Leatherman Charge TTi

Leatherman Charge TTi

If you are looking for the ultimate, not too expensive Belt Multitool, I know exactly what to recommend:

My personal favorite is the Leatherman Charge TTi. This tool is a lot like the Leatherman New Wave (which I already reviewed), but with several key improvements.

Most notably, the outer shell is rugged titanium, which adds almost no weight while contributing significantly to its durability.

Also of note, the four main blades (the knife, serrated knife, file and saw) are made of a stronger steel (S30V) than the blades in the Leatherman New Wave. I am no expert on metallurgy, but a quick Google search revealed that S30V is significantly better than the metal found in most commercial blades.

On the subject of S30V stainless steel for knife blades, Joe Talmadge of zknives.com said:

The jury is still out, but [S30V] may end up this week’s ultimate high-end all-around stainless steel, due to high performance coupled with easier machinability and sharpenability than the other steels in this class.

I’ll admit, there was one thing about the outer appearance of the Charge TTi that worried me – those half moon bites taken out of the pliers. They seemed unnecessary and I couldn’t help but think that the pliers wouldn’t be able to take as much force due to the apparent weakening of their structure.

I later found out that the half moon “bites” taken from the pliers are a crimper, and I realized two things.

First, the pliers don’t feel at all weak due to the inclusion of the crimper. Also, if you’re going to exert a lot of force on the pliers, don’t use the tips. They are weaker by nature (with or without a crimper), and it is only natural to use the surface closer to the inside of the pliers anyhow (you get more force there).

So, though I’ve stated my thoughts clumsily, I feel that I’ve sufficiently made my point. The Charge TTi feels like a vastly superior tool over the still wonderful New Wave. I will continue to carry and use my New Wave at work, but at all other times I will be depending on the added strength offered by the Charge TTi, my new favorite slot occupant for a belt multitool. I absolutely love it.

As always:

If you own a Charge TTi, please tell me how you like it.

I’ve you’ve got something you think is better, let me know!

If you’re not quite sold, ask questions in the comments.

Remember to rate this item for me. Thanks.

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Tags: favorite, knife, leatherman, multitool, product review, tool