What should my very first multitool be?

[FolderBeholder]

Lots of great input here.
I am going to suggest the ARC because it seems as though you want it and it is a great tool especially if you can find it for less than retail.
It seems that no matter what tool you get, you might always wonder if you should get the ARC, just my opinion.

[Vadim]

But the Leatherman Surge awl with a needle hole doesn't come with thread, and if you carry thread why not carry proper needle for that ?

[Sven34]

I am a long-time Leatherman-tool user.  I have worked in Aerospace manufacturing for over 20 years and have always had a Leatherman tool on my belt.  My first was the original Supertool - used daily for a decade plus. Then the Surge with a full bit-kit, spare metal saw and extender. I loved that setup in a nylon belt pouch with a right-angle flashlight and a pry-tool. Then I downsized a bit to the Leatherman Charge, as the smaller needle-nose pliers got into tighter places more readily. I  passed on the Free P2 and P4 models since I needed to have the bit kit for non standard fasteners, and those models did not have a bit driver. When the Leatherman ARC came out, (which does have a bit-driver) I saved my coins and bought it ASAP.  I love the one-handed operation which makes a huge difference as I use the ARC dozens of times per day, often in high-pressure production situations. The ARC was worth it to me, and has paid for itself many times over.  The ARC is not a light-use tool, it handles what I put it through daily and still looks great.  The Surge will also not disappoint, but is larger.  Edited for spelling, etc.

[Sven34]

Regarding the clones of the Leatherman Wave and Surge platforms by Bibury and others; there is a reason that these models have been cloned -- they pack an almost unbelievable amount of utility and convenience into an easy-to-carry package.  In a sheath with all the extras, it is like having a one-hand-operable toolbox on your belt.  I have never tried any of the clones -- they may be just fine, but Leatherman has always treated me right with warranty repairs, etc, so I prefer to stick with the company that invented the modern multitool.

[iamBETTO]

But the Leatherman Surge awl with a needle hole doesn't come with thread, and if you carry thread why not carry proper needle for that ?

I will have a cord (+thread) lanyard on the SURGE for emergency rope/leather-work.

I am a long-time Leatherman-tool user.  I have worked in Aerospace manufacturing for over 20 years and have always had a Leatherman tool on my belt.  My first was the original Supertool - used daily for a decade plus. Then the Surge with a full bit-kit, spare metal saw and extender. I loved that setup in a nylon belt pouch with a right-angle flashlight and a pry-tool. Then I downsized a bit to the Leatherman Charge, as the smaller needle-nose pliers got into tighter places more readily. I  passed on the Free P2 and P4 models since I needed to have the bit kit for non standard fasteners, and those models did not have a bit driver. When the Leatherman ARC came out, (which does have a bit-driver) I saved my coins and bought it ASAP.  I love the one-handed operation which makes a huge difference as I use the ARC dozens of times per day, often in high-pressure production situations. The ARC was worth it to me, and has paid for itself many times over.  The ARC is not a light-use tool, it handles what I put it through daily and still looks great.  The Surge will also not disappoint, but is larger.  Edited for spelling, etc.

Here is what others said, and my response to them:

- “MagnaCut blade is worth it”
- I have an FM-78 fixed blade. The ARC’s blade is redundant luxury.

- “Lighter = better”
- 3 oz savings is nothing when I carry a rifle + handgun + plates. Leverage is a priority over saving 3 oz.

- “ARC is the new flagship”
- It’s a YouTube darling, not a field workhorse. Surge still seems better for medium-heavy duty work.

After doing thorough research the ARC seems like an expensive paperweight compared to multitools like the SURGE.
Don't get me wrong, I still like it because it looks so f**king good, but as of now I changed my mind and remain unconvinced.

The Leatherman SIGNAL started winking at me, though...
I'd like other people's opinions on it.

[Rich_SD]

- “MagnaCut blade is worth it”
- I have an FM-78 fixed blade. The ARC’s blade is redundant luxury.

Do you have a special FM-78?  I ask because I just read up on that knife, and its high carbon steel is significantly softer than Magnacut. Magnacut may still be a luxury for you, but it’s certainly not redundant to the Glock’s blade.

[Vadim]

I will have a cord (+thread) lanyard on the SURGE for emergency rope/leather-work.

So why do you need Leatherman SURGE for that, for leatherwork?   

[iamBETTO]

So why do you need Leatherman SURGE for that, for leatherwork?   

Why not? It's a good idea for emergency leatherwork on the field when I think about it.

[Vadim]

Why not? It's a good idea for emergency leatherwork on the field when I think about it.

But you already have a separate emergency kit: cord (+thread), cord/rope, why not add the right needle for working with leather?

Have you ever used a SURGE awl for working with leather?

By the way, an awl with a hole is more prone to breaking if used as a reamer.

[iamBETTO]

Do you have a special FM-78?  I ask because I just read up on that knife, and its high carbon steel is significantly softer than Magnacut. Magnacut may still be a luxury for you, but it’s certainly not redundant to the Glock’s blade.

I have a small EDC pouch I haven't finished optimizing yet.
I believe a micro sharpener will solve that dilemma for me.

What do you think?

But you already have a separate emergency kit: cord (+thread), cord/rope, why not add the right needle for working with leather?

Have you ever used a SURGE awl for working with leather?

No, I've never owned a multitool before.
To answer your question, I live in a village so I'm trying to optimize it for both when I'm on duty and when I'm at home bushcrafting or what not.

Again, all of this is me doing my research. My thoughts and opinions need to be challenged so I can ideally optimize this whole thing, so feel free to counter anything I say.

[Rich_SD]

I have a small EDC pouch I haven't finished optimizing yet.
I believe a micro sharpener will solve that dilemma for me.

What do you think?

If that’s the right solution for you, sure!  I’m just pointing out that the ARC’s Magnacut blade will retain its edge far longer than your dedicated blade. You’ll want to carry a sharpener either way you go.  Personally, I would like a blade that stays razor sharp without the need for constant sharpening.  The 420HC on the Surge might even retain its edge better than the Glock, but I’m not sure on that.  Even if it doesn’t, you could reserve the Surge’s blade for only when you need a super sharp blade and use your fixed blade as your workhorse.  Whichever way you go, know that the ARC is not an “expensive paperweight” compared to other multitools. I think people make that claim because they’re upset over the price (ie sour grapes).

[LoopCutter]

My SURGE’s plain edge blade as a recurve and can be tricky to sharpen by hand if not paying attention.

Yet, the Serrated edge is cutting machine for awl materials that are fiborous.

[Farmer X]

The Leatherman SIGNAL started winking at me, though...
I'd like other people's opinions on it.

The Signal is a decent tool. My big gripe with it is that the hammer end makes using the inside-opening tools kinda tricky. I'm also not overly fond of the combo edge blade. But the Signal could be a good choice, especially if your primary tools will be the saw, blade, and pliers. And I'm pretty sure they're available in bright colors, which should make them harder to lose when you're out in the field.

[VICMAN]

I vote for the ARC.

[Vadim]

I vote for the ARC.

ARC doesn't have awl with a needle hole, for emergency leatherwork on the field.

[iamBETTO]

ARC doesn't have awl with a needle hole, for emergency leatherwork on the field.

[Grant Lamontagne]

I'm a bit late getting back to you, sorry.

I don't know what the long term (6 months +) situation is for the Bibury as I have only had it about a month.

I have had the Signal much longer and as far as I am concerned, it is an absolute failure of a design, which is even more offensive given it's high price.

Due to the carabiner end the screwdriver, awl and can opener have to be used when the rest of the tool is flopping around.  You can't fold out the screwdriver, awl or can opener and then fold the handles together to actually use it, because the carabiner handle is in the way of the handles coming together.  For some people this isn't an issue, but I also believe that many members here (and in the greater internet universe) wouldn't accept a design flaw like that from any other company.

The Signal has a lot of fancy stuff on it like the removable diamond file and the whistle that it draws your attention away from the fact that they forgot the basics of multitool design.

Honestly, I'd stick with the Surge or the Wave.  Leatherman may have a large and varied lineup, but those are the only two with a one handed opening blade that are worth spending money on.  In the current line up, if a one handed blade isn't a necessity you do have a few more good options, including the afore mentioned SuperTool 300 and Rebar and the Bond. 

The Bond is basically the current version of the original Leatherman, The PST and is pretty good, although the only one I have is so tight it's almost impossible to get tools out and use it, but I am sure that isn't a problem across the board.  I have quite a few Leatherman models and it's the only one I have that is like that.

There is also the Curl, which IMHO falls into the same category as the Wave as it's basically half of a Wave.

Def

[Farmer X]

Due to the carabiner end the screwdriver, awl and can opener have to be used when the rest of the tool is flopping around.  You can't fold out the screwdriver, awl or can opener and then fold the handles together to actually use it, because the carabiner handle is in the way of the handles coming together.

That's exactly what I meant when I said that using a Signal's inside tools is "tricky."

[iamBETTO]

I'm a bit late getting back to you, sorry.

I don't know what the long term (6 months +) situation is for the Bibury as I have only had it about a month.

I have had the Signal much longer and as far as I am concerned, it is an absolute failure of a design, which is even more offensive given it's high price.

Due to the carabiner end the screwdriver, awl and can opener have to be used when the rest of the tool is flopping around.  You can't fold out the screwdriver, awl or can opener and then fold the handles together to actually use it, because the carabiner handle is in the way of the handles coming together.  For some people this isn't an issue, but I also believe that many members here (and in the greater internet universe) wouldn't accept a design flaw like that from any other company.

The Signal has a lot of fancy stuff on it like the removable diamond file and the whistle that it draws your attention away from the fact that they forgot the basics of multitool design.

Honestly, I'd stick with the Surge or the Wave.  Leatherman may have a large and varied lineup, but those are the only two with a one handed opening blade that are worth spending money on.  In the current line up, if a one handed blade isn't a necessity you do have a few more good options, including the afore mentioned SuperTool 300 and Rebar and the Bond. 

The Bond is basically the current version of the original Leatherman, The PST and is pretty good, although the only one I have is so tight it's almost impossible to get tools out and use it, but I am sure that isn't a problem across the board.  I have quite a few Leatherman models and it's the only one I have that is like that.

There is also the Curl, which IMHO falls into the same category as the Wave as it's basically half of a Wave.

Def

No matter how hard I try, the SURGE always ends up leading.

I'm thinking the bit driver could be good to have the appropriate bits for a rifle/handgun/knife or whatever maintenance. The SuperTool 300 looks good, but the tools are inside and the lack of bit driver is a bummer.

[Grant Lamontagne]

I don't think you can go wrong with the Surge.  It is a good tool and out of all the tools Leatherman has produced over the years, I would say it is one of the absolute best- and that's saying something as they have made a lot of good models over the years. 

The only real drawback. as I said was the flat bits that are a pain in the arse to source if you need something other than the bits that it comes with.  You can also pay them even more money to get the bit adaptor to make up for the fact that their tools can't do what every other tool on the market already does.

I don't honestly find myself needing anything besides the bits it comes with, so it's not a really big deal.

Def

[Rich_SD]

That's exactly what I meant when I said that using a Signal's inside tools is "tricky."

I don’t use a Signal much, but I use a Skeletool frequently and it has the same “problem” with its screwdriver.  Sure, it’s not the idea configuration for a screwdriver, but I never had a problem using it.  Considering how much I love the design, having a L-shaped screwdriver handle is an acceptable trade off for what is required to make the rest of the tool work. 

[Crunchie64]

No matter how hard I try, the SURGE always ends up leading.

I'm thinking the bit driver could be good to have the appropriate bits for a rifle/handgun/knife or whatever maintenance. The SuperTool 300 looks good, but the tools are inside and the lack of bit driver is a bummer.

I’m not going to try to talk you out of the Surge.

It’s a great tool, and seems to be the one that’s caught your eye.

There is a fairly cheap accessory that fits over the Phillips if the Supertool, Rebar, and Bond to let you use any 1/4” bit.

It gives you the best of both - cheap, easily replaced bits for when you need them, but strong fixed drivers for when you just need the basics.

Obviously you can get the same effect with the bit extension or ratchet paired with a Surge.

[Antti Lammi]

You could see ST300M model since it comes with  bitdriver extension (1/4") bitkit and sheat

[iamBETTO]

My name is Betto, and I'm now a proud owner of the Leatherman SURGE. 🤘🏻

[Antti Lammi]

Well you cant go with Surge, hope your gonna like it

[SteveC]

SURGE!!!!!

[Grant Lamontagne]

SURGE!!!!!

 

Betto, I look forward to hearing your thoughts on it now that you have it!   

Def

[Rich_SD]

Congratulations!  Great tool!  You’ll also always wonder if you should have gotten the ARC instead  😉

[iamBETTO]

Congratulations!  Great tool!  You’ll also always wonder if you should have gotten the ARC instead  😉

On the way back home I received a $200 ticket... I could've bought the ARC alongside the SURGE with that money. 😭

[Farmer X]

I'm now a proud owner of the Leatherman SURGE. 🤘🏻

I was going to say that since you kept going back to the Surge, that's the one you should buy. Congratulations, and enjoy putting it through its paces!

I look forward to hearing your thoughts on it now that you have it!

Me, too!