We have tested multi-tools for 7 years, totaling 33 unique models in our hands. For our updated review, we assess 19 of the best models bought and deployed to our team of veteran testers. We use each tool for months while tackling tasks around the house, workplace, and while camping. From bike repairs to light fixture installation to removing fish hooks, we assess each model for its functions, construction, ergonomics, and portability. Our team boasts decades of combined handy-person experience and unmatched attention to detail. We test each product for at least a few months, and in some cases, we have products that have been actively tested for 6 plus years. Our experts are thorough, and have organized this review to help you find the best multi-tool based on your needs and budget.
Our team of experts have tons of experience with all of the tools you might need to help you through gear fixes, whether in the backcountry or in your gear shed. Our in-depth reviews cover the sharp-end tools you might need for your next camping trip, including pocket knives, axes for chopping wood, or a folding saw for clearing brush from a tent site. For those planning a bikepacking trip, our biking experts have also tested the best bike-specific multi-tools for fixes on the trail.Best Multi-tool of 2022
| Awards |  | |  | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $179.95 at REI Compare at 2 sellers | $89.95 at REI Compare at 2 sellers | Check Price at Backcountry Compare at 3 sellers | $129.95 at REI Compare at 3 sellers | $149.95 at REI Compare at 3 sellers |
Overall Score  |
|||||
| Star Rating | |||||
| Pros | Titanium handle, S30V steel blade, modular portability, full functions | Compact, light, with multiple carry options, smart, effective tools | Comprehensive, well-made, aftermarket accessories and carry options | Versatile and comprehensive outdoor tool kit | Easy tool and plier deployment, Leatherman pedigree |
| Cons | Heavy, expensive, squashed bit driver | Few features | Proprietary bit driver, no pocket clip included | Specialized components, independent parts can get lost | No bit driver, magnets pick up metal grit |
| Bottom Line | This exceptional product is equipped with almost every imaginable tool, organized and optimized for compact function | A multi-tool that optimizes ergonomics and portability by reducing the tool set to the most important ones for daily use and carry | A full-function tool from a great manufacturer at a reasonable price | A purpose-built, specialized tool for outdoor adventure and wilderness survival, while also serving purpose around the house | A classic multi-tool with a major usability twist |
| Rating Categories | Leatherman Charge+ TTi | Leatherman Skeletoo... | Leatherman Wave+ | Leatherman Signal | Leatherman Free P4 |
| Functions (40%) | |||||
| Construction Quality (25%) | |||||
| Ergonomics (20%) | |||||
| Portability (15%) | |||||
| Specs | Leatherman Charge+ TTi | Leatherman Skeletoo... | Leatherman Wave+ | Leatherman Signal | Leatherman Free P4 |
| Number of functions | 19 + bits | 5 + bits | 18 + bits | 17 | 21 |
| Weight (ounces) | 8.8 oz | 5.0 oz | 8.5 oz, 9.5 oz with case | 7.6 oz, 8.7 oz with sheath | 8.8 oz |
| Locking tools? | All but pliers | All but pliers | All but pliers | All but pliers | All but pliers |
| Pliers type | Needlenose with wire cutters, crimper | Needlenose with 2 wire cutters | Needlenose, regular, wire cutters, hard-wire cutters, crimper | Needlenose, regular | Needlenose, regular |
| Tools accessible without deploying pliers | Blades, saw, file | Blade | Blades, saw, file | Primary blade, saw, sharpener | All |
| Blades and type | 1 serrated gut hook type, 1 straight drop point | 1 straight drop point | 1 straight, 1 serrated | 1 hybrid straight/serrated | 1 straight 1 serated |
| Scissors | Yes | No | Yes | No | Yes |
| Number of screwdrivers | 1 integrated. Many bits included, with more available aftermarket for proprietary driver | 4 included, more available aftermarket for proprietary driver | 5 included/integrated. More available aftermarket for proprietary driver | 2 included. More available aftermarket for proprietary driver. Even more availalbe aftermarket for limited-function, standard 1/4 inch driver socket. | 1 |
| File? | Yes, wood/metal and a diamond-coated file | No | Yes, wood/metal and a diamond-coated file | No | Yes |
| Saw? | Metal and wood | No | Yes | Wood | Wood |
| Openers | Can and bottle | Bottle | Can and bottle | Can, bottle | Bottle and can |
| Other important features | Ruler, cutting hook, wire stripper | None | Ruler | Knife sharpener, ferro spark striking rod, whistle, 1/4 inch socket. | One-handed blades. Replacable wire-cutters |
| Sheath included? | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Other carry options | Pocket clip, key ring | Carabiner style clip, pocket clip | Pocket, Pocket clip, carabiner clip | Pocket , pocket clip | |
| Closed dimensions (Length by thickness, in inches) | 4 x 0.8 | 4.3 x 0.6 | 4 x 0.7 | 4.5 x 0.6 | 4.2 x 0.7 |
| Open length (pliers, in inches) | 6.2 in | 6.2 in | 6.3 in | 6.8 in | 6.5 in |
| Open overall length (primary blade deployed, in inches) | 7 in | 6.8 in | 6.9 in | 7.1 in | 4.25 in |
| Length of primary blade effective edge (inches) | 2.8 in | 2.6 in | 2.8in | 2.6 in | 2.8 in |
Best Overall
Leatherman Charge+ TTi
The Leatherman Charge+ TTi is a dense piece of versatile equipment with a magical mix of attributes packed into its functional design. This tool is made from impressive materials and has proven to have the best blades in our test. The materials are chosen for maximum function, durability, and to increase the "bling" factor. There are at least four types of steel (including top-shelf blade steel) plus titanium and diamond components. At about half a pound, the Charge is average in weight for a full-size tool. It's equipped to be carried many ways. Leatherman's low-profile bit driver and the included bits nearly double the overall number of functions.
On the flip side, the Charge+ TTi is very expensive. It costs more than any other product we evaluated. Additionally, we wish that Leatherman included a full-size 1/4" bit driver instead of their proprietary "squashed" interpretation. They could cut out the generic flat screwdriver/"pry bar" and use the extra space for the larger bit driver. As it is, you must use either an adapter/extender or Leatherman's proprietary bits. Even better would be a bit driver whose geometry centers the driver relative to the handle. Build the pliers to lock and include the above modifications, and we'd have our dream multi-tool. The Charge TTi is a top-of-the-line product despite our very minor gripes. We heartily recommend Leatherman's flagship tool that pulls no punches for anyone needing the best model for frequent use.
Read review: Leatherman Charge+ TTi
Best Overall for Everyday Carry
Leatherman Skeletool CX
If the Charge+ TTi gracefully crams as much function into a reasonably sized tool, the Leatherman Skeletool CX is its antithesis. The Skeletool aims for maximum utility from less individual tools, making it more comfortable to carry. This tool only has a fraction of the Charge's features, but it is much less noticeable in your pocket for every day carry. Further, the features included with the Skeletool are arguably more usable and cleaner. Both being from Leatherman, though, they share common high-quality materials and build. This tool is great for daily use or as a backcountry tool.
If you're seeking all the tools possible, you'll be let down with this stripped-down modal. Our biggest complaint is with the bit driver. With the Skeletool, even more than with other models, Leatherman could have easily included a standard 1/4" bit driver. Still, we have tested this model for over three years, and it has slowly grown on us. Thus, the Skeletool is our top recommendation for a portable, daily multi-tool to leave clipped on your pocket.
Read review: Leatherman Skeletool CX
Best Bang for the Buck
Leatherman Wave+
The Leatherman Wave+ brings heaps of value to the Leatherman line-up. Leatherman takes over 90% of what makes the Charge so impressive and sells it for 60% of the cost. What you get are the Wave+ and an excellent value. The Leatherman Wingman is even less expensive, by a significant margin, but has fewer features and is made with lesser materials. For a full-featured tool, the Wave is the bargain shopper's choice.
Compared to the Charge, the Wave+ has less sophisticated blade and frame materials. It also does not come with many accessory bits or with the pocket clip or lanyard loop that Leatherman includes with the Charge. Aftermarket bits and pocket clips are available for the Wave+, but adding these will significantly close the price gap between it and the Charge. Featuring the same general layout, tool selection, and dimensions, the Wave and Charge are the same other than materials and included accessories. If the referenced compromises are acceptable to you, save some dollars and choose the Wave+.
Read review: Leatherman Wave+
Best on a Tighter Budget
Leatherman Wingman
The Leatherman Wingman brings the manufacturer's long pedigree, quality craftsmanship, and an excellent selection of functions to a very affordable product. The Wingman includes features virtually none of the other models do. The package opener is quirky but invaluable, the return spring in the pliers reduces hand strain and increases efficiency in certain types of extended use, and the integrated pocket clip keeps the device handy for those that wish to carry it this way.
At this price point, however, there are some compromises. The lone blade features a hybrid straight/serrated edge made of mid-grade steel, which will require regular sharpening. The straight portion is easily reconditioned, but sharpening serrations requires special techniques. Further, that blade is significantly shorter than it needs to be. There is almost a half inch of extra space in the handle that Leatherman does not use for the blade. Overall, you get far more than you pay for with the Leatherman Wingman. If you use a multi-tool for basic tasks but are prone to losing it, the Wingman won't hurt quite as much to replace.
Read review: Leatherman Wingman
Best Screwdriver
Gerber Center-Drive Plus
The Gerber Center Drive Plus displaces its non-Plus predecessor for this specialized award. The Plus takes all we liked about the original Center Drive and adds scissors and a larger blade, which we deem significant and worthy upgrades. The Center Drive screwdriver configuration has a long extension and a handle ready for more torque. This award-winning Gerber centers the bit along the handle's long axis, vastly improving ergonomics and making it feel like a true, single-purpose screwdriver. The 12 bits that come with this model fit inside the included leather sheath along with the tool.
If your multi-tool use includes a lot of driving screws, choose the Center Drive Plus. It is the best tool we know of for that purpose. Otherwise, it's more average as a general multi-tool. The rattly construction holds up well but doesn't instill high confidence. The pliers are more prone to pinching than more sophisticated options, and accessing tools other than the blade, pliers, and bit driver requires multiple steps.
Read review: Gerber Center Drive Plus
Best Pliers
Leatherman Crunch
When testing these tools, we consider what appeals to people on the fringes of the group of devoted consumers. Most multi-tools are purchased for "everyday carry" for use on tasks that come up in day-to-day life where versatility and portability are paramount. Blue-collar users require that each function is very efficient, and they can justify fewer features. For those users, the Leatherman Crunch is a clear choice. A definite improvement over the other non-locking pliers in our review, the locking ones of the Crunch are this product's undisputed highlight.
The trade-off is the selection and readiness of other attributes, such as easy blade access and more driver and tool options. The Crunch has about half the number of overall features as the Charge+ and requires a few steps to activate the blade. There is an integrated bit driver, but to use it will require the time-consuming removal of the locking mechanism screw. However, if you use your multi-tool as pliers in a mechanical or construction-oriented fashion, the Crunch is a great choice. Its locking pliers are nearly as useful as stand-alone versions.
Read review: Leatherman Crunch
Best Keychain Tool
Gerber Dime
The Gerber Dime virtually disappears on all but the most minimalist keychains and is smaller than your typical modern car key "fob." A few essential and useful tools are packed into this dense nugget. We are confident that you will find a use for one or more of these functions nearly every day. Having it as handy as your keys will mean that you have it and will use it.
We describe it as a keychain tool, but it could also be considered a keychain bottle opener that does other things. The bottle opener protrusion is always available and might be all you need to justify a Dime purchase. It is the ready bottle opener that sets the Dime apart from other tiny tools. Other options have similar feature sets but don't have the bottle opener so handy. You won't turn large bolts or do extensive whittling with the Dime, but for light-duty house and travel tasks, it is just right.
Read review: Gerber Dime
Notable for Outdoor Survival
Leatherman Signal
The Leatherman Signal earns mention here for its truly unique set of functions. This is the most specialized tool we review here. Its feature set is, initially, familiar. It has a blade, a saw, and some openers and drivers. On top of those "normal" things, it has a hammer surface, fire starter striker, signal whistle, and blade sharpener. To do this the Signal includes two parts that can be removed from the body/arms of the pliers. It is sold with a belt sheath and also includes the option of pocket clip or carabiner carry.
We wish the main blade were not serrated. Yes, a serrated edge cuts a few things a little better than a straight edge. But that serrated edge suffers or completely fails to cut other things, especially when it is dulled. Once dull, a serrated edge is more difficult to sharpen. The included sharpener on the Signal could be used to resurface an entirely straight-edged blade. The inclusion of a serrated portion on the blade seems like a marketing move more than a practical one. The Signal is unique and functional. It isn't too huge or too clumsy to use. With it, Leatherman comes another step closer to abandoning their proprietary bit driver interface. They built in the expected "squashed" bit driver, but they also included a standard 1/4 inch drive bit holder. We like this. The standard bit holder isn't oriented in an ideal fashion, but it is better than nothing. For survivalists looking for a multi-tool designed with bushcraft in mind, while also functional around the home, the Signal is a great piece of gear to add to the kit.
Read review: Leatherman Signal
Compare Products
Why You Should Trust Us
Homeowner, camper renovator, Airbnb Superhost (with a 5-star cleanliness rating), world traveler, clever fix-it guy, and IFMGA Mountain Guide Jediah Porter coordinates our multi-tool review. We employed him initially for his mountain experience, but his "side hustles" qualify him for this category. Since we've known him, Jed has dabbled in (or, dived into) vacation rental management, completely renovating a "Four Wheel Camper", bicycle building, kitchen installation, apartment renovation, and roadside Korean car repair. He uses a multi-tool almost every day, much to his own chagrin. He'd much rather be out skiing huge peaks and slicing cheddar for charcuterie back in the tent. We're happy to have grown with Jed.
With each multi-tool, Jed solicits the input and opinion of other guides, professional contractors, hunters, motorcyclists, fishing enthusiasts, and tradespeople. Recently, Jed enlisted the advice of foodie, hunter, welder, and all-around handy guru Ryan Weidenbach, who happens to be his cousin. Ryan is trained as a welder and manages a campground, a catering business, lakeside resort, and rental properties.
As we do with all GearLab reviews, we started by scouring the market and looking back at the list of dozens of tools we have assessed over the years. We purchase the best, and each tool gets weeks of day-to-day use that feature a battery of exercises. Sometimes, our testing period is more like months or years. With each blade, we cut things such as tomatoes, rope, and wood. We turn screws and bolts, cut and bend wire clothes hangers. We use the other functions in their intended situations and press them to be used in an improvised fashion. As with all the testing we do, the most informative results are those gleaned in "real world" use. Recent remote car repairs, for example, highlighted some genuine observations of multi-tool functionality.
Analysis and Test Results
The "multi-tool" market is immense. Any single product that combines more than one tool is a "multi-tool." We confine our investigations to those products that feature pliers, a blade, and at least one screwdriver. We further refine our focus on tools that are targeted to either daily all-around use or outdoor pursuits. We have a long list of day-to-day multi-tools and a couple built for hunting and survival in our test suite. We score each model across the same rubric to assess them equally and share our findings below.
Value
Value in multi-tools is a function of the purchase price and how it relates to functions, materials, construction, and ergonomics. We find that the materials and construction are the primary compromises. A multi-tool inherently has multiple tools. Whether cheap or expensive, your multi-tool will do various things. Similarly, multi-tools naturally compromise on ergonomics. A stand-alone screwdriver will be better than one built into the handle of a pair of pliers regardless of how much you pay. The upgrade in price will get you a longer-lasting design, flashier materials, and tighter tolerances. Ergonomics don't increase appreciably with higher prices.
We give out awards for specific applications and niche uses. There is the everyday carry, incredible value of the Leatherman Wingman, which provides enough functionality to satisfy the majority of small tool needs in your day-to-day life. The relatively affordable Leatherman Wave+ provides almost the same performance as the top-ranked Charge+ TTi at a significantly lower price. Similarly, you can find lower-budget versions of the award-winning Leatherman Skeletool CX.
Functions
In assessing a product's functions, we count the components, compare those to what most consumers find most useful, and evaluate each feature's size and utility. Besides the sheer number of tools built into a given product, the design and usability of each count for a lot. A product that has ten well-designed parts is more valuable than one with 20 mediocre functions crammed in.
Particular functions are especially critical in day-to-day use. Most valuable are a nice blade, tight-and-pointy pliers with wire cutters, scissors, and integrated bit drivers. The only tools in our test that have the features on this list in high quality are the Leatherman Surge, Leatherman Charge+ TTi, Gerber Center Drive Plus, and Leatherman Wave. Additionally, there are those out there who will surely appreciate the innovative package opener on the Leatherman Wingman and the Gerber Dime.
Note that each company counts its functions and features differently. For instance, it is claimed that the Victorinox SwissTool Spirit X has 26 tools. The SOG PowerAssist has claimed 16 features. The Spirit has scissors, and the SOG does not, but otherwise, the actual feature set is very similar. Victorinox merely counts its features more generously. With its Suspension device, Gerber provides adequate feature sets at a low price. The Leatherman Skeletool, Gerber Center Drive, and Gerber Crucial have relatively few features, but they are ergonomically optimized.
Among the most feature-deprived products we tested are products built around locking pliers, but each of those tools is fully functioning, and the pliers lead the entire field. The Leatherman Crunch and Irwin 5WR Vise-Grips include locking pliers. The Crunch has a few more options than the Irwin, but the Irwin is a little larger, and its blade is accessible from the outside (although we still don't love the blade location when deployed). Out of the two, we like the Crunch better.
The bit driver of the Gerber Center Drive Plus has the best screwdriver function of our test fleet.
With the smallest products in our test, the feature set is remarkably similar. The Gerber Dime has a package opener, while the Leatherman Squirt PS4 has a file. Besides that, they are virtually the same. However, the Gerber Dime edges ahead with a bottle opener that is more readily accessible than that on the Leatherman.
Leatherman recently added a line of multi-tools they call "Free." Hinges in the "Free" line pivot smoothly with virtually no resistance. Instead of friction (as on most other products), magnets and springs hold the hinges in place. Of these, we reviewed the top-of-the-line "Free" product. The Leatherman Free P4 is a helpful tool, but its function selection lags behind the manufacturer's other class-leading tools. Notably, the Free P4 does not have a bit driver. If and when the Free series expands to include a bit driver (even better would be a standard 1/4" bit driver and an included extension that centers the bit with the tool handle) and somehow figures out how to integrate locking pliers, we'll have our ideal tool. For now, the Free P4 is an interesting development — but before it holds our attention, it will need a few more functions.
Let us look more closely at the feature set of the Leatherman Skeletool CX. This is a full-sized minimalist tool, meaning that each function of the Skeletool is likely as large as you need it to be, and each is almost perfectly optimized for function. Our initial hesitations are related to the bit driver. We keep repeating this, but we wish that Leatherman tools included a standard 1/4" bit driver instead of their proprietary configuration.
The only model in our entire review that features a user-replaceable main blade is the Havalon Evolve. Havalon's proprietary scalpel-style blade interchange is unique and welcome to specific applications. The interchangeable blade is thin, which allows it to be exceptionally sharp but also flexible and flimsy. We wish the Havalon also included a more traditional blade on the Evolve for more substantial use. Aside from the blade, the Havalon Evolve feature set and layout are pretty similar to the Skeletool CX.
The SOG PowerAccess Deluxe is SOG's most feature-rich multi-tool, but it still comes up short compared to other options. Notably, it doesn't have scissors. It does have a clever (if redundant) suite of the screw, bit, and socket driving options. The feature-set of the Leatherman Signal also deserves mention. The Signal is optimized for outdoor and survival use. It has numerous attributes that appear on no other tools in our test. There is a signal whistle, fire starter, hammer surface, and blade sharpener.
Construction Quality
The quality of manufacturing varied in the products we tested. Hinges and locking mechanisms reveal the attention paid to detail. Sturdy materials, tight manufacturing tolerances, and intelligent construction stand out in a tool the end-user could handle every day for years. High-quality construction stood out virtually right away in our testing and only increased in value as time and usage wore on. The Charge TTi, Skeletool CX, SOG PowerAssist, Wave+, Surge, Free P4, Signal, and Victorinox Swisstool have excellent "out of the box" construction quality feels. Our evaluation of their construction quality was initially subjective. Does it "feel" sturdy and confidence-inspiring? It inevitably followed that some aspects of the tool's mechanical function would act finicky when this almost-aesthetic assessment came up short for a given contender.
The Squirt PS4, Gerber Vise, and the Gerber Dime are small and don't have construction quite as rugged as the others. To miniaturize tools like these, manufacturers must downsize all the individual components, generally resulting in a weakened structure. Of these smaller tools, the SOG and Gerber Dime are the most robust. A bit too big in this niche for the liking of our testers, the SOG is just large enough that it doesn't readily hang well on most keychains.
Plier hinges are the most vulnerable to poor construction quality. Virtually all of our tested products held up very well in this respect. In terms of the "smoothness" of construction, we appreciated the Swiss precision of the Victorinox SwissTool Spirit XC.
The Leatherman Crunch is rugged and built for serious use. Because of the design criteria of the locking pliers, the hinges have more play in them. The blades and drivers of the Crunch are reliable and adequate, though a little small. Similarly, we can say many of the same things about the Irwin 5WR Vise Grips. The Irwin is essentially a standard pair of locking pliers with a blade and bit driver attached. Locking pliers will always have more play than non-locking, and the locking mechanism takes up space that compromises multi-tool features.
The Gerber Suspension, SOG PowerAccess Deluxe, and Gerber Center Drive Plus are nothing special in terms of construction quality. The Gerber Suspension is a little more tightly assembled, but the pliers flex, and the components are small and get dinged up in use. The slide-to-deploy pliers of the Center Drive require loose tolerances resulting in rattly construction that seems to hold up but doesn't inspire confidence. Similarly, an early tester version of the Center Drive's main blade came to us with a bead of unpolished metal burrs along the very edge. It cut adequately, but that bead indicates sloppy manufacturing. A subsequent tested version (the updated "Plus" version) had all the edges better finished than the original we tested.
Ergonomics
The ergonomic quality of a multi-tool is a function of handle shape's comfort, plus accessibility and utility of the various features. Excellent ergonomics stand out right away, and quality becomes more apparent with use.
Most of our test modelsare a set of pliers with other parts built into the handle, where the pliers themselves fold into the handles. However, some multi-tools do this more elegantly than others. For the pliers (and wire cutters) to be most functional, the handle's exposed parts must be rounded and smooth. All of our tested products meet this test, with the Charge+ TTi and SwissTool being the most smooth-handled products. The plier handles on the Leatherman Free P4 are almost entirely smooth. Interrupting the sleek lines is a pair of peculiar and sharp protrusions. The Gerber Center Drive Plus is pretty smooth but has more plier pinch potential than others on the market. Other and older models on the market aren't as comfortable. For instance, the Leatherman Crunch has just a little bit of rounding to protect the user's hands from the sharp plier handles. Leatherman's Skeletool CX has smooth plier handles, but the handles are a little thinner than ideal. The full-size, fully rounded external profile of the Irwin 5WR is nearly as easy on the hands as dedicated Vise-Grips.
Regarding the roundness of plier handles, the SOG PowerAssist is remarkably similar to the Crunch. The closer the pliers handles come to one another, the more likely you are to pinch your hand while using them. The Gerber Suspension is best in this respect, with the Victorinox not too far off. Both of these have handles that curve away from one another, leaving plenty of room. Though otherwise very intelligently designed, the Center Drive Plus and SOG PowerAssist have a fair amount of most pinch potential. The Leatherman Charge, Wave, and Surge all have moderate pinch potential.
Each of the functions is compromised by the fact they are bolted to other components. We gave high marks to devices with the most commonly used functions accessible with minimal folding and unfolding moves.
Notably, the main blades of the following tools are accessible with one thumb and without deploying any other tools: Leatherman Wave+, Skeletool, Charge+ TTi, Wingman, Signal, and Free P4; the Gerber Suspension, Crucial, and Center Drive Plus; the SOG PowerAccess Deluxe and PowerAssist; and the Havalon Evolve.
The Irwin 5WR is also set up for one-handed blade deployment. Interestingly, the Irwin comes from the factory configured such that the blade is not that useful. The pliers, as factory configured, interfere with the blade. In about 15 minutes, with a couple of Allen wrenches and a Dremel tool, our test team was able to modify the blade of the Irwin to be much more useable, with no noticeable compromises.
One-handed opening for the blade is a great trend. A blade that deploys with one hand is vital to scoring high in the ergonomic department. Special mention must be given to the innovative ergonomic features of the SOG PowerAssist. The two blades deploy from the "outside" of the stowed pliers, and each has assisted opening that we see nowhere else in our multi-tool review. The pliers include a mechanical advantage gearing system that significantly increases the holding power. The SOG PowerAccess Deluxe has the same advantaged pliers, but the knife blade is hard to open with one hand, features no assist, and is much smaller than that on the PowerAssist.
To get to the blades and drivers of the Crunch, one must deploy the pliers, open the piece you need, and then close the pliers. The smaller products in our test make inherent ergonomics compromises. It is in ergonomics that one "pays the price" for the portability of the Gerber Dime and Leatherman Squirt PS4. Each of these tools' features is much smaller and less useful than its dedicated counterpart.
The bottle opener of the Gerber Dime is the one exception. As an extension of the handle, this can be used without deploying any of the other attributes. Compromising very little on ergonomics, the Leatherman Skeletool is a relatively compact, "full-sized" product. The limited suite of tools on the Skeletool is entirely convenient to use. The ergonomics of the Gerber Crucial and Havalon Evolve are pretty similar to those of the Skeletool.
Leatherman's largest multi-tool is the ultra-sized Leatherman Surge. The size passes a critical threshold, and some of the tools are harder to use than those on a smaller tool, notably the knife blades. The closed handle is bulkier than an average to large hand can securely grasp under a heavy load or for extended periods.
Portability
A tool is only as useful as it is available. We liked ones that offered a variety of carrying methods. The Leatherman Charge+ TTi, although one of the larger competitors, can be carried with a pocket clip, attached to a lanyard or keychain, and stowed in the included rugged belt pouch. With aftermarket additions, the Leatherman Surge and the Leatherman Wave+ can be configured to carry the same way.
The Havalon Evolve is a little bigger than the Skeletool or Crucial. Furthermore, the interchangeable blades and blade changing tool take up space. Havalon ships the Evolve with a zip-closed carry case that holds the tool, extra blades, and blade-changing tool. The whole package is bulkier than most, while the pocket-clipped Evolve alone is sized somewhere between the Skeletool and Charge.
Having a diminutive-yet-tough design, the Gerber Dime virtually disappears on a keychain. The Leatherman Squirt PS4 is even smaller than the Dime. Our lead test editor carries a Squirt PS4 in his "go everywhere" emergency/first aid kit. The Gerber Vise is slightly larger than these other two.
Out of the tools that include full-size features, the Leatherman Skeletool CX is the most portable. It accomplishes this by adding fewer features and offering virtually all of the most common carry options. The Skeletool has just a few features, but each is nearly full size. The external profile of the closed Skeletool is smooth; there is an integrated carabiner-style clip and a smart pocket clip. Similar portability is available with the Gerber Crucial.
All the products tested except for the Vise, Squirt, Crucial, Wingman, and Dime came with sheaths. The Skeletool and Irwin 5WR can be purchased with or without a sheath. The Charge TTi, Crucial, Wingman, Signal, Havalon, Free P4 and Skeletool come stock with a clip that can be clipped to the edge of one's front pants pocket. The Wave+ and Surge can be equipped with an aftermarket pocket clip. The Squirt PS4 and Dime disappear on a keychain, while the Suspension and Charge TTi (among others) have keyring/lanyard holes. The Leatherman Crunch is best carried in the included sheath or loose in your pocket. Models like the SOG PowerAssist and the Surge are large and are therefore only really feasible to carry them on-person in their sheaths.
Conclusion
There's a broad and ever-expanding landscape of multi-tool options out there. From the outside, it might be hard to spot some of the important differences between these tools, and we hope that through our review you can better discern which will be the best to serve your needs. We work hard to stay on top of the market and get our hands on the best as often as we can. We conduct thorough examinations and sort our findings to deliver you the best possible information. What we present here is intended to help you quickly and effectively make the wisest purchase for your purposes, and we hope that it helps narrow down your choices.
— Jediah Porter
Ad-free. Influence-free. Powered by Testing.
GearLab is founded on the principle of honest, objective, reviews. Our experts test thousands of products each year using thoughtful test plans that bring out key performance differences between competing products. And, to assure complete independence, we buy all the products we test ourselves. No cherry-picked units sent by manufacturers. No sponsored content. No ads. Just real, honest, side-by-side testing and comparison.
Learn More