There are a ton of different multi-tools on the market, and manufacturers like Leatherman and Victorinox have fashions upon fashions that make it complicated to work out precisely what to get. Here are some others I like.
Leatherman Skeletool CX ($90): This one is barely smaller than the Wave Plus, however it’s nonetheless a standard-sized multi-tool. If you do not want all of the bells and whistles our prime decide provides, you can also make do with a much less cumbersome gizmo that also has the essential, most-used instruments, equivalent to a knife, bottle opener, can opener, bit drivers, and pliers.
Victorinox Swiss Tool ($169): Yes, I did a double-take once I first noticed the value tag too. At 10 ounces, it is on the heavier aspect as nicely. But it is superbly made, and I dig the boxy, straight-edged handles. Sometimes it is simply good to have a device that does not attempt to look trendy. It’s stunning.
Leatherman Free P4 ($150): I used to be on the fence about this one. Like most of Leatherman’s lineup, the Free P4 is a top quality, well-built device, however is it price a $40 improve over our prime 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 device, and a brand new mechanism to unlock and shut the mini-tools that does not depend on placing your finger in the best way of the blade. The magnets do not take any much less power to initially open the device than different Leathermans, however when you get it began, the opening mechanism is very clean and easy.
Victorinox Handyman ($56): The Handyman isn’t any greater than a standard-sized multi-tool, however its heft comes from being taller than it’s extensive, so it feels bulkier within the hand. It’s not unmanageable, however a four-layer Swiss Army Knife just like the Deluxe Tinker makes for a extra transportable alternative. Still, for much less cash you get a pleasant array of instruments, together with a corkscrew, a wooden noticed, and a file.
Smallrig Universal Multi-Tool for Videographers ($30): If you end up lugging round plenty of videography gear, 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 widespread 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.
(*5*): Instead of pliers, the Micra opens up right into a pair of scissors. It feels prefer it’s made from cheaper supplies and has thinner device blades than the Victorinox Mini Champ, which is of the same dimension, function, and value. The spring-loaded mechanism is hard to open and shut with out poking your self. But it has character, and I just like the little factor. It’s a great different to the Mini Champ, particularly if you need a tiny multi-tool that revolves round scissors.
Leatherman Wingman ($70): The Wingman simply feels nice to use. No wildly textured surfaces, and no plastic anyplace. The clean scales really feel old-school, in a great, “remember back when” means, comparable to the Victorinox Swiss Tool. It has 14 instruments in its handles, all of which slide open and shut as easily as in the event that they had been buttered. The entire bundle folds down to solely 4 inches lengthy and weighs 7 ounces. At this value, it is an excellent cut price.
Leatherman Raptor Response ($80): Rather 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 minimize by means of clothes. The Raptor Response could be very area of interest. If you will have to ask, then no, you do not want it. But for an EMT or a wilderness medic on distant backcountry journeys, it is an ingenious packaging resolution that features an oxygen tank wrench and ring cutter (for reducing by means of constricting jewellery).
