If good pliers and a good knife are a priority in an EDC friendly package, I would go with a dedicated knife and a something like the 4 1/2" Crescent Tongue and groove pliers (if for bolts), maybe backed up with a keychain multitool... I don't carry my keychain MT anymore because I use a phillips on wood screws frequently. I've used the above crescent pliers to supplement my LM Juice for small bolts and nut combos, like when I replaced corners of a cyclone style fence. Although the 4 1/2" tongue and groove pliers are better for bolts, I prefer the Juice pliers for pulling things like carpet staples.
Lately, I've been carrying a LM crater backed up with my Juice, but the Crater models with drivers is DC'ed. Something like that (even a Vic OHT) plus dedicated pliers might be a decent alternative.
I'll say that if you are looking for inexpensive MT's from larger name brands, I have a friend who is a technician that works on semi's, race cars, etc. He has multiple LM and Gerbers, and swears by the Gerber Suspension. He's also used it on some of his solo camping and bowhunting treks. I still see them at Menards for a little over $30. I have never used one, but when he lost his he started trying all sorts of different LM and Gerbers. I picked one up to gift him when I saw the Suspension at the hardware store and he immediately went back to using it.
Lately, I've been carrying a LM crater backed up with my Juice, but the Crater models with drivers is DC'ed. Something like that (even a Vic OHT) plus dedicated pliers might be a decent alternative.
I'll say that if you are looking for inexpensive MT's from larger name brands, I have a friend who is a technician that works on semi's, race cars, etc. He has multiple LM and Gerbers, and swears by the Gerber Suspension. He's also used it on some of his solo camping and bowhunting treks. I still see them at Menards for a little over $30. I have never used one, but when he lost his he started trying all sorts of different LM and Gerbers. I picked one up to gift him when I saw the Suspension at the hardware store and he immediately went back to using it.