I just bought a new Skinth, and moved my EDC Skletool cx from my Skinth Trailblazer into my new Skinth Command Post. That has left a gaping hole in the Trail Blazer, and because I am also OCD, and like to have all my gear ready to go, and not change tools between kits, I need to buy a new leatherman. I also prefer BO tools, so I am considering the BO Wave or Rebar, because I like having a saw also. Any reccomendations?
If this is on your person as an EDC or ready-to-go tool, get the Wave. The OHO knife blade is the reason for this choice. If you are carrying primarily for hard plier use, then I would choose the Rebar
They used to. I think you have to get them off of eBay nowadays or someone who already owns one and wants to sell, though. They're considerably more expensive than their polished brothers because of it. But they're pretty sweet. I would vote Wave out of the two you have in mind, though. Bit driver FTW.
Just looked up spirit on ebay, they do have some black ones. They look pretty cool. I know SAKplumber loves his. I feel more OT coming up on the next work schedule.
Well, I've got all three, I'd break it down like this; hard/plentiful wire cutter use; Rebar. Fast easy tool access; Spirit or Wave. One hand opening; Wave. Pocket clip carry; Wave. Need scissors; Wave or Spirit. Thats the basics... The Wave gains you easy modifiability if that kinda thing is up your alley... The spirit has great fit and finish, tighter build that the Leathermans, but basically no capability for mods because of its construction style.. G.
Agreed. Wave if you want easy one-hand access to blades and outer tools, Rebar if you don't or especially want the wire cutter with replacement inserts.
Used my wave today. Love it Don't have any experience with the others, though I'd love to do the Rebar head mod.
I have both a Wave (Stainless) and a Rebar (Black Oxide)... The Wave is a better tool. It sits in my backpack and I use it on a daily basis. The scissors are invaluable. I don't really need the quick access to the tools, but it is a nice feature. Don't forget about the changeable flat bits in the Wave, you can buy bit sets and have a ton of options (The Rebar doesn't have that). On the other hand, the Rebar is the tool that is better suited for EDC (granted you don't need the scissors). It weighs less and is smaller, making it easier to carry. The replaceable wire-cutters are great! I went camping the other day and I took the Rebar with me instead of the Wave (That might be saying something). It depends on what you are doing with it. Like most of the people on here have already pointed out. I think the Wave is hard to beat in terms of versatility and build construction. I guess it all boils down to scissors, you can't go wrong with either model, but if you find you need scissors alot then the Wave is the tool for you. If you plan on carrying it all the time, you don't care about scissors, and use the wire-cutters often then go with the Rebar.
Thanks for the info, the problem is, I really don't care about scissors, but do like the options of the bit set, and I do like the smaller lighter tool for EDC. Always a trade off. Wish I had the tools and the skill to do a mod. I would put the wave's bit holder on the Rebar.
Have you considered the Swiss Tool Spirit S BO? It has many of the same functions as the rebar, the tool is very light, and the handle tools are outside accessible. You can also pick up the victorinox plus bit kit for less than $30, and fill it with standard bits for every occasion! The model also excludes the scissors, which I also do not use on a pliers multitool. The chisel on the spirit also rocks hard, I find it to be far superior to using the large screwdriver on the rebar to pry and scrape things, as it has more beef and a sharpened edge. You can still find the Spirit S BO on the internet for a fair price, although the model has been discontinued.
The rebar can use a bit adapter, that fits over the phillips. Weight wise, I think I rebar with the adapter and bit kit comes in at nearly the same as a wave without spare bits. I was disappointed by the blade length on the rebar. While they have the overall length advertised, there is almost a half inch near the pivot of the blade tools (plain edge, serrated edge, file, and saw) which are unsharpened and unusable, due to clearing the locking mechanism. I went with a custom combo of the two.
The Rebar can use the removable bit driver kit. Also, according to Leatherman's website the Rebar is lighter by nearly 2 ounces. I chose the BO Rebar. Don't think that changing the Rebar pliers onto the Wave body is an easy task either. There are some pretty serious modifications that have to be done to allow the MT to close if you attempt it. I carry a normal pocket knife so deployment of the knife and such on the outside of the body is no big deal for me. I prioritized replaceable wire cutters above scissors because if you fubar your cutters you're kind of in a bad spot. At least with the Rebar you can replace the blades.
Not really necessary. If you want a bit holder, one is offered as an accessory by Leatherman as a removable item that fits over the phillips head screwdriver. The whole outfit doesn't take up much more space than just the bit kit alone and fits the Rebar, Super Tool 300, Juices, any other with the squared base ph drivers and has the additional advantage of accepting regular hex bits as well as the LT slim ones. While I was typing this, I see a couple of other forumers got in ahead of me. Good comments, BTW.
