Multi-tools comparison (yet *another* "X vs. Y" thread..)

[gatch]

They're notorious for polishing their screwdrivers until they're round, causing them to slip under torque. Leatherman has always ground theirs good 'n' square, so that they don't have that problem.

I have seen people complain about this before, but I have never found it a problem myself. In fact I prefer the rounded SAK screwdrivers because you don't get nicks and cuts when using them, unlike the other tools with pointed edges. Just a personal preference.

 

[dig-it]

I`ve got my first LM on the way. I opted for the Fuse model. Smaller and lighter than my SOG s60, but with the tools I need.

 

[Gryffin]

No kidding. Every SAK I buy gets the diamond-stone-squaring treatment before use!

Good man! I do the same thing on my user SAKs.

 

[Klingsor]

Victorinox has always polished the living Hell out of their products. Being better looking doesn't necessarily make them better tools.

A polished steel surface is much more rust resistent than an unpolished one. I think this is the main cause why Victorinox polished the spirit, the beauty of a high polished surface is only a side effect. I posted these pictures because you can see how sloppy the Leatherman is manufactured. In my opinion the Spirit is produced with a much higer dimensional accuracy.

 

[dunc5]

I posted these pictures because you can see how sloppy the Leatherman is manufactured. In my opinion the Spirit is produced with a much higer dimensional accuracy.

Correct me if im wrong but there doesnt seem to be anything sloppy about the leatherman in the picture.

I have to agree whith what shpshooter said

Looking at the play in the blades and handles of my SAK multi-tools and my Charge Ti and XTi the Leathermans actually have less play. I really think Leatherman has the better tool. Not so much better that it justifies replacing your Swisstool/Spirit, but I think it has the edge. I did a write up a while back comparing both and the Charge really came out on top.

I have a new original swisstool (the one with the new pliers like the spirit ) and its never been used all ive done is sharpen it and it has alot of play in the blades , on the other hand my LM CHARGE gets used daily and has zero play in any of the blades and can still cut paper with the wire cutters after 4 months use . Dont get me wrong i think the swisstool is great and i carried one for 5 years but its the charge that goes in my pocket at the start of each day .

Dunc

 

[allenC]

I think that the typical Swiss Army Knife does'nt compare directly to the typical multi-tool for several reasons.

SAKs seem much more handy for quick use. With the exception of the largest SAKs, it's very easy to quickly select the tool that you need with a SAK.
I seem to have to search for a specific tool when using a multi-tool. And many multi-tools require opening the handles to access the tools.

I also think that most folks are more likely to break a multi-tool that a SAK.
This is because the multi-tool SEEMS extremely strong and capable of more than it actually is able to accomplish.
But you instinctively know that a SAK is not an extreme use tool, so you're less likely to push it beyond its limits.
I've broken two multi-tools and I was truely surprised when they broke. I did'nt think I was stressing them that much.
I've also broken one SAK and I knew that I was pushing it to its limits and so I was'nt really surprised when it snapped.

Here are some multi-tools that I either have owned or still own:

Leatherman:
PST
Crunch
Super Tool
Wave

SOG Power Pliers

Gerber:
Legend
Pro-Scout

Victorinox Swiss Tool

The one that I actually use and prefer is the Gerber Pro-Scout.
I like it much better than the Leathermans for a few reasons:

The pliers are quicker to deploy with one hand.

All of the tools lock, and the lock is the easiest to manipulate bar none!
It's just the right weight and size.

The pliers NEVER stick (this has been a problem with my PST. The pliers stuck closed on a cable, and when I tried to open them the handles folded close. I had to use my Gerber to pry them open).

The handles never cut into my hands when applying alot of pressure.
The saw-adaptor allows for me to use any standard jig-saw blade so I can choose metal saw or woodsaw and I can replace them when they dull (have you ever tried to sharpen the teeth of a woodsaw on a multi-tool? Not much fun, huh).

And, contrary to what Gryffin has experienced, I think the Fiskars scissors work just fine (although they do have a small bite).

I don't like every Gerber multi-tool (the Legend is just too big and bulky IMHO), but the Pro-Scout is a great (although not perfect) multi-tool.

Allen.

 

[klattman]

A polished steel surface is much more rust resistent than an unpolished one. I think this is the main cause why Victorinox polished the spirit, the beauty of a high polished surface is only a side effect. I posted these pictures because you can see how sloppy the Leatherman is manufactured. In my opinion the Spirit is produced with a much higer dimensional accuracy.

The stainless used in a SAK (and most others for that matter), polishing really doesn't matter much for corrosion resistance. The stuff is extremely stainless anyway. I always rough-up and square the screwdrives on SAKs, which makes them much more effective. Plus the rough parts of a charge are Ti anyway. If you don't store your tool in saltwater or acid and you oil it occasionally, rust is just not much of an issue.

More important issues are whether the tool has what you need/want, fits your hand, and how well it performs.