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 ($90): This one is barely smaller than the Wave Plus, nevertheless it’s nonetheless a standard-sized multi-tool. Should you do not want all of the bells and whistles our high choose provides, you can also make do with a much less cumbersome gizmo that also has the essential, most-used instruments, resembling a knife, bottle opener, can opener, bit drivers, and pliers.
Victorinox Swiss Software ($169): Sure, I did a double-take after I first noticed the value tag too. At 10 ounces, it is on the heavier facet as properly. But it surely’s fantastically made, and I dig the boxy, straight-edged handles. Generally it is simply good to have a device that does not attempt to look trendy. It is 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 value a $40 improve over our high choose, Leatherman’s personal $110 Wave Plus? The large 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 drive 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 huge, so it feels bulkier within the hand. It isn’t unmanageable, however a four-layer Swiss Military Knife just like the Deluxe Tinker makes for a extra transportable selection. Nonetheless, for much less cash you get a pleasant array of instruments, together with a corkscrew, a wooden noticed, and a file.
Smallrig Common Multi-Software for Videographers ($30): If you end up lugging round numerous 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 usually get scraped and chewed up by smaller screwdrivers.
Leatherman Micra ($57): As an alternative of pliers, the Micra opens up right into a pair of scissors. It feels prefer it’s fabricated from cheaper supplies and has thinner device blades than the Victorinox Mini Champ, which is of an identical dimension, goal, and worth. 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 various to the Mini Champ, particularly if you would like a tiny multi-tool that revolves round scissors.
Leatherman Wingman ($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 great, “bear in mind again when” manner, much 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 package deal folds right down to solely 4 inches lengthy and weighs 7 ounces. At this worth, it is an ideal cut price.
Leatherman Raptor Response ($80): Quite than taking the type of pliers, these medical shears characteristic a blunt tip in order that medics do not by accident stab a affected person whereas attempting to chop via clothes. The Raptor Response could be very area of interest. If it’s important to 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 chopping via constricting jewellery).
