One-hand opening

[Geekmedic]

Good day all.  I just found this forum recently and love it.  I have a question regarding one-handed opening multi-tools.  I am a firefighter who has been using a gerber as an EDC at work for the past 15 years.  I have done so because I find that I need to retrieve and open my multi-tool one handed all the time.  I have known that the materials, and especially the blades on the gerbers were not up to par, but have not found another tool that looked like it could fill my needs.  So, with all the experience out there, what are your recommendations for a quality multi-tool that I can open and utilize with one hand?  I appreciate all your feedback.

Regards,

[Threeme2189]

If you've been carrying a Gerber you probably mean that you need to open the pliers with one hand, right? 

[jekostas]

You can open the pliers on a lot of SOG multis one handed.

[Andreas]

You can open the pliers on most multitools one handed, it's just a matter of getting the handflick down. My new Wave is pretty toght, but I can still open it several ways one handed

[edcgear]

Buck X-Tract Fin (mod. 732) series

All one hand opening tools and locking:
1. Very usable large blade either plane or combo
2. Sharp and large scissors (on X-Tract Fin series, other have can opener)
3. Flat head screwdriver #2 - good and sturdy
4. Philips head screwdriver #2 - good and sturdy
5. Pliers medium duty

Review: http://www.multitool.org/miscellaneous-tools/medium-tools/buck-fin.html

Or you can choose Leatherman Wave:

http://www.multitool.org/leatherman-tool-group/medium-tools/leatherman-wave-2004.html

One hand opening blades, saw and file + you can open the pliers like a balisong knife...

They both are good choices IMO...

[jzmtl]

Most MT, including Gerber use some sort of 420 stainless for blade. If you want better blade there are really only a few choices. Leatherman Charge series use either 154CM or S30V for PE blade only, SOG powerassist use AUS8 for both blades. Of the two SOG's pliers are easier to open one handed.

[Geekmedic]

"If you've been carrying a Gerber you probably mean that you need to open the pliers with one hand, right?"

That's correct. I will be on an emergency call and trying to pry, turn, snip, etc. and holding the object with one hand while I retrieve, open and utilize the pliers with the other.  The gerber will "snap" open with a flick of the wrist, and this has come to my rescue time and time again.  I would like to know I can rely on a better quality tool to do the same thing.

[Geekmedic]

jzmtl, thanks for that input.  I have looked at the SOG tools, and it is nice to have input from others who have used them.

[yud]

I love my SOG

[Freudian Frog]

I love all my SOGs!

[Mercury]

The LM Charge TTi is a good OH MT, plus it has the serrated blade with guthook and the main blade is S30V so it will hold an edge longer than 420.  Couple of my friends are Firefighters here locally and one uses the Charge TTi, the other uses a Wave.

[sawman]

I'm not very uptodate on folders but I know I like SpyderCo knives for their blades, ergonomics and ease of opening.  Two of my favorites are the Pacific Salt and the Endura.

[markn951]

For one handed opening, and if the pliers are going to be one of the main features you use, the SOGs are a great choice. However, if the actual tools are your main concern then I wouldn't recommend them. The review I have up is sort of crappy but it will explain my feelings alongside a nice video overview of the tool 

Other than that, Gerber and Buck both make pliers specifically marketed as one-handed. That being said, with enough practice and loosening-up of the tool, virtually any MT can be opened one-handed.

[nuphoria]

+1 on the TTi if you don't mind flicking it open. The blades are great and very easy to open.

I usually carry a SOG paratool as it doesn't have locking blades (illegal here), and the great thing about SOGs is the ability to tailor them to your needs. Maybe the power plier types would suit you if you need compound leverage on your pliers?

Welcome to MTO 

[Geekmedic]

Thanks everyone for the input.  I have looked closely at the LM Wave, TTi, and the SOG Power Assist.  They all look good, it's just a matter of picking one and going with it I suppose.

[sawman]

Dont forget the Surge 

[markn951]

Thanks everyone for the input.  I have looked closely at the LM Wave, TTi, and the SOG Power Assist.  They all look good, it's just a matter of picking one and going with it I suppose.

If you buy from a retailer, make sure they have a good return policy. Amazon will let you return for free as long as there is "something wrong with it". While I hate being dishonest about that kind of thing, Amazon is a huge multibillion dollar company that can afford a couple free returns.

[parnass]

... So, with all the experience out there, what are your recommendations for a quality multi-tool that I can open and utilize with one hand?  I appreciate all your feedback.

I hope you are right handed.  Most one hand opening multitools, including Leatherman knives, are designed for right handers and leave us left handers out in the cold.

[Freudian Frog]

... So, with all the experience out there, what are your recommendations for a quality multi-tool that I can open and utilize with one hand?  I appreciate all your feedback.

I hope you are right handed.  Most one hand opening multitools, including Leatherman knives, are designed for right handers and leave us left handers out in the cold.

You devil worshippers quite deserve it. >_>

Unfortunately there's just not enough buying power in the left-hander market.
The best we can offer you is so called "ambi" openers that don't "ambi" close. XD

[J-sews]

... So, with all the experience out there, what are your recommendations for a quality multi-tool that I can open and utilize with one hand?  I appreciate all your feedback.

I hope you are right handed.  Most one hand opening multitools, including Leatherman knives, are designed for right handers and leave us left handers out in the cold.

You devil worshippers quite deserve it. >_>

Unfortunately there's just not enough buying power in the left-hander market.
The best we can offer you is so called "ambi" openers that don't "ambi" close. XD

Well those, and Victorinox One-Hand Trekkers of course!

[BIG-TARGET]

... So, with all the experience out there, what are your recommendations for a quality multi-tool that I can open and utilize with one hand?  I appreciate all your feedback.

I hope you are right handed.  Most one hand opening multitools, including Leatherman knives, are designed for right handers and leave us left handers out in the cold.

You devil worshippers quite deserve it. >_>

Unfortunately there's just not enough buying power in the left-hander market.
The best we can offer you is so called "ambi" openers that don't "ambi" close. XD

Well those, and Victorinox One-Hand Trekkers of course!

How about the Vic OH Rescue??  Or OH-Fireman??

[markn951]

... So, with all the experience out there, what are your recommendations for a quality multi-tool that I can open and utilize with one hand?  I appreciate all your feedback.

I hope you are right handed.  Most one hand opening multitools, including Leatherman knives, are designed for right handers and leave us left handers out in the cold.

You devil worshippers quite deserve it. >_>

Unfortunately there's just not enough buying power in the left-hander market.
The best we can offer you is so called "ambi" openers that don't "ambi" close. XD

Well those, and Victorinox One-Hand Trekkers of course!

I noticed that, it bothered me until I figured out you can just push the liner closed with your right index finger. Then I was all like