Which multi-tool is for me?

K

Kirk_Ferentz

Joined
Feb 16, 2010
Messages
589
I'm looking for something to use in camping and in the survival kit. I think the number one criterion would be that I want something that is as tough, sturdy, and rugged as they come.

I tend to think that I don't need a bunch of the bells and whistles, although I am not sure what all they are putting on these tools nowadays. But I can say that I don't really need a light or any big blades I have flashlights and knives for that(although a saw blade wouldn't be bad, to accent a plain edge knife). Definitely something that acts as a good and powerful set of pliers first and foremost.

It does not have to be light and compact--in fact, I'm guessing a more beefy model is what I am after.

I have done some research on here and it looks like most tend to think that the SOGs are the most rugged, but not sure which precise model is for me. And I'm open to any non-SOG as well. Leatherman seems to come in second.
 
If it's just for camping purposes why not buy a good folding saw (Bahco or Silky) and a good set of pliers.
 
Honestly, for camping and backpacking use, I find myself leaving tools as large as my Leatherman Wave at home, in favor of a lighter MT like my juice, or even my Squirt P4. I think they come in very handy for gear repairs, but other than that I don't use them. I always carry atleast a folding knife with me, so that really negates the knife blade on the MT, and if I plan on cutting wood, I always have a larger, more capable tool with me, such as a folding saw.
 
If you do want a large multitool, and there is nothing wrong with that if weight is not an issue, the SOG Powerlock, Leatherman Wave or Victorinox Swisstool Spirit each will make you happy. I prefer the SOG, as it is the beefiest of the bunch, it is smoother opening than the Wave, and you can replace or exchange the tools as you wish. The Leatherman Supertool 300 is also very beefy, but is stiff opening and has no scissor.
 
Until I picked up my Spirit, the Powerlock was my favorite multitool. However, the Powerlock and Wave are two very large multitools, only suitable for belt sheaths. At least IMHO. The Swisstool Spirit is a great multitool, you don't have to open the multitool to get to the tools themselves, it's compact enough to pocket, carry in the sheath unnoticed, or pack in a small bag, but not too small for use.
 
Well it can really depend on how you see yourself using them.

Victorinox are strong have a great finish and a lot of tools, but the nail nicks bother some ppl because they aren't glove friendly.

Powerlock is a monster and can handle probably anything. Some don't like it because it's slower to access the tools and I've heard that the can opener isn't too good. I actually never had one so this is second hand info.

Wave has the biggest plus of having 4 outside tools that are more or less glove friendly, and by what you said at least one won't be used too much (the blade). When it comes to upgrading to Charge models you get a better knife and more comfort in the AL, a cutting hook and a wire crimper in ALx and TTi versions (well one more bit driver in the ALx at the cost of a flathead I believe).
Leatherman Surge doesn't add comfort, but it does make an interesting thing with the saw and file being swappable. Giving you an option to sharpen you MT knife as I see it.
 
I have a Powerlock that rides in my glovebox. I EDC'd one for a while, but I prefer my Wave over it. One thing that I don't like about the Powerlock is that when you really clamp down on something, you get a lot of flex in the handles, which means that less torque is being put onto the item that you are actually gripping.

The Wave/Charge/Swisstool are good because of those outboard components. It is not just because they are accessible, but because the actual cutting portion of the blades can get closer to the item being cut(or filed). Thing about a Powerlock MT being open, and you have one of the handles of the tool in between the edge of knife blade and the item you are cutting, which makes it less useful IMHO.

Altogether, all of the tools that people have recommended are excellent choices, and I am sure no matter which you get you will be pleased, it's all about particulars and preferences at this point.

P.S. Gerber and Leatherman have excellent customer service based on my experiences. I broke one of the scissor blades on my Gerber FLiK. I sent it to them to be fixed and I got a brand new in the box FLiK. I belt the file on my Leatherman Charge, and they fixed it right up for me. Both services were done quickly, free of charge, and unlike a lot of companies, you can easily get ahold of their customer service via email.
 
Any comments on the Gerber Multi-Tool 800 Legend and the Strata ?

I don't own any MTs yet so I am looking into the Leatherman Super Tool 300, the Surge and the Gerbers mentioned above.

EDIT: The Victorinox SwissTool is another possible option for me.
 
Last edited:
I would say get a leatherman st 300 or surge. Both are tough tools, Ive put both of them through their paces. Surge has one hand opening blades if thats important and scissors, if not get the st, it has better pliers.
 
I own/ have owned just about every multitool. If you need a saw (you probably will if your camping) go with a wave.

If you already have a camp saw, just clip a Skeletool to your gear. I know you say weight won't bother you but there is a good chance it will at some point.
 
Actually weight will be a prime consideration if your idea of camping is walking into the wilderness lugging everything on your back. The trend is to make camping equipment as light as possible so you carry less weight, or carry more with the same weight.
 
Brennanscott said:
I know you say weight won't bother you but there is a good chance it will at some point.
Click to expand...

Very true, in my experience. For several months after first strapping on a Surge, I couldn't really tell much difference between it and a Charge TTi, my usual EDC. After all, I said to myself, there is only a 4.3 oz. difference between the two, which could hardly be an issue in something of this size, especially belt carried, even occasionally clipped to my pocket. When bundled with other things stuffed into its pouch (Space Pen, flashlight, bit card), the percentage difference in weight was even less. Then, after a few months of honeymoon, I myself repeatedly going back to the Charge. Each time there was apparently a good reason for selecting it over the Surge, but after a while it occurred to me that although my conscious mind never considered the Surge too weighty, my body would have none of it. As my backpacker friends often tell me, ounces count(ses). All of a sudden I realized why the more extreme ones would cut away every part of a map except for their routes plus other seemingly trivial weight savers. In general, the body will grudgingly adapt to whatever it has to bear, but will balk at anything over that. Been there.
 
Wave or a Powerlock. IMO a multi-tool should be judged more on its pliers than anything else. I think the rest of the gadgets are just a bonus. As a knife guy I always have a knife on me anyway, so the MT knife isnt really going to be used. I like SOGs because you can take the tools out and replace them if need be. I like to take the blades out and put scissors in, if the tool doesn't have any, for the above-mentioned reason. Other than that the compound leverage on the SOGs is a real winner IMO. They grip like nobody's business. I recently had to straighten out a clip on a knife and I used my Powerlock. Even with a t-shirt between the pliers and the clip it still left marks.

The Wave is an excellent tool for two reasons: you can access the tools from the outside and the diamond file is incredibly useful. Oh and it also has a pair of excellent scissors.

Out of all the MTs I own (six at last count) I would recommend either the Powerlock or the Wave.

I would also get a SAK One Hand Trekker for your kit. SAK saws and can openers are the best around. ;)
 
You might want to have a look at the Leatherman Blast - Blade - File - Saw - Scissors - Plier - Etc. Mid-range price.

I'm a Leatherman collector with over 300 L'mans in my collection. The Blast has been on my hip for 1 1/2 years.

Best - Joe
 
My personal fave is the Victorinox Spirit S.
I have also previously used the following:
Leatherman PST
LM Supertool
LM PST II
LM Pulse
LM Blast
LM Wave (old and new)
LM Supertool 200
SOG Crosscut
Vic Swisstool (original)

I also still carry a LM Micra that I keep in a bag; it's hardly used, but it can be very handy and is easy to carry. The Vic Spirit S feels like the ideal tool to carry on a daily basis.
Jim
 
I've carried a multitool ever since the original LM-1 was first introduced, and I've never found the weight to be any sort of issue. Currently, I carry either the Wave or the first model Supertool, and would never even consider being without one or the other. That's not to say that if I were in a situation that required it, I wouldn't also carry a folding saw, machete, or hatchet.
 
I personally would recommend the Leatherman Super Tool 300. It's my edc and it's a beast of a tool. Pair it up with a Micra if you want/need scissors, as they're better then the ones included in most MT's anyway. The swiss offerings are also great and are built tough, I just prefer the LM offerings. I haven't owned a Sog so I can't comment on them, but I think they have the worst and shortest internal components when compared to Vic and LM. If you decide that weight or price are a consideration, look at the Leatherman Blast. It's simple, tough (for a 4in tool), capable, and a great value ($30-40 on ebay). The Wave is also a great tool, I just feel that the bit driver makes it too complex of a tool to deal with in a wilderness setting (the same goes for the Surge).
 
Yeah, I carry a Leatherman Blast myself. I have a Wave but I keep it in my truck. The Blast suits my needs the best. I love the Phillips driver on the Blast and the weight is better for carrying it on my hip. I keep a knife clipped to my pocket any way, so the Blade in the Blast is just an extra blade for me if needed. I have owned several MTs including SAKs and I love them all but I keep coming back to the Leatherman Blast. Its tough enough to get the job done and has all the tools I really need and its not very heavy to carry around all day on my hip.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top