Best Small Multi-tool

Triton

Triton

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Apologies in advance if this subject has been done to death...

Okay so I've carried a Victorinox Swisstool for years and it's fabulous. It is, however admittedly heavy and bulky. Recently I've been thinking that I should get something smaller and lighter that won't drag down the dress pants I wear to work every day.

Here's the parameters:

1) Smaller and lighter than a full size multi-tool
2) Not made by Leatherman
3) Should be pliers based
4) Should have scissors
5) Would like it to have a can opener
6) Needs usable screw drivers

That's all I can think of at the moment. I was thinking about a SOG powerpint but some of the Amazon reviews suggest that it has a bit to be desired in build quality. If you disagree I would love to know about it.

Thanks!
 
OP, when you say Swisstool, are you talking about the full size Swisstool(345g/12.1oz) or Swisstool Spirit(209g/7.3oz)? I think Spirit is one of the lightest weight in the mid size category at a mere 209g, any lighter we are going into sub 'mid size' pliers-based tools(such as Juice from LM).

Btw, if you haven't considered Vic Spirit, I would highly recommend that, very functional tools with swiss made precision.
 
DocT said:
How about a Vic Delux Tinker?
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Thanks for the suggestion, I have to admit that I started considering a SAK when I saw some of the postings here. I tend to think "leatherman" or "Sog" or one of the other pliers based items when I think multitool. Would it be weird to carry both an SAK and a Benchmade mini-Rukus?
 
comis said:
OP, when you say Swisstool, are you talking about the full size Swisstool(345g/12.1oz) or Swisstool Spirit(209g/7.3oz)? I think Spirit is one of the lightest weight in the mid size category at a mere 209g, any lighter we are going into sub 'mid size' pliers-based tools(such as Juice from LM).

Btw, if you haven't considered Vic Spirit, I would highly recommend that, very functional tools with swiss made precision.
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It's the full size model. It's great, just bulky and heavy in the pocket. I hadn't considered the Spirit nor did I realize it was almost half the weight. I may have to do that one too. The powerpint is like 4.2 oz or something which is why I was considering it but again I wonder about build quality.
 
You don't get scissors or a can opener, but in my opinion the best small multitool is the long gone Sebertool M4.
They often pop up on Ebay, but you've gotta keep an eye out for one reasonably priced.
They're usually asking $50-$100+ regardless if it's the standard, the black Harley Davidson version, or the Craftsman rebranded version.
They're crazy, but reasonable people will list them in the $30 range like I payed for mine if you keep an eye open.




If you can live without the can opener it would be perfect if you just pair it with a Vic classic.

Honestly no small multitool is going to have as good of a pair of scissors as any Victorinox pocket knife keychain sized or otherwise, and I feel the Sebertool m4 works out extremely well paired with the Vic classic.
 
Hickory n steel said:
You don't get scissors or a can opener, but in my opinion the best small multitool is the long gone Sebertool M4.
They often pop up on Ebay, but you've gotta keep an eye out for one reasonably priced.
They're usually asking $50-$100+ regardless if it's the standard, the black Harley Davidson version, or the Craftsman rebranded version.
They're crazy, but reasonable people will list them in the $30 range like I payed for mine if you keep an eye open.




If you can live without the can opener it would be perfect if you just pair it with a Vic classic.

Honestly no small multitool is going to have as good of a pair of scissors as any Victorinox pocket knife keychain sized or otherwise, and I feel the Sebertool m4 works out extremely well paired with the Vic classic.
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Really nice, I'd never heard of that one. It looks pretty nice. I'll have to keep an eye out thanks!
 
Triton said:
Thanks for the suggestion, I have to admit that I started considering a SAK when I saw some of the postings here. I tend to think "leatherman" or "Sog" or one of the other pliers based items when I think multitool. Would it be weird to carry both an SAK and a Benchmade mini-Rukus?
Click to expand...
Not at all. I usually carry a SAK paired with some other knife.
 
Triton said:
Really nice, I'd never heard of that one. It looks pretty nice. I'll have to keep an eye out thanks!
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Great tools with the sturdiest pliers you'll find on a multitool this size, you'll love it if you ever get one.

Theres also the m2 which is way better than even the original US made swisstool.

The m3 that just adds a smaller driver tip to each handle

And there's the very rare i2 seberknife which is literally just the left handle section off an m4.
Never seen one in person, but they came bundled with one of the other models.
I assume because the only markings are etched most used examples are unidentifiable now.
 
Nsgnh9Q.jpg

Dq5kGkc.jpg

From L to R, LM Juice, SOG PowerPint, Vic Spirit

I have used both Spirit and Juice for EDC in the past, and only played with the SOG PP for fun. I think in terms of fit and finish, I generally rank Victorinox > LM > SOG, where SOG not too far behind LM, and a noticeable gap between LM and Vic.

Some of thoughts based on these models:
1) the SOG PowerPint does have all the tools accessible from the outside which is nice, but the one hand opening is so small that basically it is a two hand operation.

2) Regarding Vic Spirit, it is the same buttery action you are familiar with on the Swisstools(IMHO, it's synonym to CRK hydraulic action in the knife world), and personally, LM never come close to that. The more recent Free series does get 'warmer', but the tool offerings on them that were jokes for such expensive offerings. In terms of mid-size multitool(such as LM Wave/Charge, Gerber MP400, SOG) my personal favorite is still the Vic Spirit, and that's my 2 cents after collecting and using more than a few dozens of Mid-sized plier-based MT from Vic, LM, Gerber, SOG and few known brands from Europe.

3) The only drawback to Spirit is it doesn't have a one hand opening blade, which to some is a nuisance if it is the only tool you EDC.

4) If weight and dimension is a concern, another very interesting route is to pair a Victorinox 84 or 91mm SAK with a small pliers, such as the Knipex Cobra XS. It's every bit as capable as a MT and better yet, the pliers is independent of the tools which may be even more desirable in some situation.
 
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Gerber Dime isn't horrible, I had one of them for quite a few years and it's held up well. They're cheap so if you take a chance it won't be a big loss if you don't like it.

Not as good as a Leatherman squirt but I'd say comparable to a SOG.
 
jackknife said:
Wow, thats quite a handful of capable problem solving implements in that hand, hickory! :thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:

Small enough to be ALWAYS with you, but not noticeable enough to be a PITA and left behind so as to not be there when needed.
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It was definitely an excellent combo, and the Buck 305 is still one of my favorites.
I gave that particular Sebertool to my friend recently because I wasn't too keen on the black finish with Harley logos on the other side, but I am on the lookout for a standard m3 as well as another m2.

The m3 compliments the classic and 305 very well, the m2 compliments the cadet very well, and the m4 can go with just about anything.
 
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comis said:
Nsgnh9Q.jpg

Dq5kGkc.jpg

From L to R, LM Juice, SOG PowerPint, Vic Spirit

I have used both Spirit and Juice for EDC in the past, and only played with the SOG PP for fun. I think in terms of fit and finish, I generally rank Victorinox > LM > SOG, where SOG not too far behind LM, and a noticeable gap between LM and Vic.

Some of thoughts based on these models:
1) the SOG PowerPint does have all the tools accessible from the outside which is nice, but the one hand opening is so small that basically it is a two hand operation.

2) Regarding Vic Spirit, it is the same buttery action you are familiar with on the Swisstools(IMHO, it's synonym to CRK hydraulic action in the knife world), and personally, LM never come close to that. The more recent Free series does get 'warmer', but the tool offerings on them that were jokes for such expensive offerings. In terms of mid-size multitool(such as LM Wave/Charge, Gerber MP400, SOG) my personal favorite is still the Vic Spirit, and that's my 2 cents after collecting and using more than a few dozens of Mid-sized plier-based MT from Vic, LM, Gerber, SOG and few known brands from Europe.

3) The only drawback to Spirit is it doesn't have a one hand opening blade, which to some is a nuisance if it is the only tool you EDC.

4) If weight and dimension is a concern, another very interesting route is to pair a Victorinox 84 or 91mm SAK with a small pliers, such as the Knipex Cobra XS. It's every bit as capable as a MT and better yet, the pliers is independent of the tools which may be even more desirable in some situation.
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Really appreciate you taking the time to put this very nice post together. That's the second vote for a spirit here as well. I like the minimalism of the seber tools, but also the capability of the spirit. I may have to try both!
 
RoyalHolic said:
Gerber Dime isn't horrible, I had one of them for quite a few years and it's held up well. They're cheap so if you take a chance it won't be a big loss if you don't like it.

Not as good as a Leatherman squirt but I'd say comparable to a SOG.
Click to expand...

I had considered the dime also. The cheaper price certainty makes it attractive. Thanks for the insight.
 
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