Are Multi-Tools a waste?

I almost always have my Leatherman Supertool with me. The day I leave it at home is the day I find twenty things I could have used it for if I would have brought it along so I'm stuck jerry rigging something else.

Guess that's why the custom makers always tell you to use a prybar, not their knife, or they are not responsible for the outcome!
 
I find multi-tools to be incredibly useful for all sorts of things. Realistically, I don't think they're all that much MORE useful than a SAK, but I view a SAK as a sort of multi-tool. The old Leatherman Wave is still the best for me. The saw, screwdrivers (for prying), pliers and diamond file all come in handy in the field. The diamond file works great for sharpening knives.
 
Multitools are great in the city, but in the bush they aren't quite as useful.

The need for them depends on your other kit; multifuel burners, radios, GPS, kayak or canoe might make having a multitool very handy.

Often an Alox SAK and a small needlenose plier is lighter and better though..

When using multitools I use the Spyderwrench in the city and an old style Leatherman Wave elsewhere.

Sverre
 
elelbean said:
Does anyone really make use of any of these things in wilderness situations? The good ones don't come cheap either. I can remember being close to dropping money on one, but I figure I'd never use any of the "tools" and would rather have a solid knife instead. What are your opinions or experiences?
Click to expand...

I have used multi-tools from Africa to Alaska, and everywhere betwixt the two in some of the largest wilderness areas in the world. Personally (and no experienced outdoorsmen that I am associated with), limit themselves with the "either", "or", mindset when it comes to wilderness tool selection. Redundancy and option selection or choices is a GOOD THING! I most certainly carry a good solid fixed-blade when in the wilderness. And, having the Leatherman or Victorinox (or whatever flavor) on my side doesn't hinder my progress or outdoor endeavors whatsoever. Reasons to carry one (multi tool) are too numerous to list here. BTW, I live right on the literal edge of the largest wilderness area in my state (some call us "mountain people"). I don't venture far from the ranch without a good solid multi-tool in my kit.

I might add: For many years, I worked with both military and civilian Search & Rescue (SAR) as an aircraft pilot (both fixed and rotorwing), and operations coordinator. For me, it is amazing to think of all the located victims that could have (in some cases) saved themselves with a simple fire kit and some basic tools - even a multi-tool. Actually, contrary to some popular knife-related forum belief, FEW people venture into wilderness areas with a fixed-bladed knife. Multi-tools are most often the tool selection of choice for the average Joe and Mary. Cover your potential needs - take both if you can. :)
 
I carry a leatherman (or simmilar)on camp, and while it's blade doesn't get much use, because I carry a folder alongside (because it's quicker and easier to get to, and untill recently it was a far better blade than the multi-tool had) it is still very useful, particuly the woodsaw, awl and can opener.
 
I am never without one. Working around the property or out in the woods. Camping hiking, fishing or hunting. Fishing; remove hooks, straighten hooks, tune lures, fix reels, cut line. Camping; pot grabber and much more. Hunting, remove stuck shells, choke tool, adjust scope, repair anything. Around the property if you use a line trimmer it is manditory to carry one.
 
Multi tools are great to have IMHO. I have a leatherman Kick in my wifes truck and in my Laptop/BackPack, and I carry a SOG PowerPlier in my truck. I also carry a VIC in my pocket along with my folder of the day. I use the multitools for Work, Play, Hunting, Fishing, and everything in between. I think most people find them usefull. But I understand those who don't. Its just one of those whatever toots you horn kind of thing.
-frank
 
The Charge and Wave (I think) file is double sided: one side diamond file, the other a wood file.
 
If I'm in the woods, I'm usually fishing. Like others have posted, the pliers of a multitool come in handy. The built in wire cutters are good for fish line too.

For a pure hiking experience, I'd carry it too. More out of habit then anything else probably. I'd rather be prepared and will take on a few extra ounces of weight.
 
Very rare that I need mine, very rare I need a knife and when I do I could usually get by with my tiny Vic Classic. In fact when I think about it I have never needed my signal mirror, survival blanket,whistle etc, etc but you can be damn sure that the first time I don't carry that stuff is gonna be the first time I need it !!!!

PICT4391.jpg
 
More than my knife. I have used every tool on it. I can go into the woods with my leatherman charge and do everything I need to do, I used to have to carry a tool box, but no more. From working on atv's, to fixing or putting in deer stands, sharpening machette blades and axe/hatchet heads, cutting open sacks of deer feed, to cleaning deer, ducks and squirrels when I forget my knife, working on chain saws, etc., etc., etc. If you deer or duck hunt down south you'd be foolish not to have at least one with you at all times. I carry one in the truck, one on the 4 wheeler, one in my wifes truck and two or three around the house and my dad does the same. There indespensible and convenient as all get out. We deer hunt in a 7,500 acre block of louisiana bottomland hardwood not on a farm, it is straight woods, so YES they are very usefull in the woods and should by no means be considered a waste.
 
I've got a Wave and a few others. Unless you are traveling with something mechanical, or have mechanical gear that needs repair, I am vastly better served by an SAK. If I fish, I add a small set of pliers. Multitools are great in the city, or on a bike ride, etc., but they don't do enough things well enough to be worth the weight in my pack.
 
One time I had a little 1 hp borrowed POS outboard motor on my canoe and went 8 miles across a somewhat remote lake in the Yukon (nobody with tools at the other end, anyway). The crappy motor failed at the far end of the lake and there was a very stiff wind to fight in order to get back to camp. Would have been several hours of not-so-fun headwind paddling, depending on the wind. I had been either fishing or hiking all day and really didn't feel like a long headwind paddle. I managed to fix the motor with a Gerber multitool and chug back. Now I always carry a multitool when using mechanical equipment like that.

However, I stopped carrying a multitool when backpacking because I simply wasn't using it enough to justify the weight. I usually carry a 4" Dozier and a SAK Rucksack. Sometimes a Silky saw.

DancesWithKnives
 
HD- The Wave does have a pretty good file, I think one side is a diamond file, the other a plain cross cut file.
 
Like stated I rather have then have-not. I use my MTs and SAKs all the time. The tools in them come in handy for so many things, they are endless.

People do wonder about the various tools in them, like many sizes of flat-head drivers in them but they are more than drivers, they are little pry bars, scrappers, pokers and scratchers and more (use your imagination), and that's just the flat heads!

I think the multitool is the evolution of the knife, compact and versatile, and like stated it also saves your knife by doing tasks best suited for other tools like the pliers, awls, scissors (which many people I know use for hair grooming/facial hair outdoors, do that with just your knife!:eek:) etc.

Sure you can do everything with just a knife, you can go minimal, I salute those that do and it wouldn't hurt me to learn these basic of abilities, but I also like the technology and versatility of MTs/SAKs to make things easier and so I can enjoy the outdoors more.
 
hollowdweller said:
Do any of them have like a wood file?
Click to expand...

The SAKs always had good wood files. But enough people complained to Leatherman about their metal/diamond file for them to do something about it. Now the new Leatherman Surge has a replaceable file (metal file or wood file) and you can buy a pack of the replaceable files usually at the same store. So you know you can carry both at all times:p
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top