Leatherman Charge + Multitool

All companies, be they gun manufacturer, scope specialists or accessory supplier, continually keep their products in-line with modern trends. And if sensible, and where applicable, up-grade them due to advancements in either manufacturing technology and/or customer feedback. I mention this, because a few of Leatherman’s flagship multi-tools have recently ‘disappeared’ from their range to be replaced by more ‘in-vogue’ models.

Plus points

In that respect, here featured is the Leatherman Charge Plus which (as the name obviously suggests) replaces the now discontinued ‘Charge.’ Measuring 4” closed, 6” in the deployed position and weighing in at 8.3oz, this all stainless-steel build ‘butterfly-opener’ immediately impresses with its sturdy and robust build characteristics. It follows the tried and trusted blueprint of having tools accessible from both the outer sides of the handles when closed and full access to all others when opened out to use the pliers.

In the closed position, you have access to a 154CM clip-point fine edge blade, and diamond coated wood/metal file, while from the opposing handle emerges a wood saw and a 420HC serrated edge knife with gut hook. Both blades have elongated thumbholes for one-handed opening, while the ‘file’ and ‘saw’ have thumb nicks. All lock out very securely due to strong, individual lock liner mechanisms and all outboard tools measure approx. 3” in length.

Standout scissors

When opened, the Charge Plus shows a very strong head incorporating Needle nose pliers, Regular pliers, Premium replaceable wire cutters and hard-wire cutters and wire stripper. From the handles, you can now deploy the spring-action scissors, bottle/can opener, Large and small bit drivers and a medium flat head screwdriver. All open using thumb nicks or small lugs.
The scissors standout, as they’re well designed, being easy to use one-handed and the bevel edged blades give a neat and clean cut. Incidentally, to unlock any of these tools when deployed, you simply press in the grooved portion of the lock system (located opposite at the pivot end of the handle) and rotate the ‘tool’ back into the chassis.

Bit kit

Like its predecessor, it comes with a ‘Bit Kit’ (plug in tools) in an unobtrusive ABS ‘card holder that fits neatly into the ‘tools’ nylon sheath even when filled, some ‘bits’ are double ended others are just single. The kit comprises of a square driver #1 & #2, eyeglass screwdriver and the following hex bits: hex 5/32” & 9/64”, 1/8” & 7/64”, 3/32” & 5/64”, 1/16” & .050”, Phillips #1-2” & 3/16” screwdriver plus a 1/8” & Torx #15 head. Also included is a quick release lanyard ring and removable pocket clip.

The handles are hard anodised aluminium and feature rounded edges, plus non-slip, toughened black synthetic side plates that make for an assured and comfortable feel in the hold. To sum up, I’d say that the Leatherman Charge Plus is a fine example of how the company are increasingly adding beneficial features to their multitools, as they ‘fine-tune’ certain models in the range. And this can only be a big ‘plus!’