What is your favorite Multi-Tool?

David W. -- I'll try to address some of your many questions briefly. Sorry, if I happen to repeat a lot of what has already been said.

My favorite multitool is Leatherman WAVE. Why? It has most of the small tools I might need unexpectedly, in an innovative and functional package.

Doug Ritter's extensive review in www.equipped.org did influence my selection, as did some other knowledgeable early experiences (reported on these forums).

I carry it daily, with some rare exceptions related to, e.g., being formally dressed. In addition, I have at least a Spyderco Endura 98 with me always ("just in case", i.e., I don't use it), and a small Victorinox Manager (and a turquoise Photon microlight) with my keys (another Photon, a yellow one, hangs from my belt-loop). So, the multitool didn't replace my knife (though legally it might have been very wise here in Finland) and I do use the WAVE's knife blades often.

I have 9 or 10 other multitools, some of them very small ("microtools"). Have used extensively only the previous Leatherman models. No experiences of the SwissTool, thus far.

At the moment, perhaps surprisingly, I don't wish to change anything in the WAVE (except perhaps that the screwdrivers might lock, the small tools not clump, the plain blade be more "scalpel-like" and maybe of a better steel, the serrated blade have some tactile identification outside [thanks to somebody for an excellent idea a while ago about Dremeling a few grooves on the spine, near the opening "hole"!], the fit of the needlenose pliers could be better [only the tip closes tightly on my specimen], standard 1/4" bits might fit directly to a counterpart, and a horizontal quick-draw sheath could be at least an option), but a 3/4 scale RIPPLE might be nice for urban in-doors use.

Markku
 
I carry a Leatherman Micra (with a Photon Microlight attached) and there's also small SAK somewhere around . . . if I was to get something bigger (and I'm really, really tempted!) it would be the WAVE.

Regards, HILTON
 
I own a Supertool (stays in the truck), a Wave (currently MIA) and a Swisstool (this is my second one and it is in transit from the dealer). I have had several Gerbers and played with most of the other offerings. I like the Supertool, but the Wave and Swisstool are my faves.

The Wave is good for everyday carry. I find the scissors very useful and I use the needlenose pliers alot.

The Swisstool, on the other hand, I take with me outdoors. It feels more rugged and durable than the Wave (though I have never heard of anyone breaking the latter) and I like the locking tools.

A couple of questions:

1) Has anyone had problems with the screwdrivers on their Wave folding up on them? I agree that I would prefer if they locked, but I have yet to have a problem with it.

2) Does anyone carry their Wave mostly because of the one-handed blades? Does anyone not still carry another knife? I like the convenince of the one handed openers (if you are going to have a blade, why not make it a one-hander?) but it isn't the selling point of the tool for me. The comfortable grip even when squeezing hard and the good quality of all the tools on it are the big plusses for me.

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Clay Fleischer
clay_fleischer@yahoo.com


 
I have had an original Leatherman for years and have been pleased. Didn't always carry it because I don't like to have the sheath on my belt all the time. Just got a sideclip model a few weeks ago. I carry it clipped to my belt just behind my left hip, right behind my Motorola StarTac.

Sideclip is a little smaller but seems to do what I want which is about 80% pliers, 20% screwdriver.

I also have a BuckTool. Don't like it. What good are locking blades if the handle folds up? Maybe it's just because I'm left handed.

I have a Kershaw multitool locking pliers in the glove box of the jeep. Nice tool, well thought out, well made but too big for regular belt carry, I'll leave it in the glove box most of the time.

MNH
 
I've had the original for a few years and recently bought the Wave. The Wave would be perfect if 1) the blade was a much better steel and 2) the screwdriver bit attachment tool for the original would also fit the wave.
 
Swisstool for me!

I actually had both at one time. Liked the Wave for its lighter weight and one handed opening of its blades. The problem I experienced with the Wave, however, was constant blade play. I bought it a a local retail outfit near my home, so I was able to exchange it for another one. I ended up exchanging it four times before I decided enough is enough! Blade play in all of them. And the fact that it is a liner lock (a thin one at that) didn't instill the utmost of confidence, either....

My .02
 
Clay --

Well, I talked to Leatherman at least year's SHOT show when they introduced the Wave, and they told me the "offset" screwdrivers should keep the screwdrivers from folding up on you. Are you saying that the offset drivers really works? What if you have to crank really hard on the screwdrivers, and really push in hard? Still no problems?

Joe
jat@cup.hp.com
 
Swisstool for me!

I actually had both at one time. Liked the Wave for its lighter weight and one handed opening of its blades. The problem I experienced with the Wave, however, was constant blade play. I bought it a a local retail outfit near my home, so I was able to exchange it for another one. I ended up exchanging it four times before I decided enough is enough! Blade play in all of them. And the fact that it is a liner lock (a thin one at that) didn't instill the utmost of confidence, either....

My .02
 
Gone through PST (liked it, traded it to a friend), PST II (liked it, gave it to my son), Super Tool (carry it every day) and Micra (carry it every day.) It is entirely possible that other tools would do as well, but I like the locking components and strength of the ST and have got used to the clumsy way the tools are accessed. The weight has been no problem whatever. I use it almost every day and several times it did "save the day."


If the Swisstool had been on the market when I was shopping, I might have gone with that. But I got the ST at a good price and am sufficiently satisfied that I see no reason to switch.

I have used Everything on it at one time or another except for the smallest screwdriver, and have also had need for several functions for which it had not been designed, including using it as a hammer, a lever and once for self defense.

That occured when I was menaced by someone with a length of chain. I reached under my jacket and unsnapped the sheath, which gave a good, satisfying pop, convincing my playmate that I might have something to trump his item and causing him to back off. If tshtf I would have attempted to use the ST as an impact weapon, altho I have no illusions how matters would probably have turned out.
I am convinced that the velcro closure on most of the other multitool sheaths would not have had the same effect.

The Micra is a perfect complement to the ST.
I use it mostly for the scissors, but I have needed everything on it many times. It fits in my jeans watch pocket.

I am sure whatever anyone selects among the various quality offerings he will be well served. Mine works for me.
 
LM WAVE

I do frequently carry this as my only knife for a variety of reasons not the least of which is flying commercial. NO ONE has ever questioned these blades. I tend to hand it to them in "pliers" mode.

I have had the smallest screwdriver break twice under not exactly extreme (but high) torque. It has "saved the day" by having by far the best wire cutters of the group. (Don't ask)

But for saving the day, it served an unadvertised purpose. Folded, one sacrificial pair served to short a 220 circuit in a time of need (long story).



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Dances with lemmings


 
Leatherman Sideclip because it is always where I need it, not lost im a pocket. Besides, I really like the convenience of the pocket clip, it is handy but not cluttering up a belt, or at the bottom of a pocket cluncking around.
 
I used to carry the gerbers(both the original, and the later redesigned locking one) and i liked how they would snap open, and they were pretty robust, but the screwdrivers were horrible-rounded edges, always popping out when i tried to use them.
i really disliked the redesigned pair, the needlenose was to blunt to be usefull, it stuck out the end about 1/2" when closed, and it wouldnt snap open quite as easily as the older model- i think it had somehting to do with the changes made to prevent hand pinching.
anyways, i got a wave about a year ago and i love it, i really like having a saw and scissors, and the diamond file is nice.
i also carry one of the gerber multi-lites, but all i use it for is the led, so once i get a photon ill probabally never carry it again.
im really looking foward to spyderco's new tool, great design IMO
 
Two quick comments:

A knife store I know had frequent Multi-plier returns because they'd snap-off below the plier jaws. Recently I spoke with my apartment maintainence guy and he said he's broken three so far. He took great interest in my Wave and I suggested he pick one up when the "next time" he broke his Gerber
wink.gif


Has anyone else noticed that the factory edge on those "cheap" Leatherman blades is about as wicked as anything out there? I've seen more than a few "knife vets" slice themselves open by underestimating these little buggers. Youch!

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-Drew Gleason
Little Bear Knives
 
Corduroy,

My 5 year old son has two cuts on his left thumb. I have the worst injury though, a 2 minute glare from my wife for letting him use the blade
wink.gif


The LMs and SwissTools seem to be the most popular. After using my SwissTool for 2 months now the ST seems antiquated. With all the raves for the Wave I'll have to take another look at it.
 
I have settled on the Swisstool and I carry it in one of G2's excellant horizontal leather pouches. I used to have a Multiplier and a Paratool, too, gave the Multiplier away, keep the Paratool in the van as an emergency backup. The only thing I wish the Swisstool had is scissors, then I'd ditch my regular SAK and lighten my load a little. I did handle the Wave once or twice, but it didn't feel as robust as the Swisstool.
 
I bought 6 Gerbers and 6 Waves last month for my employees. 1 Gerber broke on the first day.

I have 16 guys so I asked the others what their preference was. They all wanted Super Tools. They liked the locking screwdrivers.

My favorite is the regular PST or PST 2 because they're lighter.

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Frank
jqsurf@worldnet.att.net

 
Re-reading my post I see I didn't cover all the questions, so

Supertool Part II: I have been carrying one for about 2 years. Compared to the Wave or anything else but the Swisstool, it is IMHO the strongest and has the best mix of tools. Any multitool is a compromise and is seldom the best tool for the job. Question is, what are the compromises you are willing to make.

I have my basic tools in basement or garage. There is also a tool kit in the trunk of my car. My ST is for those times I am away from home or have no access to my car. Often it is a matter of convenience: say I am on a ladder changing a light bulb and notice the fixture needs some attention. Rather than go down the ladder to fetch the proper screwdriver, I use the tool at hand. Around the house or yard that's probably the most kind of use my ST gets, and it has always been up to the task.

In exchange for superior tool capabilities I am willing to compromise some convenience, like the way the tools clump when opening them and the awkward way they close (better stay alert!) I like the awl and have used it
to punch holes in stuff, for which it is passable, but I use it a lot to scrape mung out of my boot cleats for which it is excellent (no awl on the Wave or the PST II.)

I use both knife blades and find them very good for whatever I need to cut. They may not be optimum steel, but all that means to me is that they have to be touched up more often than a premium steel. Is that a problem for anyone other than a 9 to 5 meatcutter? Drop point is okay in a pocketknife, altho I would prefer a spearpoint, and a sheepsfoot serrated would have been my preference, but they both work well enough.

Cutting tough wire or getting a strong grip on the pliers can be hard on the hands. I use a handkerchief or anything else I can find when that sort of use comes up, but at least I am confident that the tool won't bend, and that means a lot to me. And the crimper really works, good as any.

I didn't read any reviews of the ST before buying one, and altho an electrician friend recommended it, the main thing that sold me on it was handling one in comparison to a PST
I had previously owned (and traded to that very electrician, BTW.) It certainly seemed like the goods, and I have not been disappointed.

I tried the Gerber and didn't like the rounded drivers or the nasty pinch I got when the pliers slipped off the work. Loved snapping the Gerber open, but doing the butterfly flip with the ST is almost as satisfying. I have no other experience with multitools. The Swisstool looks great, but I
can't justify spending $60 for one when my already owned $40 ST works well enough.

After 2 years I have learned appreciate the ST virtues and to cope with its vices. It satisfies the compromises I am willing to make and has been a realiable asset whenever I needed it.

 
I carry the PST 11. I decided by playing with every tool I could find, and I like the lightness of the PST 11, and it's scissors. Then I saw that Fry's sells them for something like $34 dollars. So it's my favorite!
smile.gif


Thomas
 
I have a SOG power pliers in my tool box. I like their products.

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Civilian "Military" fans unite!!!


 
I forgot the LM Micra on my keychain. Of all the plier tools that I have owned, the Leatherman tools have got evertyhing else beat for my purposes.
Regarding the tool adapter not fitting the Wave, I have messed around with just using the adapter by itself, doeasn't seem too bad/hard on the cookie grabbers.
I am usually wearing/carrying either the Supertool or the Wave pretty much all the time.

Things have used my Leathermans for:
-filing rough edges in the ambulance
-turning portable O2 tanks on. the wrenches keep getting lost
-Cleaning up the rig after a bad call. Use it to pick up all the used needles and to move trash to find the used sharps
-Replacing a dead battery in my truck
-Used the saw once to cut a 2x4 down so we could load a patient, had a nail thru the big toe and the board was way too big to fit in the rig
-Take apart the hinges to get into patients, mostly bathroom doors
And just basically anything that needs fixin'
Later, Jeff

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Anybody seen the bactine, please?!?!?!?

 
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