My opinion on multitools as an outdoor/survival tool

fishshooter

fishshooter

Joined
Mar 29, 2006
Messages
1,466
In reading goatariba's post inquiring about multitools, it struck me that I do not see many folks here using them. I guess I never really thought about it, but I probably use my Leatherman TTi more than any other implement. I thought I would make a list of the reasons why I carry it, and why I think it is more valuable than a SAK, to me at least.

When I venture outdoors, more times than not, the trip is to achieve a goal. Usually this involves food. ;) Primarily hunting, fishing, or trapping of some sort. Pliers are almost a necessity in certain types of fishing:
IMG_1088.jpg


As I have tried to streamline my gear, I have found the Leatherman to fill this role well. Here, my buddy keeps his fingers, thanks to the TTi:

IMG_2793a.jpg


Preparing some critters, like catfish and frogs, almost require pliers. Here I am dressing some small cats. The Charge's needle nose pliers are great for stuff like this.

IMG_2508a.jpg


In addition to fishing, I enjoy setting crawfish and crab traps, both are similiar set ups:

IMG_3146-1.jpg


IMG_3395.jpg


IMG_3458.jpg


IMG_3464.jpg


The multitools pliers and file make mending the traps in the field possible. When cooking in the field, they also make getting into the animals a lot easier, especially the claws.
 
Last edited:
The OP seems to have lost his thread, but I agree, I used to carry a Climber SAK, and I loved in but then I lost it and replaced it with a leatherman Wave, I use that a LOT more in both indoor (outside of post) and outdoor applications.
I do miss the tweasers and the corkscrew but otherwise is outperforms in the applications I need, and its mainly using the pliers, better grip than my fingers, not just bolts but string, wire, tent fixing etc etc.
 
The pliers are also handy in moving hot items around a fire, and as tongs, if need be. A multitool's other tools also come in handy. The large screwdriver is good for opening shellfish, like oysters, clams and scallops, where a sharp blade is definitely not wanted. Of course the diamond file can put a working edge back on a machete or hatchet.

IMG_3724.jpg



The small saw works almost as well as the SAK version.
Also, my outdoor activities almost always include other gear, be it a gun or reel. Tinkering with settings, making adjustments or clearing a jam are all way easier with a few simple tools. In a survival situation, the ability to improvise is paramount. The tools offered in the small package on my belt would give me the ability to salvage and construct, where I may not be able to with just a knife.
 
Last edited:
if the grip was a little more ergononomic on my wave.. I would use it as my main woods knife... (don;t stone me) I just trust it.. but the handle makes it rought to carve with over time.
 
Honestly, my Leatherman Wave is with me no matter were I am at. I love that thing. I have Over a hundred knives and including Swiss Army knives and I love them all but the Wave stays with me no matter what else i carry. So I know how you feel. If the Wave is all I had in the Woods then I would be just fine.
 
I carry a Leather man in one side of my belt and the SAK on the other side, usually the Vic Explorer. I would hate to have to do without either one but given one or the other, I would keep the Multi-tool.

I also carry My Extreme ops clipped on my pocket and the little Stanley shirt pocket box cutter in my T- shirt pocket. That is as cut down as I can get on tools.:eek:
 
Last edited:
Here is how I carry mine:
IMG_3727.jpg


The sheath it came with. I have a Bic lighter, a small ferro rod/magnesium rod, a bit kit, and a Fenix light in the sheath, also. It is small and light, and rides unnoticeable on my belt. I'll also carry a good folder or small fixed blade on my person. But unless it is a real involved job, I use the S30V blade on the TTi.
 
When I'm out hiking, I usually have a Vic Huntsman on me and a Vic Spirit X multi tool in my pack. I've never had to use the Spirit in the outdoors, but I like the idea of having one for the flexibility it offers.
 
I'll be the dissenting voice and say that I prefer the SAK and a pair of pliers over a multitool.

The ergonomics for using anything but the pliers on a multitool pretty much suck, let's face it. The only tool my SAKs don't have that I like to use if pliers, so, for me, I'll bring a SAK and a small set of needle noses.
 
Cpl Punishment said:
I'll be the dissenting voice and say that I prefer the SAK and a pair of pliers over a multitool.

The ergonomics for using anything but the pliers on a multitool pretty much suck, let's face it. The only tool my SAKs don't have that I like to use if pliers, so, for me, I'll bring a SAK and a small set of needle noses.
Click to expand...

I'll dissent with you, although I don't carry needlenose pliers, I carry a pair of good old Cee Tee pliers. Also see my thoughts on this in the other recent multitool thread.
 
Cpl Punishment said:
I'll be the dissenting voice and say that I prefer the SAK and a pair of pliers over a multitool.

The ergonomics for using anything but the pliers on a multitool pretty much suck, let's face it. The only tool my SAKs don't have that I like to use if pliers, so, for me, I'll bring a SAK and a small set of needle noses.
Click to expand...

That sums up the 'in use' thoughts for me as well. Too awkward to manipulate. (though the Gerber Flik Fish was a real pleasure in that regard)

More to the point, the weight just isn't justifiable versus the SAK + pliers. The only exception is if you're doing something involving mechanical equipment in the field (bikes, 4-wheelers, etc).
 
SpookyPistolero said:
The only exception is if you're doing something involving mechanical equipment in the field (bikes, 4-wheelers, etc).
Click to expand...

True, and I do carry a multitool at work, but not in the woods.

I like needlenose because I have big ol fingers, and it's nice to use them for fine things I can't do easily otherwise like tying lures or flies.
 
I'm another one of those folks who started out carrying a wave, dropped it overboard - the untimely fate of many of my boat knives, never replaced it. Gotta juice, hardly ever use it. Switched to a SAK. Love the sak.

I thought I used the pliers oh so often. On the boat, I just stuck a pair of crasftman needlenose pliers in the outside pocket of my mesh bag. You know what - those devoted pliers work way the heck better than the leatherman and they cost $14. When I used my wave, it was almost entirely for the pliers. The knife - poor grip and little control. The screwdrivers - PITA to get to. I never really fell in love with my wave, other than it was handy to have pliers on my belt.

Still as a stool it was well built. I just prefer a good old fashion pair of pliers.
 
I never used to carry a multitool outside, although I did have a Wave that I used around the dorm/apt. I usually carry a SAK when hiking or camping (Rucksack, Farmer, or OHT), but recently got a Vic Swisstool Spirit to try out. I've been taking it outside instead of my SAKs, don't really know why....I never did the same with the Wave. I think it's because the Vic feels so much more smooth and compact; I don't feel clunky with it and the ergos are much better than the Wave.

I can't say I've had to use it very much yet, but I like having the pliers, saws, files, wire cutter, and a few other tools on my belt in one compact package. It weighs nothing on the belt, and I don't notice it there at all. I look at the multi-tool more as a complement to my plain edged fixed blade. The pliers, saws, file, wire cutters, serrated blade, and scissors can handle just about everything I would encounter on the trail or in the camp that a plain edged blade won't solve. And the tools are all strong enough for me. So I'd rather bring one simple all-arounder :thumbup:.
 
I also don't carry a multitool. I did when I was in the Army -- needed, potentially, a toolbox on the belt. But I also carried an SAK, and that's what I carry today. If I had to do it over again, I'd probably ditch the multitool and get a good pair of pliers instead, carried with a solid SAK like a Tinker or a Soldier. That's what mostly got used on the thing anyway. Sits in my desk at work now, as the designated spot for tools in the office.

When I hike with the dog, I might need to pull thorns or cactus needles from her, so I got an SAK Mechanic. Weighs less than half that old Gerber, and still has a little pair of pliers in there that are a lot like a set of forceps. Could probably do just as well with the forceps for that particular chore, but what else would I use them for? I hardly fish anymore, and I'm not a nurse's assistant anymore either, so carrying forceps everyday seems silly.
 
I love a good ol' multi-tool. However, they will never replace a SAK, in my own opinion. The main tool I need, no matter what - is a knife. The knife on the MT is not as good as the SAK, in my own experience. Maybe some have better blade steel, but the ergos are definitely not comfortable for extended use. The SAK has a comfortable handle (at least to me) and is not as heavy as a large MT.
 
i have to say that i love the feel of my wave while using the knife but unless you have gorilla hands like me i could see a sak being nicer
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top