So, I first starting using the original Leatherman back in the late 80’s working summers in the agricultural business (around machinery). Now, I know the common saying of “use the right tool for the job” is cliché and sounds rational; however, in our world and often some occupations and circumstances reality is rarely "rational”. I don’t live out of my truck, it’s not in walking distance and I don’t carry a tool box with me. Enter the ubiquitous multitool.
I’ve carried and used a variety of multitools over a few decades of military service and some contract work (nothing very sexy). They weren’t always my first tool to grab, but I’ve used them for a number of mundane tasks. While I like multitools, if doing anything outdoors, I usually use the OEM multitool, the Swiss Army Knives (or SAKs). I’ve never liked SAK pliers, so if I was ever planning on being in an environment where pliers or wire cutters could come in handy, that’s when I chose a multitool. SAKs (for me) are some of the better “outdoors multitools”, but it’s more about a preference and maybe a little nostalgia.
Some traditional “multitool” SAKs:
The tools of multitools. Okay, I have a “few”. I’m not really a huge fan of mini-tool bits on multitools. Yes, they are handy if that’s your biggest need, but I pretty much am okay with just the standard Phillips or slotted head tools.
I prefer needle nose, simply for their precision. Wire cutters are extremely handy. I like good scissors; I prefer a metal/diamond file to a wood saw (but won't complain with both). A stout flat-tip is a serviceable/mini pry-bar (better than your knife blade). Leather awls are also very handy for a number of tasks.
Most of the collection:
The Leatherman Tools (crappy politics, good multitools).
Left off the SOG Switch Pliers (pretty good EDC option if you like automatic knives!):
I do have favorites. I really, really like the Leatherman FREE P2 and P4 series. I have the more expensive Arc, but it also has the Leatherman bit-holders like the Wave…which are okay, but they’re not my biggest preference.
The Swiss Tool Spirit is an awesome tool. They do have a new version with a pocket clip, so it’s rated pretty high on my requirements list with the selection of tools.
If I was ever to do a show like "Alone", the Leatherman Surge is an incredibly robust and capable tool.
Leatherman Crunch; this is a great vice-grip pliers multitool. I don’t care for it as a stand-alone but if part of your EDC, it’s a great, compact option.
The SOG PowerPint is a very small, but handy multitool (very similar to the older Leatherman Juice series), and just so happens to meet our DoD .25" blade restrictions.
If I really thing I’ll need more than the multitool pliers, I may pair it with a small 4-5” set of Knipex Cobra adjustable pliers which allows me to handle a much wider variety of needs. Multitools are not optimum tools by any means. They’re just a very compact problem-solving pocket/pouch tool to help improvise and solve small problems quickly without running back to find the “right tool for the job” when time is more critical, the environment sucks, or you just don’t have immediate access to a more efficient tool.
What’s your multitool and why (or why not)?
ROCK6
I’ve carried and used a variety of multitools over a few decades of military service and some contract work (nothing very sexy). They weren’t always my first tool to grab, but I’ve used them for a number of mundane tasks. While I like multitools, if doing anything outdoors, I usually use the OEM multitool, the Swiss Army Knives (or SAKs). I’ve never liked SAK pliers, so if I was ever planning on being in an environment where pliers or wire cutters could come in handy, that’s when I chose a multitool. SAKs (for me) are some of the better “outdoors multitools”, but it’s more about a preference and maybe a little nostalgia.
Some traditional “multitool” SAKs:
The tools of multitools. Okay, I have a “few”. I’m not really a huge fan of mini-tool bits on multitools. Yes, they are handy if that’s your biggest need, but I pretty much am okay with just the standard Phillips or slotted head tools.
I prefer needle nose, simply for their precision. Wire cutters are extremely handy. I like good scissors; I prefer a metal/diamond file to a wood saw (but won't complain with both). A stout flat-tip is a serviceable/mini pry-bar (better than your knife blade). Leather awls are also very handy for a number of tasks.
Most of the collection:
The Leatherman Tools (crappy politics, good multitools).
Left off the SOG Switch Pliers (pretty good EDC option if you like automatic knives!):
I do have favorites. I really, really like the Leatherman FREE P2 and P4 series. I have the more expensive Arc, but it also has the Leatherman bit-holders like the Wave…which are okay, but they’re not my biggest preference.
The Swiss Tool Spirit is an awesome tool. They do have a new version with a pocket clip, so it’s rated pretty high on my requirements list with the selection of tools.
If I was ever to do a show like "Alone", the Leatherman Surge is an incredibly robust and capable tool.
Leatherman Crunch; this is a great vice-grip pliers multitool. I don’t care for it as a stand-alone but if part of your EDC, it’s a great, compact option.
The SOG PowerPint is a very small, but handy multitool (very similar to the older Leatherman Juice series), and just so happens to meet our DoD .25" blade restrictions.
If I really thing I’ll need more than the multitool pliers, I may pair it with a small 4-5” set of Knipex Cobra adjustable pliers which allows me to handle a much wider variety of needs. Multitools are not optimum tools by any means. They’re just a very compact problem-solving pocket/pouch tool to help improvise and solve small problems quickly without running back to find the “right tool for the job” when time is more critical, the environment sucks, or you just don’t have immediate access to a more efficient tool.
What’s your multitool and why (or why not)?
ROCK6
