I have one Full-Size Leatherman Multi-Tool (A LM Blast), and I want to get another that's potentially nicer.
I'll probably get a LM Wave + or a LM Rebar.
My question is:
Should I get the Wave + or the Rebar?
Other recommendations are welcome, but I want to spend less than $45, and these are the front runners.
In case anyone is interested, these two multi-tools sometimes sell for less than $45 on eBay.com, though you have to be patient.
The Wave will let you access blades when unit is closed, has scissors, and has the 2D bit holder. The different bits can come in handy and there’s an additional sleeve of bits you can buy that covers lots of fasteners.
If it’s only for rough work the Rebar would be fine but you might miss the other stuff at some point.
Get the Wave.
I have been carrying one for 20 years or so. The most significant difference is that the blades can be opened one-handed without opening the pliers. File and saw can also be opened without opening the pliers. ALSO when using the pliers your hands are gripping a flat surface, not the back of the blades!
Also the rebar doesn’t appear to have the (most excellent) scissors.
Looks like the Rebar would annoy the hell out of me after being used to the Wave.
That right there sold it to me!
What I hate about the Blast is exactly what you just described.
I'm gonna get the Wave, unless someone else changes my mind. 
…and the Wave has scissors!
Do get the wave, it’s the most versatile and most used tool I own for years. Doesn’t look as badass as some other models, but does most of the normal jobs better with less bulk & weight. Anybody on BLF should own one. Really great multitool!
I easily replaced the precision screwdriver about a year ago(it snapped, I mistreated it) Really great screwdrivers and pliers. Lasts a lifetime.
Can’t go wrong with a wave. Been carrying one for the past 17years or so.
I ran movie theatres here for many years and stuff would always need fixing. It was the LM SuperTool v.1, for me.
Now it’s a SwissChamp. More elegant, more functions, less robust, but I’m not taking off huge A/C panels, up on the roof, or fixing popcorn machines any longer.
Even though TL is a dick, he makes good tools.
Chris
Oh… something I guess I don’t know ? Why is Tim a dick ? I don’t judge, I just want to know.
Don’t forget that the newly-released update to the Wave adds the replaceable wirecutters - that’s one part of every multitool I always manage to abuse and mangle, so I’m glad Leatherman is putting this feature on more of their tools.
He publicly came out in support of Senator John Kerry, even placing full page ads in papers imploring people to vote for his guy and all of his anti-gun rhetoric.
Chris
I know it’s not on your list but I personally have been carrying the surge for a few years now. I love it. I have had the charge, I have had a couple wave models.
Surge is built far better.
EDC-ing Wave last 19 years
Great tool.
I had to go look up John Kerry.
My conclusion afterwards: now I like Tim even more. :D :P
Lol. Excuse my Tim joke. In any case, 2004 was a LONG time ago. People born then will be able to get driving licenses in just two years.
I was 4 years old in 2004.
Point being, assuming that being pro John Kerry was not nice, its not exactly relevant anymore to this discussion.
Well, it is to me, as a gun owner. Maybe you enjoy people taking away your rights, but I don’t.
Cheers.
Chris
Salesman told me that Leatherman uses different stainless steel grade for the tools. Is it true? I ever saw a display unit at major departmental store (I couldn't remember if it was Wave or Surge) with a bit of rust on it. I wonder how easily will it get into "self-destruction mode" if i don't have time to maintain it?
The changeable bits make the wave much more versatile. I have a Charge ALX and love it.
I wouldn’t doubt that Leatherman uses different steel for the tools and the frame since their manufactured with different methods, but I wouldn’t worry too much about rust or wear. Leatherman has a 25 year warranty on all their stuff and they don’t seem to ask many questions before shipping you a replacement if you have an issue with one of their products.
It's not exactly uncommon to take a LM out of a drawer... And it's covered in rust spots. :lol:
I've heard of a case where the pliers were rusted shut!
They don't use bad steel, but it could be better polished (for rust resistance).
As a comparison, swiss army knives use similarly good steel, but are polished to a mirror finish, and rather hard to produce rust on!
My Charge ALX is submerged in water regularly, but since it is used regularly, it has shown no surface rust in the 12 years I have owned it.