Knife based multitool vs. plier based multitool.

[LatinoHeat]

As of late I've been doing alot of downsizing in my life, and one of the things I've been looking at are the things I carry, my EDC.  I think back to the days of our parents and grandparents and how most of them got by only using a simple pocketknife.  Well, in an effort to cut back, I've been looking into what I really need and use, and the fact is I don't really need or use pliers on a day to day basis.  I don't use a file.  A saw?  No.  However, I use a knife ALL the time, many times a day.   Scissors?  Yes, those are used often.  Screwdrivers?  Sure, a few times a week.  So, I've decided maybe plier based multitools aren't for me.  However, a SAK works out perfectly.  Knife blades, scissors, and a few tools that can be used in a variety of ways.  Lightweight, and useful.  For the next year, as an experiment, I will carry only my SAK Super Tinker.   Our fathers and grandfathers used a little ingenuity and improvisation to get out of sticky situations, and that's what I'm gonna try to do as well.  Let's see how it goes.   

[Anthony]

Our fathers and grandfathers used a little ingenuity and improvisation to get out of sticky situations, and that's what I'm gonna try to do as well.  Let's see how it goes.   

I agree, but they also didn't face some of the more intricate and technical things we use everyday.  There are more screws, bolts and wires in more places these days. 

For a "downsized" EDC a Super Tinker is a prime choice though. 

[I'm Still Bison]

 I understand perfectly where you're coming from,but for myself,I think I'd hedge my bets and carry a Deluxe Tinker,Ranger,or Cybertool34.

[ducktapehero]

The Super Tinker is an excellent EDC knife. I will also suggest getting Plus scales for it. That makes a super handy knife even more handy.

[ringzero]

As of late I've been doing alot of downsizing in my life, and one of the things I've been looking at are the things I carry, my EDC.  I think back to the days of our parents and grandparents and how most of them got by only using a simple pocketknife.  Well, in an effort to cut back, I've been looking into what I really need and use, and the fact is I don't really need or use pliers on a day to day basis.  I don't use a file.  A saw?  No.  However, I use a knife ALL the time, many times a day.   Scissors?  Yes, those are used often.  Screwdrivers?  Sure, a few times a week.  So, I've decided maybe plier based multitools aren't for me.  However, a SAK works out perfectly.  Knife blades, scissors, and a few tools that can be used in a variety of ways.  Lightweight, and useful.  For the next year, as an experiment, I will carry only my SAK Super Tinker.   Our fathers and grandfathers used a little ingenuity and improvisation to get out of sticky situations, and that's what I'm gonna try to do as well.  Let's see how it goes.   

Both the Super Tinker and the Mechanic (substitutes pliers for the scissors of the Super Tinker) would make great EDC tools for me, except that both are slightly too thick to carry comfortably in my pocket.

If the Super Tinker rides comfortably in your pocket, you have got yourself a truly excellent EDC!

I've carried a small Tinker for over 20 years, which I consider the noblest instrumentality ever produced by Victorinox for EDC.

Tinker has all the crucial implements, except for pliers.  Lately I've taken to also carrying a Gerber Clutch on my keychain, so that I always have at least some minimal pliering ability.

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[FredKJ]

I carried a Super Tinker only for 13 years.  It is a great balance.  It also has a Phillips instead of a corkscrew.  While I occasional drink wine I am more a beer guy  .  I only carry a pliers based multi-tool when I am going in situations where a pliers could come in handy.  I now usually carry my Champion plus but on occasion give the S557 some quality pocket time.  That has a nice mix of tools.  Although for an improvement they could replace that stupid file with a second smaller blade.  My metro-sexual tendencies aren't strong enough to want manicures yet.