Custom Blade for Leatherman Wave

D

diletante

Joined
Mar 20, 2002
Messages
389
Doug Ritter suggests the possibility of substituting a better quality knife blade on the Leatherman Wave:

"The use of the Torx head fasteners to hold the tool together opens up the potential for easier, if not easy, substitution of a better quality knife blade. The precise fit requirements of the liner lock make it more challenging that otherwise, but a good knife maker with experience making similar style folding knives should be able to do the job."

Has anyone tried this? I'd pay $50 or maybe more for a drop-point or spear-point blade made from a better steel--preferably VG10.

P.S. I tried a couple searches and didn't find what I was looking for. Please forgive me if this has been covered elsewhere.
 
Good idea. The poor quality of the blades on Leatherman tools has come up before. My SuperTool is great in all aspects except for edge-holding. Since Leatherman seems to know how to temper steel for files, screwdrivers, saws and pliers, why can't they do the same for the blades, too?
 
Good luck on trying to get those screws open though. If you look closely they're 5 pointed, with a stud in the middle. I don't know of any tool available to the public that's like that.
 
I don't know about finding the specialty tool to take the Wave apart, but it's pretty easy to cut a slot in the studs that secure the pliers jaws and knife blades. Just use a Dremel tool or hacksaw to make the slot and use a flathead screwdriver to take it out.

Anybody who is skilled enough to make you a custom blade from scratch should have no problem doing this.
 
The screws look like TORX Plus Tamper Resistant Fasteners. I bet we can find them--there are OEM's and authorized service technicians here. The question is will someone make a better blade. I bet there are a lot of regulars here who would pay the price of a better blade for their Wave. I just want better steel and sturdier geometry.
 
The screws are 5-pointed, not 6-pointed Torx secure ones. The tool is, I believe, a propriatary tool for the Leatherman Co. only. It's not available to the public. Apparently, they do not want people taking the tool apart.
 
...TORX Plus Tamper Resistant Fasteneres are five lobed not six lobed like regular Torx fasteners.

"Problem: Application requires restricted access

Solution: Tamper-Resistant TORX PLUS Drive

A unique TORX PLUS variation with a five lobe design and a solid post in the center of the recess"

SOURCE
 
You are absolutely right! That's why I hang out here. I always manage to learn something. It looks like obtaining them might be a bit of a challenge, though. Good luck with your project and thanks for the input.:)
 
...next I want to learn who has the bits and who'll make a better blade--preferably the same person :)
 
If you find out who can get their hands on those Torx Plus Tamper resistant tools, let us know. In my short time here, I've come across a couple of people that have asked about adjusting those damn Wave screws.... I'm on that list as well.
 
:D I live in california, so i'm not sure if HARBOR FREIGHT is in other states. But If you know of one near you they carry the torx plus tr.If not you can probably get your local hardware store to special order them for you.

Regards,

Steve C.
 
Not to flame anybody here, but I carry my wave darn near every day... I don't even use the blade. I carry a different one for cutting stuff. Usually a stockman. I do however like the sheepsfoot serrated blade on the wave. I figure this is my "seat-belt cutter" god forbid the need shall ever arise. I recognized that the knife blade is probably not the best, but for what you get... it still isn't TOO bad.
Just my .02, Mongo
 
I recently folded up a cardboard box an end table cam in. Must have been 8-layers thick, but it still wouldn't fit in the recycle bin. I cut it in half with the serrated blade on my Wave in 3 or 4 strokes :eek:

The stock straight blade isn't that bad. I just wish it held an edge better and the tip looks flimsy to me. It would also be nice not to have to carry another folder. A better blade would make the Wave a better all-around EDC tool.
 
Pretty funny... Good idea about cutting a slot in the head to make it removable with a flathead screwdriver. Anyone actually taken one of these things apart? It would be great to be able to add various blades as an option to the multiple screwdrivers.
 
All this talk about taking apart your Wave I might just have to order the security bits, take mine apart and post some more pics.

I took my Super tool apart all the time, I actually liked the ability to keep the handles loose enough to flip it open kinda Butterfly knife style.

Don't forget The removeable thread lock if you do take yours apart, nothins' worse than havin' a few screws loose.:D
 
Originally posted by BlackRazor
You can get tamper-proof torx drivers out of the "McMaster Carr" catalog.
Click to expand...

I looked but I didn't see the 5-lobed TORX Plus tamper proof bits. I've also checked Wiha Tools, Harbor Freight's online store and a bunch of other sources. I've got a buddy who does electronic hardware and embedded software development. He might qualify as an OEM/Authorized Service Tech to get them from the US Distributor
 
Anyone ever get a line on the tools to take apart a Wave? I'd love to put a better blade in one--preferably of better steel with a larger thumbhole.
 
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