Multitool versus Swiss Army Knife

I have both, and like both. Usually have both, too. However, if I were to choose one, I would choose a SAK. The main function of the Multitool is the pliers. Pliers, to me, are not the important in the woods. To get something off of a fire, it can be helpful, I will agree. But if that is the only thing they will be used for.. might as well take a regular pair of pliers. (IMO)
 
Personally, I prefer SAKs. I have an older Leatherman Super Tool that's great for what it is but it feels like a pair of pliers that have some blades and things built in them. My SAKs, on the other hand feel like knives with some other tools handy.

My Leatherman blades are great but they feel awkward to use - not so with the SAK.
 
I go for the SAK (Electrician Plus or Pioneer Harvester), since I have no need for pliers or the extra weight of a full-sized multitool out backpacking.
 
I own both but if I gotta choose one it's gonna be the Leatherman Charge XTI. IMHO this is the best multi tool ever made. The problem with most multi tools is that their blade steel is crap. Usually just some kind of soft stainless. But Leatherman really showed out on the Charge. Mine has a 154CM blade and the current ones have S30V I think. It takes the multi tool into a whole new level where the cutting tool is as quality as the others. I like the XTI cause it has two bit drivers. Never like the scissors on the other model. Titanium handles make for a lighter package but strong enough for some good hard use. None of my SAKs can keep up. They will keep up with most multi tools as the SAKs have good blade steel. But not my Charge XTI.
 
LM Supertool if I can only take one. SAK Farmer is almost always with me as well, it's my scalpel and awl. I use the pliers and cutters on the LM a lot, and have used the heavy duty saw and blades to make quite a few spears.
I often have a Champ on a lanyard with a mag bar and some hacksaw blades in my bag. That eyeglass screwdriver has seen a lot of use and ,for me, that corkscrew gets used a lot as well:)
I have used the angled screw driver attachment for the LM ST to put deck screws in to hang hammocks and other things where I take the screw with me as I go.

:)
Mark
 
I spent a long time with a SAK tinker in my pocket, and a Leatherman Wave in the pack. I found that other than for the pliers, I would find the SAK more handy pretty much every time.
Since it always just rode in the pack, I've swapped the Wave for a pair of Klein linesman pliers and find that to suit my uses much better.
 
Multitool for me. I love my Farmer, but the pliers on the Leatherman get used a lot fishing and making field repairs. In a survival situation I think they would come in very handy for salvaging things you have or come across and improvising tools, traps, and such from other equipment.
 
For me, pliers are really handy in the woods, pulling foxtail barbs out of my dog's pads, fishing, lifting dutch ovens, etc.

I used to love my leathermans until I broke the pliers on my Charge with moderate hand pressure. I was shocked how easy it broke. I still have and use my original Supertool, so far, so good. I'm also testing a Vic multitool also, and really like it so far.

I'm playing this summer with carrying a SAK (Huntsman, Farmer) and small pliers. I'm still not sure which way I'll go in the long run.
 
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