Which Leatherman Is Best For ME?

Ares1307

Ares1307

Joined
Jun 14, 2012
Messages
545
Im very new to Multi-Tools, Ive had only two in the past and one is MIA and the other needs to be retired. I dont know anything about Multi-Tools except that I want a good one with a few specifics in mind. I also want to keep the price under $150, or even under $100 if possible. I really like the MUT and almost traded into one, but had an offer I couldnt refuse so now I might buy one. But I want to make sure this is the BEST Multi-Tool for ME. And Im asking about Leathermans in particular because thats the only brand I have ever had for Multi-Tools, but IF there are better options then feel free to share them.

Features I Want and/or Need:
* I NEED one that you dont have to open to get to the tools, like the MUT.
*I want one that has a pocket clip, or even a clip like the MUT and FreeStyle.
I want good steel for the knife blade, but that isnt a deal breaker.
Non Serrated knife blade.
*I NEED alot of tools: pliers (preferably spring loaded), wire cutters, can opener, scissors, saw, socket driver (not sure if this is the right term- the MUT has screwdrivers that you can change with other bits), maybe some kind of hammer like the MUT but Im not sure if this is exclusively for the MUT, and whatever else that can be used in an outdoor setting.

I like the MUT, especially the tools for cleaning guns. I know I should probably just buy a MUT, but I want to make sure there isnt a better option. The gun cleaning tools arnt a must have, but they are cool. The only one I would use is the female cleaning rod holder, I know thats not the right term, but its the one that holes your barrel brush. The things that are most important are Features I listed that have *. Most importantly, I want to feel like the Multi-Tool will never run out of tools... I like ALOT of tools.

Thank you all for any help you are willing to give.
 
the wave is the most versatile but if the gun cleaning is important then the MUT is the way to go really trying to get lm to make a woodsman tool but they have their heads so far up their u know what they think they have it figured out they just don't have any real competition I explained probably 85% of all users are hunters or fisherman maybe more, so I gave them specs and they thanked me and said they have a 4 year plan and nothing in the mix like this. What dopes.... I guess they didn't want to corner the market on a tool 85% of mt users would by, I would pay $ 200 to $ 300 for a really well made mt for the woods that had the features I asked like a s30v thick blade, fillet blade, dump the serrated blades, great saw, wood/metal file, scissors, bit adapter (one socket many screw driver attachments, could include attachment for gun cleaning) awl with hole, lanyard ring and a few other items, but nooooooo I have the micra, squirt (really like that for pocket carry) the supertool 300 wave (2) the skeletool and a few others including gerber mp 600 victonox treker but no one has got it right yet....
 
Sounds like you're talking yourself into a MUT:) It's a really cool tool. I never thought I would need one since the Skeletool CX does 85% of the same things for about half the price. That said, since I have gotten into shooting ARs, I really think I might need to get a MUT to go along with it:p
 
The Wingman has spring loaded pliers, which are nice. I love my wave, though. If I had $150 to spend, I'd but one of the Charge Tti or similar versions. Man I want one of those!

I too have a Squirt S2 for pocket carry and LOVE IT! I bought a used one for $20, realized it had major pin alignment issues, and sent it in for warranty repair. They sent me a brand new one! Gotta love LM.
 
Ares, I think the MUT is a good starting option for you, if you are sold on having all of those features. I'm not a fan of pocket clip tools, so I can't help you there, but having a multi-tool with a separate bit holder screwdriver like victorinox has, has some real advantages (like haveing two screwdrivers for chicago screws if you use them lots, and having a lower profile for getting at recessed screws) And if you are an AR shooter, I'm sure you'll find some uses for it, otherwise you might want to look at the medium sized tools. I've got my eye on a Rebar, but I use scissors quite a lot.... that said, the last time I handed over my Swisstool to someone to use the scissors it got more than a few "WOW, that's crazy" comments, But given the size of the scissors for the job, I would have got the same comment from handing over the crash shears I carry! maybe time to carry a vic classic?

Roland, Not to start a fight, but did you think of how long a lead time some of LMs stuff spends in RD before it goes to production? I get that you have a loadout that you would like to see. But not everyone is going to think the same way. if they get a bunch of calls from guys saying that they want X then they will get X. multi-tool quality was dropping acrossed the board untill the little desert dust-up began, and folks who need certain features on multi-tools spoke up. thats why we have AR specific multies on the market, as well as EOD edition MTs so every desk jockey can feel like they are saving the day in the style of Hurt Locker. If multies start becoming popular as single item wilderness tools, then maybe we'll see more wilderness features. I still want one with standard MSR wrench cutouts, but I'm not holding my breath. Don't get all up in a snot over it. 85% of multies ride around in laptop bags and get snagged at airports by the TSA. We happen to be in the vast minority that look at a multi-tool as a tool, not "that's neat" or "that might be handy" also the reason why 85% of the multi-tools sold cost about 20$.

I don't much care who makes the multi I'm carrying, as long as it does what it does well. I was hugely happy with my SOG powerlock, until I tried some of the tools, and over the year I carried it, I didn't ever start to feel better about the tool. Great design, poorly executed. My current Vic has several things that I kinda don't like, BUT it works, everything does what it should, can't ask for more.
 
All very good opinions. Thank you all very much for showing me alot of options I never thought of. Right after making this thread and reading the first comment I looked up the Wave, and I really like it... but somehow I stumbled onto the Charge TI and TTI.. and now Im in LOVE! I love both versions but would probably like the TTI best because of the S30V blade. I saw a bunch of 'bundles' on Ebay that come with some cool accessories, and the tool by itself isnt that expensive. I wouldnt really need all the accessories, but would like the extra bits, and the sheath for when Im wearing a firearm. I see a couple of people have suggested the Charge TTI now, and I really think that is the tool for me. I would really like to thank everybody for all the help, and keep it coming. I really dont know much at all about multi-tools, Ive only had two and havent bought one in YEARS. I didnt even know that some multi-tools had bit drivers or locking blades! :eek: I really liked the MUT, it just looks amazing, but the clip is a love/hate thing for me because it would be convenient to hook onto a limb or rack or something while Im using it so I dont have to lay it on the ground or close it and put it in my pocket, but it would also get in the way because its so big and I wouldnt want to use that clip for normal carry. And same story with the line/rope/seat belt cutter, it is good to have, but would get in the way when not using it. That is why I like the Charge so much, it has a real pocket clip, that I can remove when I want to carry it in its sheath, and it has a line/rope/seat belt cutter that wont get in the way. The only feature I wish the Charge TTI had that the MUT has is the hammer. I like all the gun tools, but dont have an AR so would only really use the scraper and barrel brush rod... but the rod is a bit wouldnt replace my cleaning kit so its just a perk, and a small one at that.

Thanks again everyone!
 
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