A Summer Experiment

KBA

KBA

Joined
Apr 27, 2014
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Hello folks.

I'll keep this brief. I have owned but never carried a multi tool before as an edc. I want to try it for the Summer and see how it goes. I have already decided on the Ps4 on the key ring but would like to try a light midsize as well. I'll be carrying a traditional pocket knife and a small fixed blade as well.

If I like the multi carry as an edc I am thinking of removing the blade and replacing it with a spare key, if that is even possible.

I'd like to keep to the mid size tools. As far as my needs, no real needs, just more of a wanting to try it. Though I would prefer pliers and a locking blade and saw. If I like it I would probably use it more for camping and hiking. Which one should I pick up this week?

Thanks for the suggestions.

Edit: Added a couple preferences.
 
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Sounds like an interesting and useful experiment, Brett, so I commend you for that and wish you luck! :cool::thumbup:
But I have no recommendations for you. I carry a Chinese knock-off very similar to the PS4 and have a full-size, original Leatherman PST in my backpack that goes almost everywhere with me; no experience with a midsize MT so far.
So I, for one, look forward to progress reports on your experiment! ;);)

- GT
 
Hey GT. Thanks for the luck my friend.

I thought of trying the larger or full size, but I did not think I would adjust well to the size and weight. I may work up to that if I enjoy the mid size. I am however considering a mulle type edc pouch/bag but havent decided yet. I have my full knock off in an emergency bag but we'll see.
 
Hey Brett, check out the Leatherman Juice series. Sounds like it's about the size you're looking for and they make a couple different models with different tools. Good luck!
 
Thanks my friend! I look into that one. Do you have one? Any issues or things I should know?

Thanks again

Edit: After looking into it a bit the size is great though I would prefer one that had a locking saw. Im also not sure I would ever need a cork screw. I do plan on carrying whatever I get in a pouch or shealth so up to 4" would be my max limit.
 
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No, I've never had one. The only multitool I have (other than SAKs) is a Leatherman Blast. It has a locking saw and I really like the overall package, but for me it's just to heavy to carry in the summer. In the winter I don't mind carrying it in a coat pocket but too heavy for my pants or shorts pockets.

That's why I'm on the lookout for a lightweight SAK with a saw to carry on hikes, though the pliers in a leatherman are nice to have.
 
After looking around and reading a bit I have decided to give the Sidekick a go.

I decided on this one for a few reason. While the Wave was tempting the size and weight of the Sidekick seemed to be a good middle ground for my first attempt at edcing a MT. (From my understanding it is sold as an entry MT anyways.) I also liked that the saw and blades lock and are on the outside, keeping me from having to open it to use them. While I would like scissors, the PS4 will cover that, and I prefer a saw more at this point. The Sidekick also has the lanyard and most of the tools I probably would use on a typical camping/hiking trip. The price was also a decent entry level price and wont break the bank if I decided to buy new, though, I'll probably look for a used one first.

I have read the lock is not the greatest but we will see. Any other things to look for in the quality of it would be appreciated. I am new to inspecting MTs.

No matter what it will be good to have a MT on hand even if I decide not to edc it.
 
If I need a plier based tool I prefer the Wave. However I rarely carry it in the city and much prefer a Vic Tinker or Farmer as they are easier to carry.
 
All great suggestions though I haven't tried the pliers on either. I looked at the Wave for a while but decided I wanted a bit lighter/shorter closed length and I am not sure I would actually use all that the Wave provided. Being a teacher I have the Summer off and really want to try to edc a MT without losing what I normally carry. As for the Saks mentioned, again I agree but wanted a locking tool. Thanks for the great suggestions. :thumbup:

I found a deal on a Sidekick. It should be here in a few days.
 
I think you've made a good choice for your experiment. The sidekick and wingman are not my favorite tools, but it should give you an idea of how it fits into your lifestyle.
As for the locks, no, they are not fantastic, but they don't need to be. Its not like your multitool is going to be a waved emerson replacement in a weapon retention strategy, or having to survive battoning an oak tree. its got to hold the blade open.

Over time you will find which tools get the most use, and then you can refine your system from there. since you are carrying so many tools, I would suggest trying to use the multi as a replacement for your folder, since you have the fixed blade as well. (for quite some time I carried a SOG power-lock and an izula, the izula played the role of one-handed opener) try different combos, and see what works out.

Lastly, keep in mind that the tools on a multi are not going to be as good as a full sized proper tool. If you hold to within the limits of the screwdrivers and get a real tool when needed, you will enjoy the tool much more. I think a lot of people expect a multi to work as good as a screwdriver set, and are disappointed or end up wreaking something because they were able to get outside of the tools performance envelope.
 
Gadgetgeek - Great input! Thank you! :thumbup:

I have a large MT, a Gerber I think, that is somewhere in the garage. (We just moved.) I have used is sporadically but never really liked it. I figured out just what you stated, concerning the expectations while using it and thought I would try a lighter/smaller MT.

I do look forward to figuring out what tools I need. It's going to be hard to lay down my traditional folder though. I've thought about making a holster, or just purchasing one, that would hold both the MT and folder. I've even thought about taking the blade out of the MT and putting a spare key or another type of saw in it's place. Not sure if the key idea is good or even if it will work.

I mostly wanted the lock for fire starting reasons. While I could spark on a non locking I would hate to be miles in and slice my hand. It's more of a precaution.

Thanks again for the insight. Im enjoying the learning curve and look forward to trying it out.
 
You're not wasting any time, Brett! :eek: Looking forward to hearing some reports on the Sidekick as the experiment gets underway! :thumbup::thumbup:

- GT
 
The lock on the sidekick should take care of that easily. you never know, I hate combi blades, but the wingman I have is designated for backup use in my ropes bag, so if someone else needs to grab it, I know they can chew through a rope without much trouble. You may find having a serrated edge to be an advantage from time to time. I think a key would be awkward to use, but maybe another idea will strike you.
 
KBA said:
Hello folks.

I'll keep this brief. I have owned but never carried a multi tool before as an edc. I want to try it for the Summer and see how it goes. I have already decided on the Ps4 on the key ring but would like to try a light midsize as well. I'll be carrying a traditional pocket knife and a small fixed blade as well.

If I like the multi carry as an edc I am thinking of removing the blade and replacing it with a spare key, if that is even possible.

I'd like to keep to the mid size tools. As far as my needs, no real needs, just more of a wanting to try it. Though I would prefer pliers and a locking blade and saw. If I like it I would probably use it more for camping and hiking. Which one should I pick up this week?

Thanks for the suggestions.

Edit: Added a couple preferences.
Click to expand...

The Sidekick is a reasonable choice to experiment with.

Here are some thoughts of my own journey with MTs, which may or may not apply to you.


I don't work in the trades. I'm a home owner though and there are days where I work on the property and on those days, having an MT on my person helps. For days of this nature, I prefer the Wave with it's external blade. I carry the MT instead of (and not along side of) my EDC knife and I use the blade on the MT as a "dirty" blade to open things like fertilizer bags. It's a bit bulky and I don't like to carry the MT and go back and forth between heavy pocket carry and using a removable clip on belt holster. But it's worth having as it saves frequent trips to the barn to fetch this tool or that tool.

For EDC, I don't carry a full sized MT on my person. I do use one of several backpacks or day packs that I keep nearby me, if not on me all the time. For this use, I like an old style MT with tools inside. For this use, the knife blade is worthless to me, since I have an EDC knife in my pocket. Here is a Blast with one of my daypacks.
Untitled by Pinnah, on Flickr

The laptop bag has an older SOG Paratool in it.

For EDC, I find I almost never need a full sized MT or even pliers. This is why I can live with walking out to my car or to another room to find my daypack and in it, my full sized MT. Pliers just don't come up as a need that often. Ditto saw blades and metal files.

I do need scissors, a nail file and screwdrivers on a regular basis. Also like to have a bottle opener handy. So, for EDC, I vastly prefer the Leatherman Micra over the Squirt PS4.
Untitled by Pinnah, on Flickr

I find the best place for me to carry this is in my LFP, opposite of my EDC knife, and not on my keyring. I use it all the time and hate having keys on it when using the tool.


I have different needs for backpacking and car camping. For backpacking, I count ounces and rely on a tarp/tent and stove. I do find small pliers useful for sewing and zipper repairs. So, for backpacking, I carry the Squirt PS4.
Outdoor Carry by Pinnah, on Flickr

In terms of using a firesteel, I just use a firesteel with a dedicated striker. I wouldn't ever rely on any lock to strike a firesteel.

It's nice to have an MT handy when car camping but for me, the carry is just like EDC. It stays in my day pack.

Hope something here is helpful
 
I have a Juice.. Rides in my watch pocket most of the time.. Is just fine for what comes up.. I have 2 Blasts.. One rides on the console in my truck and the other goes with me on my belt when I think I need something a little more heavy duty.. Swap meets, flea mkts, camping, hiking.. John:cool:
 
Thanks John I appreciate the feedback. The Sidekick will more than likely end up in the car if I don't edc it. I've been in a few situations that I wish I had some kind of MT on me and didn't.

Pinnah - I always enjoy reading your post and I wish I was able to get outdoors as much as I see you do from your post. Thank you for your insight. Like you, my job does not really require tools and like you I'll use the main blade on the MT and a work tool. I like to work in the yard, and hike/camp/ hunt when I can, which will be even more limited now with my new baby girl on the way. However, I plan on introducing them to nature asap.

I like the wave, based on what I see, but the size and weight and it being a little more in price pushed the Sidekick in front. I honestly don't know how much I will use a MT this Summer. This is really just for fun and I wanted to learn a little. I'm not even sure if I will carry all that I list in the OP but will mix it up each day based on comfort.

I am looking into an edc bag of some sort. So, maybe that will work if I just can't give up something.

I found a Micra for 3 dollars so I'll have the PS4 and it to figure out which I prefer when.

I also like the idea of a fire steel but that will have to wait due to my emptying the piggy bank.

Thanks again John and Pinnah for the insight and a bit of education. :):thumbup:
 
I have a wingman (same size as sidekick buy with slightly different tool selection) in my edc rotation. Its a manageable size and weight. It comes standard with the pocket clip too, which you have to purchase separately on other models.
 
I'm not going to review the Leatherman Sidekick since I am new to this. Thought I would just give my initial impression now that I have it.

My first thought was on how much nicer in fit and quality than my other and my second was, "This will work."I know this is an entry level mt and it makes me wonder how much nicer the others must be, if this is an entry level mt.

The length and weight feel good. It is certainly a friendly size to carry. I put it in my watch pocket of the jeans Im wearing out of curiosity on whether it would fit and surprisingly, it not only fit but was comfortable there. I kept it there for the evening.

On playing with it the spring feels great. Opening and closing was a comfortable stiff smooth that makes me think it will break in nicely. I wanted it to be more stiff than lose and I am happy with the action. I aslo like that I can open and close the main blade and saw one handed. A feature I was expecting on a mt. I was expecting to have to drop things in order to open it. I can also open it to get to the pliers one handed and I like that as well.

The tools seems up to par and the blade will shave my arm so no complaints there. The only thing that Im not a fan of is the clip. Nothing is wrong with it, and it performs well, I just have no need for it. I really do not prefer to clip any of my tools/blades even the modern flippers. A second thing, and not a big deal at all, Im not really liking how the lanyard can open past the handles and go almost to the inside when the mt is opened. I would rather it stop once even with the grip.

Havent put it to work yet but Im happy with what I recieved. I even forgot it was in the watch pocket, which for me is a good thing.

I think this paired with PS4 is going to work. The PS4 should be here in few days.
 
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Thanks Capt. I look forward to trying it out.

I plan to remove the clip tomorrow.
 
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