Multi tools...

aceofblades

aceofblades

Joined
Oct 30, 2006
Messages
974
Whats a good one for survival? Which is the best bang for the buck? What uses do they have over a sak?
 
I think for survival (in the boonies applications) an alox vic sak like the farmer is hard to beat...a saw an awl and a stout blade are key. in a more civil setting I'm more likely to need pliers and such...I keep an old school leatherman wave in my bag when in the city when I head out I might leave it in my bag...but am more likely to reach for the vic farmer on my belt.
 
I always carry a Leatherman Blast or Gerber 600 when out in the woods, fishing, etc. I always use the pliers for pot lids when cooking, removing fish hooks, and sometimes for frustrating knots. The screwdrivers and blades don't see A LOT of use but I like to have them just in case. I prefer a multitool over a SAK for the locks and pliers. FWIW I carry a large folder, fixed blade, and/or hatchet with me as I'd rather not rely on a multitool to cut.
 
I've got the LM Wave, which I would have, from an academic standpoint, considered to be the best 'woods' multitool. Things like the pliers, scissors and file are nice extras to have around.

After carrying it on hikes/camps for a good while, I just couldn't justify bringing it over a good SAK. It weighs quite a lot compared to how often I really use it. The main tools that I want are already on the Vic Farmer (current woods pocketknife, and EDC). I awl is a 'must have' to me, and the saw is very effective on it. Pliers are the only thing I can see missing at some point, but I'd rather just carry a small, light set of pliers than the bulky/heavy Wave.

But lots of people seem to like them for the woods a lot, that was just my two cents.

If I were doing anything with an engine/mechanical part like mountainbiking, motorcycles, ATV's, etc. then I think it would become a much, much more valuable tool.
 
IMHO You can't even compare a good multi tool to a SAK. Not that is anything wrong with a SAK, it's just that the pliers are what makes it. It's amazing how often you will use a pair of pliers if you have them on you. Personally I prefer a Leatherman Supertool 200.
 
smitty0331 said:
IMHO You can't even compare a good multi tool to a SAK. Not that is anything wrong with a SAK, it's just that the pliers are what makes it. It's amazing how often you will use a pair of pliers if you have them on you. Personally I prefer a Leatherman Supertool 200.
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I have multitools (Leatherman and SOG) and about 50 SAKs, i rarely use the pliers on my multis or Swisschamp.
If you don't need heavy duty pliers or one hand opening the Swisschamp will do most everything you need.
I think it has the best utility to weight ratio of any multitool.
But if you need big beefy pliers get a Vic/Leatherman/Sog multitool.
For me personally i use the scissors a lot more than pliers.
Actually 99 percent of the time a Vic Huntsman will fufill most of my multitool needs.
 
I really like the locking blades on my recently acquired Leatherman Blast. I think it beats the SAK's pretty much all to heck (and I like the small SAK stuff). A Classic has been in my pocket everyday for over 25 years. It includes a little saw with a locking mech, scissors, and a two blades.
 
Not to take over the thread, but it's very relavent to the OP. What does anyone think of the SAK's with the pliers? Are they any good or is it better to have dedicated pliers like on a LM? I'm thinking like a WorkChamp-type deal with the pliers.
 
I hear the pliers are sturdy for what they are built, but definately not in remotely the same league as LM's.
If you want a multitool take a look at the Victorinox spirit by far the lightest and one of the cheapest.
 
I prefer the Leatherman Charge.

It's good for the outdoors for because you can access both the main plain-edge blade and the serrated sheepsfoot blade with one hand....this is especially easy because it also comes with a removable pocket-clip.
And you can access both blades, and the woodsaw, and the metal file, all without opening the tool.
And all of the tools lock, which is safer in my opinion.
Also, as a bonus, the main blade is 154CM.
 
For a multi tool, get a full size Leatherman with pliars. Fantastic tool.
 
I used to have the Leatherman PST It was great. Then I got me a Fuse but it feels to heavy to drag along all day. I have the Wave and the New Wave but I like the older model better.
So as an EDC the PST or Fuse (it has the philips head).
If you like something bigger I would say the LM Wave (the old model).

Complement that with a 4" fixed of your choice and a folding saw and you have a good tool box.
 
I prefer leatherman myself. They seem to be better constructed than the Gerber I used to have and a little 'cleaner' fit and finish. Also, the fact that they're made here is a good thing.:D That being said, any good mutlitool with a saw is gonna do a good job. I don't think there really are any bad ones within the name brand models.
 
It's hard to beat the fit and finish of a Leatherman. I have at least three scattered among the BOBs. Problem is, I don;t like the double-jointed pliars. It may sound piddly and, if so...so what, but Leatherman no longer embosses their multi's with "USA" or "made in USA". This may be a residual leftover from a lawsuit they battled through years ago, but it sticks in my craw.......take it or leave it for what it's worth.

I carry a SOG S62 more often than any other. It's well-made but heavy, and has EXCELLENT pliars and their patented leverage system. The biggest plus, though, is SOG's "USA" embossing....they display it proudly. I'm not happy with SOG's knives (and their propensity for subbing-out overseas), but their multi's are pretty good joe.

Gerber's multis are some of the coolest looking, but the blood left on the soles of my feet from the manufacturers they use prevent me from buying their junk (<----complimentary term).
 
SAK Spirit S is what gets used the most in my EDC, leaving the Leatherman Charge, Wave, Wave II,Crunch, PST, SOG Multiplier and Gerber in the drawer.

That being said, I'm looking to get a Leatherman Skeletool.
 
I have a leatherman core and am pretty happy with it. I think its a good outdoors tool. Its main features are a blade, a fully serrated blade, a saw, bottle opener, a few screwdrivers, pliers, and wire cutters. It is about 50 or 60 bucks I believe. Overall I would say the tools themselves are a good assortment, however, in no way could it replace a fixed blade.

One complaint I have is that the case for the leatherman is terrible. It is difficult to fit in. Unless I hold the case upside when I put in the tool, it gets caught on the rivets in the case. Plus the case is leather, which is not the best outdoors material. Of course you could get another universal case or get find something that would work better.
 
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