Something comparable to the Leatherman PS4

W

Wyszrd

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Feb 12, 2011
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As an instructor for a military cold weather survival school I'm trying to find something analogous to the Leatherman PS4 for use in our survival kits. I thought I'd come to all you compulsive multitool purchasers to get your suggestions, recommendations, tests, and comments on tools from other makers. It has to be something currently in production, obviously, so I can make large purchases. Initial searches have only yielded the SOG Crosscut, Victorinox Mini Champ, and Gerber Clutch, though it seems that finding a mini-plier/scissor combo is difficult outside of the Leatherman lineup.
 
I suppose My first question would be what aspects of the PS4 appeal to you? You're absolutely right that a pliers/scissors combo in such a small tool is pretty much unique to the PS4, so you might have to compromise on your tool selection or define exactly what you want form the tool.:)
 
Well, I liked the options available with the scissor/plier combo, though I rate the importance of a good knife and scissors over that of the plier. It was just a nice add-on. I was hoping another manufacturer had something comparable. In the absence of that, I'll settle for a well-regarded tool with the knife and scissors. Just looking for some expert opinions from people who have had the opportunity to handle and use the plethora of tools that are out there.
 
In my opinion Victorinox can handle your needs just fine.

For a smaller & lighter tool:
Victorinox Deluxe Tinker

For a more fully featured tool:
Victorinox Handyman

Either way you get pliers, scissors, 2 blades, pry tool (that can be used as a screwdriver and bottle opener), can opener/smaller flat screwdriver & Awl
The Handyman also has a saw & a file - these could be useful survival tools.
 
Keep in mind this is a survival kit for ground troops with first, second, and third line gear. They've probably ditched their 3rd line (rucks), and are moving with 1st and 2nd line. Unless they've had their clothes and LBE blown off by an IED, RPG, or other explosive (which is plausible, as we have witnessed over the last decade) they probably have either their fixed blade or full size multi on them. I'm now just looking for a small, survival kit knife that can serve as scalpel, shrapnel plucker, can/bottle opener, etc. As I shop, I'm starting to lean a bit toward the SAK mini champ.
 
While I like the 58mm Vic's I do think they are just too small for the situations you are talking about. If the blade and scissors are your priority then I'd look at a Victorinox Ambassador and the Wenger Classic 02 if you want a proper 'pocket-knife' sized blade.

BTW I do like the PS4 itself, about the most tool dense MT for it's size. Other Leatherman products with scissors and blade would be the Micra and Style CS. Worth keeping in mind though that all of these have chisel ground blades that some folks don't like.
 
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JoeBW: I initially looked at the Squirt PS4 and liked it, but I have a deadline to meet and I can't get Leatherman to return emails or phone calls so I'm moving on.

Gareth UK: Thanks, those are great pocket knives, but I'm not going for pocket knife size. I'm trying to use space as best I can in the survival kits I issue the students. I appreciate the input, though!
 
if you want something on the cheap side to try out

http://sheffield-tools.com/products/show/12010

got one for $5 at K-Mart, it was branded differently with red puffy stickers covering the handles. The steel is stamped LOGIX 12010 & Sheffield underneath 'em. I keep it on a carabiner with a mess of other small tools, but have been using my Lman Wave as a fobbit here :)
 
If you could go a hair bigger I'd suggest the juice S2, it has the full size pliers and scissors, along with a "real" knife blade etc.....not too heavy and usually can fit in larger style watch pockets when wearing jeans
 
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