What will be your hobo MT?

[Captain Hook]

There's been a lot of talk floating around about the coming of a second great depression. Now I'm not here to peddle fear, but I do want to lighten the mood. So here's my inquiry; if you lost everything and became a train hopping traveler always getting into misadventures, what would your one choice for a tool be? It can be anything, a SAK, Leatherman, hobo tool, Slipjoint knife. (Post
pictures and give a reason please) AANnd go!

[nate j]

Should be an interesting thread.  Let's see...

• I would definitely want something rust-resistant, as I might not always be in a position to keep the tool dry, let alone oil it.
• I would want something as close to bullet-proof as possible; something that could shrug off being dropped on concrete or a rock with no more than cosmetic damage, since I would only get one tool (no backups) and I might not be in position to readily or quickly replace it if it got damaged.
• I would want something that was capable and versatile, as it would be my only tool.

I don't have it down to one tool yet, but here's my short list (in no particular order):

• Victorinox Swisstool - Others may disagree, but I say the Swisstool is the toughest and most capable tool in Vic's entire lineup.  Thinking about carrying around that 10+ ounces all day every day is a bit off-putting, however.  I know I'd be tempted to stow it in a backpack or similar for ease of carry, which would obviously not be ideal for ease of access or security against loss.
• Victorinox Farmer X - Pretty much the other end of the spectrum from the Swisstool; still very tough, but definitely trading some capability for improved carry-ability.
• Victorinox Swisstool Spirit - Compromise between Swisstool & Farmer X; Swisstool Spirit is probably more like twice the weight of the Farmer X, as opposed to the Swisstool which is pushing closer to three times the weight of the Farmer X

[Captain Hook]

Excellent choices Nate 

Mine would have to be the Leatherman Pocket Survival Tool. It's lightweight, has a can opener for those delicious beans I'll be eating, and the pliers and file always come in handy. PST's are also very easy to clean and you could oil the darn things with bacon grease!

[Sea Monster]

I'm inclined to agree with Matt....

Although I'd go an OG Supertool, for the same reasons.

My "go to" carry is a LM Wave, Gerber MP600, or Vic Outrider - but part of that is their relative capability/convenience/replacability factor.

If it came down to "There's no more production, what is the simplest, most reliable option" then original LM (PST or Supertool) have the least amount of moving parts and field servicability going around.

I imagine there's a few SOGs in that realm as well, but I don't own any of those


Anyway, the next fifteen responses will be "Vic Spirit!" So you'll have your democratic answer soon enough

[Mechanickal]

I'd pick my most expensive tool, sell it off and buy some lower cost tools with the funds...
Or is that cheating?

[magentus]

Spirit!

Superbly engineered, robust, great tool selection, all killer, no filler, it turns a hobo into a Super Hobo

[lister]

Spirit!

Superbly engineered, robust, great tool selection, all killer, no filler, it turns a hobo into a Super Hobo

 

[ezdog]

Probably the tools that I already carry and for the same reasons.

I have already vetted and proven over and over that I have the best options for myself in the Skinth every day right now,why would I do otherwise really?

So Spirit X or Centerdrive/MP600 either would do and I like the flicked out plier feature on the Gerbers and the simple perfection of the Vic of course.

Either way I got to have some pliers for my misadventures !

[McStitchy]

I'm with Sea Monster and Matt.
Leatherman PST or Supertool for the reasons mentioned.
I'd pick this sheath out of my box...

[ElevenBlade]

In my mind, the exercise is to choose the tool that suits the job of being a wanderer, in search of my next meal or shelter... Stowing away on train cars... Bartering...

I figure that I'll need a good blade for all around tasks including food prep, for which I'll also need a can opener  I'll need a saw or serrated blade for sheltering, and pliers for random work on  things I find (I won't be "fixing" anything as I assume I won't own anything).

So what's in the running for me... What I have now, and what comes to mind...

Leatherman - OG Wave or PST. I have an OG Wave and that would be a top contender. It's got a good tool set and is simple and reliable.  I would consider an original PST with the assumption that it's as indestructible as others have said.  But the saw and serrated blade on the Wave are a plus.  Though the OG Supertool is sturdy, I haven't grown to like it in 20 years.

Gerber - MP600:  simple tool set and reliable to boot. It's currently my backup in my work/emergency/get-home bag.  Probably not my final choice, mainly because it lacks a saw.

Victorinox - Spirit... Because.... Well... It's the Spirit.  93mm Alox Farmer is up there in the running - virtually indestructible and covers the bases.  How about the 111mm Hercules?  The main blade is going to be the most used tool, I imagine.  Among all of the above, the Hercules has the best one  It has a saw and a can opener.  Scissors and tweezers could be useful for first aid.  And, it's got a few screwdrivers and small pliers to get me in and out of places I'm not supposed to be.

So tentatively... Until someone changes my mind (which is bound to happen), my tool of choice if I were in dire straits and on the road...

Victorinox Hercules - maximum utility and versatility that's just right

And the next two in no particular order
Leatherman Wave - functional tool set with a separate plain and serrated blade, yet is small enough and  easy to use
Victorinox Spirit - has the tools you need and the design is bar none.  The chisel may come in really handy.

[SirVicaLot]

Spirit X or Farmer X 

[gadgetman7]

Leatherman Charge Ti before the replaceable wire cutters. I’ve carried one most days for ten years. While I love my Swisschamp, the Charge has a fantastic blade and scissors. The only thing missing is an awl but that can be improvised.

I like the Spirit but the knife blade isn’t as good to me and I like the Charge saw and file much better.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[lister]

Spirit X AND Farmer X 

I fixed that for you... 

[charlie fox]

I’d pick my old school original Wave. It seems to be the one I keep coming back to anyway 

[ToolJoe]

Spirit gets my vote 

[ElevenBlade]

but why though... ? 

[SirVicaLot]

but why though... ? 

Because the Spirit is awesome!



 

[Pop]

I'd have to go with my farmer X. I rarely use pliers, so I wouldn't want a multi tool weighing me down. And as much as I love my slipjoints it would be silly to pick something without a can opener. I briefly considered a Mora, but being a drifter with a fixed blade didn't work out for John Rambo.

[ElevenBlade]

I'd have to go with my farmer X. I rarely use pliers, so I wouldn't want a multi tool weighing me down. And as much as I love my slipjoints it would be silly to pick something without a can opener. I briefly considered a Mora, but being a drifter with a fixed blade didn't work out for John Rambo.

Can't argue with that reasoning.   

[nate j]

I briefly considered a Mora, but being a drifter with a fixed blade didn't work out for John Rambo.

 

[getahl]

One of the  thinner 111mm SAKs, just need the can opener, a spoon, P38 as a spare, sillcock wrench, and a gallon jug for water

[genevabuck]

I actually met a Hobo who carried a multi tool last year. By choice he lived a lifestyle where he hopped trains and traveled across America and Canada. I guess there is a small counterculture of these people who travel by train and live in Hobo camps near train tracks. He said he has been everywhere from Alaska to Florida.

Anyway, he had a Snap On multi tool that he bought at an auto parts store.  He said he used all of the tools, especially the can opener.

Something of note. I showed him my Leatherman Wave. He replied, “something that nice could get me killed. It’s dangerous out here.  I have a cheap one on purpose.” 

[ezdog]

I actually met a Hobo who carried a multi tool last year. By choice he lived a lifestyle where he hopped trains and traveled across America and Canada. I guess there is a small counterculture of these people who travel by train and live in Hobo camps near train tracks. He said he has been everywhere from Alaska to Florida.

Anyway, he had a Snap On multi tool that he bought at an auto parts store.  He said he used all of the tools, especially the can opener.

Something of note. I showed him my Leatherman Wave. He replied, “something that nice could get me killed. It’s dangerous out here.  I have a cheap one on purpose.”

Now this is a reason that I can respect for not carrying the best tool but instead carrying one you will not regret too much when it is gone!

Otherwise why wouldn't I already be carrying my favorite tool while not a Hobo?!
Yet?

[BClogic]

Don't forget everyone, the original hobo was a wanderer looking for work. Those pliers may, or may not depending on future occupations, come in handy

If I get two then OG Wave and Soldier. If but just one then OG Wave or Farmer (X).
Maybe Surge with that T-shank adapter. Definitely have to perform blade touchups after skinning a few bunnies and squirrels!

Truthfully, I would be satisfied with nothing more than the Soldier/Pioneer line.
Crap maybe I should bring my deer/camp knife.....KA-BAR? ugh....

I'm the person that brings everything I own with me and sheds and trades the things I don't need

Something of note. I showed him my Leatherman Wave. He replied, %u201Csomething that nice could get me killed. It%u2019s dangerous out here.  I have a cheap one on purpose.%u201D 

I've heard that too. That counter-culture is pretty big I think. Have a look on the Tube. Heck I watched a few tubers and they dang near convinced me to hop on the train behind my buddies house. I still ponder the idea and have a slight idea of where it goes!

[EtherealityX1]

Definetely a Spirit, it's not even a contest.

[Pop]

If you take the danger aspect into the equation something like a fieldmaster with a scale missing or PST would be a good option. PSTs look a lot like the generic Walmart specials. Especially if you put a distressed paint job on the handles.

[turbov21]

Probably my trusty Super Tinker. The main functions I'd want are:

• Small, easily hidden in my pocket, bag, etc.
• Can opener, I've never found a better can opener than the ST.
• Knife, the two blades on the ST cut through most bags, boxes, tape, etc. Plus having two gives me a backup if one breaks.
• Miscellaneous tool, scissors and screwdrivers when needed.

If I could take two then I'd include my LM Freestyle because I've found the pliers are useful for opening bottles.