Hello everyone. I have carried a leatherman wingman for awhile now. Recently purchased a Vic cadet (just a bit smaller than I had expected). Other than that, I don't have any other multi-tooled tools. I am considering a new item (possibly a leatherman freestyle, vic farmer or hiker) and would prefer to keep it under $50. This is just something mostly for edc and occasionally day hikes (not my primary cutting tool whenhiking). Open to any brands or models. Let me know your suggestions. Thanks!
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decent multi tool under $50?
- Thread starter mec003
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The farmer is good, as is the hiker or huntsman. if you hunt around, you should be able to find a Leatherman Rebar for that budget. might have to get a used one, but that's not a problem. I'd say figure out which tools you use more, and then go for that. A Vic climber may turn out to be more handy if you use scissors more than a saw, or a super-tinker. Both great urban EDCs
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Find a used pst ii for less then 30, great retired tool that includes scissors
The Vic Farmer is great. It had a great tool set for day hikes, hunting, camping etc...
Makes a great backup to a fixed blade, but could be a primary for light weight backpacking if necessary.
For a day hike it's all I have needed to open food packs, cut some rope, and whittle on a stick or two
Makes a great backup to a fixed blade, but could be a primary for light weight backpacking if necessary.
For a day hike it's all I have needed to open food packs, cut some rope, and whittle on a stick or two
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In the under $50 range I would suggest the Farmer and the Rebar.
If you want to buy something used you could probably get a Leatherman Wave.
If you want to buy something used you could probably get a Leatherman Wave.
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It so depends on what you do in real life. Some guys are often coming up with the need for pliers (me!) so a Leatherman(ish) pliers based multi-tool would be indicated. Others find little use for pliers and opt for some kind of SAK (sometimes me!) Most of us, I think, like them all.
Start anywhere, you really can't go wrong. :glee:
Start anywhere, you really can't go wrong. :glee:
We have a local pawn shop that deals a lot of used Leatherman tools. With a little patience I scored a like new PST for $20 and a like new Fuse for $15. If you have a local pawn shop give them a look.
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I think it depends on your needs and how hardcore you are regarding hiking.
While I really like SAKs and appreciate their minimalist slimness, I generally gravitate toward a pliers based tool because I use it more day to day. I generally consider my Wingman or Rev as my weekend warrior throw-in-the-pocket-and-go tools. For hiking through the park, they work just fine.
I'm also a huge fan of the Skeletool as well as the MUT for slim carry. I think Leatherman is on the right track with the scaled down yet very capable tools. I like that I can use them as easily accessed pocket knives.
That said, I usually just go with the ol' tried and true ST300. I carry it on my belt day to day, I am used to the weight, and no little parts and pieces to lose in the woods. Just good HD pliers, couple of blades, drivers and a saw. I might look at a Rebar if i wanted to save weight.
While I really like SAKs and appreciate their minimalist slimness, I generally gravitate toward a pliers based tool because I use it more day to day. I generally consider my Wingman or Rev as my weekend warrior throw-in-the-pocket-and-go tools. For hiking through the park, they work just fine.
I'm also a huge fan of the Skeletool as well as the MUT for slim carry. I think Leatherman is on the right track with the scaled down yet very capable tools. I like that I can use them as easily accessed pocket knives.
That said, I usually just go with the ol' tried and true ST300. I carry it on my belt day to day, I am used to the weight, and no little parts and pieces to lose in the woods. Just good HD pliers, couple of blades, drivers and a saw. I might look at a Rebar if i wanted to save weight.
Are you decided on having a tool with a saw? Cause if a saw's not a deal breaker, I'd say try to get a Vic Pioneer in hand and see if it suits you. It's basically the farmer without a saw (so 1 layer slimmer and takes up less space in your pocket) and is was more robust than the cadet you purchased.
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I'd say, for $50 get a used LM (ST, PST, whichever you can find will sure be good. Even the wave can be found used under 50 bucks) or a Gerber or SOG (MP, Paratool, etc.). Any SAK will most likely suit you well, Campre, Tinker, Farmer, etc. and are usually cheaper than a MT. I bought these 3 for your budget last month:
And these two for $30 on the Bay.
These two as well, $35
You just have to look! Many decent options that will probably last you a lifetime, even if they've been used before!
With $50 all of these can be had, even two of them for that budget. All great options:
And these two for $30 on the Bay.
These two as well, $35
You just have to look! Many decent options that will probably last you a lifetime, even if they've been used before!
With $50 all of these can be had, even two of them for that budget. All great options:
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EBAY EBAY EBAY
I watched ebay for about 2 months making a spreadsheet on popular leatherman and SOG multitools. I then averaged the price for each particular model and and listed the extreme low I had seen them sell for along with avg shipping price. I then took my time looking and watching and slowly bought a SOG paramilitary for I think 35 shipped and a new not in box leatherman rebar for 25 shipped. It was fun but I that weird guy who like finding deals.
I watched ebay for about 2 months making a spreadsheet on popular leatherman and SOG multitools. I then averaged the price for each particular model and and listed the extreme low I had seen them sell for along with avg shipping price. I then took my time looking and watching and slowly bought a SOG paramilitary for I think 35 shipped and a new not in box leatherman rebar for 25 shipped. It was fun but I that weird guy who like finding deals.
afishhunter
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CRKT "Guppie"? Has a bit driver, small adjustable wrench, wharncliffe blade, and a clip for the belt loop. The bit holder even has an almost useful LED light.
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I love my Farmer but under $50 I have to also recamend the Vic Trekker or Forester very similar tool set to the Farmer.
I have also had good luck with ebay. A very good Swisschamp for under $25, pre 85 Craftsman in almost new condition $10 and a good+ Vic Climber for $3 deliverd.
I have also had good luck with ebay. A very good Swisschamp for under $25, pre 85 Craftsman in almost new condition $10 and a good+ Vic Climber for $3 deliverd.
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Any full sized Vic
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Hope I am not too late to this thead--multitool under $50, here are some of the suggestions:
Victorinox Huntsman 91mm
classic among Vic fans, scissors, saw, great utility
Victorinox Explorer 91mm
Inline phillips, scissors, another great EDC choice
Victorinox EvoGrip S18 85mm
locking blade, similar to Huntsman(except back tools)
Victorinox OHO Non-serrated Trekker 111mm
My favorite go to camp tool, everything you need for hiking/camping, OHO locking blade, great saw.
LM Juice C2
pocket size tool offered from LM, but for the size and weight, I am more inclined to get a Vic 91mm
Gerber MP400 Compact Sport
Mid size Gerber MT, decent quality, but probably not the same as Vic or LM quality.
Victorinox Huntsman 91mm
classic among Vic fans, scissors, saw, great utility
Victorinox Explorer 91mm
Inline phillips, scissors, another great EDC choice
Victorinox EvoGrip S18 85mm
locking blade, similar to Huntsman(except back tools)
Victorinox OHO Non-serrated Trekker 111mm
My favorite go to camp tool, everything you need for hiking/camping, OHO locking blade, great saw.
LM Juice C2
pocket size tool offered from LM, but for the size and weight, I am more inclined to get a Vic 91mm
Gerber MP400 Compact Sport
Mid size Gerber MT, decent quality, but probably not the same as Vic or LM quality.
People have very different ways of approaching both EDC and hiking, so it's really, really hard to recommend without hearing more about what sort stuff you do and like.
Leatherman has a "retired" tools section on their web site, which allows you to look through all of the old LM products. This combined with the auction web sites almost guarantees that you can find most LM stuff for under $50 expect the really top end tools.
For EDC, I find the small Micra to be an excellent companion to my EDC knife. EDC knife in RFP, Micra and money clip in LFP.
Untitled by Pinnah, on FlickrFor EDC, I almost always have a backpack or laptop bag with me or nearby within easy reach. I keep a full sized MT in my bags or in my EDC bowl. This way, I have ready access to the a full sized MT without needing to lug it around on my belt all the time. An LM Blast is my primary on big MT, but I also have a Wave and a SOG Paratool. Blast is my favorite. Paid less than $30 for it shipped.
EDC Back Ups by Pinnah, on FlickrFor hiking/backpacking, I've gone smaller and lighter. I used to carry a full sized MT (the Paratool and then the Wave) but have since concluded that they don't add much for hiking for my style of hiking. I carry a teeny Squirt, which is enough for pushing needles through heavy fabric and fixing zippers.
Outdoor Carry by Pinnah, on FlickrNone of this really bears on what you should get though. It really depends on your style. Hit the Leatherman site, find the one you like the best and hit the auction site.
