There are plenty of other multi-tools on the market, and brands like Leatherman and Victorinox have models based on models that make it confusing to figure out exactly what to get. Here are some others I like.
Leatherman Micra ($30): Instead of pliers, the Micra unfolds into a pair of scissors. It looks like it’s made of cheaper materials and has a thinner blade than the Victorinox Mini Champ, which is similar in size, purpose, and price. The spring mechanism can be opened and closed without needing to poke in. But it has character, and I like the little things. It’s a good alternative to the Mini Champ, especially if you want a small multi-tool that revolves around scissors.
Leatherman Skeletool CX ($80): This one is a bit smaller than the Wave Plus, but it’s still a standard sized all-in-one. If you don’t need all the bells and whistles our top pick has to offer, you can do with a gizmo that’s less bulky but still has the most used, basic tools, like such as knives, bottle openers, can openers, bit drivers, and pliers.
Victorinox Swiss Tool ($169): Yes, I also did a double calculation when I first saw the price list. At 10 ounces, it’s also heavier. But it’s beautifully made, and I like the boxy, straight-edge handles. Sometimes it’s nice to have a tool that doesn’t try to look modern. It’s so beautiful.
Victorinox Handyman ($59): The Handyman isn’t larger than any standard sized multi-tool, but its weight comes from being taller than it is wide, so it feels bulkier in the hand. It’s not unmanageable, but a four-layer Swiss Army knife like the Deluxe Tinker makes for a more portable choice. For less money, though, you get a great range of tools, including a corkscrew, a wood saw, and a file.
Leatherman Wingman ($60): Wingman just feels great to use. There are no wild textured surfaces and no plastic anywhere. The fine scales give a vintage feel that, in a good way, “recalls time” similar to Victorinox Swiss Tool. It has 14 tools in the handle, all of which slide open and close as smoothly as if they were made of butter. The entire foldable package is only 4 inches long and weighs 7 ounces. For $60, it’s a great bargain.
Leatherman Raptor Feedback ($70): Instead of being in the form of pliers, these medical scissors have a blunt end so doctors don’t accidentally stab patients when trying to cut through clothing. Raptor Response is very appropriate. If you have to ask, no, you don’t need to. But for an EMT or a paramedic in the wilderness on distant homecoming trips, it’s an ingenious packaging solution that includes an oxygen tank wrench and a ring cutter (for cutting through jewelry). tighten).
