Customer Reviews

Leatherman 830032 Blast Multitool with Leather Sheath

5 star:		(77)
4 star:		(18)
3 star:		(7)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(8)

 

 

If you're thinking about either this tool or the Wave, read on. I promise you'll find some answers in this review.

I will be comparing it to the Wave since I have some experience with it as well.

1. Appearance and size - The Blast weights a little less, but not by a much. It is about as heavy as you would want a pocket carry tool to be. Flat edges when folded so it won't tear fabric. If you will be carrying your tool in a pocket with no sheath, the Wave has some uneven edges. They aren't so much jagged, but just not flat. The Blast is a better tool for this.

2. The pliers - Strong and functional. You won't find many multi-tool pliers that are bigger or better, except maybe on SOG tools. They are identical to the pliers on the Wave. I do find the Blast pliers more comfortable to use, and I think it's because of the Zytel handles. For those of you who don't know, they are NOT spring loaded. I've seen reviewers complain about this before.

3. The tools - On the Wave, there are outside accessible tools (straight edge blade, serrated blade, saw, and file). That is the biggest difference. The Blast has all of the same tools throughout EXCEPT for the serrated blade and a second bit driver, and you must open the tool to use them. While it can be a useful feature to swing a knife open with one hand (Wave), I don't find it to be a necessity, and I don't miss having a serrated knife.

Another difference is that bit driver. The Blast has dedicated screwdrivers, which are stronger and more versatile, in a sense. While you can swap out several different bits on the Wave without buying the attachment required for the Blast (see optional accessories on the Blast's product page), they are much shorter with no extension and that never helps when dealing with recessed screws, etc. The Blast has a little more reach, and I've always been partial to "real" screwdrivers than removable bits. Not to say the bits don't work, but the actual screwdrivers feel better to me. The Blast has a standard sized Philips screwdriver along with a large flat and small(er) flat. The Wave only has the large dedicated flat screwdriver. They all work excellently for 90% of the jobs most people need it for.

Both tools have an extra small bit driver. Works excellently for small electronic items or eyeglasses.

Scissors, file, can/bottle opener- Well, there isn't much to say here. All are standard for multi-tools of this size. The files are adequate, the scissors are meant for very light duty jobs, and I've had no issues with the bottle opener. They all work fine and I wouldn't buy a tool without any one of them.

Ruler - By far and away, I prefer this ruler to the one on the Wave. Here, the rulers (one side has inches, the other has cm) are on the large part of the handles and it is easy to read. The Wave's ruler is etched on the small part of the handles, right next to where the tools hide. Very small print and I just don't like it. For most, the ruler isn't a deal-breaker, but I thought I would mention it.

Other - Amazon did another exceptional job on this sale. I received the item quickly and it came in the standard difficult to open Leatherman packaging. The tool can be a bit stiff overall, but nothing is too hard to get access to. I really appreciate that all of the blades are locking. No issues there.

Bottom line: You won't find a better price anywhere else for a tool that can do what the Blast does. It looks good, isn't too large, and has come in handy a few times when I've been without a full set of tools. It is a perfect glove box or console companion and is just the right size to be carried around daily, whether at work or play. You won't feel it on your belt but you'll notice it in your hands. The included leather sheath is of normal quality and made in Mexico. I really like this tool and feel confident recommending it or giving it as a gift. It lacks very little in the way of functionality compared to the Wave but has a noticeably better price tag.

Thanks for reading and I hope this assists in your decision making.

When I set out to buy a multi tool, I knew I wanted a Leatherman. It was a difficult choice between the Blast and the Wave but I chose the Blast and I'm happy I did. Here's why. The screwdriver. The screwdriver on the Wave is short and stumpy with a bit. Great if the screw is right out in the open, but how often does that happen? The Blast has long, narrow screwdrivers that fit into snug places just fine. The Wave also has outside accesible blades and saws which is nice but I like having the pliers open, and all the tools being right there should I need them. The Blast feels great as well. The grip is comfortable and everything just feels solid. As for the locking mechanism, no problems here. It just comes down to preferance I think and either way, you buy a Leatherman and you won't be dissapointed. I carry my Blast with me everywhere I go. I use it from everything from fixing my kids bikes to clipping coupons for my wife. Any chance to use it, I take advantage of. Long live Leatherman!

I got this as a present for Christmas of 2005. This is one of the best multi-tools on the market. Along with knives and plier heads, it also has a saw blade, screwdriver heads, and many other bits.

I am in the U.S. Army. Numerous Soldiers, who need a compact multi-tool, personally buy different varieties of Leathermans .

This is definitely worth getting.

This is not my first multi-tool but it is my first Leatherman and I am really impressed. It's just an excellent, high quality, well made tool. Every feature is top notch and I find the lock/blade feature for every tool extremely desirable. I would recommend this tool to anyone.

This is the third Leatherman I've owned and will never buy a different brand multi-tool. Don't pay any attention to people saying that the lock mechinisim breaks. It breaks because they forget to press it down when trying to close one of the tools that are locked into place and end up forcing them closed rather than stopping to think that they have a tool that locks. They broke their tool, the tool didn't break due to poor craftmanship.

Without a doubt, my husband uses this tool every day in one way or another. I have never heard a single complaint, and it fits easily into his pocket and rests on his night stand when not in the jeans he is wearing. I've asked for help fixing things on several occasions, and his pulling out the multi-tool has helped us on two different moves. I highly recommend this product, as we both LOVE this leatherman.

I had researched a few "multi-tools", and knew that Leatherman products cost more than the rest. However, the details in the tools make it worth the cost, if you can afford it. Definitely one of those "you get what you pay for". If you need a tool you won't replace soon, this is it.

Leatherman says that they offer fast warranty service. They are not kidding! This Leatherman Blast was shipped to LTG on a Wednesday because a tool had broken off and a repaired tool was received in the mail on the following Monday! No forms to fill out. No receipt to send in. Just sent the Leatherman and received it back in less than a week. Kudos to Leatherman for absolutely excellent warranty service.

I purchased this Leatherman to keep in our small travel trailer for use when a number of tools such as screw drivers, knifes, etc. were not handy but needed for small jobs while camping, etc. Actually, my wife suggested we replace a number of tools rattling around in trailer and car with one tool. We settled on the Blast because it had the basic tools we found we usually needed and the price was reasonable. So far my wife has used it a number of times and says it was a good idea so if she is happy then I am happy. I have 2 other Leatherman tools and have always found them to be satisfactory in every way.

I bought mine primarily for backpacking & camping trips but I leave it in my glove box at other times so it's with me pretty much all the time. It is a very sturdy and well made tool, everything just feels solid. The blade is razor sharp, literally. Any time I'm doing projects around the house I make sure to have this thing on my belt and I'm always glad I have it. I would absolutley buy this product again and I have recommended it to a few people looking for something similar.