Recommend a small multi-tool

B

Bob W

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Dec 31, 2000
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Looking for a small Leatherman-style multi-tool. It's for a young boy so I need one that's a smaller size and with tools that are easy to open and close. The kid's a fisherman so would probably use pliers, scissors, and knife blade. $50 or less.

I'm a bit knowledgeable about multi-tools in general (own a Victorinox) but am not familiar with the smaller models or new releases.
 
Depending on his age, either a Leap, or if he is older a Juice. Both are from Leathermam so you are going to be safe with your investment.
 
Not sure what age you are buying for, but I think the gerber mp400 and mp600 fish models (out of production) would be worth a look on "the bay". They have a specific fishing needle nose pliers head, file with hook sharpener, knife, scissors,etc. I believe they came with a lanyard as well. not sure of the circumstance, but, I can't recall a time as a child that I was able to be responsible with a knife, and at the same time couldn't handle an "adult" sized multitool. Good luck in your search!
 
How is the Leatherman Squirt PS4, is quality on-par or similar to the full-size Leatherman tools?
I don't think Leatherman tools in general are anywhere near as nice as Victorinox, but Vic. doesn't seem to make any small models; they have SAKs and large multi-tools with not much in between.

Not interested in Gerber, Winchester, or other low-end stuff.

I see that SOG has a mini model. Any comments?
 
Only one! ;)
The great thing with SAKs is they are so low priced you can have one with the perfect tool set for each activity.
I have one EDC and then rotate 3-4 depending on activity.
If you are set on folding plier style I think from your description Leatherman juice S2 is right.http://www.leatherman.com/16.html
 
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Bob W said:
How is the Leatherman Squirt PS4, is quality on-par or similar to the full-size Leatherman tools?
I don't think Leatherman tools in general are anywhere near as nice as Victorinox, but Vic. doesn't seem to make any small models; they have SAKs and large multi-tools with not much in between.

Not interested in Gerber, Winchester, or other low-end stuff.

I see that SOG has a mini model. Any comments?
Click to expand...

The Leatherman Squirt is a perfect mini multi-tool for an adult, and even more so for a child. Quite capable for its size, a young man can learn to appreciate the value and utility of the Squirt, and if an when the time comes, he may decide that a larger multi-tool may be in order, but will always appreciate the smaller Squirt knowing that its limitations are only size related.

Now, what would he find more useful, the PS4 or the ES4?;)
 
Leatherman Squirt PS4, Juice S2, or the grey Gerber Bear Grylls Compact multitool... Can't believe I just said recommended a Gerber. But it truly is an excellent small multitool.. The quality is every bit as good as the PS4
 
Think I've decided on the Squirt PS4. Thanks for the comments everyone!

:thumbup:
 
The original PST is a good size tool for a boy. I got mine when I was about and just starting to go on scout trips without my dad. Still have it and still carry it occasionally.
 
My Vic Spirt should work nicely. Well made. The belt sheath is like 3" long. SOG stuff is good... top three > Vic, Leatherman and SOG in no particular order.

Opps. I see you have decided. Hope he likes your choice.
 
The Squirt arrived in the mail this week. I checked it out, but didn't play with it too much; it is a gift after all. ;)

Holy Cow it is small!

The quality is quite nice for the price. Smooth action, confident springs, and the tools are as robust as one could hope for.
 
Bob W said:
The Squirt arrived in the mail this week. I checked it out, but didn't play with it too much; it is a gift after all. ;)

Holy Cow it is small!

The quality is quite nice for the price. Smooth action, confident springs, and the tools are as robust as one could hope for.
Click to expand...
I just bought one (in blue) for my 27 year old brother for Christmas. He likes the utility of my Juice S2, but wants something keychain sized. He had a gerber dime, but it broke after about a year of light use. Anyways, the point of the story is that even small multitools have uses for older people, and one might not necessarily "outgrow" one.
 
rch02474 said:
I just bought one (in blue) for my 27 year old brother for Christmas. He likes the utility of my Juice S2, but wants something keychain sized. He had a gerber dime, but it broke after about a year of light use. Anyways, the point of the story is that even small multitools have uses for older people, and one might not necessarily "outgrow" one.
Click to expand...

I do not see how someones age plays a factor in the size of the multitool and its usefulness.

I absolutely love my small and keychained size multitools as much if not more than the full sized tools. :thumbup:
 
Capt. Spaulding said:
I do not see how someones age plays a factor in the size of the multitool and its usefulness.

I absolutely love my small and keychained size multitools as much if not more than the full sized tools. :thumbup:
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Everything has its place. Although I well remember the 15 years I did it all with an Imperial Schrade Kamp King, these days I am lucky enough to have multi-tools appropriate to whatever I'm doing. In my m-t inventory there are a dozen Leatherman and Victorinox in different sizes and configurations. They are in place after years of funning around with lots of stuff, most of which came and went (or are about to.) All of what I passed on were quality items but did not fit my doings, or were good for a time but not so much as changes occurred in my life. Okay, they are just tools, and that's how I regard most of them, but I admit to some sentimental attachments to a few, based on faithful service or just plain I don't know. :o
 
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