Having pinched my hand while using the pliers on the Wave, I wanted to thank you for pointing out the design flaw. It is something that you don't forget. Thanks for the unbiased review.
This was an outstanding review. I appreciate your lack of bias in comparing a "quality" multitool with a "cheap" multitool. We don't all need a heavy-duty lifetime multitool, and we aren't all interested in flashing the Leatherman or other high-end name, so an affordable option such as this is really exciting. The thoroughness of your review and your obvious surprise at the quality of the Ozark Trail product was great! I am new to your channel and look forward to your long-term use review of this tool. Tomorrow, I'm heading to WalMart :)
Curious as to why you put quality and cheap in quotes as if he implied either or that one or the other isn't cheap or quality. It's also Curious as to how your making assumptions on cheap and quality when the Ozark has virtually zero long term use, and you stated that you don't need or want a lifetime tool... which is what leatherman advertises. I also wonder how long the Ozarks warranty is for. Also wonder how much the 6 year old girl who made it got paid? Could just say "thank you for an in depth review for those of us who prefer cheap Chinese knock offs"
@@imjustheretogrill4794 ??? Leatherman wave is made in Portland Oregon homie. If you claim that it's made in China, provide proof or your just blowing smoke. I'll wait.
@@SuperSteelSteve Leatherman had a fairly Public law suit for false advertising in the 2000s or early 2010s due to them using parts from outside the US. This violated the legal definition of “Made in the USA” which is why that marking was removed from affected tools in California. Additionally, some of their sheaths and bit kits are made overseas. The main parts of their tools are assembled in the US. However, Leatherman has looked at overseas plants before and may soon open one for their lower end items and accessories.
Very informative! I never knew that I could carry the ozark sideways rather than vertically. I restore log homes and work on cars sometimes and the multi force has been a solid tool for many rough applications. I have had no problems with everyday use for about 4 or 5 months. I am very pleased with this tool.thank you for a very detailed review.
I'll never drop $100 for a multi-tool. I'm not that guy. I also always carry a good knife blade with me so the blades on my multi-tool are more for the rough dirty work and don't need to be works of art. This is the absolute perfect multi-tool for my situation and I think it will be for a lot of people in similar situations. I'm really encouraged to see it compares so well with a quality item like the Wave. To the folks concerned about copying... this is what companies do. It's why I can get a good quality insulated water bottle for a fourth of the cost of what my early edition Hydro-Flask cost in the day, it's the reason why I can get generic medications that are cheaper when I get sick. I'm sure Leatherman has taken ideas from other companies before and ya know what, as long as they abide by patent laws, it's totally fine that these companies do so. Who wins is the consumer. You want the genuine Leatherman, I get it. It's why my shotgun is a genuine Browning. But I'm so glad our patent laws work in such a way that eventually (in this case, what, 25 years after the original Wave?) the 'rest of us' can eventually get good quality ideas after the originators of those ideas have had time to profit off of them.
I think the points that you brought up are what is going to appeal to a lot of different people. Unless you use a multi tool for an extended period of time, $100 and up seems quite exuberant to spend on this type of tool. For guys like me though, the higher price multi tools are absolutely worth their money.
Same here.. I’ve got no issue dropping a couple hundred on a good knife if I like it but a blade covers most of my needs and multis are just too heavy or bulky for a pocket, hence why I moved on from SAKs.. I do keep an old leatherman in my backpack toolkit (for motorcycles) but it’s mostly for the pliers and more brute force kinda tasks so I just don’t feel like spending real money on one at this point. I wouldn’t even carry the leatherman if I hadn’t found it in the road lol.. it’s actually a long discontinued and kinda sought after model. The sideclip. I’ll bet someone was pissed. It wasn’t even mangled yet.. might have been run over once. Clip is a little messed up and the tip was broken off the blade. No other damage. I had a local knife place reprofile the blade for $10 because I didn’t trust that leatherman would send the same one back if I sent it in. Been discontinued since 04 or something
I spent $89 on a Gerber Diesel and I swear it was all janky and felt cheap all over. I have it to my friends who needed a multitool for their new house. I legit still use a 1995 Leatherman PST I’ve kept in pristine shape. It’s quality.. 25 years later still looks and functional as day one. The knife is hair splitting sharp and I just occasionally put some Tuf-Glide and wipe it down and get it in all the pivot areas and it’s been a great tool. Leatherman and Victorinox are worth the money. Gerber and SOG have been let downs for me.
Great review! I bought one several months go! I ended up buying two more. One to keep in the car and one to always have at wok. The Multiforce is a great tool and at a great price!
Thank you for making this Ben! Nice, thorough look at the differences in design between the two. Lots of improvements too. I am pretty impressed with this. Gonna try and get one in Australia. Fair game on the design. The Wave pattern has expired, which is why Leatherman went with the Free P2 and P4 tools. If anything, this proves that Leatherman should have stayed with the Wave platform, instead of releasing the Free tools. The Ozark Trail Multiforce addresses quite a few of the Wave and Charge issues users have pointed out over the years. And the Multiforce does so with very decent quality too. I am much more interested in the Multiforce than the mixed bag that are the Free tools. For the price, I'd say the Multiforce is a better buy.
I was really impressed with how they changed some things around on the Wave design. The outside implements opening from the opposite end is key I think.
Thank you so much for this review. I had an older wave I got at Costco over a decade ago. I left it in my desk drawer in my office on the ship, and one day it grew legs.. I looked up the wave+ and couldn't stomach the price to replace mine at ~$120. Mind you I had a sheath, extension, and bits. Knowing I can replace it with a similar tool for $40 makes it a lot easier pill to swallow. I'll see if the local waldrug has one and then hunt for some budget double sided bits with ball detent. Thanks again! -Jake
This is the best review for the Multiforce out there. I never needed a Multitool, but have my Pop's Multitool cause he just passed away last month. It's a Leatherman Supertool from September 1997. I always have tools in my truck and at home. Your review was so intricate, that if I see this tool tomorrow when I go to Walmart, I'll have to pick one up. Thanx for the video my Brother 👍 ⚔️ ✝️ 🇺🇲
Bought the wave this week, visiting Iowa for my work ,coming from the Netherlands (€150) it was a bargain. Your video’s, nostalgia and honoring the company that started Letherman (bought it at cabelas Omaha) helped that decision. Hope it is made in US, as I can not find that in the packaging or on the tool itself. Thanks for being so productive with your video’s.
The Wave is a great tool. It is mostly made in the USA. Couple of the parts are outsourced from different countries, and then it is completed in Oregon.
Very fair and informative review. Loved that even though you're a Wave fan you were willing to point out positives about the Ozark (Example not crushing wire or pinching fingers). You didn't just gush about the Wave and bash the low cost offering. Nicely done. *I'm also a wave owner/fan :)
I just bumped into this tool online and could immediately tell it wasn't your typical cheap multi-tool. I don't need anymore multi-tools but this one intrigued me
Thank you a lot for this video and I already got my multi force, I did a little modification that is really easy to do, I dropped 1mm x 2mm magnet inside the bit extender and know I can use almost any kind of bits, I did not have to out any glue just drop the magnet and done, I really love it, is very friendly to make modifications. In my opinion similar to the wave but also different.
Thanks for the in depth review. I ended up buying the OT Multiforce after seeing your vid and how well it stacks up against the Wave. I was looking for another MT that had some features my Leatherman Wingman was missing and this one fit the bill. Being on a budget made this a no brainer. It’s pretty impressive. I think I could even use this as my go to if needed. It’s that good and I can’t believe I’d ever say that about a Walmart tool but here it is. For $37, this has got to be the best budget MT out there and it’s probably safe to say it would hold its own against some that cost considerably more from bigger brands.
Your video was a pleasant surprise ... Imagine for a person who lives in Brazil how expensive a Leatherman is ... The minimum wage of a worker here is 210 dollars, and the average salary of the Brazilian is 469 dollars. We need tools that can stay within budget ... A Leatherman Wave here in Brazil is around 280 dollars, and the Ozark Trail multi tool will arrive here with shipping for 52 dollars ... Thanks for the video
Unfortunately I will be without the tool, which site only has 12 in 1 for international shipping ... A pity ... What could you tell me about these models that have shipping to Brazil ... Mossy Oak 21 In 1 for $ 30 ... Workpro 15 in 1 kit with 3 pieces for $ 45 ... Ganzo g301b or g302b for $ 52 and $ 55 ... If you can help me what would be the best cost benefit
- Mossy Oak 21 In 1 for $30. - Workpro 15 in 1 kit with 3 pieces for $45. - Workpro 15 in1 all stainless steel for $45 - Ganzo g301b for $52 - Ganzo g302b for $55. - Nextool Xiaomi Black 10 in 1 for $31 - Nextool Xiaomi 15 in 1 for $43 - Roxon s801s for $66 - Roxon Spark for $40. - Gerber BG for $25. Detex 14 in 1 for $20. Values with delivery to my residence in Brazil
Glad you liked it. I am going to try to work some of these other models in with time. I am back to work right now after the Covid restrictions have been lifted, so it might be a while before I can get to them.
Looks like a really solid tool, I like how the edges around the thumb holes look to be rounded off, my Leatherman wave had terribly sharp edges that I had to round off myself as it was extremely uncomfortable. The 8cr13mov steel is also nice to see, despite typically being considered a cheap budget steel, it has a higher carbon content than 420hc resulting in better edge retention and has better overall strength and toughness. With Leatherman's new exorbitant prices, if I ever lose my wave I will likely be going for the multiforce.
Honestly didn't know this existed until today. For the price, even if it isn't quite as good as the Wave, Surge, Charge, etc I think it'll be worth buying, as I work in an environment where it is possible to drop my tools and never be able to recover 'em. I'm gonna check this out.
8cr13mov is generally considered a mid-tier budget steel, while 420HC is generally low tier budget. The exception would probably be for Buck's 420hc. The heat treat for their 420hc is highly praised. As long as you are at least told what the steel is, it will generally always be better than companies that only say "stainless steel" or "surgical stainless".
I picked one up. It’s not bad at all. I tested it in many ways, and for the price it’s a good value. Initial impression very favorable. Thanks for this great review.
Great review. I was looking for a multitool to throw in the glove compartment of my car but I couldn't justify the price of a leatherman. For my use I'm sure the multiforce will do just fine.
i picked this thing up at Walmart today sir after watching this here review. i am rather impressed. it has some quality a lot better than some gerbers. reminds me of the bibury 21 in 1 it has a better finish than the bibury i gave it to my son hes been using it for car stereo installation work. i cant imagine needing anything more for small jobs like that
I'm still gonna save up for a Leatherman but I love this review because I could buy the Ozark now and not be without a multitool for my back pack. It's not a bad substitute.
Leathermans are great and you should buy one as your main multi tool but there is nothing wrong with having several multi tools for stashing in vehicles or bug out bags etc. I use my multi tools for so many different tasks from pulling out cactus spines with the pliers when dirt biking to wiring computers to hammering. Basically it’s a poor tool for almost everything but it’s way better than nothing! And that’s the thing, they are not the ideal tool most of the time but having one gets you by better than not having one.
Got one - nice! The double sided bit works well with the Leatherman extended bit adapter as well. Can't be pushed too far down like single sided bits and fits just tight enough.
I haven’t had a chance to use mine because I’ve been working so much, but I think overall the wave is still going to be the better option. The wave just has a better fit and finish. I will say that I do like that design quite a bit though.
That is an excellent question. For most people that answer is probably no, but for me as a long time Leatherman user, I think it is worth the extra money. While I think this multi tool is an excellent value for it’s price, Leatherman has a tried and true reputation. I have also already heard some chatter about the handles being damaged on these multi tools already. It is just like anything, if you treat it right it will last.
I just bought the ozark trail and it seems pretty good, but I have trouble getting the tools out maybe because of my finger size or something. Regardless, I feel slightly more confident with my choice to buy it instead of a cheaper multitool now. Thank you for the video.
Impressive review just ran across this at walmart tonight seen it sitting next to a leatherman and the Gerber was curious. Purchased a cobalt one back years ago was a joke honestly very light duty. It is hard to spend the money on a leatherman but I have always believed in you get what you pay for especially in tools you plan to use day to day. I've never regretted spending the money on my commercial stihl weedeater or my stihl chain saw. I hate spending hard earned money on a product only to throw it a way in a short time.
420hc actually has a standard rockwell hardness of 55, the 8cr13mov (improvement over the 3cr13mov found in the Spyderco Honeybee) can reach a rockwell hardness above 62.
I bought one of these on this video. I kept it as a backup piece. I actually had to break it out two days ago. I was trying to break something loose with the plier jaws and one of the jaws snapped off just in front of the pivot. Made quite a bang and luckily the separated part was contained where I was working. I was shocked and disappointed.
I just ordered a Wave plus with the replaceable wire cutters. I take mine fishing.... I'm replacing a Gerber that I used to cut a three point fish hook that hooked a fish really good. The Gerber cut the hook, but put a dent in the upper and lower Wirecutter blades. Now the Gerber pliers won't open like it should.. Good video 👍
@@txtoolcrib I got the Wave+ today! You are right it's nice. I had the Gerber MP600. I like how the Wave plus ruler set-up is too. The MP600 ruler seems to be backwards, upside down and in the wrong place on both sides. The Wave plus has a way better design to me!
Lol as usual I bought the product and then searched the review haha, first video I watched and glad I clicked . Very detailed review and very well spoken. I got a gift card for my birthday and I’ve really been wanting to get a multi tool / leatherman for work and camping so I bought this . I’m confident it’s going to do the job 👏🏻👌🏻🦅
I had the wave. I think I prefer this then the wave. Ive pinched my hands on the wave so many times. I also lost it which Id rather lose a $38 tool then a $99. The walmart near me, I couldnt find it either at first. There was a spot of other multi tool but it was not there. Finally I found it closer to the bike area on an end cap. There was a bunch of them.
18:05 I use the wave+ and the signal, I love both, and the wave+ is smooth as silk after one year of medium/heavy use but it took a few months to loosen up. Zero maintenance. They glide so nicely, BUT with the signal I ended up greasing the plier joint a bit and it was just as smooth after only two days of use. That was two weeks ago and they’re still just as smooth. I think my point is that any multi-tool requires some form of maintenance or breaking-in, and I’m inclined to believe Leatherman tools will retain their level of “smoothness” of your preference for a longer period of time before needing a touch-up
@@jimbeaux89 lol same, especially since it’s noticeably thinner than the wave+ while also having better handle shapes allowing for greater force when using the pliers. And they basically melt through double stranded barbed wire 🥰 and the S30V blade 😍😍 the only thing I really miss is having a cross-cut file. Still though, I love the signal. Definitely my favourite.
Nice thorough and useful review. Actually learned a lot about some of the designs on the Leatherman's that I own, so it's nice to know the engineering that goes behind it. And what a gem for this Ozark multi-tool. Will definitely give it a look. Thanks for sharing
@@txtoolcrib every minute was full of great info. It's very hard to find a good blend of overview + review + engineering explanations these days. I always appreciate all 3 since I'm always interested in learning more about what I spend my money on. Keep it up!
8CRMOV is actually pretty decent and could be comparable to the steel quality of the Victorinox Spirit multitools which by the way, Victorinox fiercely guards what steel they use by calling it 'Inox' (probably a 420HC) However, anything less than 8CRMOV, I wouldn't even bother with, might as well stick with 440C if it's less than 8CRMOV! The key is in the heat treatment as even Victorinox proves in their SAK's so I am actually quite intrigued by this multitool and might check it out if I could even find one here in Canada!!!
@@MrMGutierrez84 it was by itself in the clearance part of sporting goods with no price tag, asked a worker to check price, 9 bucks.He checked it on computer, so might be all over price. Good luck!
This was a great example of why a Leatherman is worth the money. Tighter engineering overall. I have a 1995 PST I still carry daily that doesn’t even look old 😮
The multiforce is better than the wave. I've had them both, plus a mltitude of other swiss knives and multitools. This ozark trail is what I choose to carry.
Bought one yesterday. The only problems I found were that, the bit provided was too small of a size, and the bit holder requires bits with a ball. However, I had an number of them from other tools. So my Mutiforce has a 3 inch long nail puller, a 3 inch long marlinspike, a quarter inch socket adapter, a large flat screwdriver, and multiple 2 sided bits.
I’m going to make a snap judgement remark before watching the video, based on your thumbnail, and then I’ll comment again once I’ve watched the whole thing. I received an Ozark Trail knife for Christmas a few years ago which I was impressed by the comfort of the handle and sturdiness of the blade. But I looked at it closely and saw that the edge angle was so poorly ground that the edge certs off to the left until it practically becomes a chisel grind at the tip. I was browsing knife retailers online for fun some time later, and noticed that the Benchmade Griptilian looked awfully familiar, so I pulled out my Ozark and compared it to the photo of the Grip. The Ozark was a shameless rip-off down to almost the most minute detail, except that it’s a liner lock instead of an Axis Lock. So the only good things I could say about this Ozark knife are really compliments I would give Mel Pardue and the team at Benchmade. Now, as I said, I haven’t watched the video yet, but the thumbnail here looks like we’re dealing with another shameless rip-off.
Just finished watching the video. First, I have to commend your honesty and impartiality. You clearly state over and over that it’s a rip-off of Leatherman, and yet you maintain full objectivity over the performance of the tool. I see clearly where it performs better than the Wave, but I’m still going to give it a hard pass for moral reasons. When I was a kid, my dad talked with me about what he called “The Wal-Mart Effect.” The Wal-Mart Effect is a simple concept to understand: Some hard-working and genius company works very hard to make a high quality product- cameras are the example my dad uses since he’s a hobbyist photographer. These companies take pride in making exceptional products, and charging an appropriate price for their work. Wal-Mart comes along and figures out how to sell “the same thing” for cheaper, except that by necessity the cheaper “same thing” is actually far inferior. Yet, since Wal-Mart dominates the US economy, people snatch up the cheaper “option” to such an extent that those honest, hard working people who created the market in the first place are either driven out of business, reduced in size considerably, or forced to sell cheap pieces of shit in order to keep up with Wal-Mart. Once this has gone on long enough, you eventually get to a point where a particular market has been struggling to keep up with Wal-Mart’s prices for so long that it becomes nearly impossible to find a quality product. They’ve all become cheap imitations of the real, original thing. I’m glad to see that Ozark Trail did quality work here, but they accomplished it as shamefully as possible. If anything, someone should take this tool back to Leatherman to see which if the updated designs they want to incorporate back into their product. That would be about the fairest, most correct thing to do.
I know this is 3 years old, but if anyone is still interested in the Multiforce, the kind of double-sided 1/4 inch bits with the detents are VERY common in high quality multi-bit screwdrivers, such as Klein. It would be very easy to find a bit set that would compliment the Multiforce in a small EDC pouch.
Yeah Ben...thanks for the detailed overview...this one is for sure going on my Christmas list (still love all my Leathermans but I think the Multiforce will be a nice addition to my multitool rotation...
Ben ....each comparison you make you concede the Multiforce is equal or some ways better , but then your Loyalty to Leatherman (I understand that) comes through with "But" defense of Leatherman, I have both these tools that I carry in my 2 MC Cuts (Vests) The Leatherman main evidence of better engineering and Tolerance's are the Lockup designs, another great Video on Multitools, also again your Knot videos are top notch, Mil Training Film Quality, Thanks again
I have the wave and i got for 50% off on a close out sale and i am so happy with it i would get a multiforce for my 10 year old cousin (i am 14) because it doesn't break the bank and if he breaks it or loses it it doesn't matter a whole lot
8cr13mov is similar to Aus8 and is superior to 420hc, with the exception of the Paul Bos' heat treatment at Buck Knives. 8cr has superior edge retention and is a tougher steel.
@@ld5984 he’s saying the Walmart brand is better than the wave knife. I dunno how true that is since leatherman puts 420 high carbon in 90% of their tools.
I was going to reply with a similar comment. 420 is nothing special. 8cr is decent steel. Better than most 420 for sure. Heat treatment is a big deal but in general, 8cr beats 420.
@@4Thug2Life0 420hc is low quality steel companies put in to cut costs and get more profit, it’s really really low as quality. Softer than victorinox and holds less edge, with less corrosion resistance.
Nice review! As for 8CR13mov, that is Kershaw's budget steel of choice. I have a few of their knives and I can get those edges sharper than any of my other blades (besides Buck's 420hc), but... They are very brittle. The edge chips and rolls from the easiest of cuts.
8CR13MOV can be a good steel with they right heat treatment. This Multiforce seems to have a decent, but not great, blade. Considering the price, I think it is a pretty good bargain.
I really, really like mine. You can get a large set of dual-sided bits for $13. Look for Wiha 77780. They don't have the ball detent, but they work perfectly in the magnetic extension. If you want ball detent bits, get the Klien Tools 11-in-1 screwdriver, #32500, or any of the look-alikes that have ball detent bits. (Milwaukee 48-22-2760 or 48-22-2881, or comparable Lowes and home Depot house brands). You can also buy specialty double-ended bits from Klein, which work on everything from bathroom stalls to combo screws to schrader valves and valve cores. There is a FAR greater selection available in double-sided bits than there are in flat leatherman bits.
I'm impress with the multiforce, but, they should do better design on he bit holder, something that for years we the maintenance/electricians we have been waiting from leatherman, I hope leatherman redesign the wave similar to the multiforce, I believe that now that the wave have a real rival on price and practical applications they have to reduce their prices.. nice review thanks.
Good review. All I want to add when it comes to price comparison, the wave I feel you know you are extended time quality and a 25 year warranty. Which is hard to beat. I think the tool is very comparable but these are just things to keep in mind and consider
very informative and detailed! nice work! thank you I've notice the scissors on e the wingman hard to use but then I started putting more pressure on the handle to the outside and it closes that "gap looseness" you were talking about.
@@jayjayhooksch1 I hated them too.. I really really did.. until I figured out this trick. So you're going want to push the handle of the scissor blade out, which presses the cutting blades together leaving less of a gap between the blades and it cuts like butter! Trust me I thought it they were completely useless until I did this
I ended up buying this tool because my charge tti is in another country and it faired well for about 1.5 months. Then the pliers snapped off while trying to pull a nail out of a tire. The warranty support for the tool is abysmal. Overall, I think they're worth 40$ for sure, but if you have the money I would just get a leatherman.
I thought I'd lost my Leatherman Sidekick. Comparing prices and features, I bought the Suspension NXT, which I carried for a few days until I found my Sidekick. Given the choice, while the Suspension looked more appealing, I much preferred the Sidekick. Well, I've misplaced it again, hoping I might still find it, I went back to the Suspension for a few weeks. Then I decided to try out an Ozark Trail Multiforce, which I'm growing to love. The Multiforce is an 1/8" thicker and heavier but, unlike the Suspension, forcibly using the pliers is not painful or awkward. In many ways, I'm liking it even better than the Sidekick.
The suspension nxt is built well, but I just don't like the ergonomics of it when it's folded up. Too fat at the end of the handles for my tastes which makes it awkward to carry.
Wiha 77791 Bit Reload for Industrial 26InOne Ultra Driver, 13 pieces This set is double ended and should work for most projects and sells for less than $15.
8cr14MoV is a decent knife steel. However, if looking up steel hardness, do not go by some outfit like CRKT who lists how hard they harden a steel, not how hard a steel can get. I bring them up as they are generally the first result in a search on steel hardness. For instance, they list O1 tool steel as 57-59 which is a shame since O1 can be hardened to 65 HRC (harder than a steel cutting file) -- and why CRKT listed it as a stainless steel is beyond me, rofl. O1 rusts quite easily if not oiled, as it is NOT a stainless steel in any sense of the word, though it is a stellar knife steel when hardened and tempered properly. You can make knives do incredible things with O1 tool steel. To give you an idea of how good 8cr14MoV is, consider that Benchmade uses 8cr14MoV to make some of their knives, as it is a tool steel grade stainless. Spyderco uses 8cr13MoV, whish is a tad cheaper of a steel. The main problem you can expect is with edge retention, since 8Cr14MoV only has approximately .75 - .8% carbon. That does qualify it as high carbon, but barely. Steels with .9% or greater carbon have much greater edge retention. Now, to put the whole shebang into perspective, 420HC as used by the Leatherman to make their new waves is equivalent to 8Cr13MoV, just a hair in knife (use) quality below 8Cr14MoV used in the Multiforce, but a lot is going to depend upon how hard each manufacturer hardened their respective steels to, as to which will work best. Leatherman better start praying, so to speak, because those pliers cut that steel coat hanger just as well as the 154CM inserts, which is a much harder and tougher steel than 420HC. To further put things into perspective, 420HC is only .45% carbon - almost not qualifying for the "high carbon" steel claim. It is used to make "budget" knives in the knifemaking industry. Whoever is manufacturing the Ozark Trails Multiforce would really have to mess up their steel heat treat to lose on either edge retention or maximum sharpness to Leatherman's 420HC blades.
One of my tests for any multi tool plier is to see if they can be used as a tweezer. I try and grab a single hair and see if I can pluck it out with the pliers. That tells me if they ground the tips well. If they can’t grab a hair, they aren’t as precise as they could be or, in comparison to another tool.
Scissors on mine as been destroyed after cutting few mylar bags and less than 7g (little to no branch). The arm spring broke at the base and flew away then upper arm of scissor spined complety anti-clockwise wich made the rivet loose
You had pretty much the same findings as me. I don't know if you saw, but I did a couple videos on this one as well, the second one being some of the cons. The biggest con was the diamond file...after a small amount of use...it just *wore off* ! I am still pretty impressed, all n all, by this tool, but I'm wondering if my file was a fluke, or if it's just a bad diamond file. But yea, we pretty much said the same things haha, you just said it more elegantly, nicely done!
I saw the first video you made, wasn’t aware of the second one though. I will go check it out. That’s unfortunate about the file coating. I hope that is not the case with mine. Somehow, I don’t believe it is a fluke though.
I bet it prooves to be a fluke too, or do you really think you'll get something equal in quality for a third of the price? I got another Wave-knockoff in germany for 20€ branded "trendline" (at "Globus"-home-depot). It has a bad heat treatment, so it doesn't hold an edge well, I often have to sharpen it. Mine didn't come with a diamond file, but other chinese made diamonds I own wear down quickly too - seems like they use a weak embedding metal at their cheap stuff. If you don't use it dry and don't apply much pressure, you may get along quite some time. BTW- I own a Kershaw 1920 , it's made from 8Cr13MoV too but nicely heat treated to 59-61HRc and never let me down yet, holds an edge perfectly - it's my favorite outdoors folding knife. Much better steel than AISI-420 that's for sure, but a proper heat treament is more than 80% of the overall steel quality.
@@mannihh5274 so far, the rest of the tool (absent the diamond portion) has worked really well! The bit driver has taking apart many things, fixed them, and put them back together. The pliers and cutters have been just fine, on par with the Gen 2 Wave if I'm being honest, and the fine edge 8cr13mov blade has kept its edge, and cuts well! The only real disappointments have been the diamond file and weak magnets (which also might've also been a fluke, cause I've seen other videos showing them to be good) I would say, for the $37 I paid, it was worth it, imho.
Great Review on Both tools!! I've had my eye on the Multiforce for the past month. But in the package. Chinese made tools have had a bad reputation for years now, but so did Japanese tools for decades!! The Multiforce looks like a Great Tool for the money!! And, of course, Leatherman has been an iconic name in tools for a Long Time. At $100 less than the iconic Leatherman the Multiforce is almost a steal!! Knife and Tool snobs will scoff at the Chinese tool, but for people on a budget the Multiforce is a Viable Option!! I intend to purchase one, then post my Own Review. I'm Impressed with the quality of the Multiforce!!
“How they hold up over time” is the $64,000 question. I’ve been using the same WAVE for years. This Chinese knockoff would be OK to stick in door pocket or glove compartment, along with a small crescent. Definitely better than nothing.
just an fyi, the Ozark has a proper wire stripper, the Wave's tool is mislabeled, it is actually a wire "scraper". I have seen reviews of multitools that had both functions on the same "blade" and that is how each were properly described.
Holy hell the first time you pinch yourself with the spine of the blades on the wave when you’re really clamping on to something? Death. Hurts so bad that you’ll probably only do it 9 times before you learn to avoid it
13:00 And that's the point of failure. Had this for a few weeks, used it to tighten the valve on a household radiator, and the pliers collapsed. That metal strip needs a redesign.
Believe the sheet metal on the Wave is thicker and one piece so the liner lock can be smaller. Leatherman also uses Spec Rated Stainless. No idea about the Multiforce. I did buy the Multiforce for my addiction... er... I mean comparison purposes and I did notice some minor fit and finish issues compared to the Wave. But for $37??? Great deal for a range tool or glove box 👍
Ill be honest, i just had a bad experience with my wave+'s scissors. I was bored, so i chopped up some cheese stick wrappers and by the time i was done with the 4th one, the scissors wouldn't return under the spring tension.. after 10 minutes on a form, the answer was lube. And sure enough, after some application, the scissors returned to working order, but i dont think i should have to lube my scissors constantly.. especially in the field.
Also, while I’m not sure how much I agree with copying Leatherman tools, I do see this hopefully maybe getting Leatherman to maybe reconsider their pricing. . . If that were to happen, it might make Leatherman an easier choice for people that would get this Walmart copy or a Gerber. Of course, finding a Wave on EBay for a price that would compete better with this Ozark Trail model would probably put that to rest, too. Idk.
Something that would have really helped Leatherman would have been keeping the models like the Wingman at around the $30-40-ish mark instead of nearly doubling the price with no changes to the tools. Prices increase over time because of inflation and such, sure, but a near 100% price increase? It's a bit hard to swallow knowing what they used to sell for just a couple years ago.
The bit extension for the Multi-force, that ledge inside the bit holder that u mentioned; it does not fit a 1/4” flat head double bit. I used the Klein double bit ball detent #2 Philips and 1/4” slotted flat head. 32483 is the part number. I’m trying to think how I can fix that ledge and magnet problem 😮💨
Found the Multiforce at one of the Walmarts near me on clearance for $20. Couldn't say no to that deal. Typically, 8cr13mov is a better steel than 420hc. Unless the 420hc is made by Buck that is.
Competition drives innovation. Having a manufacture sitting so far ahead allows them to charge maybe a bit to much. Living wage is one thing. Price gouging is another. I think Leatherman has gone bit hard in the paint with the prices lately.
The Leatherman patents are expired, so now companies like Ozark are free to iterate and advance the design. Ethics of that sound good to me would be nice, if you had a bunch of the blades lying around to put the higher quality blade on the cheap tool
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Do you have a link for the Ozark Trail multi tool?
I’m sure you have found it by now by something like CRKT 8CR usually tests about 59-60 HRC.
NOW I HAD ALMOST 4 YEARS WITH THIS BABY, IS AWESOME I RECOMMEND THE MULTIFORCE.,
The fact that you can compare these two at all is a tremendous compliment to the Ozark Trail
Having pinched my hand while using the pliers on the Wave, I wanted to thank you for pointing out the design flaw. It is something that you don't forget. Thanks for the unbiased review.
This was an outstanding review. I appreciate your lack of bias in comparing a "quality" multitool with a "cheap" multitool. We don't all need a heavy-duty lifetime multitool, and we aren't all interested in flashing the Leatherman or other high-end name, so an affordable option such as this is really exciting. The thoroughness of your review and your obvious surprise at the quality of the Ozark Trail product was great! I am new to your channel and look forward to your long-term use review of this tool. Tomorrow, I'm heading to WalMart :)
Thank you, I know this video was long but I appreciate you taking the time to watch.
Curious as to why you put quality and cheap in quotes as if he implied either or that one or the other isn't cheap or quality.
It's also Curious as to how your making assumptions on cheap and quality when the Ozark has virtually zero long term use, and you stated that you don't need or want a lifetime tool... which is what leatherman advertises.
I also wonder how long the Ozarks warranty is for.
Also wonder how much the 6 year old girl who made it got paid?
Could just say "thank you for an in depth review for those of us who prefer cheap Chinese knock offs"
@@SuperSteelSteve thank you for a review of a cheap Chinese knockoff as opposed to the made in China original.
@@imjustheretogrill4794 ???
Leatherman wave is made in Portland Oregon homie.
If you claim that it's made in China, provide proof or your just blowing smoke.
I'll wait.
@@SuperSteelSteve Leatherman had a fairly Public law suit for false advertising in the 2000s or early 2010s due to them using parts from outside the US. This violated the legal definition of “Made in the USA” which is why that marking was removed from affected tools in California.
Additionally, some of their sheaths and bit kits are made overseas. The main parts of their tools are assembled in the US. However, Leatherman has looked at overseas plants before and may soon open one for their lower end items and accessories.
Very informative! I never knew that I could carry the ozark sideways rather than vertically. I restore log homes and work on cars sometimes and the multi force has been a solid tool for many rough applications. I have had no problems with everyday use for about 4 or 5 months. I am very pleased with this tool.thank you for a very detailed review.
I'll never drop $100 for a multi-tool. I'm not that guy. I also always carry a good knife blade with me so the blades on my multi-tool are more for the rough dirty work and don't need to be works of art. This is the absolute perfect multi-tool for my situation and I think it will be for a lot of people in similar situations. I'm really encouraged to see it compares so well with a quality item like the Wave.
To the folks concerned about copying... this is what companies do. It's why I can get a good quality insulated water bottle for a fourth of the cost of what my early edition Hydro-Flask cost in the day, it's the reason why I can get generic medications that are cheaper when I get sick. I'm sure Leatherman has taken ideas from other companies before and ya know what, as long as they abide by patent laws, it's totally fine that these companies do so. Who wins is the consumer. You want the genuine Leatherman, I get it. It's why my shotgun is a genuine Browning. But I'm so glad our patent laws work in such a way that eventually (in this case, what, 25 years after the original Wave?) the 'rest of us' can eventually get good quality ideas after the originators of those ideas have had time to profit off of them.
I think the points that you brought up are what is going to appeal to a lot of different people. Unless you use a multi tool for an extended period of time, $100 and up seems quite exuberant to spend on this type of tool. For guys like me though, the higher price multi tools are absolutely worth their money.
Same here.. I’ve got no issue dropping a couple hundred on a good knife if I like it but a blade covers most of my needs and multis are just too heavy or bulky for a pocket, hence why I moved on from SAKs.. I do keep an old leatherman in my backpack toolkit (for motorcycles) but it’s mostly for the pliers and more brute force kinda tasks so I just don’t feel like spending real money on one at this point.
I wouldn’t even carry the leatherman if I hadn’t found it in the road lol.. it’s actually a long discontinued and kinda sought after model. The sideclip. I’ll bet someone was pissed. It wasn’t even mangled yet.. might have been run over once. Clip is a little messed up and the tip was broken off the blade. No other damage. I had a local knife place reprofile the blade for $10 because I didn’t trust that leatherman would send the same one back if I sent it in. Been discontinued since 04 or something
Thier 5 dollar pocket knives are very good for the money. I like em better than the Kershaw I carry now.
I spent $89 on a Gerber Diesel and I swear it was all janky and felt cheap all over. I have it to my friends who needed a multitool for their new house. I legit still use a 1995 Leatherman PST I’ve kept in pristine shape. It’s quality.. 25 years later still looks and functional as day one. The knife is hair splitting sharp and I just occasionally put some Tuf-Glide and wipe it down and get it in all the pivot areas and it’s been a great tool. Leatherman and Victorinox are worth the money. Gerber and SOG have been let downs for me.
Great review!
I bought one several months go! I ended up buying two more. One to keep in the car and one to always have at wok. The Multiforce is a great tool and at a great price!
I picked one up last week and bought one for my dad. It’s come in handy several times already!
They seem to be a really good budget option.
Thank you for making this Ben!
Nice, thorough look at the differences in design between the two. Lots of improvements too.
I am pretty impressed with this. Gonna try and get one in Australia.
Fair game on the design. The Wave pattern has expired, which is why Leatherman went with the Free P2 and P4 tools.
If anything, this proves that Leatherman should have stayed with the Wave platform, instead of releasing the Free tools. The Ozark Trail Multiforce addresses quite a few of the Wave and Charge issues users have pointed out over the years. And the Multiforce does so with very decent quality too. I am much more interested in the Multiforce than the mixed bag that are the Free tools. For the price, I'd say the Multiforce is a better buy.
I was really impressed with how they changed some things around on the Wave design. The outside implements opening from the opposite end is key I think.
@Marshall Kinnaird can you explain how Leatherman copied Gerber? I am not a LM fanboy.
Thank you so much for this review. I had an older wave I got at Costco over a decade ago. I left it in my desk drawer in my office on the ship, and one day it grew legs.. I looked up the wave+ and couldn't stomach the price to replace mine at ~$120. Mind you I had a sheath, extension, and bits. Knowing I can replace it with a similar tool for $40 makes it a lot easier pill to swallow. I'll see if the local waldrug has one and then hunt for some budget double sided bits with ball detent. Thanks again! -Jake
This is the best review for the Multiforce out there. I never needed a Multitool, but have my Pop's Multitool cause he just passed away last month. It's a Leatherman Supertool from September 1997.
I always have tools in my truck and at home. Your review was so intricate, that if I see this tool tomorrow when I go to Walmart, I'll have to pick one up. Thanx for the video my Brother 👍 ⚔️ ✝️ 🇺🇲
Sorry for your loss sir. How did you end up liking the multi tool?
Bought the wave this week, visiting Iowa for my work ,coming from the Netherlands (€150) it was a bargain.
Your video’s, nostalgia and honoring the company that started Letherman (bought it at cabelas Omaha) helped that decision.
Hope it is made in US, as I can not find that in the packaging or on the tool itself.
Thanks for being so productive with your video’s.
The Wave is a great tool. It is mostly made in the USA. Couple of the parts are outsourced from different countries, and then it is completed in Oregon.
Good to hear, thanks for your reply.
As I earn my wages selling US equipment, I’d better buy US tooling 😄
Very fair and informative review. Loved that even though you're a Wave fan you were willing to point out positives about the Ozark (Example not crushing wire or pinching fingers). You didn't just gush about the Wave and bash the low cost offering.
Nicely done.
*I'm also a wave owner/fan :)
I just bumped into this tool online and could immediately tell it wasn't your typical cheap multi-tool. I don't need anymore multi-tools but this one intrigued me
Thank you a lot for this video and I already got my multi force, I did a little modification that is really easy to do, I dropped 1mm x 2mm magnet inside the bit extender and know I can use almost any kind of bits, I did not have to out any glue just drop the magnet and done, I really love it, is very friendly to make modifications. In my opinion similar to the wave but also different.
Thanks for the in depth review. I ended up buying the OT Multiforce after seeing your vid and how well it stacks up against the Wave. I was looking for another MT that had some features my Leatherman Wingman was missing and this one fit the bill. Being on a budget made this a no brainer.
It’s pretty impressive. I think I could even use this as my go to if needed. It’s that good and I can’t believe I’d ever say that about a Walmart tool but here it is. For $37, this has got to be the best budget MT out there and it’s probably safe to say it would hold its own against some that cost considerably more from bigger brands.
Your video was a pleasant surprise ... Imagine for a person who lives in Brazil how expensive a Leatherman is ... The minimum wage of a worker here is 210 dollars, and the average salary of the Brazilian is 469 dollars. We need tools that can stay within budget ... A Leatherman Wave here in Brazil is around 280 dollars, and the Ozark Trail multi tool will arrive here with shipping for 52 dollars ... Thanks for the video
Unfortunately I will be without the tool, which site only has 12 in 1 for international shipping ... A pity ... What could you tell me about these models that have shipping to Brazil ... Mossy Oak 21 In 1 for $ 30 ... Workpro 15 in 1 kit with 3 pieces for $ 45 ... Ganzo g301b or g302b for $ 52 and $ 55 ... If you can help me what would be the best cost benefit
- Mossy Oak 21 In 1 for $30.
- Workpro 15 in 1 kit with 3 pieces for $45.
- Workpro 15 in1 all stainless steel for $45
- Ganzo g301b for $52
- Ganzo g302b for $55.
- Nextool Xiaomi Black 10 in 1 for $31
- Nextool Xiaomi 15 in 1 for $43
- Roxon s801s for $66
- Roxon Spark for $40.
- Gerber BG for $25.
Detex 14 in 1 for $20.
Values with delivery to my residence in Brazil
Glad you liked it. I am going to try to work some of these other models in with time. I am back to work right now after the Covid restrictions have been lifted, so it might be a while before I can get to them.
Looks like a really solid tool, I like how the edges around the thumb holes look to be rounded off, my Leatherman wave had terribly sharp edges that I had to round off myself as it was extremely uncomfortable. The 8cr13mov steel is also nice to see, despite typically being considered a cheap budget steel, it has a higher carbon content than 420hc resulting in better edge retention and has better overall strength and toughness. With Leatherman's new exorbitant prices, if I ever lose my wave I will likely be going for the multiforce.
Honestly didn't know this existed until today. For the price, even if it isn't quite as good as the Wave, Surge, Charge, etc I think it'll be worth buying, as I work in an environment where it is possible to drop my tools and never be able to recover 'em. I'm gonna check this out.
8cr13mov is generally considered a mid-tier budget steel, while 420HC is generally low tier budget. The exception would probably be for Buck's 420hc. The heat treat for their 420hc is highly praised. As long as you are at least told what the steel is, it will generally always be better than companies that only say "stainless steel" or "surgical stainless".
That's a good point. I hate when they don't tell us what steel they are using.
I picked one up. It’s not bad at all. I tested it in many ways, and for the price it’s a good value. Initial impression very favorable. Thanks for this great review.
Great review. I was looking for a multitool to throw in the glove compartment of my car but I couldn't justify the price of a leatherman. For my use I'm sure the multiforce will do just fine.
Thank you.
Great review. I went and got one today. Love it so far. Leatherman is still my favorite, but this one is nice for the price.
Love the review! Such great detail, I learn more things to do with my tool.
Thank you sir. Really appreciate you watching such a long video.
I’m with ya on that bud, lol I learned at least 3 things I didn’t think of lol , I definitely like the technique with the wire stripping
I got one for a friend earlier this year. For his birthday. He uses it just about every day. He's broken it in very nicely too.
i picked this thing up at Walmart today sir after watching this here review. i am rather impressed. it has some quality a lot better than some gerbers. reminds me of the bibury 21 in 1 it has a better finish than the bibury i gave it to my son hes been using it for car stereo installation work. i cant imagine needing anything more for small jobs like that
I'm still gonna save up for a Leatherman but I love this review because I could buy the Ozark now and not be without a multitool for my back pack. It's not a bad substitute.
Leatherman has a long proven legacy. You can't go wrong with the wave
Leathermans are great and you should buy one as your main multi tool but there is nothing wrong with having several multi tools for stashing in vehicles or bug out bags etc. I use my multi tools for so many different tasks from pulling out cactus spines with the pliers when dirt biking to wiring computers to hammering. Basically it’s a poor tool for almost everything but it’s way better than nothing! And that’s the thing, they are not the ideal tool most of the time but having one gets you by better than not having one.
Got one - nice! The double sided bit works well with the Leatherman extended bit adapter as well. Can't be pushed too far down like single sided bits and fits just tight enough.
I haven’t had a chance to use mine because I’ve been working so much, but I think overall the wave is still going to be the better option. The wave just has a better fit and finish. I will say that I do like that design quite a bit though.
Agreed, but is the wave $60 better? Competition is good and overall I think it's a great value.
That is an excellent question. For most people that answer is probably no, but for me as a long time Leatherman user, I think it is worth the extra money. While I think this multi tool is an excellent value for it’s price, Leatherman has a tried and true reputation. I have also already heard some chatter about the handles being damaged on these multi tools already. It is just like anything, if you treat it right it will last.
I just bought the ozark trail and it seems pretty good, but I have trouble getting the tools out maybe because of my finger size or something. Regardless, I feel slightly more confident with my choice to buy it instead of a cheaper multitool now. Thank you for the video.
I had the same problem. Undoing the pivot about 1/4 turn loosened it up just right.
Impressive review just ran across this at walmart tonight seen it sitting next to a leatherman and the Gerber was curious. Purchased a cobalt one back years ago was a joke honestly very light duty. It is hard to spend the money on a leatherman but I have always believed in you get what you pay for especially in tools you plan to use day to day. I've never regretted spending the money on my commercial stihl weedeater or my stihl chain saw. I hate spending hard earned money on a product only to throw it a way in a short time.
That’s why I use Stihl as well. Only hurts once.
You forgot to mention build origin for both tools. That's something that may be VERY important to some buyers. Great review. Thanks for sharing.
Killer review. Awesome detail, keep this up!
420hc actually has a standard rockwell hardness of 55, the 8cr13mov (improvement over the 3cr13mov found in the Spyderco Honeybee) can reach a rockwell hardness above 62.
I bought one of these on this video. I kept it as a backup piece. I actually had to break it out two days ago. I was trying to break something loose with the plier jaws and one of the jaws snapped off just in front of the pivot. Made quite a bang and luckily the separated part was contained where I was working. I was shocked and disappointed.
That’s unfortunate. I do appreciate you sharing your experience though. Very valuable information for those that might be interested in this product.
I just ordered a Wave plus with the replaceable wire cutters. I take mine fishing.... I'm replacing a Gerber that I used to cut a three point fish hook that hooked a fish really good. The Gerber cut the hook, but put a dent in the upper and lower Wirecutter blades. Now the Gerber pliers won't open like it should.. Good video 👍
Sounds great! Let me know how you like the Wave+ compared to your old Gerber.
@@txtoolcrib I got the Wave+ today! You are right it's nice. I had the Gerber MP600. I like how the Wave plus ruler set-up is too. The MP600 ruler seems to be backwards, upside down and in the wrong place on both sides. The Wave plus has a way better design to me!
Lol as usual I bought the product and then searched the review haha, first video I watched and glad I clicked . Very detailed review and very well spoken.
I got a gift card for my birthday and I’ve really been wanting to get a multi tool / leatherman for work and camping so I bought this . I’m confident it’s going to do the job 👏🏻👌🏻🦅
I had the wave. I think I prefer this then the wave. Ive pinched my hands on the wave so many times. I also lost it which Id rather lose a $38 tool then a $99. The walmart near me, I couldnt find it either at first. There was a spot of other multi tool but it was not there. Finally I found it closer to the bike area on an end cap. There was a bunch of them.
Cost is certainly a big consideration for a lot of people.
18:05 I use the wave+ and the signal, I love both, and the wave+ is smooth as silk after one year of medium/heavy use but it took a few months to loosen up. Zero maintenance. They glide so nicely, BUT with the signal I ended up greasing the plier joint a bit and it was just as smooth after only two days of use. That was two weeks ago and they’re still just as smooth. I think my point is that any multi-tool requires some form of maintenance or breaking-in, and I’m inclined to believe Leatherman tools will retain their level of “smoothness” of your preference for a longer period of time before needing a touch-up
The signal is my all time favorite multitool! I never leave home without it and my bit kits!
@@jimbeaux89 lol same, especially since it’s noticeably thinner than the wave+ while also having better handle shapes allowing for greater force when using the pliers. And they basically melt through double stranded barbed wire 🥰 and the S30V blade 😍😍 the only thing I really miss is having a cross-cut file. Still though, I love the signal. Definitely my favourite.
Nice thorough and useful review. Actually learned a lot about some of the designs on the Leatherman's that I own, so it's nice to know the engineering that goes behind it. And what a gem for this Ozark multi-tool. Will definitely give it a look. Thanks for sharing
Absolutely, thanks for watching such a long video.
@@txtoolcrib every minute was full of great info. It's very hard to find a good blend of overview + review + engineering explanations these days. I always appreciate all 3 since I'm always interested in learning more about what I spend my money on. Keep it up!
8CRMOV is actually pretty decent and could be comparable to the steel quality of the Victorinox Spirit multitools which by the way, Victorinox fiercely guards what steel they use by calling it 'Inox' (probably a 420HC) However, anything less than 8CRMOV, I wouldn't even bother with, might as well stick with 440C if it's less than 8CRMOV! The key is in the heat treatment as even Victorinox proves in their SAK's so I am actually quite intrigued by this multitool and might check it out if I could even find one here in Canada!!!
Victorinox steel is actually known as X55CrMoV15, roughly comparable in composition to 4116 Krupp :)
Great review, I’ll be picking one up as an alternative to my leatherman.
Got mine for 9 dollars at Wal-Mart close out 12-14-20
Heck I paid $40 for mine at Walmart
@@MrMGutierrez84 it was by itself in the clearance part of sporting goods with no price tag, asked a worker to check price, 9 bucks.He checked it on computer, so might be all over price. Good luck!
When you said putting the Multiforce in the Wave case was a little sacralige, I started busting up 😂😂😂
This was a great example of why a Leatherman is worth the money. Tighter engineering overall. I have a 1995 PST I still carry daily that doesn’t even look old 😮
The multiforce is better than the wave. I've had them both, plus a mltitude of other swiss knives and multitools.
This ozark trail is what I choose to carry.
Bought one yesterday. The only problems I found were that, the bit provided was too small of a size, and the bit holder requires bits with a ball. However, I had an number of them from other tools. So my Mutiforce has a 3 inch long nail puller, a 3 inch long marlinspike, a quarter inch socket adapter, a large flat screwdriver, and multiple 2 sided bits.
I’m going to make a snap judgement remark before watching the video, based on your thumbnail, and then I’ll comment again once I’ve watched the whole thing.
I received an Ozark Trail knife for Christmas a few years ago which I was impressed by the comfort of the handle and sturdiness of the blade. But I looked at it closely and saw that the edge angle was so poorly ground that the edge certs off to the left until it practically becomes a chisel grind at the tip.
I was browsing knife retailers online for fun some time later, and noticed that the Benchmade Griptilian looked awfully familiar, so I pulled out my Ozark and compared it to the photo of the Grip. The Ozark was a shameless rip-off down to almost the most minute detail, except that it’s a liner lock instead of an Axis Lock. So the only good things I could say about this Ozark knife are really compliments I would give Mel Pardue and the team at Benchmade.
Now, as I said, I haven’t watched the video yet, but the thumbnail here looks like we’re dealing with another shameless rip-off.
Just finished watching the video.
First, I have to commend your honesty and impartiality. You clearly state over and over that it’s a rip-off of Leatherman, and yet you maintain full objectivity over the performance of the tool. I see clearly where it performs better than the Wave, but I’m still going to give it a hard pass for moral reasons.
When I was a kid, my dad talked with me about what he called “The Wal-Mart Effect.” The Wal-Mart Effect is a simple concept to understand: Some hard-working and genius company works very hard to make a high quality product- cameras are the example my dad uses since he’s a hobbyist photographer. These companies take pride in making exceptional products, and charging an appropriate price for their work. Wal-Mart comes along and figures out how to sell “the same thing” for cheaper, except that by necessity the cheaper “same thing” is actually far inferior. Yet, since Wal-Mart dominates the US economy, people snatch up the cheaper “option” to such an extent that those honest, hard working people who created the market in the first place are either driven out of business, reduced in size considerably, or forced to sell cheap pieces of shit in order to keep up with Wal-Mart. Once this has gone on long enough, you eventually get to a point where a particular market has been struggling to keep up with Wal-Mart’s prices for so long that it becomes nearly impossible to find a quality product. They’ve all become cheap imitations of the real, original thing.
I’m glad to see that Ozark Trail did quality work here, but they accomplished it as shamefully as possible. If anything, someone should take this tool back to Leatherman to see which if the updated designs they want to incorporate back into their product. That would be about the fairest, most correct thing to do.
I know this is 3 years old, but if anyone is still interested in the Multiforce, the kind of double-sided 1/4 inch bits with the detents are VERY common in high quality multi-bit screwdrivers, such as Klein. It would be very easy to find a bit set that would compliment the Multiforce in a small EDC pouch.
Yeah Ben...thanks for the detailed overview...this one is for sure going on my Christmas list (still love all my Leathermans but I think the Multiforce will be a nice addition to my multitool rotation...
You're welcome, thanks for watching such a long winded video.
Good comparison, learned a few things. You know your stuff.
Well thank you sir.
I’m a farmer 12 months max before I miss placed my multi tool. Ozarktrail all day long!
Ben ....each comparison you make you concede the Multiforce is equal or some ways better , but then your Loyalty to Leatherman (I understand that) comes through with "But" defense of Leatherman, I have both these tools that I carry in my 2 MC Cuts (Vests) The Leatherman main evidence of better engineering and Tolerance's are the Lockup designs, another great Video on Multitools, also again your Knot videos are top notch, Mil Training Film Quality, Thanks again
I plan on buying one very soon,and I plan on getting a "Charge Sheath" for my "Rebar" because it's a more convenient option...
I have the wave and i got for 50% off on a close out sale and i am so happy with it i would get a multiforce for my 10 year old cousin (i am 14) because it doesn't break the bank and if he breaks it or loses it it doesn't matter a whole lot
That looks like an outstanding option to leave in the truck or the kitchen drawer. Hell, I wouldn't mind carrying it until a leatherman went on sale.
I love how you review the multi tools we never knew existed
8cr13mov is similar to Aus8 and is superior to 420hc, with the exception of the Paul Bos' heat treatment at Buck Knives. 8cr has superior edge retention and is a tougher steel.
I’m sounding ignorant here, but which one of the two brands described above are you saying has a superior blade?
@@ld5984 he’s saying the Walmart brand is better than the wave knife. I dunno how true that is since leatherman puts 420 high carbon in 90% of their tools.
I was going to reply with a similar comment. 420 is nothing special. 8cr is decent steel. Better than most 420 for sure. Heat treatment is a big deal but in general, 8cr beats 420.
@@4Thug2Life0 420hc is low quality steel companies put in to cut costs and get more profit, it’s really really low as quality. Softer than victorinox and holds less edge, with less corrosion resistance.
Put you little bits in the leatherman and use you muti tool to pull it out. I mean you already have it in your hand. Great review thank you
Thanks again that was awesome to see keep up the good work,,, it's good tool that will be dangerous for the leatherman weve
You’re welcome, and thanks for watching.
Nice review!
As for 8CR13mov, that is Kershaw's budget steel of choice. I have a few of their knives and I can get those edges sharper than any of my other blades (besides Buck's 420hc), but... They are very brittle. The edge chips and rolls from the easiest of cuts.
8CR13MOV can be a good steel with they right heat treatment. This Multiforce seems to have a decent, but not great, blade. Considering the price, I think it is a pretty good bargain.
I really, really like mine. You can get a large set of dual-sided bits for $13. Look for Wiha 77780. They don't have the ball detent, but they work perfectly in the magnetic extension. If you want ball detent bits, get the Klien Tools 11-in-1 screwdriver, #32500, or any of the look-alikes that have ball detent bits. (Milwaukee 48-22-2760 or 48-22-2881, or comparable Lowes and home Depot house brands). You can also buy specialty double-ended bits from Klein, which work on everything from bathroom stalls to combo screws to schrader valves and valve cores. There is a FAR greater selection available in double-sided bits than there are in flat leatherman bits.
Just got some Wiha bits myself.
I'm impress with the multiforce, but, they should do better design on he bit holder, something that for years we the maintenance/electricians we have been waiting from leatherman, I hope leatherman redesign the wave similar to the multiforce, I believe that now that the wave have a real rival on price and practical applications they have to reduce their prices.. nice review thanks.
Good review. All I want to add when it comes to price comparison, the wave I feel you know you are extended time quality and a 25 year warranty. Which is hard to beat. I think the tool is very comparable but these are just things to keep in mind and consider
Thanks for the suggestion and for watching.
Thanks for the review. I bought one. It's really nice!!!
very informative and detailed! nice work! thank you
I've notice the scissors on e the wingman hard to use but then I started putting more pressure on the handle to the outside and it closes that "gap looseness" you were talking about.
Thanks for the information.
Can you explain this a bit further or link to where it is explained? I hate the scissors on my wingman, worse multitool scissors I've ever used.
@@jayjayhooksch1 I hated them too.. I really really did.. until I figured out this trick. So you're going want to push the handle of the scissor blade out, which presses the cutting blades together leaving less of a gap between the blades and it cuts like butter!
Trust me I thought it they were completely useless until I did this
@@jayjayhooksch1 I can't really post a link because I had to discover this on my own.. sorry
@@ljdunsmore1 ok thanks, I'll fiddle around with it and see if it works for me.
I ended up buying this tool because my charge tti is in another country and it faired well for about 1.5 months. Then the pliers snapped off while trying to pull a nail out of a tire. The warranty support for the tool is abysmal. Overall, I think they're worth 40$ for sure, but if you have the money I would just get a leatherman.
For the price, they certainly aren't bad.
I think the wave has the knives around that way so you can open the pliers or the knives from the same hand orientation
I thought I'd lost my Leatherman Sidekick. Comparing prices and features, I bought the Suspension NXT, which I carried for a few days until I found my Sidekick. Given the choice, while the Suspension looked more appealing, I much preferred the Sidekick. Well, I've misplaced it again, hoping I might still find it, I went back to the Suspension for a few weeks. Then I decided to try out an Ozark Trail Multiforce, which I'm growing to love. The Multiforce is an 1/8" thicker and heavier but, unlike the Suspension, forcibly using the pliers is not painful or awkward. In many ways, I'm liking it even better than the Sidekick.
The suspension nxt is built well, but I just don't like the ergonomics of it when it's folded up. Too fat at the end of the handles for my tastes which makes it awkward to carry.
You do a great job at reviewing Ben thanks for the review
Thank you, I appreciate that.
Wiha 77791 Bit Reload for Industrial 26InOne Ultra Driver, 13 pieces This set is double ended and should work for most projects and sells for less than $15.
Had my multi force pliers snap trying to open a simple thin plastic lid. Blades were fine but the tool fell apart within 1 week of pretty light use.
8cr14MoV is a decent knife steel. However, if looking up steel hardness, do not go by some outfit like CRKT who lists how hard they harden a steel, not how hard a steel can get. I bring them up as they are generally the first result in a search on steel hardness. For instance, they list O1 tool steel as 57-59 which is a shame since O1 can be hardened to 65 HRC (harder than a steel cutting file) -- and why CRKT listed it as a stainless steel is beyond me, rofl. O1 rusts quite easily if not oiled, as it is NOT a stainless steel in any sense of the word, though it is a stellar knife steel when hardened and tempered properly. You can make knives do incredible things with O1 tool steel. To give you an idea of how good 8cr14MoV is, consider that Benchmade uses 8cr14MoV to make some of their knives, as it is a tool steel grade stainless. Spyderco uses 8cr13MoV, whish is a tad cheaper of a steel. The main problem you can expect is with edge retention, since 8Cr14MoV only has approximately .75 - .8% carbon. That does qualify it as high carbon, but barely. Steels with .9% or greater carbon have much greater edge retention. Now, to put the whole shebang into perspective, 420HC as used by the Leatherman to make their new waves is equivalent to 8Cr13MoV, just a hair in knife (use) quality below 8Cr14MoV used in the Multiforce, but a lot is going to depend upon how hard each manufacturer hardened their respective steels to, as to which will work best. Leatherman better start praying, so to speak, because those pliers cut that steel coat hanger just as well as the 154CM inserts, which is a much harder and tougher steel than 420HC. To further put things into perspective, 420HC is only .45% carbon - almost not qualifying for the "high carbon" steel claim. It is used to make "budget" knives in the knifemaking industry. Whoever is manufacturing the Ozark Trails Multiforce would really have to mess up their steel heat treat to lose on either edge retention or maximum sharpness to Leatherman's 420HC blades.
Great review. Definitely interested in the Ozark trail for a backup now.
Is Ozark Trail paying royalties to Leatherman? If not, I'm not sure how they're getting away with selling a total copy of the Wave.
Because the patent expired
One of my tests for any multi tool plier is to see if they can be used as a tweezer. I try and grab a single hair and see if I can pluck it out with the pliers. That tells me if they ground the tips well. If they can’t grab a hair, they aren’t as precise as they could be or, in comparison to another tool.
Good test.
The wood/metal file on leathermans now are abysmal!!! The file on my gerber is really nice in comparison
very thorough, excellent video, thank you
You're very welcome, thank you for watching sir.
Scissors on mine as been destroyed after cutting few mylar bags and less than 7g (little to no branch). The arm spring broke at the base and flew away then upper arm of scissor spined complety anti-clockwise wich made the rivet loose
Leatherman all day it's made in the USA Baby
You had pretty much the same findings as me. I don't know if you saw, but I did a couple videos on this one as well, the second one being some of the cons.
The biggest con was the diamond file...after a small amount of use...it just *wore off* !
I am still pretty impressed, all n all, by this tool, but I'm wondering if my file was a fluke, or if it's just a bad diamond file.
But yea, we pretty much said the same things haha, you just said it more elegantly, nicely done!
I saw the first video you made, wasn’t aware of the second one though. I will go check it out. That’s unfortunate about the file coating. I hope that is not the case with mine. Somehow, I don’t believe it is a fluke though.
@@txtoolcrib I dont either, but I would definitely like to know your findings after you use it for a bit!
I bet it prooves to be a fluke too, or do you really think you'll get something equal in quality for a third of the price? I got another Wave-knockoff in germany for 20€ branded "trendline" (at "Globus"-home-depot). It has a bad heat treatment, so it doesn't hold an edge well, I often have to sharpen it. Mine didn't come with a diamond file, but other chinese made diamonds I own wear down quickly too - seems like they use a weak embedding metal at their cheap stuff. If you don't use it dry and don't apply much pressure, you may get along quite some time.
BTW- I own a Kershaw 1920 , it's made from 8Cr13MoV too but nicely heat treated to 59-61HRc and never let me down yet, holds an edge perfectly - it's my favorite outdoors folding knife. Much better steel than AISI-420 that's for sure, but a proper heat treament is more than 80% of the overall steel quality.
@@mannihh5274 so far, the rest of the tool (absent the diamond portion) has worked really well!
The bit driver has taking apart many things, fixed them, and put them back together.
The pliers and cutters have been just fine, on par with the Gen 2 Wave if I'm being honest, and the fine edge 8cr13mov blade has kept its edge, and cuts well!
The only real disappointments have been the diamond file and weak magnets (which also might've also been a fluke, cause I've seen other videos showing them to be good)
I would say, for the $37 I paid, it was worth it, imho.
Great Review on Both tools!!
I've had my eye on the Multiforce for the past month.
But in the package.
Chinese made tools have had a bad reputation for years now, but so did Japanese tools for decades!!
The Multiforce looks like a Great Tool for the money!!
And, of course, Leatherman has been an iconic name in tools for a Long Time.
At $100 less than the iconic Leatherman the Multiforce is almost a steal!!
Knife and Tool snobs will scoff at the Chinese tool, but for people on a budget the Multiforce is a Viable Option!!
I intend to purchase one, then post my Own Review.
I'm Impressed with the quality of the Multiforce!!
“How they hold up over time” is the $64,000 question. I’ve been using the same WAVE for years. This Chinese knockoff would be OK to stick in door pocket or glove compartment, along with a small crescent. Definitely better than nothing.
Time will tell.
just an fyi, the Ozark has a proper wire stripper, the Wave's tool is mislabeled, it is actually a wire "scraper". I have seen reviews of multitools that had both functions on the same "blade" and that is how each were properly described.
I need to check this cheaper brand. I think it worth trying. Thanks for the detail review. Me and my friend want to look for this multiforce.
Keep doing what ur doing.. ur channel is gonna blow up
Thank you, I certainly hope you’re right. I really want to get into power tools, hand tools, and metal fabrication videos as well.
Hey! Hey, Ozark Trail! How about a Surge look-a-like too? :D
If this one is successful, you never know what they might do.
Hell yeh.for $47.50 US
I am in on that idea! Make Leatherman think about their prices more.
There are two kinds of multi tool owners, people who own a surge, and people who want a surge.
Great Review!! May obtain a Multiforce tool...
Holy hell the first time you pinch yourself with the spine of the blades on the wave when you’re really clamping on to something? Death. Hurts so bad that you’ll probably only do it 9 times before you learn to avoid it
where do you buy this in canada? could not find it in walmart
13:00 And that's the point of failure. Had this for a few weeks, used it to tighten the valve on a household radiator, and the pliers collapsed. That metal strip needs a redesign.
Still can’t beat Leatherman quality
Believe the sheet metal on the Wave is thicker and one piece so the liner lock can be smaller. Leatherman also uses Spec Rated Stainless. No idea about the Multiforce. I did buy the Multiforce for my addiction... er... I mean comparison purposes and I did notice some minor fit and finish issues compared to the Wave. But for $37??? Great deal for a range tool or glove box 👍
I believe you are correct.
Honestly I'm interested in getting this for family members. Also I better get one before leathermans legal team gets to suing.
They're not bad for the price.
Ill be honest, i just had a bad experience with my wave+'s scissors. I was bored, so i chopped up some cheese stick wrappers and by the time i was done with the 4th one, the scissors wouldn't return under the spring tension.. after 10 minutes on a form, the answer was lube. And sure enough, after some application, the scissors returned to working order, but i dont think i should have to lube my scissors constantly.. especially in the field.
Also, while I’m not sure how much I agree with copying Leatherman tools, I do see this hopefully maybe getting Leatherman to maybe reconsider their pricing. . . If that were to happen, it might make Leatherman an easier choice for people that would get this Walmart copy or a Gerber.
Of course, finding a Wave on EBay for a price that would compete better with this Ozark Trail model would probably put that to rest, too. Idk.
Something that would have really helped Leatherman would have been keeping the models like the Wingman at around the $30-40-ish mark instead of nearly doubling the price with no changes to the tools. Prices increase over time because of inflation and such, sure, but a near 100% price increase? It's a bit hard to swallow knowing what they used to sell for just a couple years ago.
DefMunkyYT totally agree. This for 40 or a Sidekick for 60? This definitely seems like a real winner, imo
The bit extension for the Multi-force, that ledge inside the bit holder that u mentioned; it does not fit a 1/4” flat head double bit. I used the Klein double bit ball detent #2 Philips and 1/4” slotted flat head. 32483 is the part number.
I’m trying to think how I can fix that ledge and magnet problem 😮💨
Found the Multiforce at one of the Walmarts near me on clearance for $20. Couldn't say no to that deal. Typically, 8cr13mov is a better steel than 420hc. Unless the 420hc is made by Buck that is.
I wouldn't have said no for that price either.
I just bought 2 at my local Walmart at $25 a piece and couldn't be happier. Putting one in each car
The cost does include living wage for the builder... made in china, cant say as much.
An excellent point!
yep I will pay more for it!
Competition drives innovation. Having a manufacture sitting so far ahead allows them to charge maybe a bit to much. Living wage is one thing. Price gouging is another. I think Leatherman has gone bit hard in the paint with the prices lately.
@@NewZonaRides I agree with the prices getting to high , for the average military man some of their stuff is a bit steep
Durability is everything. How it holds up under actual use, over time, determines the quality.
I feel the same way.
Hopefully Leatherman and Victorinox will be intimidated by the Goat multi tool's modularity and follow suit. Perhaps next after the Leatherman Arc?
The Leatherman patents are expired, so now companies like Ozark are free to iterate and advance the design. Ethics of that sound good to me
would be nice, if you had a bunch of the blades lying around to put the higher quality blade on the cheap tool
thank you for detailed reviewing, you made my choice with Ozark Trail Multiforce...
That Ozark ain't no joke for half the price more than half the price