There are plenty of other multi-tools out there, 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 Skeletool CX ($90): 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): Well, I did it twice when I first saw the price tag. 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.
Free Leatherman P4 ($150): I was on the fence about this one. Like most of the Leatherman lineup, the Free P4 is a well-built, quality tool, but is it worth the $40 increase over our top pick, our $110 Wave Plus Leatherman himself? The big difference is the Free P4, with 21 tools, which uses magnets to open and lock tools, and a new mechanism to unlock and close small tools that don’t rely on your finger to follow. way of the blade. The initial magnets don’t take any more force to open the tool compared to other Leathermans, but as you start using the opening mechanism the opening mechanism will very smooth and effortless.
Victorinox Handyman ($56): The Handyman isn’t larger than any standard sized multi-tool, but its heft 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 bunch of great tools, including a corkscrew, a wood saw, and a file.
Smallrig Universal Multi-Tool for Videographers ($30): If you find yourself carrying around a lot of filming equipment, like our product reviewer Eric Ravenscraft, you might want a versatile tool made for camera adjustments and maintenance without knife and pliers. Smallrig includes nine tools, including hex keys in many common sizes for cameras, a Phillips-head screwdriver, and a pair of flat-head screwdrivers. Eric prefers the wider flat head for screwing and unscrewing the tripod head, which he says is often scraped and chewed by a smaller screwdriver.
Leatherman Micra ($57): Instead of pliers, the Micra unfolds into a pair of scissors. It looks like it is 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 swings around the scissors.
Leatherman Wingman ($70): 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 when”, similar to Victorinox Swiss Tool. It has 14 tools in its 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. At this price, it’s a great bargain.
Leatherman Raptor Feedback ($80): Instead of pliers, these medical scissors have a blunt end so doctors don’t accidentally hit 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).
