Leatherman Charge

Leatherman Charge TTi Multitool

The Leatherman Charge is the king of multitools and its superb knife blade is a serviceable sole-carry knife unless you need a larger folder.

Choosing Models:

TTi: For the best of both worlds and an even higher-quality S30V metal blade, you can now get the non-anodyzed TTi for $92+$7s/h=$99 (Toolup.com) $98+7s/h=$105 (Gad-zooks.com). Also available in camoflage from Cabelas for $129.

Ti: Scissors but no cutting hook.

XTi: Rescuers and hunters may prefer the XTi that lacks scissors but adds a cutting hook for faster cutting of hide, straps or belts. Peaceful urban activists should avoid the XTi because it has a blasting cap crimper (we don't do bombs, remember?).

KNIFE: 154 CM Clip-Point Knife folds out, locks, unlocks and folds back one-handed. Legal for carry most places.

TOOLS: All-locking tools, Needlenose Pliers, Regular Pliers, Wire Cutters, Hard-Wire Cutters, Serrated Knife, Saw, Scissors, Wood/Metal File, Diamond-Coated File, Large Bit Driver, Large Screwdriver, Small Bit Driver, 8 Double-End Bits, Ruler (8 inch/19 cm), Bottle/Can Opener, Wire Stripper

SIZE: 4” 10.2 cm (closed), MASS: 0.238 kg, 8.4 ounces,

CARRYING: The recommended method to carry is by belt clip hooked to right pants pocket. Comes with tactical black nylon sheath which holds pliers open or closed,lanyard retainer loop and belt clip.

COST: Black anodized model $91 ($84 [on Gad-Zooks.com ] + $7 shipping)

MAINTENANCE: Apply silicon lubrication once a year or as needed. Keep knife sharp with honing kit use or professional sharpening.

ONE-HANDED OPERATION TIPS:Charges and Waves are one-hand operable, which allows you to maintain your grip on something while you open and close tools with your free hand. When you get it, open and close the pliers a hundred times to loosen the joint. You can open and close pliers one-handed by pressing the pliers against your body instead of using a hand.

QUIET OPENING: To open locking blades without making audible snap, open knife then before snapping switch fingers to hold lock down with thumb and pull knife rest of way with forefinger.

REVIEWS: Equipped.com w/ videos, Backcountry

QUOTES:

“One of the team’s two medics had ordered an amputation saw before he left the United States, but it hadn’t arrived in time. Improvising, he stretched the man out on a blanket in the mud courtyard and used his Leatherman pocket tool to saw through the bone. All while Mike, the team’s senior weapons man, kept an eye out for a mangy stray dog who tried to jump out and gnaw the bone.”

—Newsweek Magazine: The Green Berets Up Close, 2002