Help me pick a Multi-Tool

S

sketchbag

Banned
Joined
Oct 1, 2007
Messages
915
I'm in the market for one, but could use some advice narrowing down the selection.

First Ive got a question though:
-How usable are the small wood saws?
-Are the diamond files suitable for maintaining knives too? Sounds like a nice feature, but wouldnt bother spending extra if I'd have to bring another hone specifically for the knife, as regular file will do just fine for axes.


Those are two features I'd like (provided they get the thumbs up from the community), aside from that I'd like to have:
-scissors
-pliers
-tweasers (if possible)

Beyond that I'm not very picky. I dont need it to have a fantastic blade, I dont need locking tools. (but I wouldnt rule these things out)

I dont want to spend a fortune on one either. Ive seen some feature full knock offs for very reasonable prices ($10 shipped), and while I'm skeptical of the quality, you cant go wrong with the price.
 
Stick with name brands like Victorinox, Leatherman, and SOG to name three. The cheap knock-offs can malfunction, maybe break and hurt you. The knock-offs are ripoffs of other people's hard work and designs.

My SAK saw is great as is the scissors and tweezers. I really, really like my SwissTool RS and Vic Spirit "S" model. Since I don't use the files to sharpen anything I can't comment on that. Though I would think they would be a little coarse for maintaining knife blades. Others will chime in soon, so hang tight.

Mike
 
The wood saws are good for the little things they are. Sawing through a lot of wood would be very tedius, but small branches work pretty well. The diamond files just depend on what you want. I've don a quick touch up on my D4, but don't usually use it for knives so I can't give much more help than that. Based on what you want I'd look at the Wave/Surge models as well as the Blast, which doesn't have the diamond file but is a very solid tool for a little less $$$.
 
A scissor is a must-have for me too. I mostly carry my Victorinox Spirit, but I'd also like to try a Swisstool X sometime.
 
Aside from the lack of tweasers. I'd say the LM-Surge and Charge models fit the bill.
Scissors are excellent, as are the pliers. The saw on the surge you can even replace easily if needed.

And all the tools lock in place, so there's little danger of hurting yourself or others during operation.

If you really need the tweasers, carry the small LM-Micra as a back-up. Great scissors on that too.

Just my depreciated 2 cents worth.
 
I'm leaning towards the wave because its cheaper than the surge or charge. I wish they could fit a pair of tweasers on like they do for some of the smaller models, personally I find them a must have tool on any outing, I fucking hate slivers/thorns.

In your experience whats specifically goes wrong with the knock offs? I used to have a cheap hardware store multi tool, the pliers were a little loose, and the blade was cheap, but aside from that it got the job done.

I'm still pretty tempted to grab one of these for dirt cheap
588-d.jpg
 
I think that for the money spent on name brand multi's, the warranty and the overall superior build quality is a better way to go. The steel used in the tools and heat treatments are much better in the brand names. And with the Leatherman you can get a better blade steel is desired. Not that there is much wrong with their basic stuff or the Victorinox stuff.

Think of it this way. You can have a tool that'll be adequate and basically a throw away or one that's quality from the start, fixable or replaceable by the company. You''l never go wrong paying more for quality from the start from a reputable manufacturer.

Now, in addition to a good multi-tool, you might consider getting a Victorinox Rambler for your keychain. Has the small blade, small scissors, nail file with small flat screwdriver tip, toothpick and tweezers, small blade, small magnetic phillips/wire stripper/bottle opener combo tool. I have one and it's very useful.


These are just my opinions ...... buy quality. :)
Mike
 
sketchbag said:
I'm leaning towards the wave because its cheaper than the surge or charge. I wish they could fit a pair of tweasers on like they do for some of the smaller models, personally I find them a must have tool on any outing, I fucking hate slivers/thorns.

In your experience whats specifically goes wrong with the knock offs? I used to have a cheap hardware store multi tool, the pliers were a little loose, and the blade was cheap, but aside from that it got the job done.

I'm still pretty tempted to grab one of these for dirt cheap
588-d.jpg
Click to expand...
Buy that if you want but it is a cheap crappy POS and you are supporting the Chinese who are illegaly copying a patented item.
 
ashtxsniper said:
Buy that if you want but it is a cheap crappy POS and you are supporting the Chinese who are illegaly copying a patented item.
Click to expand...

Look at the finger flicker instead of the holes.Steel looks like crap too.
Get the real deal.Any issue I had with my leatherman tools were replaced promptly.I have two old style vaves without the locking screwdrivers and a juice for occasional pocket carry.
 
The phillips and saw don't look none-too-good either IMO. I'd go with a low-end "real" tool first like the LM Kick. Gerber puts out some less expensive outside openers as well, any of which I would think would out-perform that knock-off, not to mention the warrenty you'd get.
 
The phillips and saw don't look none-too-good either IMO. I'd go with a low-end "real" tool first like the LM Kick. Gerber puts out some less expensive outside openers as well, any of which I would think would out-perform that knock-off.
 
sketchbag said:
...In your experience whats specifically goes wrong with the knock offs?...
Click to expand...

Based on my experience with other imitation Leathermans: The Phillips driver is very likely poorly shaped. All of the blades will probably be dull and possibly even blunt--plan on grinding a bevel before sharpening them. The wire cutter will likley be dull and may not work because of play in the pliers--same thing goes for the scissors. It'll have little to no polishing and there'll likely be some sharp edges. It'll have poor construction overall so it will be more likely to break and the company is unlikely to provide warranty service.

I'd definately recommend the original Wave over the imitation. I also second yam's recommendation of the Victorinox Rambler.

In my opinion....A quality multi-tool will work better which means you'll do a better job, it'll save you time, and you'll enjoy using it (what's that worth!). And a quality multi-tool will last longer and be covered by a good warranty. Considering all these things, a premium multi-tool is a bargain compared to a $10 cheapo. I think the same applies to dedicated tools, knives, etc.
 
Thanks for all the input guys. I'm sold on the leatherman wave, however Ive just been informed of a SAK sale at amazon, so I'm reconsidering getting one of them.

The file's on SAK's, are they usable for anything but your finger nails? I'd like to get something that will spare me from packing an axe file at the very least.

Once again, thanks, there's just so many damn options its hard to narrow it down.
 
You might consider getting a sharpening puck from Lanksy or Norton. Made of crystolon with coarse grit on one side and medium grit on the other side. Not very big and well worth having around. I use my Norton puck mostly dry, at most I use spit or water. It's only 3" in diameter and 5/8" thick.

Mike
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top