Multi-tool for EDC

golok

golok

Joined
Oct 20, 2000
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It is my objective opinion that a multi-tool is more useful as an EDC compared to other pocket knives. The reason is simple, a multitool is multi-functional.

For everyday chores, a person doesn't really need a 4-inch blade. Most of the time, whether it is in the house or in the office, the things that need cutting, shaping, or fixing are fulfilled by the features found in a multitool.

Pocket knives may have their uses but they certainly do not match the multitool in the all-in-one department.

Take for example, a simple contraption like the Leatherman Wave. It is fairly light, has a one-hand opening blade and other features that will put the ordinary two-blade knife in the shade.

More often than not, you will find a handyman armed with a multitool first, and packing a small penknife as a back-up. But always, the multitool takes centre-stage.

Hence, the popularity of multi-tools and the varieties in the knife market.
 
Absolutely. From the perspective of work you are able to accomplish with it, multitools are far more "high-performance" than even the best knives.
Awhile back I kept track of how many times I used the things I carry on a daily basis at work. IIRC, the SF E2e/KL1 came out about a dozen times (evening shift), my folder ~6 times, and the Leatherman over 40-and it could have probably done the jobs the folder got pulled for. Maybe not as well, but it could have done them.
Made me stop and think about how I prioritize my EDC stuff.
 
handle 90% of my needs. I usually have another knife on me anyway but I don't need it. I don't have pliers in my pocket but a Gerber multi sits in my bag with my CDs and pens/pencils. If I need real pliers I have them in my car with a screwdriver set and wrenches/sockets.

Frank
 
Damn, do you guys have to be so practical? Talk like this could cause the knife industry to collapse. ;)

All kidding aside, I admit that I do use my tiny keychain Victorinox Night Messenger more often than my EDC folder. Lately, I've added a Leatherman Sideclip as a third piece of daily carry. The Sideclip is nice for casual urban carry: Most of the tools you really use and none of the tools that you don't really need. All that plus a pocket clip (no sheath needed).
 
Yes.

I just wish my Wave had a corkscrew, then it would be complete. Or if they beefed up the Juice and added locking blades.. The Flare could have had potential but that spreader and spork is a real waste of tools.
 
I really like the Leatherman Wave. I have it on me just about everyday for the last 2-3 years.

The one time I left it home just a couple of day's ago we were out bike riding with my brother in-law and his kids.

His kid's seat came off his bike and he wiped out. Everyone looked at me and the brother in-law asked if I had my pliers.

I just got a buck 112 and right before the bike ride I took the Wave off and put the Buck 112 on my belt instead. :rolleyes:

When we got back home the Wave went back on my belt.
I will never leave home without the Leatherman Wave again.
 
I traded a Wave for a SOG Powerlock. I just don't like the feel of the Wave. But as long as I've been carrying SAKs and multitools, I still like to have a good small folder, preferably a one-hander. On the job in the Post Office, I used a cutting blade a lot. There was always some kind of wrapping to remove, some of it pretty tough plastic, and of course, the occasional supervisor to ... aaaghh! (forget it)
 
Yes, my multi-tool sees quite a lot of use. I even made a kydex sheath for my SOG Powerlock so I'd always carry it (the Tek-Lok is a great invention).

My only worry is that summertime sweat is going to make it rust. It's so tedious to wipe all the various little tools and crevices.

powerlock-sheath.jpg
 
You bet! I almost always have a multitool or SAK as my primary carry, with my other knives supplementing it.
 
As EDC I have my Leatherman Wave ( right hand ) and the Military Trailmaster ( left hand ), I am lefty so I need a one handed lefty blade with more than one blade so I use it more than my Wave.

roloss_valdes
 
I carry the Victorinox multi-tool daily and hardly ever use it. It's there for the times I do but I use my SAK in my pocket for most cutting chores.

More habit than anything else digging it out to cut something.

Then there the two defensive knives I carry which don't get used but do get workouts in presentation several times a day and then hundreds a day when training.

Don't see many mention the SAK multi-tool here.
Have you just not seen them or didn't know they existed? They are heavier and solid througout. More so than any other tool I've seen.

Get mine for the cost of a leatherman but it's quite a bit sturdier and guarenteed for life.

Brownie
 
Sorry I couldn´t resist I return to my BM31 ( left hand, for me it is the quickest knife that I have " Self Defense " ) and the Leatherman Wave ( right hand, I use is as a tool and right hand self defense just in case blade );)


roloss_valdes
 
Originally posted by brownie0486
I carry the Victorinox multi-tool daily and hardly ever use it.

Don't see many mention the SAK multi-tool here.
Have you just not seen them or didn't know they existed? They are heavier and solid througout. More so than any other tool I've seen.

Get mine for the cost of a leatherman but it's quite a bit sturdier and guarenteed for life.

Brownie
Click to expand...

Brownie, I agree and carry the Swiss Tool EDC. IMO it is a better tool than the others I have handled.

For a cutting tool, I find that I´ll not ever go to the muti tool. A one hand opening knife is my choice.
 
Here's your counterpoint -

I'm biassed....
so you might not want to take my view too seriously. :D :D :p

I love knives, and since young, always wanted to carry one.

I had never desired to carry a pair of pliers - ever -
that is until the advent of the multi-tool.

I also now own a number of them - including Leatherman Super Tool, Victorinox SwissTool, the smaller Gerber Compact Sports tool, and a couple of cheapies from Wal*Mart.

In terms of sheer quality I like the Victorinox SwissTool the best - but it is big and heavy - the pliers are not needle nosed - and it is much more of a pair of pliers, to me, than a knife.....

The Gerber Compact Sports is nice sized, but the way the handle is designed causes operational problems. If one were to squeeze hard on the pliers - the handles distort and affect the opening/closing of the jaws. That's terrible for a pair of pliers.......

The Leatherman Super Tool is simply crude - the handles to operate the pliers face the wrong way so the thin edges cut into the hand.... opening the tools - multiple tools move/open to extract one - as I said very crude -
but there are plenty of people who swear by these.......
I also swear AT these - a lot :D

I actually like the pliers on the Victorinox SAKs - they are a lot tougher than they seem to appear - they are about the right sized for most of the things I use pliers for away from home......

The SAKs - depending on the model chosen ride very well in the pocket - they have very useful tools - numerous models that one can almost tailor for one's needs. The SAK is literally synonomous with quality and are a benchmark that others are judged by.......

Best of all they are really good value for money - eg: the Victorinox SwissChamp with 33 functions can be had for as low as $39! if one shops around.....

for a comparison review and tool-by-tool analysis see:

SAKs - Victorinox or Wenger

Of course I find either of these "big" flagship models a bit too big for easy pocket carry - but it is simple and enjoyable to pick the "best" suited model for yourself...

For example my EDC is a Victorinox Scientist with only 4 tools in the main compartment - making it only 2 backsprings wide - which makes it a very easy pocket carry.

If I needed pliers (which I don't often) I might carry the SwissTool in a briefcase/backpack/shoulder bag - but on my person, it's unlikely, unless I know specifically I am going to use pliers somewhere.....

For an in pocket ride - I have a Victorinox special that they once made for Radio Shack (bought when RS closed them out years ago) - main blade, Combo Tool, pliers, and Phillips driver on back replacing corkscrew - inlet in the handles are toothpick, tweezers and ballpoint pen - so again only 2 backsprings wide.

I think, for me, it just boils down to whether you are a "Knife" person or "pliers" person.......

As I said I'm a "Knife" person
and therefore biassed :D :D
 
My SAK multi-tool is just that, my tool when I need a tool. On the belt daily without fail and hardly ever used to boot.

I carry a multitude of knives on me.
1.SAK Hiker in left front pocket
2.Tarani Kerambit when it arrives this week on right side somewhere [to be determined once I get it ]
3. LaGriffe Neck claw
4. unknown others;)

I have never been accused of being a "plier" guy but hey I suppose it fits as I carry one daily.

My guess is I would be considered both.

Brownie
 
I LOVE multi-tools!
They're strong and handy and extremely useful.
However, I don't carry one unless I'm fishing, camping, or hiking.
I'll also carry one when working on a project around the house (just to save some trips to the tool-box).

But for EDC, I think a tactical folder and something like a medium sized SAK or Leatherman Micra is about all I need.
 
I have Leatherman Squirt S4 on my regular keys, Micra on my work keys and my regular EDC. EDC comes out first to cut anything (unless I need to use scissors). Add to these my flashlights and I'm good to go.
 
here's an easy in pants pocket carry of a pair of pliers - with the functionality of a regular SAK

Victorinox "Golfer"(?)
fc551d71.jpg


The name "Golfer" is probably a misnomer - but that's what they were called by SMKW when these were being closed out several years ago. This was a "special model" as sold by Radio Shack.

Notice the Swiss Cross shield logo is on the opposite side/scale to the normal Victorinoxes - it is also printed/decaled as opposed to the normal embedded metal.

It is a real Victorinox as the tools are identical to the ones used in "normal" Victorinoxes and the main blade shank is stamped with the usual Victorinox markings. The polished/shiney red cellidor scales are of the normal "premium" models like the SwissChamp - and the knife bought from SMKW came in a regular Swiss Army Brands box with a barcode # 46928 53823.

As mentioned the "small" pliers are a lot tougher than they may appear - I haven't heard of anyone managing to bend or distort one by hand. Being in a SAK they are very comfortable to use - certainly much better than the majority of pants pocket sized mini folding pliers like the SeberTech.

This model is probably as compact/minimalist for a SAK with Pliers as possible - as it is only 2 backsprings wide -
one for the Pliers and the other for both the main blade and the combo tool (flat-screwdriver/can-opener/cap-lifter/wire-stripper).
In addition to the usual toothpick and tweezers in the handle there is also a ballpoint Pen.
 
VT, I have an old Golfer. It's like a Compact, except it's an 84mm and does not have a pen. The model # is 0.31 02.
 
Here's a picture of the Golfer.

Well, guess not. Haven't mastered the attachment feature.
 
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