Thank you all for the responses.
The thread went in a slightly different direction than I had intended, but that is a perfect example of exactly how things don't always go as anticipated.
Regarding the advice not to go to a place that is potentially dangerous, it would be great advice, but I view all places as potentially dangerous. There is, as far as I know, nowhere on earth where we are immune to attack from bad people. One of the most important things I learned in the Boy Scouts (in addition to always using the sharpest knife possible) was to always be prepared. Since we, good people, have the misfortune of sharing our world with bad people, being prepared for them is unfortunately a good idea.
Skill, luck, motivation and many other factors play much more of a role in the defensive (or offensive) use of a blade, than does the actual knife thats being used. At least thats my fleabrained opinion.
...
This is not to say that your question isn't a good one, because it is. But if TSHTF, it won't matter so much which blade you have in your hand, but how you use it.
As true as this is, it does not negate the importance of effective weapon selection. All other things being equal, or unpredictable, the more effective weapon is a more effective weapon. It will matter which blade is in my hand if I can or can't open it one-handed, or if it has an malfunctioning lock.
I actually know a guy who lost a knife fight and now has a metal plate in his arm because his cheapo knife folded when he needed it most. I know better than to carry a cheapo knife, but I haven't been keeping up on the latest in multi-tools because, other than for use as a weapon (and I typically carry other knives and OC for that), my Supertool 200 has handled all of my multi-tool needs since I got it when they came out.
I'm reminded of the old adage - "Don't bring a knife to a gunfight!" Good advice. Unless you are a very well trained knife man, trying to use a knife in a fight is a dangerous deal. I know, some will say it's better than dying and I agree, just beware of the risks and the legal fallout if you win. I have seen many good people "winners" go to prison and/or get sued for everything they ever hope to own by the poor "victim" or their family.
I'd rather be judged by 12 than carried by 6. If the situation came up that I had to defend myself against deadly force, getting sued would be far preferable to getting dead. Do you disagree?
If anyone has a real need to go armed, it should be compelling enough to carry an actual weapon, regardless of the legal consequences. Otherwise, don't go there or do that.
Most days I have no use for a weapon. I like it that way. One day, I may need a weapon. On that day, I would prefer to have one. Most days, I don't get searched by the police. One day, I may get searched by the police. On that day, I would prefer not to have an illegal weapon. Hence, my interest in legal weapons. The "don't go there" advice would be great, except that "there" refers to absolutely everywhere, which I find difficult to avoid.
I am aware that a multi-tool can be used as an impact weapon in its closed position. However, a blade generally makes a more effective weapon. And, since any multi-tool can be used in its closed position, that is not really a part of my selection criteria.
Many thanks to Esav Benyamin for introducing some logic into the conversation.
Spoonrobot thanks for the link to Don Rearic's site. I think I've read every article he has on there. And thank you for the pic. That's quite a collection you've got there.
The new Victorinox Rescue tool looks pretty good. Does anyone know the blade length? Has anyone seen an indepth review of it anywhere? I googled and haven't found any more information anywhere than what is on the manufacturer's site.
