Leatherman 830684 Charge TTi Multi-Tool with Leather/Nylon Combination Sheath and Gift Tin

by Leatherman

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

Charge's pliers have been redesigned to handle 133% more squeezing load.
Charge's locks are 50% stronger than Leatherman's original tools.
Bronze bushings make the interior tools smooth and quick to open. selection to fit any activity and the Charge sheath allows you to carry the additional bits anywhere you go.
The TTi clip-point blade is crafted from S30V stainless steel, which offers an optimal combination of edge retention, flexibility and hardness. The handle is made from ultra-light, super-strong titanium.
The Leatherman Charge TTi packs a knife blade with one of the longest and strongest cutting edges of any multi-tool on the market today.
The Charge TTi and ALX are the first multitools with a cutting hook that slices through seat belts and linoleum just as easily as leather or canvas

When it comes to multitools, there’s one brand that stands out from the rest: Leatherman. The name is synonymous with quality and innovation, and each successive generation of Leatherman tools improves upon the last. Sticking with its tradition of pushing the design envelope, Leatherman introduces the Charge TTi, a high-end, ultra-compact multitool featuring titanium handles. If you’re looking to carry the best of what Leatherman has to offer, the TTi is for you.

The Charge Family
The Charge TTi is part of a broader line of Leatherman multitools bearing the Charge name. Originally, the Charge line consisted of the Ti and the XTi, two high-end tools whose major distinguishing characteristic was having handles made from titanium. For 2007, Leatherman has added three new members to the Charge family: the TTi, the ALX, and the AL. As you might expect, the TTi is an upgraded version of the Ti and XTi. The AL and ALX, meanwhile, come with handles made from 6061 T6 aluminum, an ultra-light and super-strong material used in aircraft construction. There are also minor variations among the tools included in each unit. We’ll discuss those shortly.

Leatherman has added several key design elements to all of these gorgeous new Charge tools. For instance, the knife blades are bigger and wider to give you more cutting edge. The pliers can withstand 133% higher squeezing load than Leatherman’s original tools, enabling a tighter hold for tough jobs. You’ll never have to worry about the Charge coming unhinged, either, thanks to a 50% increase in lock strength. Multiple bit drivers also are a standard feature, and each tool has bronze bushings at the hinges to make opening components a snap.

Titanium vs. Aluminum
You may be asking whether you want to buy titanium or aluminum. Although both offer superior durability and strength, titanium has an edge in both departments. Titanium is also slightly lighter than aluminum, so it would be a good choice if weight is a major concern. However, titanium also costs more, which is something to factor in if saving .2 ounces doesn’t matter.

The Charge TTi
The TTi supplants the XTi as Leatherman’s top-of-the-line multitool. Not only is the TTi .10 ounces lighter than the XTi, but it also packs an S30V stainless steel knife that delivers an optimal combination of edge retention, flexibility, and hardness. This is an upgrade from the XTi’s 154CM steel knife, which previously was the highest grade knife you could get from Leatherman (incidentally, Leatherman outfitted the Charge ALX and AL come with 154CM blades, an upgrade from the standard 420 series knife). The TTi also has a crimper and a cutting hook. The crimper is an ideal accessory for anyone working with electrical wires or metals, while the hook is a fantastic addition for those who need to be ready for emergency situations.

The TTi combines the features of the ALX and the AL into a single package (There is one small exception: the ALX is the only Charge to have two large bit drivers.). For example, if you’re looking at the ALX or the AL you’l! l have to choose whether you want a cutting hook or scissors, because neither has both (the ALX has a cutting hook while the AL has scissors). If you think you might need a cutting and scissors in the same multitool, then you should strongly consider the TTi. Full TTi specs:

• Titanium handles (exclusive to TTi)
• Needlenose pliers
• Regular pliers
• Wire cutters
• Hard-wire cutters
• S30V Clip-point knife (exclusive to TTi)
• Saw
• Serrated knife
• Wood/metal file
• Diamond-coated file
• Scissors
• Large bit driver
• Small bit driver
• 9 double-end bits
• Ruler (8 inch)
• Bottle/can opener
• Wire stripper
• fixed lanyard ring
• Quick-release lanyard ring
• Removable pocket clip

All three Charge iterations come with a either a nylon or a Leather/Nylon combination premium sheath. Sheaths will carry the tools in their open or closed position. An inside back pocket holds Charge's included bits and has room for a full Bit Kit (sold separately) giving you up to 42 bits to choose from. Don't want to wear a sheath? Then clip your Charge to your jacket, backpack or car's visor with the removable pocket clip. Or, choose the quick-release lanyard ring. With it, you're able to safely keep the tool on any lanyard and detach it quickly when you need it.

What's in the Box
Leatherman Charge TTi multitool, leather/nylon combination sheath, 8 double ended drill and screw bits, removable pocket clip, quick-release lanyard ring

The Leatherman Story
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 engineer 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.

From the Manufacturer

The TTI clip point blade is crafted from S30V stainless steel. The lightweight corrosion resistant TTI handles are crafted from premium alloyed titanium. Charge TTI has a cutting hook that slices through seat belts and linoleum just as easily as leather or canvas. Multiple bit drivers let you customize your bit selection to fit any activity. All-locking blades are easy to use and over 50-Percent stronger that our original locks; 25-year warranty

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 10 x 2 x 8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B000LGBPZC
• Item model number: 830684
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (101 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #475 in Home Improvement (See Top 100 in Home Improvement)
  • #17 in Home Improvement > Power & Hand Tools > Hand Tools > Multitools & Accessories > Multitools
  • #99 in Home Improvement > Contractor Supply

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

207 of 207 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very good multi-tool if this is what you need. Make sure it's what you need though., June 7, 2007

By 

Steven (Colorado, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Leatherman 830684 Charge TTi Multi-Tool with Leather/Nylon Combination Sheath and Gift Tin (Misc.)

I have owned a few Leatherman multi-tools in the past. The last Leatherman I purchased was the New Wave. I am going to compare the Charge TTi with the New Wave.

Unfortunately my New Wave was stolen, but I know that tool very well. I owned the Tactical New Wave, which was oxidized in black. Functionally the Charge TTi and the New Wave are very similar, except for a few subtle differences. Keep in mind I am talking about functionality, not material or aesthetics. Actually as far as the tool is concerned the only real difference functionally is that the Charge TTi has a cutting hook on the serrated knife and the New Wave doesn't. Also the Charge TTi has a crimper. Really that's it as far as the actual multi-tool goes. Most other tools are identical. The Charge TTi does come with 6 additional bits (which means 12 additional tools). Both multi-tools have a large and small bit driver. For about $12.00 you can get 21 double-ended bits that will work for either the Charge or the New Wave. I would list all of the other tools, but Amazon already does that.

One big difference is the material. The reason one might get the Charge TTi is because it's handles are made with titanium and the main blade is made with S30V stainless steal, which is a much higher quality steel then the New Waves 420HC stainless and also better then 154CM stainless on the other versions of the Charge (AL, ALX, Ti). In fact, S30V is some of the best steel you can get on hunting knives and multi-tools today. Also the Charge TTi is supposed to be more durable then Leathermans other multi-tools. Another benefit is that with the Charge TTi you get 6 additional double-ended bits which easily fit inside of the included sheath. Finally the Charge TTi just looks better in my opinion. That's no big deal though because I look for function before I look for aesthetics.

Really it comes down to what you need. If you're just a recreational user then I would recommend the New Wave. It's much cheaper then the Charge TTi and is almost just as functional. You don't get the additional bits or the cutting hook but you're not missing too much. I very rarely need to use any of the additional bits that came with the Charge TTi. Also, even though S30V is far superior then 420HC you probably wont care too much. You can always sharpen the New Wave if you need to. However if you're an industrial user and you rely on your multi-tool heavily on a daily basis then I would recommend the Charge TTi. You will really appreciate the much higher quality S30V and you will probably get more use out of the additional bits. Also the additional strength of the Charge TTi is definitely a plus. This tool gets 5 stars because it's flawless. It does cost a bit more, but what do you expect when you're buying a multi-tool that has titanium handles and a blade with one of the highest grade stainless steels available today? Try pricing other blades that have S30V stainless, they aren't cheap! If I wouldn't have found such a great deal on the Charge TTi then I wouldn't hesitate to pick up another New Wave. This is an amazing tool but make sure it's what you really need.

39 of 40 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A handyman's dream, February 3, 2009

By 

Trenton Talbot (Atlanta, GA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Leatherman 830684 Charge TTi Multi-Tool with Leather/Nylon Combination Sheath and Gift Tin (Misc.)

I've carried a multitool (SOG, Gerber, Vix, Leatherman) every day for the last 17 years. What you see here is the best multitool Leatherman ever made. Steven wrote a great review, so I'll skip that part and point out a few moments that might be important for you.

- Amazon suggests that you buy a Quick-Release Pocket Clip and Lanyard Ring along with this item. Don't do it, those are already included.

- First accessory that I recommend is the Leatherman 934870 40 Bit Assortment with Nylon Sheath. Use it to fill up included "trial size" clip with the most useful bits.

- Second accessory is the new flashlight from the same company, a Leatherman 831062 Serac 2-LED Flashlight. It fits perfectly into elastic side compartment of the Charge's sheath. And it's darn bright!

Now, the most common complaint about Charge is that the tools are too hard to get out of the handle. No big deal, just find some security (hollow core) T-10 torx drivers, heat up the handles with the heat gun (on Low setting!) or a hair dryer, and loosen those screws a little bit. Or just send it to the Leatherman for a tune-up, it's free anyways..

Another hint: if you are using a cutting hook a lot (as I do), a Dremel 453 chainsaw sharpener will help re-sharpen it in no time. Perfect fit.

40 of 42 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A beautiful tool in an Industrialist kind of way...., July 9, 2008

By 

Sergio Brown - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Leatherman 830684 Charge TTi Multi-Tool with Leather/Nylon Combination Sheath and Gift Tin (Misc.)

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.