Leatherman's view on pocket knife vs pliers based

[Huntsman]

Hi Team,

I was cruising around the LM website and found an article on pocket knife vs pliers  ..... "This will be interesting!" .....  I thought

https://leatherman.com.au/blogs/news/multitool-vs-pocketknife

Overall - Pretty good and balanced article I'd say - Much more so than I expected!

They talk quite a lot about people who carry a pocket knife plus a pliers based - I guess many of us do!!

Couple of interesting points though - They only have two cons against the pocket knife

• It's only a knife ........ Hmmm try telling that to the SwissChamp
• You may need to do many things that require something other than a blade .... Yep see above    and You can break the blade on a pocket knife, if you use it wrongly ....... Yep - Don't use a blade as a pry bar     

And the really funny thing is: They say if you do want to carry a pocket knife and a pliers-based
- They suggest two Leathermans eg A Skeletool and a Rebar -   
Not a surprise I guess - They are hardly going to suggest a Vic or a Spydie !!
But kinda surprised they did not suggest one of the new Magnacut knives - Maybe the article came before that!!

[nate j]

I’m having trouble accessing the article, it keeps redirecting me to LM’s US site.

Regardless, as I’ve said before, there’s usually a significant weight increase for PBMTs over KBMTs, so it’s worth considering how often one really needs the larger pliers and or wire cutters.

[IMR4198]

Same.  Can't access the article.  Wouldn't change the way I do things anyway.  If you could figure out a way to post a plain text version of the article, I would read it.  Best wishes.  G
 

[Antti Lammi]

Here is plain text


Multitool vs Pocketknife

August 09, 2024

We know many Leatherman fans choose to carry both a full-sized multi-tool and a dedicated pocketknife. That way they’ll be ready for anything.

But what if you are looking for a lighter everyday carry? We think there are a couple of great options if you don’t want to carry both a full-sized multi-tool and a pocketknife.

This article explores the benefits and drawbacks of multi-tools vs. pocketknives, so you can make the choice that’s right for you.

Signal on a log and disassembling a component
All Things Multi-Tool

Tim Leatherman created the world’s first pliers-based multi-tool in 1983. Before then, existing multi-tools like scout-type knives or Swiss Army knives were very limited in function. In fact, it was a trip across Europe that inspired Tim to create the original Pocket survival Tool. Tim realised that he needed more than what was available at the time.

Since 1983, Leatherman has been innovating multi-tools for decades (40 years and counting). But almost all of our multi-tools start with a pair of pliers and include various sizes of screwdrivers, openers, and other implements. And almost all of them include at least one blade. We designed some multi-tools with speSmurfpillsed features for specific industries. Think construction workers or First Responders with tools like the Raptor Response®. Others multi-tools were created for specific activities. The Signal®, for example, is the perfect outdoor essential. And the MUT® is ideal for maintaining military gear.

We also offer simple multi-tools which we think of as a pocket-knife plus. The focus of these tools center on the blade, but have at least one other feature to make them more practical and useful. And in the case of the FREE® Series, they use an innovative magnetic architecture to make them move smoothly and open easily.

Not sure which one to pick? Or if you should have both? Read on to see the pros and cons of both types.
Multi-Tool Pros

    Full-sized multi-tools come with a wide variety of blades, including straight edges, serrated, and dedicated saws. Plus, most of them are outside accessible which means you can open and lock the knife with your thumb, similar to a standard pocketknife, to make quick cuts easy.
    They include other crucial tools like pliers, bit drivers, and files.
    Carry them however you want with pocket clips, sheaths, or lanyards.
    There are a wide variety of styles, features, and price points.

Multi-Tool Cons

    Full-sized multitools can be a bit heavy for some people to carry around every day.
    If it is your only cutting tool, a multi-tool might not be comfortable to hold in the hand for long periods of time for knife work.
    Fewer steel and material options.
    Some multi-tools have blades that are only accessible by opening the tool.

K series knife being used on paracord, crawdad wielding a skeletool kbx
All Things Pocketknives

Lightweight and portable, pocketknives are one of the most common everyday carry items, alongside phone, wallet, and keys. From cutting rope to slicing an apple, a pocketknife comes in handy in multiple ways every single day.
Knife Pros

    Slimmer profile and lightweight for comfortable carry.
    A variety of blade shapes to choose from.

Knife Cons

    Even the best knife is still… just a knife.
    Life presents a wide range of tasks that a knife can’t cut. Anyone who has broken their knife blade trying to pry something open or dulled their blade too quickly just opening boxes can relate.

How To Choose?

We think there are a couple of great options if you don’t want to carry both a full-sized multi-tool and a pocketknife. This include choosing one Leatherman that doubles as a go-to blade, what we’re calling the Best of Both Worlds Approach.

Alternately you might pair a smaller multitool with a dedicated pocketknife.
Option #1: Best of Both Worlds Approach
SKELETOOL®

Skeletool on a table with blade out

A pocket-sized multitool like the Skeletool® has a slimmer profile and only the most essential tools like a 420HC combo blade, pliers, and a bit driver. With the Skeletool, you’ll have a sharp blade at the ready along with the most commonly used features on a multi-tool. The Skeletool includes a pocket clip. For some people, this minimalist multi-tool is all the EDC they’ll ever need.

If you prefer a straight blade, check out the Skeletool CX.

 
FREE® K4

K4 with all tools extended

The FREE K4 is a knife-based multi-tool. The large, 3-inch 420HC steel straight blade is capable of most cutting tasks. But in the handle are 8 additional tools like a package opener, pry tool, awl, screwdrivers, and scissors. This would be a good option for those who want more capability than a pocketknife, but don’t see the need to carry a set of pliers.
Option #2: Pocketknife + Multi-Tool

If you would prefer to carry both a multi-tool and a dedicated pocketknife, we have some options that won’t weigh you down.

A good combo would be the Rebar® and a knife like the Skeletool® KBx.

rebar in a gloved hand

The Rebar is a pliers-based multi-tool with all the essential tools for everyday fixes and problem solving in a 6.7 oz package. It does include multiple blades, but due to the design these are not outside accessible. This is less of an issue if you complement it with a lightweight, simple pocketknife like the Skeletool® KBx.

skeletool kbx in a tackle box

The Skeletool® KBx keeps things simple with a 420HC combo knife blade and a bottle opener. We think of it as a pocketknife plus. Lock the knife blade into place and unlock to fold it away for a safer way to work. Use the replaceable pocket clip to make it easier to carry, or remove it if you prefer. Great for heavy-duty work or quick, everyday uses, it’s a versatile, high-quality pocketknife.

 
Your Call, Boss

Whether you opt to carry a full-sized multi-tool, pocketknife multi-tool, or both, Leatherman has you covered. Check out our top rated category for more options to build out your every day carry.

[IMR4198]

    Thanks for the read, Antti.  I think I agree with it mostly.  Something like a Skeletool has the right tool set, but the thing is still heavy (5 ounces) and is an uncomfortable shape and length for pocket carry.  Something like the old Kick is only fractionally heavier and much more pocketable and capable.  The knife based K series is a no go.  Very little capability next to a SAK and still up around the 5 ounce mark.  Not cheap either. 
     I needed to fix something with some pliers yesterday.  Leatherman was right next to me.  The pliers wouldn't open up far enough to be of any use.  I like Leatherman okay, but probably use the blade more than anything else.  Might as well use just a SAK or most any sort of pocketknife actually.  It just so happens that SAKs are light, compact, cheap, and excellent quality. 
Best wishes.  G
 

[Antti Lammi]

Just noticed that it was posted august 09, 2024

[IMR4198]

   I wonder if someone punched in a 2024 instead of 2025?  Either way, a little update.  I mentioned trying to use a Leatherman to repair something.  I went back this morning and decided that the thing wasn't going to get the best of me.  I fixed it using just my...... Leatherman.  Good light and a clear mind helped.  Goes to show it is the tool user and not the tool that matters the most.  Best wishes.  G
 

[ThundahBeagle]

I’m having trouble accessing the article, it keeps redirecting me to LM’s US site.

Regardless, as I’ve said before, there’s usually a significant weight increase for PBMTs over KBMTs, so it’s worth considering how often one really needs the larger pliers and or wire cutters.

There is a weight increase.  And I look at Vic Deluxe Tinker as an example.  Yes, it is knife based. But the added thickness of the plyers layer and weight just about puts it outside of pocket carry territory for me.  And the plyers -while good -are less useful than those of an LM Rebar for even PST or PST2.  I figure the PST is a great alternative to a Spartan and the PST 2 is a great alternative to a Super Tinker.

[ThundahBeagle]

The article states Leatherman created the first plyers based multitool in the world.  I take umbrage at that statement.  It also says the idea came to him after a road tour of Europe.  What are the chances that Tim came across a number of examples of the Solingen, Germany made Fishemans Friend and improved upon that?  After all, it was exported to the USA market since shortly after WWII.

Also, I think the "plyers and knife combo" issue was what Leatherman was trying to solve from early on, but definitely wanted one ring to rule them both with the OG Wave, which might seem to do the trick

[LoopCutter]

 
Actually I think the biggest hurdle Tim Leatherman encountered was not making or designing the tool, it was finding a large enough audience that would buy the tool  to build a business. And, until CABELA’s placed that first order did his product took off!

Just as Victorinox and Wenger had a following worldwide for the SAM variants, the  CLASSIC was the main product in the USA.  The the tv show “MACGyver” hit the TV boxes and his costar, a little red SAK did sales increase.

SH it happens just because, rest if history.

[Grant Lamontagne]

My guess is that this is an AI generated article.  The two "cons" are pretty well the same, and the suggestion of a good dedicated blade/multitools combo both being a multitool.... It just seems like the kind of articles written by AI.

Either that or the folks at Leatherman are desperate for copy writers and fired all of the editors.

Def

[fullbreakfast]

I’m shocked, shocked I tell ya, that they didn’t mention you could carry a SAK, or other folding knife, plus a separate small pair of pliers like the Knipex 145mm needle-nose combi pliers. Must have slipped their mind.

[Fireman]

My guess is that this is an AI generated article. 

That was my thought. 

[Grant Lamontagne]

I've experimented with a lot of AI content, and I use AI in other places (not MTO!) because it definitely has its place.  But, it also needs to be checked for accuracy before being posted.

But it does make things a heck of a lot easier, and maybe the person doing the checking knows even less about the subject matter than the AI does!

What gets to me about this particular use case is that the AI has probably been trained by reading... I dunno, probably nineteen and a half years of comments on a multitool forum and generating the content from that.

So we are indirectly responsible for writing the LM blogz which is fitting because they develop a lot of multitools along a very coincidental schedule to mods that show up here before LM announces them.   

Def