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 here 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 decide affords, you possibly can 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 Software for $153: Sure, I did a double-take once I first noticed the worth tag too. At 10 ounces, it is on the heavier facet as effectively. But it surely’s superbly made, and I dig the boxy, straight-edged handles. Typically it is simply good to have a instrument that does not attempt to look fashionable. It is stunning.
Leatherman Cost TTi for $190: It is a weak suggestion. 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. Though it is product of titanium, it is no lighter than the Wave Plus that prices far much less and comes with 18 mini-tools, lots 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 instrument, however is it price a $40 improve over our high decide, 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 instrument, and a brand new mechanism to unlock and shut the mini-tools that does not depend on placing your finger in the way in which of the blade. The magnets do not take any much less drive to initially open the instrument than different Leathermans, however when you get it began, the opening mechanism may be very easy and easy.
Smallrig Common Multi-Software for Videographers for $30: If you end up lugging round lots 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 an alternative of pliers, the Micra opens up right into a pair of scissors. It feels prefer it’s product of cheaper supplies and has thinner instrument blades than the Victorinox Mini Champ, which is of an analogous dimension, 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 different to the Mini Champ, particularly in order for you 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 wherever. The graceful scales really feel old-school, in a very good, “keep in mind again when” manner, just like the Victorinox Swiss Software. 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 all the way down to solely 4 inches lengthy and weighs 7 ounces. At this value, it is an amazing discount.
SOG Key Knife for $12: The most effective knife is the one you have bought helpful. That Leatherman Wave Plus will not do you any good if it is at dwelling 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 reducing duties. It is a one-trick pony, although, and solely has a blade. You are not getting a premium product, however the chrome steel blade within reason sharp sufficient.
Leatherman Raptor Response for $80: Quite 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 attempting to chop by clothes. The Raptor Response may 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 reducing by constricting jewellery).