For me, this is the absolute perfect edc! I don't need a saw at my job or the eyeglass nonsense the wave has. My Surge is forever king, but this rides in my pocket daily. I myself highly recommend this tool
I think the diamond file is redundant on a tool where you can’t remove it and use it to sharpen the blade. That’s what makes the surge so much better then the others.
@@FriendsOfTheRoad you can replace tools on your wave if they need to be. Wha I’m talking about is the surge allow the diamond file to be pulled out of the blade exchanger and used as a file for the knives. The diamond file isn’t removable on the curl so it can’t be used to sharpen the knife.
I use it a lot to debur stuff or sharpen my big knife I have the Surge and a Charge TTI I almost never carry the Surge but if you need pliers a lot it is a LOT better than the smaller ones And it does not pinch your hand(when the bolt slips and the backs of the knives bite you) like a wave etc can do
Get the Wave+. I bought my wife one and then one for myself. I swap EDC between the Wave+ and the Surge. I also carry an Opanel 8 for food related tasks!!!
I still go to my original Wave more than any of my other 5 leatherman, 2 Victorinox, 3 Gerber, or 2 SOG. If Leatherman really wanted to crush their competition, they would offer a "build your own" option where you start with your chassis, and then have pick lists for the different tool slots. Second, they would offer premium steels in their blade options on more than 2 models. 3v, m390, etc. etc.
Would be great but nearly impossible. The frames have different width, and the tools also. Plus some tools have to fit under the pliers head when it's closed, and some have to be thin enough to lay between them and the frame, that would not be so adaptative. Agreed on steels tho but that would be too expensive for an industrial 😢
My suggestion for Leatherman. Base configuration for most tools: (1) Removable blade (Leap), for legal reasons. Give us separately-sold options of plain edge, serrated, combo, 440 HC, 154 CM. (2) Bit driver, to use the awesome 40 head bit kit. Have 2 bit drivers for larger tools. (3) Blade exchanger (Surge) gives you option of saw, file, Bosch jig saw hacksaw, and they are replaceable when worn. Have 2 blade exchangers for larger tools. (4) Hammer (Signal).
RUclips algorithmed me a video of the Leap, looked interesting, slightly miffed etched discontinued it because by the looks of it, people couldn’t figure out the how to get the blade out properly. See also all the reviews for the gerber prybars where reviews go passed the first stop where it’s designed to go for working and slide it out into the stop for blade removal, then whine about it. RTFM chaps.
They should redesign the saw holder to wobble less I prefer the saw on my Charge as it is longer. Yes you can carry a long jigsaw blade but then it won’t close In my Surge I carried a metal saw which was nice. One time I helped an old lady to either recover her bike or steal one 😁 I believe she really lost her key but who knows with current gen old ladies
440HC would def be a greater and yet still affordable option than the 420HC 👍 and I'd love to see the hammer on more multitools. But yeah I understand that's the blade exchanger isn't on every tool. That makes the usable blade/file length shorter and it wobbles too much. But this is still a great addition, if you have to use these multiple tools in particular.
I actually use the eyeglass driver quite a bit, not just for glasses but for fixing things in small spaces. I think an awl is also very useful. One of my ideas is to make the can opener/bottle opener/wire stripper also function as an awl.
Honestly I like it. I recently lost my EDC multi tool and was researching to buy a new one and your videos have been super helpful. I was just about sold on a Rebar, I am considering this one now. The price seems a little high. It has everything I want. I am surprised they included the file instead of a serrated blade or saw, I love that. A file is a must have for me. I love the fact it’s a standard blade too I am not a fan of half serrated blades. I am more than willing to give up the serrated blade and saw for a lighter, thinner tool. The lack of scissors don’t bother me I carry a style CS on my keychain anyways. The only tool they included I could do without is the combo cap lifter tool. I guess they had to put something there though. The cost should be at or probably lower than the Rebar though.
Hi Ben, another great review, thank you. Now I might upset a few people here... but I have the Wave gen 1 and I’ve had this since 1999. I live across the pond where the curl & bond were aimed at... the Curl is out straight away because of the locking blade. The bond looked good until you highlighted the negatives to the weak blade retention. I just can’t understand Leatherman’s reasoning on their new products! and the retiring of the best products! My Wave there is no wave pinch because the blades are narrower. So far apart from the lack of a reamer, The gen 1 wave is hard to beat. I did write to them years ago about how can you call it a wave implying use at sea without an awl! It has the fine grip on the pliers, it’s a pocketable size, it’s comfortable in the hand, and it has fantastic scissors! I’d lose two of the flat heads for an awl any day of course but actually, leatherman was on the right path with it! Even has a beautiful wet formed leather sheath! Now in saying all this, it is still illegal over here so it is a museum piece... so I went for a juice xe6.. great! and an S2 brilliant! Then they mess with the blades because of the airlines then retired it! If they’d put an awl as good as the Vic pioneer one on it instead of that pressed crap one, leatherman would of stole the entire Victorinox market here in the UK!!! Not just the public but the military, police, and all the rescue services! The original wave was used extensively by everyone until the knife laws included multi tools. I work in the same business as you, why in that’s all holy would I use multi tool with magnets in!!!! Who comes up with these ideas? They sure don’t use these tools in the real world! I bought the new wave when it came out.. I was so disappointed, I was going to give my original to my son but in turn I gave him the new and I kept the old! Obviously if our laws were different I’d have a Surge end of... but these current designs with magnets, with a dodgy blade and now a locking blade aren’t going to be bought here, they’ve lost the market here... Ben, you tell Tim from me🤣😂we want a gen 1 wave with non locking tools with an awl with the blade retention of the Vic pioneer range!!! Whoever comes up with this will have the market to theirselves!!!
If I was in the UK I'd just go knifeless Rebar or old knifeless Fuse and carry a separate knife that was currently allowed, maybe a SAK if it had a tool my Leatherman lacked like if I had a knifeless Fuse with a file not a knife I'd carry a SAK Walker (still some around) to get a knife and a saw with a combo tool bonus...or some other thin SAK or whatever you fancy that the law currently allows... That said the Bond is interesting especially if they fixed the knife blade flop out issue. It seems like an old retired Kick is also an option for the UK as well as old PST...
An attractive take on minimalism, but $80 seems at least $20 above a better price. For $80 i would save more and just buy something else in the three-digits range.
A person could look at that extra $20 as a “Made in USA” fee. There are other cheaper multi tool options for less, but they are made in China. That being said I’m not a fan of the overall direct leatherman is going and this doesn’t do much for me even if it was $60. They discontinued the juice series and I’m still salty about it.
hey man! I dig this channel sooo much. If you've noticed a huge recent spike from California.. that's me. Im also going through and giving thumbs up to every comment in each video. This is the last tool video before I start the knots... Ive watched like 30 hours or something lol. I have such a draw to Leatherman.. they really are the top dogs. I had a Gerber Diesel and I was so disappointed I gave it away. BUT, you will always give ANY tool a fair and unbiased shot. You may be the only person who doesn't just regurgitate bigger channels content and for that.. Im sticking around! Hope you and yours are having a great year my dude!
My EDC is a Crunch, and I love it, especially because I can use that 1/4 driver and a standard 1/4 inch extension (or the ratcheting driver, now that I have one) to make it a very sturdy screwdriver. However, I find myself wishing I had a non-serrated (preferable exterior accessible) blade, as well as needle nose pliers. I use a dual sheath to carry my Crunch and a Bit Kit, but I've been looking at the Curl to carry instead of the the bits. It has the bit exchanger, the outside accesible blade, and the pliers, all while being lighter than the wave. That or I'll get the Bond because it's much cheaper.
I actually like it. It’s like a summer wave. Used to carry the wave a lot on pocket clip. Now I sometimes use a surge, but I often find myself leaving it in the car in the summer. Considered a skeletool for a while, but would miss the scissors too much … this seems good for me. Plus clip is included instead of them charging another 10 euro’s extra …
Honestly I think the Curl and Bond were just made for more casual everyday users who don't really see value in locking tools and heavy capability, but wanted more slimmed down but still capable tools - almost like marrying the profile and pocket-friendliness of something like a Juice to the functionality of the Wave pliers and tool size. This is a case from my own experience, but maybe it hangs a light in the right place. I work in water utility distribution. I do plenty of heavy and/or technical "trades-type" work: pipeline repairs, utility locates, turn valves, work on meters.. basically fvck around with the pipes, pressures, flows, and fix the holes when the water ends up on the wrong side of the pipe. I carry a Leatherman Bond every day.. it's been a year. I have a Wave, ST300, and a Swisstool at home, and in spite of their functionality (apparently defined specifically as: locking toolsets), they stay at home. LM Bond in the pocket, every day. Here's why: 1. This has absolutely nothing to do with the functionality of the tool at all. I am an old millennial in my mid-30s, 6ft, 210lbs, beard + man bun.. and I wear slim fit work pants. I'm sure you can picture "that guy" on site lol. There is nothing, and I mean *nothing* comfortable about carrying a 10oz multitool around in the pocket of those pants. I hate belt pouches because they are annoying as frig when you're in and out of trucks, equipment, manholes, and basements all day. So for me a slim tool with a solid clip wins every time. 2. This does have to do with the tool itself. I've carried MTs for my entire working career, I use them all the time, and I completely understand their role in the tool set of a working man. *The barometer that I use* to decide "is this a multitool job or a real tool job?" is whether or not I feel I need a lock on the tool to do the work. Done. If I can turn the screw without a lock, MT does it. If I feel unsafe without a lock, get a screwdriver. Very simple, very effective.. have never broken a multitool outside wear and tear, have never closed a tool on my fingers becausenI pushed it outside its wheelhouse. 3. Pursuant to #2, the list of work I actually do end up using my non-locking LM Bond for is astoundingly long. As I write this, I just finished replacing the impeller in a Milwaukee transfer pump with it. I have taken apart entire small engines with it (with the help of the truss-style bit kit and 1/4" socket adapter). I use it to do field repairs on my underground locate gear; to cut, strip, and manipulate heavy gauge utility tracer wire. I open lots of boxes without cutting my fingers off, turn all kinds of screws, scrape old crusty gaskets off things, pull, pry, and manipulate anything I can't with my fingers.. the list goes on and on but my point is this: not having locking tools is a LONG way down the road of functionality in a multitool between the poles of what it can do and what it can't. Long ago the OG edc reviewer @nutnfancy laid out the MT mandate of mobility vs firepower and I think 15 years later people need to re-learn that concept. I find it moderately aggravating when we praise Swiss Army Knives such as they are (non-locking) for over a hundred years, then hold these lighter-duty Leathermans to the same fire and conclude them to be worthless pieces of crap. The Bond and Curl are both very good, very reasonable tools that are capable of a great many things. The Supertool 300 and Surge are capable of a great many MORE things, but can we agree that if you have 1000 things to do with your MT, maybe it is worth conceding weight and bulk to still being able to do 750 of them? Also, I purchased the LM Bond in FE 2022 and in 12 months of daily use I have never ever had the knife tip jump out. Leatherman corrected the issue in 2021. I do wish the reviewers who shat all over it back then would retract their outdated reviews now that the product has been fixed.
Wow! Thanks for your input and a lot of typing! Ignoring for a moment the foreign markets aspect which I think drove a lot of design decisions about the Bond, weight and bulk matter and pocket clips matter, to a lot of us and a good tool load with you beats a better one left in your vehicle or shop or home. Bigger isn't always better and small can be beautiful.
Great review Ben - I have video coming (but have agreed not to release until launch on 17th) - I'm surprised they locked the blade as that would have given this a USP over the Wave in Europe
I understand. I was fortunate that I found this with a retailer that shipped it early. It seems Leatherman in the USA has stopped promoting their tools with influencers. So needless to say, I bought this with my own money and I am under no obligation to wait until their release date. Thanks for taking the time to watch Jon, I really appreciate it.
@@txtoolcrib that makes sense - I would do the same too if I was you - I have a good relationship with the UK distributor (I used to buy a lot from them many years ago in my retail days) and they help me out with product, but I need to agree to embargo date which I understand. Keep up the great work 😊
The Bond was a modern PST, i really liked that! This is like a bastard son of the Rebar and the Wave they tried to economize... but still expensive? fail from me. If the main blade was non locking i would change my mind some, as it would be very appealing for the European market, that i happen to be in!
This is actually almost perfect for me for backpacking. The only modification I need to make is to swap a wave saw in for the file. It has everything else I need for my typical backpacking uses in a smaller, lighter package than the current free P2 that I have. The other issue I have with the P2 - besides its own lack of a saw - is I can't stand the half serrated blade
The European Union Knife Law is very different from country to country. FOR example in Italy and Spain there is no limit for one-handed locking or opening blades. The true principle of legality in Italy and Spain is "JUSTIFIED REASON". If a policeman stops you outside a bar on Saturday night, he will report you to the judicial authorities even with a 2 cm knife with an unblockable blade. And he kidnaps your knife. If Instead it stops you in nature, it will be perfectly legal to have any knife with lock or not. Or if he stops you with a 20cm knife and you're a cook going to work it's perfectly legal. It is the policeman, and later the prosecutor, who assesses if there was a valid reason for having a knife outside the house. Especially, the prosecutor will decide whether to accuse of criminal offense, or only administrative with a fine. You can face 6 to 18 months in prison in Italy if there is no valid reason for the knife. But if you are not multiple recidivists, the sentence will always be suspended or pardoned by the judge. In Spain, the penalty is almost always a fine. Only double-edged blades are always illegal in Spain and Italy, or with automatic release. And in Spain, blades above 11 cm are always illegal, so all leathermen are legal. While in Italy the length does not matter. In England and Germany, on the other hand, there are prohibitions for one-handed and lockable blades. EU has many countries and the law is very different from each other. As in the US.
Very interesting. I don't think the state of Pennsylvania where I live has any restrictions, but Philadelphia bans all knives unless it's being used for work, and is the type of knife typically used in that trade.
Same here in France. It's all about your justification/legitimacy you had to carry a knife where you were checked, the appreciation of the policeman and so, your behavior and the type of knife you were carrying. But technically could have your knife confiscated even if it's blade is short and there's no locking mechanism.
Straight blade, diamond file, awl, scissors, (albeit small ones), and bit driver. I like it! Maybe it should be juuuust a bit cheaper, but I just might start having this tag along with me every day. Can’t wait for mine to come in.
How have I never heard of the Curl?? I have a somewhat impressive LM tool collection and have been an avid fan for over a decade. This is a pleasant discovery! Thank you!
Oh god, another cheaper version of the current model. First we had the Leatherman bond (cheaper version of rebar). Now we have this - Leatherman curl (cheaper version of wave). For $10 more on eBay you could get the wave +. Another disappointment this year. Thanks Leatherman. They should have made better version of current line. Like the Leatherman crunch + or Leatherman surge +. Not a cheaper, less tool version of an old Leatherman
Finally finished the video, you sum up my thoughts quite elegantly. I'm like you you, i don't care for a bottle opener, but i do like the can openers, they're very useful, for me at least, when camping and/or bug out scenarios, and even around the house.. i use mine all the time when i lose my kitchen one, which is quite often oddly enough LOL. As far as the tool itself goes, I think we are all waiting to see if it was going to have a locking blade, that little aspect really hinged on whether or not the tool made sense. Amazingly enough, it does, which means who exactly are they marketing this towards? The price is ridiculous in my opinion, because for a few dollars more you can have a regular wave, which makes a hell of a lot more sense. Hopefully Leatherman puts out a video talking about the tool, and can give some sort of explanation of what the thought process was behind this, cuz I don't think anyone can figure it out. I wasn't excited about either of those tools in the beginning, and I think they make even less sense now. You did a great job, as always, sifting through all that.
I almost bought a Bond until I saw the issues with the blade retention. This Curl looks to be a nice lighter option for those of use who don't need "beefier" Leatherman products. I particularly like that they included the pocket clip (which they should have with the Bond as well). However, the price point of the Curl should be $10 - $20 less (the fact that they include the pocket clip makes up for some of the $80 price).
So glad you mentioned the lack of pinch point on one side! I refuse to use a wave anymore because of that pinch point and have instead used a Vic Spirit for nearly a decade. Well I also tried a highly modified P4 for awhile but I just can’t get myself to like the Free series no matter how I mod them. I will be giving this a try since the “missing” tools are exactly the ones I never use and no pinch point on one side. Why was it made? Apparently to lure me back to Leatherman lol
One thing I didn't take into account originally when I thought about the tool is the massive increase in raw material costs...I'm going to guess...many of the staples we take for granted over the next 24 months are going to dramatically increase in price...with that context...I think $80 will end up sticking with this tool. The toolset is excellent. the issue is that your comparing it to the Wave not the Wingman...the curl CANNOT replace the wave, and never will..but but...it would 100% replace the wingman.
@@maxlvledc I never need to bet my life on a tool. Anyway, had the sidekick, wingman, PS4 (have multiple of those) and my main work tool: OHT, all for multiple years now. They're all still awesome, and the spring loaded pliers really make them easy to work with. Especially the OHT is a great work tool (and every tool on it can be opened one handed, hence the name)
A point that you hit on, material cost throughout every industry is on the rise. Wonder if that has anything to do with the trillions of dollars that they printed?
You hit the nail on the head, I have contacts in the industry and did shows for a short time, and that is exactly what’s gonna happen for US companies. It’s been a major problem for American manufacturing and companies like leatherman, Spydercos golden plant, and the obvious other staples. They are struggling, and will continue as the glorious Biden is in office
The price increase started since some "orange" guy started adding more taxes to steel and aluminum imported and same stuff with coil and other raw materials. MAGA purpose, disaster economy that guy leaves. Wood skyrocket. Now we have to deal with inflation thanks tonall credits burned in back years. Besides that still think it's a joke the price not the MT. Give me $60-65 I will change my perspective
My motorcycle needed a Leatherman tool under my seat. I bought the surge. She loved it. My car needed one herself. I bought her a surge as well. My backpack needed a tool too. So I bought myself a surge... Seems I'm stuck with the surge. Chunky, right, but we're all happy with it.
I agree with your confusion Ben. It doesn't really fill any particular roll. It seems to me that any first time buyer would gravitate toward a Wingman, and a European buyer would choose a non-locking bladed multi-tool. I guess we'll have to wait and see what it does with the market.
No one seem to like serrated blades except me. I'm cutting through nylon straps and heavy cardboard on a regular basis. Serrated blades do that so much easier. Serrated is a must for me. I'll stick with my core that I've had forever.
This is actually right up my alley. Has most of the important tools without the thickness of the Wave due to the 2 fewer outside implements. I would personally prefer a saw to the file and I would replace the can/bottle opener with a bottle opener/flat head screw driver.
So Leatherman Signal fits better for you. That's what i'd pick over this too, but luckily i have a good modified Wave with big scissors and awl, gladly giving up the serrated blade. Yes, modifying is an option but you may lose the warranty in the worst case.
I love that they got rid of the serrated blade and am happy they went with a straight blade for this. I've never had a use for scissors, so that may be where I add my Jeep key. This could bump my Skeletool from daily pocket carry.
Great review, I was looking forward to this. Thanks a lot. I agree with you in all the issues you have remarked. You need an extra diamond file to sharpen the knife blade, and it renders the file on Curl redundant; a waste of a tool slot. In this view the price is even more needlessly expensive. But I like one thing about the Leatherman tools organization in Surge, Rebar and Curl that they have the awl opposite to the replaceable bit holder or the 3d Phillips that you can flatten the tail of a short pencil to 1/8" inch thickness and put it in the bit holder(or bit extender in case of REBAR) to use the tool as a make-shift drawing-compass, with the awl as the center of the circle. You could do that with Wave as well, if you put a needle point in the small bit holder.
Personally I’m looking forward to carrying one. Comes with a good pocket clip and lighter/smaller than then Wave. I agree price is too high for what it is.
So I have a couple thoughts about this tool. I would love to see it at a $60 price point. In a multi tool I like to see a one hand opening plain edge knife, pliers, screwdrivers, bottle opener, and scissors. Any other tools are nice but not essential. This is a fantastic stripped down tool for my personal uses. If I could get full size surge scissors instead of the file it would be perfect.
Nice, that is a sweet spot tool for edc pocket carry in the city. Nice and light for hiking although I struggle with the idea of no emergency saw for that use. A jigsaw blade could be carried loose I suppose, maybe could be retrofitted somehow? Yeah, nah I'm pretty happy with my Charge Ti. even though it is a bit of a nugget.
Ben, I have that same scale. The Curl looks a lot like the 1st generation Wave, but without 2 of the outside tools. Wave 1 is about 3/4 of an ounce heavier than the Curl and 3/4 oz. lighter than the 2nd gen Wave. The Curl is priced right between the Wave and the Wingman, no?
It does fall right in between as far as pricing. I still think the vast difference between the Wave and Curl does not justify a mere $20 price difference though.
@@txtoolcrib I hear you. I think a lot of younger users, though, prefer to carry a lighter, thinner multitool in their pocket with a clip rather than on their belt, and the wave is a bit too chunky to fit the bill. For me, there is a tipping point around 7 ounces. I'd suggest they lower the Wingman price to $49 and put the Curl at $69.
So basically a Rebar/Wave hybrid made from mostly old stock parts aside from the new shell. I don’t know about others, but with a $40 TSA Wave and a $35 TSA Rebar I can already mesh the parts (the inner tools are interchangeable between two models) and build a similar product on my own. With plenty of modular parts to spare too, or better if no major parts are defective, another complete piece to pair with. And that’s precisely what I did, 4 years in advance. Leatherman if you are listening, consider mixing Juice with Free. Don’t just leave the 3-3 inch, 4-5 ounce spot overtaken by other brands. I’d love to see a proper response to the Powerpint weight class from Leatherman after most Juice models got discontinued.
My initial thoughts are that its just a release to have a release. But also maybe for a few who want a lighter option that is still heavy duty. Feels a bit niche.
It seems like Leatherman realized that the so much hyped Free series won't be so popular so they started making new models based on the Wave series. I think it's a good idea. By the way I just received my Wave Plus today and I love it so far. It will be my new EDC. I never really needed a saw nor a serrated blade so the Curl might seem like a better choice for me but I don't regret it and won't replace it. I love my sunglasses so having the tiny screwdriver is essential for me. Also I believe it's better to have more tools than you think you don't need than get into a situation where you wished you had that one tool. And the size/weight difference between the two is also not significant.
Frankly, I like this. I’m not in the trades, or an outdoorsman so maybe my needs are different than most. I basically have 3 needs in a Leatherman (Pliers, screwdriver, and scissors). I don’t really need a knife, as I carry a separate folder for that. I don’t need a saw, file, etc etc, and weight is a factor. I have a wave, but I never carry it because I don’t like the weight. I have a P2, which tool wise is great, it’s just bigger dimension wise compared to the Wave, so its kinda bulky. I have the skeletool, but it’s missing scissors and the pliers are a bit weak. Currently I carry a Bond, that I’ve added scissors too. So this seems to be in a similar ball park. Something I can clip carry, that is minimal, and not a boat anchor.
So a PST going down the Wave evolutionary path? The tools in my SAKs don't lock either, so that's a total non issue. I'd rather have a dedicated phillips than the bit holder, but I see the flexibility. I could see this with a Vic Huntsman, Camper or Forester (need glasses so I need a glasses screwdriver), but honestly for the price, I think they'll take the Bond. They did fix the blade issue, right? That and the normal bit adaptor with any of those SAKs would be a better tool set.
Headed in the right direction in my opinion. If all the tools were locking and the pliers were spring action it would be almost perfect for a smaller, butterfly-style multi tool for me.
Many Eastern European countries allow locking blades, they just limit blade length (usually to 9 cm), thickness (2.4 mm are common limit) and handle types with finger rest that allow to use the knife to stab.
If they were to introduce a newer iteration of the Wave Plus, to include the reamer, they could also put the long tools like they are in the Multiforce, to eliminate palm-pinching completely.
This has a pretty good tool set, especially bringing in that awl. My favorite Leatherman is the wingman with the blade swapped out for a diamond file. My issue with this guy is the price. Why would I get this when I could get a multiforce or a wingman? This model should have been a wingman+ with a file instead of a blade for the UK friendliness, surge scissors, and the awl instead of the useless depth gauge
I agree w you on all your points and would simply have made the eyeglass driver interchangeable with the awl. The curl is pointless imo unless it was $40. Not worth a penny more to me. I wish I had Bought the Surge instead of my very loved Wave, tho it's 1st gen n excellent. I still have my Original pat pend Leatherman super tool/300 in mint condition w the leather case, I bought when I was a teen. I do use my tools but I take good care of them.
I'm from the heart of europe. In Austria the Curl would be allowed, in Germany not! For Germany there is a Wave with two-hand opener of the blades (I have it)
I like that the Curl has a pocket clip. My Super Tool 300 is great, but wish I didn’t have to use a sheath to carry it for work. 80 bucks is also way too high a price for the Curl. Should’ve been 60. 🤷🏼♂️
80 USD is too high. Glad I gave in and bought my wave on sale for 100 cad. All this time thinking I could have saved money if I waited for the curl. Haha
I hear that there is a non-locking blade version for us in the u.k......is this true? And why no removable hard wire cutters??? I think it's going to fail
Aloha Ben, so after all is said and done, do you prefer Leatherman or Victorinox? I've owned LM before, but I find small things, like plier comfort, non locking tools etc., bother me enough that I now stick to Victorinox. Be interested to know where you stand. I know you have invested a lot of time and money with LM, from modifying to trying different iterations, as well as having a lot of other brands, so I am curious if you have ever found your "holy grail" multi tool, lol!
Sorry for the late reply. I actually like them both equally, for different reasons. Mostly I prefer Vic knives as secondary tools, or complimentary tools. The closest thing I have ever found to my holy grail of multi tools is the Surge, but that doesn’t mean I wouldn’t change some things up with it.
Mmm I've been rolling with a Skeletool as my EDC but if I were to consider a replacement, this is a good size. Unfortunately I'm not a fan of Leatherman's metals unless they're painted. Thanks for sharing btw!
It wouldn’t be my first choice, even on a budget. But I guess if your primary needs are pliers, knife and file then this would be perfect. They didn’t make the second tool a saw because the Signal already serves that market. They probably didn’t go with the serrated blade because it just ends up being a backup or specialty blade that people don’t use as much… plus, it just doesn’t add as much additional functionality as a file.
Hello, Ben - good review - I thought LMN had the Bond & Curl mainly for the European market...those customers can't use the Curl if the blade locks...An American customer will probably buy a Wave+ because it would be a better value regardless of its greater weight and bulk...If steel prices are rising & customers don't buy because the product does not meet their needs and/or they do not like it, then the company will take a hit...what do you think? btw, if I was buying a LMN for the first time now, I'd purchase a Wave+ to start and eventually upgrade to the Surge...I find that LMN's entry offerings are too expensive and would save for the Wave+ ( or a ST 300) since the price at the moment for the wave is $99.95...
My main carry is the Wave, but I would most definitely get this if I wanted to something slimmer to slide into dress pants… but the price point stinks. This is a $60-70 Leatherman tops
Liking it: metal file, awl and only two flatheads would be exactly what I want. At almost 7 ounces, that could ideally shed another 20%; and price, too, $70 would be far more attractive than $80. All in all though, very likeable IMO.
Yeah alot of people I know here in the UK was not happy when they found out the blades lock a lot of people thought the blades wasn't gonna lock they would of been on a detent I think a lot of people are gonna stock to the wave and theve propbaly lost a lot of people here in the UK from buying it
The length and shape would be a problem even if it didn’t lock. Someone needs to make a tool with a slip joint blade an inch long which would cover most peoples’ use-cases around the world. I’ve got a Spyderco bug on my key ring that goes through anything, it’s tiny handle just makes it a little awkward to use on occasion…and best of all, no-one shits themselves when they see it ;)
How is the shop coming along? Will you share more about it ? Appreciate your videos, helped me decide to buy the wave two years ago. Hope things return to normal in Texas, and here in the Netherlands.
I never realized there was a Wave "pinch". I wonder what I am doing wrong? 🤔 IMHO, the Wave is hard to beat. But I recognize different people have different needs and preferences. I also have a Surge, Wingman & Skeletool (stays at a vacation home just in case I forget one of the others). While I appreciate and use them all, 2/3 of my usage goes to the Wave & Wingman. I also got a Squirt just for fun and keep it in my desk mostly. But I use the thing far more than I ever imagined. Handy little sucker.
Leatherman Curl - amzn.to/2UwvcNE
Leatherman Bond - amzn.to/3iZLbNC
Leatherman Wave+ - amzn.to/3k9brob
For me, this is the absolute perfect edc! I don't need a saw at my job or the eyeglass nonsense the wave has. My Surge is forever king, but this rides in my pocket daily. I myself highly recommend this tool
I think the diamond file is redundant on a tool where you can’t remove it and use it to sharpen the blade. That’s what makes the surge so much better then the others.
You’ll get new argument for me on that point.
Surge hater😆😆😆
Can you not replace it with another leatherman tool, if been wanting to replace the one on my wave
@@FriendsOfTheRoad you can replace tools on your wave if they need to be. Wha I’m talking about is the surge allow the diamond file to be pulled out of the blade exchanger and used as a file for the knives. The diamond file isn’t removable on the curl so it can’t be used to sharpen the knife.
I use it a lot to debur stuff or sharpen my big knife
I have the Surge and a Charge TTI
I almost never carry the Surge but if you need pliers a lot it is a LOT better than the smaller ones
And it does not pinch your hand(when the bolt slips and the backs of the knives bite you) like a wave etc can do
This would be an instant buy at 59.99. For 80 I might as well spend the 100 to buy a Wave.
Get the Wave+. I bought my wife one and then one for myself. I swap EDC between the Wave+ and the Surge. I also carry an Opanel 8 for food related tasks!!!
@@tmapes1989but do you carry a poop knife?
I still go to my original Wave more than any of my other 5 leatherman, 2 Victorinox, 3 Gerber, or 2 SOG. If Leatherman really wanted to crush their competition, they would offer a "build your own" option where you start with your chassis, and then have pick lists for the different tool slots. Second, they would offer premium steels in their blade options on more than 2 models. 3v, m390, etc. etc.
Cool idea but man that would be expensive to produce
Very good idea. Make it a 3D model that you can spin around, click at the slot and than select a tool 😍
Would be great but nearly impossible. The frames have different width, and the tools also. Plus some tools have to fit under the pliers head when it's closed, and some have to be thin enough to lay between them and the frame, that would not be so adaptative. Agreed on steels tho but that would be too expensive for an industrial 😢
My suggestion for Leatherman. Base configuration for most tools:
(1) Removable blade (Leap), for legal reasons. Give us separately-sold options of plain edge, serrated, combo, 440 HC, 154 CM.
(2) Bit driver, to use the awesome 40 head bit kit. Have 2 bit drivers for larger tools.
(3) Blade exchanger (Surge) gives you option of saw, file, Bosch jig saw hacksaw, and they are replaceable when worn. Have 2 blade exchangers for larger tools.
(4) Hammer (Signal).
I would be very interested in that!
RUclips algorithmed me a video of the Leap, looked interesting, slightly miffed etched discontinued it because by the looks of it, people couldn’t figure out the how to get the blade out properly. See also all the reviews for the gerber prybars where reviews go passed the first stop where it’s designed to go for working and slide it out into the stop for blade removal, then whine about it. RTFM chaps.
They should redesign the saw holder to wobble less
I prefer the saw on my Charge as it is longer.
Yes you can carry a long jigsaw blade but then it won’t close
In my Surge I carried a metal saw which was nice.
One time I helped an old lady to either recover her bike or steal one 😁 I believe she really lost her key but who knows with current gen old ladies
440HC would def be a greater and yet still affordable option than the 420HC 👍 and I'd love to see the hammer on more multitools.
But yeah I understand that's the blade exchanger isn't on every tool. That makes the usable blade/file length shorter and it wobbles too much. But this is still a great addition, if you have to use these multiple tools in particular.
I'm really impressed with the way Leatherman packages their products.
I’ve carried this for 4 years straight so far and it’s holding up perfectly. Still like brand new other than scratches on the body. Solid as ever!
I actually use the eyeglass driver quite a bit, not just for glasses but for fixing things in small spaces. I think an awl is also very useful. One of my ideas is to make the can opener/bottle opener/wire stripper also function as an awl.
I wish I had one on my Surge. I would give up the small flat blade in a heartbeat!!!
I’m not sure which direction Leatherman’s new products are headed but definitely not headed towards my wallet. The new stuff gets a big yawn from me.
Yawn is right.
Great review, I’ll be sticking with my Gen 1 Wave
I've used the microdriver philips and eyeglass screwdriver on the Wave.
Honestly I like it. I recently lost my EDC multi tool and was researching to buy a new one and your videos have been super helpful. I was just about sold on a Rebar, I am considering this one now. The price seems a little high. It has everything I want. I am surprised they included the file instead of a serrated blade or saw, I love that. A file is a must have for me. I love the fact it’s a standard blade too I am not a fan of half serrated blades. I am more than willing to give up the serrated blade and saw for a lighter, thinner tool. The lack of scissors don’t bother me I carry a style CS on my keychain anyways.
The only tool they included I could do without is the combo cap lifter tool. I guess they had to put something there though. The cost should be at or probably lower than the Rebar though.
It does have scissors.
Hi Ben, another great review, thank you. Now I might upset a few people here... but I have the Wave gen 1 and I’ve had this since 1999. I live across the pond where the curl & bond were aimed at... the Curl is out straight away because of the locking blade. The bond looked good until you highlighted the negatives to the weak blade retention. I just can’t understand Leatherman’s reasoning on their new products! and the retiring of the best products! My Wave there is no wave pinch because the blades are narrower. So far apart from the lack of a reamer, The gen 1 wave is hard to beat. I did write to them years ago about how can you call it a wave implying use at sea without an awl! It has the fine grip on the pliers, it’s a pocketable size, it’s comfortable in the hand, and it has fantastic scissors! I’d lose two of the flat heads for an awl any day of course but actually, leatherman was on the right path with it! Even has a beautiful wet formed leather sheath! Now in saying all this, it is still illegal over here so it is a museum piece... so I went for a juice xe6.. great! and an S2 brilliant!
Then they mess with the blades because of the airlines then retired it!
If they’d put an awl as good as the Vic pioneer one on it instead of that pressed crap one, leatherman would of stole the entire Victorinox market here in the UK!!! Not just the public but the military, police, and all the rescue services! The original wave was used extensively by everyone until the knife laws included multi tools. I work in the same business as you, why in that’s all holy would I use multi tool with magnets in!!!! Who comes up with these ideas? They sure don’t use these tools in the real world! I bought the new wave when it came out.. I was so disappointed, I was going to give my original to my son but in turn I gave him the new and I kept the old!
Obviously if our laws were different I’d have a Surge end of... but these current designs with magnets, with a dodgy blade and now a locking blade aren’t going to be bought here, they’ve lost the market here... Ben, you tell Tim from me🤣😂we want a gen 1 wave with non locking tools with an awl with the blade retention of the Vic pioneer range!!! Whoever comes up with this will have the market to theirselves!!!
Thanks for the ideas. I might design a product that might meet these needs...
Spot on mate!! Absolutely spot on.
From a fellow Brit.
If I was in the UK I'd just go knifeless Rebar or old knifeless Fuse and carry a separate knife that was currently allowed, maybe a SAK if it had a tool my Leatherman lacked like if I had a knifeless Fuse with a file not a knife
I'd carry a SAK Walker (still some around) to get a knife and a saw with a combo tool bonus...or some other thin SAK or whatever you fancy that the law currently allows...
That said the Bond is interesting especially if they fixed the knife blade flop out issue.
It seems like an old retired Kick is also an option for the UK as well as old PST...
An attractive take on minimalism, but $80 seems at least $20 above a better price. For $80 i would save more and just buy something else in the three-digits range.
A person could look at that extra $20 as a “Made in USA” fee. There are other cheaper multi tool options for less, but they are made in China. That being said I’m not a fan of the overall direct leatherman is going and this doesn’t do much for me even if it was $60. They discontinued the juice series and I’m still salty about it.
hey man! I dig this channel sooo much. If you've noticed a huge recent spike from California.. that's me. Im also going through and giving thumbs up to every comment in each video. This is the last tool video before I start the knots... Ive watched like 30 hours or something lol.
I have such a draw to Leatherman.. they really are the top dogs. I had a Gerber Diesel and I was so disappointed I gave it away. BUT, you will always give ANY tool a fair and unbiased shot. You may be the only person who doesn't just regurgitate bigger channels content and for that.. Im sticking around!
Hope you and yours are having a great year my dude!
My EDC is a Crunch, and I love it, especially because I can use that 1/4 driver and a standard 1/4 inch extension (or the ratcheting driver, now that I have one) to make it a very sturdy screwdriver.
However, I find myself wishing I had a non-serrated (preferable exterior accessible) blade, as well as needle nose pliers. I use a dual sheath to carry my Crunch and a Bit Kit, but I've been looking at the Curl to carry instead of the the bits. It has the bit exchanger, the outside accesible blade, and the pliers, all while being lighter than the wave. That or I'll get the Bond because it's much cheaper.
This follows the same route as the Gerber armbar slim:
Save 10% of the price, 20% of the weight and 50% of the usefulness.
What a bummer.
They should have made a new juice line
I actually like it. It’s like a summer wave. Used to carry the wave a lot on pocket clip. Now I sometimes use a surge, but I often find myself leaving it in the car in the summer. Considered a skeletool for a while, but would miss the scissors too much … this seems good for me. Plus clip is included instead of them charging another 10 euro’s extra …
The Wave is the original Kar98k, the Curl is the Kriegsmodell
Honestly I think the Curl and Bond were just made for more casual everyday users who don't really see value in locking tools and heavy capability, but wanted more slimmed down but still capable tools - almost like marrying the profile and pocket-friendliness of something like a Juice to the functionality of the Wave pliers and tool size.
This is a case from my own experience, but maybe it hangs a light in the right place. I work in water utility distribution. I do plenty of heavy and/or technical "trades-type" work: pipeline repairs, utility locates, turn valves, work on meters.. basically fvck around with the pipes, pressures, flows, and fix the holes when the water ends up on the wrong side of the pipe.
I carry a Leatherman Bond every day.. it's been a year. I have a Wave, ST300, and a Swisstool at home, and in spite of their functionality (apparently defined specifically as: locking toolsets), they stay at home. LM Bond in the pocket, every day. Here's why:
1. This has absolutely nothing to do with the functionality of the tool at all. I am an old millennial in my mid-30s, 6ft, 210lbs, beard + man bun.. and I wear slim fit work pants. I'm sure you can picture "that guy" on site lol. There is nothing, and I mean *nothing* comfortable about carrying a 10oz multitool around in the pocket of those pants. I hate belt pouches because they are annoying as frig when you're in and out of trucks, equipment, manholes, and basements all day. So for me a slim tool with a solid clip wins every time.
2. This does have to do with the tool itself. I've carried MTs for my entire working career, I use them all the time, and I completely understand their role in the tool set of a working man. *The barometer that I use* to decide "is this a multitool job or a real tool job?" is whether or not I feel I need a lock on the tool to do the work. Done. If I can turn the screw without a lock, MT does it. If I feel unsafe without a lock, get a screwdriver. Very simple, very effective.. have never broken a multitool outside wear and tear, have never closed a tool on my fingers becausenI pushed it outside its wheelhouse.
3. Pursuant to #2, the list of work I actually do end up using my non-locking LM Bond for is astoundingly long. As I write this, I just finished replacing the impeller in a Milwaukee transfer pump with it. I have taken apart entire small engines with it (with the help of the truss-style bit kit and 1/4" socket adapter). I use it to do field repairs on my underground locate gear; to cut, strip, and manipulate heavy gauge utility tracer wire. I open lots of boxes without cutting my fingers off, turn all kinds of screws, scrape old crusty gaskets off things, pull, pry, and manipulate anything I can't with my fingers.. the list goes on and on but my point is this: not having locking tools is a LONG way down the road of functionality in a multitool between the poles of what it can do and what it can't. Long ago the OG edc reviewer @nutnfancy laid out the MT mandate of mobility vs firepower and I think 15 years later people need to re-learn that concept.
I find it moderately aggravating when we praise Swiss Army Knives such as they are (non-locking) for over a hundred years, then hold these lighter-duty Leathermans to the same fire and conclude them to be worthless pieces of crap.
The Bond and Curl are both very good, very reasonable tools that are capable of a great many things. The Supertool 300 and Surge are capable of a great many MORE things, but can we agree that if you have 1000 things to do with your MT, maybe it is worth conceding weight and bulk to still being able to do 750 of them?
Also, I purchased the LM Bond in FE 2022 and in 12 months of daily use I have never ever had the knife tip jump out. Leatherman corrected the issue in 2021. I do wish the reviewers who shat all over it back then would retract their outdated reviews now that the product has been fixed.
Wow! Thanks for your input and a lot of typing!
Ignoring for a moment the foreign markets aspect which I think drove a lot of design decisions about the Bond, weight and bulk matter and pocket clips matter, to a lot of us and a good tool load with you beats a better one left in your vehicle or shop or home.
Bigger isn't always better and small can be beautiful.
@@michaelkulman7095 thanks friend, I do appreciate that
Great review Ben - I have video coming (but have agreed not to release until launch on 17th) - I'm surprised they locked the blade as that would have given this a USP over the Wave in Europe
I understand. I was fortunate that I found this with a retailer that shipped it early. It seems Leatherman in the USA has stopped promoting their tools with influencers. So needless to say, I bought this with my own money and I am under no obligation to wait until their release date. Thanks for taking the time to watch Jon, I really appreciate it.
@@txtoolcrib that makes sense - I would do the same too if I was you - I have a good relationship with the UK distributor (I used to buy a lot from them many years ago in my retail days) and they help me out with product, but I need to agree to embargo date which I understand. Keep up the great work 😊
The Bond was a modern PST, i really liked that! This is like a bastard son of the Rebar and the Wave they tried to economize... but still expensive? fail from me.
If the main blade was non locking i would change my mind some, as it would be very appealing for the European market, that i happen to be in!
Ikr, I feel like Tim leatherman is going senile and nobody was brave enough to confront him
This is actually almost perfect for me for backpacking. The only modification I need to make is to swap a wave saw in for the file. It has everything else I need for my typical backpacking uses in a smaller, lighter package than the current free P2 that I have. The other issue I have with the P2 - besides its own lack of a saw - is I can't stand the half serrated blade
The European Union Knife Law is very different from country to country. FOR example in Italy and Spain there is no limit for one-handed locking or opening blades. The true principle of legality in Italy and Spain is "JUSTIFIED REASON". If a policeman stops you outside a bar on Saturday night, he will report you to the judicial authorities even with a 2 cm knife with an unblockable blade. And he kidnaps your knife. If Instead it stops you in nature, it will be perfectly legal to have any knife with lock or not. Or if he stops you with a 20cm knife and you're a cook going to work it's perfectly legal. It is the policeman, and later the prosecutor, who assesses if there was a valid reason for having a knife outside the house. Especially, the prosecutor will decide whether to accuse of criminal offense, or only administrative with a fine. You can face 6 to 18 months in prison in Italy if there is no valid reason for the knife. But if you are not multiple recidivists, the sentence will always be suspended or pardoned by the judge. In Spain, the penalty is almost always a fine. Only double-edged blades are always illegal in Spain and Italy, or with automatic release. And in Spain, blades above 11 cm are always illegal, so all leathermen are legal. While in Italy the length does not matter. In England and Germany, on the other hand, there are prohibitions for one-handed and lockable blades. EU has many countries and the law is very different from each other. As in the US.
Very interesting. I don't think the state of Pennsylvania where I live has any restrictions, but Philadelphia bans all knives unless it's being used for work, and is the type of knife typically used in that trade.
Same here in France. It's all about your justification/legitimacy you had to carry a knife where you were checked, the appreciation of the policeman and so, your behavior and the type of knife you were carrying. But technically could have your knife confiscated even if it's blade is short and there's no locking mechanism.
$20 more for a wave+? It's like they tried to figure out how to make a tool no one was asking for.
Swing and a miss...
Straight blade, diamond file, awl, scissors, (albeit small ones), and bit driver. I like it! Maybe it should be juuuust a bit cheaper, but I just might start having this tag along with me every day. Can’t wait for mine to come in.
How have I never heard of the Curl?? I have a somewhat impressive LM tool collection and have been an avid fan for over a decade. This is a pleasant discovery! Thank you!
They aren't actually released yet. It seems leatherman has sent some units to reviewers so they can give consumers a heads up.
Oh god, another cheaper version of the current model. First we had the Leatherman bond (cheaper version of rebar). Now we have this - Leatherman curl (cheaper version of wave). For $10 more on eBay you could get the wave +. Another disappointment this year. Thanks Leatherman. They should have made better version of current line. Like the Leatherman crunch + or Leatherman surge +. Not a cheaper, less tool version of an old Leatherman
I would love to see a Crunch +. Instead it looks like it may be on it’s way out.
Finally finished the video, you sum up my thoughts quite elegantly.
I'm like you you, i don't care for a bottle opener, but i do like the can openers, they're very useful, for me at least, when camping and/or bug out scenarios, and even around the house.. i use mine all the time when i lose my kitchen one, which is quite often oddly enough LOL.
As far as the tool itself goes, I think we are all waiting to see if it was going to have a locking blade, that little aspect really hinged on whether or not the tool made sense. Amazingly enough, it does, which means who exactly are they marketing this towards? The price is ridiculous in my opinion, because for a few dollars more you can have a regular wave, which makes a hell of a lot more sense.
Hopefully Leatherman puts out a video talking about the tool, and can give some sort of explanation of what the thought process was behind this, cuz I don't think anyone can figure it out. I wasn't excited about either of those tools in the beginning, and I think they make even less sense now.
You did a great job, as always, sifting through all that.
I almost bought a Bond until I saw the issues with the blade retention. This Curl looks to be a nice lighter option for those of use who don't need "beefier" Leatherman products. I particularly like that they included the pocket clip (which they should have with the Bond as well). However, the price point of the Curl should be $10 - $20 less (the fact that they include the pocket clip makes up for some of the $80 price).
So glad you mentioned the lack of pinch point on one side! I refuse to use a wave anymore because of that pinch point and have instead used a Vic Spirit for nearly a decade. Well I also tried a highly modified P4 for awhile but I just can’t get myself to like the Free series no matter how I mod them. I will be giving this a try since the “missing” tools are exactly the ones I never use and no pinch point on one side. Why was it made? Apparently to lure me back to Leatherman lol
I still have my original letherman I bought in Germany 🇩🇪 when I was stationed there in the 80s.
Nice.
One thing I didn't take into account originally when I thought about the tool is the massive increase in raw material costs...I'm going to guess...many of the staples we take for granted over the next 24 months are going to dramatically increase in price...with that context...I think $80 will end up sticking with this tool. The toolset is excellent. the issue is that your comparing it to the Wave not the Wingman...the curl CANNOT replace the wave, and never will..but but...it would 100% replace the wingman.
Wingman (and sidekick) have spring loaded pliers, why I honestly really really miss on the other tools.
@@maxlvledc I never need to bet my life on a tool.
Anyway, had the sidekick, wingman, PS4 (have multiple of those) and my main work tool: OHT, all for multiple years now. They're all still awesome, and the spring loaded pliers really make them easy to work with. Especially the OHT is a great work tool (and every tool on it can be opened one handed, hence the name)
A point that you hit on, material cost throughout every industry is on the rise. Wonder if that has anything to do with the trillions of dollars that they printed?
You hit the nail on the head, I have contacts in the industry and did shows for a short time, and that is exactly what’s gonna happen for US companies. It’s been a major problem for American manufacturing and companies like leatherman, Spydercos golden plant, and the obvious other staples. They are struggling, and will continue as the glorious Biden is in office
The price increase started since some "orange" guy started adding more taxes to steel and aluminum imported and same stuff with coil and other raw materials. MAGA purpose, disaster economy that guy leaves. Wood skyrocket.
Now we have to deal with inflation thanks tonall credits burned in back years.
Besides that still think it's a joke the price not the MT. Give me $60-65 I will change my perspective
My motorcycle needed a Leatherman tool under my seat. I bought the surge. She loved it.
My car needed one herself. I bought her a surge as well.
My backpack needed a tool too.
So I bought myself a surge...
Seems I'm stuck with the surge.
Chunky, right, but we're all happy with it.
I agree with your confusion Ben. It doesn't really fill any particular roll. It seems to me that any first time buyer would gravitate toward a Wingman, and a European buyer would choose a non-locking bladed multi-tool. I guess we'll have to wait and see what it does with the market.
No one seem to like serrated blades except me. I'm cutting through nylon straps and heavy cardboard on a regular basis. Serrated blades do that so much easier. Serrated is a must for me. I'll stick with my core that I've had forever.
Love the name. It’s got that going for it.
This is actually right up my alley. Has most of the important tools without the thickness of the Wave due to the 2 fewer outside implements. I would personally prefer a saw to the file and I would replace the can/bottle opener with a bottle opener/flat head screw driver.
So Leatherman Signal fits better for you. That's what i'd pick over this too, but luckily i have a good modified Wave with big scissors and awl, gladly giving up the serrated blade. Yes, modifying is an option but you may lose the warranty in the worst case.
Do agree being in the UK it cannot be an edc for me due to the locking blade. Will need a rethink for me. Thanks for the review.
I love that they got rid of the serrated blade and am happy they went with a straight blade for this. I've never had a use for scissors, so that may be where I add my Jeep key. This could bump my Skeletool from daily pocket carry.
Great review, I was looking forward to this. Thanks a lot. I agree with you in all the issues you have remarked. You need an extra diamond file to sharpen the knife blade, and it renders the file on Curl redundant; a waste of a tool slot. In this view the price is even more needlessly expensive.
But I like one thing about the Leatherman tools organization in Surge, Rebar and Curl that they have the awl opposite to the replaceable bit holder or the 3d Phillips that you can flatten the tail of a short pencil to 1/8" inch thickness and put it in the bit holder(or bit extender in case of REBAR) to use the tool as a make-shift drawing-compass, with the awl as the center of the circle. You could do that with Wave as well, if you put a needle point in the small bit holder.
My main tools I use everyday are the surge and the oht. Love them both. Ditched my wave ages ago.
Personally I’m looking forward to carrying one. Comes with a good pocket clip and lighter/smaller than then Wave. I agree price is too high for what it is.
There's a guy that 3d printed a small bit driver 2d adapter for me, add it to the bit driver and a small driver will fit.
I would love to get my hands on something like that.
So I have a couple thoughts about this tool. I would love to see it at a $60 price point. In a multi tool I like to see a one hand opening plain edge knife, pliers, screwdrivers, bottle opener, and scissors. Any other tools are nice but not essential. This is a fantastic stripped down tool for my personal uses. If I could get full size surge scissors instead of the file it would be perfect.
Some kind of a Mix of Wave and Rebar.. Thanks again for your great videos ✊🏻
Agree with you 100%
Overpriced. A bit more and get the wave + with a more package and better clip.
Nice, that is a sweet spot tool for edc pocket carry in the city. Nice and light for hiking although I struggle with the idea of no emergency saw for that use. A jigsaw blade could be carried loose I suppose, maybe could be retrofitted somehow? Yeah, nah I'm pretty happy with my Charge Ti. even though it is a bit of a nugget.
Ben, I have that same scale. The Curl looks a lot like the 1st generation Wave, but without 2 of the outside tools. Wave 1 is about 3/4 of an ounce heavier than the Curl and 3/4 oz. lighter than the 2nd gen Wave. The Curl is priced right between the Wave and the Wingman, no?
It does fall right in between as far as pricing. I still think the vast difference between the Wave and Curl does not justify a mere $20 price difference though.
@@txtoolcrib I hear you. I think a lot of younger users, though, prefer to carry a lighter, thinner multitool in their pocket with a clip rather than on their belt, and the wave is a bit too chunky to fit the bill. For me, there is a tipping point around 7 ounces. I'd suggest they lower the Wingman price to $49 and put the Curl at $69.
I'd love the free p2 with the back charge plus skin. That would be my personal forever tool.
So basically a Rebar/Wave hybrid made from mostly old stock parts aside from the new shell.
I don’t know about others, but with a $40 TSA Wave and a $35 TSA Rebar I can already mesh the parts (the inner tools are interchangeable between two models) and build a similar product on my own. With plenty of modular parts to spare too, or better if no major parts are defective, another complete piece to pair with.
And that’s precisely what I did, 4 years in advance.
Leatherman if you are listening, consider mixing Juice with Free. Don’t just leave the 3-3 inch, 4-5 ounce spot overtaken by other brands. I’d love to see a proper response to the Powerpint weight class from Leatherman after most Juice models got discontinued.
I think this one is a fixed version of the Sidekick. Without useless tools. Plus an added bit driver and a pair of scissors.
If this came with a saw instead of a file this would be a PERFECT tool for me
I clicked, "Like" before I even watched the video. Thanks for the great preview!
My initial thoughts are that its just a release to have a release. But also maybe for a few who want a lighter option that is still heavy duty. Feels a bit niche.
I would’ve gotten this over the Wave if it had been available when I bought mine.
For the non locking tools, or for the weight reduction?
@@txtoolcrib for the awl over that stupid eye glass screwdriver & the weight reduction & slimmer profile.
@@BackyardEngineer334 Get Leatherman Signal instead.
It seems like Leatherman realized that the so much hyped Free series won't be so popular so they started making new models based on the Wave series. I think it's a good idea.
By the way I just received my Wave Plus today and I love it so far. It will be my new EDC. I never really needed a saw nor a serrated blade so the Curl might seem like a better choice for me but I don't regret it and won't replace it. I love my sunglasses so having the tiny screwdriver is essential for me. Also I believe it's better to have more tools than you think you don't need than get into a situation where you wished you had that one tool. And the size/weight difference between the two is also not significant.
Is it weird these aren’t on their site?
@4:23
I think you were thinking of the Surge there lol
In particular I was thinking of my modified Surge. What can I say, it happens.
Oops, I'm commenting as i watch. I see you addressed that haha
@@txtoolcrib i would be curious to know if that awl is the same one as the Rebar's though.
You probably addressed that too though, let's see 😁
I'm thinking about one.
Frankly, I like this. I’m not in the trades, or an outdoorsman so maybe my needs are different than most. I basically have 3 needs in a Leatherman (Pliers, screwdriver, and scissors). I don’t really need a knife, as I carry a separate folder for that. I don’t need a saw, file, etc etc, and weight is a factor. I have a wave, but I never carry it because I don’t like the weight. I have a P2, which tool wise is great, it’s just bigger dimension wise compared to the Wave, so its kinda bulky. I have the skeletool, but it’s missing scissors and the pliers are a bit weak. Currently I carry a Bond, that I’ve added scissors too. So this seems to be in a similar ball park. Something I can clip carry, that is minimal, and not a boat anchor.
But wait until a non-locking tool collapses on you while you're it.
@@HBSuccess must not know how to use the tools.
I really would like a good Europe legal Leatherman, Guess we still have to wait.
So a PST going down the Wave evolutionary path? The tools in my SAKs don't lock either, so that's a total non issue. I'd rather have a dedicated phillips than the bit holder, but I see the flexibility. I could see this with a Vic Huntsman, Camper or Forester (need glasses so I need a glasses screwdriver), but honestly for the price, I think they'll take the Bond. They did fix the blade issue, right? That and the normal bit adaptor with any of those SAKs would be a better tool set.
Did they raise the Wave price?
It’s still the same price on their website as of right now.
Headed in the right direction in my opinion. If all the tools were locking and the pliers were spring action it would be almost perfect for a smaller, butterfly-style multi tool for me.
Many Eastern European countries allow locking blades, they just limit blade length (usually to 9 cm), thickness (2.4 mm are common limit) and handle types with finger rest that allow to use the knife to stab.
If they were to introduce a newer iteration of the Wave Plus, to include the reamer, they could also put the long tools like they are in the Multiforce, to eliminate palm-pinching completely.
My problem with the Curl is that it' so stiff to close the inside tools.
I'm left handed. Is the pocket clip movable?
Does it come in black?
Not yet.
Why is the Wingman package opener not in this! :'(
Why no Wingman-style package opener?!
As usual thanks for an early upload of a new item 👍
Where did you get that at
There are a couple of US stores that are selling it a little early I believe.
This has a pretty good tool set, especially bringing in that awl. My favorite Leatherman is the wingman with the blade swapped out for a diamond file. My issue with this guy is the price. Why would I get this when I could get a multiforce or a wingman? This model should have been a wingman+ with a file instead of a blade for the UK friendliness, surge scissors, and the awl instead of the useless depth gauge
I agree w you on all your points and would simply have made the eyeglass driver interchangeable with the awl. The curl is pointless imo unless it was $40. Not worth a penny more to me. I wish I had
Bought the Surge instead of my very loved Wave, tho it's 1st gen n excellent. I still have my Original pat pend Leatherman super tool/300 in mint condition w the leather case, I bought when I was a teen. I do use my tools but I take good care of them.
I’m with you on this one, not sure why they made it. Probably won’t be adding it to my collection. Great review as always 👌
My thoughts exactly
Skeletool for edc still. Handy.
Do the pliers pinch your hand like the WAVE and Charge? Are the pliers stiff as balls?
Do any of the pliers and Phillips actually work good on these multi tools? I’ve never used one personally.
I think the whole theme here is that it's more pocketable. Slimmer, lighter, more rounded off.
I'm from the heart of europe. In Austria the Curl would be allowed, in Germany not! For Germany there is a Wave with two-hand opener of the blades (I have it)
I like that the Curl has a pocket clip. My Super Tool 300 is great, but wish I didn’t have to use a sheath to carry it for work. 80 bucks is also way too high a price for the Curl. Should’ve been 60. 🤷🏼♂️
80 USD is too high. Glad I gave in and bought my wave on sale for 100 cad. All this time thinking I could have saved money if I waited for the curl. Haha
I hear that there is a non-locking blade version for us in the u.k......is this true? And why no removable hard wire cutters??? I think it's going to fail
Aloha Ben, so after all is said and done, do you prefer Leatherman or Victorinox? I've owned LM before, but I find small things, like plier comfort, non locking tools etc., bother me enough that I now stick to Victorinox. Be interested to know where you stand. I know you have invested a lot of time and money with LM, from modifying to trying different iterations, as well as having a lot of other brands, so I am curious if you have ever found your "holy grail" multi tool, lol!
Sorry for the late reply. I actually like them both equally, for different reasons. Mostly I prefer Vic knives as secondary tools, or complimentary tools. The closest thing I have ever found to my holy grail of multi tools is the Surge, but that doesn’t mean I wouldn’t change some things up with it.
Mmm I've been rolling with a Skeletool as my EDC but if I were to consider a replacement, this is a good size. Unfortunately I'm not a fan of Leatherman's metals unless they're painted. Thanks for sharing btw!
Looks like a hybrid of the wave and rebar
It wouldn’t be my first choice, even on a budget. But I guess if your primary needs are pliers, knife and file then this would be perfect. They didn’t make the second tool a saw because the Signal already serves that market. They probably didn’t go with the serrated blade because it just ends up being a backup or specialty blade that people don’t use as much… plus, it just doesn’t add as much additional functionality as a file.
Hello, Ben - good review - I thought LMN had the Bond & Curl mainly for the European market...those customers can't use the Curl if the blade locks...An American customer will probably buy a Wave+ because it would be a better value regardless of its greater weight and bulk...If steel prices are rising & customers don't buy because the product does not meet their needs and/or they do not like it, then the company will take a hit...what do you think? btw, if I was buying a LMN for the first time now, I'd purchase a Wave+ to start and eventually upgrade to the Surge...I find that LMN's entry offerings are too expensive and would save for the Wave+ ( or a ST 300) since the price at the moment for the wave is $99.95...
I can’t begin to tell you how much I agree with everything you just stated!
My main carry is the Wave, but I would most definitely get this if I wanted to something slimmer to slide into dress pants… but the price point stinks. This is a $60-70 Leatherman tops
Got to go buy a big boxer! When will they learn?
Liking it:
metal file, awl and only two flatheads would be exactly what I want. At almost 7 ounces, that could ideally shed another 20%; and price, too, $70 would be far more attractive than $80. All in all though, very likeable IMO.
The knife is impressive
Yeah alot of people I know here in the UK was not happy when they found out the blades lock a lot of people thought the blades wasn't gonna lock they would of been on a detent I think a lot of people are gonna stock to the wave and theve propbaly lost a lot of people here in the UK from buying it
The length and shape would be a problem even if it didn’t lock. Someone needs to make a tool with a slip joint blade an inch long which would cover most peoples’ use-cases around the world. I’ve got a Spyderco bug on my key ring that goes through anything, it’s tiny handle just makes it a little awkward to use on occasion…and best of all, no-one shits themselves when they see it ;)
How is the shop coming along? Will you share more about it ?
Appreciate your videos, helped me decide to buy the wave two years ago.
Hope things return to normal in Texas, and here in the Netherlands.
I’m finally getting things moved in, but it is a complete disaster at the moment.
.... like the BOND its a great tool for the UK & European markets. The CURL & BOND can be EDC without issue.
I never realized there was a Wave "pinch". I wonder what I am doing wrong? 🤔 IMHO, the Wave is hard to beat. But I recognize different people have different needs and preferences. I also have a Surge, Wingman & Skeletool (stays at a vacation home just in case I forget one of the others). While I appreciate and use them all, 2/3 of my usage goes to the Wave & Wingman. I also got a Squirt just for fun and keep it in my desk mostly. But I use the thing far more than I ever imagined. Handy little sucker.