So, it's been a year now, and the thread is still coming up. I've thought over the question and I think I still feel the same as I did let year. I think som eking of small multitool is a good thing to have around, but don't let it get ridiculous. Dealing with an occasional screw, or bottle cap, is one thing, but how many of us really need to have a complete tool kit on our belt?
I have to hand it to Tim Leatherman, he did a great job of creating a market for a product that is a answer to an unasked question. Some of the Leatherman's I see are just overkill unless you are in some sort of trade where you are on the go in the field constantly. Even then, for what some of the larger Leatherman's weigh and cost, you could put together a small tool kit for less cost and maybe even less weight. Some of the Leatherman tool selection is redundant with too many screw driver bits and add on bits for a driver that you may need once in a lifetime. Somehow I reached senior citizen stage without any multitool other than a standard SAK or a few items in my wallet. I do love the little micra, and I have become very used to having the squirt around. But beyond that, it starts getting silly very quickly.
Most tradesmen I knew, who do go into the field very often, have a small tool kit on a belt pouch that has real tools in it. Real pair of small channel locks or vise grips, real screw drivers. I've yet to see any Leatherman that can compete with the real tools for the function.
Small pocket size multitools are a good thing. If they can't be dropped into a pocket and hardly be noticed, they get awkward to have along very fast. Over the years, Leatherman has grown to big, too heavy, and too expensive for what they are. But I'm sure Tim Leatherman lives well from the sales.
Edit to add; I can't remember the last time I had to deal with a flat screw. To include multiples on a tool is now questionable.
