Help me select a basic multi tool for edc

BJE

BJE

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Apr 12, 2006
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Looking to add a multi tool to my daily edc rotation. I used to have a wave and a blast, but lost both in a move, currently have a SOG pocket power plier, but don't carry it much as its a little smaller than I like and the tools are bit weak.

I intend to belt carry in a pouch with another folder in my pocket. Looking to stay under $75, the cheaper the better but want a quality product.
I don't need one hand capability or any special tools, just pliers, flat and phillips screwdrivers, can opener, and a blade. File and saw would be nice but not required. This tool with basically replace a SAK in my edc so I can free up my pocket for another blade.

Don't care about weight, but it should come with a good belt sheath.

So what would you guys recommend?
I would really like the screwdriver to be strong enough to use, not like my SOG or most Gerber tools. At least as strong as the tools in my SAK.
 
I do carry Sak /Soldier, New issue, in a Nitize carry case, put it on a duty belt.Has come in handy many times.
 
Leatherman Skeletool CX might be an option and you can find them for under $70. 154CM blade, replaceable bits but does not have a file or saw.
 
I would recommend a Rebar. Pretty good all-round tool, and can be had below your budget there. The nylon sheaths are just velcro, so I'd go with leather. Cheap and ugly, but its pretty tough little beast.
 
I like the gerber mp 50 bucks and it's virtually indestructible. I have it and its been my main work multi tool for about two years
 
This may be over budget, but I do recommend a Victorinox Spirit X. It is one of the best quality MT out there, and it is perfect to EDC with a sheath(I EDC it in pocket).

In LM camp, rebar is a good choice within budget, and if you just want the most basic and inexpensive, Wingman and Sidekick are pretty decent for their price.
 
I really like the looks of the rebar, it' appears to be a tough and basic MT. Do they sell a better sheath for it? Ideally I would like to have nice thick leather like my buck 110, but the Molle sheath looks well made as well.
 
the gerber comes with cutters that can be replace and a very nice belt pouch. that or swiss army. I have had both of them and they where great.
 
comis said:
This may be over budget, but I do recommend a Victorinox Spirit X. It is one of the best quality MT out there, and it is perfect to EDC with a sheath(I EDC it in pocket).

In LM camp, rebar is a good choice within budget, and if you just want the most basic and inexpensive, Wingman and Sidekick are pretty decent for their price.
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I also have a Spirit and can attest to it being a great MT. +1 on the recommend.

Or, if you watch the exchange you can get a good deal on the Charge TTi.
 
For you needs I would definitely go with the Rebar. It offers a very complete tool set with the exception of scissors. The tool to total size ratio is amazing in my opinion. I regularly pocket carry mine with no problem and sheath carry it while fishing and forget its even their.
 
I have a Sog Powerlock, a Leatherman Surge and a Leatherman Tti Charge and I love them all. IMO the Charge is the most versatile and user friendly of them all. It is a nice size, not too small, nor too big. The weight is nice, given it is a Ti frame. The blades are all of good quality and the sheath provided with mine is superb, although I would have preferred nylon over the leather one that I received with my kit.
 
BJE said:
Where is the rebar made?
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Like all Leathermans, the Rebars are made in Oregon, the pliers heads cast in Mexico. Domestic content of its multi-tools vary, but Leatherman passes "Made in US" muster in all states but California, which has stricter standards. However, a lot of other Leatherman products, like flashlights, are from off-shore sources.
 
znapschatz said:
Like all Leathermans, the Rebars are made in Oregon, the pliers heads cast in Mexico. Domestic content of its multi-tools vary, but Leatherman passes "Made in US" muster in all states but California, which has stricter standards. However, a lot of other Leatherman products, like flashlights, are from off-shore sources.
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You would be correct. They have a fair amount of there components blanked/made in other countries. Here is a quote from there court papers.

Leatherman tools at issue underwent manufacturing processes outside the United States.
These components included: a file that was fineblanked in Switzerland and that had its
teeth cut and hardened in Switzerland or Austria; plier jaws, Phillips screwdrivers, bolster
file sides, and bolster knife sides that were investment cast in Mexico; a clip plate that
was fineblanked, deburred, formed, hardened, and polished in Switzerland; a locking T
that was fineblanked and hardened in Switzerland; a bit holder that was machined in
Canada; a saw blade that had its profile cut in Switzerland or Germany and that was
fineblanked and hardened in Switzerland; handles that were fineblanked in Switzerland; a
serrated knife blade that was fineblanked in Switzerland; and corkscrews that were
forged, coiled, hardened, and polished in France. The components that underwent
foreign processing were incorporated, in varying combinations, into the 22 Leatherman
tools at issue. The plier jaws that were investment cast in Mexico were included in 20 of
the 22 Leatherman tools, and the Phillips screwdrivers were included in 19 of the 2
 
Just went and put my hands on a wingman and a sidekick, didn't like either tool, they didn't have a rebar at my local brick and mortar store.
The tools were thin and everything felt sort of flimsy compared to past leatherman models I have owned. Does the rebar share those characteristics, it being a cheaper tool and all, or are the implements more like that found in the wave or even blast models?
 
BJE said:
Just went and put my hands on a wingman and a sidekick, didn't like either tool, they didn't have a rebar at my local brick and mortar store.
The tools were thin and everything felt sort of flimsy compared to past leatherman models I have owned. Does the rebar share those characteristics, it being a cheaper tool and all, or are the implements more like that found in the wave or even blast models?
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The Rebar is nothing like the Wingman/Sidekick models. It is much more of a quality tool on par with the Wave and Blast.
 
The rebar is very close to the older pst and the like tools. So the blades are fairly thin. Realistically, LMs warranty is so good that even if you destroy one, you can easily get it replaced. But you'd still have to try to hurt one.
 
gadgetgeek said:
The rebar is very close to the older pst and the like tools. So the blades are fairly thin. Realistically, LMs warranty is so good that even if you destroy one, you can easily get it replaced. But you'd still have to try to hurt one.
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While I somewhat agree the Rebar is considered a homage to the original PST I would not put it in the same class of sturdiness. The Rebar is much sturdier and more substantial (in material) of a tool. Just my opinion though. Like you said Leathermans customer service rocks so no worries either way. :thumbup:
 
Why not another Wave? Has the basic features and more, without being much bigger. It's about $80 at Walmart, so you may find it within your price point.

I live in Australia and it costs way more here.
 
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