There are a ton of different multi-tools on the market, and types like Leatherman and Victorinox have fashions upon fashions that make it complicated to determine precisely what to get. Listed below are some others I like.
Leatherman Skeletool CX for $90: This one is barely smaller than the Wave Plus, but it surely’s nonetheless a standard-sized multi-tool. In the event you do not want all of the bells and whistles our high choose affords, you may most likely make do with a much less cumbersome gizmo that also has the fundamental, most-used instruments, comparable to a knife, bottle opener, can opener, bit drivers, and pliers.
Victorinox Swiss Tool for $153: Sure, I did a double-take after I first noticed the value tag too. At 10 ounces, it is on the heavier facet as nicely. But it surely’s superbly made, and I dig the boxy, straight-edged handles. Generally it is simply good to have a software that does not attempt to look fashionable. It is stunning.
Leatherman Charge TTi for $190: This can be a weak advice. It is filled with 19 helpful instruments and comes with that stellar Leatherman construct high quality and guarantee. I have been utilizing one fortunately for years. That value, although. Regardless that it is fabricated from titanium, it is no lighter than the Wave Plus that prices far much less and comes with 18 mini-tools, a lot of them the identical because the Cost TTi’s. Purchase the Wave Plus, except you actually just like the look of the darkish titanium.
Leatherman Free P4 for $150: I used to be on the fence about this one. Like most of Leatherman’s lineup, the Free P4 is a high quality, well-built software, however is it price a $40 improve over our high choose, Leatherman’s personal $110 Wave Plus? The massive differentiators are that the Free P4, with its 21 instruments, makes use of magnets to open and lock the software, and a brand new mechanism to unlock and shut the mini-tools that does not depend on placing your finger in the best way of the blade. The magnets do not take any much less drive to initially open the software than different Leathermans, however when you get it began, the opening mechanism is very clean and easy.
Smallrig Universal Multi-Tool for Videographers for $30: If you end up lugging round plenty of videography tools, like our product reviewer Eric Ravenscraft, you may want a multi-tool made for adjusting and sustaining cameras with out knives and pliers. The Smallrig consists of 9 instruments, together with hex keys in a number of sizes widespread to cameras, a Phillips-head screwdriver, and a pair of flat-head screwdrivers. Eric likes the broader flat head for screwing down and eradicating tripod heads, which he says sometimes get scraped and chewed up by smaller screwdrivers.
Leatherman Micra for $57: As an alternative of pliers, the Micra opens up right into a pair of scissors. It feels prefer it’s fabricated from cheaper supplies and has thinner software blades than the Victorinox Mini Champ, which is of the same measurement, goal, and value. The spring-loaded mechanism is hard to open and shut with out poking your self. But it surely has character, and I just like the little factor. It is a good various to the Mini Champ, particularly if you would like a tiny multi-tool that revolves round scissors.
Leatherman Wingman for $70: The Wingman simply feels nice to make use of. No wildly textured surfaces, and no plastic anyplace. The sleek scales really feel old-school, in a great, “bear in mind again when” approach, just like the Victorinox Swiss Device. It has 14 instruments in its handles, all of which slide open and shut as easily as in the event that they have been buttered. The entire bundle folds right down to solely 4 inches lengthy and weighs 7 ounces. At this value, it is a terrific cut price.
SOG Key Knife for $12: The most effective knife is the one you’ve got acquired helpful. That Leatherman Wave Plus will not do you any good if it is at house and you are not. Micro-tools such because the Mini Champ and Micra are straightforward to stuff right into a pocket, however you continue to have to recollect them. The Key Knife goes proper in your key ring, so it is at all times with you. The blade flips out and measures 1.5 inches, which is sufficient for many minor slicing duties. It is a one-trick pony, although, and solely has a blade. You are not getting a premium product, however the stainless-steel blade is fairly sharp sufficient.
Leatherman Raptor Response for $80: Somewhat than taking the type of pliers, these medical shears function a blunt tip in order that medics do not by accident stab a affected person whereas making an attempt to chop by clothes. The Raptor Response could be very area of interest. If you must ask, then no, you do not want it. However for an EMT or a wilderness medic on distant backcountry journeys, it is an ingenious packaging answer that features an oxygen tank wrench and ring cutter (for slicing by constricting jewellery).
