best keyring multitool

D

dandruff

Joined
Oct 12, 2004
Messages
15
hi guys

im assembling my mini edc (for my key ring) and would like to hear some thoughts about which mini multitool would best complement my arc aaa.

been looking at:

1) victorino minichamp
2) leatherman s4
3) leatherman micra

the leathermans probably have better scissors and are more durable but the SAK seems more versatile.

any thoughts?

thanks in advance
 
The Squirt is far, far superior to the Micra, in just about every way. I did a review a while back. The only disadvantage IMO that the Squirt has is that the anodization isn't terribly durable and chips rather easily. The Squirt is a tad more expensive, but only 5 bucks or so, which is insignificant over the years you'll be carrying it.

You're right about the scissors, the main reason I carry a Squirt S4 instead of the various SAKs available. I prefer the Wenger scissors over the Victorinox scissors myself, but for everything else, the win goes to V'nox. I admit the MiniChamp looks very nice and tempting. Not sure I'd need the cuticle pusher or orange peeler, but everything else looks good. But for me, it comes down to the scissors. I'd carry a pair of quality pocket scissors instead, but there'd be no screwdrivers on it.
 
I recently retired my minichamp in favor of the Squirt P4... Like Planterz says, the Minichamp is probably a better tool overall. More useful features, a good pen, and the midnight version has a nice useful red led (great for checking on the kids at night without waking them).

I'm still carrying the Squirt, but mainly because it's so cool looking! My only problem is that I gave the Minichamp to my wife... Otherwise, I'd go back to carrying it on my keychain.

Guy
 
Personally I like the Micra. It's more durable than the squirt and has all of the features I need in a tool that size.
I've had mine for about 4 years and it still looks new.

Neko2
 
Depends on what kinds of cutting tasks you encounter every day.

If we're talking loose threads and magazine articles, I'd go for the Victorinox Midnite MiniChamp II (retractable pen and red LED rather than toothpick and tweezers). It offers small but capable scissors.

If we're talking tougher materials, such as those tough plastic blister packages everything seems to be sold in now, I'd go for the Leatherman Micra. The scissors are capable and larger.

If weight is a heavy consideration (pardon the pun), the Micra is heavier in the hand.

I have both the MiniChamp and the Micra. I have used both. All in all, personally, I had to go for the MiniChamp. That's what I carry every day. It's got more style and polish, better fit and finish, and it offers more tools.
 
thanks for the comments so far guys.

i have to agree that i may not need the cuticle pusher and orange peeler but i have the disease which makes me look at the "knife-with-most-stuff" :D which explains why i have the swisschamp (but not the xlt that is just ridiculous) even though i dont use 1/2 the blades on it heh.

i dont really need the led coz the minichamp is supposed to complement my arc aaa, which already is the best led keychain light out there (im a flashaholic from cpf). so would prefer the toothpick and tweezers.

how bad are the minichamp's scissors? are they at least adequate? coz on balance i wouldnt mind taking so-so scissors with all the other advantages of the minichamp.


(p.s: on a side note does anyone here actually USE a swisschamp xlt?)
 
dandruff said:
...
how bad are the minichamp's scissors?
Click to expand...

The scissors on my MiniChamp are fine. They work beautifully. No complaints whatsoever.

dandruff said:
...does anyone here actually USE a swisschamp xlt?
Click to expand...

The operative word here would not be "use." The XLT is advertised as a collectors' item, not for EDC. I prefer the words "own" and/or "display." When I showed her a picture of the XLT, My Better Half proclaimed it the perfect desk accessory and conversation piece. Should I buy one, I intend to keep it on top of my desk (not in a drawer) at work. Then I'll wait for the curious to stop, gawk at the XLT, and start a conversation.
 
I carry a LM Squirt P4. Mostly because i like the pliers, but the knife blade is far better too, and it feels more robust than the minichamp.

I cannot comment on the micra, I have never used it, but for a keychain, I think the smaller size and better look of the squirt is preferable.


:)
 
I like the Squirt S4. Works good for what I need, having screwdriving capabilities sure comes in handy. Also the Squirt is superior to the Micra simply because you can access the tools without having to open the whole thing. IMHO the scissors on the Squirt are hard to beat for the size of the tool when closed.
 
I've carried one of the Minichamp II's for years before just carrying a full size SAK after the wife claimed the smaller one. Worked well for me though. Might have to get another one.

On the opposite end of the spectrum...

XLT? Ha...try a XXLT
XXLT auction

enjoy
 
thanks for the comments guys. think ill get the minichamp

cardimon said:
The operative word here would not be "use." The XLT is advertised as a collectors' item, not for EDC. I prefer the words "own" and/or "display." When I showed her a picture...QUOTE]

yes, i know what you mean. i always knew that the xlt was more of a showpiece than anything else, just wondering whether anyone actually used it haha.

BradN: :D :D :D whoa!!
Click to expand...
 
dandruff said:
(p.s: on a side note does anyone here actually USE a swisschamp xlt?)
Click to expand...

Actually, yes. I carried a SwissChamp XLT every day for a couple of years. I wanted the features of the SwissChamp, but I also have regular use for that lovely bit driver/bit set from the CyberTool series. Until recently the XLT was the only model that had both. A few months ago I switched over to the new CyberTool 41, that has everything I need at about 2/3 the size.

--Bob Q
 
bquinlan said:
...I switched over to the new CyberTool 41, that has everything I need at about 2/3 the size.

--Bob Q
Click to expand...

That's what I carry in my EDC shoulder bag, the CyberTool 41. Very handy it is, too.
 
I carry the squirt p4 along with my arc AAA and my keys. The pliers are so useful! You'll be amazed how much you find yourself using them. I didn't know I needed them until I started carrying the p4 around :)
 
My favorites of the really small tools are the SOG CrossGrip and Crosscut, but I have decided that even those are too bulky for actual keychain duty. The only tool I'm willing to put on with my keys is the Swiss-Tech Utili-Key. If I need something a little more capable (and that would include pretty much every other multi-tool ever made...) I find some pocket space for it.

--Bob Q
 
bquinlan said:
My favorites of the really small tools are the SOG CrossGrip and Crosscut, but I have decided that even those are too bulky for actual keychain duty.
Click to expand...

They are very nicely built little tools, but if you try carrying them without the cases, the toothed gears will rip your pockets to shreds. And yes, they are a bit too heavy for keychains.
 
Have you tried the SerberTool range - not especially strong but very small and light so ideal for carrying on a keyring - however I personally EDC a LM Charge with my keys on the removable lanyard ring and cant imagine liife without it now !!
 
I like the SeberTool designs, but after years of alternating between those and the Swiss-Tech equivalents I have settled on the later. The Swiss-Tech versions have held up a lot better for me.

--Bob Q
 
I really like the squirt S4 for a everyday pocket carry multi-tool.
The sissors are extremely useful and the knife is very sharp.
 
I carry a micra, bought before the Squirt existed. Scissors and nail file are the most used tools. EDC a folder, so I rarely use the knife. Also carry a full-sized multitool in my briefcase, and that is usually around when pliers or a screwdriver are called for. It's held up well and still does the job after 5+ years, though I have to remember to clean out the crud and oil it (parafin based lube, actually) or it gets rust spots. Nothing tragic, though.
 
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