On my way to the US Grand Prix in Indianapolis last week, we had stopped at Cabela's new store in Dundee, MI. Having read the comments on multitools in the knifeforum, I decided to buy a Wave to compare with the Gerber I've been carying around the past year or two. (Previously, I had always carried a SAK Champion (pre-Champ).
The Wave is very solidly built. No rattling, no squeaks, no loose parts, very tight. Lockinh blades as mentioned. The thins I fell could be better are the small tools on the inside. The flat screwdrivers seem a bit thin (at least compared to the Gerber's) and easier to bend when used hard. The scissors are better than the Gerber's. The philips screwdriver goes into the handle too deep. Have to pull up the tool next to it to get it to pop up even though there is a nail notch on the side of it. This brings up another minor point. When you pull out a tool, it will, more than likely pull out the tool(s) next to it too. (Gerber has stationary metal between tools to prevent this.) The biggest gripe is that the inside tools do not lock much like the SAKs. I've busted my knuckles more times using the screwdrivers than the knives. You can close the Wave with the tool extended but it can still collapse. (All of the tools in the Gerber lock.) The pliers, saw, file and knives on the Leatherman are longer. You can open and close the knives one-handed if needed.
Each multitool has its +s and -s. If only they'd combined the +s in each tool.
------------------
- Ron V.
