Multi-tool Recommendation

G

Garet Jax

Joined
Jul 1, 2006
Messages
5
This is only the second posting I have ever done. The first was in regards to my first ever edc knife which forum members gave me invaluable support on. I got a Benchmade 710 made with D2 steel. A gorgeous knife! However, that is beside the point. I have been accepted to the USMA at West Point and will be going through their summer basic training program. It has been suggested that a multi-tool would provide an extra edge and comes in very handy. I was just wondering if anyone out there has any basic training experience that could offer an opinion or if members could suggest a multi-tool that could best stand up to military rigors.

I was looking at the Gerber Legend for wire cutting ability and interchangeable saw blades but heard the blade steel wasn't that good. I need something that I could really use hard in survival situation, ex. cutting tree limbs, making spear points, cutting barbed wire maybe even chain link fence. Also cutting ability for combat clothing and such. I need a rough and ready tool that could really take abuse and a hot and humid environment.

Some that have caught my eye have been the LM Charge tti for a stronger blade but laking the saw, LM Surge for beefiness and an interchangeable saw but it has a weaker knife. Everyone seems to like the Swiss Tools but they don;t look that tough for really hard applications. The SOG looks pretty beefy and I know that they stand behind their products if something were to go wrong. Any ideas?
 
First of all, congratulations on your West Point appointment!

I would strongly suggest that whatever knives you decide on, do not take them to training unless you get instructions from the Army that you need them. Which is unlikely. When I was in Basic ( a long time ago and far away :) ) we weren't allowed so much as a penknife.

Wait until you get there, get settled in, and have a chance to discuss it quietly with a superior.

As for the multitools themselves, I prefer Leatherman to Gerber, had a SOG Powerlock that was outstanding, but now rely on a Swisstool Spririt -- same great selection of tools and build quality as the original Swisstool, but in a lighter, more compact package. The Swisstools are at least as tough as any competitor, if not tougher.
 
If you do get permission to get a multi, go for one with the black oxide finish. Might be handier during night time training, and from my experience, you get better grip.

Personally I'd go for the LM-Surge, the blades aren't that bad and you got 3 to go with (1 interchangeable).

Oh, and congrats and you're appointment. 'Wish I could go with you. hehe.
 
Never owned a sog,but from the leathermans,gerbers and vics I've seen I say Victorinox all the way!Great warranty and from my experiance strong and well made.
 
sparkee said:
If you do get permission to get a multi, go for one with the black oxide finish. Might be handier during night time training, ...
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Might not be real handy setting it down at night and not being able to see it.

That's like carrying a camouflage knife in the woods and dropping it in the leaves. :)
 
Esav Benyamin said:
Might not be real handy setting it down at night and not being able to see it.

That's like carrying a camouflage knife in the woods and dropping it in the leaves. :)
Click to expand...

Which is partly the point. Black oxide finish doesn't reflect light. So if you are in an escape & evasion excercise/training.............get the point?

As for losing it, I believe that's partly why they invented "lanyards"? :D
 
My son is a Marine. At first, he had a Leatherman Wave, now he carries a Charge Xti in black. Wait until you settle in before you get anything, maybe around Christmas time. Congratulations.
 
Thanks for the input guys. Actually, It has been suggested that you bring a multi-tool for the basic training... Should come in handy anyway. I really must take a look at these Vic tools because I really don't know how they feel but I must say that I have the utmost respect and admiration for the marines and if a marine carries a charge for duty then that is one heck of a recommendation! Also, thank you for the congratulations. It is my honor to serve and protect my nation.
 
Also, popcornpicker, if you read this and get the chance anytime soon I would love to hear how your son likes his leatherman charge and how it works for him.
 
Garet Jax said:
Thanks for the input guys. Actually, It has been suggested that you bring a multi-tool for the basic training... Should come in handy anyway. I really must take a look at these Vic tools because I really don't know how they feel but I must say that I have the utmost respect and admiration for the marines and if a marine carries a charge for duty then that is one heck of a recommendation! Also, thank you for the congratulations. It is my honor to serve and protect my nation.
Click to expand...

Who suggested bringing a multi-tool? Was it an informal opinion from a friend or acquaintance, or from some "official" source? I ask because in my day, during basic training almost anything not GI was discouraged. Of course, my experience in the enlisted ranks BL (before Leatherman :D ) may have been different, but still, basic is basic. There will be a lot to deal with, among which what knife to carry will be a minor concern for some time to come.

It may be better to wait until you have had some training and experience before making your choice. My only pocketknife during the time I was in the army was a Boy Scout type. Somehow, I muddled through and never thought myself under-knifed. Today's options are much better.
 
If you can take a multi with you the Charge Xti has a hard cutter for barb wire and a 154cm main blade. The accessory tips lock in very securely. There is an optional accessory kit that gives you a total of about 44 different tips.
 
Congrats on the appointment. I'd suggest either the Leatherman Wave or the Victorinox Swiss Tool. Either of those in my opinion are the two to beat in multi tools available at this time.

STR
 
I'm not sure that you will be allowed to have one in Basic...knives and multi-tools were not allowed when I went through enlisted Basic back in 1986 at Ft. Sill.
But times change...who knows?

Anyway, assuming that you are allowed, I recommend either the Vic Swiss-Tool or the Leatherman Blast.

Good luck Soldier, and thanks for serving your nation.

Sincerely,
Allen
 
Garet Jax,

Hopefully you haven't made a decision yet, as I want to suggest to you the Charge TTi. Everyone in my unit (U.S. Ohio Army N.G. 196th MPAD) is very jealous of my Leatherman Charge TTi. Compared to their Gerbers (I would NEVER, EVER buy a GERBER) mine is on a different playing field. Titanium handles, S30V blade and saw, etc...

Highly recommended from a fellow Soldier... congrats and good luck my friend,
Ryan

P.S. It has gotten myself and many others out of a lot of unfortunate situations...
 
i like the vic Spirit,,,great multi tool...tough as nails too,,Congrats on the appointment,
 
Hi,

I'm non-military, but have both the Gerber Legend 800 (I think that is the name) and Leatherman Charge Xti. The Gerber is much maligned as it surpasses the Leatherman in comfort and accessibility (all tools accessed without opening the tool), and the spring loaded jaws are great.

However, you are right, the blade on the Gerber is not very good at all and is my main gripe with it. Also, there are too many screwdrivers as opposed to useful tools. The Leatherman wins on this score and also on size (unless you bring the rather oversized tool kit and sheath).

I don't have any experience with the Swiss tools. best of luck with your choice and deployment.
 
While it's always adviseable to ask, I'm thinking Garet's situation is a bit different from enlistee basic. Since he is going to be there for the better part of a year before being allowed any significant leave, and the Acedmies are essentially officer training universities, he will probably be permitted a fair selection of personal gear. I suspect they will provide him a list of suggested/approved personal kit and doubt that the list will exclude something as small and simple a multi-tool. The real question is whether/how he will be permitted to carry the tool during his daily activities.

I have an LM Charge XTi, and don't go anywhere without it. I'd strongly recommend it to most anyone else, but between the tool, and the bit kit, it is a belt carry item - it's just too big for pocket carry. This is probably not an option for a uniformed cadet though. In that case I'd consider some of the smaller, more pocket portable LM product.
 
TDahlgren,
I will guess that Garet wouldn't be walking around in Class As (military dress) all the time and probably goes most places in the Army Combat Uniform (digital ACUs). But, he said a multi-tool and if he wants a multi-tool and not a pocket sized midget that won't do as much (in that case, he would still have to have a full sized version), he might as well get a LM Charge TTi (is the latest and greatest). Also, if he just uses the pocket clip, there are plenty of places to store the TTi even on the beltline, or just in a pocket somewhere. Our ACUs have so many pockets that one will be accommodating to his multi-tool. If he has to do belt carry as well, he'll be able to do it most likely in his ACUs and if he does indeed have to wear his Class As everywhere, well then he's not going to be carrying anything but a gentleman's pocketknife or a think Leek-sized folder.

Good luck Garet, update us on your decision...
Ryan
 
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