lmost every shooter I know has a Leatherman type tool on their belt or in their run bag at all times. It's often taken for granted, but nothing is more valuable when something breaks in the field than a screwdriver and a good pair of pliers.

According to legend, Tim Leatherman invented the category of the combination knife, pliers tool in the early eighties. Since then the multi-purpose tool market has grown hugely popular and filled with many competitors.

My first Leatherman (sounds like "My First Sony") was a simple but valuable tool. It had a knife blade, pliers, file, Phillips and regular screwdrivers, and the all important bottle opener. I've fixed cameras and tripods; cut down small branches; and even filed down wood edges with my little MacGyver tool.

Having used it for 10 years, I was familiar with the quality of the product. When I could no longer find my trusted tool, I didn't look very far. I knew I could only replace it with another Leatherman.

Searching the net, I discovered GripTools.com, a web site based out of Houston, TX. They are dedicated to tools for the film and television pro, so their initial product line includes various MagLites and the entire collection of Leatherman tools.

Ten years ago, the product options for Leatherman were only BLACK or SILVER. Now there are more than 10 different versions of the multi-purpose tool. Names like MICRA, FLAIR, PULSE and SUPER TOOL, sit next to the original model (the one I lost) the PST.

I debated between the WAVE and CRUNCH, two of the newer models. I asked GripTools.com to send me both in order to review them for b-roll.net. Quick to the challenge, the package arrived two days later.

I opened the box in the middle of the newsroom, and fellow photogs were like moths to a flame. They could smell new toys from a mile away and came running over. A half-hour discussion ensued about the pros and cons of the "Swiss army knife" type tools.

There were two Leatherman tools in the box, a Leatherman WAVE and a Leatherman CRUNCH.

Leatherman WAVE
The WAVE looks very much like the original PST. Closed, it's the same length, but weighs a little more. It folds open the same way and has all the same blades, files and screwdrivers... and then some. There are 4 different standard screwdrivers and one Phillips head.

One of the greatest additions are 3 different blades (standard, serrated and saw) and a file that open from the outside. You don't have to unfold the tool to pull out the locking blades. This makes the blades much easier and safer to use.

The all important Swiss army-like scissors make an appearance in this model. Even though you have many other knife blades to choose from, sometimes it's nice to have a pair of scissors.

The head of the pliers is a little bit beefier than it's predecessor, and the handles have been rounded to make heavy torque work more comfortable.

The only negative about the WAVE versus the PST is bulk and weight. The WAVE is a bit thicker and weighs 8 ounces compared to the PST's 5 ounces. Also, you loose the ruler on the side (a feature I never really used).

Leatherman CRUNCH
The CRUNCH pushes the boundaries of what can be squeezed into a 4 inch folded tool. As opposed to the pliers found in all other versions of the Leatherman, this model has locking pliers. Much like ViceGrips, they grip onto a bolt and lock making it easier to use in high torque situations.

The locking pliers require some minor assembly when you open the handles. It's not complicated, but it's a little slower than just opening the WAVE and using the pliers. Once assembled the grip of the pliers can be adjusted to fit a bolt or pipe over an inch in width.

Due to the mechanism there is less room for other tools, but you still get a blade, file and 4 screwdrivers. There is also a great blade / screwdriver lock preventing them from folding closed while in use.

COMPARISON
Priced about the same [CRUNCH $71.95 and WAVE $69.95 at GripTools.com], the difference comes down to what you need in a tool.

The CRUNCH is an extremely unique tool. Much like the original Leatherman, it's something the market has never seen before. If you need a pair of locking pliers that can fit in the same size and weight of the original PST, it is the perfect tool for you.

I personally like the versatility and comfort of the WAVE. The easy access blades and contoured handles make it a smooth tool to use. The screwdriver tools don't lock in place as they do on the CRUNCH, making hard turning screws more difficult to manage, but that is a rare problem.

Both models come in a choice of nylon or leather carrying case. The black nylon case fits better on the average belt, but the brown leather case is better looking and accepts the tool easily.

Made of 100% steel and a 25 year warranty, you can't go wrong with either tool. Running and gunning without one is only asking for trouble.

• Needlenose Pliers
• Regular Pliers
• Wire Cutters
• Hard-Wire Cutters
• Clip Point Knife
• Serrated Knife
• Diamond-Coated File
• Cross-Cut File
• Wood Saw
• Extra-Small Screwdriver
• Small Screwdriver
• Medium Screwdriver
• Large Screwdriver
• Phillips Screwdriver
• Can / Bottle Opener
• Wire Stripper
• Lanyard Attachment
• Scissors

• Locking Pliers
• Wire Cutters
• Hard-Wire Cutters
• Serrated Knife
• Wood Metal File
• Small Screwdriver
• Medium Screwdriver
• Large Screwdriver
• Phillips Screwdriver
• Hex Bit Driver
• Wire Stripper
• Bottle Opener
• Ruler
• Lanyard Attachment