Gerber Diesel VS Leatherman WAVE

acwire_2125 · Mar 15, 2007

Hi,

Am considering in getting one tool for hard use. I have identified this two models from the brands and am lost for a decision. Could you guys advise me on which is a better option and why, thanks!

lotoblades · Mar 16, 2007

I have no experiance with the diesel but I do own a wave.It's not a bad tool at all and I realy like the one hand opining blades.:thumbup:

The wave was my favorite until I got a swiss tool,it's a little heaver but for hard use that would be my #1 choice.You can tell its qualily just by picking it up.Plus with victorinox you don't have to worry about rust and you know your getting a good warranty.

Gadgetman7 · Mar 16, 2007

I don't have a Diesel but I played with one for a while. I think the Leatherman is easier to use and better made. The Wave has a bit driver that I find useful but I'll admit that the screwdrivers tend to be a bit short becuase of it. I also really like the Leatherman saw and file. The pliers on the Gerber are easier to deploy but no better made. If you tend to use the knife, saw and file more it's much easier to access them on the Wave. If you can afford it get either the Charge or the TTI. I think the difference in money is worth it for the blade steel on the knife.

Overall, I think the quality and fit of the Leatherman are better.

You didn't ask but I agree that the original Swisstool is the best heavy duty tool on the market. Well made and strong. Many here like the Swisstool Spirit as well. It's more or less a lighter version of the Swisstool but the blade design is off putting to some. My pick of these two is the Swisstool.

Good luck!

plowboy · Mar 16, 2007

I hate to not reply directly to your question, but I too prefer the Swisstool and Spirit. I actually like the Spirit's unusual blade.

I recently decided that I needed to try a Leatherman Charge with the 154CM blade...I'm extremely disappointed with the fit and finish. If my Charge is representative, then Leatherman has real issues with QC.

Swisstool = #1.

acwire_2125 · Mar 17, 2007

Hmm, It seems that you guys really like Swisstool?

I am currently working in a workshop under Mercedes and would like to get a tool for myself for multi-purpose use.

KTMGUY · Mar 17, 2007

SwissTool if you need the strongest tool on the market.
SwissTool Spirit S if you need something a little smaller.
Victorinox quality is much better than LM, and Gerber.
The Victorinox tools are finest in their class, kind of like Mercedes in the auto world.

yam · Mar 17, 2007

Another vote for the Spirit-S, very well built. I really like mine and I think the rounded edges and slightly curved handles make it a very comfortable user. Also, I have not experienced any lock failures. In my opinion, a nice multi-tool. Since I'm not a sheath guy, I carry mine in my back pocket and it's not a problem.

cb4life_30 · Mar 18, 2007

I have the deisel and am not overly excited about it. I think that gerber's quality has really gone down hill over the last 10 to 15 years. My preference is the the SOG powerplier it has the stongest pliers on the market.

plowboy · Mar 18, 2007

While I am a Vic. Swisstool guy as I said earlier, cb4life has a point....it's hard to beat the SOG Powerlock for plier strength. It's a big tool to carry, though.

Millhouse · Mar 19, 2007

I've had both the Wave and the Diesel. The Wave is by far the better tool. Build quality and materials are much better. I had the Diesel for a whole day. It is big and heavy, but without feeling well built. Fortunately, I had an understanding retailer who took it back no questions asked.

Buck268 · Mar 19, 2007

plowboy said:
I hate to not reply directly to your question, but I too prefer the Swisstool and Spirit. I actually like the Spirit's unusual blade.

I recently decided that I needed to try a Leatherman Charge with the 154CM blade...I'm extremely disappointed with the fit and finish. If my Charge is representative, then Leatherman has real issues with QC.

Swisstool = #1.

I definately agree with the swisstool spirit. Got mine a little while ago and love. Especially the straight-razor styled blade. I figure to maintain it I'll just touch up the back side of the serrations on a stone until its eventually a straight edge. But talk about sheeple freindly, plus it takes a nice edge! Pliers click in place nicely too.