Need a lightweight folding style multi-tool

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blackberry44

Joined
Mar 8, 2011
Messages
1
Hi guys,

So I need your help with picking a multi tool. i think I'm asking for a dream situation, but anything that comes close to this would help:

-Swiss army knife/folding style (not plier style like leatherman)
-Must have screw driver (cross + phillips), bottle opener, and ideally corkscrew and pliers (both optional)
-Obviously must have knife--good quality steel. Ideally used for backpacking/camping/woodsmen/survival activities
-Lightweight thin/slim. This is the biggest reason why I am staying away from full feature plier style multi-tools, they are so thick and heavy that it's hard to qualify as a "pocket knife"
-Price below $50, ideally under $30.

So far, I've been doing my own research and found these:
http://www.amazon.com/Kershaw-1920-...ref=sr_1_1?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1299563921&sr=1-1
http://www.amazon.com/Gerber-30-000140-Crucial-Tool-Green/dp/B001R957J2
http://www.amazon.com/Leatherman-830850-Skeletool-CX-Multitool/dp/B000XU43IC/ref=pd_cp_hi_0

So the problems with the above--well kershaw is missing bottle opener and pliers, and blade quality im not sure about

gerber--I've heard bad things about gerber's with regards to quality. Also the reviews on amazon say the cross head screwdriver is a bit whack

leatherman skeletool--violates the folding/swiss army knife style, but might be my last resort choice. also its $64--very expensive on my budget.

So anyone can recommend me anything close to what I'm describing?

Thanks!!
 
How about a Victorinox One Handed Trekker? You get a large blade and most of the tools you listed except for a corkscrew and pliers, which you said were optional. If you want the pliers and corkscrew, you're going to end up with a larger (I.E. thicker) tool for sure.

One thought, pick a fairly slim SAK, like the Climber, which I believe has scissors, and supplement with the most bare-bones plier tool Leatherman makes, the Freestyle? This way you have two tools, both relatively thin, still get the pliers, and have an additional, locking blade to boot. I think you could get them both for $20-$30 each. Just a thought.
 
Wenger also has SAKs with pliers. Look for example at the Wenger RangerGrip 74.821.x or Wenger Mike Horn.
 
I understand your reluctance to try the Leatherman style pocket tools due to size and weight.

I EDC a Leatherman Juice S2. It rides in the pocket just fine. I do not feel it is to thick nor to heavy. I find the tools better than those on the SAK knife style of knives due to the allowance for extra space with the two sides versus everything having to fit between the scales on a SAK. The tools on a Juice seem to me to be more robust than those on a SAK.

Good Luck.
 
I agree that the Leatherman S2 carries nicely in a pocket. If you go the SAK route, know that the tip of the can opener is designed to fit phillips screws (and works quite well.) This might expand your options when deciding on a knife.

Welcome to Bladeforums!!!
 
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Maybe a Victorinox Atlas? The Vic Skipper is similar except with a marlin spike shackle dealy instead of the woodsaw. There's also the Cybertool, but all of these options are expensive. The Spartan Lite comes pretty close.

The pliers requirement makes things difficult since so few tools have them. You would be better off getting a pair of tiny dedicated pliers and a more typical SAK. The Philip's head requirement is also a little tricky since there's a few different sizes and types.
 
Vic Handyman,or Deluxe Tinker,just hang it off your belt or belt loop so it rides in your pocket,but off the bottom of your pocket.they're chunky,but hanging in your pocket they should ride out of the way.
Oh & why not use a sheath BTW?
 
Just my thought, what about the Vic Compact?
That knife follows me every day, really every day, because of the scissors, blade, bottle opener and the pen (!)

Really love that knife!

Kind regards...
 
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