 to me personally.

[@Dingbobber]

Why?

[@jaypence332]

I use the rescue hook all the time to open packages. Mainly what I use the charge for.

[@jaypence332]

actully the only thing I use it for

[@spikekrossa]

Or split it down the the middle and get the AL (154cm blade). I have both the AL and the Wave, both great EDC's. Another honest review, thanks.

[@raphaelbeinhauer9242]

Tne AL and ALX have different tools though. They are the only charges you can get in black so I went with a blach wave.

[@raphaelbeinhauer9242]

+raphael beinhauer *black

[@MrFookface]

Very useful and helpful review. Thank you so much

[@charlesadamski_197]

That hook looks like it'd be a great package opener. Give it a try.

[@andregonzales04]

Fantastic accent!! what part of the country are from? I love regional accents especially the Bronx. Also great review! I just got the TTi and I love it!

[@zackjackson5004]

I have both, and I carry my tti quite a bit more than my wave.. however I recommend the wave to be honest. I agree with the "wave with the s30 blade" philosophy

[@mathisgauthey01]

Thanks for the video dude, really awesome.

[@Lars1540]

Nice! Thanks for the honest and helpful review!

[@hastings9452]

I really enjoyed this review. Your accent is fantastic, where are you from?

[@mixmasterfestus8096]

Michigan

[@Chase1297]

Newark NJ

[@johnenigma8424]

Hes from the 1950’s

[@wheresmydamnedkeys2179]

I have the wave as an EDC with the bit set kept handy in a pack I generally keep in the car for travels if they're called for. I like the price, as noted, over the Charge too. Which begs the question , can a replacement blade from the charge fit the wave as an upgrade? Through I really don't have any complaints with the blade as is. It may not be the absolute best steel , but it sharpens up easily to a very fine edge. Also, Two personally noted advantages to the wave: One , because of the price, I was more able to buy one for each of my groomsmen a few years back. Two, the wave has a more practical space for engraving. Which for me meant I could put the date of my anniversary on it. Which with my memory, and the fact that we had two ceremonies (her folks live in S. Africa, I'll let you know if I find Nick's lost Spyderco), is as useful as any accessory, and I highly recommend it.

[@17bigdawg]

Had a Wave but love the tti. Feels much better in the hand with the rounded corners and like the blade better.

[@allthegearnoidea6752]

I like my wave. Thanks for the review

[@tommesheijnis2892]

I like everything about the tti, except that krimper. Something i’d never use and would just get in the way.

[@45sten]

Great and sensible review, thank you.

[@shaneybrainy13]

I have a Wave, ended up finding the S30V steel blade sold separately, and upgraded my Wave. Definitely worth the price saved over the Charge.

[@drive-byguitarlessons1858]

leatherman wave and a nice dinner... perfect. Thanks, Moe

[@MichaelK786]

Thank Q, good review. Wave has 17 tools , Charge TTi has 19 tools. Q: Ultimately when it comes to the best of the best, which one would you choose ?

[@RoelfvanderMerwe]

Your voice is incredible!

[@synax327]

I just noticed that my Wave that i bought back in 2002 doesn't have the replaceable flat/philips screw so i guess mine will not work with those extra tools then.I guess its about time to upgrade to a new one😊

[@wongkokan6665]

Dude I got WAVE , Supertool , Leatherman ROCKS

[@guusdejong2523]

I have the charge AL, the only thing I don't like is the eyeglass screwdriver bitholder. I'm modding mine at the moment. It now has an Awl, large flathead, can opener, scissors and large bitdriver. I need to grind some things like the plier rest to have some tools fit but after that it'll be perfect. I might add a rebar head though....

[@LogicOfaMadman]

I love you voice! haha its so animated! I had a question can your buy the better blade and put it on the wave? sorry if it was asked I looked and see anyone bring it up

[@TheRayweather]

yes you can you can buy replacement blade for the charge at txtoolscrafters.com an it will fit the wave the only thing you must buy a torx security bit to desemble it.

[@jld3229]

Nick, great review!

[@rodx5571]

ahh the gut hook is useful for opening packages, cardboard, cutting straps off of pallets. Have even used it to "unzip" an aluminum can. You never know how useful it is until you have it for a while, and dont have it anymore. I have the wave and the charge TTI and a charge ALX. I tend to carry the Wave at work (auto technician) and the charge on my off time. Having lost a wave once already i would go insane if i lost the TTI. Will say there are plenty of "like new, or new in box" multi tools on eBay at a reasonable price. The TTI blade has held its edge shaving sharp under the same use as the wave, which i have had to sharpen 3 " times compared to TTI (sharpened "0" times). All things considered, the TTI is the far superior tool, But for the money the Wave is nearly as good, only inferior by a matter of a few points. Dont get me wrong, i am not drowning in money by and means, but collecting multi tools is much cheaper than collecting EX- wives or cars.

[@TheAzurinBoyz2012]

That hole in the middle of the charge pliers looks so bad. What's if for anyway?

[@jezwez1481]

great video Nick, ask leather man for a spare charge blade it might fit 👍

[@mattsmith6828]

They could make a Wave Plus TTi (like you said would be the "perfect" combination) and then sell it like $10 less than the Charge. That would net them more money and give people what they want. I think it would be awesome if they slightly cut down of all of these variations and just made the "Plus" models have S30V steel and the non-plus variants use 420. I think you're right though, the Wave+ w/ S30V steel would be the perfect multitool, in my opinion. So, I'm conflicted.

[@Jack_all]

the Wave with an s30v blade, the Surge detachable file and good scissors would be my perfect multitool

[@Zeeboklown]

my charge tti doesnt have that extra smaller groove/grip in the jaws of the pliers?? whats with that?? it has the same pliers as ur wave there.