Christmas is creeping up fast, and it hit me—this holiday marks 25 years since I got my first multitool. Back in 1999, I received a Leatherman Wave, and for nearly a decade, it was my trusty sidekick. Fast forward to today, I’ve owned and reviewed over 100 different multitools, and I've learned a ton along the way. I’ve tested, carried, and even regretted buying a few, but all of that has led me to a few key lessons that I think everyone should know before buying one.
In this post, I’m sharing three key takeaways that every multitool buyer should understand. I’ll also break down my top picks in various categories—from keychain-friendly options to heavy-duty beasts. Whether you’re shopping for a gift or looking for the one multitool you’ll never want to replace, you’re in the right place.
Take a look at the video below for the full rundown if you want to see these tools in action!
Three Things to Know Before Buying a Multitool
1. How You Carry It Matters More Than Anything
This might sound simple, but trust me, it’s the make-or-break factor. If the multitool isn’t on you when you need it, it’s useless. Let’s be real—no one is lugging around a 12-ounce brick in their jeans pocket. If you’re not okay with carrying something on your hip in a sheath, or clipped in your pocket, you’ll probably leave it at home, in your glovebox, or buried in your backpack.
Luckily, there are comfortable ways to carry a multitool:
- Sheathed on your hip: Great for heavier tools that need a home of their own.
- Clipped in your pocket: Less bulk, feels natural for people used to carrying pocketknives.
- Keychain tools: Perfect for anyone who wants to keep things ultra-light and easy.
Here’s the shocker: my most-used multitool isn’t some heavy-duty gadget. It’s the Victorinox Manager sitting on my keychain. It’s tiny, but I use it daily. Heck, most people could stop their search right there.
2. It Needs to Be Easy to Use
A multitool is only as good as its usability. Can you easily grab the tool or blade you need without fumbling? If you’re out camping or in an emergency, ease of access isn’t just important—it’s critical.
Two of my favorite examples of multitools designed for accessibility:
- Leatherman Free P4: Every tool on this bad boy can be deployed one-handed, whether you’re lefty or righty.
- Roxon Flash: Designed with one-handed convenience in mind, from the pliers to the saw, this tool makes multitasking effortless.
Some multitools out there still feel clunky or outdated. Don’t settle for something that feels like a puzzle to open.
3. Accessories Can Be a Trap
Let me warn you: not every multitool add-on is a smart buy. Some accessories add bulk or rely on proprietary parts that are pricey and hard to replace.
That said, there are a few clever accessories worth considering.
But if an accessory makes you less likely to carry the tool, skip it. At that point, you’re just better off building a full-on toolkit for your car or home.
The Best Multitools for Every Situation
Let’s dive into my top multitool recommendations, broken down by category. Whether you’re looking for something discreet or a heavy-duty workhorse, I’ve got you covered.
Keychain Multitools: For Minimalists and Everyday Use
Keychain multitools are small but mighty. Perfect for light, everyday tasks.
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Honorable Mentions:
- Nextool Mini Sailor Lite: Lightweight and bladeless, perfect for TSA-friendly situations.
- Victorinox Jetsetter: TSA friendly, crazy good scissors and Philips driver
- Lever Gear Edge XT: Slim utility knife with magnetic bit drivers—super versatile.
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The Winner: Victorinox Rambler
Small, powerful, and loaded with essentials like scissors, a blade, tweezers, and a Phillips screwdriver. Honestly, it’s the Swiss Army solution for anyone who doesn’t want to carry much.
Ultralight Multitools: Barely There Weight
If you want pocket tools without the bulk, these are for you.
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Top Pick: Victorinox Compact
This 2-layer Swiss Army knife covers all your basic needs: scissors, a capable blade, a bottle opener, and even a pressurized pen. It's practical, sleek, and won’t weigh you down.
Woodsman’s Multitools: Get Carv-y With It
Love working with wood or spending time outdoors? Here’s what you need.
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Honorable Mentions:
- Victorinox Huntsman: Solid tool, but a little less feature-packed than the winner.
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The Winner: Victorinox Ranger
The Ranger does everything the Huntsman does, but with extras like a metal file, saw, and chisel. It’s compact, ergonomic, and built for heavy use.
Locking Compact Pocket Knife (FOR USA Market)
Lots of great features in this tool at a fantastic sub $40 price.
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Top Pick: Roxon K2SE
Features a D2 blade, hefty scissors, and outboard locking tools. It’s durable for its size, grippy, and loveably functional.
Outdoor Adventures, Boating, Hunting, Fishing & More
The biggest difference between a pure woodcraft and outdoors tool is the need for robust pliers. Repairing vehicles and gear can be a make or break for your next trip.
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Honorable Mention:
- Leatherman Free P4: if price is no object, this is your tool. Regardless if your using it with a right or left hand, everything is equally accessible.
- A Smiths $8 diamond Sharpener is the ideal compliment for this tool.
- Winner by a nose, Roxon Flash: At $43 its far more budget friendly, has nearly all the tools one hand able and a great toolset for the outdoors.
Heavy-Duty Multitools: Built for Workhorses
Got tough tasks and no room for error? These are designed to handle serious jobs.
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Honorable Mentions:
- Gerber Dual Force: Unique design with extra-wide-opening pliers.
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Victorinox Swiss Tool MX Clip
Lightweight, slim, with unbelievably smooth pliers and fully accessible outboard tools. - Gerber Center Drive: Pliers, driver, and blade. All with super fast access. If it had a T-shank holder it would easily be top dog of the HD world.
- Leatherman Surge: Still solid, but QC issues hold it back these days.
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The Winner, Leatherman Surge: Still the king of multitools, but it's days are numbered. Competitors are nipping at its heals.
Companion Multitool for Knife Lovers
If your not willing to give up carrying your dedicated folding knife or fixed blade, you may want something that complements well and is compact and easy to carry.
- Honorable Mention:
- SOG Powerpint: This 4.3 ounce tool is in a league of its own. Very budget friendly under $50, and can easily fit in a 5th pocket of a pair of jeans.
- Leader ATM, Leatherman Knifeless Rebar: Quite literally this was designed to do everything you need other than having a knife. At 6.8 oz its a little on the heavy side, but it packs quite a punch in a very compact form factor.
The "Loaner" or Gift Tool
- Honorable Mentions:
- Hybrid Tool by Bibury: Imagine if a company mashed up all the good features available currently without a patent, this is what you get. You will easily recognize some of the characteristics from your favorite Leatherman.
- Pocket Knife by Mossy Oak: Sub $20 and quite capable, has a pocket clip, full 1/4" bit driver and large scissor.
- Surge Clone by Bibury: This is exactly what it sounds like, with patents expiring in 2018 we were bound to start seeing these. Thankfully they are quite good, especially for a price point under $40!
The DIY, build your own Multitool
For those who are never satisfied with the toolsets in multitools, these will let you craft your own!
- Honorable Mention:
- GOAT Tool: This tool kicked off the Modular multitool crazy and has some very unique tools. Everything inside the plier handle can be swapped for additional components of your choice.
- Winner, Roxon Flex (10% off: MAX_10OFF): At the moment, the flex system developed by Roxon has tons and tons of different component options. Best of all, you can start with a blank frame and build it a-la-carte . Have fun!
The One Tool to Rule Them All
If I had to pick just one multitool to keep forever, it’s the Victorinox Swiss Tool Spirit MX Clip. Why? It’s balanced, functional, and built to last. The addition of a pocket clip just puts it over the edge. At $110 (right now), it’s surprisingly affordable for what you’re getting, and the improved usability makes it an even sweeter deal.
Wrapping This Up
After 25 years of carrying a multitool, I still learn something new every day. Whether it’s finding the right way to carry one or testing out the latest models, the journey never really ends. These 10 multitools represent my current favorites, but I’m always open to your thoughts and recommendations.
If you’re gift shopping or looking for your next everyday carry, I hope this guide has made things a bit clearer (and maybe even a little fun). Let me know in the comments which multitool you swear by!
Thanks for reading!
Cheers,
Dominic
