Rethinking the Multi-Tool

Widerstand

Widerstand

Joined
Feb 23, 2010
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1,497
I have been carrying a Multi-Tool on my belt since the 90's, back then it was a Gerber but for the last 4 years it has been a Leatherman Wave.

I find myself using it a fair amount when I am just knocking around town...etc. since it does have a fair amount of functionality and what not and for the size and weight they are great but they really are a jack of all trades and a master of none.

When I am in the wilderness the only thing I ever use on it are the pliers since I have the room to take other things with me.

I have a folding saw (kershaw), the smallest SAK for its little tiny scissors, toothpick and tweezers , a little knife (BK11), a big knife (BK2 or BK9). Ive been thinking on just replacing my Multi-Tool with a high quality needle nose pliers.

Anyone here carry and Multi-Tool and then stop? Part-time carriers?
 
I pretty much carry a multi-tool in pack or in my car, it's never really in my pocket cause I have a BM Grip that I always have on me. Recently I've been carrying an older, small SAK just like you just to see how that might work, and it basically performs any chore I need it to during the day. When I'm in the field though, I'll probably opt for the multi-tool and larger folder just because of the options it provides.
 
I keep one in my pack, and I use it so much, every time I repack my Condor, I say, "Oh, there's that multitool".

I don't use them for much at all, never really have. I found them wanting when it comes to use to size ratio. Some guys can't live without theirs, but I can do without just fine.

I carried one for about 6 mos, and it got used once. After that, it went in my Condor, and it is still there. They are nice to have around, but I don't want it on my hip. My 3 blade EDC is a SAK RuckSack, CS Lawman, and BK14/Izula. Most of my needs are met daily by one of those three.

I use hemostats when I am fishing, and I've never needed a multitool to dress out a deer, my woodland skills all hinge around a knife, and if I am mechanicing on anything, I have a big ass red tool box that has tons of tools. Just never really needed one.

Moose
 
I carry a little pair of $1.88 slip joint pliers now. It's the duct tape of tools.
 
I carry a leatherman wave at work and keep a kick in my glovebox but keep the blades unused , I always have a dedicated knife in my pocket for cutting but like the idea of having an auxiliary scalpel and serrated blade just in case !! Really the whole tool doesn't see much use unless I find myself in a pinch .
 
My Wave is like new. It's been on every backpacking trip since 98', but rarely used. I take it to work, it's in my BOB right now. I like the idea of it, and it's come in handy a few times, but I don't carry it.
I might just take the small pliers on my next trip, and leave the Wave at home.
 
Same here. I have just about every multi-tool Leatherman has ever made, and a couple of SOGS' as well, but they only see occasional use. Got 'em stashed everywhere, just don't use them very much.
 
Just to add, I do have to say my multi-tool gets moderately used. It's handy around the home but it's really been needed when work vehicles break down or have random parts fall off. So, I guess I'd say I used it more of a short term mechanic tool than a woods based tool...just enough to get the vehicles back to the shop.
 
Been thinking of getting a MT, but the only things I think I would use would be the pliers and maybe the screwdrives once awhile, cant see lugging it around for EDC, but maybe when fishing or at the camp.
 
Got my first Leatheramn(Skeletool) about a month or two ago. Not a whole lot on it, but I've used it quite a bit so far. Not that I can't live without it. I've gone this far without one, but it does come in handy at times.
 
I've been carrying a swisstool spirit cs for a few years now and I use it all the time. Most of the time I use it is at work, which means I'm carrying everything I have for the near future on me.. It works great in a pinch when nothing else is around. I carry craftsman pliers when I'm out on my own time
 
I dont carry mine, as it just adds weight. Already carrying a knife (or two) and a Fenix flashlight...adding the multitool just makes my pants want to fall down.

Thats not to say I dont think it is a valuable addition to your gear bag, where mine resides. I dont carry the trendy Wave though. Too heavy and it's overkill IMO. I find that the Leatherman Blast has everything you really need (at least in the woods) and nothing you dont.
 
Multi-tools are always a good thing to have. Due to the variety of different tools on them (hence the name), they can come in handy when you are in a true survival situation. IMO, I carry one when I can just in case something goes wrong. Its better to have it and not use it then need it and not having it. Hope this helps!

-elitebrothers8
 
I have 'em. I use 'em. On certain models, probably the scissors and the saw more than anything. But I also use the can opener from time to time. Funny thing is that the pliers get the least amount of use, but I still like having them.

To reduce weight in some rigs, I have some Leatherman Minis. These fold up into a tight space but turn into full-sized pliers.

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My other favorite is the Victorinox Outdoorsman. A little thick, but very useful set of tools. These were offered as a promo item through Cowboy Killers, and they pop up on fleaBay from time to time.

Outdoorsman1.jpg
 
I carried a juice while at sea. Useful, but I always had a real knife handy too. It was a gerber ez-out back then.
 
4" craftsman adjustable wrench and a set of the Maratac drivers on my keys. I teach a small engines class from time to time and then I will carry my skeletool, but I use the wrench more.
 
I carry a SAK Vickie Rucksak always.....I ove having the smallest Channel Lock plier and a similar size Vise Grip, I think it is about four inches, in the BOB....The itty bitty channel locks are also known as ignition pliers......


ethan
 
I need to start carrying mine again, I used to edc a LM Juice2 and haven't in the last couple months, and I've needed it multiple times..

been meaning to dig it outta the draw for weeks, this thread has made me go and retrieve it... back on the belt it goes:thumbup:
 
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