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The Multi Tool Thread

#21
Michael Jewels said:
Bloody knuckles?

No thanks. :D

After spending some time looking at all the multi tools at Adorama, the place from which I'll probably buy, I'm kind of liking this one by SOG: Invalid Link Removed

It's got scissors, which I want rather than the V-cutter, which can be used for cutting seat belts, and I like the compound leverage feature on the pliers.

I don't think I'll need the EOD model. (Explosive Ordinance Disposal)

Somehow, I don't think I'm going to come across that many bombs that will need to be disposed of. :D

Here it is at the SOG site: Invalid Link Removed

There's a demo video at the bottom of the page.

Now, I just have to convince myself that I really need this.

After reading everyone's input, I see that there really is no one perfect tool; you just have to decide which features you don't need, and how much you want to spend.

Keep the ideas coming.

Mike
Click to expand...
In addition to my Leathermans, I also have the SOG Powerlock. It's a nice tool. If you plan to EDC, take into consideration that it is a big, heavy tool that you will have to carry on your belt; not good for pocket carry.
Here's a forum for multitools that may help you with your finding the perfect tool.
Invalid Link Removed
 
#22
Turock said:
In addition to my Leathermans, I also have the SOG Powerlock. It's a nice tool. If you plan to EDC, take into consideration that it is a big, heavy tool that you will have to carry on your belt; not good for pocket carry.
Here's a forum for multitools that may help you with your finding the perfect tool.
Invalid Link Removed
Click to expand...

Oh, Man! A multi tool forum! :cool:

I was just getting ready to go into the city to buy the SOG, but after seeing the forum, I'm going to read a bit there before I buy anything.

I'm torn between a smaller tool that I know I'll always have with me or a bigger tool that can do more, but might be left at home.

Thanks very much Turock. :)

Mike
 
#24
In all honesty it seems like a lot of people here have a lot of experience with the big name brands. I'm wondering if it's actually worth the money because in my experience it seems like the more tools offered the crappier the quality they are.

I mean has anyone actually found any of these to have a usable phillips/flat head screw driver? Those are pretty much useless on all of the "no name" ones I've owned.
 
#25
I've had some cheap no-names and often firearm branded cheapies that came with a brick of .22 or something(Remington if I remember correctly). Most really don't compare, I think Leatherman really puts a lot of effort into their attention to detail, design, and materials used.
 
#26
Michael Jewels said:
Hello, all, and Happy New Year!

I have a Leatherman original multi tool that I bought about 20 years ago. It has served me well, and it's still in pretty good shape.

The main blade is a little dull, and I feel a few of the tools don't lock in place as snugly as they used to, so I want to get a replacement.

So far, these are the three contenders:

1.) Leatherman Blast Invalid Link Removed

2.) SOG Paratool Invalid Link Removed

3.) Swiss Tool Link Removed

I like the angle head capability of the paratool, but I've read a few reviews on the Swiss tool, and some say it's the best one on the market.

So, which one do you use?

Do you have any other recommendations?

Are there any multi tools that you don't like, and why?

I want to keep the price to about $75, but if there's a tool you particularly like that's more expensive, by all means please suggest it.

Who would have guessed that a camera store like Adorama would sell so many multi tools and knives?

Mike
Click to expand...

I have had Swiss Tool since 2000 and it is great!
 
#27
dmonroe said:
I've always preferred the slide-open design of the Gerber as opposed to the way the Leatherman opens. The Gerber is a lot easier to grab, open and use one-handed if your other hand is occupied holding something in place. Seems to be to me anyway.

Gerber FliK Multi-Plier NN Black with Sheath 22-01638 - RockyNational.com
Click to expand...

I gave mine away the first time it slipped off a bolt head, and pinched the palm of my hand between the grips, leaving a big ugly blood blister...

actually, I threw it down, cussed at it for a while, then picked it up and handed it to the person asking if I was ok...I really didn't like him, so I would not feel too guilty if it pinched his hand too

the following day I was back to carrying a leatherman



I always have a leatherman in the small tool pouch on my harley... I have never loaned any tool out as much in my life, as I have that thing
 
#30
What had been posted earlier about sending it back is true. Even if you do buy a new multi tool, send the old one back to be refurbished. Years ago at a seminar Chuck Buck from Buck Knives stated reputable companies do it helping their quality image.
 
#32
The year I bought my Swiss Tool, I won a Fulbright Seminars Abroad Award to South Africa for one month. About our third or fourth day in the tour, we were between Grahamstown and Cape Town but our trailer had a broken hitch. Unless we could fix it, we would be stuck a whole day deep in the country on the Western Cape of South Africa. Fortunately, with my Swiss Tool and some sturdy wire, we were able to fix the hitch and keep our tour on schedule. I remember one of the Fulbright tour directors asking me why I carried pocket knives and a Swiss Tool, I just told her "because s##t happens!":)

I will never understand why folks don't understand that pocket knives and multitools are there to make your life easy, they are not "weapons.":rollno:
 
#33
Dr. Cheese said:
The year I bought my Swiss Tool, I won a Fulbright Seminars Abroad Award to South Africa for one month. About our third or fourth day in the tour, we were between Grahamstown and Cape Town but our trailer had a broken hitch. Unless we could fix it, we would be stuck a whole day deep in the country on the Western Cape of South Africa. Fortunately, with my Swiss Tool and some sturdy wire, we were able to fix the hitch and keep our tour on schedule. I remember one of the Fulbright tour directors asking me why I carried pocket knives and a Swiss Tool, I just told her "because s##t happens!":)

I will never understand why folks don't understand that pocket knives and multitools are there to make your life easy, they are not "weapons.":rollno:
Click to expand...

For the first couple of months I had my SOG - I was on long-term travel for work. I used the knife to chop vegetables and fruits.
 
#34
Skitch it! said:
The only thing I'd say is anodized/oxide finishes can be a pain to find depending where you drop them, I tend to stick with the reflective finishes for that.
Click to expand...

It's funny you should say this, Skitchit, as I was thinking the same thing.

As cool as the black oxide finish looks, I wouldn't want to drop one at night in the woods. At least the silver finish would reflect light back if you shone a flashlight on it.

After reading a little at that forum that Turock posted, Multitool.org - Making the Unworkable Work, I decided that I don't need scissors. That V-cutter looks like it might be more useful.

This is the top candidate as of now.
Invalid Link Removed

Then, there's the Swisstool...

Mike :confused:
 
#35
Michael Jewels said:
It's funny you should say this, Skitchit, as I was thinking the same thing.

As cool as the black oxide finish looks, I wouldn't want to drop one at night in the woods. At least the silver finish would reflect light back if you shone a flashlight on it.

After reading a little at that forum that Turock posted, Multitool.org - Making the Unworkable Work, I decided that I don't need scissors. That V-cutter looks like it might be more useful.

This is the top candidate as of now.
Invalid Link Removed

Then, there's the Swisstool...

Mike :confused:
Click to expand...

The SOG website has different tools that can be changed out, so it can be customized a bit. The draw back for me is the size and weight of it. I just never carried it around. I don't want to wear one on my belt. There are also times it would be inappropriate to have a big knife strapped on (some people will only see it as a big knife and weapon), so I keep it in my truck. I keep a leatherman supertool in a computer bag (also because it's too big for EDC) that I take my gig things in. I use my Skeletool almost daily. Already used it twice today so far.
Even though I probably have about 10 different multitools, I'll probably end up with one of those Swisstool Spirits.
 
#36
Turock said:
The SOG website has different tools that can be changed out, so it can be customized a bit. The draw back for me is the size and weight of it. I just never carried it around. I don't want to wear one on my belt. There are also times it would be inappropriate to have a big knife strapped on (some people will only see it as a big knife and weapon), so I keep it in my truck. I keep a leatherman supertool in a computer bag (also because it's too big for EDC) that I take my gig things in. I use my Skeletool almost daily. Already used it twice today so far.
Even though I probably have about 10 different multitools, I'll probably end up with one of those Swisstool Spirits.
Click to expand...

I am starting to get interested in the Skeletool, Turock.

It's not too big, and has just the right tools for most jobs.

I couldn't tell the difference between the regular Skeletool, and the Skeletool CX, and found this site telling the difference in the steel of the main blades. Knife Steel, Knife Steels, Different Knife Steels at www.northamericanknifes.com

You learn something everyday.

Mike
 
#38
I've had my Leatherman for ages--maybe 20 years or so. There's no model number on it or its case. But with a sharpening stone and some mineral oil, cleaning as needed, and a drop of sewing machine oil onto the various pivot points every couple years, I think it should be good for at least another 20 years.
 
#39
For those interested, I bought something that I wasn't even considering at the beginning of this thread: A Leatherman Juice.

I went through the Leatherman, SOG and the Victorinox sites, and after taking a few days to think about it, I decided I wanted a smaller tool as opposed to a bigger one.

So, here it is:
IMGP4516-1.jpg

Closeup of the serrated blade:
IMGP4473-1.jpg

Size comparison to my original Leatherman. It's in pretty good shape for being 19 years old.
IMGP4497-1.jpg


In its sheath, the Juice looks very small, in fact it's a quarter of an inch shorter than a Swiss Army knife.

A smaller tool isn't as strong as a bigger tool, but a bigger tool isn't any good if you've left it home because of its size.

I still want a few of the others, but I almost overlooked this perfectly-sized tool. I recommend it to anyone.

Mike
 

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