Leatherman XTi

[Crumm]

I was just on-line ordering a new bit for my Leatherman Wave that I always have in my pocket and I spotted the new Leatherman Charge XTi. Anyone have one or know if they are any good? Along with the Titanium Handles which look trick they also claim that the knife blade holds a edge three times longer than there standard blade. The cutting hook also looks like a nice feature. Check them out at Leatherman.com. Worth the $100 or just stick with the Wave?

I have had a Leatherman of one kind or another in my pocket for the last ten years or so and would be lost without it. I have a PST, Pulse, Super tool, Micra, Wave and now the 2004 updated Wave. I suppose I should just get the XTi and the Ti to complete my set but my pockets are not big enough to hold them all.

The XTi is .2 ounces lighter than the Wave. Since I pack the Wave, 4" crescent wrench and a Mag-light Solitaire in my right pocket and a big wad of keys in the left , .2 ounces would lighten the load a quite a bit. Think I could use the .2 ounce line to convince the wife I need it

 

[lifted_up]

Sounds like you just need a rolling snap-on box and just hitch it your belt.

 

[Crumm]

Got it

 

[jvencius]

I've got one and it is the shiznit. The smooth-edge blade is still sharp, but I can't really corroborate the 3x longer edge lifespan that Leatherman claims. The thing I really like about the XTi is the fact that the screwdriver bits are interchangeable/replaceable so you can carry a selection of different-sized bits vs. being stuck with the lone #2 Phillips on the SuperTool I used to carry.

 

[janders]

That thing looks sweet

 

[BJS]

I'm roughly the same in having a leatherman of some sort attached for quite a while.

I have one of the original multi tools and have gone to the wave now I have the original wave & the updated wave, both have their advantages however since the original one got stolen I'm going with the new one.

Honestly since I compulsively sharpen my knives I don't worry about the length of time the blade will stay sharp mine are usually in the shaving sharpness. The harder blade will provide 2 things easier to chip notch the blade when you use it for something you aren't supposed to do (nobody ever does this) and makes it more difficult to get a sharp edge. Typically harder metals are more brittle which make it harder to get a fine edge.

In my job I microdissect renal tubles which roughly translates to pulling tubes that are .02-.05mm in diameter and about 1mm long. using very fine tip forceps. I have many different sets varying from titanium, inox, stainless, chromoly, etc... The titanium and stainless ones are the hardest to keep a tip on because they will break or bend. I'd be curious as to what the compund is because I'd like to find out if I can get forceps in it and actually see how long it lasts.

the titanium handles are novel but honestly a leatherman is heavy but on a belt it's of no real concern. when my belt starts to show wear from the knife hanging off then i'll worry but until then I'll keep what I've got once i get it back from having the needlenose tip replaced.

 

[Crumm]

The thing I really like about the XTi is the fact that the screwdriver bits are interchangeable/replaceable so you can carry a selection of different-sized bits.

The Wave also has that feature. I just ordered a 21 piece kit for it

Honestly since I compulsively sharpen my knives I don't worry about the length of time the blade will stay sharp mine are usually in the shaving sharpness.

My sharpening might be a little less than compulsive. I think the file on mine is sharper than the knife.

A Leatherman is heavy but on a belt it's of no real concern. when my belt starts to show wear from the knife hanging off then i'll worry but until then I'll keep what I've got once i get it back from having the needlenose tip replaced.

I keep mine in my pocket since I don't wear a belt so weight is a issue. Are they good on the warranty? My original Wave has a broken knife blade that just could not hold up to being a pry-bar. Will they repair it without the original receipt? I use to get them replaced at FredMeyers but the last time I took one in for a replacement they told me they no longer exchange them, you have to send them in for repair.

 

[janders]

Ordered mine for 90 total with shipping. After I saw that thing, I had to have one.

 

[s d mills]

I have a half dozen leatherman ditties scattered around between the house, garage and vehicles....I use them only when I don't have tools handy. In fact, I hate them....I'm careless in their use and end up with blood blisters like bunches of grapes every time I do use them.

bah....humbug!-mad

 

[f100cleveland]

Gerber has a multi tool called the Diesel. It's not the tool the XTi is but ya gota like the kool factor of it being called the Diesel