I get more use out of the needle nose pliers on MTs than anything else so any MT without a needlenose pliers is a no go for me.

I never understood the love for sawblades on MTs. I don't own any MTs with saw blades and can honestly say I never wished for one.

While I like my Leatherman, I consider it to be primarily an urban tool. I simply don't find much use for its pliers in the woods.

A saw on the other hand can be useful for things like cutting walking staffs, processing fire wood and shelter building. According to some with experience in the area, SAK saws are helpful when making various traps too.

I use my MT pliers constantly in urban/suburban environments and pretty regularly while hiking and camping. Sometimes the best way to fix a piece of gear is with pliers.

With regard to the saw, it's been handy lots of times for solving branch and stick issues. I wouldn't want to be without it in the woods.

Asking this question is akin to asking, "what's the best pie to eat on Thanksgiving." You're going to get a bunch of different answers based on what other people's wants and needs are. Especially since Victorinox has such a wide selection of very similar tools.


Here's what I would suggest:

1. Stick with the models that have locking blades.
-They're simply safer to use when your motor skills might be compromised from being cold, wet, and/or hungry.

2. Look for a model that has a saw.
-Victorinox saws cut well, despite their diminutive size. They sometimes come in handy for shelter building and other bushcraft.

3. Look at your other gear.
-Find a model that has a tool selection that will work with your other gear. Do you need a long Phillips screwdriver for anything you carry? If so, consider getting a tool with that on there.

4. If the bag is staying in your vehicle most of the time, I would look heavily into their multi-tool models.
-I find their pliers, wire cutters, and slightly longer screwdrivers to be helpful with vehicle repairs.

5. Really take the time to go over the tool selections and pick a model that works for you.
-For example, years ago the consensus was that the Farmer model was "THE" survival Swiss Army knife. So I had to own one. But, then I realized the Camper model was a much better fit for me. It can do the same stuff as the Farmer, but it also has a spare blade, tweezers, and a place for a small glasses screwdriver....all things I use relatively often.

I've since replaced that model with a One-Handed Fireman. Again, similar tool selection to the Camper, just larger with a locking main blade.

I think that others have given you good advice, what you think you need in the woods. For me, a knife blade is only a backup (a fixed blade and a Spyderco). The saw, scissors, tweezers, toothpick and can opener are the important ones for woods loafing. Something like the Wengers or the Farmer with saw are great. Sometimes I do without the saw (although I often miss it) and carry an executive (my EDC SAK).

When I am working it depends on the equipment I am using. Sometimes a multi tool and sometimes an instrument specific tool kit.

Respectfully,

Jerry

That's a good point. Now that I think about it, when I was looking at my tool selection for backpacking and decided to leave the Leatherman at home this was my only real concern.

Ultimately I decided to put a tiny plier-based multi-tool in my small repair kit. It's not much but hopefully it would help in that area.



In a similar vein, since I don't carry a tool with scissors I make sure each of my FAKs have a small pair of scissors in them.

My favorite small pliers are on the Leatherman Squirt series. I have a PS4 (includes scissors!) and for their size they're strong, easy to use and versatile.

A Swiss Tool is very good to have. It's too large for me to EDC but I have one along when camping or in a vehicle. For urban carry EDC my SAK has been retired in favor of a Spyderco Ladybug in ZDP-189.

A Vic Farmer is what I carry.I just wish it had scissors on it.That being said a Huntsman has what a Farmer carries plus scissors,corkscrew,small blade,toothpick,tweezers and hook.The hook I find useless but still a handy package of tools....

BOATMAN
John

I'd have to say the One Handed Trekker (non serrated version) since it has a locking blade and a saw; the Huntsman has a good assortment of tools but the blade doesn't lock.