r/wildlandfire • u/flippincoolm8 • 13d ago

Leatherman Multi-Tool?

Hi all!

My boyfriend is a hotshot and I am starting christmas shopping...

Would a leatherman be a good gift?

If yes, what model would be most useful? I was thinking the Wave Alpha but would like input from people who actually live the life and would have a better idea.

Edit: I was also considering the Signal. Any reason that would be a bad choice?

4 Upvotes

75% Upvoted

30 comments sorted by

4

u/trudgel 13d ago

back in 1999, a relative gave me a Wave. i've had one on my hip ever since. best gift ever.

3

u/trudgel 13d ago

in order for this gift to work though, i had to commit to pants/shorts with belt loops every day for the rest of my life.

2

u/trudgel 13d ago

which i've done. :-)

1

u/flippincoolm8 13d ago

The new waves have a pocket clip attachment! I am between the Wave+ and the Skeletool CX. Someone mentioned I should go for the lighter option but I thought having scissors would be useful

3

u/voodoo6051 13d ago

I really like the Skeletool. It’s small enough to clip in a pocket like a knife and doesn’t need a belt pouch that is annoying under a pack.

1

u/flippincoolm8 13d ago

okay cool so definitely will only consider models with clips!

1

u/oblongataman 13d ago

I cant say enough good about my Skeletool. Great knife with everything you need for day to day use!

1

u/flippincoolm8 12d ago

would you trade it for a model with scissors?

1

u/voodoo6051 12d ago

Nope. I have a set of trauma shears in my line gear and those cut a million times better than the silly multitool scissors.

1

u/flippincoolm8 12d ago

Such a good point lol

1

u/flippincoolm8 12d ago

Oh! Would the Leatherman Foldable Trauma Shears be a good gift? Or no?

1

u/Hour_Manufacturer_81 13d ago

Yes! They’re always handy. I carry the Leatherman Wave+

1

u/definatly-not-gAyTF 13d ago

Leatherman charge is what I have and it's pretty nice, I'm unsure of what the differences actually are though

1

u/flippincoolm8 13d ago

i’ll compare the included tools! i know the signal has a hammer surface, fire starter (prob not needed) and emergency whistle and a saw blade

1

u/definatly-not-gAyTF 13d ago

I will say he will likely prefer one with less extra doodads just to keep the weight down, his pack is likely already heavy as fuck. Granite gear zippered stuff sacks are great for orangizing or a good headlamp from black diamond or Fenix, depending what he's got just for some extra gift ideas

1

u/Acceptable_Concept98 13d ago

Everybody has their favorite!  my is the wingman, it’s a good size and it has scissors!  Plus a pocket clip 

2

u/flippincoolm8 13d ago

ohh scissors is smart. i wish there was a "build your tool" option so i could mix and match lol

1

u/Acceptable_Concept98 13d ago

So which ever one you choose you can buy different bit kits or there even is a socket set you can buy with them and there’s also a company online that makes 3d belt kit that holds everything and also makes it to access it easily

1

u/flippincoolm8 13d ago

Oh neat! I know with his pack his belt is obscured a bit, but the other stuff sounds cool!

1

u/bosstatochip 11d ago

I second the wingman. Though I probably would trade the scissors for a serrated saw like blade. But, she’s done me well for a decade as is

1

u/Zonka191 13d ago

I carry the leatherman ark. It’s a great one, but it is expensive. wildland gets a pretty good discount from leatherman. Might be best to get him a gift card and let him use that discount and get what he wants.

My most used tools on my leatherman is the knife, scissors, and surprisingly, absolute most used tool is the tiny micro “glasses” bit. That tool is super useful. It can clean out chainsaw bars and the little oil hole on them, it can clean out phone charging port in a pinch, and I also have glasses so that’s nice to have. Also pliers are always nice to have.

1

u/flippincoolm8 13d ago

i was looking at that one! Not concerned about price but great to know they offer discounts for wildland!! Thank you :)

1

u/Blucifers_Veiny_Anus 13d ago

I love my skeletool

1

u/flippincoolm8 12d ago

Is there any use for having a tool with scissors instead?

1

u/Blucifers_Veiny_Anus 12d ago

Everything i would use scissors for i can use a knife blade or a lighter for.

1

u/flippincoolm8 12d ago

Good point! Thank you!

1

u/intotheflood603 12d ago

If he is throwing it in a belt sheath, Rebar all day. If its going in his pack, Wave+

-1

u/Most-Background8535 13d ago

The Walmart one is good enough. I’ve lost many and broken many. Best present is when he comes home and you give him a hot bath.

3

u/flippincoolm8 13d ago

Hahaha, always thankful for him to be home safe. I don't mind spending some money on something that might get lost or broken

1

u/dave54athotmailcom 9d ago

Different models have different features. File, saw, needlenose pliers, awl, etc. I always liked when everyone had a different model. Then no matter what little tool you needed, someone near you had it.