Leatherman Charge Plus TTi vs Wave Plus

The Leatherman Charge Plus TTi and Wave Plus are both popular multi-tools. However, what are the differences between the two? What are the advantages of both tools? And why would you choose one over the other? We will explain.

Leatherman Charge Plus TTi vs Wave Plus: more than just price

When you look at these two popular multi-tools you see two tools that look so much alike the only thing that seems to be different is the price. And indeed: there is a big price difference between the two. Within the Leatherman range, the Leatherman Wave Plus is located at the middle of the price range. The Leatherman Charge Plus TTi is located at the very top of the scale. We would love to tell you more about the differences.

Which tools do these multi-tools have?

A comparison between two multi-tools is not complete without an overview of the different tools. That is why we made a list of all tools.

As you can see the tools are very similar. There are, however, a couple of fundamental differences between the two tools. The spine of the serrated blade on the Charge Tti Plus, for instance, has been enhanced with a cutting hook. Great for tie-rips. The pliers also contain crimpers and wire strippers to remove the casing from thick cables.

420HC vs CPM S30V

There is also a difference between the type of steel used for the main blade. The blade on the Wave Plus is made from 420HC, the blade on the Charge from CPM S30V. Both are stainless types of steel, the difference, however, can be found in the hardness and the sharpness retention. According to Leatherman 420HC is a great all-round type of steel. Easy to sharpen yourself, reasonably tough and it retains its sharpness well.

CPM S30V is a premium type of steel that was specifically developed for use in the better pocket knives. The structure on a molecular level is finer which means it holds its shape better, and thus remains sharp. Longer than the 420HC, which makes it a better type of steel.

Included accessories and tools

The Leatherman Wave Plus comes with a sheath. That's it. The Charge Plus TTi comes with a couple more accessories. It, for instance, comes with a strip with seven double bits. In combination with the bit that comes with the Charge you are left with 16 different, interchangeable screwdrivers. Philips head, flat head, allen, torx: they are all there

In addition to the bit set you also receive a pocket clip with lanyard eye. You click it in the multi-tool to make carrying it even more flexible. These accessories are also individually sold for the Wave, but it is more practical that they are already included with the Charge Plus TTi.

The difference in handle and weight

When you look at both tools you can clearly tell that the handles are very different. You immediately see the richly embellished surface of the Charge Plus Tti compared to the modern steel of the Wave Plus. When you look closely you see another difference: the colour of the Charge Tti Plus is slightly different. It is warmer.

The colour is different because the handle of the Charge TTi Plus is made from titanium. That is also where the addition 'TTi' in the name comes from. The titanium handles are a little thicker than the steel version of the Wave Plus. Fortunately titanium is lighter than steel which makes the Charge Tti Plus only 10 grams heavier than the Wave Plus.

The titanium offers you a little more grip than the smooth steel. In addition, the edges are a little rounder which makes the Leatherman Charge Tti Plus feel a little better in hand.

Conclusion

Generally speaking both multi-tools aren't that different. The size is almost the same, and most tools are also the same. And yet there are a couple of important differences and details that explain why the Leatherman Charge Plus TTi is more expensive. The materials, included accessories: it makes the Charge the slightly more luxurious version. This doesn't take away from the fact that the Leatherman Wave Plus is a great multi-tool. We hope that this helps you make your choice a little easier.