Multi-tools: Best one for survival kit?

I like my SOG Powerlock. Its tough as nails, and SOG has the best pliers in the business with the compound leverage, I definitely prefer it over my leatherman. However, as long as you get a tool from a quality manufacturer (SOG, Leatherman, Gerber, Victorinox, etc.) you'll be fine. All the other knockoffs are absolute crap.
 
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I have a first gen gerber with the awl/reamer they quickly discontinued. It's been pretty good to me. SWMBO had a wave. One of the coolest IMHO is the one Coleman made for a few years where the tools snapped out of the handle -- so you could use the pliers and saw/knife/etc... at the same time. Unfortunately, it's not the greatest steel and feels flimsy, so would not be a first choice in survival situation.
 
SwissChamp, original LM Supertool (might be my fav), LM Wave.

If you are a man of means, this damascus Wave is designed for the discriminating survivor:

DamscusLeatherman.jpg
 
MrCoffee said:
Hey Everyone,

I have a number of multi-tools, Victorinox Spirit, Leatherman PST, PST II, SOG Powerlock, Gerber Suspension, and a ton of SAKs. But I am curious as to which one you all favor when it comes to survival tools. So far I haven't found a "favorite", thou I would have to say that The Spirit is at the top of my list, but that just might be because I am a Victorinox addict... :) Lots of people love the Wave..... we always ask "which knife if you could only have one?" I am asking "Which multi-tool, if you couldn't have a knife?"

One other thing I have noticed, is that no one seems to use the SwissCard (or the like) as part of thier "tin kits" and I was wondering why? While it isn't exactly a RC-3, it is a very very thin tool kit with a number of useful items.

Anyways, thoughts? Comments?
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It all depends on what size kit you're going to build or carry, and where you are likely to find yourself in a survival scenario.

My personal picks would be;

Pocket/tin kit - Leatherman Squirt or Micra (you can shoose pliers of scissors)

There are some similar tiny tools from SOG and Swisstech, but as far as I can tell the LM tools are better. Can't go wrong with a decent SAK for a small kit like this also.

Medium/small bag type kit - A Leatherman 2004 Wave (the newer version)

I say the "new" Wave because the blades are a little bigger than the "old" Wave, and the inner tools lock. There's also a lanyard clip or pocket clip attachment option, and the wire cutters are larger. There is also a bit holder with something like 50 flat bits that you can also carry if you might find yourself needing to turn an odd screw like a Robertson or Pozidrive...again more for urban use. The Charge series is also the same size and overall layout of the Wave, but there are slight variations like blade steel and inner tools which might make a difference to some people.

Large/backpack type kit - A few weeks ago I got the new Leatherman Super Tool 300, and this has quickly become my favorite "big" MT. If size or weight isn't an issue, this should definately be on the list. The strongpoints, especially for urban or E&E type situations, are the wire cutting capabilities. I've yet to try it, but the large (and replaceable) wire cutters should be able to cut through fencing and barbed wire. Not only that, but behind the plier pivot is a stranded wire cutter that works great. The inner tools and blades are thick and solid and I woulden't hesitate to really crank down on them if needed.


I am also a big fan of the SOG Powerlock which also has very capable cutting capabilities due to the compound leverage, but after EDCing one for years I retired it mainly because the inner tools and blades are smaller and thinner than the LM Super Tool 300.

EDIT:

Victorinox has two plier based tools. The Swisstool (big) and the Spirit (smaller). The fit and finish is outstanding on these tools, but as a survival tool I'd still lean towards Leatherman. The Vic tools' locking mechanism has a small spring that may pop out..I've heard of maybe one instance of this happening, but it is a possibility. The tools and blades also strike me as softer than Leatherman and in some instances thinner. For a lightweight EDC tool the Spirit is very ergonomic and has great quality, but "survival" may be easier with larger blades and stronger tools. I haven't measured it, but I think the Vic tools pliers don't open quite as wide as SOG or LM.

Gerber is the low manufacturer on the totem pole these days with most of their current lineup being made overseas and having poor quality. The MP400 (small) and MP600 (larger) are high quality USA made tools but have been basically overrun with the great stuff LM and SOG have been putting out. The Gerbers drivers are very short, and they are not very ergonomic when trying to turn a screw or use the blades.

www.multitool.org has tons of pics and info if anyone wants to compare and contrast different tools; sometimes it's easier to simply look at tools instead of trying to explain them..
 
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+1 for Victorinox Spirit or LM Wave

Although both are quite hefty. For lower loadout weight, I'd take a vic outrider.
 
BRab said:
I like my SOG Powerlock. Its tough as nails, and SOG has the best pliers in the business with the compound leverage, I definitely prefer it over my leatherman. However, as long as you get a tool from a quality manufacturer (SOG, Leatherman, Gerber, Victorinox, etc.) you'll be fine. All the other knockoffs are absolute crap.
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I like my SOG powerlock ok. I think I have an older model, so I'm not sure if they've changed anything. The only thing I'm not all that crazy about is that my model has the thin pieces of metal with cutouts that fold down over the inside of the handle to cover the tools and I find it rather uncomfortable. I make due with it, but it bothers me for extended use. It is certainly a solid and well built tool though.
 
jeff recommended a sog powerassist in an email awhile back and i have to say it is the nicest multi tool i have ever used. PLUS it is modular which is definitely a nice feature. the one handed opening is smooth too
 
gottahaveit27 said:
I like my SOG powerlock ok. I think I have an older model, so I'm not sure if they've changed anything. The only thing I'm not all that crazy about is that my model has the thin pieces of metal with cutouts that fold down over the inside of the handle to cover the tools and I find it rather uncomfortable. I make due with it, but it bothers me for extended use. It is certainly a solid and well built tool though.
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Those handle covers can be removed, I don't know if it would be more comfortable for you, but it's worth a try.
 
DH1 said:
EDIT:

Victorinox has two plier based tools. The Swisstool (big) and the Spirit (smaller). The fit and finish is outstanding on these tools, but as a survival tool I'd still lean towards Leatherman. The Vic tools' locking mechanism has a small spring that may pop out..I've heard of maybe one instance of this happening, but it is a possibility. The tools and blades also strike me as softer than Leatherman and in some instances thinner. For a lightweight EDC tool the Spirit is very ergonomic and has great quality, but "survival" may be easier with larger blades and stronger tools. I haven't measured it, but I think the Vic tools pliers don't open quite as wide as SOG or LM.


www.multitool.org has tons of pics and info if anyone wants to compare and contrast different tools; sometimes it's easier to simply look at tools instead of trying to explain them..
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I have to say I totally disagree with you on this. I find the lock to be much more secure on the Vic compared to the leatherman models. I havent done hard tests on either, but I think either locking mechanisms would be extremely dangerous to stress in a survival situation. Much better to remain cool and take you time than rush and injure yourself. Use the tool right and it will serve you fine...push it to the limits and youll likely screw yourself harder than not doing whatever you needed done in the first place. I feel survival is about being smart and thinking things through carefully, not using massive amounts of force on a tool that isnt built to take it.

That being said, I think Leatherman or Vic tools would be fine. I never warmed up to leathermen just because I found the fit and finish to be sub par. Also I didnt like that many tools were inside the plier area. I love how the swiss tool has them all on the outside. I have both the spirit and its bigger brother and must say I prefer the spirit. Both work great though.
 
gottahaveit27 said:
I like my SOG powerlock ok. I think I have an older model, so I'm not sure if they've changed anything. The only thing I'm not all that crazy about is that my model has the thin pieces of metal with cutouts that fold down over the inside of the handle to cover the tools and I find it rather uncomfortable. I make due with it, but it bothers me for extended use. It is certainly a solid and well built tool though.
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DH1 is right that they can be removed. I personally like them on but I know that a lot of people like the tool better without them for convenience and feel.
 
I have a Leatherman Charge AL that works really well. But I prefer my Vic. Fieldmaster and sometimes my Vic. Swiss champ because of the size.
 
Wow! Lots of good and interesting info! DH1, I am a member of at multitool.org, as well as sosak, which is where I got addicted to SAKs. :) But thank you for the writeup and all the useful info. I hadn't really thought along the lines of E&E and/or Urban survival, only being in the bush. And most of the time I never use the pliers on my MT when outdoors, it is only when I am at work, etc that they get used.

I have a Gerber Crunch (mini MT) actually a couple of them tossed in my Grab and Go bag, and in the pockets of my work bag, I think there is one in the console of each of the cars too. Cute, but as a survival tool... well god help me if that is all I have.

Here's the deal folks. This question came to me earlier this week when I got home and saw a Moose about 50 yards down from my house. Well I dumped my work bag into the truck, grabbed my camera and went back to get shots of him. He had moved further into the swampy area, maybe 150 yards away, so I circled to the far side of the pond and headed in his direction. He kept moving, I kept following and soon we were quite aways from my house, or anything at all, and it was getting dark fast.

So, there I am, in the woods, it is getting dark, I have my car keys, some cash, my camera, my AA Gerber flashlight, and my Gerber Suspension multitool. Walking back with no pictures (POUT!) and thinking to myself that running into the woods like that was really DUMB and exactly how people get into trouble. Had I taken the time to grab my camera bag, I would have a few more items, including an Izula. But I didn't think I was going to be leaving sight of my house. I would NOT want to have to try and survive with only that Gerber on me. SOG? Yup. Vic Spirit? Yup. Leatherman Wave? Yup. Gerber 400 or 600 or Desiel? Sure I guess. Suspension, PST, PST II, Kick, Craftsman knock off, no. Buck Xtract? Maybe, great knife, a little weak as a MT. Zillatool? Ummmmm..... :)

Those of you who enjoyed Survivorman know, Les carried a Wave a lot, but also used a SAK in the Swamp and Mountains. For me, my "comfort" level drops a lot at the idea of only having a MT, no fixed or even a folding blade. So now I am thinking along the lines that I have a bunch of multitools, maybe I should dump all the blades and SAKs and such that I am "comfortable" with and spend some time just using an MT. My guess is that I will use the most robust of the bunch I own, my SOG Powerlock, but I might pick up a Surge or a Wave. Going to have to check a few more out.

The point being is that if you don't leave your comfort zone once in a while, you don't grow, and you don't improve your skills.
 
SOG PowerAssist is my choice. Got one in my BOB and another in the truck.
 
Well, I have a Charge TTi, which I got without doing any research, figuring out that buying an expensive multitool would cover it. Perhaps a not very clever attitude, but I really never regreted it, either...:p

However, I wouldn't say that a multitool is a great survival tool. Actually, I would say it's a pretty poor one. Small blades, screwdrivers, files, I don't know, I'd rather have an Izula or a RC-3 as my survival multitool... Unless I'm lost in the urban jungle, then the bottle opener may become handy.
 
Cisco Kid said:
However, I wouldn't say that a multitool is a great survival tool. Actually, I would say it's a pretty poor one. Small blades, screwdrivers, files, I don't know, I'd rather have an Izula or a RC-3 as my survival multitool... Unless I'm lost in the urban jungle, then the bottle opener may become handy.
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I always felt the same way.... but if it is all ya got..... ya know? At work I am getting HUGE resistance to me having ANY blade on me at all, but less so for the Multitool (thou i still can't have it in a belt sheath). Anyways.... you get the idea.
 
I've only owned Leathermans. My first was an original Supertool that was stolen when my car was broken into back in the mid 90s. Since then I've got the Squirt P4 and older Wave. I really like the Wave's design but found that the pliers seem to have some lateral play. The Supertool is definitely the more robust of the two.
I EDC both in my EDC bag. I only keep my Vic Midnite Minichamp and Spyderco G10 Dragonfly on me, along with my Fenix PD20 flashlight. All other EDC gear stays in the bag.

Oh I forgot, I keep a Swisscard in my wallet. I got a couple of them along with a ton of my other Vics at various warehouse sales really cheap.
 
Original Leatherman on my climbing harness for years (different harness's!)and it rocks. I am a mountain guide so it does see some use. Good size and in combination with a SAK Climber and a mini slip joint plier I can get most things to go...from radio's to broken crampons.
 
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