Multitools for Men
BY Herschel Smith
2 years, 12 months ago
At Men’s Health.
Some are rather oddball and don’t interest me. The Leatherman Signal Topo looks appealing and complete, but of course is also on the high end of the expense spectrum.
If you have a favorite multi tool, weigh in.
On December 15, 2021 at 11:28 pm, billo said:
I like Gerber tools because of the centered screwdriver. It really is easier to use the screwdriver tool than with the off-center leatherman.
On December 16, 2021 at 12:07 am, Miles said:
I kind of grew attached to the Leatherman Wave. Primarily because it was ‘free issue’ at my last unit.
A Leatherman Micra was a favorite personal purchase of many when required to dress ‘smooth’ (business casual) or higher.
On December 16, 2021 at 12:25 am, George 1 said:
I have an old Gerber multi tool. It has served me well but my favorite is a Leatherman Super tool. It isn’t the most complete multi tool out there but it has most everything I would need a multi tool for. I have used it quite a bit and it has been reliable. I don’t leave home without it.
On December 16, 2021 at 3:59 am, Hudson H Luce said:
1984 vintage Swiss Army knife, extremely handy tool, including saw and can opener – used that for 3 years straight in grad school to open can, I could do it quicker and easier than a mechanical opener. Every tool has been used – and the ballpoint pen still works – 37 years, not too bad. Replaced the straight pin with a sewing needle, and put glow-in-the-dark tape on the side, and a lanyard on the ring, plus an additional ring to hold other stuff, like one of those firestarter bars. Outside I wear it around my neck, under a shirt.
On December 16, 2021 at 7:04 am, Bill Buppert said:
Leatherman Surge or MUT for full kit but the Leatherman Wingman for business casual.
On December 16, 2021 at 7:14 am, DoD-refugee said:
The leatherman blast has been in my pocket for years, as an industrial maintenance tech it is very convenient. The go bag has the Gerber mp600st in a side pouch. Each has their purposes. That giant red Swiss army thing got tossed onto the tackle box in the boat.
On December 16, 2021 at 8:44 am, Don Curton said:
https://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200636335_200636335?cm_mmc=Google-pla&utm_source=Google_PLA&utm_medium=Farm%20%2B%20Acreage%20%3E%20Fences%20%2B%20Gate%20Openers%20%3E%20Fencing&utm_campaign=Ironton&utm_content=42445&gclid=Cj0KCQiA5OuNBhCRARIsACgaiqWLvVEOUg4xTS7bTDvixS5Qq4rN-RWT7FIKttMF9Pn__cTh_S3RzhwaAmt4EALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds
The original multitool!
But I generally stick to the original Leatherman (I have several that are now close to ancient) and the Swiss Army Knife (not the one shown, but slightly smaller). Otherwise I generally keep a small toolbox in my truck with dedicated tools rather than relying on a multitool.
On December 16, 2021 at 8:57 am, Bill Johnson said:
Swiss army knife, medium size in right rear pants pocket with hanky. Other side is extra mag(s) for Ruger, which is in front right pocket.
My pre-retirement occupation did not permit one to have various thing(s) hanging from the belt, so I adapted. Now in retirement I have grown accustomed to the less is more method. And the smaller knife/tool fits the low profile that I try to follow.
My one concession to having anything showing is a VERY sharp kershaw folder inside my front waist band. The only thing visible is the clip, and that only to a trained eye.
My experience with many guys who flaunt their “tools” is ego and arrogance rather than utility.
On December 16, 2021 at 9:03 am, Bill Sullivan said:
Leatherman Super Tool. Second choice is a Camilus military utility knife.
On December 16, 2021 at 10:23 am, Fred said:
Leatherman Wave for the woods. Both my Wave and CRKT daily carry knife were purchased at pawn shops in town. Both were in “like new” condition for 1/3 the retail price.
On December 16, 2021 at 11:42 am, HempRopeAndStreetlight said:
Leatherman Wave. It has served me well for many years.
On December 16, 2021 at 3:29 pm, Stuart said:
I like the Leatherman tools but cannot, in good conscience, support them after their anti-gun stand. If we wish to keep Article 2 of the Bill of Rights, we must stop undercutting it for our convenience. Stop financially supporting these people.
On December 16, 2021 at 3:57 pm, Herschel Smith said:
@Stuart,
I know. I wondered if anyone would bring that up.
On December 16, 2021 at 8:43 pm, xtphreak said:
never liked Leatherman much.
Gerber much more solid feeling to me.
I have several Gerber 600 Needlenose Multi-Plier.
Entirely reasonable price I think for a solid well designed tool.
https://www.scheels.com/p/gerber-600-needlenose-multi-plier/01365847530.html?store=&gclid=Cj0KCQiA5OuNBhCRARIsACgaiqU5nejeL7jL-iX7-W0zDw6UbV3JVAPp35K5XWe-QHULktMlfpeX5ngaAn39EALw_wcB
On December 17, 2021 at 5:45 pm, Archer said:
Leatherman Charge XTi for me. Discontinued model; the most comparable currently-available model is the Charge ALX, which has one swappable driver bit compared to the XTi’s two.
I rarely use the knife blades (I carry a Kershaw folder for knife work), but the pliers and file are good, and with the full “bit kit” close at hand I’ve encountered very few things that turn that I can’t turn back.
(Stuart: I’m aware of the company’s anti-gun leanings; it comes from being based near Portland, OR — not an excuse, just an explanation. I’ve had this set-up so long, it’s no longer covered by warranty. I intend to use it until it falls apart, and then replace it with a more gun-friendly competitor’s product. Plus, Leatherman’s newer designs are skeletonized to the point of dangerous, IMHO, which I do not like.)
On December 19, 2021 at 12:26 pm, Matt said:
Leatherman surge plus. Saved up and bought it. I carry it all the time and use it daily at work or home. I didnt know anything g about their anti gun stance. May have looked elsewhere.
On December 19, 2021 at 9:38 pm, PubliusII said:
No one of the multitools does it for me, and I’ve carried several including the little PS4, which is definitely cute and useful for some things. (So’s the P4, which actually comes closer to everyday-usable for me.) But in the end I’ve come back to a Vic Classic and a Wenger Soldier (the 1960s version with alox scales).
The latter is SAK’s version of the century-old camper pattern with four blades: cutting blade; a bottle cap lifter/wire stripper/screwdriver; can opener/Philips screwdriver; and a scraper/awl. The Pioneer model is equivalent.
Some days for variety I’ll swap in a Camillus US Army knife from 1942-44, which again has the basic camper-pattern set of blades, plus the can opener puzzles many these days as it doesn’t fit the current “eagle-claw” pattern.
Many other knives, folding and non-, interest me but the Classic and a camper-pattern are what stays on board. YMMV, and it probably does.
On December 19, 2021 at 11:10 pm, John Taylor said:
I’ve had several and now use only the Gerber. It seems that every time I need a tool, I’m already holding something with one hand. I can’t get past the difficult opening of the Leatherman. I really like the “one hand to open” feature of the Gerber. To me that’s the selling point. A flick of the wrist and the Gerber is out and ready.