Favorite SAK/multitool combos

[Poncho65]

Been carrying this duo as part of the Spirit challenge. It’s already a favorite, but I’ve gained a new appreciation for the Rally as a 58mm pair to a Spirit X (spear point blade). 

I do wish the Rally nail file had a version with the pointed tip like the files on a Minichamp or older classics. I have used the driver on the 58mm models before and I’m happy to have it, but when I’m pairing it with a MT with the 2mm and 3mm drivers, I don’t need it on the 58mm. 

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Definitely a great combo

I can't ever seem to get on with the Spirit as so many do but it does have a nice toolset and a 58mm is hard to beat for its size/tool ratio

           

[Grand_Banana]

In honor of my 1,001 post and distinction of No Life Club, I present a recent combo I’ve been carrying.  As part of the discontinued challenge I’ve had the Kick and Executive and once that challenge is over I’ll go back to carrying the Electrician along with it.

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This thread is one of my favorites on the site. I’ve posted before I like it because carrying a decent toolset without overlap and compromising function is important to me.  This combo does just that except the double large knife blade. Modding the Kick to replace the knife with file might be done soon.

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[Grand_Banana]

This thread needs a bump!

I did a bit of work around the house today with the Spirit butter blade and Waiter.  Good combo. 

I’m going to stick with these two for a bit and maybe add my Alox or Midnite Minichamp.

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[ShropshireLad]

Note that I am limited in terms of which multitools I can EDC, being in the UK (only non-locking blades with max. 3 in length permitted).  Still I have a few options.

1. Vic Climber Plus with Leatherman Squirt - the scissors spring on the Squirt is broken so it's just so I have pliers, plus the file/hacksaw on it is pretty good

2. Vic Climber Plus with SOG Micro Toolclip

3. Vic Farmer with Nextool Flagship Mini - the only redundancy here is the combined can/bottle opener on the Nextool and even then it's only semi-redundancy, because the openers on the Farmer have so many other uses for general prying.  It's good to have a second small blade which is lacking on the alox SAKs.

4. Vic Farmer X with Leatherman Bond (both have pocket clips, the Farmer X has the NiteIze HipClip).  This is admittedly a bit bulkier and has a fair bit of redundancy but it's very capable.  Imo the woodsaws on Vic 91/93mm models are better than those on most Leathermans, same goes for scissors.

5. Vic Climber Plus in pocket, LM Bond in bag (together with a 4 in vintage made in Sweden Bahco adjustable spanner, squeezed in the Bond pouch).

There is another combo as the other UK legal multitool I have is the Gerber MP600 bladeless but I haven't carried this for years now, I find it unwieldy to use, although the scissors on it aren't bad but nowhere near as good as those on SAKs or even the Nextool Flagship Mini.  I used to carry it with the Vic Hiker or Farmer.

Most common combos over the last year are Climber Plus/Squirt for pocket carry only, Climber Plus/Bond if I'm carrying a bag. 

[Farmer X]

This thread needs a bump!

I did a bit of work around the house today with the Spirit butter blade and Waiter.  Good combo. 

Note that I am limited in terms of which multitools I can EDC, being in the UK (only non-locking blades with max. 3 in length permitted).

Keep an eye out for Leatherman PSTs and Juices at reasonable prices (there may be a few out there). They would be good UK-legal PB multi carries.

[ShropshireLad]

Note that I am limited in terms of which multitools I can EDC, being in the UK (only non-locking blades with max. 3 in length permitted).  Still I have a few options.

1. Vic Climber Plus with Leatherman Squirt - the scissors spring on the Squirt is broken so it's just so I have pliers, plus the file/hacksaw on it is pretty good

2. Vic Climber Plus with SOG Micro Toolclip

3. Vic Farmer with Nextool Flagship Mini - the only redundancy here is the combined can/bottle opener on the Nextool and even then it's only semi-redundancy, because the openers on the Farmer have so many other uses for general prying.  It's good to have a second small blade which is lacking on the alox SAKs.

4. Vic Farmer X with Leatherman Bond (both have pocket clips, the Farmer X has the NiteIze HipClip).  This is admittedly a bit bulkier and has a fair bit of redundancy but it's very capable.  Imo the woodsaws on Vic 91/93mm models are better than those on most Leathermans, same goes for scissors.

5. Vic Climber Plus in pocket, LM Bond in bag (together with a 4 in vintage made in Sweden Bahco adjustable spanner, squeezed in the Bond pouch).

There is another combo as the other UK legal multitool I have is the Gerber MP600 bladeless but I haven't carried this for years now, I find it unwieldy to use, although the scissors on it aren't bad but nowhere near as good as those on SAKs or even the Nextool Flagship Mini.  I used to carry it with the Vic Hiker or Farmer.

Most common combos over the last year are Climber Plus/Squirt for pocket carry only, Climber Plus/Bond if I'm carrying a bag.

So it may appear a bit odd that I'm ''replying'' to my own comment, but I'm sure most of you would agree that EDC can be a work in progress and constantly evolving. 

I only carried combo 3 of my above post for a few hours.  I took the Nextool Flagship Mini and compared the weight of that to a Knipex Cobra XS plus a Vic Jetsetter and it was clear that those 2 together are lighter than the Flagship Mini, and arguably more capable, with less redundancy.  In fact I don't see any redundancy in carrying the Vic Farmer + Jetsetter + Cobra XS. 

I bought the Jetsetter for an overnight business trip with hand luggage only, and it passed security both ways.  Since then I have tried ways to use it in various EDC combos.  If I do the Spyderco Urban (or another UK legal folder like Bokerplus Atlas) + Cobra XS + Jetsetter it works well but I add a cheapo but rock solid key-shaped prybar/6mm flathead. 

[Farmer X]

I'm sure most of you would agree that EDC can be a work in progress and constantly evolving. 

Yes indeed. My carry over the past five years has gone from Super Tinker to six knives at a time and back down to Bantam and Opinel.

[ShropshireLad]

Yes indeed. My carry over the past five years has gone from Super Tinker to six knives at a time and back down to Bantam and Opinel.

 
Wow 6 knives is quite a lot man!  About a year ago I spent a few weeks carrying a Swisschamp in watch/coin pocket, accompanied by a Spyderco Urban and a Knipex Cobra XS in the main pocket...plus a Leatherman Bond in my bag. 

[Farmer X]

I spent a few weeks carrying a Swisschamp in watch/coin pocket...

I presently carry an Alox Bantam in my fifth pocket. I have to wonder how a SwissChamp would ride in there...

[Grand_Banana]

Been carrying the Spirit and Waiter for several days now.  Added an Alox Minichamp to round out the combo.

Took the combo camping as my mobile tool kit.  An Opinel no. 6 was also brought for food prep. 

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Very capable combo that covers all the bases.

[Farmer X]

That's a great little camping combo! I'd add a fixed blade, too.

[Poncho65]

Sporting this combo

A PST 1.5 (modded) and a Victorinox Executive 

[Farmer X]

You could get quite a bit done with that combo!

[Poncho65]

Mosr definitely! Thanks

[Grand_Banana]

Sporting this combo

A PST 1.5 (modded) and a Victorinox Executive 

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I’m going to have to read your thread adding the sidekick pocket clip. Seems better than the nightize clip I have on mine.

[Poncho65]

It was just a quick mod that I didn't really document

Just a Sidekick/Wingman clip and the Irwin OHO blade that came from an Irwin Locking pliers MT I think that the pivot I used also came from a Wingman/SideKick tool as well

All I did was take the PST pivot out, bent the little tab on the clip in (you could also drill a hole so the tab could go into) and put the clip against the tool then the small lanyard ring over it and then the pivot The reason I had to swap pivots was because I needed a lo ger one to accommodate the OHO blade. I am sure the regular pivot would work if you were only adding the clip

[MHrlz52]

Been giving this a lot of thought lately as I've been wanting to add a Leatherman to my pockets for EDC to compliment my SAK (usually a Climber or Pioneer X).

My Wave (2nd Gen) and Surge were too heavy and bulky for my pockets, and the Skeletool while lightweight doesn't ride right in the pocket with the clip design.

I've finally decided on the Compact and the Bond as the best combo for me (for now) considering the weight distribution and the minimal overlap in utility.

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[JonesE]

Great pair of tools! 

Welcome to the forum MHrlz52!

JonesE

[Yama Yago]

I have minichamp alox. Can anyone recommend me a Leatherman to combo with it? I have Signal, Alpha and Arc in my sight but other recommendation is welcome!

[nate j]

I have minichamp alox. Can anyone recommend me a Leatherman to combo with it? I have Signal, Alpha and Arc in my sight but other recommendation is welcome!

I would say the short answer is, “It depends.”

Do you work in construction, maintenance, or the trades?  You’ll probably want a heavy duty tool that can stand up to frequent significant use.

Do you work in an office or classroom?  Something smaller and lighter might be in order.

Do you have a lot of property to maintain?  Enjoy hiking and or camping in your spare time?

How do you plan to carry the tool?  Pocket, belt sheath, bag?

What functions would add value for you that aren’t covered by the Minichamp?

[IMR4198]

    Yes, it depends.  If you don't find yourself needing pliers on a fairly regular basis, then maybe you don't need one at all.  It takes some getting used to when you carry a bulky tool like the heavy-duty Leatherman models.  The novelty and perceived utility of multis sometimes dims when you actually carry one of these clunkers. 
    If I needed (wanted) a Leatherman and didn't have one (and I lived near a Costco) I would go and look at the Sidekick with the sheath combo they are practically giving away now.  Blue ones and yellowish ones.  The tools are slick and function smoothly.  Not terribly heavy or long.  Whatever you decide, I think you should probably try to handle a few different multis before you sign up for one.  See if this is really what you want. 
Best wishes,
Gary

[Yama Yago]

I would say the short answer is, “It depends.”

Do you work in construction, maintenance, or the trades?  You’ll probably want a heavy duty tool that can stand up to frequent significant use.

Do you work in an office or classroom?  Something smaller and lighter might be in order.

Do you have a lot of property to maintain?  Enjoy hiking and or camping in your spare time?

How do you plan to carry the tool?  Pocket, belt sheath, bag?

What functions would add value for you that aren’t covered by the Minichamp?

I usually stay in urban area (usually my home/uni)  I usually use my minichamp for package opening, cut some hanging cloths  or opening some bottle. I  want the leatherman that cover the urban fixing thing like more screwdriver or thing that minichamp isn't capable off like opening can . for the plan to carry I plan to carry in the bag.

[nate j]

I usually stay in urban area (usually my home/uni)  I usually use my minichamp for package opening, cut some hanging cloths  or opening some bottle. I  want the leatherman that cover the urban fixing thing like more screwdriver or thing that minichamp isn't capable off like opening can . for the plan to carry I plan to carry in the bag.

It might be worth considering whether you really need/want pliers and or wire cutters.  If not, pliers-based MTs tend to be heavy and expensive relative to knife-based MTs, and the ergonomics of all the other functions are  subject to the pliers-based form factor.

If all you really want is a can opener and a few more screwdrivers, something like a Vic Tinker might fill the bill at a lower weight and cost than a Leatherman.

If you do want the pliers or wire cutters, or you’re just set on a Leatherman, IMO the Rebar occupies something of a sweet spot in the current Leatherman lineup.  It’s a full-size tool with a large number of functions, but weighs noticeably less and costs only a fraction of what flagship models like the Arc and Alpha do.

[Grand_Banana]

A Vic Explorer is the ultimate urban SAK in my opinion, and I’m pretty sure just about every YouTube personality that reviews SAKs has said that at some point. 

If you think you need pliers then I’d go for a light and minimal pliers based multitool like a Leatherman Bond or pick up a used PST or Kick. 

But given that you’re at a university, I’d stray away from a PBMT.  Many campuses in many countries are very strict about knives and yet a 91mm SAK may get a pass because it’s legal in a lot of places.  I’m in the US and a professor. I pocket carry a Vic swisstool spirit and a Rally every day.  I usually have the spirit in a sheath in the lab.  The only reason I can get away with it and no one cares, although we are technically 0 tolerance for knives, is because I need it for work.  I literally use it every day in the lab. 

[nate j]

A Vic Explorer is the ultimate urban SAK in my opinion, and I’m pretty sure just about every YouTube personality that reviews SAKs has said that at some point. 

If you think you need pliers then I’d go for a light and minimal pliers based multitool like a Leatherman Bond or pick up a used PST or Kick. 

But given that you’re at a university, I’d stray away from a PBMT.  Many campuses in many countries are very strict about knives and yet a 91mm SAK may get a pass because it’s legal in a lot of places.  I’m in the US and a professor. I pocket carry a Vic swisstool spirit and a Rally every day.  I usually have the spirit in a sheath in the lab.  The only reason I can get away with it and no one cares, although we are technically 0 tolerance for knives, is because I need it for work.  I literally use it every day in the lab.

I agree the Explorer is a great SAK, though at four layers it is the upper bound of what I want to pocket carry.

Part of what I meant by the Rebar being in the sweet spot is that it is less than an ounce heavier than the Bond, but has some additional tools/features, including saw, serrated blade (in addition to PE blade), electrical crimper, and replaceable wire cutters.

With regard to university policies, the best way to know is to check yours.  It has been a couple of decades since I was in college, but I checked the current policies of my alma mater just for fun.  While guns, explosives, and other dangerous and deadly weapons are not allowed unless explicitly authorized, there is no specific mention of knives.

[Yama Yago]

I agree the Explorer is a great SAK, though at four layers it is the upper bound of what I want to pocket carry.

Part of what I meant by the Rebar being in the sweet spot is that it is less than an ounce heavier than the Bond, but has some additional tools/features, including saw, serrated blade (in addition to PE blade), electrical crimper, and replaceable wire cutters.

With regard to university policies, the best way to know is to check yours.  It has been a couple of decades since I was in college, but I checked the current policies of my alma mater just for fun.  While guns, explosives, and other dangerous and deadly weapons are not allowed unless explicitly authorized, there is no specific mention of knives.

My Uni policies is "Just don't swinging a blade in public and we good" (I live in SEA so smt like knife crime is not so common)

[nate j]

My Uni policies is "Just don't swinging a blade in public and we good" (I live in SEA so smt like knife crime is not so common)

Seems reasonable to me.

[kottskrapa]

Haven't used my rebar in a while. It's slightly modded with a scissor and as of this morning a new pocketclip, paired with a victorinox rambler, to be fair this is my second favorite combo. I usually carry a SAK paired with my style PS but sometimes you have to spice things up


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[Yama Yago]

A Vic Explorer is the ultimate urban SAK in my opinion, and I’m pretty sure just about every YouTube personality that reviews SAKs has said that at some point. 

If you think you need pliers then I’d go for a light and minimal pliers based multitool like a Leatherman Bond or pick up a used PST or Kick. 

But given that you’re at a university, I’d stray away from a PBMT.  Many campuses in many countries are very strict about knives and yet a 91mm SAK may get a pass because it’s legal in a lot of places.  I’m in the US and a professor. I pocket carry a Vic swisstool spirit and a Rally every day.  I usually have the spirit in a sheath in the lab.  The only reason I can get away with it and no one cares, although we are technically 0 tolerance for knives, is because I need it for work.  I literally use it every day in the lab.

Would you rather recommend super tinker over explorer?

[IMR4198]

  Ordinary 2-layer models like Spartan and Tinker are great.  They are rather ordinary, so people tend to overlook them.  Cost is low.  Quality and utility are very high.  Best wishes, G