need multi-tool as gift for military nephew

B

borrowed time

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Dec 19, 2006
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hey guys,

i have a favorite nephew who is going into the Airforce next moth (June '09) and i want to get him a serious gift that he can use while in. his MOS/Job he requested first was MP, then he will try to go for a poilot position for, i think, helicopter.

I am almost always a Gerber person but have two Leatherman; I havent gotten a SOG or Buck.

I know that he will need the basic tools on the multi such as knife, file, saw, screwdriver set, bottle opener, wire cutters, and can opener. However, i'm not sure what else he could make use of without having a very bulky tool. I would like to keep it slimmed down so he can carry any/everywhere. I would also like to get one that is subdued, no shiny or brightly colored coating as this will be like an "E&E" tool.

I only have till may 27th, 09 as that is when he visits me. I will give it to him then , and he can leave it with his folks until after basic to send it to him. Thank you all for your help!

------------ Eric

PS: i forgot to mention that my spending limit on this item as about $75. thanks
 
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Get him a Victorinox Swisstool. Tough as nails and has everything you've mentioned and more. I beat the snot out of mine and it looks lightly used.
 
Go with a black-oxide coated, whatever you get. I can only speak for the Leatherman Wave with that option. It's a hell of a tool. I have a SOG Powerlock en route to me and I have heard that tool is tough as nails as well, and has the strongest pliers around. It also has the option of coming black-oxide coated. I really do love the Wave, I guess at this point that would be my suggestion.
 
+1 on the powerlock, it is at the top end of your range there, but it does come in black, and it gives him the option of swapping the tools around to suit his needs.
 
Swisstool Spirit! One of the best MTs out there, smaller design (not a tank)
yet very functional.

Comes in 3 models, with or without scissors and their multi-use butter knife.

Fits sweet in your hand (contoured design) Lifetime warranty, and Swiss Quality,
best finish in the business and a great tool selection (all you want and more like
an awl).

Good luck and let us know what you get him!
 
Dantor said:
Swisstool Spirit! One of the best MTs out there, smaller design (not a tank)
yet very functional.

Comes in 3 models, with or without scissors and their multi-use butter knife.

Fits sweet in your hand (contoured design) Lifetime warranty, and Swiss Quality,
best finish in the business and a great tool selection (all you want and more like
an awl).

Good luck and let us know what you get him!
Click to expand...
What he said! They have a black oxidized version too. Don't laugh at the peanut butter knife, the thing is awesome for everything except stabbing/punching, and, as mentioned, it has a nice awl for those tasks.

Famous book seller has a deal this month that will deliver one for barely over half your budget ;)
 
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if wire cutting is an everyday thing, search out models with carbide cutter insert replacements as it will see to the continued full lifespan of the entire unit.
having said that, one might also look for a plierhead with the widest "wire" cutting edge...
sorry, if such models are above your intended budget.
but i believe the best wire cutters possible will make it a vital and sometimes wiser investment.
 
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I'd take a look at the SOG PowerAssist or PowerLock, Leatherman Wave or Charge, and Victorinox SwissTool or Spirit. It's possible to find the PowerAssist and Charge that's within your budget if you shop around on Ebay. The rest are readily available online for less than $75.

Those are all good multi-tools so it's mainly just a matter of personal preference. The Leatherman multi-tools are popular so the Wave or Charge may be a safe choice.

You might consider having the multi-tool engraved with his name.

comparison-1.jpg
 
First guys, thank you much for all your advice, i will be looking into some of the tools you mentioned for my collection. I kinda lucked on to a M.T. .

I happened to stop into a sports good chain yesterday (Fri) and stumbled upon their clearance table. i found a twin pack of the Leatherman Super Tool 200 with a C301 folding knife. Originally marked $99.99, it had a sale sticker for $49.97. The sign on the table said something like 30% off marked price, the total came to $43.11 w/ tax!!!!!

I think this tool will serve him well and is subdued black. it is a bit bigger than i thought i wanted but it seems built like a tank! it has two of the "must have" tools that i value highly, a file and a saw. It has a strange locking mechanism ive never used before for the tools but it seems to work well.

I have a Leatherman Fuse that came with a Micra that my kids gave me for Xmas that i value highly and has served me well, so i think that this Leatherman will serve my nephew well in his new job.

Thanks again to all! ----------- Eric
 
"borrowed time".
well then,
as fate has it,
you couldn't have picked a sturdier standard for a work horse;
and in subdued black too.
got two units myself and they remain a hot favorite representative of the period.
rest assured, it will work out just fine and handy.
 
Supertool is a great choice, I carried one for years. It's built like a tank (should he ever need to fix one) and won't let him down.
 
guess im gonna go down and get one for myself.... you know... just to make sure its a good enough tool for my nephew . :D

another question , are the C301 knives that come in the combo pack any good or just an average steel and construction knife?

Thanks again all ! you guys ROCK !!:cool: --------- Eric
 
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