There are a ton of other multi-tools out there, and brands like Leatherman and Victorinox have models upon models that make it confusing to know exactly what to get. Here are some I like.
Leatherman Skeletool CX for $90: It’s a little smaller than the Wave Plus, but it’s still a standard-sized multi-tool. If you don’t need all the bells and whistles of our top pick offers, you can make a less bulky gizmo that still has basic, most-used tools, like a knife, opener bottle, can opener, bit drivers. , and pliers.
Victorinox Swiss Tool for $153: Yes, I did a double-take when I first saw the price tag too. At 10 ounces, it’s also on the heavier side. But it’s nicely built, and I dig the boxy, straight handles. Sometimes it’s just nice to have a tool that doesn’t try to look modern. This is great.
Leatherman Charge TTi for $190: This is a weak recommendation. It’s packed with 19 useful tools and comes with that stellar Leatherman build quality and warranty. I used one happily for years. That price, though. Although it’s made of titanium, it’s not much lighter than the Wave Plus which costs a lot less and comes with 18 mini-tools, most of which are the same as the Charge TTi’s. Buy the Wave Plus, unless you are Granted like the appearance of black titanium.
Leatherman Free P4 for $150: I’m on the fence about this. Like most of the Leatherman line, the Free P4 is a quality, well-made tool, but is it worth the $40 increase over our top pick, Leatherman’s own $110 Wave Plus? The major differences are that the Free P4, with its 21 tools, uses magnets to open and lock the tool, and a new mechanism to open and close the mini-tools. doesn’t rely on putting your finger in the path of the blade. . The magnets do not require any less force to initially open the tool than other Leathermans, but once you start it, the opening mechanism is kindness smooth and effortless.
Smallrig Universal Multi-Tool for Videographers for $30: If you find yourself lugging around a lot of videography equipment, like our product reviewer Eric Ravenscraft, you might want a multi-tool made for adjusting and maintaining cameras. without a knife and pliers. The Smallrig contains nine tools, including hex keys of several sizes common to cameras, a Phillips-head screwdriver, and a pair of flat-head screwdrivers. Eric wanted a wider flat head for screwing down and removing tripod heads, which he says are often scraped and chewed up by small screwdrivers.
Leatherman Micra for $57: Instead of pliers, the Micra opens with a pair of scissors. It feels like it’s made of cheaper materials and has thinner tool blades than the Victorinox Mini Champ, which is the same size, purpose, and price. The spring-loaded mechanism is difficult to open and close without breaking yourself. But it has character, and I like the little thing. This is a good alternative to the Mini Champ, especially if you want a small multi-tool that goes around scissors.
Leatherman Wingman for $70: Wingman is really nice to use. No wildly textured surfaces, and no plastic anywhere. The smooth scales feel old school, in a good, “remember when” way, similar to the Victorinox Swiss Tool. It has 14 tools on its handles, all of which slide open and close as smoothly as butter. The entire package folds down to just 4 inches long and weighs 7 ounces. At this price, it’s a great bargain.
SOG Key Knife for $12: The best knife is the one you can use. That Leatherman Wave Plus won’t do you any good if it’s at home and you’re not. Micro-tools like the Mini Champ and Micra are easy to keep in a pocket, but you have to keep them in mind. The Key Knife is right on your key ring, so it’s always with you. The blade extends and measures 1.5 inches, which is enough for most small cutting tasks. It’s a one-trick pony, though, and has only one edge. You won’t get a premium product, but the stainless steel blade is reasonably sharp.
Answers to the Leatherman Raptor for $80: Instead of using the shape of pliers, these medical scissors have a blunt tip so that medics do not accidentally stab a patient while trying to cut clothing. The Raptor Answer is very niche. If you have to ask, no, you don’t have to. But for an EMT or a wilderness medic on long backcountry trips, this is a good packing solution that includes an oxygen tank wrench and ring cutter (for cutting jewelry that prevents ).
