I currently use a Victorinox Minichamp, and I'm wondering if it's worth upgrading to another minitool:

Leatherman Micra :

http://www.epinions.com/hmgd-review-38DA-C826E7C-39E6EDDC-prod1 :
"Pros
Tool selection,size.

Cons
Scissors not stellar,prone to rust.

In conclusion,the Micra just didn't make the cut to stay on the keyring. For less money,you can get a Swiss Army knife that will do everything the Micra does,and is smaller and lighter to boot."

http://www.equipped.org/micra.htm :

"If I were the production manager at either Wenger or Victorinox, I'd be cutting back drastically on the smallest models like the Victorinox Classic and Executive and Wenger Esquire. The new Leatherman "Micra" is going to eat their lunch. While it isn't quite perfect, it quickly supplanted the Victorinox Executive I normally carried."

http://www.woodnet.net/toolreviews/multi.html :

"Based on the quality of construction and features in a small package, our testers overwhelmingly chose the Leatherman Micra and SOG Crosscut as the tools they’d most like to carry."

SOG crosscut :

http://www.epinions.com/content_15958773380 :

"Pros
Small, Light weight, Great scissors

Cons
Knife doesn't lock

The Bottom Line
I would recommend the SOG Crosscut because it is very useful on a day to day basis, and has exceptional scissors.
[...]
On closer examination, I found that the SOG has much better scissors than the Leatherman. The SOG's were a little bigger, opened wider, and had a more precise spring mechanism. I had found that occasionally it was hard to use the scissors on my Micra because they would not always spring back while I was cutting. Because I use my scissors every day, this was an important feature. "


Leatherman Squirt :

http://www.epinions.com/content_85797408388 :

"Pros
High quality, small size, good warranty.

Cons
Aluminum sides, flimsy looking key ring.

The Bottom Line
Compact, light-weight, and everything you would ever need in a size that fits easily on a key ring and into a pocket."

http://www.epinions.com/content_81116565124 :

"Pros
Looks sharp, quality steel, great pliers, small size

Cons
Could have more tools, cheesy single blade phillips

The Bottom Line
Save your money, unless you are making a fashion statement. The Sabertech knife/ pliers combo is a better, more durable design."

Sebertech M4 :

"Pros
Size,tool selection,locking tools.

Cons
Jaws could be more tapered."

The minichamp is a good knife. I like it but I carry a Micra. I agree with the issue of the scissors, but I have about three SAK's and they all gum up at some point or another. Also the Scissors on the leatherman are far superior. Plus you get better, and in my opinion stronger tools on the micra. I am huge SAK fan, but I am not such a huge fan of their smaller knifes.

My bottom line, the Laetherman Micra is a great microtool for the money, and you get more for less if you compare it to your minichamp. I think you would get more use out of it, especially the scissors which are more robust. Just my two cents.

Garrett

Squirt would be my choice for a mini tool but that's because it has pliers. I played with it in the store few times and it is sturdy enough with comfortable handles. I just don't have a use (and money) for small tool like that right now. Rust issue on Lethermans can be prevented with proper care. My tool (Wave) is used in the rain, on the river and ocean so it is realy prone to rust but once a month I just wipe it off with wd40.

Matt

what is the intended use of the mini-tool ? Just a tool that comes in handy in normaly everyday situations ? or do you want it to have survival capacity ?

for normal everyday use i would go for something simple, cheap like a SAK exsecutive, classic. it doesnt stand out much and exsepted by most people.

for a minitool with survival capacity i would go for the sog crossgrip or the leathermen squirt p4. because of the pliers.