Advice/Suggestions for EDC multi-tool

[Heinz Doofenshmirtz]

Hello, I just found this forum a few days ago and have read some, and signed up today.

I am interested in finding a fairly small, but not keychain size pocket-knife/multi-tool that I can keep clipped in my pocket for small day to day tasks.

A few things I would like it to have are;

-respectable blade; but not longer than 3", and single edge, not combo edge.

-fine point or needle nose pliers.

-screwdriver(s) and/or bottle opener.

-scissors would be nice, but are not a necessity.

I've been looking at the Buck X-tract series, as I'd really like a knife with pliers and a few other additional tools, rather than pliers with a knife, if that makes sense.

Any advice and/or suggestions would be welcome.

Thank you all in advance;

HD.

[Styerman]

Leatherman Skeletool family !

Chris

[AncientMatingCalls]

I'd definitely check out the Skeletool as Styerman said.

Great tool and it's kind of equal part pliers and knife. I prefer the design over the X-tract design. More ergonomic in my opinion.

[Heinz Doofenshmirtz]

Thanks for the suggestion; I'll check into them again. 

But I'm wondering, is there any substance to the claim that the pliers in Skeletools are fragile? 

I've read reports that the jaw of the weak side breaks off under heavy load.

[asupernothing]

I would also recommend the Skeletool CX. I had also heard a lot of those reports that the pliers were breaking, though I put mine through some pretty tough tasks and it held up just fine. If you don't like the Skeletool idea I would suggest the Juice S2, it has just about everything that the Skeletool has except the one handed blade, but it does include scissors.
As far as wanting a tool that is primarily knife read my take on the Skeletool:
http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,23634.0.html

[Teofilo]

Hello Heinz. A Skeletool would be nice. For a medium size tool, I would also recommend a Spirit X.
The implements you need are all there, perfect for EDC. BTW, Welcome to the Forums.  

[edcgear]

Welcome to MT.O...

I would suggest Spirit also, but if size and weight matters look at Juice series...

 

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

Another vote for the Spirit here

And welcome aboard

[EZ822]

I would check put the Juice S2.

[rp252]

Hey mate,

A few good suggestions above, each of which should serve you well.  Both the juice and skeletool ranges make good smaller multis.

Spirit is good but possibly a little big for what you're looking for

Another two to consider would be the kick and fuse.

Some of the smaller SOG multis like the paratool and powerplier would be worth a look.

Rich.

[Eyegor]

Since the OP stated he preferred "a knife with pliers" I would suggest one of the Wenger Ranger line. Some models come with pliers and it is very much knife based. But of course, I suggest a SAK for almost everything.

[edcgear]

Hello, I just found this forum a few days ago and have read some, and signed up today.

I am interested in finding a fairly small, but not keychain size pocket-knife/multi-tool that I can keep clipped in my pocket for small day to day tasks.

A few things I would like it to have are;

-respectable blade; but not longer than 3", and single edge, not combo edge.

-fine point or needle nose pliers.

-screwdriver(s) and/or bottle opener.

-scissors would be nice, but are not a necessity.

I've been looking at the Buck X-tract series, as I'd really like a knife with pliers and a few other additional tools, rather than pliers with a knife, if that makes sense.

Any advice and/or suggestions would be welcome.

Thank you all in advance;

HD.

BTW I have Buck X Tract Fin (732 model) with all stated above (knife non serrated, both plain and philips #2 screwdrivers, scissors and they are excellent and pliers), except bottle opener, it's nice knife centric MT with capable pliers for light to medium tasks... I do reccomend it highly!!

[scrappy]

If your looking for small than the juice, skele, and xtract are good. If you are really going to clip to your pocket than skele is the only one with a clip. If you are worried about broken pliers I would say the buck has the weakest pliers. If you don't abuse the tool, all three are great choices.

[glorn]

"small day to day tasks"

What kind of tasks? I'd suggest that a Swiss Champ   is what you need.. unless small tasks to you means taking apart tractors.

[Gareth]

Nothing wrong with the Buck X-Tract IMO (though I've only played with one, not owned).  In fact I was very pleasantly surprised by just how much I liked it.  Just a shame they don't do a leftie version really.

There is also the Tool logic SL Pliers.
http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,16766.0.html
I've never held them so this is no personal recommendation, but thought you might want to give them a look.

BTW welcome to the forum.

[getpower]

Sounds like the Leatherman Skeletool fits your bill perfectly.

I bought the CX version a while back for the same reasons. I always carried a Swiss Army Knife on me, so I had the screwdrivers and bottle opener, but I was forever needing a pair of pliers, which were never nearby.

I've been very happy with the tool. The screwdrivers are okay to use, the knife blade is good, and the pliers are also nice. It's also nice to have a bottle opener that you don't have to fold out, it's like easy access to your beer!!!

[Heinz Doofenshmirtz]

Thanks for all the input.  I've looked at many of the suggestions and I'm still feeling like an X-tract might be the right way to go for me.

I have a Swiss Champ that I EDC on my cycling bag; my bicycle is my primary form of transportation, and I'd like to find something smaller and lighter to take its place.

I really don't need all the extra stuff on it either; really, the knife blade, pliers, and screwdrivers are the things I use most on it.

Where I live there are these little creeper plants that run along the ground and make these really nasty little thorns.  If one gets in my tire and I don't get it out soon enough, they can eventually work their way through even the puncture resistant kevlar belting in my tires.  Getting them out can be a real pain too... SAK tweezers simply wont work for that; small, fine pliers are a necessity.  Even then sometimes I have to use the awl to poke broken bits of thorn through the belt of the tire to get it all out.

I was considering a Juice but ideally would like something with a more capable knife.  I had a Squirt PS4 for a while, and the pliers in it were great, but the rest of the tools were really a little too small.  I gave it to my wife and she keeps it on her keychain now.  So I guess what I'm looking for is something with about a 2" single edge blade (straight or serrated doesn't really matter as long as it's not a combo edge), preferably with a lock back (I have had several liner locks fail on me and I do not trust them), and a pair of pliers similar to the Squirt's.  Scissors, screwdrivers, other tools would be icing on the cake, but not a necessity.  So if anyone has any suggestions for something a knife with a pair of needlenose pliers that are about the same size as those in a Squirt, with a 2" or so one-hand release blade, I'd appreciate any advice.

[sawman]

Unfortunately the Buck has a liner lock also.  If I might add, for the mere size of the X-tract that you will be carrying, you may do just as well to tote a LM Charge around and have those few extra accessories...

[Benner]

I am a huge fan of the X-Tract.  Best blade on a MT I reckon.

[David Bowen]

Make that an x-tract essential with huge scissors and a pocket clip and you've got some edcdepot goodness.

Sent from my Droid using Tapatalk

[asupernothing]

To be honest I don't think I have seen a real pliers multi-tool with a lockback blade. If you can go without the pliers its much easier to find a knife.
In regard to the liner locks I am surprised that you have had several liners fail. Out of curiosity, do you remember what tools/knives these failures were from?

[sawman]

If you don't need the pliers then maybe a c55b?  I can't recommend one because I don't have one but I will be getting one soon 

[asupernothing]

Nice new profile pic sawman.

I am looking forward to your review, since I would like to know how people feel about the second generation of Leatherman knives.

[sawman]

Nice new profile pic sawman.
I am looking forward to your review, since I would like to know how people feel about the second generation of Leatherman knives.

Thanks, it's my favorite multitool   

[Nikos]

So if anyone has any suggestions for something a knife with a pair of needlenose pliers that are about the same size as those in a Squirt, with a 2" or so one-hand release blade, I'd appreciate any advice.

With just those requirements, you could also have a look at some of the Gerber New Rangers (Alinghi and Mike Horn models), although at that price and size you could also get a more "complete" full-size tool such as a Charge or Wave (or two)... Or how about a "modded" squirt such as Andrea's PS4 with liner lock?

About the only multitools/SAKs I know off with a standard lockback blade are the SpydeRench/ByrdRench and the 84mm Wenger lockers, of which the former do not have needlenose pliers and the latter do not sport an OHO blade. Other than that, Gerbers, SOG PowerAssists, SwissTools (and Spirits),  SOG PowerLocks and some LMs do have some sort of lockback-type lock, but only the first two come with OHO blade.

If the "sort-of" is good enough for you, and OHO is a requirement, have a look at SOG PowerAssist and Gerber 700, 800, Octane, Strata, and Crucial (you should peruse the forums for reviews on these tools first though...) Otherwise, I'm afraid you'll have to sacrifice either the lockback or the OHO requirement...

[ari6126]

Gerber New Rangers (Alinghi and Mike Horn models)

You mean Wenger. Not criticizing or anything, but I don't want to confuse the new guy.

[Mercury]

I would go with the Skeletool series as well.   Welcome!

[Nikos]

Gerber New Rangers (Alinghi and Mike Horn models)

You mean Wenger. Not criticizing or anything, but I don't want to confuse the new guy.

Whoa yes! Shouldn't be posting while dizzy from working all day...

[thebullfrog]

You mentioned you carry a SwissChamp when cycling. As such I wholeheartedly recommend a Skeletool. My EDC is a Swisschamp + Skeletool CX. The combination gives you a CRAP LOAD of tools with a relatively small weight penalty. They both go in one pocket and are unnoticed 'till needed.

[turbov21]

I think the people suggesting the Skeletool are on to something.  It's true the Buck X-Tract has a nice blade, but it's pliers are for crap.  I think they may even be plastic.  The Skeletool (Skeletool CX is you don't want it edged) has a decent blade, strong enough pliers for fulling creepers and spoke tightening, it's a got a nice clip and bottle opener, as well as four screwdrivers heads.

That said, what I'd recommend is a Victorinox Mechanic.  I believe it has everything you want, and if you're going to settle for the X-Tract's pliers then the Mechanic's pliers will do you one better.  The blade is smaller, but I've never met a cutting challenge where a bigger, folding blade (like the X-Tract) was noticeably better than one like on the Mechanic.  (While I have a Mechanic, I use a Super Tinker, which has the same blade.)