Why so many?

[tarsier]

When it comes to multitools, I used to be a generalist. I was always looking for the perfect set of features in one tool that could do it all. Now, I'm more of a specialist. I have a bunch of tools, and I choose the best one for a given day or piece of work. I like to be prepared for whatever is likely to come up.

For example, my Juice S2 is my EDC tool at work. If I'm out around town, I might carry just a Micra or Squirt S4 along with whatever folder I have. If I'm doing yardwork or chores at home, I might go with my Juice Kf4 or Wave. When I'm hiking, I usually take an SAK that has a saw. I like the really small SAKs, like the Rambler, for first aid kits or emergency bags.

So, when people ask me why I have so many multitools, those are the reasons that I give them. The fact is, though, that I also just think they're cool and like to fiddle with them.

I can see from the Roll Call thread that I'm not alone. In fact, a bunch of people have even more multitools than me. I'm curious how other people ended up with so many? Or, maybe you have found that one perfect tool?

 

[enkidu]

With me, it just kinda happened gradually.

Well, I started with a SAK Tinker, after that walked off on a job site after I put it down and left it for less than 5 minutes, I picked up a SAK Manager which pretty much stayed permanently in my watch pocket. A couple of years later, wanting something bigger/sturdier to augment my mini-knife, I read everything I could find on multitools and ended up with a LM Wave which has been on my belt for many years. I continued to carry both until I needed a corkscrew (and someone else used my wave to open a bottle of wine and damaged the blade). As I work with computers, I chose a SAK Cybertool 29 (I already had scissors and pliers due to the LM Wave) and added that to my man bag. About a year after this, I added a LM squirt EL (an radio shack exclusive edition with a combo wire stripper/plier/scissor blade) but I may drop that in favor of a standard LM Squirt S4 as I hardly use the wire strippers. So I have 4 multitools in my EDC. In addition to the multi-tools above, I also EDC a CRK Mnandi as my food/delicates blade.

edit: grammar fixes

 

[Matches]

I got interested in the idea of being able to do many tasks with such a compact tool. Since various tools have various implements and configurations, it became a quest for the perfect tool for me. I don't think there will ever be a multi-tool that everyone agrees is the best. Anyway, I've grown to love all the different makes and models.

 

[Ferreter]

For me it's simply different tools for different uses......

I work in a retail Hardware store so you'd think that I could find the right tool when I need it..... Nooooooo..... I can look for an hour and still not find the store use pliers or hammer etc. That's why I love my multi tools. always with me and never lent to anyone...

I primarily use a LM Wave, Spyderco Spyderench or a LM Crunch. So i've got a pair of pliers, slip joint pliers, Shifting spanner (or crescent wrench if you speak american ) and a pair of locking jaw pliers.

Basically I should be able to take anything apart and (hopefully) put it back together.....

Ferreter

 

[Nathan S]

It's just part of the never ending quest for perfect gear ...

 

[Aux]

Because they can differ very much, and there are so many configurations.

It seems like a never ending quest to find the perfect design.

Edited to add:

Plus, of all the good design features available, no single manufacturer has put them together (to my satisfaction at least ):

- Good steel in the blades for the forthcoming '04 Leatherman models
- User disassembly and replacable components of the SOG's
- One handed blades (LM) and plier jaws (Gerber)

For a while, Gerber allowed you to custom order some of their tools with specific components - but at MSRP prices. Apparently it did not sell well. If the new LMs were bolted together like the SOGs, and you could mix and match components, life would be marginally better.

My overall favorite, believe it or not, is the SOG SwitchPlier. It is not really heavy duty, but for light duty/daily tasks, it has seen the most usage of all the multis I have owned. Why?:

-The plier jaws are quick to deploy, and are of a very useful shape
-I install select the tools I need (although it only holds a few)
-All tools lock, including the blade
-The sheath is a very good design, easy on and off, but again not heavy duty

The SwitchPlier will not stand up to jobs where a PowerPlier or SuperTool are necessary, but I have not killed it yet.

 

[tarsier]

User disassembly and replacable components of the SOG's

Yes, I wish more manufacturers supported this. I didn't like the SOG models that I tried, but being able to disassemble and customize them is a great feature.

For a while, Gerber allowed you to custom order some of their tools with specific components - but at MSRP prices. Apparently it did not sell well.

IIRC, they also didn't allow the user to select individual features. You had to select an entire tool grouping for each side.

By the way, I'm surprised no one has mentioned just being a collecter, like some people collect Case or Spyderco or Buck knives.