One hand opener multi tools other than Gerber.

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kgriggs8

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Hi gang!
Little history on me, I have been using a multi tool everyday since about 4 years ago when I discovered how handy they are. There is not a day at work where I don't use my multi tool at least three times.

I started with the Orginal Leatherman that I got from a gunshow for $25. It was a great tool and the one that showed me how handy these things can be. I have tried the SOG Powerlock and found it too large and in general wasn't great. I keep that one as my car tool now. I then moved on to the Gerber. Not sure what model but it is all black with regular pliers not the needle nose type.

The Gerber is the first one that has been able to replace the Leatherman but it is still not perfect. I really love the fact that I can use it one handed. I work on elevators so it seems that one of my hands is always holding on to something or otherwise not available. I need a one hand open and close knife and I need the same from my multi tool. That is the number one thing I require.

I like the Gerber but wonder if there is something out there that is of better quality. A few things I am not happy about are:
1. The philips head driver is too short to be handy.
2. The pliers would be better if they were needle nose.
3. The quality of the tool steel seems softer than the Leatherman.
4. Even though the pliers open with one hand, I have to use two hands to open most of the tools.
5. The tools do not open very easy when I wear gloves.
6. It doesn't have scissors.
7. You have to open the pliers to get to the tools.

What I like:
1. The pliers open with one hand and close the same.
2. The tools do not clump like my Leatherman.
3. It is not sharp to my hands like the Leatherman.
4. The tools lock.

So, all you multi tool experts, what is my best bet? Money is not an issue. I am not rich but I know that it pays to get quality. If it is a good tool, it will be worth every penny. I really use them so I wouln't mind spending $100 on a multi tool if I had to. Most important thing is the ability to open it and close it one handed and to be able to get to the tools with gloves on.
 
i can open my Wave and Charge one-handed, now the internal tools are not that easy one handed, and probably impossible with gloves

the ability to open the blades one handed without opening the tool was what made me buy the Wave initially

that style of tool isn't very sharp on the hands in my opinon, lots different than the original ones

i have heard complaints about the stubby bit based screwdriver though
 
Go with the Leatherman Blast. I have one. They are not too expensive.... lower end Leatherman tool I believe, about 40 or 50 bucks, but tough as nails. It's made to be lightweight, but reliable, durable, and handy. The pliers need to be opened to get to the tools, but they can be opened one handed by flicking the the handles out like a butterfly knife. The tools on the inside all have tabs, so they can be opened even with gloves. There may be tools with better steel, more weight, cooler looks, better fit and finish, etc., but as a working tool, it's second to none. I personally can't say enough about my blast. It has replaced my Wave, and I have not looked back. Check it out.
 
SOG released or is releasing a new multitool that has assisted opening for the knife. Like the other SOG tools it has the compund leverage that lets you open the tool one handed as though it were a butterfly knife. I've never used any of the SOG tools but this seems to cover one hand opening for pliers and for the knife. I've yet to see any multitool where I could procure the tools with one hand from the handle.

I carry either a pre2004 LM Wave or LM CS4. I have not had any problems opening either plier set with one hand. The Wave has thumb holes for opening the blades that work very well for me.
 
I'm in the same boat as the original poster. I've been considering the Leathermans but also I'm looking at the Buck X-tract. Anyone with opinions on it?
 
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