+Jeffrey Heesch Whoops. I have a Super Tool 300 that I broke in enough to where I can flip it open and closed like a balisong! I'm a pretty big fan of Leatherman.
Vincent Jaegers I did! It's got more tools than the Super Tool but I don't care for it as much because it's much heavier, and in my case, much stiffer too :(
I hate the term "if you're just starting out." Anyone who knows how to use a pair of pliers, a screwdriver, and know how to open a pocket knife, you are all ready prepared to buy the most advanced multitool, that suits your needs, availability on the market. Not only that, if their needs do not change, they are prepared to buy possibly the last multitool they'll ever need. I like multitools as much as anyone, but I also know that many people looking - aren't looking to start a collection, or work their way up, but to simply buy a single tool that suits their needs, and aren't researching to find not a good starter tool, but the best tool for their current needs. Plain and simple.
I get what you are saying Michael. It's a matter of just looking at the packaging which tells you it's features and then choosing one. And the simpler models are for people who only want a few common things, like those cheap Swiss Army knives (File, scissors, can opener, etc) and don't require too much or any add on tools. I have an original Leatherman and some cheap mini multi-tools and one given as a gift, so I am good, but I have looked at the new models when I go knife shopping and the back of the package gives you all the information about the tool.
Michael, some people have no idea how useful a multi tool can be. To some people 200$ for a Charge TTI is way too much for a tool they dont know how useful it can be. For some younger people more than a few dollar is too much. That being said, I have an extensive collection of these types of tools, and mine are mostly the high end Leatherman, SOG, Gerber and such. I would suggest not getting the SOG Powerlock, get the Power Assist. Much more useful tool. Power assist blades are spring assist and accessible with the tool closed. Big advantage. One note on the SOG tools, the crimper is far superior to any i have used on any tool (including task specific crimpers), i used them to wire up some trailers in the field today and was blown away by the ease of use and the fact it crimped perfectly, and did not mutilate the connector plastic. But i digress. Let us not forget as our needs change, our emphasis on quality also changes. A 5$ chinese multitool worked yesterday, but today i want a Gerber. Tomorrow i may want a Leatherman. My personal favorites in my fleet of tools is a toss up between the SOG Power assist, and the Leatherman Surge (new model, with changeable cutter blades), both tools are expensive. I have a multitool of one type or another in every one of my vehicles (including motorcycles), trailers and tool boxes. Have used every one at one time or another to bail me out of a jam of varying severity. Money well spent in any case.
Rod X You are the first person I've seen that said they had to gradually escalate up the food chain of multitools. I guess to some people these "tools" are accessories, and in that case I guess a gradually escalation is necessary. I wasn't familiar with the tools you mentioned, so I Google them to take a look. I agree and they are most likely trickier to use than the average standard Swiss Army knife, but I didn't see anything that would require more than simply familiarizing yourself with the tool, let alone buying and spending time with a less sophisticated tool before moving up. I retired from the fire service, and my time in the fire service started as a volunteer at the age of 16. Some firefighters start later in life, and people come from all sorts of backgrounds, with all different types of skill sets. Regardless of age, or background, you are taught to use the right tool for the job at hand. When assigned to the rescue squad you didn't use a Sawzall to open cars until you were able to realize how useful a hydraulic cutting tool was. Younger people might surprise you on how quickly they can learn how to use a seemingly complicated tool. Although, it not surprising that some aren't able to, but this post isn't about hydraulic tools, or even major cutting tools. It's about pliers that also have screwdrivers, knife blades and several other implements on them. Someone who doesn't need the tools on a multitool, and buys one anyway, may not realize how useful one is. But, anyone (anyone at all) who knows how to use pliers, screwdrivers, wire cutters, pocket knife, a mini saw & scissors, and a file (or even just a couple of what I listed) can use any multitool. Yes, there may be implements they're not familiar with, but having a awl will not hinder their ability to cut, or strip wire.
I think that comment applies to people who aren't sure they will like carrying a multitool. You want to buy something cheap to try out before spending real money. I started with a Leatherman Wingman, and once I realized that, yeah, this is something I find genuinely useful then I "upgraded" to a Victorinox SwissTool X.
Love a great multitool discussion! The best overall multitool, purely for function as a tool for any job, is the Swisstool X. It has everything you would want, maximises the space, all outside accessible tools and super high quality. Its negative is the price and the bulk. The best compact size multi tool is the Leatherman Skeletool. It can happily replace an EDC knife. If you want a few more tools, I like the Gerber MP400. The best mini multi tool, I think, is the Gerber Dime, which just edges out the Leatherman Squirt with its better bottle opener and its package opener. The best and most complete multi tool as a starter tool, for the best price, is the Leatherman Rebar. Great toolset and design. If price was no option and you could just have one, or are buying for a non-enthusiast, the wave or charge series from Leatherman is ideal. The Spirit is a good alternative, too. Other favourites are the Gerber MP600 for its bombproof durability and low price, the Leatherman Blast (if you can still find it) for its very complete toolset, the Sog Powerlock which has IMO the best plier head in the game, and the Leatherman Crunch for its very inventive take on locking pliers, which have a specific functionality done very well.
My best friend works at Leatherman. He will be happy to hear that you enjoy them so much. My EDC is a wingman for the average day to day, but carry a Surge to work and any camping/hunting/hiking days
Just got my Wave+ in the mail yesterday ... For the money and versatility it offers, it's pretty hard to beat. It checks the box for 95% or more of daily tasks likely and build quality is outstanding. The diamond-coated file makes for one hell of a tool to hone your other knives too. I like how all of the blades & file are access from the outside of the tool, which will be used more often, and specialty tools are found within. All of the blades can be access with one hand easily and they lock into place very tightly. I would definitely buy another Wave+ to keep in different vehicles and bags.
Excellent overview on the full range of options out there. I appreciated the open-mindedness instead of fanboy/brand-centric approach seen in so many other reviewers.
I found that the Gerber is most useful for people who tend to carry a pocketknife and need the pliers more often than a blade. If I am not carrying a knife then I carry the Leatherman wave as the blades are easier to get to than the Gerber. The wave also has an optional pocketclip for it and an optional extension to accept 1/4" bits. I find that both the Leatherman and the Gerber come with sub-standard sheaths.
I have owned most of these, I have to say that the Gerber let me down as I found through normal use (for me, a critical facilities tech) I had a couple of snapped tools, namely screw drivers. The Victorinox is nice, but I find their SAKs have a better tool selection in a smaller package. The SOG is just damn nice. Good selection of tools, great pliers, excellent fit and finish. But right now I carry a Victorinox S557 in the pocket with a Leatherman Crunch on my belt for work. And an Victorinox Explorer Plus for outside of work.
i used to own a good pricey Leatherman and a victorinox for my back up, i used my leatherman pliers to cut a thick wire on my surprised i damage my leatherman pliers so weak metal pliers then i pull out my victorinox to continue to cut the thick wire it cut the thick wire flawlessly, i end up giving away my Leatherman useless. i will never own a expensive Leatherman again. i even use my victorinox pliers to cut a nail then hammer it wow no damage done, really well made victorinox.
Squirt is good for having on the desk at home. I pick it up all the time for wire stripping, tightening a screw, opening boxes, cutting string. Everyone should have at least that one.
The only one with a "nail file" is the leatherman style, the rest of them are flat mill files, sure you can use them on your finger nails but they will tear your fingers up.
I was given a Victorinox Swisstool in 1997, carried and used daily. Still a part of my work kit. A friend's Leatherman fell apart after a year. Easy choice for me.
You forgot the leatherman surge. It's one of the biggest, most versital and hardest wearing tools leatherman makes and has a tool loadout that makes it extremely well suited for both utility and outdoor use. Not to mention that it is only priced slightly higher then its little brother the wave but gives you a lot more for the money. Funny how it is rarely mentioned in this type of review.
I gave my father the Leatherman Surge which is the bigger brother of the Wave and he simply loves it, it has a ton of tools accessible from the outside, I know it is kind of heavy and big so it´s definitely not considered for EDH.
I had one of the first Leatherman tools, then traded up to a Super Tool, which I managed to lose at work. A friend gave me a Leatherman Charge, which I also mangaged to lose. Currently back to my original, which has been used so often it is as loose as a balisong knife! thinking of getting the SOG now, glad to see a review of it.
Have had a Leatherman Wave for years and just learned from your video how to tell the serrated blade from the plain blade from the top (pivot side) Thanks. Like most all your videos.
Nice video, good attention to the little details such as how it feels in your hand. You did forget to mention the little flathead driver located at the top of many of the tools (e.g. the Spirit's cap lifter and can opener) though. Also, the "nail file" is actually just a file. For filing metal and wood and other materials. Most of use it for out nails--I certainly do--but it's good for people to know the range of uses it has.
Victorinox is the best, no contest. Not only are all the implements accessible with the tool closed, but each implement has its own spring, so they can be opened one at a time like a pocket knife rather than pulling out one implement and having all the rest come along for the ride like on a Leatherman. Plus the quality of the materials and workmanship is superior to any other tool on the market. I've been beating on my SwissTool X for years, and it still looks practically new.
I once used a Spirit X in a storm while camping. Out in the rain for half an hour putting up a tarp, cutting rope, in half dark and rain. You have to search for the tools, and then shred your soft wet nails to bits to open the tools. You also need two hands to access the tools. Great build quality, but NOT practical. The Free P4 allows one handed operation, and you don't rip your nails to bits. Doing an armchair review is quite different from using the tool in half darkness, cold and wet, when you have to hold a flapping tarp with one hand and deploy the tools with the other.
@@Billhumphreys3370 The Leatherman Free P4 is a flimsy piece of junk. I bought one and was so disappointed with the quality that I returned it to the store within 10-minutes. Still have my trusty Victorinox SwissTool X, though. I've beat the hell out of it around the house, on the job, at the campsite, and it has never let me down. Finding the right implement is no more difficult than any other multitool, and as for shredding your nails, I've never had that problem, but then I keep my SwissTool clean and lubricated, so the implements are easy to open.
Just like you said at the beginning, this is a very helpful video for someone looking for his 1st multi tool, I really appreciate the time and thought invested in this video. Thanks you very much for this important service!
I bought the Sidekick over the wingman because I got mine for the outdoors, and the saw and straight edge blade, to me, are more useful than the scissors and part serrated blade.
All of those tools are nice, but I have the Gerber brand multi-tools and love them. The best one that I have is the Gerber Center Drive which have the tools I use most and is kept at home. I also have two cheaper Gerber multi-tools which I keep in my backpack, and EDC bag.I like Gerber's screwdriver bits most of all since they are practical and easy to change out. The knife blade on the larger Gerber Center Drive is larger and one like I have on my knife. The other tools would not be used that much around the house or when camping, but good to have on that tool.
@@secondfirstsecond how is leatherman crappy. they are literally THE multitool company. they last forever. I have a spirit x, Victorinox has very good craftmanship but I definitely wouldn't say leatherman have crappy products. Sure, some of them aren't very useful and some multitoos aren't that high quality like the wingman or sidekick singe they are more budget. however MTs like the wave, surge and rebar generally are great and will last forever
I love the Leatherman Style CS for how many tools it fits in a tiny, easy to carry package. The scissors are almost as good as real scissors and the blade holds an edge well. I'm always opening packages with it. Way more useful than the PS, although you can't fly with it. The frame has some flex under heavy torque, so it's not the burliest, but the size to utility ratio is excellent. You can carry it on your keychain or a belt loop. Even better, it fits Nite Ize S-biner products perfectly. The tiny S-biners even fit through the lanyard hole. I've carried it clipped on a bra strap, a zipper pull and on shoelaces. It's awesome for when you have no pockets.
Leatherman,Gerber, sog,Victorinox , bear&sons and schrade I have multitool from all of the brands,I enjoy collecting them and using them like I collect and use knives
You gotta get a Gerber Legend. Beats out nearly every tool. It can use an adapter, which give it a 1/4" drive socket able to hold any small tool bit, or 1/4" hex sockets. The "saw" blade is actually just a adapter able to use any small saw blade used in small hand jigsaws. It comes with a grit-blade which can actually cut concrete, but you can buy larger(and longer) saw blades and carry them separately. When camping I used to carry a 14" coarse-tooth saw blade for cutting down deadfall for fires. Nice thing about the Legend - the wire cutters are actually high carbide inserts held in by a small torx bolt. when they chip or break, you just rotate them 1/3 of the way around for a new cutting surface. New inserts can be purchased - unlike most other multi-tools, which don't give you a solution when the wire cutter section no longer works.
Brother thanks for the reviews, I still have the most important question for me. Those all of them have the locking feature when the tool is all the way out? With the screw drivers and knives and all of the rest on the leatherman and the swiss? Thanks a lot
Surge is my favorite out of all, and the mini skelitool lookin one but it has scissors and a knife blade instead of pliars. The Surge has a removable diamond sharpener and saw. But you can also buy any t shank blade to put on it. I made a video as well about why I choose it
Very good presentation. I have several of these. My current overall favorite is the SAK Spirit for tool completeness, accessibility and sturdiness. Plus it's beautiful. Of the Leathermen (plural), I am lucky to have purchased a Knifeless Fuse, now retired. The logic being I will always have a capable locking folder with me. With a backup, of course. Will checkout your other vids.
Just added a fourth Leatherman MT and they do not overlap; Pocket Survival Tool, MUT EOD, "Raptor" and Style PS ! For a fixed blade may look at the SOG SEAL Pup with the upgraded sheath to complement the SOG Trident. Remember The Pen is mightier than the Sword (with the Fisher Space Pen Refill). Eyes UP and lights down, tjl Sent by Win7Pro64 w/ADSL
I have the Swiss tool and the fit and finish is outstanding there really is no comparison, the only downside I have found is sometimes the pliers aren’t quite big enough for the task, I am a heating and air guy and actually use my multi tools, I also have the super tool 300 in black and it’s built like a tank but on the large/ heavy side.
Many Swiss are Disposable Gimmic Conversation Multi-Tool for Dilbert, Just be sure to be careful to Use on Vary Light Duty Situations, however that doesn't Apply to the big higher End Swiss Army Knives which are quite Nice, However The Upper Scale LeatherMans are Less Likely To Let You Down in a Serious Situation City Boy //=Swiss //Survivalist //=LeatherMan :- :-)
I have three leathermans. Skeletool, wingman and wave+ black. They all have good tools and I use them regularly. Different sizes and weight. My favourite? Maybe the Skeletool, but then........ I don’t need them all. I just like the look, feel, design and quality. It’s a feel good thing as well as being practical. I will probably buy more...... The price of Leatherman’s does vary enormously. The US prices are the cheapest. Usually with careful eBay shopping I can find comparable prices. The high volume selling multi tools have better prices. The Leatherman wave has heaps of deals and good used options.
1) I bet the Wingman is Leatherman's best-seller; reasonable price for a non-aficionado. I paid $25 for mine at Home Depot. Definitely best bang-for-the-buck. 2) Please stop calling them "nail files." Sure, you can use them on your nails, but they're MUCH more heavy-duty than that. They can file STEEL. 3) I love that sheath on the Charge TTi. 4) I think only the camo Charge has the hook blade, right? The rest just have a regular sheepsfoot serrated blade. It's not a gut hook. A real gut hook is made to pull on animal guts without cutting them.That hook is for cutting through the skin without nicking the guts underneath. 5) GREAT video. You hit on a lot of important things. 6) Re. the SOG, some people say the internal tools are too small and more of an afterthought. What do you think?
Jeremy D The Charge TTi always has a gut hook. The other Charge models don't but all of the TTi tools do. Also as far as I know Leatherman still claims that the Wave is their best seller. It certainly does a good job balancing utility with economy.
Nice video! Liked about the larger ones they had driver bits, sadly not the universal bits you can get anywhere right? I was surprised how bad SOG PowerLock was to get out the tools and then uncomfortable to use them as well, now there's the SOG PowerAssist and from what I can tell its one heck of an improvement and it has that feature I always wanted in a multi tool the spring assisted knife! Hope you take a look into the PowerAssist its pricey at the moment being $120 on their site but Amazon got em at $53. Spring assisted knife on a multi tool, brings tears to my eyes!
As someone that is a long time owner of the original Wave and a fairly new owner to the Skeletool. First the Wave never ever pinched me and the Skeletool if you get the big extendeder you can use a normal set of bits and use it closed.
Good review. I would just make one suggestion if I could. Maybe write down an outline or script that you can follow. I think that would help you to say "uh" and "um" much less. I'm not trying to rip on you. I do the same thing. It is just very distracting when you are the listener. I am guilty of doing it probably more than you. Thanks for the review.
one more thing to keep in mind is that leatherman has a full lifetime warranty and will replace your tool no questions asked should you ever have a problem.. To me that is worth quite a bit, it means unless you lose it you should have a tool for life.. I am not sure about the other knives but for me leatherman is top of the line..
I don't think leatherman or any similar co. ever thought someone might need to file their nails in a survival situation lol. I would just call them what they are, which is a diamond coated file. Great video man keep em comin.
great video, and perfect timing. been searching for another multi-tool and like you said, you wish there was something like this when you were searching, you did that for everyone going forward. thanks!
I have been carrying my Leatherman Charge Ti(not the TTI) for about 8 years now, and it has served me fantastically well. there are a few small things I would change if I was the designer, but truly its my favorite. I would give a mention to the style CS, which in my opinion is superior to the PS. I personally think that a pliers that small isn't going to do what I want it to in 90% of situations. but I haven't tested one, so I am only assuming.
The file you are talking about on the victorinox is a metal file and not like you said a nail file. Also the small side is a metal saw. Try it out, it works great.
i personaly love my sog power loc. i've had most of the others and the pliers on the power loc make it worth it. i do a lot of work on cars and having pliers i can easily loosen bolts with is really nice
Skipped to the end, he said that there is not one, saved me 30mins. I will just buy the cheapest one I can find that suits my needs. Thanks again for clarifying they are all the same stuff different flavors.
7:50 that is clearly a wood carving tool, not a box opener nor wire strippers. I think. 11:30 that file is cool; you can sharpen a machete with it. To me the most important function of a file is sharpening cutting tools. 19:00 I have the wave and I find it the most complete, but it is heavy. You did not show the Rebar which is the one I carry with me everywhere I go.
I’ve had Sog and Gerber and the Leatherman wave but personally the Leatherman Crunch is my go to. Show me another hands free tool and I might consider it.
One thing I like about Leatherman products is the tools seem to deploy easier than some of the other big brands. With some it's a fight to get them to open.
The Victorinox Spirit is very good, but after a few ripped nails trying to open the tools with the little nail grooves, I bought a Leatherman P4. No more nail problems, and it has one-handed opening of all tools, and you don't have to look at it to open them. All locking, and accessible from closed handles. My favourite, and the one I'm always carrying: Leatherman P4.
I'm a prof. handyman.Multitools are for emergency situations. If you realy want a job done you carry your well organized tool box. It saves alot of time too having all the tools seperately. Of cource i carry my victorinox work champ in my pocket since 1998 for quick access and minor repairs but it is more like a fettish than a real tool although it helps a lot .As clint Easwood would say ,lets separate man from boys. No offence kids.
i have a spirit swiss tool, i think it's very very well built, it's rellay extremly smooth, and you can get all the tools from the out side, for me it's the favorite tool
I've been watching a few multitool videos lately, and almost everyone mentions how nice it is to have an awl. What on earth do you all use awls for? What are they good for?
So 40 euros for my Victorinox Spirit X was not a bad deal at all??!!?...an I recomand it to everyone, Great quality multitool! Blessed 2019 to you all!!
An excellent overall review. But can't agree about the ergos on the Skeletool. Really wanted one. Knew. Brick & Mortar store that sold them. Went to buy one, and it was easily the most awkward handling multi-tool I've ever tried. Feel is very subjective. I'm just glad I had a chance to handle one before buying.
I tried to flip my Leatherman open like you did with your SOG in the intro and threw it across the room.
+Jeffrey Heesch OOOOOOHHHHHH
+Jeffrey Heesch Whoops. I have a Super Tool 300 that I broke in enough to where I can flip it open and closed like a balisong! I'm a pretty big fan of Leatherman.
+Daniel Z Maby you need to buy the leatherman surge
Vincent Jaegers I did! It's got more tools than the Super Tool but I don't care for it as much because it's much heavier, and in my case, much stiffer too :(
because you dont eat your wheaties and you suck
I hate the term "if you're just starting out." Anyone who knows how to use a pair of pliers, a screwdriver, and know how to open a pocket knife, you are all ready prepared to buy the most advanced multitool, that suits your needs, availability on the market. Not only that, if their needs do not change, they are prepared to buy possibly the last multitool they'll ever need.
I like multitools as much as anyone, but I also know that many people looking - aren't looking to start a collection, or work their way up, but to simply buy a single tool that suits their needs, and aren't researching to find not a good starter tool, but the best tool for their current needs. Plain and simple.
I get what you are saying Michael. It's a matter of just looking at the packaging which tells you it's features and then choosing one. And the simpler models are for people who only want a few common things, like those cheap Swiss Army knives (File, scissors, can opener, etc) and don't require too much or any add on tools. I have an original Leatherman and some cheap mini multi-tools and one given as a gift, so I am good, but I have looked at the new models when I go knife shopping and the back of the package gives you all the information about the tool.
Michael, some people have no idea how useful a multi tool can be. To some people 200$ for a Charge TTI is way too much for a tool they dont know how useful it can be. For some younger people more than a few dollar is too much. That being said, I have an extensive collection of these types of tools, and mine are mostly the high end Leatherman, SOG, Gerber and such. I would suggest not getting the SOG Powerlock, get the Power Assist. Much more useful tool. Power assist blades are spring assist and accessible with the tool closed. Big advantage. One note on the SOG tools, the crimper is far superior to any i have used on any tool (including task specific crimpers), i used them to wire up some trailers in the field today and was blown away by the ease of use and the fact it crimped perfectly, and did not mutilate the connector plastic. But i digress.
Let us not forget as our needs change, our emphasis on quality also changes. A 5$ chinese multitool worked yesterday, but today i want a Gerber. Tomorrow i may want a Leatherman. My personal favorites in my fleet of tools is a toss up between the SOG Power assist, and the Leatherman Surge (new model, with changeable cutter blades), both tools are expensive. I have a multitool of one type or another in every one of my vehicles (including motorcycles), trailers and tool boxes. Have used every one at one time or another to bail me out of a jam of varying severity. Money well spent in any case.
Rod X You are the first person I've seen that said they had to gradually escalate up the food chain of multitools. I guess to some people these "tools" are accessories, and in that case I guess a gradually escalation is necessary.
I wasn't familiar with the tools you mentioned, so I Google them to take a look. I agree and they are most likely trickier to use than the average standard Swiss Army knife, but I didn't see anything that would require more than simply familiarizing yourself with the tool, let alone buying and spending time with a less sophisticated tool before moving up.
I retired from the fire service, and my time in the fire service started as a volunteer at the age of 16. Some firefighters start later in life, and people come from all sorts of backgrounds, with all different types of skill sets. Regardless of age, or background, you are taught to use the right tool for the job at hand. When assigned to the rescue squad you didn't use a Sawzall to open cars until you were able to realize how useful a hydraulic cutting tool was.
Younger people might surprise you on how quickly they can learn how to use a seemingly complicated tool. Although, it not surprising that some aren't able to, but this post isn't about hydraulic tools, or even major cutting tools.
It's about pliers that also have screwdrivers, knife blades and several other implements on them. Someone who doesn't need the tools on a multitool, and buys one anyway, may not realize how useful one is. But, anyone (anyone at all) who knows how to use pliers, screwdrivers, wire cutters, pocket knife,
a mini saw & scissors, and a file (or even just a couple of what I listed) can use any multitool. Yes, there may be implements they're not familiar with, but having a awl will not hinder their ability to cut, or strip wire.
Rod X where you shopping that a tti is $200??
I think that comment applies to people who aren't sure they will like carrying a multitool. You want to buy something cheap to try out before spending real money. I started with a Leatherman Wingman, and once I realized that, yeah, this is something I find genuinely useful then I "upgraded" to a Victorinox SwissTool X.
My Leatherman Wave is always with me. I’ve tried SOG and Gerber multitools, but the Leatherman is still #1 for me.
6:20 the screwdriver on the can openers of victorinox knives and tools are designed to also work with philips 1/2 heads :).
I have my Leatherman Surge and Victorinox Spirit and both have saved me on multiple occasions great multitools
which one is your favorite?
Love a great multitool discussion! The best overall multitool, purely for function as a tool for any job, is the Swisstool X. It has everything you would want, maximises the space, all outside accessible tools and super high quality. Its negative is the price and the bulk. The best compact size multi tool is the Leatherman Skeletool. It can happily replace an EDC knife. If you want a few more tools, I like the Gerber MP400. The best mini multi tool, I think, is the Gerber Dime, which just edges out the Leatherman Squirt with its better bottle opener and its package opener. The best and most complete multi tool as a starter tool, for the best price, is the Leatherman Rebar. Great toolset and design. If price was no option and you could just have one, or are buying for a non-enthusiast, the wave or charge series from Leatherman is ideal. The Spirit is a good alternative, too. Other favourites are the Gerber MP600 for its bombproof durability and low price, the Leatherman Blast (if you can still find it) for its very complete toolset, the Sog Powerlock which has IMO the best plier head in the game, and the Leatherman Crunch for its very inventive take on locking pliers, which have a specific functionality done very well.
Thanks, Pete.
In your opinion. I disagree with almost all of your assessments.
@@officialWWM Obviously it's his opinion, based on the fact that he said it.
Been carrying a Wingman for 4 years now. Love it. Use it daily.
Excellent video. Thank you for sharing it. I use Victorinox at work and as edc, I love it!!
My best friend works at Leatherman. He will be happy to hear that you enjoy them so much. My EDC is a wingman for the average day to day, but carry a Surge to work and any camping/hunting/hiking days
you forgot the leatherman surge (the best leatherman)
Hello! My favourite M.T.s are the Leathermans, from the smallest to the biggest.
*That "$28" Wingman is now over $60 in 2020, clearly no longer a great value.*
I eat my words, very odd wingman started off so cheap in the US.
Ebay for $35 in good used condition
Just got my Wave+ in the mail yesterday ... For the money and versatility it offers, it's pretty hard to beat. It checks the box for 95% or more of daily tasks likely and build quality is outstanding. The diamond-coated file makes for one hell of a tool to hone your other knives too. I like how all of the blades & file are access from the outside of the tool, which will be used more often, and specialty tools are found within. All of the blades can be access with one hand easily and they lock into place very tightly. I would definitely buy another Wave+ to keep in different vehicles and bags.
Excellent overview on the full range of options out there. I appreciated the open-mindedness instead of fanboy/brand-centric approach seen in so many other reviewers.
I found that the Gerber is most useful for people who tend to carry a pocketknife and need the pliers more often than a blade. If I am not carrying a knife then I carry the Leatherman wave as the blades are easier to get to than the Gerber. The wave also has an optional pocketclip for it and an optional extension to accept 1/4" bits. I find that both the Leatherman and the Gerber come with sub-standard sheaths.
Victorinox!
I have owned most of these, I have to say that the Gerber let me down as I found through normal use (for me, a critical facilities tech) I had a couple of snapped tools, namely screw drivers. The Victorinox is nice, but I find their SAKs have a better tool selection in a smaller package. The SOG is just damn nice. Good selection of tools, great pliers, excellent fit and finish. But right now I carry a Victorinox S557 in the pocket with a Leatherman Crunch on my belt for work. And an Victorinox Explorer Plus for outside of work.
Not a whole lot of people even mention the wingman and it is my first ever multi tool and it made me happy to see that you Put it in your list
Great video! Thank you. I would have to say my 2 favorite's are the, Leatherman Surge and the Gerber Suspension.
i used to own a good pricey Leatherman and a victorinox for my back up, i used my leatherman pliers to cut a thick wire on my surprised i damage my leatherman pliers so weak metal pliers then i pull out my victorinox to continue to cut the thick wire it cut the thick wire flawlessly, i end up giving away my Leatherman useless. i will never own a expensive Leatherman again. i even use my victorinox pliers to cut a nail then hammer it wow no damage done, really well made victorinox.
True - sold my rebar after buying a spirit :)
Squirt is good for having on the desk at home. I pick it up all the time for wire stripping, tightening a screw, opening boxes, cutting string. Everyone should have at least that one.
The only one with a "nail file" is the leatherman style, the rest of them are flat mill files, sure you can use them on your finger nails but they will tear your fingers up.
I was given a Victorinox Swisstool in 1997, carried and used daily. Still a part of my work kit. A friend's Leatherman fell apart after a year. Easy choice for me.
You forgot the leatherman surge. It's one of the biggest, most versital and hardest wearing tools leatherman makes and has a tool loadout that makes it extremely well suited for both utility and outdoor use. Not to mention that it is only priced slightly higher then its little brother the wave but gives you a lot more for the money. Funny how it is rarely mentioned in this type of review.
I gave my father the Leatherman Surge which is the bigger brother of the Wave and he simply loves it, it has a ton of tools accessible from the outside, I know it is kind of heavy and big so it´s definitely not considered for EDH.
I had one of the first Leatherman tools, then traded up to a Super Tool, which I managed to lose at work. A friend gave me a Leatherman Charge, which I also mangaged to lose. Currently back to my original, which has been used so often it is as loose as a balisong knife! thinking of getting the SOG now, glad to see a review of it.
Полезный обзор для многих. Спасибо. Useful review for many. Thanks.
Have had a Leatherman Wave for years and just learned from your video how to tell the serrated blade from the plain blade from the top (pivot side)
Thanks. Like most all your videos.
Spike You’re not terribly bright are you?
@@midnightmover2329 what does "bright" mean?
Spike “intelligent”
Nice video, good attention to the little details such as how it feels in your hand. You did forget to mention the little flathead driver located at the top of many of the tools (e.g. the Spirit's cap lifter and can opener) though. Also, the "nail file" is actually just a file. For filing metal and wood and other materials. Most of use it for out nails--I certainly do--but it's good for people to know the range of uses it has.
I love your videos. They make my day that much better. Thank you for great content. Keep up the good work. Have a good day.
Victorinox is the best, no contest. Not only are all the implements accessible with the tool closed, but each implement has its own spring, so they can be opened one at a time like a pocket knife rather than pulling out one implement and having all the rest come along for the ride like on a Leatherman. Plus the quality of the materials and workmanship is superior to any other tool on the market. I've been beating on my SwissTool X for years, and it still looks practically new.
I once used a Spirit X in a storm while camping. Out in the rain for half an hour putting up a tarp, cutting rope, in half dark and rain. You have to search for the tools, and then shred your soft wet nails to bits to open the tools. You also need two hands to access the tools. Great build quality, but NOT practical. The Free P4 allows one handed operation, and you don't rip your nails to bits. Doing an armchair review is quite different from using the tool in half darkness, cold and wet, when you have to hold a flapping tarp with one hand and deploy the tools with the other.
@@Billhumphreys3370 The Leatherman Free P4 is a flimsy piece of junk. I bought one and was so disappointed with the quality that I returned it to the store within 10-minutes. Still have my trusty Victorinox SwissTool X, though. I've beat the hell out of it around the house, on the job, at the campsite, and it has never let me down. Finding the right implement is no more difficult than any other multitool, and as for shredding your nails, I've never had that problem, but then I keep my SwissTool clean and lubricated, so the implements are easy to open.
I have the leatherman surge and really like it and the diamond file sharpens knives really good, I keep it in the small pouch on my schf36 sheath
Allen White www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00Z7CQYPG
Thank you for this post. Really really nice for me; I was looking for this RANGE of view. Keep on thinking!
Watching in 2022 and that "cheap" $28 leatherman is now running $70, talk about a mark up … that inflation is ridiculous! 😤
Just like you said at the beginning, this is a very helpful video for someone looking for his 1st multi tool, I really appreciate the time and thought invested in this video.
Thanks you very much for this important service!
I just went out and ordered the Victorinox Spirit because of your review.Thank you!
A very good video. There are really good multitools, thank you. I'm a suscriber from Spain!!
I bought the Sidekick over the wingman because I got mine for the outdoors, and the saw and straight edge blade, to me, are more useful than the scissors and part serrated blade.
All of those tools are nice, but I have the Gerber brand multi-tools and love them. The best one that I have is the Gerber Center Drive which have the tools I use most and is kept at home. I also have two cheaper Gerber multi-tools which I keep in my backpack, and EDC bag.I like Gerber's screwdriver bits most of all since they are practical and easy to change out. The knife blade on the larger Gerber Center Drive is larger and one like I have on my knife. The other tools would not be used that much around the house or when camping, but good to have on that tool.
what about the Leatherman Surge?
Surge is best
Hard to beat The Wave
I got one yesterday for my birthday
Piece of crap.... get the victorinox instead of crappy LM product..
@@secondfirstsecond how is leatherman crappy. they are literally THE multitool company. they last forever. I have a spirit x, Victorinox has very good craftmanship but I definitely wouldn't say leatherman have crappy products. Sure, some of them aren't very useful and some multitoos aren't that high quality like the wingman or sidekick singe they are more budget. however MTs like the wave, surge and rebar generally are great and will last forever
Leatherman charge TTi is definitely the best (even though it's pretty expensive) :)
AcePreps love my TTI. I have noticed Surge has a huge following but Tti does great for me
I’ve had a surge, supertool 300 and rebar. Supertools my fave
I love the Leatherman Style CS for how many tools it fits in a tiny, easy to carry package. The scissors are almost as good as real scissors and the blade holds an edge well. I'm always opening packages with it. Way more useful than the PS, although you can't fly with it. The frame has some flex under heavy torque, so it's not the burliest, but the size to utility ratio is excellent. You can carry it on your keychain or a belt loop. Even better, it fits Nite Ize S-biner products perfectly. The tiny S-biners even fit through the lanyard hole. I've carried it clipped on a bra strap, a zipper pull and on shoelaces. It's awesome for when you have no pockets.
Leatherman,Gerber, sog,Victorinox , bear&sons and schrade I have multitool from all of the brands,I enjoy collecting them and using them like I collect and use knives
You gotta get a Gerber Legend. Beats out nearly every tool. It can use an adapter, which give it a 1/4" drive socket able to hold any small tool bit, or 1/4" hex sockets. The "saw" blade is actually just a adapter able to use any small saw blade used in small hand jigsaws. It comes with a grit-blade which can actually cut concrete, but you can buy larger(and longer) saw blades and carry them separately. When camping I used to carry a 14" coarse-tooth saw blade for cutting down deadfall for fires.
Nice thing about the Legend - the wire cutters are actually high carbide inserts held in by a small torx bolt. when they chip or break, you just rotate them 1/3 of the way around for a new cutting surface. New inserts can be purchased - unlike most other multi-tools, which don't give you a solution when the wire cutter section no longer works.
I got a wingman for my dad for father's day, I was so impressed with it I took the plunge and ordered a leatherman surge
Brother thanks for the reviews, I still have the most important question for me. Those all of them have the locking feature when the tool is all the way out? With the screw drivers and knives and all of the rest on the leatherman and the swiss? Thanks a lot
12:54 the small tip is designed to punch through drywall when starting a cut for an outlet.
Surge is my favorite out of all, and the mini skelitool lookin one but it has scissors and a knife blade instead of pliars. The Surge has a removable diamond sharpener and saw. But you can also buy any t shank blade to put on it. I made a video as well about why I choose it
Have a Surge. A generally superior tool.
Very good presentation. I have several of these. My current overall favorite is the SAK Spirit for tool completeness, accessibility and sturdiness. Plus it's beautiful. Of the Leathermen (plural), I am lucky to have purchased a Knifeless Fuse, now retired. The logic being I will always have a capable locking folder with me. With a backup, of course. Will checkout your other vids.
Great video. great comparison. However, I prefer Leatherman Surge and the Juice CS4.
Just added a fourth Leatherman MT and they do not overlap; Pocket Survival Tool, MUT EOD, "Raptor" and Style PS ! For a fixed blade may look at the SOG SEAL Pup with the upgraded sheath to complement the SOG Trident. Remember The Pen is mightier than the Sword (with the Fisher Space Pen Refill).
Eyes UP and lights down, tjl Sent by Win7Pro64 w/ADSL
I have the Swiss tool and the fit and finish is outstanding there really is no comparison, the only downside I have found is sometimes the pliers aren’t quite big enough for the task, I am a heating and air guy and actually use my multi tools, I also have the super tool 300 in black and it’s built like a tank but on the large/ heavy side.
I don't like that you can't swap it. I need the leatherman ratchet if I'm doing anything that requires screwing more than one or two screws.
Isn't a Swiss Army knife a multi tool as well?
Technically yes. Check out my Swiss Army knife vid as well!
Many Swiss are Disposable Gimmic Conversation Multi-Tool for Dilbert, Just be sure to be careful to Use on Vary Light Duty Situations, however that doesn't Apply to the big higher End Swiss Army Knives which are quite Nice, However The Upper Scale LeatherMans are Less Likely To Let You Down in a Serious Situation
City Boy //=Swiss //Survivalist //=LeatherMan :- :-)
It is the most reliable of all of them all it has been around for as long as I remember and still going strong
Not quite because Swiss Army knives don't have pliers, compared to the Victorinox Spirit
Technically but I would say they are a animal all there own
Great job! Very complete and detailed, good information.
Researching my first multi tool and found this.
Thanks for the great info!
I have three leathermans. Skeletool, wingman and wave+ black. They all have good tools and I use them regularly. Different sizes and weight. My favourite? Maybe the Skeletool, but then........
I don’t need them all. I just like the look, feel, design and quality. It’s a feel good thing as well as being practical. I will probably buy
more......
The price of Leatherman’s does vary enormously. The US prices are the cheapest. Usually with careful eBay shopping I can find comparable prices. The high volume selling multi tools have better prices. The Leatherman wave has heaps of deals and good used options.
Its just a file, not a nail file
jw golding and a metal saw
I used the file on me leathman rebar for everything from wood metal and my nails and it worked great
Wood file, metal file, and metal saw. It is by no means a nail file,
Well I mean it can do your nails so he's not incorrect...
I would not recommend using a diamond coated file on your nails😅
Excellent review - thanks for posting.
1) I bet the Wingman is Leatherman's best-seller; reasonable price for a non-aficionado. I paid $25 for mine at Home Depot. Definitely best bang-for-the-buck.
2) Please stop calling them "nail files." Sure, you can use them on your nails, but they're MUCH more heavy-duty than that. They can file STEEL.
3) I love that sheath on the Charge TTi.
4) I think only the camo Charge has the hook blade, right? The rest just have a regular sheepsfoot serrated blade. It's not a gut hook. A real gut hook is made to pull on animal guts without cutting them.That hook is for cutting through the skin without nicking the guts underneath.
5) GREAT video. You hit on a lot of important things.
6) Re. the SOG, some people say the internal tools are too small and more of an afterthought. What do you think?
it is a gut hook
Jeremy D The Charge TTi always has a gut hook. The other Charge models don't but all of the TTi tools do. Also as far as I know Leatherman still claims that the Wave is their best seller. It certainly does a good job balancing utility with economy.
Nice video! Liked about the larger ones they had driver bits, sadly not the universal bits you can get anywhere right?
I was surprised how bad SOG PowerLock was to get out the tools and then uncomfortable to use them as well, now there's the SOG PowerAssist and from what I can tell its one heck of an improvement and it has that feature I always wanted in a multi tool the spring assisted knife! Hope you take a look into the PowerAssist its pricey at the moment being $120 on their site but Amazon got em at $53. Spring assisted knife on a multi tool, brings tears to my eyes!
As someone that is a long time owner of the original Wave and a fairly new owner to the Skeletool. First the Wave never ever pinched me and the Skeletool if you get the big extendeder you can use a normal set of bits and use it closed.
that "28$" Wingman is now 79$ in 2023..just creeping to 100$ soon
Great Review Buddy,your Channel is awesome !
Good review. I would just make one suggestion if I could. Maybe write down an outline or script that you can follow. I think that would help you to say "uh" and "um" much less. I'm not trying to rip on you. I do the same thing. It is just very distracting when you are the listener. I am guilty of doing it probably more than you. Thanks for the review.
I own the leatherman sidekick and I use the daw at least once a week and I've owned it for 3 years and it's still sharp
great video.alot of great info.thanks
one more thing to keep in mind is that leatherman has a full lifetime warranty and will replace your tool no questions asked should you ever have a problem.. To me that is worth quite a bit, it means unless you lose it you should have a tool for life.. I am not sure about the other knives but for me leatherman is top of the line..
Victorinox also has a lifetime warranty
+Johnny Digital 25 years is pretty good and i like it
Glenn Kievit Didn't say it was bad, just making a correction.
Great video budy, help me decide. what i want.
Thanks a lot
The files on these for the most part are not “nail files” - they’re actual hardened files that will file/slot metal.
Good informative review! Thanks.
I don't think leatherman or any similar co. ever thought someone might need to file their nails in a survival situation lol. I would just call them what they are, which is a diamond coated file. Great video man keep em comin.
Great info and well presented !
Fantastic Video! Thanks For Sharing!
great video, and perfect timing. been searching for another multi-tool and like you said, you wish there was something like this when you were searching, you did that for everyone going forward. thanks!
I have been carrying my Leatherman Charge Ti(not the TTI) for about 8 years now, and it has served me fantastically well. there are a few small things I would change if I was the designer, but truly its my favorite. I would give a mention to the style CS, which in my opinion is superior to the PS. I personally think that a pliers that small isn't going to do what I want it to in 90% of situations. but I haven't tested one, so I am only assuming.
great video. I carry my leatherman wave in my E.D.C. and if not me wave then my skeletool. great M.Ts in my opinion.
The file you are talking about on the victorinox is a metal file and not like you said a nail file. Also the small side is a metal saw. Try it out, it works great.
i personaly love my sog power loc. i've had most of the others and the pliers on the power loc make it worth it. i do a lot of work on cars and having pliers i can easily loosen bolts with is really nice
Skipped to the end, he said that there is not one, saved me 30mins. I will just buy the cheapest one I can find that suits my needs. Thanks again for clarifying they are all the same stuff different flavors.
Great video, very informative !!
Thanks for this video! Got very interested in the PS4
good info!
Thanks for watching!
Great video, thank you!
7:50 that is clearly a wood carving tool, not a box opener nor wire strippers. I think. 11:30 that file is cool; you can sharpen a machete with it. To me the most important function of a file is sharpening cutting tools. 19:00 I have the wave and I find it the most complete, but it is heavy. You did not show the Rebar which is the one I carry with me everywhere I go.
I edc a leatherman sidekick and I love it for my line of work (mechanic) I have to use it at least 3 times a day. by the way loved the video
Great video keep it up!!
Thanks for the vid I have recently purchased the wave
Wilderness101 Thanks! Great purchase!
I agree
P.S. This was obviously a steal for the price I already love it feels good to carry around I recommend this to anyone looking for a great multitool
I’ve had Sog and Gerber and the Leatherman wave but personally the Leatherman Crunch is my go to. Show me another hands free tool and I might consider it.
I own wave and love it but the swiss tool and s.o.g are awesome!!!
One thing I like about Leatherman products is the tools seem to deploy easier than some of the other big brands. With some it's a fight to get them to open.
The Victorinox Spirit is very good, but after a few ripped nails trying to open the tools with the little nail grooves, I bought a Leatherman P4. No more nail problems, and it has one-handed opening of all tools, and you don't have to look at it to open them. All locking, and accessible from closed handles. My favourite, and the one I'm always carrying: Leatherman P4.
I'm a prof. handyman.Multitools are for emergency situations. If you realy want a job done you carry your well organized tool box. It saves alot of time too having all the tools seperately. Of cource i carry my victorinox work champ in my pocket since 1998 for quick access and minor repairs but it is more like a fettish than a real tool although it helps a lot .As clint Easwood would say ,lets separate man from boys. No offence kids.
I still prefer my Leatherman Surge, thank you
Johan van Breda surge is great i have one two
Got a Leatherman Surge about 1 week ago - just outstanding. Tough, great to use.
i have a spirit swiss tool, i think it's very very well built, it's rellay extremly smooth, and you can get all the tools from the out side, for me it's the favorite tool
Yes... But you have to use two hands to open the tools, and you need to see the nail-busting opening grooves. Good luck using this in the dark.
I've been watching a few multitool videos lately, and almost everyone mentions how nice it is to have an awl. What on earth do you all use awls for? What are they good for?
Awl's are used to make holes in leather belts or holes for laseing?
g
I use my awl to clear my bong bowl
Excelente análisis de cada una de las multi herramientas.
God Bless 👍🏼☝🏼️
Can't help to notice quiet a few leathermans
So 40 euros for my Victorinox Spirit X was not a bad deal at all??!!?...an I recomand it to everyone, Great quality multitool! Blessed 2019 to you all!!
I have a wingman and thinking about upgrading, is the charge that much better than the wave for the money?
An excellent overall review. But can't agree about the ergos on the Skeletool. Really wanted one. Knew. Brick & Mortar store that sold them. Went to buy one, and it was easily the most awkward handling multi-tool I've ever tried. Feel is very subjective. I'm just glad I had a chance to handle one before buying.
Victorinox is #1 especially if you add the Leatherman Micra in with the Victorinox pouch