good multi-tool

i have been thinking of picking up a good multi -tool and was wondering what everyones suggestions are. i like the leatherman charge line, but they are kinda pricey. what other models should i look at, doesnt have to be leatherman, just reliable and quality made. i will most likely be buying 4 of these ( one for myself, and the others as presents) so cost is a factor.

I really like the Gerber 400 and 600 series. They have a lifetime warranty and a lot of military use Gerber multi-tools now. You can find them used on EE in perfect condition for $40, or buy them new for around $60.

I've been carrying a Leatherman regular for about 20 years....works fine. I put it away a year ago and am carrying a LM Wave now. I like it better

i picked up a Leatherman Blast last summer. its been great so far. it isn't the fanciest or the one with the most tools, but it has the ones i want and need. it wasn't all that expensive, either.

I have been carrying the Leathermen MUT the past few months and I have used it for just about everything I can think of so far. It is a bit pricy but you can find them cheaper online. So far I havent had any complaints with mine. I use it at least once a day and it hasnt left me down yet. I have cut all kinds of materials with it and the blade is still as sharp as it was the day I brought it home.

Leatherman Skeletool

Leathermans warranty and CS is top notch.

I Carey a leather man wave and have for years, I think it's the best multi tool there is, in aircraft line maintenance there are 2 tools that are your go to tools, your Leatherman and your inkpen. just sayin.

I have tried Leatherman, Gerber, SOG and the Kershaw and I keep going back to the original Leatherman. I find I never use half of all the items on the loaded out ones. The original Leatherman I find has the best balance of tools to actual use.

You are quite right devinsdad but I also want something with an easy access blade on it and the leatherman wave has 2...a serrated sheepsfoot blade and a regular one.

Leatherman Skeletool is hard to beat for something to carry every day. All the tools you need, lightweight pocket clip carry, blade accessible with out opening. Can fin them on sale for around $40 sometimes.

If you want a bigger tool, I like the Charge and Surge. I also have a SOG Powerlock, but you have to open it to access the tools.

I personally think the Ultimate Arfcommer's Large format multitool is the AR Multitasker. It's available right here at Arf, complete with a BFL on the grip. I love mine, goes to the range every trip, and lives on my reloading bench otherwise.

If you own an AR the leatherman MUT as mentioned earlier is a good
choice. It has standard multitool tools (pliers ect.) but also had feature for cleaning and maintainence of the AR-15.

After doing much research, I found the most effective and affordable multitool to be the Leatherman Wave. I've had mine for about two years now and absolutely love it!

I'll toss in a vote for SOG, and I've still have the Leatherman and Gerber.

I have owned a dozen or so different multi tools since my uncle bought me my first Gerber when I was 15. I went from that first Gerber that I broke during my first year in the army, to a Victorinox that I broke after about 2 year when I was abusing it cutting ammo pallet banding. After that I mostly stuck with some type of full size Leatherman that was either stolen, lost, or broken. Last year I bought my first SOG Power Assist after remembering using a friends in Iraq.I must say that I have been very impressed with its durability, easy one handed open with the gears, and the Power Assist blades on the outside. A few months ago I bought a Leatherman Skeletool because I liked the idea of having a small multi tool on me with a belt clip, just the basic tools and small and light. It's great because I can still have it on me if my wife and I go out or I don't want as much size as my regular full size tools. Yesterday I bought a Leatherman Supertool 300 as a ETS gift to myself and I will have to say that they never have let me down in there quality. My only regret with them is that I wish I would have known about there great warranty and customer service and gotten the broke ones fixed instead of buying a new one. Below I will list what I see as pros and cons of these 4 brands from worst to best.

Gerber Pros- Easy one handed opening with the opening / closing system on the jaws. Many different models to suit individual taste and needs. Moderate cost, depending were you buy them. The wire cutting teeth are replaceable.
Cons- I think that the opening / closing mechanism a bit flimsy in construction, particularly on the outside washer type part. I have seen a few that have broken this way . The type of metal used seems to be softer than the other brands, but I don't know what type is used in all of them. The army finally thought it would be a good idea to give all soldiers deploying a multi tool, that's great, but IMO they should be either a SOG or Leatherman and be issued after basic or at the unit, I have used mine daily, even when in CONUS.

Victorianox Pros- Quality construction and fit. A good sturdy tool. Can't remember how much it cost, but I don' think it was anything outrageous .
Cons- I haven't been on there website recently, but I don't remember there being a wide variety as Gerber or Leatherman. That might be since they all so make all the different Swiss army knives, so it might not be a con, just a different way of skinning the cat.

SOG Pros- Very smooth easy one handed opening mechanism using gears. Having the Power Assist on the straight and serrated blades on the outside is very user friendly, simply unlock and flip the stud. Solidly constructed, very narrow jaws to get in small tight places.
Cons- you lose a few tools if you choose the Power Assist over the Power Lock model, I guess you can't have it all but worth it if you don't use the tools that you use.

Leatherman Pros- They set the standard in quality, fit, construction, and warranty / CS. Large variety of different tools, sizes and features. Replaceable wire cutting bits and a variety of driver bits for some models.
Cons- Most if not all models require both hands to open. Some say that the owner / inventor donates money to democrats and / or Obama. Not sure if it's true or to what extend.
One thing I wish Leatherman would do is make the original PST leather sheath for the Supertool. The leather / nylon sheath it came with is really loose on the tool and is just plain ugly

I have 5 or 6 sets of SOGs, some of them PowerLocks and PowerLock 2's, a Power Assist and a Pocket plier (dont remember the name). All are great tools with the option of replacing damaged or unwanted parts for a reasonable price.

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