This topic may have already been ridden to death. If so, please bear with me.

Since we're talking about knives, I would be interested to hear from as many people as possible -- what knives and/or multi-tools you prefer to carry, and secondly, why did you choose that particular knife and/or multi-tool over all of the other choices on the market? Also, if you carry more than one on your person at any given time, why do you choose to do that?

Thanks!

mine multitool is a Swisstool X, because after loads of research that was best suitable for me. I also knew a guy who had one for a very dicent price. i'm dutch ya know <img src="images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Leatherman wave for me. Its not too small like some of the smaller multitools and SAK's but not too big like the original leatherman and gerbet and others.

My ultimate object is to find a multitool with pliers plus woodworking tools to support woodcraft -- traps, firemaking and the like. The desired tools:

-pliers
-knife
-saw
-awl
-chisel

Nice-to-haves:

-combo can opener - cap lifter
-slotted screwdriver (medium)
-Phillips screwdriver
-file
-scissors

So far the most "complete" multitool is the Leatherman SK4 Juice. But I find I seldom carry it. I rather prefer the size and weight of the Leatherman original PSK, and supplement this with an SAK with a wood saw.

I recently acquired a SwissTool with scissors, and am impressed with everything about it except the size and weight.

Bear

I carry a combo of folder and multitool. The performance of the multitool blades is adequate for many purposes but it´s no match for a knife. The folder is easier to clean when has only one blade or two. I only use folders that can be operated with one hand.
I prefer plain edge. I don´t have to cut a lot of rope and it´s easier to sharpen.
For most occassions I carry a Buck crosslock a Leatherman Micra and a Gerber Multiplier. The crosslock has a gutting hook that can be used for cutting seat belts clothing and small ropes. I chose the Gerber Multiplier because it can be opened with one hand.
For motorcycling I have a Spyderco folder and a Leatherman Wave. I selected the spyderco because it has a robust clip and not much bulk for its size. The Wave has good tools and onehanded opening is not important. I like to have scissors with me.
I have a small fixed blade in my wallet. This knife is handmade. I carry it for jobs that would damage folders. It can even cut metal and stay sharp.
For hunting and fishing I add a 4" fixed blade with a drop point. The fixed blade is robust and easiely cleaned. I prefer the the drop point because I find it easier to use for dressing the fish and game. The knife is handmade because I could find one that satisfied my needs.

Do we ever tire of debating knives and multi-tools...? My EDC is 5, except it goes down to 4 for Church (usually) - I don't carry the WAVE to church (no particular reason)

My EDC is a Wave, a Victorinox SAK (discontinued model, but similar to a Huntsman IIRC), a micra, an OldTimer 340T (?Middleman?), and a small (Meyerco?) lockback clipped to a BSA hot spark.

I have only been EDCing the Wave for 7-8 months - didn't want to freak out some of the er, hmmm, soft minded folks at work / clients. As it turns out, no one objects or comments - and I somewhat obscure it by clipping my cell phone to my belt right next to it anyway.

If I had to strip down to one my emotions tell me to keep the OldTimer, but the SAK would be more versitile (the OldTimer is a better KNIFE, IMHO and I've used it for - well, it could tell many interesting stories).

I've had the SAK for 20+ years and it has gone to the field with me everytime, but only for the last 5 years has it become EDC - I've grown more fond of it as a result. Last year (or thereabouts) I ordered a "spare part" eyeglasses screwdriver that fits in the corkscrew and THAT was a great idea from Victorinox - they really work well and I don't mind the inconvenience when attacking a cork (the corkscrew sees regular use, but not at work, LoL). If one has a Victorinox with a corkscrew, get the screwdriver that fits into it; it's useful.

I really like the micra but obviously have not had it for all that long. The scissors account for 95% of its use and the rest is nice to have but really redundant.

The Meyerco lockback is "dedicated" to my hotspark via a quick clip that the knife came with and while it is occasionally used for other knife tasks, the combo has started literally hundreds of fires (Scouts, relatives, friends, etc - easy to teach). Otherwise the knife has no special meaning or purpose, but the two go together so well I'll buy some more when I can get them cheap again ($7 when I bought a couple unseen)

The WAVE? I like it fine and use the pliers daily, the plain blade frequently, the serated blade almost never, the saw and file occassionaly, and the rest of the tools infrequently. A long time ago I bought one of the original Gerbers and that sucker bit me too many times - a real pinch-monster. So I wouldn't even consider a Gerber until recently. And I had used others original Leathermans and did not like them. The WAVE suits me fine for now. I am not crazy about the knife blade - seems a little soft. Mixed feelings about the screwdriver blades, but they work well. Saw is OK and file is good. Pliers so far are good. Overall the size is a good compromise for my uses.

My core essentials bag currently has a CS SRK - I like it - and an old Soligen copy of a Grohman (sp) knife that is quite good. Also a Gerber lockback folding saw and a Gerber/Fiskars hand ax (so far so good - decent value). Other knives added/substituted for specific trips include a Kershaw skinner fixed blade, a machette, and others.

I'm sure I'd really like some of the great knives available now, but these are fine for me. Anyone want to gift me a Sbenza? <grin>

Tom

It just dawned on me that your lathe bit knife is probably made from a parting tool blade, right? I had a fit thinking about grinding down a square bit into a knife... that's a good idea (parting tool bit). Which tool alloy did you use?

<<I chose the Gerber Multiplier because it can be opened with one hand.>>

<<The Wave has good tools and onehanded opening is not important.>>

I'm not insanely fond of my WAVE, but I always open mine with one hand. It's a <flick> motion kind of like opening a butterfly knife - kind of. They are a PITA to do that with when brand new but smooth in fairly quickly (a little Kroil helps). I would find far less use for the WAVE if I couldn't flick the pliers open one-handed. Not as simple as a Gerber but very simple with a little practice. And I always sheath it so that I can one-handed open the plain blade with my thumb as I withdraw it from the sheath.

The supplied leather sheath is OK but loose with use (leather - go figure). I should replace it with a Kydex sheath. One of the other WAVES in the family, my eldest son's, has the factory nylon sheath and it has stayed snug, but I'm not crazy about hook and pile fasteners on a knife sheath.

Time for me to look again at the Gerbers... my wife needs something to replace her old Gerber with anyway... I kind of like the ones with the carbide lathe tool inserts in the wire cutter - I think I use that size on some of my insert holders for the lathe.

Tom

I think you´re right (english isn´t my native language, so I sometimes have difficulties with technical terms). The bit has the thickness of the blade. I don´t know which alloy it is. It´s a tool for high speed cutting of bearing steel (100 Cr 6). I got a couple of those tools from a scrap metal container for free.

I can open my wave with one hand but I usually don´t. With wet or oily hands the flick motion sometimes ends with an airborne tool (this happened to a friend of mine, it wasn´t exactly funny). I need the screwdrivers an the scissors more often than the pliers. Those tools can´t be opened onehanded anyway.
With my Gerber the pliers are ready to use after it cleared the sheath. That´s really an asset in some cases.

Well, depends on the places I am going. EDC is a Victorinox Rambler and in the daypack/briefcase is a Victorinox Farmer. If I am going hiking I usually carry a Swiss Tool and the Rambler. If I am going on an extended trip I add a fixed blade, a Ghromann # 3 "Boat knife" in a covered sheath and keep it in my pack until needed. I do not like Leatherman tools, every one I have ever owned bent or broke in a short time. The steel is pathetic quality. I prefer the Swiss tool, although heavy and large, it handles everything thrown at it, with no damage. If I want to travel light and can see no need for pliers and some of the other multitool gadgets, I just go with the SAK Farmer, heavier blades than a standard SAK. I like the locker blades like the Forester and own one, just have never carried on a trip. I have had an old Farmer for 20+ yrs and still 100% condition, like all Victorinox products, they hold up through the "real deal"!!
When I was in the military I carried a Randall #1 fighting knife with the standard leather washer grip. A work of art!!
I am very particular about any item I carry, it has to work as advertised, not a belt decoration but a real tool. A lifetime warranty means nothing if you die when a tool fails at a critical time. I have belt shelters, made traps and camp items, cut ropes, cut loose a hung jumper stuck behind a C-130 at 125Kts, and done many tasks with the various knives and tools I have owned, the ones that held up are still with me. The ones that looked "cool" were given a fair test and if they failed, they are in the dumpster!

I carry a multitool I've never heard mentioned here before; a Sears Craftsman. I originally bought it because I could easily replace it if something on it were to break, no questions asked. I've carried it religiously for several years now, and use it on a daily basis. It's never let me down despite some oft times hard usage. I like the fact that I can access all the tools with it closed, and the pliers can be opened one-handed once you figure out how to flick it open properly. I dearly wish it had a small flathead screwdriver, but I can't really complain. I also carry a Wenger 'Esquire' SAK on my key chain, which I mostly use for the scissors (I much prefer the Wenger scissor design to that of the Victorinox). Once in a great while I'll carry one of those surplus West German Army knives that have recently flooded the market; nice knives really, but a little bulky for my tastes. I have other knives and multitools, but I never seem to carry them on my person. They all reside in my glove compartment, BOB, or flight bag.

My everyday carry is a benchmade 721 (Mel Pardue folder with the G10 handle). I had been carrying a CRKT Crawford Kapser Folder for about 2 and a half years before I got the Benchmade. I loved the CRKT...but after living with it for so long, I began to learn what I really wanted in a knife. The Benchmade fit in with the budget, and I like the asthetics. On my keychain, I have a Leatherman Micra. It's seen a lot of use, and is going to be retired soon (and replaced with a Squirt S4). Depending on where I'm going, I have a Leatherman Wave on my belt. Fixed blade wise, for a big blade I use my SOG Seal Knife. It's probably going to take a back seat to a Becker CU7 pretty soon. I also just picked up a CRKT Ryan Plan B...that's a fun little knife.

Yesterday, I picked up an Inova X5 (with the white LEDs). That thing is incredible. It is now part of my EDC. I'm sold on LEDs now.

Other random knives I have around...there's a Spyderco Endura in glove box in my car, and a Buck Model 119 in the trunk. A Gerber EZ Out in the big first aid kit. A random Victornox SAK that appeared in my car one day is now part of my cook kit. Aside from that, there are plenty more knives all around my place....usually within arm's reach.

-Chris

<<english isn´t my native language>>

Of course, but your command of it is far superior to my limited use of German. Your description is enough of a clue for me - they were bits for a parting tool for a lathe. Alloy could be any high speed tool steel from M2 on up to super alloys. My practical knowledge of high speed tool steels is limited to what I've used. It seems to me that they would make very practical small knives. Larger knives, I'm not so sure - in my experience they are not as flexible as more ordinary knive steels and they are not practically able to be differentially tempered - a uniform hardness throughout. I think that's why tool alloy knife blades tend to be thick bladed, but I may be wrong about that.

In any event, your use of parting or cut-off lathe bits is ingenious - I am going to make a couple myself and try them out. M2 and M5 bits are cheap... thanks for the idea!

Regards,

Tom

<<wet or oily hands the flick motion sometimes ends with an airborne tool >>

Good point. I suppose that this forum could compile a design list for a few multi tools that would incorporate the best features of all models. But who would manufacture them?

I carry a Benchmade-Crawford Leopard , a Super Tinker SAK w/ a Photon 2 on the key chain , a swisstool in my wallet . Also my BK-7 is usually within reach but i still have an A.G. Russell Deer Hunter belt knife on my side (VG-10 is very reliable.) <img src="images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

I own the SwissTool R/S, the Leatherman Wave, the Micra, the PST, a bunch of Schrade Old-Timer type knives, the Spyderco Cricket and Dragonfly, and these SAKs: Explorer, Classic, Signature Lite II, Rambler, SwissChamp, Midnite MiniChamp II, Executive, Craftsman, Camper, CyberTool 34, and CyberTool 41.

For heavy-duty tasks, I get out the SwissTool R/S because I know it can handle anything without bending. The Wave rides in my EDC shoulder bag. I used to carry the Wave on my belt, but I never had any reason to use it. I didn't want to roam about everyday without a large multitool, so the Wave went into my bag. I carry the CyberTool 41 on my belt. It is useful since I work with computers. Having quick access to a nice long bit driver is cool. I like the saw, too.

My brother-in-law gave me a gift of a really beautiful handmade two-bladed folder. It is as well made as a SAK, and is built like a little tank. I carry this knife every day.

I also carry either the Cricket or Dragonfly in case I need a cutting tool fast. I never use them "just because" unless I am at home.

Lastly, I also carry the Midnite MiniChamp II because it is quite small, looks like a toy, is very inocuous, and offers an array of tools.

What do I carry?

Well, then the earth was young and dinosaurs roamed freely - sorry, when I was a teenager - my parents gave me a SAK. A 'Champ' or 'Camper', I don't remember. It had two blades, scissors, can opener, bottle opener, corkscrew and awl. (That knife, when combined with a Buck 'Folding Hunter' (4" blade), got me through many outdoors trips with the Scouts - including 2 trips to Philmont.) To me, my SAK was the Nirvana of Knives.

My trusty SAK soldiered on in my pocket all through college. To prove the point that "preparedness" covers more than just survival, my trusty SAK even saved a date. The girlfriend invited me out one weekend for a picnic lunch on the levee. All was perfect - secluded clearing overlooking the mighty Mississippi, big cozy blanket, wonderful eats, a bottle of Italian wine. And no corkscrew. She wanted to pack up and head home. I reached into my pocket, produced the SAK, deployed the corkscrew and… saved the day. She was VERY appreciative. (Nudge, nudge, wink, wink.) <img src="images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> MY SAK did it all. We were inseparable.

Then, I graduated. A large SAK just didn't fit comfortably in the pocket of office attire, so I bought a SAK 'Classic' for my key ring, and relegated my old friend to the front pocket of my daypack. For me, it was almost like sending grand-pa to the home. I missed that reassuring weight in my pocket. But, the arrangement worked well - I had in my pocket the tools I needed day-to-day (mostly the scissors and the tweezers), and everything else I thought I would ever need was in my daypack. It worked well for 15 years.

Then I discovered 'Equipped to Survive'. <img src="images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

After one evening's wandering through ETS, my trusted old friend seemed so, so…. limited. "What?" I cried, "No locking blades? No serrated blades? No saw? No phillips screwdriver? No…. PLIERS?? We gotta talk, old friend." I had never heard of a 'Leatherman Wave' before, now I had to have one. Bad. My wife thought I was moonbat nuts. $70 bucks for a knife? No way. (BTW - word of advice for all you guys out there. NEVER, EVER try to rationalize the cost of a knife by comparing it with what she would spend for a pair of shoes. Just trust me on this one.) To keep domestic tranquillity, I kept my old SAK in my briefcase (moved up from the daypack), and got a Buck "Minitool" to replace my SAK 'Classic'. It worked OK, but the pliers were too small (how I got this far in life without pliers on me, I'll never know.) Then, I got a Leatherman 'Micra' as a gift. Its scissors and tweezers were superior to the Buck, so on the key ring it went. (During this period, I actually took to carrying a pair of Sears Craftsman pliers in my briefcase. Sad, isn't it?).

I never got the 'Wave', because I discovered the Leatherman 'Juice/Squirt' series. It allowed me to keep the 'two-tool' approach (one on person, one in my daytimer/briefcase) that had worked so well for me in the past, with practically no duplication of tools. (I don't need two scissors, thank you.) So after many years of being my constant companion, my SAK was finally relegated to the "Drawer of Misfit Tools" in my drafting table, and replaced by a 'Juice Kf4'. The 'Micra' was later dumped for a 'Squirt S4'.

That is where I am today. While my functional tool needs have been met, I am still not satisfied somehow. I want my old SAK back with me. Each time I see it, a flood of memories returns - the nick from this incident, the scratch from that. My story in a 3 1/2-inch package. When I look at my shiny Kf4, I see a tool. If it gets lost, buy another one.

I know, I know. When the chips are down, there is no room for sentimentality. I am better prepared now. But…..

Oh, yes - and I blame all of this on Doug. <img src="images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

…..CLIFF

Tackdriver,
I used to EDC only a SAK huntsman, but then I was awakened but ETS.org. This website actually got me to decide on the Swisstool RS. I wanted a Multitool that had scissors on it so that is why Iwent with the RS. Plus it has a serrated blade as well, although it is not the best, it still does a damn fine job. I had owned just about every other major brand and was not satified with any of them. Victorinox offers a better tool in my opinion, based mostly on each blade being locked, better grip and a stronger feel. Its heavy but I am a strong guy (or so I like to think.)

I also carry a Spyderco Military. After much research, I wanted a Chris Reeve Sebenza, but my wife said no to that one. The Military is a great knife and I actually appreciate its large size and relatively low profile. It is a huge knife, so I would suggest handling it at a store before you buy one.

WIth companies like Victoriniox and Spyderco, you get good equipment for the price, plus unparalled customer service.

I hope this helped you out,

Garrett

I switch between a Wave and a Juice Pro. I like the wave because it is pretty thin and light, has some locking tools with on hand openable blades. I usually carry that when I do outdoors stuff. I like the Juice because it has everything you could possible need in a multitool, however it just doesn't seem as heavy duty, though I may be wrong. Also, it wears a bit better on my belt and I feel fits in better with PHRASECENSOREDPOSTERSHOULDKNOWBETTER. then the wave would. I do have a Swisstool, but I have found it way to big to carry, hard to open one handed and it just doesn't give the tools I need. Anyway, my EDC is the Juice Pro with a Benchmade 705BT and when I go scouting I take a BM 720 and a Wave. I also carry on a keychain a leatherman squirt S4 along with a wistle, Photon light, and BSA sparklight.

Great post, Cliff...

I'm in the same boat with my sentimental SAK. I've carried it for 10-12 years, through high school, college and my wedding! I now carry a wave and endura lockback in addition to my trusty old SAK. But I just can't give it up.

Regards,
~W

Thanks.

Glad to know I'm not alone in my loyalty to my SAK. No, it doesn't have one-handed opening, The blades don't lock. And who needs a can-opener anymore? Or a corkscrew? But still, I find myself trying to find a reason to ditch the Juice and return my old friend to that slot in my day-timer. The knife never failed, and withstood all of the use (and abuse) I put it through. My SAK was in my pocket when I graduated college. I used the scissors to cut the wristband off my newborn daughter when we brought her home. Each nick, scratch or blemish has a story.

…..CLIFF

I hear you cliff,

I still sometimes rotate my old huntsman into my EDC! I just cant seem to let it go. And I find a reason to bring it out and use it for something everytime I carry it!!

Garrett

Before I retired I carried a Leatherman Mini Tool, at work I was never far from my tool box if I needed anything that wasn't on the Mini. Camping or hiking I usually carry a Leatherman Supertool and/ or SAK Rucksack for their wider selection of tools.
gino

dchinell,

For your perfect multitool, it sounds like all you need is to get a Wave and a grinding wheel...

It already has the pliers (obviously), the knife and the saw. With a grinding wheel you can turn the large flatblade screwdriver into a chisel, and the small flatblade into an awl. You will also still have all of your nice-to-haves that you indicated.

It isn't even a complicated process. You could probably do it in about 5 minutes with a grinding wheel or a dremel.

Now that I have solved your ultimate object quest, is there some kind of reward or something? <img src="images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Greg

greg and dchinell,

If you need a mulittool with a chisel and an awl, go with a swisstool. It already has one of each and no moidifications that will void the warranty when the tool breaks on you (and they ALL do!)

Garrett

garrett,

I am aware of the tools on the Swisstool. I came very close to getting one instead of my Wave (I know, I can always get both <img src="images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />). The main reason I went with the wave was due to the size and weight differences between the two, and I really liked the one handed opening blades that the Swisstool doesn't have. Still, you are correct and the Swisstool is a great product, but it has some tools that I never use, and I really don't like the stubbiness of the pliers, but that's just me.

As for the warranty issues, 1) I rarely break tools because I don't abuse them and I rarely use them for tasks they weren't intended. 2) They certainly are not more likely to break just because I sharpened a screwdriver blade. However, you may be correct that they may not warranty the tool, but they aren't that expensive anyway, and I can be very convincing when I complain <img src="images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

I will probably get a Swisstool one of these days just because I like multitools, but I doubt I will carry it everyday like I do my Wave. And if I don't have it with me, then it doesn't matter how great a tool it is.

Later!

Greg

Greg: Thanks for offering your ideas about transforming the Wave. It's not a bad idea, and I've heard about doing that kind of stuff before, but I hesitate because I'm not sure the temper of the screwdriver blades would be up to the new tasks.

So I'm alternating between the SwissTool X, the Wave, the Juice, and the PST supplemented with my SAK.

I'd be interested to hear from anyone who has replaced any of the PST tools -- like how to remove and replace the pivot pins, and with what, and what multitool tools are compatible with what other multitools. That kind of stuff.

Bear

It is quite interesting not finding the SOG Powerlock (or any other Sog tool) on the list. I'm using it since the millenium and its leverage system, user servicable/exchangeble blades, and the one hand opening feature are all must have for me. It's big, rugged and practical. Although I've removed the covers they might be useful for others.