multi-tool?

I've used various models of Leatherman, Gerber, and a couple of off brands that I can't remember. Leatherman is the only one I buy anymore. I have several and they've always worked well for me. Good blades (when properly sarpened up), good tools that are easy to get out and put back, tough enough for what I do with them in the warehouse, the locking models are easy to use and the slipjoint Leatherman I have is still very secure in use.
 
The nicest I've found is the Leatherman Wave. Mid-size. Just the right amount of "heft." Great build quality. Has nice pliers and just about all the tools one might need short of an actual toolbox.
 
Look at the Victorinox Swisstools. Leatherman tools are perfectly functional, of course, but IMHO the Swisstools are superior. My favorite for several years has been the Spirit.
 
Foilist said:
Look at the Victorinox Swisstools. Leatherman tools are perfectly functional, of course, but IMHO the Swisstools are superior. My favorite for several years has been the Spirit.
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What makes you say that swiss tool is superior?
Just curious.

:)
 
I think most here will say Victorinox or Leatherman. I started with Leatherman in the 80's and have stuck with them. My original is still in use. I also have a Squirt on my keychain and "new" Wave in my truck. I love the Wave and have the extra bits that go with it. I take it on all my trips and it does come in handy - from fixing a taillight to putting a new ejector in a shotgun in the dove field. That goodness for the extra bits. The blades are much better than in the past. I have friends that like Gerbers for their out-of-the-end pliers but they have both had breakage - Gerber stood behind their product but I'd prefer not to have to deal with it.
 
xexos said:
What makes you say that swiss tool is superior?
Just curious.

:)
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I have both Leathermans and a Swisstool. Bear in mind that I am not trashing Leathermans - they are good tools, but here's what I prefer about the Swisstool:

The handles stay tight without the floppiness that LMs develop.

All of the blades can be accessed without unfolding the tool.

The array of implements is more varied than many LMs, which seem to have more redundant screwdrivers than necessary.

Overall, the fit and finish seems better.
 
I've tried and own a good number of the major (and minor) brands out there. I guess it depends on what you want in a tool.

Leatherman makes a good tool in several different models depending on your need and flavor. Also, most of the major models can be picked up easily at your local Walmart, Target, or outdoor sports store.

Victorinox, IMHO, makes a tool with the best fit and finish. Basically, they continue the quality craftsmanship that their pocket knives are known for and implement it into a pliers-based tool. I'm rather embarrassed to say that I have only handled their tools and never owned one. Might change that this Christmas;)

SOG makes the tool that is my go-to for HD work. Their Powerlock, while rather chunky, offers compound leverage in the jaws, high polish on the tool body (a feature that LM used to have, but has sort of let go down hill in the recent years...just my opinion), and internal tools that ARE a little on the crude size but can be replaced easily as needed with just a 1/4" socket set.

Basically, steer clear of the bargain gas-station/flea market junk and you'll be fine:)
 
+1 for Victornox! I agree that the LMs are very good MTs, they have many models and do a nice job, also SOG has some primo models, but IMO Swisstools are the best, for fit, finish, tools, WARRANTY, and corrosion resistance.

Honestly any of these 3 are worth it but if you can, handle all of them and that should help you decide ;)
 
Any of them will work, but the Victorinox SwissTools and Spirits are the best made. Feel them for yourself. It really all boils down to personal taste after all.
 
just so long as you keep in mind that a multi tool is not your toolbox, it is as my dad likes to say what you have with you, and what helps you fight your way back to your real tools. no multi tool will be as good as the individual tools it replaces.
look for the tools you need, and then look for what you want. I like my LM pulse, the vic tools are way too heavy IMO, and my dad has broken several LM PSTs that said, he knew ahead of time that each job would likley kill the tool.
I need screwdrivers that work, not fakeys, I have no need for a saw, and a file and small scissors are nice to haves. and to me the loosening of the LM is a plus, I like the one handed opening feature that mine has developed
as always YMMV
 
I have had good experiences with Gerber, SOG and Leatherman, but my favorites are my Leatherman Juice and Skeletool.
 
All the good things remarked about Victorinox products are true; excellent fit and finish, tough, corrosion resistant etc. To that I would add more hand friendly design with no sharp edges or other discomforts sometimes encountered on Leatherman products. I only wish the implements were more like Leatherman's, with true needle nose pliers that open wider, also (depending on model) better screwdrivers with longer shanks, diamond coated file, versatile bit driver accessory system, and one handed opening. After experiencing both makes, my preference is for Leatherman pliers-based multitools, although I love Vics in the SAK format.
 
I've hard my fair share of multi-tools and I ALWAYS have one with me, I'm the go to guy. My favorites have always been Leatherman and SOG (I have yet to handle a victorinox multi-tool).

I have had one of the original leathermans for about 14-15 years now and it still looks brand new. Operates well, is light-weight and still fits in my old boy scout pouch that was designed around the leathermans and maglites at the time.

That is what go tme hooked on Leathermans. Now I have a more modern version, the leatherman Surge. It's a beast and has just about everything but the kitchen sink in it. Great multi-tool but I have yet to put it to the test.

My SOG Powerlock is the military version and has the black coating, which I have to say is a very nice coating because it is still there after 2-3 years of constant use (I say military version due to the box and dealer that I bought it from). This multi-tool has a lot to offer. It opens up just like a balisong and is very comfortable when applying a lot of pressure on the pliers. The only complaint about this is the saw. The saw can't cut a twig to save your life. I don't know if my SAK OHT has me spoiled with their saw design, but I know a saw should cut something in a reasonable amount of time.

Gerbers are "ok" in my book. I often used one when I was doing maintenance work two summers ago so I wouldn't damage my good tools. The jaws are a big complaint of mine, they don't open wide enough to get a good bite. They are very light and don't take up much belt room, but you get what you pay for. Gerber probably has my least favorite multi-tools. Oh almost forgot, the scissors on gerbers are really superb, probably the best feature on them, okay, I'm done now :D
 
Victorinox Spirits and Swisstools are about the best build quality .

Chris
 
Hard to go past LM on quality and warranty. My favourit is still the original Wave - when my first one got stolen I spent almost 3 years hunting for another one and recently eBay'd a 20th Anniversary - not as fond of the later ones (with the removable bits) although I bought a 25th Anniversary as a Queen and have been tempted by the Titanium model.

Blade can be opened one-handed with a bit of practice - careful they're sharp - big enough for most tasks and small enough for EDC
 
I have the Leatherman Blast, and I am fairly pleased with it so far. I use the wire cutters to cut 9 guage wires, and those things are pretty thick, and still no damage to the pliers.

The only thing that broke was the smaller screwdriver, it was my entirely my fault, but I still got the big one. :)
 
Although I have already mentioned my preference for Swisstools, I recently traded my old-style LM Wave for an LM Juice Pro. I really like the Juice's compact size, tool selection, and the fact that nearly all of the tools open without unfolding the pliers. This one is a great edc for light duty stuff.
 
antonio_luiz said:
Hard to go past LM on quality and warranty.
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your saying Leathermans "25" year warranty is better than Victorinox's "Lifetime" warranty? or SOG's Lifetime or even Gerbers Lifetime warranty?
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