Leatherman 830684 Charge TTi with Leather Sheath and Gift Tin

The Leatherman phenomenon began in 1975 when founder Tim Leatherman embarked on a trip across Europe and the Middle East in a cranky Fiat. Leatherman, an enginee! r by training, became so fed up with breakdowns and other hassles that he fashioned a prototype of what he called a Pocket Survival Tool out of cardboard. Two years later the first PST was born in his basement, and the rest is history. Today the Leatherman company produces dozens of different multitools, knives, pruners, and accessories, and is recognized across the world for its cutting edge designs and superior quality.

Leatherman 830684 Charge TTi with Leather Sheath and Gift Tin What’s in the Box
Leatherman Charge TTi multitool, leather carrying case, 8 double ended drill and screw bits, removable pocket clip, quick-release lanyard ring

Leatherman 830684 Charge TTi with Leather Sheath and Gift Tin Review

It was a tough choice choosing a multi-tool. If you didn’t know already just about everyone makes them these days. The prices of these tools range from $30-$150. I had one of the original styles of Leatherman (The kind that you had to open the pliers to get at any of the tools.) It was durable and I like the idea of supporting a US manufacturing company so I set out to buy another. The two that I was considering was the Skeletool and the Charge TTi. This model looked like it had about everything and it’s a good feeling to get the one that has it all. The Skeletool looked very cool but I didn’t think I could “live with less” or however their new slogan goes. The TTi was only about 3 more ounces in weight and came with a much better knife and tool set.

Reading the reviews of this tool made me laugh. There was everything from flimsy construction reviews to “The tool was missing the saw.” After receiving the tool and using it for a month I can say that everything was included as listed and the tool is truly a marvel of engineering and workmanship (I LOVE the unique feel of the titanium body). These tools have come a long way from the original tools and the way each tool locks into place and how each piece works together is unbelievable.

I think were many people make the mistake with a Leatherman is that they are expecting the refined nature of a Victorinox Swiss Army knife or something similar. With a Leatherman the blades and tools are not polished to a mirror finish. They are punched out of very high-grade steel and run though a rock shaker for a couple of days to knock the unwanted metal hunks off. The Leatherman reminds me of what a soviet Cold-War era knock-off of a Swiss Army knife would look like… not nearly as pretty but probably more functional and sturdy.

My new Charge TTi is beautiful in its own Industrialist way. If you are looking for a museum showpiece of a knife I suggest going another rout. If you are worried about the quality of this tool you can buy with confidence; barring abuse, this thing will likely be around longer than you will! I have already used it may times and while camping it was particularly useful. A multi-tool will never replace even a small toolbox, but when they are the only option, it’s a very good item to have.

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