Buying a multi-tool for my first serious backpacking excursion. Sidekick or New Wave? Concerned about the (short?) 2.5 in blade on Sidekick.
383629
If you're serious about this excursion, get a real knife. I love my Leatherman, but it's not very useful in the wilderness. The saw takes forever to go through a 1-inch stick and the knife can't be batoned so if you were planing on using it for anything like that, look elsewhere. Although I do recommend having a multitool at all times because you never know when it's gonna come in handy.
1995789
I use it backpacking for its functions and light weight. The hammer poll is great for driving tent stakes and similar chores, and while it doesn't possess a wide cutting surface, with the proper reprofiling of the blade (convex) it chops fine for its size. Make sure to take out the set screw and toss it in the garbage, then sand the shoulder out of the head of the haft. If you're looking for a heavier-duty chopper, try the riflemans hawk. I have it as well, and though it chops better, it's much heavier and bulky.
491902
i have carried, and have come to love, the Stockman series since i was 16 its pretty handy to have the three blades for different tasks but i have also carried the trapper style with two blades as well, they both have advantages its more or less what you are comfortable with in your pocket.
1488112
Just ordered the 15" version of this one as well actually (the wally-mart exclusive) . I actually like the look of the non-coated blade better. They are selling it for $12 right now too, so it was a deal too good to pass up ! Plus, when it comes to being prepared, one ever says they wish they had *fewer* machetes :-)
2054678
I haven't had any concerns with it nor have I "pampered" it since they replaced it. Leatherman stands behind their products 100% - lightweight, smooth-action, and the one-hand quick-flick knife - btw I noticed it is priced below $40?! sheesh. what's not to like?
2225191
It is pretty lightweight too but you might want to consider its "little brother," the Bahco Laplander. I carry one of those with me hiking and kayak camping. It folds up, cuts VERY good and is also a very good cutting saw. Just not as long.
737305
I like the Squirt better myself. I almost always prefer the original style tools to the skeletool/wave style. Still it depends on what you're going to use it for. Your best bet is to buy whatever has more of the tools you will personally find useful. For example, I personally almost never care whether my MT has a scissors, while for some people the folding scissors is the most important tool. My least favorite thing about the Style is that I can't get a knife and pliers in the same tool. But if say the tweezers are a key part of the tool for you, then maybe you would be better off with the Style PS.
292344
Give the Victorinox multitools a look also. They're far higher quality than the Leatherman they replaced in my tool kit.
1366254
No. I didn't know, but leatherman.com provides a nice tool comparison feature. Apparently Charge TTI has everything the Wave has plus a cutting hook and a crimper. I printed the compare as a pdf, but I do not know how to include it in this response. Hope that helps.
314550
I should get the VersaCut by friday, so could give you a better comparison of the two by than. But as far as rk3441k, I would not call it an upgrade to the Versacut, it is just a different mini saw. It is a great little tool. Think of this one as a mini worm-drive circular saw. The main differences between the two are: RK3441k can make deeper cuts and has a larger blade (you can cut 2x4s), versa cut max depth is 1-1/16. Rk3441k is 5 amp, versa cut is 4. With rk3441k you can make bevel cuts, with versa cut you "can't". One has laser the other one does not. But I really would not care for it not being on the rk3440k, with the blade being on the left, it is easy to see where you are going. The last big difference is versa having the plungeble shoe. People seem to either love or hate that feature. I am planing on using it to hopefully ease up making plunge cuts in odd, cramped spots. RK3441k will probably be getting more use even after I get the versa cut. It is just more versatile.
565412
A sawed off like a Mossberg w/o a stock or a small machete like the gerber Gator Jr. It also depends on how big a body frame you got. I've sported a Gerber Infantry knife on mine but that's about it. I wouldn't try anything bigger but that's my preference because don't like anything hanging off my packs its uncomfortable. But if i needed to for a tactical reason i guess you could. I'm 5'7" 220 lbs. if that gives u any help. :)
526747
I'm not using it on a summit, using mine on an SCX-10, but I am going to get one for my slash 4x4 when money allows. Metal gears, more torque, and still waterproof! My stock 2075 in my slash crapped out after like 4 packs for no apparent reason... so for me it is definitely a worthwhile upgrade!
1124939
i have a leatherman wingman. i looked at photos of the sidekick and i am sure it would fit. it looks a lot like a wingman.
2025886
Lowepro 400 aw is fine if you dont need to carry a lot of other hiking gear, just camera equipment. I ended up switching to using my frame backpack for hiking gear, and then putting my camera and 2-3 lenses in a Lowepro Top Loader 65AW that I wear in front on my chest
1146206
Depends if you want a standard thumb spring assist or flipper. It's kind of preference. The Blur opens with a hell of a kick, though, and has no guard - so be wary of your grip. If you're considering throwing down $150 for the buck you may as well consider the Spyderco Southard, it's the nicest flipper I've had the pleasure of owning, even without an assisted opening it flies open as fast as any.
1990507
The Robust and the Companion Heavy Duty are basically the same knife with a different color pattern. The Companion MG is also basically the same knife, but with a thinner spine. Any of them are fantastic as far as woodworking or bushcraft go, although I prefer the regular Mora Companion MG in carbon steel personally (I like the thinner blade because it seems to cut just a little bit easier). As far as sharpness goes, they will amaze you, and they are easy to sharpen, look up "Sharpening a scandi grind" on YouTube or Google.
947473
I doubt it. My other (small) multitools won't. I don't own a Leatherman Wave, so I can't be certain.