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, however it’s nonetheless a standard-sized multi-tool. When you do not want all of the bells and whistles our prime decide presents, you’ll be able to most likely make do with a much less cumbersome gizmo that also has the fundamental, most-used instruments, similar to a knife, bottle opener, can opener, bit drivers, and pliers.
Victorinox Swiss Instrument for $153: Sure, I did a double-take once I first noticed the value tag too. At 10 ounces, it is on the heavier aspect as properly. However it’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 lovely.
Leatherman Cost TTi for $190: It is a weak advice. It is full of 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. Though it is made 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, until 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 prime decide, Leatherman’s personal $110 Wave Plus? The large 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 power to initially open the software than different Leathermans, however when you get it began, the opening mechanism could be very clean and easy.
Smallrig Common Multi-Instrument for Videographers for $30: If you end up lugging round a number 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 frequent 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 a substitute of pliers, the Micra opens up right into a pair of scissors. It feels prefer it’s made from cheaper supplies and has thinner software blades than the Victorinox Mini Champ, which is of the same dimension, function, and value. The spring-loaded mechanism is hard to open and shut with out poking your self. However it has character, and I just like the little factor. It is a good different to the Mini Champ, particularly if you’d 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 graceful scales really feel old-school, in a superb, “bear in mind again when” manner, just like the Victorinox Swiss Instrument. It has 14 instruments in its handles, all of which slide open and shut as easily as in the event that they had been buttered. The entire bundle folds right down to solely 4 inches lengthy and weighs 7 ounces. At this value, it is a fantastic discount.
SOG Key Knife for $12: One of the best knife is the one you’ve got obtained useful. That Leatherman Wave Plus will not do you any good if it is at residence and you are not. Micro-tools such because the Mini Champ and Micra are simple 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 all the time with you. The blade flips out and measures 1.5 inches, which is sufficient for many minor chopping 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 in all fairness sharp sufficient.
Leatherman Raptor Response for $80: Slightly than taking the type of pliers, these medical shears characteristic a blunt tip in order that medics do not unintentionally stab a affected person whereas making an attempt to chop by clothes. The Raptor Response could be very area of interest. If you need to 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 resolution that features an oxygen tank wrench and ring cutter (for chopping by constricting jewellery).