r/multitools • u/Supyllic • 4d ago
Leatherman Wave or Gerber MP600? Recommendation Request
I have a feeling many will say leatherman but if you had the option to buy the gerber new for $50 CAD would you rather take that over the wave? Wondering what peoples experience with the gerber is as well since I’m seeing mixed reviews on quality and longevity.
(PS. I don’t have the REI deal that was posted because I am in CAD otherwise I would’ve bought it by now lol)
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u/jakesully2023 4d ago edited 4d ago
Once I have a Gerber mp600 made in the USA, it's well made, but the suit of tools are limited , then I lost it, I try to get a new one but mostly I found was made in China, don't know why, so I decide to buy a Leatherman wave, no doubt, it's a better multitool and with stronger wire cutters
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u/JFL-7 4d ago
This is easy. If you see yourself using the pliers the most often, the MP600 is a great option. Pliers are quick and snappy. If you tend to use the knife blade (or file or saw) the most, Wave all the way.
I carried a Gerber for years, but I eventually switched for quick knife access. I think Leatherman quality is also better overall, but not by a lot. It's really about those outside access tools for me.
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u/Born-Ad1885 4d ago edited 3d ago
gerber is more reliable than leatherman (no need to be afraid that the frame will break). my leatherman has a defect: the teeth of the saw are not symmetrical. wave is more comfortable but mp600 is very reliable. also like the fact that I can adjust the oil pump screw on my chainsaw with a pro scout/mp400 screwdriver, which the wave can't. i have a lot of mp600/400/pro scout and manufacturing flaws are present in both american and chinese models, but overall mp600 is a solid multitool.
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u/snowfox_my 4d ago
Own several Leathermans (Wave, Wave +, Signal, Supertool).
End up carrying a Gerber MP600 (issued. Made in U.S,A of course) as my EDC, based on my usage pattern, I use the pliers alot.
Recommend
Just grab what is readily available, and prepare to adapt and change as you go.
Wave (in its various configuration, although biased to the very first version) is not bad. Wave pinch is very real and occurs when you least expect it.
Leatherman blades is not bad, but I prefer a delicate blade.
My Gerber MP600 has it's blade removed, to allow me to bring into certain areas, where knifes are not allowed.
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u/misterstaypuft1 3d ago
If the price was identical I’d choose the leatherman.
But the leatherman isn’t worth that much more than the mp600 in my opinion so I’d go with whichever one you get a deal on.
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u/Affectionate_Nail593 3d ago
The Gerber has really short tools and the double handle make it hard to get into tight spaces. Pliers are not comfortable to use and faster to deploy but that's the only real advantage that I've found.
I prefer the Leatherman for the ability to fold out one handle. This feels more natural to me when using the screwdrivers. It's also nice to not have to deploy the pliers to use literally any other tool like you have to with the Gerber.
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u/Efficient-Celery2319 3d ago
I carry a knife anyway so the MP600 is an easy decision for me. The bluntnose version is great to work on motorcycles with.
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u/sleepdog-c 4d ago
Made in China Gerber is not great. You'll hear the phrase "buy once, cry once" with expensive tools. It points out that you'll cry often with a cheaper tool and less often with a better made tool.
However, especially with Leatherman you don't have to buy a brand new tool. Their warranty doesn't ask for proof of purchase. And you can likely find a wave for half price or less, if you look.