Need help picking a full-sized MT

[Yalborap]

So, hello! New poster. Been lurking for a bit, seems very nice here.

So I'm looking for some advice. Here's the short version: I've recently gotten into actually-good multitools, swiss army knives, and so on and so forth, as opposed to the incredibly crappy stuff I had as a kid. Ignoring the generics, the bootlegs and the weird gimmicks around the house, I currently own:

-A Leatherman Squirt PS4
-A Victorinox Huntsman

and that's about it, aside from a little pen knife, and a Utili-Key on my keychain. So, not exactly a broad and deep collection here, is what I'm saying.

So one of the things I've been thinking I could really use, is a full(er)-sized multitool. Something still friendly to going into a pocket; I don't even wear a belt most days, let alone utility-belt holsters and pouches, so, yeah. I can't exactly do some jumbo behemoth thing, no matter how well it replaces an entire tool chest.

Also, as an aside, I live in California. I'm not aware of any tools that fail our limits of blade carry and such here, but, just worth mentioning.

So the question is, what am I looking for in a tool? Well:

-I don't want to give up anything the Squirt has. So, basic screwdrivers, knife, scissors, bottle opener, and the tricky bit, the file. While I don't strictly need it every single day, the little file on the Squirt comes in handy enough that I'd be loathe to give it up in something that's going into my pocket every day.

-I'm pretty strongly leaning into a pliers-based MT, for the above reason, as well as the fact that the whole reason I started carrying a multitool in the first place over a pen knife was the pliers. (We've got these thorny bushes in the area that lots of people landscape their yards with, and so it's not unheard of for thorns to end up on the sidewalk and get into the sole of your shoe, you see) That said, I'm open to being convinced to lean more into an SAK, since it does mean bigger tools, and a lot of them lean less expensive than MTs for similar tool density...

-Feeding into that, well, bigger tools. I like my Squirt, but one of the things that has me hesitant about, say, the Wave, is the fact that a lot of its internal tools are on the small side. I'm not even sure if the scissors are bigger than mine, for instance.

-And feeding off of THAT, the more outside-accessible tools, the better. In an ideal world, I want everything outside accessible. Buuuuut...

-I also really like the idea of one-handed open on the basic stuff, like the blade. The stuff you're most likely to want to use for like two seconds for one quick tiny task.

-And I'm neutral on the question of screwdrivers versus a bit driver, but I wear glasses, so the thought of having a precision screwdriver on hand as part of the tool does carry a comfort and appeal.

So, given all this data, the obvious answer would be the Wave. it brings basically all the major tools(blades, screwdrivers, file, scissors, and a saw so it can be the camping tool too!)...But there's only two problems.

One, it costs 90 friggin' dollars. I know that's not that much compared to some things, but, I mean, I'm a 20-something college student. A 20-something unemployed college student, living with the folks. I'm in no danger of starving here if I splurge on a multitool, but I'm also not exactly rolling in the dough, you know what I mean?

Two, quite a few of those tools are pretty dang small. I mean, look at the teeny scissors. Or the stubby bit driver. As nice as the idea of having one tool that can go around the house, into the woods or into my schoolbag is, if it sacrifices quality-of-life on the more urban stuff for access to the more nature-focused stuff, that has me hesitant.

So another thought, then, becomes the Wingman or Sidekick. A mere thirty bucks from Home Depot, brings some modern aspects to the design like the spring-loaded pliers...But it also means a combo blade and no saw on the Wingman, or no scissors on the Sidekick. Gotta choose what I care about more, city or nature, and just lean into it. And both of them are somewhat limited on their screwdrivers, I believe lack a precision-tipped one, and their file is itty bitty bitty and not even dual-sided or edged like the Squirt's. So either one of them brings some sacrifices to the party.

And of course, obviously back-and-forth, give and take, is the name of the game. But where would I be if I wasn't looking for the one single perfect tool to do everything, right?

Another thought, is the Victorinox line. My only real hesitation there, aside from cost, is I don't believe any of them do one-handed open. They're all two-handed open on everything. Which isn't the end of the world or anything, but it feels like leaving features on the table, you know?

And naturally, there are the others, like Gerber and SOG...But at a glance, I didn't see anything from either one that leaned into being as close to what I want as the Wave, without being even more expensive. That said, I'm more than willing to listen if I just missed some super great option.

So...Yeah. Any thoughts, helpful advice or tips? Or am I simply on an impossible quest, and need to sacrifice something to get the other things into the realm of possibility? Thanks a bunch, everyone!

[hiraethus]

Get a S/H BO Wave from Aloha007: http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,70224.0.html  Only $65.   The Spirit is my personal favourite, but you can't go wrong with a Wave either, and if you really want OHO, quality and decent price it's the way forward.

Oh, and welcome to the forum.

[Padre]

Generally Wave or Spirit is the way to go. You could find Wave used or at discount, and with bit extender it would be really good. That diamond file is fantastic.  Basically it comes down if you like Waves OHO tools more, or larger scissors from Spirit.

[Alan K.]

Agreed, the wave or the Spirit can both be found used for substantial discounts. I find the Spirit more comfortable to pocket carry as it is flat and streamlined and I think it is lighter than the Wave as well.  Are you against carrying a pliers based multitool in combination with a SAK? Because if you carry both you can cover most contingencies with very little redundancy. For example, one of my favorite combos is the Leatherman Sidekick with a SAK Mountaineer.  The Mountaineer is the same as your Huntsman but it has a file instead of the saw, so you would have the file and scissors in the SAK and you would have a nice knife blade and saw with the Sidekick. 

[Mechanickal]

Welcome!

Keep in mind though that you want pliers to remove thorns. Thorns don't require full size pliers.

There are quite some SAKs with a plier layer.
Although they aren't as heavy duty as plier based multitools, they can still take on quite some tasks.

I bought my Swisschamp, used, for €35 (!!)
Indeed no OHO, but alot of tools in a "small" package, that does not raise eyebrows at college, the busstop, the movie theather etc...
It has a mini screwdriver which you can remove from the corkscrew, so you don't need to hold your entire tool to use it, like on the wave.
Or buy one seperatly for a few $ to store in your huntsman, so you don't need one in your multitool.

If you DO want a plier based multitool, my vote goes to a (used but in good condition) Spirit too.
It has a very high tool density, is relativily lightweight, shaped for a comfortable grip.
It feels like something precious when holding it.

A Wave is great in it's own way. The OHO by itself makes it pop out amongst others, especialy during tech work where you need  at least one hand on the job.

So many choices, so many options, but it's up to you and yourself.
Good hunting!

[Fortytwo]

I'll just agree with the others on the Spirit, it really is that good. I kind of hate it for making all other tools look sloppy in comparison but you can't really go wrong with a second hand Spirit in good shape.

[ducttapetech]

First off, welcome to MTO.

Both are good tools, however they both have there cons too. But going by what you want, go with the Wave. It will not disappoint. I know scissors are a big tool for you and neither one of them will give you a big pair of scissors. But both work surprisingly well. The Wave's does open up more. You said that you wanted a file and the Wave has got the covered in spades. Spirit has a good file also, but it is not a diamond file.
The Spirits is built with precision and the Wave is built more rugged.
Keep in mind, when you get a New Wave, you will have a break in period before it begins to loosen up. Once broke in everything glides smoothly. The Spirit does not have a break in period.
On the flip side, Spirit are slippery when wet and oily and while it is made with 21 jewel clockwork type precision, this can be it's down fall when subjected to grit, dirt and sand. While this stuff is bad for tools in general, the Wave handles these conditions better. Also the Wave is more prone to rust than the Spirit.
I can go on and on, but the Wave sounds like it fits the bill most for you. OH blades, good file etc.
Best of luck in your quest.

[irona]

I was about to recommend looking for a PST - very slim, lightweight, disappears in the pocket, and has plenty of tools including a file (the PST2 has scissors) - the issue is that those don't have any outside accessible tools so if that's really an issue I'd recommend carrying the skeletool with your ps4 in your watch pocket.

[AimlessWanderer]

The truth is that when you try and decide between pliers tool vs Swiss knife, nine times out of ten, a combo wins.

You have a great knife there in the Huntsman, and there will be times when your social environment will be more accepting of that than a pliers tool. So, I would suggest looking for a full sized tool which has what the Huntsman doesn’t. Full Phillips, file, full pliers. Anything else is a bonus. Also from this philosophy, a serrated blade or combo blade is fine, because it compliments the plain edged blade you already have on the knife. You can also get the Victorinox eye glass driver for the corkscrew as a separate item, and add that to the Huntsman.

This opens up the choices a lot more, particularly where budget is a factor. MP450, Rebar, Diesel, Strata, Wingman, as well as all the other tools already considered. You'll not find a pliers tool (other than Swisstool) with scissors as good as the Huntsman's. You will find equal saws, but not better ones unless you go for the 130mm Victorinox Rangers. The can opener is another tool that's hard to equal/beat. I would look at keeping the Swiss knife and complimenting it rather than replacing it.

[ducttapetech]

Al make some good points but forgot one, the Surge along with Swiss tool has very good scissors. But those two tools are big and are rather heavy for most to carry.

[magentus]

Al make some good points but forgot one, the Surge along with Swiss tool has very good scissors. But those two tools are big and are rather heavy for most to carry.

You need Space Marine power-armour to help carry either one.

Al is correct - the Huntsman is a great starting off point - friendly and useful enough as a stand alone, with a pliers based tool, or maybe just pliers to complement it.

[SteveC]

Welcome to the forum 

I would also suggest the LM Wave 

[aurabattler]

When I first considering a MT, I kept telling myself to seek for as many OHO tools as possible and as many outside tools as possible. I wished to have many many tools in a small package. However, the tools that you don't use are just actually extra ounces.  The OHO tools that you don't always need are just decorative. Consider what tools you need most and consider what outside tools you prefer,  and consider which OHO tools you will need. Pairing your new tools to your current tools are good idea. Like you have a squirt, you can pair it up with tools like skeletool or Rebar. It provides you adequate versitility and save your wallet. Like pairing up the hustman with Rebar,  you will have good scissors, nice saw, and nice pliers. You only miss an OHO blade. If you need OHO blade a lot, maybe get a cheap folder. 

[metasyntax]

Welcome to

OK, let me sum up. Requirements: drivers, knife, scissors, openers, file, pliers, outside and/or OH access, eyeglass screwdriver.

The truth is that when you try and decide between pliers tool vs Swiss knife, nine times out of ten, a combo wins.

Agreed!

Here's one idea: Ranger + Skeletool That would give you everything on your list. Could probably get this for about $75 total on eBay.
Another idea: Blast + cheap folder (like the Ontario RAT Model II). The only thing you'd be missing here is outside access. You might be able to get this combo for $60 total eBay.

[4everYoung]

My .02 worth. I think any multitool with everything you want will be too large to pocket carry. I find that splitting them up over 2 tools in 2 pockets, allows an easier carry without compromise.
For example. My requirements were OHO blade, scissors, pliers, screwdriver and pocket clip. So my solution became the Skeletool paired with another keychain or easily pocket carried tool that had scissors. For a long time it was the Style CS but now I'm loving this Pioneer X. Vic scissors are just awesome.
So my recommendation would be a Skeletool plus the squirt or your SAK on a pocket dangler.
I vote Skeletool bc it's OHO, easy pocket carry and it has removable bits so you could get or make a bit kit for it and have a variety of driver options.

[Poncho65]

Welcome to You have plenty of great suggestions already so I'll leave it at that

[WoodsDuck]

I'll parrot some other posters here and say when in doubt, buy second hand. Best way to get a high end tool for a budget price 

I would also like to note that, aside from the one-hand opening blade, it sounds like a Victorinox Handyman might be a good fit. SAK pliers can certainly handle thorn duty, and you get a decent file, plus the corkscrew can accommodate the eyeglass driver.

Looks like they're about $65 new, but you might be able to find a better deal.

[G-Dizzle]

Welcome!!! I have a few full sized multitools and I will go along with some others in saying go with the Victorinox Spirit! In my opinion it is one if the best designs out there. The all-outside-accessible is extremely useful. You can always carry a OHO knife in another pocket. If I had to choose one to use and sell the rest, it would be my Vic Spirit or my LM Charge Tti (basically a wave) with bits and extenders.

[eddie1115]

Welcome!  The search for the "One Tool" is pretty common around here   Like others have mentioned, I usually carry a combo of tools to get everything just the way I want it, but as we all have different wants/needs/priorities, there's no right answer for everyone

I was going to agree with most here that a Wave or a Spirit would be the closest all-in-one option to what you want.  But I thought about the original, gen 1 Wave, which I think fixes some of the issues you have with the current Wave.  3D phillips instead of bit driver, larger scissors (which I happen to like a lot, you may find others on here that disagree), and it's a tad smaller/more pocketable.  It's also going to be cheaper because you'd have to buy secondhand (as it's discontinued), which is also the one problem, it's not readily available.  But folks will sell them here on the forum occasionally, and that auction site will have some pop up once in a while as well (most are just listed as "Wave" so you'd have to know to look for the gen 1 version).

Let us know how the search goes, I've had a lot of fun with the search (despite the sadness from my wallet...).

[SteveC]

Plenty of used Waves both original and second gen on E-bay for $50 or less

This guy has some of both

http://www.ebay.com/sch/rkauctions/m.html?item=322395422542&hash=item4b1043bf4e%3Ag%3ApZQAAOSwo4pYgDxI&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2562

[Marc_in_NS]

Welcome to the forum,

For reliability, performance in all weather and life-time warranty... Swiss Tool and you'll be done, happy and satisfied.
The form and finish cannot be approached by any of the others. Precision machining and millions sold. Tools thst lock fpr your safety, heck I could go on for ever but you get the message.

[Aloha]

Tough choice between the Spirit and Wave.  My only real complaint on the Spirit is the scissors.  The tool is pretty spectacular in everything mentioned above and throughout this forum.  The tool density is seriously second to none.  The quality is spot on as well.

The Wave is a great tool.  The scissors are small but IMO better than the Spirits.  With 4 OHO tools one being a diamond file thats really pretty great.  My argument for the Wave is always, what happens when you run into the hex or star fastener?  Two words, Bit Kit, which is very easy to carry by the way.  You can add a pocket clip makes it nudge out the Spirit in your case tho some have added a clip to their Spirits.

I do have a BO Wave up for sale but please note that its a Cap Crimper Plier Head. 

Now all that being said, it really is about combinations.  A SAK and MT are really like PB&J, they just go together. 

You would not be unhappy with either Spirit or Wave quite honestly.     

[G-Dizzle]

Just a couple extra thoughts here.. i personally like the scissors on the spirit and the wave. They are stout and will cut through some rough material. While I do wish they opened up a little farther, the Spirit scissors almost behave like a tiny set of shears.

[Aloha]

Just a couple extra thoughts here.. i personally like the scissors on the spirit and the wave. They are stout and will cut through some rough material. While I do wish they opened up a little farther, the Spirit scissors almost behave like a tiny set of shears.

   I don't really use mine enough.  I was put off when I was cutting fabric and just haven't really gave them a chance again.  I carry a 91mm and those scissors are so terrific theres no reason to not use them.  I must also confess I don't use my Waves scissors since I my SAK scissors are always at hand.  I modded a Wave to include them in place of the serrated blade. 

[G-Dizzle]

Just a couple extra thoughts here.. i personally like the scissors on the spirit and the wave. They are stout and will cut through some rough material. While I do wish they opened up a little farther, the Spirit scissors almost behave like a tiny set of shears.

   I don't really use mine enough.  I was put off when I was cutting fabric and just haven't really gave them a chance again.  I carry a 91mm and those scissors are so terrific theres no reason to not use them.  I must also confess I don't use my Waves scissors since I my SAK scissors are always at hand.  I modded a Wave to include them in place of the serrated blade.

One thing i do hate with either pair is cutting paper. I would much rather have a 91mm for that. I have carried a micra around recently, so havent had a need for any of them this past couple weeks.

[ThePeacent]

Aaaand another one that votes COMBO here. Get a nice combination of MT + SAk, it's easier to carry, if you lose one you'll always have the other and you'll be honoring both the SAK crew and the MT fans. And those SS/BO + Red or Alox scales just look awesome together for shots like these



My choice was Rebar + Rambler as I wanted very precise Scissors, tough but precise NN pliers, large file, saw and tough sturdy bits, plus precision tools (drivers on the Minichamp). All practical, nice and easy to carry everywhere   

[Padre]

 
Guys, the topic says: "Need help picking a full-sized MT"

Not "Need help picking a full-combo of MT, SAK and a folder with smaller backup SAK".
 
 

[temo]

Well rebar is best pocket carry from larger plier based MTs. Wave I did not like to pocket carry. One reason those OHO tools. I like spirit and rebar more.

But as options needed were quite directly wave features, can't say think again about needed features. If wave is what you need, that should be best option.

[Demel]

Hey welcome to the forum. If you don't want to buy new comb eBay. Plenty of good deals for a Wave there.

For example http://www.ebay.com/itm/391683679696

No ties to seller, but there are options. Also it's worth saving up for the thing you want/need. The wave will not disappoint. Also get the pocket clip for it. Well worth it Happy hunting

[Yalborap]

Guys, the topic says: "Need help picking a full-sized MT"

Not "Need help picking a full-combo of MT, SAK and a folder with smaller backup SAK".
 
 

Hehe. I mean, I understand, the enthusiasm is always intense for stuff like this. I'm not even actively opposed to the idea of a combo, it's just that there's only so much space in my pockets. I mean, I never got comfortable with stuff in my back pocket(and between being a writer and a returned college student, I'm spending a whole lot of time on my butt), and while I've got decently sized pockets, with a big phone and notebook in my left pocket, my right pocket has to basically carry everything else; wallet, keys, pen, multitool. There's only so much room, particularly for things that don't have clips. (Not gonna lie, one of the reasons I was strongly considering the full-sized MT in the first place was getting one with a clip so it could ride up at the top of my pocket, instead of being buried in the coin pocket.)

So looks like the Wave is the best place to start, probably a used one, judging by the prices they sell for...It's a bit difficult to justify dropping 90 dollars blindly on a form factor I'm uncertain of, but it's a lot easier to justify the ~45 or so I'm seeing in a lot of eBay auctions. I'm not entirely certain of its exact priorities and focus(were it me, I feel like I'd want to swap the serrated blade and scissors for the big scissors off the Wingman, and the tiny serrated blade off the Sidekick), but there's no real way to figure it out except to hold the thing in my hands.

Of course, I also have to acknowledge this is just another step into the rabbit hole that is inevitably ending up with a collection of these dang things, but that's hopefully well into the future when I have more cashflow.

EDIT: Oh, as a quick aside, while I'm still hunting options, and just looking around at the market of stuff actually worth carrying day-by-day...So, I know the big MT producers, Leatherman, Gerber, SOG and such. Then you hit the general tool people branding one or two so-so ones, and then it's down into cheap no-name and store brand land.

What I know less about, is the SAK side. Obviously there's Victorinox, and at one point before being absorbed there was Wenger. I'm assuming there's an equivalent to Gerber and SOG in the SAK field, the guys able to sit in the same category as the big default choice, before you go down into the land of complete garbage. But I have no idea which companies that would even be.