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Best Multitool For Outdoors?

JK Knives

JK Knives

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My wife asked me what I want for Christmas, and I`m thinking a multitool. I have one of the old basic Leatherman tools, and a very old Schrade Tough Tool (way too heavy), but am looking for one more geared to the outdoors. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
 
I like the Victorinox models best. Used to have a Leatherman but don't buy them for reasons that can only be discussed in the political forum (glad to e-mail you, if you wish). However, the Wave was the next best to the Victorinox.

Often times I feel you're better off with a good sturdy pair of pliers and a couple screwdrivers (unless you're backpacking, in which case I don't carry a multi anyway).
I think multis do an OK job performing several functions but not as well as a good tool specifically dedicated to one function.

DancesWithKnives
 
another vote for the Swiss tool. I believe it to be much sturdier. Not as quick to deploy as a wave but I don't think it will break as easy either. Being slow to get the blades out isn't an issue because I always have a EDC folder anyway.
Carl
 
I have one of the original LM Supertools that I really like. They just came out with a new improved version I believe. It's the only multitool I have experience with though
 
I've owned quite a few of the multitools that have been released in the past couple of decades, and always find myself using my Leatherman Charge or Wave. The Charge XTi is my personal favorite, but I don't think they make them anymore. They do make an aluminum version though.

The selection of tools on the Charge and Wave are very well thought out. The Charge usually comes with a bit kit that is very handy, along with your regular assortment of other tools. I really like how the main tools are on the outside of the handles, which keeps you from having to open up the handles to access the things you will be using most often.

My one complaint about Leathermans (and almost every other multitool, for that matter) is that the pliers can bind when you are cutting wire or anything similar using the wire cutters below the pliers teeth. The wire will get stuck in the cutter and when you open the handles, the cutter stays shut with the wire stuck in place. The only tool I have seen that corrects this issue is the SOG Powerlock (I think that's what it's called) series, but the knives on the Powerlocks suck hard. As a member of a knife forum, I can tell you that you will probably hate the SOG blades. I have no idea why they did not include a more substantial blade like the 154CM you will see on a LM Charge.
 
I have the old and new LM waves. Have had many of there models over the years and find them to be tough and reliable. Had an old Gerber years back, but it pinched me so much I gave it away. The LM skeletool looks like a nifty tool.
 
Victorinox swiss tool. Cant go wrong. As far as I know only one member has been able to snap the pliers on one where 9 other members posted they have snapped a Leatherman.
 
I have had a few leatherman and other brands, and have settled on the Leatherman Charge XTI . It has the Ti handles and guthook. Easy access to main blades, nice locking system, comfortable handles and excellent saw.
The old Supertool I had was murder on your hands when cutting fencing due to the handles, also an annoying locking system. Beware of the 1st gen Waves. During a training day a buddy tried to breach a chain link fence and ended up with a 3 piece tool (which got replaced). I understand they fixed that model later.
Good luck in your search.
 
I like leatherman waves but i dont own one.. i have an original made in usa gerber multiplier that i carry...i really like the way it opens. I do wish that the scalloped edge blade was a true sawblade though. I have done EVERYTHING w/ that tool. When i was 16 i installed a complete car stereo system w/ big speakers etc. Used only the multiplier, could have really used a good drill in some parts but the multiplier came away w/ flying colors. Been hooked every since and it has done alot of stuff.
 
Hi John, how are ya? I carry and use my leatherman wave every day. I had swiss tool but like the wave better. If you can get out to a store that has a bunch of different ones and handle them. that is the best way to do it.
next week I am heading to Omaha to Cabelas to hopefully see and handle the new leatherman Supertool 300 that they have.

Good luck in your search.

Bryan
 
I have had a bunch of multitools over the years. The best of the ones I've owned, by far, is the old Leatherman Wave. I retired my old Wave, because it was pretty beaten up, and I didn't want to ruin it completely, or lose it. The new one's still pretty good, especially the higher-polished "anniversary edition", but it's just not the same. It does retain the three most useful tools from the original for me- the saw, the diamond file, and the beefy wire cutters.
Another of my favorites is the Vic Champ. That thing's a curious creature, but useful!
 
I own the Gerber EVO Multi-Tool.Great product but a bit heavy compared to Leatherman.The weight does feel good in the hand to me.JMO
 
I had a variety of Leathermans and I much prefer the Vic Swisstools. Aside from the great build quality, I like the array of implements and how each one can be opened without unfolding the pliers.

My favorite is the Spirit, although I'd like to get a Spirit X now.
 
I went from a SOG Paratool to a Leatherman Wave to a Leatherman XE6 to a Victorinox Swisstool X to a Victorinox Spirit.
Right now i EDC the Spirit. If i could only keep one it would be the Spirit.
Its sturdy without being bulky, not to thick so you can pocket carry it without any discomfort or large bulges (lol), its relatively light without being flimsy and very slender and ergonomic.
IMO it has the best balance of ergos/functionality/durability of all the fullsized multis that i own.
The only thing that is not ideal on it is the scissors and the butterknife blade shape. But the scissors are not that bad (i just wish they were regular Vic scissors) and i modded the blade to a spearpoint so thats no longer a problem.
And you can get news ones with the spearpoint blade now anyway.
And if i really really needed to go smaller lighter than the Spirit i'd use my Swisschamp or my Leatherman CS4. But while both of those are shorter than the Spirit they are actually thicker than the Spirit as well.
 
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Hmmm strange that there isn't a multi out there thats more geared to Bushcraft/outdoors use.
One with maybe less screwdrivers and a few extra blades instead.
Kinda like a hybrid between a multitool and a slipjoint Stockman.
Droppoint or clippoint or spearpoint, plus a spey and sheepsfoot blade would be nice.
 
Vic Swisstool Spirit, is hands down, the best Multitool Ive ever used.

Best F&F, Great selection of tools, and the slight curve to the handles make it very comfy. Its also a great weight, not too heavy.
 
Probably the regular SwissTool.

Of any multitool, Victorinox wood saws actually work well, and the original SwissTool has both a plain edge blade and a fully serrated blade.
 
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