Leatherman Charge ALX (Whitby)

As I quickly checked through the spec sheet I noticed there seemed little to differentiate the ALX on test from the AL I’ve previously tested, because the latter only seems to omit a pair of scissors in favour of a very strong Cutting Hook. This is cleverly integrated into the serrated edge knife as it’s positioned at the very end of the knife and is reversed to face away from the knife blade. The design allows the serrated knife to serve two functions…

Design and Tools

Like others at the top-end of the Leatherman range, the design of the Charge ALX follows the tried and trusted blueprint of having the four main blades accessible from the outer side of the handles when the tool is closed. I prefer this as you don’t have to keep opening and closing the handles to access the tools you’ll most likely to use most.

The ALX measures 4-inches closed and 6-inches when in plier’s mode and weighs a very reasonable 8oz. To save on repetition, all tools are opened by ‘thumb nicks’ except the clip point knife and serrated edge knife blade which have elongated ‘thumbholes’ for one-handed opening. Also all tools are manufactured from 154CM Stainless Steel and are sensibly and suitably sized as are all bladed implements and the wood/metal file measure 23⁄4-inches in length and are securely ‘locked out’ with a very strong lock liner.

The fine edge clip point knife opens easily and very smoothly from the 6061-T6 Hard Black Anodised Aluminium Handles. Across from this, held in the other handle on the same side is the aggressively toothed wood saw. Turn the tool around and the opposite side handle holds the diamond coated wood/metal file plus the serrated edge knife with cutting hook. Opening out this butterfly opener reveals needlenose pliers, regular pliers, crimper, hard wire cutters and wire strippers all configured in the familiar layout common to many Leatherman Multi-Tools.

At the bottom is the Bottle/ Can Opener and three separate Bit Holders, these are classed as 1x small and 2x large for the 9 double-ended bits the tool is supplied with. For storage they slip into a flat semi-rigid synthetic storage rack that slips into the inner back slip pocket of the leather pouch.

Once you’ve used any of the interior ‘held’ tools to unlock another familiar feature is seen: the rocker type lock system. This needs to be pressed in at the lower grooved portion (located on the opposite side of the handle to the tool) allowing you to manually close the tool back into its original position.

Too Many Tools?

At this point I pondered: why so many bit drivers? The ALX does go a bit overboard in the ‘Tool Kit’ department. Especially as most, besides flathead and crosshead screwdriver bits, are relatively small star-head and hex-head bits – not that useful in the field. However, it does fill a niche; but I’d say a more specialised one especially as there’s an optional Bit Driver Kit available for all Charge models featuring 31 double sided bits! To complete the package it has a fixed lanyard ring, a quick release lanyard ring and a removable pocket clip.

The Leatherman Charge ALX Multi-Tool is priced at a shade under £150 including Bits, Leather Carry Pouch and a 25 year guarantee.

PRICE:£149.95
CONTACT: 01539 721032 www.whitbyandco.co.uk for nearest stockists