Posted: 9/25/2012 7:27:58 AM EDT
| Is there any consensus on the best US made multitool? My multitools see fairly heavy use, particularly the pliers, wire cutter and screwdriver portions. |
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Is there any consensus on the best US made multitool? My multitools see fairly heavy use, particularly the pliers, wire cutter and screwdriver portions. You coudl say so, yes, the Leatherman Charge Tti is the best overal multitool. Size, weight, functionality, constructions. The Wave is basically the same with somewhat less comfortable handles and not as nive blade steel, but still outstanding, one of the best multitool and a great value tool given the low price. FerFAL |
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I carry two ... Leatherman Wave and Letherman Skeletool.
Like you I primarily use screwdriver, pliers, and knife and the skeletool covers all that, I keep the wave around for the rare times I need a file, saw, or teensy screwdriver. The CX version of the skeletool has a CM154 steel knife blade that is easily sharpened (and holds) to a razor edge. |
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I have and use a gerber everyday on the farm, its not that great at any thing, screwdiver blade broke the first time I used it, pliers do not grip very good no matter how hard I squeeze.I can not recommend them.  Lifetime warranty - Find the address online, mail the broken one back for a couple buck in postage and get a new one in a week or two. |
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Even though I don't agree with Tim Leatherman's politics, he does makes some decent tools.
Be aware that Leatherman's actual tools may or may not be "made in the USA." To be truthful, it should say "Assembled in the USA with componets from around the world." From my past readings on the internet, I would suspect that many of them are from China. I did break the large screw driver on my "Original Leatherman Tool," while using it as a pry bar, he replaced it no questions asked under his 25 year warranty. With that said, I would recommend the Wave or its derivatives because it has the vast number tools in such a compact package. The only tool that I wish he had is a "scratch owl." If weight is a priority, I would recommend something along the lines of either the Leatherman I or 2, or whatever their modern designations. |
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I have and use a gerber everyday on the farm, its not that great at any thing, screwdiver blade broke the first time I used it, pliers do not grip very good no matter how hard I squeeze.I can not recommend them. .... which is why Gerber's get issued to troops .... I don't get it either. I carried my Leatherman Kick when deployed and left the Gerber in my duffel. |
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I have and use a gerber everyday on the farm, its not that great at any thing, screwdiver blade broke the first time I used it, pliers do not grip very good no matter how hard I squeeze.I can not recommend them. .... which is why Gerber's get issued to troops .... I don't get it either. I carried my Leatherman Kick when deployed and left the Gerber in my duffel. Probably the lowest bidder. |
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I've used a Leatherman since they came out. I carried the orignal Leatherman for years, even when I wasn't supposed to.
So, since approximately 1993 or so, here are my results: Leatherman: Great tool, though the original has been far surpassed. Currently using a Wave, and can find no fault with it. Have not used the Charge Ti, have heard good things. Gerber: (and here I'm referring to the slide-lock plier version) Not so great. Pliers can pinch the hell out of your hand if they slip, and don't have needlenose (something I use) Schrade: Weird Leatherman copy with "ergonomic" shape? Not a bad tool, but not a great tool. Bucktool: Worst of the bunch, and this pains me, as I love Buck knives. Opens with a weird "twist open" movement, which also wants to close up on you when you put torque on the pliers. SoG: I'm sorry––I haven't owned this one, and can't offer an opinion. The multi-tool in my daily BOB is a Leatherman Wave, as is the one in my big BOB. My wife's BOB has a Leatherman Supertool, and my old original Leatherman tools are in each of my two kids BOBs. I gave the Schrade and Gerbers to friends as gifts. The Bucktool I threw out into a field in a fit of rage when I had to use it once too often. |
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I have and use a gerber everyday on the farm, its not that great at any thing, screwdiver blade broke the first time I used it, pliers do not grip very good no matter how hard I squeeze.I can not recommend them. .... which is why Gerber's get issued to troops .... I don't get it either. I carried my Leatherman Kick when deployed and left the Gerber in my duffel. Yeah, that's where I got my Gerber. A friend on an Air Force Base gave me his. |
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Have had three. The original Gerber: It was so so. Handle often pinched my fingers The retractible pliers did not always stay where I wanted them. Swisstool: Great, tough, strong, difficult to get individual tools out though, often used the tip of a knife to open them. Very sorry when I lost it. SOG not sure of name of model, has the blasting cap crimper: flimsy tools, can opener cannot open a can.
Whenever I buy again I'm going Swiss or Leatherman. |
| I am a firefighter paramedic and have been through a few of these in my career. I've had some seemingly hefty hunks of steel break in my hands. My lethermancharge xti has been the best ive dealt with. And at east in my line of work the vast array of bits and tips have been very handy. |
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I used teh original Leatherman multi-tool to break down my camp when in Irag back in 1991 (Desert Storm/Shield ).
I have carried one since. I have the Charge Tti and i love it. Has everything i could want. That and my flashlight and i'm set. I wish the holster had a belt clip on it. I got a mini cell phone holster with a clip at Lowes and carry the Charge and my flashlight together. The Super Tool 300and the Rebarboth have heavy duty wire cutting teeth that can be replaced. If that is your number one issue, i'd check those two out. Best of luck. |
| Ok, so it seems there isn't much consensus. It's also clear that some of the popular models seem to not be made in USA. If we presume their information is accurate, if you search multitools on the Cabela's site and then search those results for USA that seems to show the 9 Leatherman and 1 Gerber model that are made in USA. From that is seems the Leatherman MUT, Supertool 300 or Gerber Multipliar 400 seem to be the most likely options. Thoughts on those particular models? |
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Seems the consensus is LEATHERMAN. Well, some of the recommended models appear to not meet the made in USA requirement, so the question is on the likely models that do appear to be made in the USA. I always try to buy made in USA if there is a reasonable option available. Sometimes there simply isn't, but for multitools it seems there are some possibilities. |
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Leatherman Charge TTi has been the best for me. Others I've used: Gerber 600, SOG Power-assist, cheap-o off brands.
The Charge TTi has one-handed opening blades, pocket clip, lanyard loop, and belt case, various screw driver bits, and a good selection of tools. The S30V blade is also very nice and holds a good edge. |
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I carry a wave. Slighly prefer the older one, but the new ones have their advantages. I don't care as much for using the original or super tools as they are slow to deploy, the sheet metal edges don't feel good when applying lots of pressure, and I ended up carrying a knife anyway since they are slow to open. Still if you don;'t carry tools, they are nice in a glove compartment or desk, and the smooth profile carries nice in pockets.
The wave was their first tool I carried that replaced a knife. it's not a Buck 110, but I have skinned a deer with it. I even carry one on my climbing gear, primarially for cutting ropes (I'm rescue climber certified) but more likely used when you realize you need a screwdriver 50' in the air. BTW, several instructors have questioned using a leatherman tool as an emergency rope cutter, but I can cut a NFPA rated rope in 2 swipes, and it's far more useful for the 99.999% of time I put on the gear and nobody needs rescuing. BTW, to improve the wave, get a dremal tool and make a couple of scalloped groves in the back corners of the main (non serrated) blade. The new waves do this, but the cuts aren't as useful as the ones I made. Pre TSA, I used to carry a utility knife as well- Saves lots of wear and tear on the multitool. Now I'm scared to carry my leatherman tool in my pocket- I will forget it and try to go through security. |
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I gave my dad both a smaller, older leatherman and a newer SOG and told him to give the one he doesn't want back to me.
He works inside a manufacturing facility as an electrician type of dude. He liked the SOG but it was way more than he needed while at work so he decided to keep the leatherman and he loves it. The sog is awesome, but big and heavy. |
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I have broke a Gerber and the SOG I had pinched the crap out of my hand. I have the original leatherman since it first came out and its my back up now. I use the super-tool since it came out as my daily carry. (black one with cap crimper and a plain black one) I also have the tool kit for it. I will recommend it to anyone. Its been with me all over the world and never let me down.
RLTW |
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US made I honestly couldn't say. Leatherman I suppose. But if you're willing to look at European models, the SwissTool is the best multi-tool I've ever encountered. Looking at their site, it looks like a decent tool, but the bit about them becoming "a globally diversified company" and their luggage and perfume??? lines make me question where that tool is really made vs. assembled. I'm suspecting that the knife blade bearing their name and location is made in Switzerland and the rest is assembled around it from parts made in China or similar. I'm really trying as much as possible to buy made in USA, since reviving US manufacturing industry will be key to our economy eventually recovering in a decade or two. There is no way we're going to avoid the new "Greater Depression" though regardless of who is elected in November, that will only influence the length of the depression to some extent. |
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I'm really trying as much as possible to buy made in USA, since reviving US manufacturing industry will be key to our economy eventually recovering in a decade or two. A noble endeavour, but in the world of multi-tools as most everything else, it might not be possible. I have a few different Gerber knives and multi-tools, they are stamped U.S.A. I have not had the problems some have experienced, but they do not seems as heavy duty as my Leatherman, SOG or even my BuckTool. I have a Gerber LMF II ASEK - the blade states Portland, OR., the sheath is Made in Vietnam. I have a few subdued Gerber 600's that I bought at surplus stores in Killeen, TX. (Ft. Hood) They work, and are also stamped U.S.A. Gerber is now owned by Fiskars (Swedish Co.) if that matters to you. I have a BuckTool that a friend gave me, it is stamped U.S.A. It seems fine, but I don't like the twist open pliers (as mentioned above) Whether it was 100% U.S. made, I don't know, but I don't believe they even make it anymore. I believe Leatherman out sources some of their parts overseas, but they do have a U.S. factory and I believe they machine and assemble most, if not all their tools in the U.S. They do have a factory tour available, and job postings on their website. I love my Wave and highly recommend it. Last year, I bought a few SOG Powerlock multi-tools due to a heads-up here on a good deal. (Daily Steals) The box says Designed by SOG in Seattle, Washington. Nothing on the tool is marked made anywhere. The included leather case is stamped Made in U.S.A., but I can find nothing else on the tool or in the owners manual. The tool is OK, but I don't like the handle covers that come off all the time. One thing bothers me about their warranty... the website states: Broken Blades: In the unlikely case that your knife blade breaks, we will do a hardness test on it to see if it is within specs and therefore eligible for replacement I ended up putting the tools in ballistic nylon cases anyway and giving them as Christmas gifts to the grand kids. |
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I'm really trying as much as possible to buy made in USA, since reviving US manufacturing industry will be key to our economy eventually recovering in a decade or two. A noble endeavour, but in the world of multi-tools as most everything else, it might not be possible. I have a few different Gerber knives and multi-tools, they are stamped U.S.A. I have not had the problems some have experienced, but they do not seems as heavy duty as my Leatherman, SOG or even my BuckTool. I have a Gerber LMF II ASEK - the blade states Portland, OR., the sheath is Made in Vietnam. I have a few subdued Gerber 600's that I bought at surplus stores in Killeen, TX. (Ft. Hood) They work, and are also stamped U.S.A. Gerber is now owned by Fiskars (Swedish Co.) if that matters to you. I have a BuckTool that a friend gave me, it is stamped U.S.A. It seems fine, but I don't like the twist open pliers (as mentioned above) Whether it was 100% U.S. made, I don't know, but I don't believe they even make it anymore. I believe Leatherman out sources some of their parts overseas, but they do have a U.S. factory and I believe they machine and assemble most, if not all their tools in the U.S. They do have a factory tour available, and job postings on their website. I love my Wave and highly recommend it. Last year, I bought a few SOG Powerlock multi-tools due to a heads-up here on a good deal. (Daily Steals) The box says Designed by SOG in Seattle, Washington. Nothing on the tool is marked made anywhere. The included leather case is stamped Made in U.S.A., but I can find nothing else on the tool or in the owners manual. The tool is OK, but I don't like the handle covers that come off all the time. One thing bothers me about their warranty... the website states: Broken Blades: In the unlikely case that your knife blade breaks, we will do a hardness test on it to see if it is within specs and therefore eligible for replacement I ended up putting the tools in ballistic nylon cases anyway and giving them as Christmas gifts to the grand kids. As far as I can tell, some of the Gerber and some of the Leatherman tools are made in USA while others are not. Gerber seems to be most upfront about it and their packaging says "made in China" or "assembled in USA of imported components" or the like on some models. Leatherman seems to like to say "Oregon proud' and neglect to state where the particular item is actually made. It appears the "heavy duty" Leatherman tools and a few like the MUT are US made. On the SOG site they state "assembled in USA" for all or most of the tools. On the warranty end of things, Gerber at least is good on that. I have one of their made in China Suspension models (pretty decent) that I got some years ago. A few years back I managed to break the pliars (I was being hard on it) so I looked up the info and mailed it off to Gerber for like $3 in postage. About a week an a half later a complete new unit arrived, so I can't complain. It's still a decent tool, and indeed there is plenty of good quality stuff coming out if China these days, so I'm not knocking them on that, I'm just trying to do what I can to help the badly damaged US economy. |
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<snip> As far as I can tell, some of the Gerber and some of the Leatherman tools are made in USA while others are not. Gerber seems to be most upfront about it and their packaging says "made in China" or "assembled in USA of imported components" or the like on some models. Leatherman seems to like to say "Oregon proud' and neglect to state where the particular item is actually made. It appears the "heavy duty" Leatherman tools and a few like the MUT are US made. On the SOG site they state "assembled in USA" for all or most of the tools. That is good to know, I was just surprised that they don't mention that on the actual products. Quoted:
On the warranty end of things, Gerber at least is good on that. I have one of their made in China Suspension models (pretty decent) that I got some years ago. A few years back I managed to break the pliars (I was being hard on it) so I looked up the info and mailed it off to Gerber for like $3 in postage. About a week an a half later a complete new unit arrived, so I can't complain. It's still a decent tool, and indeed there is plenty of good quality stuff coming out if China these days, so I'm not knocking them on that, I'm just trying to do what I can to help the badly damaged US economy. I am with you on this as well. |
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* UPDATE *
I did indeed purchase both the Gerber MP600 and Leatherman ST300 multi tools. The Gerber MP600 is very similar to the Gerber multitool I've carried for a few years which has proven to be solid and reliable though it is showing some wear as any daily use tool would be expected to show. The Leatherman ST300 is notably bulkier than the MP600 though both claim about the same weight and feel about the same though I haven't weighed them to confirm. The blades/tools in the Leatherman that are at the outsides are a bit more awkward to get out due to the rolled dege of the frame. The tools do tend to clump when you open one, but I presume that will dissipate as it gets some wear. I like the replaceable cutter blades on the Leatherman since that is one area that I give a lot of wear to. Overall I would rate the Gerber one notch below the Leatherman, but both are very servicable tools. On a related note for those interested, Victorinox finally replied confirming the origin of their multitools: Dear , Thank you for contacting Victorinox Swiss Army. The multitools are manufactured and assembled in Ibach, Switzerland. Please contact us if you need further assistance. Sincerely, Victorinox Swiss Army Customer Service =========== previous message(s) =========== On 2012/09/27 14:15:15 wrote: Where are your multitools such as your Swisstool Plus manufactured (not assembled, actually manufactured)? On 2012/09/28 11:40:09 Victorinox Consumer Support wrote: Dear , Thank you for contacting Victorinox Swiss Army. I am checking into this matter for you. Please contact us if you need further assistance. Sincerely, Victorinox Swiss Army Customer Service |