Multitools - what say you? Aye or Nay?

[Nobody-named-Olli]

I don’t carry one on a daily basis anymore. My EDC is down to a small Surefire light & a single blade pocket knife.

But when I take my bag with me, there’s the original SwissTool with leather pouch and all the accessories inside. Most importantly the corkscrew. (Back then it was the only multitool that had all the tools and a cork screw. I don’t remember if Leatherman introduced the “Juice” models prior to that or after - there was one with a corkscrew as well - but it lacked tools that I wanted. IIRC.)

The SwissTool is therefore also my travel tool. Given it is the original one, with the red print/inlay on the handle it doesn‘t really irk law enforcement/security - and no one-handed operation, which is also sometimes a problem nowadays depending on where you go.

Also I think that these days the Phillips (even though it is a really good one on those old SwissTools, SAKs & Leatherman tools) and flat head screwdriver(s) only get you so far. So I’m happy about the versatile bit ratchet and bit storage that came with it. I think overall it’s a great package and easy to customize.

I also have the original ‘98 Leatherman Wave, that lives in my ”grab & go”-toolbox. I bite myself that I didn‘t purchase the bit holder for it when they were readily available, around here they go for ridiculous prices these days. But since it has it’s permanent home in that toolbox, it doesn‘t really matter anymore.

From my point of view, definitely Yay - but not for EDC. (For me anyway.) I have fixed quite a few things over the years with mine.

Kind regards,
Olli

 

[RedneckWelder]

I’ve been gifted a standard original and a larger one, plus found a small one before.

I carry none of them. I always carry a pocketknife unless going into a metal detector secured area.

My issue with the multi tools and similar is they pack way too much into the tool. A 4 in one screwdriver, pocketknife, and a pair of small Knipex cobras is far more useful. Cobras and knife in your pocket, screwdriver nearby. Can even keep a tool truck promo screwdriver on hand as well. I also like the pocket prybars as well.

The issue with trying to use the tools on a multitool is it’s a poor form factor when trying to use the tools. Uncomfortable handle, off axis screwdrivers, etc make it frustrating to use. Often the handle is obstructed when using the screwdriver as well.

The stuff like knife blades are often poor steel and dull out of the factory. A knife should be SHARP as possible, with a comfortable handle for safe use. A dull knife with poor ergonomics is dangerous to the user.

 

[tyyost]

Like many of the replies, I have an original leatherman. Over time a good use or reason to carry daily never appeared. It lives in my drill driver box. Rather than load up with extra tools I added it to that kit for the pliers. I use them when an impact bit is stuck in an extension or I need to pull a wall anchor. May have used the knife a few times too.

A few others live in each of the car’s emergency kits, often with a 6 in one and 8 adjustable. Probably should grab one for the UTV now that I think about it. That usually put one close enough if I ever really needed one in my day to day.

 

[rust in the eye]

Nay here.
I own one folding multi tool gifted to me. It has the usual half dozen functions none of which it performs very well, perhaps excepting the knife and modest grip of the pliers. It lives in the glovebox of my wife's car.
I prefer a discreet tool for the task.
Recently in Switzerland I saw Swiss Army Knives in almost every store window. Some are huge with countless "tools". I cannot imagine using these gargantuan fistfuls. I doubt I could even get my hand around the largest ones. Didn't bother to check their weight but imagine they'd ruin your pockets.
Given the need to have a pharmaceutical spatula on board I suppose this might be my choice.

Check this out: Swiss Champ XXL

Victorinox Swiss Champ XXL - 1.6795.XXL ++ Explore the world of perfect Swiss quality online ++ Home of the Original Swiss Army knife ++ Find a store close to you ++

www.victorinox.com

 

[Catfishdan]

I feel like I have to stick up for The multitool. This victorinox spirit is on my belt ever single workday. It has a nice selection of tools and saves me countless trips to the van. I feel naked without it. I have about 6 years on this one. Just about time for a new sheath.

 

[neophyte]

I’ve been gifted a standard original and a larger one, plus found a small one before.

I carry none of them. I always carry a pocketknife unless going into a metal detector secured area.

My issue with the multi tools and similar is they pack way too much into the tool. A 4 in one screwdriver, pocketknife, and a pair of small Knipex cobras is far more useful. Cobras and knife in your pocket, screwdriver nearby. Can even keep a tool truck promo screwdriver on hand as well. I also like the pocket prybars as well.

The issue with trying to use the tools on a multitool is it’s a poor form factor when trying to use the tools. Uncomfortable handle, off axis screwdrivers, etc make it frustrating to use. Often the handle is obstructed when using the screwdriver as well.

The stuff like knife blades are often poor steel and dull out of the factory. A knife should be SHARP as possible, with a comfortable handle for safe use. A dull knife with poor ergonomics is dangerous to the user.

Nay here.
I own one folding multi tool gifted to me. It has the usual half dozen functions none of which it performs very well, perhaps excepting the knife and modest grip of the pliers. It lives in the glovebox of my wife's car.
I prefer a discreet tool for the task.
Recently in Switzerland I saw Swiss Army Knives in almost every store window. Some are huge with countless "tools". I cannot imagine using these gargantuan fistfuls. I doubt I could even get my hand around the largest ones. Didn't bother to check their weight but imagine they'd ruin your pockets.
Given the need to have a pharmaceutical spatula on board I suppose this might be my choice.

Check this out: Swiss Champ XXL

Victorinox Swiss Champ XXL - 1.6795.XXL ++ Explore the world of perfect Swiss quality online ++ Home of the Original Swiss Army knife ++ Find a store close to you ++

www.victorinox.com

The whole point of s multitool, is that it is small enough yo potentially carry in your pocket or a small bag or purse, and “potentially” gives one access to tools to use in a pinch, that would otherwise be bigger and bulkier to carry, and therefore not likely carried, or just wouldn’t be carried, because you see no immediate need.

Admittedly, a lot of the tools on multitools are sometimes way less functional of easy to use than the stand alone versions of those tools.
Another issue, is that the quality of the individual tools and the designs of the individual implements can vary greatly between multitool manufacturers.
My opinion is Victorinix does the best job on the smaller implements, and making those implements functional, if not multifunctional.
Leatherman also has some implements, like the diamond files on some tools, that are excellent, and sometimes just as good as a regular file of a similar size.
Other manufacturers are not as good on the small tools, and it makes the multitools significantly less functional.

As far as the Swisschamp XXL, that is almost certainly madd for collectors of multitools, or Victorinox products, not for actual use or pocket carry, although I’m sure some purchasers will try to carry it.
The original Swisschsmp, is probably a much better size as far as pocket carry, while still having a bunch of tools, although personally, I would probably choose to carry two Swiss Army Knives, of varying purpose, than one giant one.
It dhoild also be pointed out that the Swisschamp XXL is not the most ridiculously large multitool.
The largest was the Wenger 16999 Gisnt, which basically contained an example of every tool Wenger had made for that length of multitool, and was sort of done possibly as a Swansong efore Wenger was purchased by their rival Seiss multitool manufacturer Victorinox.

As for knife steel, some multitools, like the higher end Leatherman tools, are using the fancier knife steel alloys that were only found on fancier pocket knives a couple decades or so ago. (Magnacut, S30V,).
Victorinox seems to stick with the steel alloy they’ve used for decades, whichbisn’t as hard, but which takes a fine edge, and can be quickly sharpened with a honing steel, which Victorinox used to sell, and which was very compact for carry.

 

[Odd-job]

^woah talk about multi tool bloat (even though it speaks to my inner child!)

 

[TheRealZeus]

10mm must’ve been designed detachable, so you don’t lose everything in the investment.

 

[Coach James]

I keep a multitool in each vehicle's glove box and in my shaving travel bag. Beyond that, I rarely use one. I don't like weight on my belt or pockets. I carried a Swiss classic for years when I was teaching until an administrator saw it and told me I could be fired if the wrong person saw it. When I'm doing my weekly checks around my building, I find a 6-1 screwdriver more useful.

 

[JradM]

As far as the Swisschamp XXL, that is almost certainly madd for collectors of multitools, or Victorinox products, not for actual use or pocket carry, although I’m sure some purchasers will try to carry it.
The original Swisschsmp, is probably a much better size as far as pocket carry, while still having a bunch of tools, although personally, I would probably choose to carry two Swiss Army Knives, of varying purpose, than one giant one.

I have a couple Swiss Champs. You certainly can put the Swiss Champ in your pocket, but it's an awful lot of metal to EDC (nevermind the XXL).

I would consider it a tool you can pocket carry when you have cause, but not one you pack with you just-in-case. However, Victorinox's tools are among, or actually are, the best. The file files better than Leatherman's, the saw saws real good, the can opener opens cans, etc. Despite the size, the Swiss Champ is usable. You might think from looking at it that the knife, for example, would be dwarfed and silly in comparison to the rest of the tool - not so. It works just fine (albeit not so nimble as it is on a Bantam).

I like the Swiss Champ. It's just that it's bordering on a glovebox tool as opposed to an EDC multitool. Belt carry? Yeah, sure.

 

[OGJordan]

Carried a Leatherman Charge TTI for probably 5 years til I broke one of the tips off the pliers. Now I carry a Leatherman Arc daily. Use it at least 3x every single day.

 

[PCMusicGuy]

The traditional multi-tools are too bulky for my taste, but I leave one in my sxs glovebox.

I carry a skeletool daily along with a rechargeable penlight.

As a helicopter mechanic I often needed a screwdriver to open panels, and a pocket knife to open packages.
The Skeletool is light weight, has a belt/pocket clip, one hand deployable blade, and an almost one hand deployable screwdriver bit.

Good choices. I carry the same Skeletool CX and a Fenix PD25R daily.

 

[AEAdam]

There's a special Leatherman (MUT) for AR style rifles. I could see carrying such a tool to repair stuff in the field. I'm no longer in uniform or in "any field". For normal use, I think all the tools on a multitool are really bad versions of the tool you need. The knife is a bad knife, the pliers are uncomfortable pliers. The screwdriver tips ****. And in what emergency do you need a cork screw? Are you stranded in a church in Paris behind enemy lines and you find the sacramental wine and want to get blasted? Seriously. Why do these things have cork screws.

Below is what I carry almost everyday. (When I can, I do). It's like a multi tool in that it has a couple extra features like a beer bottle opener. Been to parties where I can't find the opener and I'm not cool enough and don't drink enough to know any tricks with lighters etc. Somehow those parties, if wine is served always have wine openers. I think what happens is, the hosts bought beer with twist off caps and someone brings beer without those.

What is supposed to be straight screwdriver I've used to pry stripped wood screws out. The best part of this knife is its tiny size and that tactical "Tanto" kink in the edge. I keep that wicked sharp and it slices open boxes etc really nicely. Unlike the tip, there is no thick blade to drag through the cut, so it's the ultimate cardboard box opening tool, which is frankly 80% of this thing's use. The other thing I do with this is use that tip most flat section like a wood chisel to shave a little off something. I like the kink and that the blade isn't curved. I sharpen it like any other woodworking tool.

Shuffle II - Tanto, Tan & BlackWash

Kershaw Knives offer award-winning technologies and advanced materials. They're well-crafted, reliable, and backed by our Limited Lifetime Warranty.

kershaw.kaiusa.com

This is a cheap, made in China knife. The steel is nothing special. I've been carrying one like this for probably 6-8 yrs and found it useful. I bought it thinking it was basically disposable. It hasn't been. I think its been invaluable.

 

[neophyte]

There's a special Leatherman (MUT) for AR style rifles. I could see carrying such a tool to repair stuff in the field. I'm no longer in uniform or in "any field". For normal use, I think all the tools on a multitool are really bad versions of the tool you need. The knife is a bad knife, the pliers are uncomfortable pliers. The screwdriver tips ****. And in what emergency do you need a cork screw? Are you stranded in a church in Paris behind enemy lines and you find the sacramental wine and want to get blasted? Seriously. Why do these things have cork screws.

Below is what I carry almost everyday. (When I can, I do). It's like a multi tool in that it has a couple extra features like a beer bottle opener. Been to parties where I can't find the opener and I'm not cool enough and don't drink enough to know any tricks with lighters etc. Somehow those parties, if wine is served always have wine openers. I think what happens is, the hosts bought beer with twist off caps and someone brings beer without those.

What is supposed to be straight screwdriver I've used to pry stripped wood screws out. The best part of this knife is its tiny size and that tactical "Tanto" kink in the edge. I keep that wicked sharp and it slices open boxes etc really nicely. Unlike the tip, there is no thick blade to drag through the cut, so it's the ultimate cardboard box opening tool, which is frankly 80% of this thing's use. The other thing I do with this is use that tip most flat section like a wood chisel to shave a little off something. I like the kink and that the blade isn't curved. I sharpen it like any other woodworking tool.

Shuffle II - Tanto, Tan & BlackWash

Kershaw Knives offer award-winning technologies and advanced materials. They're well-crafted, reliable, and backed by our Limited Lifetime Warranty.

kershaw.kaiusa.com

This is a cheap, made in China knife. The steel is nothing special. I've been carrying one like this for probably 6-8 yrs and found it useful. I bought it thinking it was basically disposable. It hasn't been. I think its been invaluable.

Corkscrews can be used for other purposes, such as untangling knots.
Also, if you need a corkscrew, you usually need a corkscrew, and any other method is questionable. (There are fancy beers that are sealed with corks)
There are flat corkscrew designs, that don’t work as easily as the spiral type, that could probably be more compactly fitted in a multitool.

 

[TheRealZeus]

Corkscrews can be used for other purposes, such as untangling knots.
Also, if you need a corkscrew, you usually need a corkscrew, and any other method is questionable. (There are fancy beers that are sealed with corks)
There are flat corkscrew designs, that don’t work as easily as the spiral type, that could probably be more compactly fitted in a multitool.

Probably need to see in action during field testing.

 

[Beerhippie]

Corkscrews can be used for other purposes, such as untangling knots.
Also, if you need a corkscrew, you usually need a corkscrew, and any other method is questionable. (There are fancy beers that are sealed with corks)
There are flat corkscrew designs, that don’t work as easily as the spiral type, that could probably be more compactly fitted in a multitool.

That's my favorite cork puller design. It doesn't tear the cork up, and can be used to fully re-insert the cork!

 

[JradM]

Corkscrews can be used for other purposes, such as untangling knots.

And for storing precision screwdrivers or the Fire Ant, in lieu of the parcel carry hook, as an attachment point to tie your SAK to a stick for use as a pole saw, to hold the SAK pen, as a pick...

See, I didn't watch all those Felix Immler videos for nothing.

 

[Dakotadadv8]

Basic SAK and if going further out bring along a SOG fixed.

 

[boom_bap]

I've got a supertool 300 that I only carry if I'm wearing bibs. I've also got a rebar that I've carried for probably 2 years. I find the needle nose pliers quite limiting most of the time, but handy to have. I'd much rather they have a wide plier. I honestly might grind them down so they can actually grab things.

 

[4x4Pete]

At work I edc a Leatherman Skeletool, a pen and a Milwaukee rechargable flashlight in an Amazon leather belt holster. The Skeletool has 2 of the Leatherman type bits, one has flat and phillips and the other has square ends. It gets used almost every day and the square bits come in handy when working on most electrical boxes, lighting fixtures, cabinetry and most easy quick tasks. I used to carry just a folding pocket knife and pen but found myself always needing something more. The current setup has been working well with less trips out to the truck or up and down the ladder. If you don't edc a multitool it will never get used. Who is going to go and get a multitool, if you have to go and get a tool you might as well get the right one.

 

[dscheidt]

At work I edc a Leatherman Skeletool, a pen and a Milwaukee rechargable flashlight in an Amazon leather belt holster. The Skeletool has 2 of the Leatherman type bits, one has flat and phillips and the other has square ends. It gets used almost every day and the square bits come in handy when working on most electrical boxes, lighting fixtures, cabinetry and most easy quick tasks. I used to carry just a folding pocket knife and pen but found myself always needing something more. The current setup has been working well with less trips out to the truck or up and down the ladder. If you don't edc a multitool it will never get used. Who is going to go and get a multitool, if you have to go and get a tool you might as well get the right one.

that's the key point. There are better tools for anything that multitool does, but it's often good enough, when the alternative is no tool, or having to spend time and energy going to get one. I've carried a leatherman for decades (an original, then the original wave, now the gen 3 wave. Original wave was by far the best), and have used to fix cars, tractors, baseball gloves, fences, bikes, hotel room toilets, children's toys, computers, and who knows what else. Mostly it gets used to open boxes, plastic packaging, zip ties, but you never know when having a pair of pliers and a screwdriver will save you, even if they're not the right ones.

 

[Pen & Wrench]

I carry a Leatherman Surge, I have a couple of spares, a Leatherman Wave for the motorcycle, and another one for the computer bag. I seem to use it a lot when I'm down on the farm, not big enough to build fence with but pretty handy for lots of things.

 

[dcg9381]

I carry knock-offs. There is typically one on my belt, keep one in the truck.. I removed the one that I keep in my laptop backpack, as I keep forgetting it and the TSA has confiscated more than one.

 

[username2]

Never used one. I can definitely see the point for someone like a farmer or ranch hand.

I wonder if they make a multitool with a 10mm nutdriver.

 

[tez929rr]

I wonder if they make a multitool with a 10mm nutdriver.

 

[rooster59]

Never used one. I can definitely see the point for someone like a farmer or ranch hand.

I wonder if they make a multitool with a 10mm nutdriver.

The 10mm would always disappear or take the whole multi tool with it.

 

[NUTTSGT]

I've had this thing for a couple of decades, long enough that it the Marlboro Miles inscription on the other side. I carried it for years and for a time when I started at the FD. Leather case is about shot and if someone made a nylon/codura case that would let it ride horizontally, I might carry it again.





I do know if I had it while in the Marines, I would have carried it daily there. During Desert Storm, my multi-tool was a set of TL-29s. Hmmm, I wonder where that is now ?

 

[driftpin]

I daily carry a Leatherman micra, and have for decades. When I was working fire-rescue, I carried a stainless steel folding pocket knife, or a bought-in Lucerne CH (Switzerland's two-place country code, probably having something to do with its Helvetian Federation status) Swiss Army Knife. The model #/name, I don't recall. I bought several different ones while I was there.

As many others have said, "it's not great at anything, except often allowing you to get a job done, then and there."

In my daily ride, a GMC crew cab, I have a Northern Tool multi-tool in a nylon zip pouch. It has a set of sockets and an adapter to accept on the multi-tool, a 1/4" female hex to 1/4" male square drive, for the various tips in the two vinyl sleeves carrying a variety of different tips. I have it in the tie-down bag which has a number of nylon ratchets for securing whatever needs carrying on the truck.

 

[GX460DIYguy]

I don’t like them unless they’re built for specific purposes like fishing or firearm related stuff. I’ve got a an older leatherman with our clients logo lasered onto it and I haven’t used it in the 15 years I’ve had it. I would’ve sold it if didn’t have the logo on it.

 

[Ohio Andy]

The 10mm would always disappear or take the whole multi tool with it.

Sneaky little you know what's those 10 mm.

 

[Dave455]

The whole point of s multitool, is that it is small enough yo potentially carry in your pocket or a small bag or purse, and “potentially” gives one access to tools to use in a pinch, that would otherwise be bigger and bulkier to carry, and therefore not likely carried, or just wouldn’t be carried, because you see no immediate need.

Admittedly, a lot of the tools on multitools are sometimes way less functional of easy to use than the stand alone versions of those tools.
Another issue, is that the quality of the individual tools and the designs of the individual implements can vary greatly between multitool manufacturers.
My opinion is Victorinix does the best job on the smaller implements, and making those implements functional, if not multifunctional.
Leatherman also has some implements, like the diamond files on some tools, that are excellent, and sometimes just as good as a regular file of a similar size.
Other manufacturers are not as good on the small tools, and it makes the multitools significantly less functional.

As far as the Swisschamp XXL, that is almost certainly madd for collectors of multitools, or Victorinox products, not for actual use or pocket carry, although I’m sure some purchasers will try to carry it.
The original Swisschsmp, is probably a much better size as far as pocket carry, while still having a bunch of tools, although personally, I would probably choose to carry two Swiss Army Knives, of varying purpose, than one giant one.
It dhoild also be pointed out that the Swisschamp XXL is not the most ridiculously large multitool.
The largest was the Wenger 16999 Gisnt, which basically contained an example of every tool Wenger had made for that length of multitool, and was sort of done possibly as a Swansong efore Wenger was purchased by their rival Seiss multitool manufacturer Victorinox.

As for knife steel, some multitools, like the higher end Leatherman tools, are using the fancier knife steel alloys that were only found on fancier pocket knives a couple decades or so ago. (Magnacut, S30V,).
Victorinox seems to stick with the steel alloy they’ve used for decades, whichbisn’t as hard, but which takes a fine edge, and can be quickly sharpened with a honing steel, which Victorinox used to sell, and which was very compact for carry.

I have a couple Swiss Champs. You certainly can put the Swiss Champ in your pocket, but it's an awful lot of metal to EDC (nevermind the XXL).

I would consider it a tool you can pocket carry when you have cause, but not one you pack with you just-in-case. However, Victorinox's tools are among, or actually are, the best. The file files better than Leatherman's, the saw saws real good, the can opener opens cans, etc. Despite the size, the Swiss Champ is usable. You might think from looking at it that the knife, for example, would be dwarfed and silly in comparison to the rest of the tool - not so. It works just fine (albeit not so nimble as it is on a Bantam).

I like the Swiss Champ. It's just that it's bordering on a glovebox tool as opposed to an EDC multitool. Belt carry? Yeah, sure.

I’ve never really considered Swiss Army Knives to be “multitools”, although even the manufacturers have taken to describing them as such.

I do find them incredibly useful, and was carrying one at least a decade before the Leatherman was conceived.

The bigger ones have the drawbacks of the bigger Leathermans - they’re a bit big for a pocket, - but the utility for the size is incredibly high, and I’ve regularly carried this Victorinox Craftsman (top) with me when travelling.

If I’m really pushed for weight, then the absolute minimum I’ll have in a suitcase is this Victorinox Standard (bottom). It weighs little, yet still offers useable blades, tin and bottle openers, and three screwdrivers.

There's a special Leatherman (MUT) for AR style rifles. I could see carrying such a tool to repair stuff in the field. I'm no longer in uniform or in "any field". For normal use, I think all the tools on a multitool are really bad versions of the tool you need. The knife is a bad knife, the pliers are uncomfortable pliers. The screwdriver tips ****. And in what emergency do you need a cork screw? Are you stranded in a church in Paris behind enemy lines and you find the sacramental wine and want to get blasted? Seriously. Why do these things have cork screws.

Below is what I carry almost everyday. (When I can, I do). It's like a multi tool in that it has a couple extra features like a beer bottle opener. Been to parties where I can't find the opener and I'm not cool enough and don't drink enough to know any tricks with lighters etc. Somehow those parties, if wine is served always have wine openers. I think what happens is, the hosts bought beer with twist off caps and someone brings beer without those.

What is supposed to be straight screwdriver I've used to pry stripped wood screws out. The best part of this knife is its tiny size and that tactical "Tanto" kink in the edge. I keep that wicked sharp and it slices open boxes etc really nicely. Unlike the tip, there is no thick blade to drag through the cut, so it's the ultimate cardboard box opening tool, which is frankly 80% of this thing's use. The other thing I do with this is use that tip most flat section like a wood chisel to shave a little off something. I like the kink and that the blade isn't curved. I sharpen it like any other woodworking tool.

Shuffle II - Tanto, Tan & BlackWash

Kershaw Knives offer award-winning technologies and advanced materials. They're well-crafted, reliable, and backed by our Limited Lifetime Warranty.

kershaw.kaiusa.com

This is a cheap, made in China knife. The steel is nothing special. I've been carrying one like this for probably 6-8 yrs and found it useful. I bought it thinking it was basically disposable. It hasn't been. I think its been invaluable.

I’ve seen the MUT, but it’s another big / heavy tool. The features are undoubtedly useful if you carry an AR-15 style rifle, but most military combination tools are much smaller and lighter.

For many years the Swiss Army issued a version of the Victorinox / Wenger knives with a tool for adjusting the sight on the SIG 550.

I've had this thing for a couple of decades, long enough that it the Marlboro Miles inscription on the other side. I carried it for years and for a time when I started at the FD. Leather case is about shot and if someone made a nylon/codura case that would let it ride horizontally, I might carry it again.





I do know if I had it while in the Marines, I would have carried it daily there. During Desert Storm, my multi-tool was a set of TL-29s. Hmmm, I wonder where that is now ?

That’s honourable wear!

The “Rolls Royce” solution for carrying such things on a belt is to get a holster manufacturer to “wet block” essentially a ”holster” for you. I know of guys carrying things up to Spyderco Police size quite easily.

Some eastern European leather workers offer ”rigs” for popular knives and multitool’s as standard, and horizontal carry is often the norm - whatever they may be carrying…!

 

[JradM]

If I’m really pushed for weight, then the absolute minimum I’ll have in a suitcase is this Victorinox Standard (bottom). It weighs little, yet still offers useable blades, tin and bottle openers, and three screwdrivers.

I'm fond of the Huntsman too. I think that's one more layer than the one you posted, but with a pocket clip (Swiss Clip) - perfectly EDC-able.

 

[Dave455]

I'm fond of the Huntsman too. I think that's one more layer than the one you posted, but with a pocket clip (Swiss Clip) - perfectly EDC-able.

The Huntsman has two more layers than the Standard - scissors and woodsaw, and I agree, it’s a good combination.

I have a very old Huntsman I was given as a birthday present many yesrs ago. It has far too much sentimental value for me to pack in a suitcase now.

One of the attractions of Victorinox knives is that they are relatively inexpensive, so if a suitcase gets ”lost” it’s not the end of the world. Having travelled professionally for 25 plus years though, you learn the tricks to avoid “lost” cases.

 

[JradM]

Huntsman, MKM Malga and my custom G10 Serrated Spartan, for scale:

 

[Dave455]

Huntsman, MKM Malga and my custom G10 Serrated Spartan, for scale:

Nice!

I was heavily tempted by an MKM Fara, but the titanium version seems to be hard to find now.

You snooze, you lose…

 

[Farmall450]

I've carried a leatherman of some sort pretty much daily for 10 years now. First a wave, then a sidekick (got lost, upgraded to due to the clip) and now a rev (super well used, still in great shape). I also have a free p4, but it's a bit chunky for EDC.

 

[F-22]

I'm always disappointed by the pliers.
The new leatherman arc is in the 300€ range here in Europe which is just so ridiculous for those cast plier heads. Forgings would be way more durable, and allow for proper crimp wire cutters instead of the shear type... The leatherman pliers like to crack especially if you try twisting with them.

I have a skeletool and a wave+ that I keep in my cars. Also got some swiss army knives.

My 10€ Opinel is a better knife than any of those. I often carry it. When I need tools, I rather use proper tools...
If the Victorinox had an easy-open blade tab I would probably carry it more, the opinel is a bit bulky.

 

[tez929rr]

I'm always disappointed by the pliers.
The new leatherman arc is in the 300€ range here in Europe which is just so ridiculous for those cast plier heads. Forgings would be way more durable, and allow for proper crimp wire cutters instead of the shear type... The leatherman pliers like to crack especially if you try twisting with them.

I have a skeletool and a wave+ that I keep in my cars. Also got some swiss army knives.

My 10€ Opinel is a better knife than any of those. I often carry it. When I need tools, I rather use proper tools...
If the Victorinox had an easy-open blade tab I would probably carry it more, the opinel is a bit bulky.

I guess I see it differently. The only reason for a multi tool is the convenience of having it on your person. Of course there will always be a better, dedicated tool. But having those pliers in your pocket is a godsend.

 

[roofdweller49]

I’ve been gifted a standard original and a larger one, plus found a small one before.

I carry none of them. I always carry a pocketknife unless going into a metal detector secured area.

My issue with the multi tools and similar is they pack way too much into the tool. A 4 in one screwdriver, pocketknife, and a pair of small Knipex cobras is far more useful. Cobras and knife in your pocket, screwdriver nearby. Can even keep a tool truck promo screwdriver on hand as well. I also like the pocket prybars as well.

The issue with trying to use the tools on a multitool is it’s a poor form factor when trying to use the tools. Uncomfortable handle, off axis screwdrivers, etc make it frustrating to use. Often the handle is obstructed when using the screwdriver as well.

The stuff like knife blades are often poor steel and dull out of the factory. A knife should be SHARP as possible, with a comfortable handle for safe use. A dull knife with poor ergonomics is dangerous to the user.

I always carry a bag with me, so I threw a knifeless rebar in there (I'm a separate knife kinda guy), and even then I'm debating switching to just carrying a small pair of pliers and a small light screwdriver.

The issue with Leatherman tools for me is the feeling that I'm going to break it every time I need to use it. The Phillips screwdriver gets used a lot, and they get deformed. Also, when you put some torque on it, it feels like you're gonna twist the frame apart.

 

[F-22]

I guess I see it differently. The only reason for a multi tool is the convenience of having it on your person. Of course there will always be a better, dedicated tool. But having those pliers in your pocket is a godsend.

In what way does that justify the price for inferior quality?

It's not as if forging it is something impossible. Channellock forges practically all plier styles in the US between 15-30$. Tsunoda forges stainless steel pliers in Japan for that much too.

Leatherman should get the Knipex 08 21 145 plier head forged in stainless and put it on their pliers. It would be an amazing tool.