What constitutes a "perfect" multi-tool?

I

iandh

Joined
Dec 8, 2010
Messages
340
I'm thinking about designing an open-source multi tool, possibly repurposing components from other knives or tools. For instance, repurpose a pliers head from a leatherman, and a blade from a Kershaw.

I'm just wondering, what does a multi-tool need to have on it for it to be "complete" for you, and why? I'm trying to figure out how people use their multi-tools, and what is important to them.

This is along the lines of the "custom multi tool" thread also posted here, but I am more concerned with the design aspects, not actually having one made for me.
 
My leathman Wave is okay, but the pliers have always pinched the S#%T out of me.
The handles aren't that great when using the knife.

Not practical, but I want the pliers of a Klein, a rounded handle so the knife can be used without the two halves twisting. There's no way to make the other tools as effective as a stand alone screwdriver, scissors etc..
The pliers and the main blade(s) should be more useable.
 
Tools that don't require fingernails (or a screwdriver!) to extract. I should be able to use every component while wearing gloves.
 
Swisstool Spirit + Pocket Clip. Has never left me wanting in almost 2 years of everyday carry.
 
My perfect multitool would have compound leverage pliers with customizable outside-opening tools, all under 6 oz.
 
spoonrobot said:
Swisstool Spirit + Pocket Clip. Has never left me wanting in almost 2 years of everyday carry.
Click to expand...

There's your answer right there. I don't even need a pocket clip.

Actually, I am more likely to be carrying my Leatherman Skeletool CX these days, because I don't need a lot of tools wandering around trying to remember if I'm forgetting where I'm going. :)

The Ultimate MultiTool: give me the handle slabs, a bunch of tools, and let me pick and choose which one to pop in for any given assignment. I came across something like that recently. Looks like a jumped up harp tool.
 
Last edited:
For me,The Vic Huntsman,in a belt sheath,is about perfect.I don't use plyers much,but always have a LM Blast in my lunch bag at work,in case I do need plyers.
 
The Swisstool Spirit is about as good as it gets for me. Its jam packed with all of the tools I would want, but in a moderate size that is 3 or more ounces less than the big boys. Scissors, saw, and file are good ones. I have no use for a serrated blade. If I were designing a multitool, I would mimic the Spirit.
 
iandh said:
I'm thinking about designing an open-source multi tool, possibly repurposing components from other knives or tools. For instance, repurpose a pliers head from a leatherman, and a blade from a Kershaw.

I'm just wondering, what does a multi-tool need to have on it for it to be "complete" for you, and why? I'm trying to figure out how people use their multi-tools, and what is important to them.

This is along the lines of the "custom multi tool" thread also posted here, but I am more concerned with the design aspects, not actually having one made for me.
Click to expand...

Let's start by stating "my" definition of multitool is a pliers based tool. As a life long SAK guy SAKS are "knives" to me, not multis.. OK now let's start adding components:
1) True one handed opening pliers - ala the Gerber MP series. I now that a lot of guys learn to flip their "butterfly opening" tools one handed but that is not what I mean. It doesn't necessarily need to be a sliding head design though; Just one handed.
2) Scales - Although the tool probably needs to remain mostly metal, some sort of insert or handle material that is more temp neutral would be a plus. Depending on your use environment these things can either freeze to your palms or burn ya.
3) Ergonomics - When exerting force on the pliers I don't want the handles to bite me. Several manufacturers have taken different paths to acheive this.
4) Tool selection - Pretty basic fits my taste. The tools of the Vic Farmer would probably be perfect. If all the other criteria were met I could even fore go the knife blade. I have dedicated knives for that.

I'm not a fan of bit drivers and carrying bits around but.......

A Gerber MP600 with micarta scales containing toothpick, tweezers, pen, and pin; wood saw, Vic combo tool, and bit driver. The other handle would have a compartment for holding the bits. Add a knife blade if it fits, if not OK.
 
Last edited:
Let me add a spring on the pliers, Gerber style. Its nice to have those suckers open up on their own.
 
The Leatherman Surge would be perfect if it had G10 on the handles for a better grip.
 
I would like to see either wire EDM ( billet cut ) or forged plier heads ( sub it out to Knipex or Kline tools . Cast heads are the major stumbling block , stopping multi's taking their rightfull place in the World's tool boxes .

Chris
 
ive had the wave for a few yrs. its my only multi-tool besides a few edc saks. i mainly use it for tinkering or fixing small stuff. go wave!
 
iandh said:
I'm just wondering, what does a multi-tool need to have on it for it to be "complete" for you, and why? I'm trying to figure out how people use their multi-tools, and what is important to them..
Click to expand...
I don't notice that I'm carrying it when I dont need it.
When I need to fix/break/cut/move/tighten/loosen something, it can do it.
 
The only thing you can be assured of is that you probably won't ever get a concensus .

Chris
 
Quality tools, no half-assed combi-tool that sucks at several functions instead i doing one thing well.
 
Esav Benyamin said:
There's your answer right there. I don't even need a pocket clip.

Actually, I am more likely to be carrying my Leatherman Skeletool CX these days, because I don't need a lot of tools wandering around trying to remember if I'm forgetting where I'm going. :)

The Ultimate MultiTool: give me the handle slabs, a bunch of tools, and let me pick and choose which one to pop in for any given assignment. I came across something like that recently. Looks like a jumped up harp tool.
Click to expand...


That guy might be on to something there. I wonder what the quality is like.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top