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Multi-tools????
- Thread starter barcbsa
- Start date
- Joined
- Jul 14, 2000
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- 1,537
This should stir-up all the boys in the backroom!
Your "big names" are Leatherman,Victorinox,Gerber,SOG, and Schrade.The only brand I am not totally familiar with is SOG...because you can't get them just anywhere.If you were to do a search of multi-tool discussions, you'd probably find everyone loves a Leatherman.The (Victorinox) Swiss Tool gets high marks with some nit picking over the blunt nose pliers. Gerbers get some heat for quality although the Legend seems acceptable to most.I never see much about Schrade here,but I like it's unique configuration...some see it as bulky because it doesn't fold-up quite as compactly as others do.
Just my opinion here,you can't go wrong with a Leatherman Wave.
Your "big names" are Leatherman,Victorinox,Gerber,SOG, and Schrade.The only brand I am not totally familiar with is SOG...because you can't get them just anywhere.If you were to do a search of multi-tool discussions, you'd probably find everyone loves a Leatherman.The (Victorinox) Swiss Tool gets high marks with some nit picking over the blunt nose pliers. Gerbers get some heat for quality although the Legend seems acceptable to most.I never see much about Schrade here,but I like it's unique configuration...some see it as bulky because it doesn't fold-up quite as compactly as others do.Just my opinion here,you can't go wrong with a Leatherman Wave.
Sir,
First I would like to say thank you to your son for serving! I myself will be going to Iraq in a few weeks.
Some units are issued Multi tools but some are not. A good multi tool, next to your weapon will be your best friend.
I suggest the Leatherman brand, either the Wave Tool or the Super tool 200. If you go to say Galyans or maybe Walmart and ask, they will show you the tools. Hope this advice from a 10th Mountain soldier at Fort Drum,NY helps out.
First I would like to say thank you to your son for serving! I myself will be going to Iraq in a few weeks.
Some units are issued Multi tools but some are not. A good multi tool, next to your weapon will be your best friend.
I suggest the Leatherman brand, either the Wave Tool or the Super tool 200. If you go to say Galyans or maybe Walmart and ask, they will show you the tools. Hope this advice from a 10th Mountain soldier at Fort Drum,NY helps out.
desmobob
Basic Member
- Joined
- May 5, 2003
- Messages
- 2,493
I have experience with the Gerber Multi-Plier and the Leatherman Wave. I vote for the Leatherman Wave! For rough use in military conditions, maybe the larger Leatherman SuperTool would be a better choice?
It looks like the reserve unit in my home town may be sent to Iraq too. I hope your son has a very safe and rewarding experience in the Middle East.
Take it easy,
Bob Scott
upstate NY
It looks like the reserve unit in my home town may be sent to Iraq too. I hope your son has a very safe and rewarding experience in the Middle East.
Take it easy,
Bob Scott
upstate NY
- Joined
- Jul 14, 2000
- Messages
- 1,537
Any idea what they issue, when they do issue multi-tools? You might be correct about the SuperTool.I'd be interested in knowing what a service person prefers and/or what multi-tools they've had experience with in a "situation". Best wishes to all of you who are headed out.
I have had experience with a wide range of multi-tools. In my opinion the best combination of useful locking tools + acceptable weight is in the Leatherman Pulse. If one were to accept a large size tool, the SOG Powerlock stands out with the locking blades, 1/4" Robertson drive, and interchangeable tools. The Leatherman Supertool is nearly as good but without the locking blades.
My favorite is the Swisstool. The standard Swisstool is too shiny for military use IMHO, but you can get it in subdued black.
The Leatherman Supertool 200 and SOG Powerlock are also good choices (these are also available in non-reflective black).
- Frank
The Leatherman Supertool 200 and SOG Powerlock are also good choices (these are also available in non-reflective black).
- Frank
Elvislives
Gold Member
- Joined
- Dec 13, 1999
- Messages
- 3,028
Because you are talking about probably the most important use a multitool would ever get I'd recommend the Leatherman Crunch.
It's got the bite that the others lack.
It's got the bite that the others lack.
- Joined
- Apr 17, 2001
- Messages
- 428
I have two of them.
Please keep this in mind:
Regardless of how many features or tools of nifty tricks on a multitool, you do not want one that does not have all locking implements if you plan on doing real work with it. This rules out the Leatherman Wave and PST.
For what you are looking for I would recommend a full size multitool with locking implements.
I'm sure it will be subject to much debate, but here is my take on the big players in this niche:
Leatherman Supertool (and ST 200)- old design but still quite good. The original Supertool has the standard Leatherman thin handles which are functional, but only barely so. Because of this I'm more a fan of the ST 200, but both are proven designs. Probably the least expensive option out there.
Victorinox Swisstool- Effectively a more refined and generally superior version of the Supertool. Only real drawback is the blunter plier jaws, which is mitigated to some degree by a better design on the heavy pliers section. I have found that the Victorinox implements (wire stripper, saw, awl, etc.) are generally the most functional of the multitools.
SOG- Accessable construction is a big plus, especially if there is going to be sand around. The big story here is the compound gearing system, which some people really seem to love. Personally I was unimpressed by it. It reduces the jaw capacity of the pliers and really defeats the point of being able to disassemble the rest of the tool for cleaning. I have never found the standard multitool jaw design to be at all deficient at applying crushing force when needed.
Gerber legend- Big, awkward, gimicky. There are better choices out there. About the only thing the Legend has going for it is the use of tungsten carbide wire cutter faces, but everything else is compromised by details which are a bit lacking. Good idea, poor execution. Gerber also has an older line of Multitools with sliding heads. This series tends to be a bit rough around the edges but is decently functional and inexpensive.
Personally I like the Victorinox Swisstool. I've never had a problem with the shorter pliers jaws, and the overall functionality of the other implements more than compensates for it. Odds are that any of the above will be adequate, but I'd go for the Victorinox.
Regardless of how many features or tools of nifty tricks on a multitool, you do not want one that does not have all locking implements if you plan on doing real work with it. This rules out the Leatherman Wave and PST.
For what you are looking for I would recommend a full size multitool with locking implements.
I'm sure it will be subject to much debate, but here is my take on the big players in this niche:
Leatherman Supertool (and ST 200)- old design but still quite good. The original Supertool has the standard Leatherman thin handles which are functional, but only barely so. Because of this I'm more a fan of the ST 200, but both are proven designs. Probably the least expensive option out there.
Victorinox Swisstool- Effectively a more refined and generally superior version of the Supertool. Only real drawback is the blunter plier jaws, which is mitigated to some degree by a better design on the heavy pliers section. I have found that the Victorinox implements (wire stripper, saw, awl, etc.) are generally the most functional of the multitools.
SOG- Accessable construction is a big plus, especially if there is going to be sand around. The big story here is the compound gearing system, which some people really seem to love. Personally I was unimpressed by it. It reduces the jaw capacity of the pliers and really defeats the point of being able to disassemble the rest of the tool for cleaning. I have never found the standard multitool jaw design to be at all deficient at applying crushing force when needed.
Gerber legend- Big, awkward, gimicky. There are better choices out there. About the only thing the Legend has going for it is the use of tungsten carbide wire cutter faces, but everything else is compromised by details which are a bit lacking. Good idea, poor execution. Gerber also has an older line of Multitools with sliding heads. This series tends to be a bit rough around the edges but is decently functional and inexpensive.
Personally I like the Victorinox Swisstool. I've never had a problem with the shorter pliers jaws, and the overall functionality of the other implements more than compensates for it. Odds are that any of the above will be adequate, but I'd go for the Victorinox.
glockman99
RIP Dann, you were a good guy.
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- Jun 12, 2000
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Tough and comfortable to use...SOG PowerLock, or for something a little smaller, there is the SOG Deluxe Pocket PowerPlier.
- Joined
- Dec 14, 2000
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I've owned Leathermans (leathermen?), Gerbers, SOGs, and Victorinox's Swisstool. The Victorinox was by far the most heavy duty and well made. That's my recommendation...
- Joined
- Jan 5, 2001
- Messages
- 2,726
I think the summaries above cover this quite well. Each of the major entries has its fans, but most of us seem to agree that the best hard-use multi-tools are:
Going out a little further on a limb, I am fairly confident that the list above is in rough order of popularity, at least around here. For what it's worth, my favorite is the SOG PowerTool.
Fortunately, individual preferences aside, all of these are excellent tools which will handle just about any task that might be required.
--Bob Q
- Leatherman SuperTool
- SOG PowerLock
- Victorinox SwissTool
- Gerber Legend
Going out a little further on a limb, I am fairly confident that the list above is in rough order of popularity, at least around here. For what it's worth, my favorite is the SOG PowerTool.
Fortunately, individual preferences aside, all of these are excellent tools which will handle just about any task that might be required.
--Bob Q