Multitool or One Hander?

[anthony cheeseboro]

My two favorite types of tools are multitools and one hander knives. Although I love my one handers more than my multitools, if I could only carry one, I would carry a multitool and give up the one hander. My reasoning goes like this: first, a multitool is simply much more versatile for a wide range of activities that can come up during a day; second, multitools do have blades that are just as functional as those found on one handers, albeit with inferior steel. I can hear some people that multitools are pretty much useless for self defense.
That is true, but the fact is that no one really needs a knife self defense. In fact, I would prefer a blunt object if I ever needed one. To me, a knife is not necessary for self defense, but if you need to cut nothing beats a knife.

 

[bfm]

There are multitools where the blade can be opened one handed. If the blades were better it would be the best of both worlds, as is it is one good world.

 

[bquinlan]

I agree with your conclusion, if not necessarily with all your reasoning.

If I had to pick just one tool I would carry a multi-tool for versatility. The inferior steel just means more frequent sharpening.

My first choice for defense is a firearm. After that I prefer a long blunt weapon, like a staff or baton, but neither is likely to be available when I need it (not to mention that carrying either would be illegal in most areas). Given the constraints, I like a knife as a backup weapon. It provides a significant advantage over bare hands on both defense and attack.

My multi-tool of choice is the Gerber Legend. In addition to being a great all-around tool, its knife blade has a thumb stud for one-handed opening, it locks open securely, and it can be unlocked with one hand too. On top of everything else, the Legend makes a fairly good kubotan for impact strikes.

I much prefer my Sifu for defensive duties, but I wouldn't feel too bad about using the Legend for that if I had to. The Leatherman Wave would be my obvious second choice for a multi-tool in that role.

--Bob Q

 

[Tightwad]

With one hand knives being the all the rage now days I'd have to
pick the multi tool also. I've never really understood how a single
blade knife could funtion better than a multi blade knife.

Sure, I carry a fixed or one hander sometimes too, but you can
bet there will always be a multi tool & a smaller multi blade
somewhere on me.

As to a blunt instrument for self defense I've got that covered
to.......I need a cane to walk to you could say it's always in hand.

 

[psy-ops]

computer screw up sorry!

 

[psy-ops]

versatility and I think they are great for self defence too! small impact weapon

If I had to go with one it would be a multi-tool.

I have a leather super tool that I love but I am thinking of the swiss tool in the future.


go to my poll on the wilderness survival forum. where you have to chose only one tool for wilderness survival and vote.

right now the sak rucksack is leading.

 

[Tightwad]

chrisaloia, Stick with the supertool mate. I've got a Swiss tool and won't
even give it away as don't have any friends I'm mad at now.

Victorinox REALLY blew it on the Swiss tool. Pliers don't fit anything right,
blades are to polished and rounded to be any good and on and on. Bright
and shiny it is ......useful it is not.

Stick with the your old pal supertool. They work.

 

[USAFSP]

I would go with the multi-tool as well. In the last couple of years that I have been collecting knives, I have relied on tactical style folders for utility, but I always found myself asking one of the guys at work for their Gerber or Leatherman tool. The problem was the size. Of course at work I would just wear it on my gun belt, but what about off duty? The new Leatherman Juice KF-4 was my answer. I don't leave home without it. I don't need to rely on a knife for any type of defense, so I don't care about that part of it. Multi-tools are also more P.C. than other knives IMHO. You can bring them more places. I just wish Leatherman would use a high-speed steel for their blade materials. Other than that I am happy with the tool.

 

[Sidewinder]

Well it's a darn good thing that we don't have to choose one or the other. I don't think I could do it. I have so many multi tools and knives that it would be too hard if I could only pick one.

I do echo what people are saying about the blades on the multi tools. I wish they were better. I would have to dissagree about using them for self defense. While not my first choice, I think the blade on my Leatherman Wave would do fine if I have to use it.

S.