Best multitool under $35?

Grant Lamontagne · **on:** March 17, 2012, 06:46:42 PM

Talking about the new Opinel survival knife in the Edged Tools forum got me to thinking. Some folks think that $35 for an Opinel may be a bit much, but I have to say that I think any good knife for $35 is well worth it. So, the question jumped to my mind, with all of the sub $35 multitools on the market these days, what does everyone think is the best?

For the purposes of argument, let's just say something that is available new for $35 or less- after all you could buy just about any tool in varying states of being trashed for under $35.

For me I like a lot of sub $35 tools, including the Sidekick and Wingman, Zilla & Guppie (plus their smaller versions), the Shard, Artifact, Dime.... it's a huge category and getting bigger by the day.

Thoughts?

Def

captain spaulding · **Reply #1 on:** March 17, 2012, 06:52:24 PM

LM Blast.

I have seen them for very close to $35 and with no tax and free shipping I believe they were $36. It might be a bit farfetched, but if it qualifies I would have to give my vote to the Blast.

Sazabi · **Reply #2 on:** March 17, 2012, 06:52:53 PM

The Kick-Fuse-Blast line falls under that category, still.

Grant Lamontagne · **Reply #3 on:** March 17, 2012, 06:59:01 PM

$36.... I dunno, that's pushing it!

I suppose we can allow it though. I wasn't counting shipping or taxes in anyway since that varies from person to person and from dealer to dealer.

Def

dks · **Reply #4 on:** March 17, 2012, 07:04:51 PM

Juice S2.
Do SAKs count?
Swisschamp, cybertool etc

Or the Ranger series from wenger!!

Gareth · **Reply #5 on:** March 17, 2012, 07:08:50 PM

Doesn't quite translate over here, I don't think that there is any MT available for that.

But assuming I'm buying over on the other side of the pond, and we're not talking MRSP but discounted, the one that springs to mind is the MP400. It's a whole lot of MT goodness that can be had for $35.

I'm also still a huge fan of the Squirt PS4.

dks · **Reply #6 on:** March 17, 2012, 07:13:38 PM

Quote from: Gareth on March 17, 2012, 07:08:50 PM

Doesn't quite translate over here, I don't think that there is any MT available for that. But assuming I'm buying over on the other side of the pond, and we're not talking MRSP but discounted, the one that springs to mind is the MP400. It's a whole lot of MT goodness that can be had for $35.

I'm also still a huge fan of the Squirt PS4.

I got my "Bahco" multitool with shipping from amazon uk for that much...

Here, the LM Micra sells for 50 euro...

ironraven · **Reply #7 on:** March 17, 2012, 07:29:41 PM

Vic SuperTinker (wally world, $25) and a good pair of pliers ($10)

Biru · **Reply #8 on:** March 17, 2012, 07:41:42 PM

A while back Overstock.com had the 4" Bear Jaws for around that price. That's a pretty good deal, though it was the model lacking the saw.

jzmtl · **Reply #9 on:** March 17, 2012, 08:19:51 PM

Quote from: dks on March 17, 2012, 07:04:51 PM

Juice S2.
Do SAKs count?
Swisschamp, cybertool etc

Or the Ranger series from wenger!!

I don't think you can get juice S2 for less than $35, nor any more than basic ranger.

At this price the sidekick/wingman is pretty hard to beat, although I still think LM is subsidizing the cost to lure in customers, especially on that $20 deal found in US.

dks · **Reply #10 on:** March 17, 2012, 09:01:21 PM

Quote from: jzmtl on March 17, 2012, 08:19:51 PM

I don't think you can get juice S2 for less than $35, nor any more than basic ranger.

At this price the sidekick/wingman is pretty hard to beat, although I still think LM is subsidizing the cost to lure in customers, especially on that $20 deal found in US.

see??

http://moodeals.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=11143&cPath=202#googlebase (soon)
http://www.buydig.com/shop/product.aspx?omid=103&ref=froogle&utm_source=Froogle&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=LM70202003K&sku=LM70202003K&tab=descript

http://www.thenerds.net/WENGER.Wenger_Ranger_61_Swiss_Army_Knife.16304.html?affid=8

According to Google.....

enki_ck · **Reply #11 on:** March 17, 2012, 09:07:05 PM

I think the Victorinox Ranger has almoast anything you could ever need in a multitool that isn't plier based. Goes for $32.91 at Amazon right now and around $33 mark from most eBay sellers.

http://www.amazon.com/Victorinox-Swiss-Ranger-Pocket-Knife/dp/B000687B58

Grant Lamontagne · **Reply #12 on:** March 17, 2012, 09:34:53 PM

Quote from: dks on March 17, 2012, 09:01:21 PM

Quote from: jzmtl on March 17, 2012, 08:19:51 PM
I don't think you can get juice S2 for less than $35, nor any more than basic ranger.

At this price the sidekick/wingman is pretty hard to beat, although I still think LM is subsidizing the cost to lure in customers, especially on that $20 deal found in US.
see??

http://moodeals.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=11143&cPath=202#googlebase (soon)
http://www.buydig.com/shop/product.aspx?omid=103&ref=froogle&utm_source=Froogle&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=LM70202003K&sku=LM70202003K&tab=descript

http://www.thenerds.net/WENGER.Wenger_Ranger_61_Swiss_Army_Knife.16304.html?affid=8

According to Google.....

Well, I wasn't certain of the pricing either, but I have to accept your proof on this one. Good finds- remind me to get you searching for things when I need stuff in the future!

Quote from: Gareth on March 17, 2012, 07:08:50 PM

Doesn't quite translate over here, I don't think that there is any MT available for that. But assuming I'm buying over on the other side of the pond, and we're not talking MRSP but discounted, the one that springs to mind is the MP400. It's a whole lot of MT goodness that can be had for $35.

I'm also still a huge fan of the Squirt PS4.

I tend to buy most things from the US as they tend to be riotously expensive here too- maybe not to the same extent as over there, but no one seems to have realized that for the last 6-7 years or so the US and Canadian dollars are pretty much at par. Most things are still priced as if the US dollar is worth 30% more.

And I was wondering how long until someone suggested the MP400!

Def

scrappy · **Reply #13 on:** March 17, 2012, 09:43:40 PM

I hate to be a naysayer but I strongly dislike the ranger series. i own several and they are too large with minimal usefulness. I like the older versions more.
I have gotten new tools on Ebay for less like the surge or super tool 300 but regularly at that price, I would second what has been said. The kick fuse blast line or the sidekick and wingman. I agree, for 20 dollars retail the wingman was a wonderful deal and I wonder if it was profitable.
If it is your only tool I would say go for the blast, fuse, sidekick in that order.
A nice vic for 35 is also a good option.

Grant Lamontagne · **Reply #14 on:** March 17, 2012, 10:07:01 PM

Well you are certainly entitled to your opinion, but I like the Ranger series. Yes they can be a bit bulky but I think the benefits on them (longer saws, nice big blades, decent foldaway pliers) are worth it.

Of course disagreeing is what this site is all about!

Def

jzmtl · **Reply #15 on:** March 17, 2012, 10:44:47 PM

I'd like to see thinner scales on ranger, the current ones are fine on one or two layer knives but once you go above 3 it doesn't serve any real purpose anymore.

jerseydevil · **Reply #16 on:** March 17, 2012, 10:49:17 PM

For around $35, I'm going to have to say the MP400/450. The MP450 is far and away my most carried pliers based multi. I have a Fuze and Kick, and had a Wingman for a bit, but I just like the MP better. I know a lot of people here are turned off by Gerber, and I was at first as well. But the 450 has certainly changed my mind.

scrappy · **Reply #17 on:** March 17, 2012, 10:55:35 PM

Quote from: Grant Lamontagne on March 17, 2012, 10:07:01 PM

Well you are certainly entitled to your opinion, but I like the Ranger series. Yes they can be a bit bulky but I think the benefits on them (longer saws, nice big blades, decent foldaway pliers) are worth it.

Of course disagreeing is what this site is all about!

Def

are you arguing with one of your alert egos again?

Grant Lamontagne · **Reply #18 on:** March 17, 2012, 10:56:17 PM

I'll never tell....

Def

Carlos · **Reply #19 on:** March 17, 2012, 11:51:51 PM

Fuse, blast or any 91mm SAK in the 35$ range, targeting the swisschamp, if possible.

Syph007 · **Reply #20 on:** March 18, 2012, 01:38:56 AM

aww none of my favorites are 35 or under... but if I had to pick one, I'd have to pick a vic harvester. The pruner blade rules as a clam shell opener. Or maybe just a regular red sak, as much as I could get for 35. SAKS after all, are about value for the money.

Gareth · **Reply #21 on:** March 18, 2012, 10:46:18 AM

Quote from: Gareth on March 17, 2012, 07:08:50 PM

Doesn't quite translate over here, I don't think that there is any MT available for that. But assuming I'm buying over on the other side of the pond, and we're not talking MRSP but discounted, the one that springs to mind is the MP400. It's a whole lot of MT goodness that can be had for $35.

I'm also still a huge fan of the Squirt PS4.

Well I take it all back. I've just found (and ordered) a Gerber MP450 for £21, that's about $33, plus a little postage. From a UK supplier that's an incredible deal.

Pignut71 · **Reply #22 on:** March 18, 2012, 01:13:13 PM

I reckon the SAK Huntsman has got to be up there with the best of em' given the criteria.

Failing that, agree with previous comments kick, fuse, blast etc (although you would be hard pushed to pick up a blast for under 35 in the UK).

Grant Lamontagne · **Reply #23 on:** March 18, 2012, 01:22:25 PM

Good find Gareth!

Def

Santos · **Reply #24 on:** March 19, 2012, 11:34:01 AM

i like the leatherman blast, its currently the only leatherman i own (and i've had a couple that i owned shortly before passing it on) I hope they become common unloved surplus multitools and never enter the world of highly collectable and desirable multitools that are worth more to sell than use. (ie like a victorinox huntsman as opposed to a victorinox trail guide)

2nd option would be a Vic Ranger, its my favourite 91m, i refuse to put them under the knife for mod fodder if they are still servicable. (where as champions and other saks in condition get no such compassion

)

Santos · **Reply #25 on:** March 19, 2012, 11:43:27 AM

Probably should add that if it was a friend saying to me.

"I currently own 'nothing/zilch/nada' and have no clue oh wise one but i have $35 and i want something to have, in case i need it, sort of thing."

it would be the leatherman blast. The Wingman and sidekick dont seem quite there... Maybe the blast will be replaced by an extralayers wingman/sidekick derivitive like the fuse and kick. In which case i pray they call it the Leatherman Pointman or Comrade

kmanct3 · **Reply #26 on:** March 19, 2012, 12:12:20 PM

Squirt or Blast for me!

Bosman2 · **Reply #27 on:** March 19, 2012, 01:24:34 PM

Easy Blast hands down!!

All locking tools, lightweight, great tool selection.

Heinz Doofenshmirtz · **Reply #28 on:** March 19, 2012, 05:50:58 PM

Just a little bit of Goo-fu will get you a regular Explorer for about $25. They even have them on the Big A for about that now.

http://www.amazon.com/Victorinox-Swiss-Army-Explorer-Collectible/dp/B000VY6E5U/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1332175756&sr=8-1

For my needs, an Explorer is a better knife than a Ranger or Huntsman, but that's just me.

I'm gonna have to break down and get me one now!

AimlessWanderer · **Reply #29 on:** March 19, 2012, 08:17:14 PM

Utilikey, Screwzall, Vic Classic, a small pair of pliers, and off to the pub with the change

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