Is there a multitool that isn't a nail-busting clunker?

DM51 · Jul 17, 2007

All the multitools I have seen are clunkers with lousy blades, a bunch of features you would never use, they're made of poor quality steel and you can't open any of the attachments without busting a fingernail.

As an alternative there is the mini SAK (the one with a blade, a file, tweezers and a pair of scissors). This is neat and better made, and it is easier to open, but even so the blade is very poor indeed.

Is there anything else worth considering?

turbodog · Jul 17, 2007

The swiss army multitool is probably the finest I have seen for fit and finish. You can easily open the tools w/o ripping off a fingernail.

Some of the OLDER leatherman tools (the original series) are nice.

I've also had good luck with a gerber as well.

knot · Jul 17, 2007

Every Leatherman I've owned or looked at seem to be of the highest quality.

I like the idea of locking pliers in the Kershaw (but this is the one that I pinched my hand on - factory said it was a design error)

Some reviews of other multitools: http://www.knifecenter.com/knifecenter/leatherman/multi1.html

parnass · Jul 17, 2007

The Victorinox Spirit and SwissTools are my favorites, but you may not like them.

If your fingernails are especially short or fragile, you can get a SOG PowerLock multitool. You can make the blades looser or tighter by adjusting the bolts on the side. Lowe's sells one version of the Powerlock with a belt cutter in place of a scissors.

CLHC · Jul 17, 2007

There's the SOG line of multi-tools along with a barrage from Leatherman and Victorinox SAK. You may wish to try checking out the Beretta Pistol and Shotgun Tools which I didn't know they had. Even SeberTech SeberTools are another compacted tools to try out.

Enjoy!

GoingGear.com · Jul 17, 2007

The Leatherman Charge's main (locking) blades can be opened with one hand while the tool is closed, and the plain edge blade is 154CM. That's better than poor quality steel in my book.

ringzero · Jul 17, 2007

DM51 said:
All the multitools I have seen are clunkers with lousy blades, a bunch of features you would never use, they're made of poor quality steel and you can't open any of the attachments without busting a fingernail.

You might consider the Buck Xtract:
http://www.rei.com/product/750976

Very decent blade, two screwdrivers, pliers, and can opener are all One-Hand-Opening.

All tools lock open.

Everything you commonly need and nothing you don't.

All tools instantly accessible without butterflying handles apart as is necessary with most multitools.

Available for around $30 at various places. REI's price on the Xtract is high.

.

cutlerylover · Jul 17, 2007

I have to say I was VERY impressed with every leatherman I ever handled and owned, and I still love my wave and micra...but fro what I hear victorinox has been makign soem nice multitools too...Alot of people like the gerbers too...Sounds to me you have yet to try a nice multitool...

AndyTiedye · Jul 17, 2007

I have a Victorinox Swisstool Spirit. Much better-made than recent Leathermen.
There are some new Wenger multitools coming out that will be worth checking out.

I have noticed that many of the more exotic steels seem considerably
more prone to rust than the steel on Swiss Army knives and multitools.

tvodrd · Jul 21, 2007

lumiphile said:
The Leatherman Charge's main (locking) blades can be opened with one hand while the tool is closed, and the plain edge blade is 154CM. That's better than poor quality steel in my book.

The latest Charge models have an S30V main blade.
Edit: I see that's just the TTi that has the S30V steel. The AL and ALX are 154CM.

Larry

Illum · Jul 21, 2007

Victorinox multitools are nice...but after mine went to the beach and back it no longer slides so smoothly... :ohgeez:

my craftsman's seen sand, oil, etc...still works well...except it wasnt smooth to begin with

vic2367 · Jul 22, 2007

sak spirit,,,very easy to open,,no nail twisting,,,

mossyoak · Jul 22, 2007

charge xti very smooth and light weight and 154cm is custom knife grade steel.

Is there a multitool that isn't a nail-busting clunker?

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