There is virtually no place that I don't carry a Leatherman (be it a Wave, Charge XTI or Leatherman XE6), a Surefire flashlight and a Leatherman Crunch. I work as a professor of broadcast television and director of production technology, so I have to use these things throughout the day in one fashion or another.

The other reviews covered quite well the attributes of the Crunch. Without elaborating upon what others have covered, let me just say that I think the Crunch is the perfect companion piece to a Wave or Charge.

The other thing I want to say is that if you're thinking about having this as your primary tool, don't. I honestly don't think it has the features and benefits the Wave or Charge has going for it. To be really candid, I've owned just about every type of multiple tool made. I've owned the ones by Gerber, Buck, and others...I keep coming back to the Leatherman. Also, specifically with the Crunch, I've only had the need for it a few times, although I've carried one for years.

When I did need it, the Crunch came in very handy.

OK, so why carry both a Wave (or Charge, etc.) and a Crunch? The main reason is that from time to time you'll find you need to get a frozen nut off of something and the needlenose pliers from another tool can't adequately "bite" the component. A needlenose will slip, doing nothing more than compounding your problems with a stripped nut. But, if you use the Crunch, you have essentially a small vise grip which won't let go.

Also, sometimes you have opposing nuts or bolts on something. If you use one tool, trying to loosen a nut, you may find that the bolt (or other end) slips and continues to turn. With the Crunch on one end and the Leatherman XTI, Wave, etc. in the other hand, you should have a firm grip whereby the frozen nut / bolt can be removed.

As good as the Crunch is, it's not without its share of problems.

First, it's a bit awkward to get used to. I couldn't figure out how to "assemble" the two halves to work. It was like one of those nightmarish puzzles you find at restaurants along the interstate, designed to occupy you for hours... Well, such isn't the case with the Crunch, but it's somewhat like it in the genius by which it was designed. Once you see how the two sides connect, you won't believe how strong it is, or the fact that someone figured out how to do this sort of thing.

Second, the other tools are on board, but I don't think I would use them as readily as I would with the Wave or Charge. It's somewhat like these were added just because it's a Leatherman. I know I'd be fine with this as a stand alone tool if needed, but the other Leatherman tools would be my first choice.

Let me also say that having purchased most configurations of the other tools, you won't find anything better than a Leatherman. The folks who designed and built them have not only created a masterpiece, it's obvious they truly care about the craftsmanship. Leatherman has outpaced all others and have set the mark where others could only someday hope to achieve.

Recommended: Yes