Multi Tool

[eric1978]

CRKT Zilla and Zilla Jr. are NOT good. The parts (driving bits, etc.) rust easily. Leatherman will rust if left damp and unattended, but not easily or right away. However the blade is a slip joint and a bit wobbly (even when well cared for). Does anyone make a lockback besides CRKT?

All the tools lock out on my Gerber. I don't know what the model is, but it looks like this...

[snagged in outlet 3]

I have a Swiss Army Multi Tool and the best thing I ever I used it for was opening some Micro Brews while camping at Norfork river one night last fall.

SIO3

[Tim Smith]

CRKT Zilla and Zilla Jr. are NOT good. The parts (driving bits, etc.) rust easily. Leatherman will rust if left damp and unattended, but not easily or right away. However the blade is a slip joint and a bit wobbly (even when well cared for). Does anyone make a lockback besides CRKT?

I work in salt water and all my multi-tools try to freeze up from time to time. Just emmerse them in any kind of oil overnight when they start to get stiff. Pull them out the next day, open the blades, wash the whole thing with soap and you're good to go again.

[jdmidwest]

My current EDC is the Leatherman Blast and the Gerber Obsidian knife. The Blast has comfortable handles, locking blades and fits nicely in the nylon sheath on my belt. The Obsidian has a nice sturdy locking blade, can opener, bottle opener, file, and phillips/straight blade.

I have collected Leatherman and Gerber for several years now. I started carrying the Leatherman PST back in the 80's and gave all of my groomsmen at my wedding a Gerber 600 which they still carry today. I have seen more problems with a Gerber design, but both are backed by excellent warranties and will be repaired or replaced from the factory free of charge.

I currently about every Leatherman Multiplier made since they started and several of their knives. I have several different types of the Gerber and a good collection of their sheath knives. I have several Bucks including their prototype multitool. I have several multitools from other manufacturers.

I use mine daily, I mashed some barbs earlier this evening at a flytying class. I would not be without one.

[id10t]

I'm in the market for a new multi tool and realized there are about 100 different options out there. I'd be curious to hear which brand and model you have found to be most useful- particularly when the majority of the time it will be used on:

Outdoor activities:

Overnight float trips

Fishing

Camping

Hiking

Biking

Gerber Crucial is a great tool. It only weighs 5oz. It will fit in your pocket or clip it to your PFD. The clip is not he strongest but it has never unclipped in the 2 years I have had it. The reason I picked it over others is the blade. It is square/blunt tipped and serrated like a diving knife. So if you ever need to cut a rope or strap after taking a spill it is up to the job.

• Light weight, carries like a pocket knife
• Butterfly opening
  Product Description:
  This Gerber model 30-000140 is the green-colored version of the Gerber Crucial Tool. Weighing only 5 ounces, the Gerber Crucial carries more like a pocket knife while having the increased functionality of a multitool. Components included on the Gerber Crucial are partially serrated knife blade, flathead and phillips screwdrivers, carabiner, pliers, wire cutters and a bottle opener. All these tools are accessed through this butterfly opening tool that folds up tightly thanks to the stylish curved handles.
  
  
  Technical Specs:
  
• Closed Length: 3.6 inches
• Overall Length: 5.5 inches
• Weight: 5 oz.
• Stainless steel construction
• UPC Code: 013658114159

[jdmidwest]

Here is a link to a great site with more info on Multitools.

Multitool.org

[GloryDaze]

Thanks for all the input fellas. Ended up going with the Gerber Suspension, had all the tools I was looking for: 2 knives, scissors, locking feature and it's size and price were both appealing.

Won't really have a chance to put it to good use until I float here in a few weeks.

[Gatorjet]

How do you know what you need.... before you need it ?

Simple power of logic, and deduction. Do you need light weight as opposed to many extra blades. Do you need a scissors, a file, a corkscrew, and LED flashlight? I knew what I needed in a utility tool. One sharp non serrated, one serrated blade, straight screwdriver, Phillips screw driver, and strong pliers jaws.

I don't remember the model of my Gerber, I don't see it in their online catalog, but it has all the things I listed, and nothing more. It has performed well for me for 10 or more years.

I also had a very similar Leatherman when I was still working, the only difference was it has more of a needle nose pliers jaws. When I retired, it slipped in an outside pocket of my tackle bag where it works quite well for me.

[id10t]

Thanks for all the input fellas. Ended up going with the Gerber Suspension, had all the tools I was looking for: 2 knives, scissors, locking feature and it's size and price were both appealing.

Won't really have a chance to put it to good use until I float here in a few weeks.

I broke a suspension. The pliers broke 1st time out. This was 2 years ago and the issue may have been resolved. I would give the pliers a good workout before you put your faith in it in the field.

Nothing against Gerber I have 2 other models and stuff happens.

Congrats