multi-tool recommendations

[StevieB]

I have been after a multi-tool for a while and after doing lots of looking finally decided on the Leatherman Wave. Allegedly a premium brand for a premium price. However many of the reviews seem to suggest Leatherman have been cutting corners recently and build quality has suffered - the black oxide version in particular gets some very rough opinions (not a major issue as I am happy with silver, but indicative of poor quality finishing).

Does anyone have experience of multi-tools and can recommend a good one? Criteria are for it to be suitable as a general purpose portable tool for odd jobs when camping/out and about on activities (I am also a Scout leader so these activities can be varied). I have only really come across Leatherman as a 'known' brand and I am quite happy to pay for quality in this instance, provided it is quality and not name that I am paying for. I would rather this than go for a cheap no-name version that then lets me down when I need it.

Steve

 

[Rod]

I have a couple of Leathermans and a Gerber bought several years ago in the States do cannot really comment on current quality.
The Gerber is a "mechanical toolkit" and quite robust:

I bought this Leatherman first as it had a corkscrew and most of its tools are designed for camping (knife and fork [emoji3])

But my favourite one is my Leatherman Juice for its wide range of tools and compact size - perhaps not quite as robust as the others but very useful oh holiday:

Rod

 

[AndyP]

When I go away I always carry a Victorinox. Has most things but not the pliers. I would have no hesitation in buying one of their Multitools.

 

[StevieB]

Thanks Chaps, I think I am going to give the Wave a punt and see how it goes - it does have a good warranty in case of any major issues.

Steve

 

[Mike G]

That Leatherman is a serious piece of kit. I've seen a fuel tank taken out, fixed, and refitted in the bush in Africa by a chap using just a Leatherman. It is top quality, and I highly recommend it. It is an altogether different beast from a Swiss Army Knife, which is a good knife with a few odds and ends attached . You would never use a SAK (other than the knife itself) for anything serious, but you perfectly well can with a Leatherman.

 

[AndyP]

Indeed Mike, Victorinox make a lot more than Swiss army knives. Although I have need held a Leatherman I would be be surprised if these were in any way inferior.

http://www.victorinox.com/global/en/Pro ... _SwissTool

 

[Rod]

I didn't know they made other multi tool styles though I do find the pliers very useful.
I have a few Victorinox knives:

This one I keep in my travel wash bag:

And this is my well worn, original style SAK EDC (Every day carry - legal blade length 75mm)

I'm not really a collector [emoji3]

Rod

 

[oddsocks]

this is one of those topics ...how many multitools do you need!
Some years ago I set a a 'bidnapper' on ebay to finally get a leatherman crunch for the price I wanted and it is excellent for what I want (a quick google search now shows £112 so my <£40 seems good ).
it all depends on what you need, but quality is important - it does need to grip/cut/undo in a crisis, so don't rely on a petrol station £2.99 wth 5l deal! EDITED TO SAY..i have plenty of those if only I knew where they were (but I found my Leatherman within 60sdeconds)

Dave

 

[oddsocks]

@rod - I bought my last swiss army knife in an airport duty free in switzerland....how times have changed!