Multi-Tool or Large Folding Knife

B

Brian6244

Joined
Aug 25, 2004
Messages
537
If you could only carry ONE or the other for urban/suburban EDC, which would you carry and why? For the sake of this discussion lets assume that you do not have a job or other daily activity which specifically requires either one and that their are no laws prohibitting either one within a resonable size (say under 5" blade). This is strictly from an EDC preparedness prospective and no you can't carry both! :)
 
I carry folder everyday, allday.

I have tools in my garage and in both cars so I don't need to carry a multi-tool much.

BUT, for strickly preparedness puposes, the multi-tool would be the best option.

It can do anything the folder can and more.

Allen.
 
I did the multi-tool edc for a few years. When I was carrying the multi-tool I was constantly thinking to myself (and telling others) how it was the most usefull knife I'd ever bought. The reason I've switched back to a folder is vain I suppose. I didn't want to have 2 things on by belt - I hate the nerdy batman look. When I carried the multitool on my belt I didn't have to have a phone. Now that I've got a phone on my belt I switched to a folder with a pocket clip. Lame decision making process - I'm so ashamed. ;)
 
I'd go with the knife. I carry my folding knife all the time, but I rarely carry my multi-tool.
 
Brian6244 said:
If you could only carry ONE or the other for urban/suburban EDC, which would you carry and why? For the sake of this discussion lets assume that you do not have a job or other daily activity which specifically requires either one and that their are no laws prohibitting either one within a resonable size (say under 5" blade). This is strictly from an EDC preparedness prospective and no you can't carry both! :)
Click to expand...

Both! whoops....

The multitool would get the call. I use a lot of the tools most days, and my Swisstool X has a decent knife blade so I'd do alright with just the multi...
 
Well I live in the 'burbs and work in the city,and I carry a large folder(right now Jim Burke custom) or a Fb Lum Tanto.

But when storms etc.approach I add a multi-tool. :rolleyes:

If forced to pick,Knife.

Why? I have all sorts of tools at work,in the home and car.
 
I don't have one yet, but now that Leatherman finally put decent steel and a pocketclip on a tool (Charge Ti), I might EDC a multi-tool again.
 
for general EDC i carry a one hand folder. the mulit is heavier, i dont like it in my pocket and unless im doing some sort of work where its more than likely that i would need it i dont want it on my belt. a knife fills only the role of a knife, but a multi is a give and take between a lot of different tools, none of them being the best so if i want a tool ill go get it.
 
I actually carry a folder.

When I'm out and about, especially traveling, I carry a SAK or multi, generally a heavy-duty multitool.

Given a choice, I would have to take the multi, if I'm going where I might need it.
 
I almost always carry a one-handed folder and a SAK or other multitool. If I _had_ to choose one or the other, it'd be a multitool with a one-handed main blade, probably the new Leatherman Charge.
 
I always carry both, but if I could only have one, hands down it would be the multitool. I always use it at least once a day. You never realize how handy pliers/screwdrivers are until you have them on you.

"If all you have is a hammer, every problem looks like a nail."

No idea who said that, but I'm sure it's relevant somehow. :)

Chris
 
Without question, the multitool. I'd even take a SAK like my Recruit, Hiker, or Mechanic over any of my "tactical" folders, for the same reason you mentioned-preparedness. With a knife, I'm prepared to cut stuff. With a multitool, like the Wave or ST200, I'm prepared to cut stuff...and tighten/loosen screws, open bottles and cans, pry with the screwdrivers or pliers, saw wood, plastic, PVC pipe, or sheetrock, file any number of materials from metal to fingernails, not to mention all the things you can do with pliers and wire cutters.
My one hand openers are much better for use as a weapon, and are more quickly and easily deployed, while having better steel for longer use without sharpening than a multitool's typically inferior steel. Aside from the weapon aspect, convenience is the only real reason I have for carrying one (funny I have so many, and put so much thought and money into them compared to what I've spent on multitools).
Multitools and SAKs do not have "good" tools, by any stretch of the imagination, but they are tools that you can have with you all the time, and that is what being prepared is, to my way of thinking.
 
Couldn't even tell you when the last time was I didn't have my multitool on my belt...

I sleep with my pants on... Leatherman Crunch, zippo, fixed blade(5 customs and a spydie moran to choose from) all stay on the belt. spydie stainless dragonfly stays on my neck...

Leatherman juice is in my gear bag.
 
Multi-tool, then SAK, then tac. folder as last choice if I could only carry one.

The multi-tool is just too versitile.
 
If forced, I'd carry my LM Wave (hopefully soon to be upgraded to a Charge Ti). The LM has enough blade for most uses and my folding knives can't function as pliers.
 
I have a LM Wave that is real handy, but if forced to choose between it and say, my Hinderer Firetac Extreme, the FTE is gonna be the winner.
 
While in reality I d carry both, (LM Origional. Bought in 1991 and REKAT Sifu) If forced to make a choice I would pick the Sifu.
I am No McGuyver and I cannot see my self without a folder.
 
I carry both a multi tool and a knife.
If I had to carry only one thing it would be the multi tool.
I said this before on differant forums, my leatherman Sideclip is the first thing I put in my pocket, every day.
I use it almost every day for something.
Even if its just pulling staples out of something, or using it as a cracker for crab legs it gets used.
When I travel to NJ and "watch what I carry " its my leatherman.
Good knife hunting
Jack
 
I always carry both, but if I had to choose I'd have to go with the multi-tool. I do suspect I would go back to a multi-tool that features a one-hand blade, though.

--Bob Q
 
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