Got a full-size MT, now which small one?

[Shortknock27]

I just picked up a Leatherman Surge to help me out here at college. Now what small MT to go along with it should I get? I'm thinking in terms of the Leatherman Micra, Squirt, Juice lines but what else is out there that's good? I would like something that will fit well in the watch fob pocket of my jeans.

Scott

 

[supratentorial]

If you don't already have a Victorinox Classic SD or a Victorinox Rambler, that'd be my next recommendation. They're extremely useful and they don't take up much space so you'll forget that you're carrying it until you need it--that's probably why there are so many TSA confiscations of these multi-tools.

The Juice multi-tools are nice but I wouldn't find it comfortable to carry it in a watch fob pocket. Unless you wear baggy jeans, you may find that it's jabbing you in the side, especially when sitting down. But I think the pliers on the Juice are much more practical than the small pliers on the Squirt P4.

How about getting a Kick with a pocket clip?

 

[znapschatz]

I just picked up a Leatherman Surge to help me out here at college. Now what small MT to go along with it should I get? I'm thinking in terms of the Leatherman Micra, Squirt, Juice lines but what else is out there that's good? I would like something that will fit well in the watch fob pocket of my jeans.

Scott

For 10 years a Micra has been pretty much my constant companion in a snug jeans watch pocket, during which it has behaved itself very nicely, unnoticeable until needed. From time to time I switch off with a Rambler, depending on whatever else I am carrying that day. Both are great supplements to full size multi-tools and knives, and can do larger jobs than you might think. (I love slicing bagels with my Rambler, just for the fun of it, wowing friends and strangers alike. )

I prefer the Micra to the Squirt because it offers a little more versatility in that tools can be used in an unauthorized but workable "extended" position. Oddly, although a Squirt is only marginally thicker than the Micra, it pokes me a little bit and a less attractive carry for that reason. OTOH, it's more fun to play with.

A Juice fits in my watch pocket, but doesn't enjoy it and makes sure I don't. Another candidate, a Minichamp II, showed promise as an "everything" watch pocket tool, but was just that much too thick, a big disappointment.

If your main tool lacks scissors, I recommend Micra. Otherwise, Rambler is the way to go, and a toothpick as bonus!