As promised in this thread ( Link ) where I asked your opinion of whether I should buy one, here is my hands on review of the Leatherman Charge XTi:
Disclaimer:
This review is based on my personal experiences with the Leatherman Charge XTi. This is not a final or complete review as I have not been in possession of this product for a long enough period of time to formulate a truly meaningful enough opinion to constitute what I would label a ?final review?. So you may consider this a ?hand?s on preview? or ?initial thought?s? or something akin to this. During the course of this review I will frequently instruct the reader to examine photographs, which I myself have taken, to use as a visual references (all pictures were taken with a Nikon D70s). I will caution that there will be many such instances of this as I am a firm believer in providing good visual feedback (this is something I found lacking in other reviews while I was doing my research on this product). I am not now, nor have I ever been affiliated with Leatherman in any way.
Personal Background:
I was first introduced to Leatherman products in 1993. It was at that time I purchased my very first Leatherman, the PST. Roughly one year later I purchased the Leatherman Super Tool to replace my original PST after it was lost. The Super Tool offered a number of advances over the original PST, the main one being ?locking blades? and thusly for the purposes of this review the Super Tool will be the rough ?benchmark? to which the Charge XTi will be compared with.
Product Analysis:
The Leatherman Charge XTi & Charge Ti are two of Leatherman?s latest models. The
Ti in the name refers to titanium, and true enough both the Charge Ti and Charge XTi feature Titanium handles. The Charge Ti is identical to the ?new? Wave (2004) other then the fact that the Ti has Titanium handles with brass brushings, and a clip point blade made out of CM 154 steel. The Charge XTi differs from the Charge Ti and Wave models in that it includes two large bit drivers (instead of one) and in that it has a ?cutting hook? on it?s serrated blade. The Charge XTi also lacks scissors, which are included in both the Ti and Wave models. The Surge is basically a Wave (and therefore Charge Ti, minus the titanium and 154 CM steel clip point blade) on steroids. It includes both scissors and an awl, larger pliers and is about half an inch bigger and 4 ounces heavier.
What?s Included:
The Charge XTi comes in a somewhat plain yellow and black retail box. In the image below you can see it compared to the original retail box of the Leatherman Super Tool (which is now long since discontinued):
Boxes Compared
The suggested retail price of the Charge XTi is $124, making it (along with the Charge Ti), the most expensive tool offered by Leatherman. The street prices are somewhat lower if you shop around; still you are going to pay close to $100. In the lower right hand portion of the image below, you can still see the $58 price I paid for the Leatherman Super Tool at the Camp Pendleton PX. Keep in mind however this was over 10 years ago:
Boxes & Price
The Charge XTi is offered in either a stainless steel finish, or a dull black oxide finish. I am glad to see this as one complaint I had of the Super Tool was that it was initially only offered with the stainless steel ?chrome-like? finish (I prefer black). Below you will see an image of everything that is included with the Charge XTi:
Whats Included
From left to right, a black nylon sheath, the Charge XTi multi-tool, included double headed bits with holder, a detachable clip, and finally a lanyard ring.
As far as the sheath goes, Leatherman gives you your choice of either leather or a nylon sheath. Typically if you choose the black oxide finish you will get the nylon sheath, and if you choose the stainless finish you will get the leather sheath (however retailers do seem flexible if you prefer one or another sheath). The image below shows the nylon sheath of the Charge XTi compared to the leather sheath of the Super Tool:
Sheaths Compared
The nylon sheath has four compartments, one for the Charge XTi tool, one for the bit holder, and two extra compartments on each side of the main compartment for the multi-tool. I?ve seen many people use these compartments to carry a small penlight but they are not very big so you aren?t going fit anything much bigger then that in there. Still they are quite nice to have. Below is an image of the bit kit holder sliding into its compartment in the included nylon sheath:
Bit kit holder in sheath
The nylon sheath has a hole at the bottom in case you are using the pliers often and thusly prefer to carry the tool open to give you easy access. The image below illustrates the sheath carrying the XTi while open so the pliers are at the ready:
Pliers ready in Sheath
Also included is a detachable clip, which will allow you to carry the Charge XTi without a sheath. I find this to be a welcome addition and I will tell you why. In the field (hiking/camping) or in a casual environment (jeans) it is ?ok? to carry a multi-tool in its sheath attached to your belt. However there are times where it?s not, such as in a more formal ?suit and tie? business situation or there are times where you may not be wearing a belt at all. For these instances, the clip will come in very handy. In the image below you will see the Charge XTi with the included clip attached:
With Clip Attached
With the clip you can carry the Charge XTi inside of your trouser pockets and it?s barely noticeable (with darker trousers). Also included is a lanyard ring, which can be used to ?dummy cord? the tool. This may be handy while boating or other situations where you think you may be likely to drop your multi-tool. Here is a picture with the lanyard ring attached:
With Lanyard Ring
The standard double-sided bits, which are included, cover most of the typical situations you are likely to encounter. If you prefer a larger diversity of bits, then there is an optional bit kit, which adds quite a few more bits (more on this later). I think for the most part the standard kit covers what the average user will need. Here is a picture of the included bits and holder:
Included Bit Kit
Hands on impressions:
The Charge XTi is 4 inches long closed, and weights 8.3 ounces. It feels very well made and there is not much ?play? in the way the parts fit together. You can definitely tell it was assembled with very high tolerances and is a quality tool. Here we see the Charge XTi?s size compared to the larger Super Tool (which is roughly about 4.5 inches and 12.5 ounces, the same size as the current Leatherman Surge):
Size Comparison
The size difference doesn?t sound like much on paper, but in your pocket the Charge XTi weighs you down much less (pulls down on your trousers, ect). Here we see them both open:
Size Comparison 2
Comparing the sizes, I would say I would much rather carry the Charge XTi over the Super Tool on an everyday basis. The Charge XTi is also much nicer to hold because the titanium grips have a non-slip ?textured? finish on them in comparison to the slippery stainless steel of the Super Tool. See image below to examine the ?textured? finish of the Charge XTi more closely:
Textured grip
Overall I would say in terms of ?feel? I much prefer the Charge XTi to the Super Tool.
Pliers:
The trademark needle nose pliers have always been one of the most visually defining features of the Leatherman multi-tools. I rate them so highly that I actually prefer the pliers in a Leatherman multi-tool to a standard pair of pliers, that?s how good they are. They fit perfectly together and the tip is small and fine enough to work with very small objects. The following two images are of the Super Tool?s pliers and then the Charge XTi?s:
Super Tool Pliers
Charge XTi Pliers
They are both very similar, although there are some differences. You will notice the Charge XTi features a wire/blasting cap crimper just below the needle nose area of the pliers. The Super Tool also features a crimper, but it?s located below the entire plier head, where the handles lock together (if you look closely, you can make it out). I?ve never personally had much use for the crimper in any of the Leatherman?s I?ve owned, but that is just my personal experience and yours may well differ. For me the crimper in the Charge XTi?s jaws is somewhat a negative thing because it reduces the grip area of the pliers. Having said that, I?ve noticed no problems with reduced grip as of yet. I?ve used these pliers over the years for many tasks from changing car batteries that died unexpectedly to pulling out motherboard and hard drive jumper cables (very good for those places your hand is too small to reach), to loosening bolts (when I had no other tools available) to holding a metal pot over a hot campfire, to building an entire bicycle. Also in this same area, just above the ?joint? you will see the wire cutters. Here is a close up of the Super Tools wire cutter area:
Super Tool Wire Cutter
You will note that they are bent out of shape in some areas from trying to cut harder pieces of wire. I?ve used these before to cut wire clothes hangers, but they are not designed for this type of work and it shows. The new Charge XTi is said to have a ?hard wire cutter?, which is said to work with harder forms of wires, and even fish hooks. Take a look at the Charge XTi?s wire cutter area:
Charge XTi Wire Cutter
You will note that just above the Leatherman wording, is a recessed area, these are the ?hard wire cutters?, above that the regular wire cutters. I have not had a chance to personally test these, but they should prove very handy, still I do not think they will be up to the task of say a chain link fence. The Charge XTi also features more rounded handles so the pliers can be used without hurting your hands, although this was never really much of problem for me with the Super Tool, they do indeed feel more comfortable. Still with the larger size of the Super Tool?s pliers, I feel that I can exert more force then I can with the Charge XTi, a trade-off you make when deciding to carry a smaller tool. Should you wish for more robust pliers, you will have to go with the bigger Leatherman Surge.
Serrated Blade:
The Charge XTi features an all-new serrated edge blade with an integrated cutting hook near the tip. The serrated blade also has had it?s ?point or tip? bludgeoned to prevent accidents while cutting (I presume). Here is a picture comparing the Super Tools serrated edge to that of the Charge XTi:
Serrated Blades Compared
Despite the smaller size of the Charge XTi, the blade actually has a bigger cutting surface then that of the Super Tool. Notice the ?cutting hook?, which is said to be ideal for cutting seatbelts, fishing line, nylon cord, and I imagine, can also come in handy for skinning. The Charge XTi?s serrated edge can also be opened one handed, while the tool is closed, which certainly is a nice convenience. I will say that I do not like the fact that they removed the ?point? from the serrated edge, which seems to be a recent trend with multi-tools?perhaps catering to the needs of EMT?s and other emergency workers who need to use a serrated edge but want to minimize the risk of accidents. In my view a blade is a blade and it ?should? be a bit dangerous, then again perhaps I?m a bit archaic in my views. To me the serrated edge is the ?workhorse? blade that I use most of the time. I find typically the tearing/cutting action is just plain more efficient then a standard blade (which is why steak knives are serrated). I use the serrated blades to do everything from opening cardboard boxes to cutting rope, even opening mail. It?s my most often used blade.
Clip point blade:
The clip point blade of the Charge XTi is made of CM 154 steel. This basically means this blade is harder then just about any other type of blade you will find on similar multi-tools and thusly will hold an edge for longer. I never had trouble with my Super Tool not holding an edge, but then again I?m from the school of thinking that uses the serrated edge for most ?everyday cutting tasks? and saves the regular blade for more ?precise cutting? if I can help it. The Charge XTi?s blade is actually bigger then that of the Super Tool, once again despite the overall smaller size of the XTi. Here is a picture comparing both tools with blades out:
Clip Point Blades Compared
As with the serrated blade, the standard blade on the Charge XTi can be opened with one hand, while the tool is closed. It comes quite sharp from the factory and it does feel very purposeful. Overall I think the new harder steel is a very good improvement.
Bit Drivers:
The Charge XTi has two large bit drivers and a small one. These can hold anything from Phillips heads, flatheads, to hex to torx bits. Most standard bits that are out there you can find for the large bit drivers. Here is a picture of the large bit driver holding a flathead screwdriver bit:
Large Bit Driver
The small bit driver is for ?very small? type bits you would see in electronics and eyeglasses. Here is a picture of the small bit driver:
Small Bit Driver
Overall I do like the bit driver system and think it?s definitely more versatile then the other method of including 1 large Phillips head, one small Phillips, one large flathead, one small flathead, and one tiny flathead (these are what the Super Tool has). This approach is more customizable and lets you work with things that you didn?t have access to before. The standard bit kit is probably enough for the average person, while the optional bit kit goes the extra mile to ensure you have the right bit for almost any job.
Other miscellaneous tools:
Both the Charge XTi and Super Tool have a wood saw. As far as I can tell the saw in the Charge XTi is identical to the one in the over 10 year old Super Tool. Still they are fine for cutting of small pieces of wood, branches or bone. You are going to want something more ?heavy duty? to cut wood for your campfire or heavier work, needless to say. The diamond coated file on the XTi I will say is a major, major improvement to the one found on the Super Tool. It very easily files down metal and can be used in a pinch to sharpen lawnmower blades, camp axes, or even a machete. I?ve heard it also makes a great nail file, but I?m not going to test this personally. Here is a picture of the diamond-coated file on the Charge XTi:
Diamond-Coated File
Another change in the Charge XTi is the slightly redesigned can opener with a ?V? area. This ?V? serves as a wire stripper, although I have not had a chance to test it, it should prove relatively functional. The can opener itself I have used to open bottles of beer (which it does quite easily, better then the cheap plastic openers I see people carry around at parties) to opening canned food which I have also done while away from civilization. It?s not as ?neat? as a regular can opener, but it does the job. Here is a picture of the redesigned can opener:
Redesigned Can-Opener
No Awl, no Scissors:
One thing that I am not happy to see gone from the Charge XTi, which is present in the Super Tool, is the awl/punch tool. This is basically a very sturdy piece of metal with a pointed end. It?s not sharp so there is no fear of cutting yourself. This fairly simple tool is quite useful I have found for many things. It can be used as a ?mini pry bar?, it can punch holes in thin sheets of metal or wood, it can be used to push out pins while assembling or disassembling firearms (or similar objects), used to open lids from paint cans, prying open wooden crates and many other ?makeshift? fuctions. Here is a picture of the awl found on the Leatherman Super Tool:
Awl
One other thing the Charge XTi is missing is scissors. Personally I?ve never owned a Leatherman multi-tool with scissors, and my point of view has usually been that if it can be done with scissors it can also be done with a knife. Still I can see this being a useful addition and if you want it you?ll need to purchase the Charge Ti or Wave instead of XTi.
Extras:
Available as an option for roughly $20, you can purchase the Leatherman Bit Kit, which includes quite a few additional bits. It comes in a box that is identical to the one the Charge XTi came with, other then the fact that it is labeled ?Bit Kit?. See picture below:
Optional Bit Kit Box
Here in the following picture you will see the included bits, their holders, and the standard nylon sheath that you get when you purchase this accessory:
Bit Kit Accesory
While not a necessity for most people, it will be a welcome addition for those who frequently like to ?tinker? and do things like upgrading Tivo?s or taking apart OEM computer cases and you get the idea.
Overall Assessment:
I think there is no question that the Charge XTi is a very robust and well-made tool. It feels great in your hand to hold and use. It?s non-slip titanium handles have a quality that has to be ?felt? in order to be truly appreciated. They just feel ?right? in your hand, that is the best way I can explain it. I am not clear if this is because of the titanium itself or because of the ?non-slip? finish, however I?m inclined to think that at least part of it is due to the titanium. The new cutting hook and 154 CM steel blade both seem to be worthwhile if not quite revolutionary additions. The Charge XTi is compact, light and very easy to carry and use all day. It can be clipped to the inside of your trousers without a sheath, and carried very discretely. Every tool on the Charge XTi locks positively in place while in use, and unlocks easily. When the tool is closed you have easy access to both the clip point blade and serrated blades, both of which can be opened with one hand. The sheath itself is well made and can carry your multi-tool in either opened or closed position to accommodate your needs. All Leatherman multi-tools come with a 25year warranty, and I can testify to their durability with my over 10year old Super Tool (and I do not baby these tools).
Alternatives:
Some may find the lack of scissors annoying; others may miss the awl/punch tool (raises hand). If you really want the scissors I recommend that you pick up the new Wave or Charge Ti multi-tool (identical tools, except the Charge Ti has titanium handles and a 154 CM clip point blade). If you don?t mind a larger and heavier tool, then there is the Surge, which includes both an awl and scissors. This is great for people who want to leave it in a briefcase or glove box where weight and size isn?t a big factor.
Closing:
I would like to thank everyone who read through my somewhat long-winded impressions/review, and if anyone has any questions I would be glad to answer them to the best of my ability. Of course I am also open to any comments.
Disclaimer:
This review is based on my personal experiences with the Leatherman Charge XTi. This is not a final or complete review as I have not been in possession of this product for a long enough period of time to formulate a truly meaningful enough opinion to constitute what I would label a ?final review?. So you may consider this a ?hand?s on preview? or ?initial thought?s? or something akin to this. During the course of this review I will frequently instruct the reader to examine photographs, which I myself have taken, to use as a visual references (all pictures were taken with a Nikon D70s). I will caution that there will be many such instances of this as I am a firm believer in providing good visual feedback (this is something I found lacking in other reviews while I was doing my research on this product). I am not now, nor have I ever been affiliated with Leatherman in any way.
Personal Background:
I was first introduced to Leatherman products in 1993. It was at that time I purchased my very first Leatherman, the PST. Roughly one year later I purchased the Leatherman Super Tool to replace my original PST after it was lost. The Super Tool offered a number of advances over the original PST, the main one being ?locking blades? and thusly for the purposes of this review the Super Tool will be the rough ?benchmark? to which the Charge XTi will be compared with.
Product Analysis:
The Leatherman Charge XTi & Charge Ti are two of Leatherman?s latest models. The
Ti in the name refers to titanium, and true enough both the Charge Ti and Charge XTi feature Titanium handles. The Charge Ti is identical to the ?new? Wave (2004) other then the fact that the Ti has Titanium handles with brass brushings, and a clip point blade made out of CM 154 steel. The Charge XTi differs from the Charge Ti and Wave models in that it includes two large bit drivers (instead of one) and in that it has a ?cutting hook? on it?s serrated blade. The Charge XTi also lacks scissors, which are included in both the Ti and Wave models. The Surge is basically a Wave (and therefore Charge Ti, minus the titanium and 154 CM steel clip point blade) on steroids. It includes both scissors and an awl, larger pliers and is about half an inch bigger and 4 ounces heavier.
What?s Included:
The Charge XTi comes in a somewhat plain yellow and black retail box. In the image below you can see it compared to the original retail box of the Leatherman Super Tool (which is now long since discontinued):
Boxes Compared
The suggested retail price of the Charge XTi is $124, making it (along with the Charge Ti), the most expensive tool offered by Leatherman. The street prices are somewhat lower if you shop around; still you are going to pay close to $100. In the lower right hand portion of the image below, you can still see the $58 price I paid for the Leatherman Super Tool at the Camp Pendleton PX. Keep in mind however this was over 10 years ago:
Boxes & Price
The Charge XTi is offered in either a stainless steel finish, or a dull black oxide finish. I am glad to see this as one complaint I had of the Super Tool was that it was initially only offered with the stainless steel ?chrome-like? finish (I prefer black). Below you will see an image of everything that is included with the Charge XTi:
Whats Included
From left to right, a black nylon sheath, the Charge XTi multi-tool, included double headed bits with holder, a detachable clip, and finally a lanyard ring.
As far as the sheath goes, Leatherman gives you your choice of either leather or a nylon sheath. Typically if you choose the black oxide finish you will get the nylon sheath, and if you choose the stainless finish you will get the leather sheath (however retailers do seem flexible if you prefer one or another sheath). The image below shows the nylon sheath of the Charge XTi compared to the leather sheath of the Super Tool:
Sheaths Compared
The nylon sheath has four compartments, one for the Charge XTi tool, one for the bit holder, and two extra compartments on each side of the main compartment for the multi-tool. I?ve seen many people use these compartments to carry a small penlight but they are not very big so you aren?t going fit anything much bigger then that in there. Still they are quite nice to have. Below is an image of the bit kit holder sliding into its compartment in the included nylon sheath:
Bit kit holder in sheath
The nylon sheath has a hole at the bottom in case you are using the pliers often and thusly prefer to carry the tool open to give you easy access. The image below illustrates the sheath carrying the XTi while open so the pliers are at the ready:
Pliers ready in Sheath
Also included is a detachable clip, which will allow you to carry the Charge XTi without a sheath. I find this to be a welcome addition and I will tell you why. In the field (hiking/camping) or in a casual environment (jeans) it is ?ok? to carry a multi-tool in its sheath attached to your belt. However there are times where it?s not, such as in a more formal ?suit and tie? business situation or there are times where you may not be wearing a belt at all. For these instances, the clip will come in very handy. In the image below you will see the Charge XTi with the included clip attached:
With Clip Attached
With the clip you can carry the Charge XTi inside of your trouser pockets and it?s barely noticeable (with darker trousers). Also included is a lanyard ring, which can be used to ?dummy cord? the tool. This may be handy while boating or other situations where you think you may be likely to drop your multi-tool. Here is a picture with the lanyard ring attached:
With Lanyard Ring
The standard double-sided bits, which are included, cover most of the typical situations you are likely to encounter. If you prefer a larger diversity of bits, then there is an optional bit kit, which adds quite a few more bits (more on this later). I think for the most part the standard kit covers what the average user will need. Here is a picture of the included bits and holder:
Included Bit Kit
Hands on impressions:
The Charge XTi is 4 inches long closed, and weights 8.3 ounces. It feels very well made and there is not much ?play? in the way the parts fit together. You can definitely tell it was assembled with very high tolerances and is a quality tool. Here we see the Charge XTi?s size compared to the larger Super Tool (which is roughly about 4.5 inches and 12.5 ounces, the same size as the current Leatherman Surge):
Size Comparison
The size difference doesn?t sound like much on paper, but in your pocket the Charge XTi weighs you down much less (pulls down on your trousers, ect). Here we see them both open:
Size Comparison 2
Comparing the sizes, I would say I would much rather carry the Charge XTi over the Super Tool on an everyday basis. The Charge XTi is also much nicer to hold because the titanium grips have a non-slip ?textured? finish on them in comparison to the slippery stainless steel of the Super Tool. See image below to examine the ?textured? finish of the Charge XTi more closely:
Textured grip
Overall I would say in terms of ?feel? I much prefer the Charge XTi to the Super Tool.
Pliers:
The trademark needle nose pliers have always been one of the most visually defining features of the Leatherman multi-tools. I rate them so highly that I actually prefer the pliers in a Leatherman multi-tool to a standard pair of pliers, that?s how good they are. They fit perfectly together and the tip is small and fine enough to work with very small objects. The following two images are of the Super Tool?s pliers and then the Charge XTi?s:
Super Tool Pliers
Charge XTi Pliers
They are both very similar, although there are some differences. You will notice the Charge XTi features a wire/blasting cap crimper just below the needle nose area of the pliers. The Super Tool also features a crimper, but it?s located below the entire plier head, where the handles lock together (if you look closely, you can make it out). I?ve never personally had much use for the crimper in any of the Leatherman?s I?ve owned, but that is just my personal experience and yours may well differ. For me the crimper in the Charge XTi?s jaws is somewhat a negative thing because it reduces the grip area of the pliers. Having said that, I?ve noticed no problems with reduced grip as of yet. I?ve used these pliers over the years for many tasks from changing car batteries that died unexpectedly to pulling out motherboard and hard drive jumper cables (very good for those places your hand is too small to reach), to loosening bolts (when I had no other tools available) to holding a metal pot over a hot campfire, to building an entire bicycle. Also in this same area, just above the ?joint? you will see the wire cutters. Here is a close up of the Super Tools wire cutter area:
Super Tool Wire Cutter
You will note that they are bent out of shape in some areas from trying to cut harder pieces of wire. I?ve used these before to cut wire clothes hangers, but they are not designed for this type of work and it shows. The new Charge XTi is said to have a ?hard wire cutter?, which is said to work with harder forms of wires, and even fish hooks. Take a look at the Charge XTi?s wire cutter area:
Charge XTi Wire Cutter
You will note that just above the Leatherman wording, is a recessed area, these are the ?hard wire cutters?, above that the regular wire cutters. I have not had a chance to personally test these, but they should prove very handy, still I do not think they will be up to the task of say a chain link fence. The Charge XTi also features more rounded handles so the pliers can be used without hurting your hands, although this was never really much of problem for me with the Super Tool, they do indeed feel more comfortable. Still with the larger size of the Super Tool?s pliers, I feel that I can exert more force then I can with the Charge XTi, a trade-off you make when deciding to carry a smaller tool. Should you wish for more robust pliers, you will have to go with the bigger Leatherman Surge.
Serrated Blade:
The Charge XTi features an all-new serrated edge blade with an integrated cutting hook near the tip. The serrated blade also has had it?s ?point or tip? bludgeoned to prevent accidents while cutting (I presume). Here is a picture comparing the Super Tools serrated edge to that of the Charge XTi:
Serrated Blades Compared
Despite the smaller size of the Charge XTi, the blade actually has a bigger cutting surface then that of the Super Tool. Notice the ?cutting hook?, which is said to be ideal for cutting seatbelts, fishing line, nylon cord, and I imagine, can also come in handy for skinning. The Charge XTi?s serrated edge can also be opened one handed, while the tool is closed, which certainly is a nice convenience. I will say that I do not like the fact that they removed the ?point? from the serrated edge, which seems to be a recent trend with multi-tools?perhaps catering to the needs of EMT?s and other emergency workers who need to use a serrated edge but want to minimize the risk of accidents. In my view a blade is a blade and it ?should? be a bit dangerous, then again perhaps I?m a bit archaic in my views. To me the serrated edge is the ?workhorse? blade that I use most of the time. I find typically the tearing/cutting action is just plain more efficient then a standard blade (which is why steak knives are serrated). I use the serrated blades to do everything from opening cardboard boxes to cutting rope, even opening mail. It?s my most often used blade.
Clip point blade:
The clip point blade of the Charge XTi is made of CM 154 steel. This basically means this blade is harder then just about any other type of blade you will find on similar multi-tools and thusly will hold an edge for longer. I never had trouble with my Super Tool not holding an edge, but then again I?m from the school of thinking that uses the serrated edge for most ?everyday cutting tasks? and saves the regular blade for more ?precise cutting? if I can help it. The Charge XTi?s blade is actually bigger then that of the Super Tool, once again despite the overall smaller size of the XTi. Here is a picture comparing both tools with blades out:
Clip Point Blades Compared
As with the serrated blade, the standard blade on the Charge XTi can be opened with one hand, while the tool is closed. It comes quite sharp from the factory and it does feel very purposeful. Overall I think the new harder steel is a very good improvement.
Bit Drivers:
The Charge XTi has two large bit drivers and a small one. These can hold anything from Phillips heads, flatheads, to hex to torx bits. Most standard bits that are out there you can find for the large bit drivers. Here is a picture of the large bit driver holding a flathead screwdriver bit:
Large Bit Driver
The small bit driver is for ?very small? type bits you would see in electronics and eyeglasses. Here is a picture of the small bit driver:
Small Bit Driver
Overall I do like the bit driver system and think it?s definitely more versatile then the other method of including 1 large Phillips head, one small Phillips, one large flathead, one small flathead, and one tiny flathead (these are what the Super Tool has). This approach is more customizable and lets you work with things that you didn?t have access to before. The standard bit kit is probably enough for the average person, while the optional bit kit goes the extra mile to ensure you have the right bit for almost any job.
Other miscellaneous tools:
Both the Charge XTi and Super Tool have a wood saw. As far as I can tell the saw in the Charge XTi is identical to the one in the over 10 year old Super Tool. Still they are fine for cutting of small pieces of wood, branches or bone. You are going to want something more ?heavy duty? to cut wood for your campfire or heavier work, needless to say. The diamond coated file on the XTi I will say is a major, major improvement to the one found on the Super Tool. It very easily files down metal and can be used in a pinch to sharpen lawnmower blades, camp axes, or even a machete. I?ve heard it also makes a great nail file, but I?m not going to test this personally. Here is a picture of the diamond-coated file on the Charge XTi:
Diamond-Coated File
Another change in the Charge XTi is the slightly redesigned can opener with a ?V? area. This ?V? serves as a wire stripper, although I have not had a chance to test it, it should prove relatively functional. The can opener itself I have used to open bottles of beer (which it does quite easily, better then the cheap plastic openers I see people carry around at parties) to opening canned food which I have also done while away from civilization. It?s not as ?neat? as a regular can opener, but it does the job. Here is a picture of the redesigned can opener:
Redesigned Can-Opener
No Awl, no Scissors:
One thing that I am not happy to see gone from the Charge XTi, which is present in the Super Tool, is the awl/punch tool. This is basically a very sturdy piece of metal with a pointed end. It?s not sharp so there is no fear of cutting yourself. This fairly simple tool is quite useful I have found for many things. It can be used as a ?mini pry bar?, it can punch holes in thin sheets of metal or wood, it can be used to push out pins while assembling or disassembling firearms (or similar objects), used to open lids from paint cans, prying open wooden crates and many other ?makeshift? fuctions. Here is a picture of the awl found on the Leatherman Super Tool:
Awl
One other thing the Charge XTi is missing is scissors. Personally I?ve never owned a Leatherman multi-tool with scissors, and my point of view has usually been that if it can be done with scissors it can also be done with a knife. Still I can see this being a useful addition and if you want it you?ll need to purchase the Charge Ti or Wave instead of XTi.
Extras:
Available as an option for roughly $20, you can purchase the Leatherman Bit Kit, which includes quite a few additional bits. It comes in a box that is identical to the one the Charge XTi came with, other then the fact that it is labeled ?Bit Kit?. See picture below:
Optional Bit Kit Box
Here in the following picture you will see the included bits, their holders, and the standard nylon sheath that you get when you purchase this accessory:
Bit Kit Accesory
While not a necessity for most people, it will be a welcome addition for those who frequently like to ?tinker? and do things like upgrading Tivo?s or taking apart OEM computer cases and you get the idea.
Overall Assessment:
I think there is no question that the Charge XTi is a very robust and well-made tool. It feels great in your hand to hold and use. It?s non-slip titanium handles have a quality that has to be ?felt? in order to be truly appreciated. They just feel ?right? in your hand, that is the best way I can explain it. I am not clear if this is because of the titanium itself or because of the ?non-slip? finish, however I?m inclined to think that at least part of it is due to the titanium. The new cutting hook and 154 CM steel blade both seem to be worthwhile if not quite revolutionary additions. The Charge XTi is compact, light and very easy to carry and use all day. It can be clipped to the inside of your trousers without a sheath, and carried very discretely. Every tool on the Charge XTi locks positively in place while in use, and unlocks easily. When the tool is closed you have easy access to both the clip point blade and serrated blades, both of which can be opened with one hand. The sheath itself is well made and can carry your multi-tool in either opened or closed position to accommodate your needs. All Leatherman multi-tools come with a 25year warranty, and I can testify to their durability with my over 10year old Super Tool (and I do not baby these tools).
Alternatives:
Some may find the lack of scissors annoying; others may miss the awl/punch tool (raises hand). If you really want the scissors I recommend that you pick up the new Wave or Charge Ti multi-tool (identical tools, except the Charge Ti has titanium handles and a 154 CM clip point blade). If you don?t mind a larger and heavier tool, then there is the Surge, which includes both an awl and scissors. This is great for people who want to leave it in a briefcase or glove box where weight and size isn?t a big factor.
Closing:
I would like to thank everyone who read through my somewhat long-winded impressions/review, and if anyone has any questions I would be glad to answer them to the best of my ability. Of course I am also open to any comments.
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