There is a whole world of multi-tools out there to choose from. Before you go shopping there are some things to consider so you make the choice that is best for your situation.

• Avoid the urge to get the one with the most gadgets

There are some multi-tools out there that have tools that most of us never use. If you have purchased a big multi-tool in the past and used most of the tools then ignore what I am saying but I would bet that for most of us preppers, the big ones are just added weight and expense.

• Consider multiple mid-priced multi-tools for use around your camp or home

There are plenty of quality choices in the mid-priced multi-tool range. The new Leatherman Rev retails for a mere $30 and you an often get it for less than $30 while a single Leatherman Wave has a lot of tools that you may never use and costs 3 times as much.

Buy Silver at Discounted Prices

If you want something more functional than a just a basic multi-tool you should consider buying one elaborate model and then a few less expensive but highly functional ones. If I lose a Rev at $30 it is a far sight better than losing a $100 multi-tool.

• Save yourself the trouble of buying an “off” brand

Is it worth saving $20 to get an off brand? The answer in my own experience is no. There is only a few things worse when you are trying to get something done then having a tool fail you.

I imagine a lot of you might be thinking about multi-tools for your bug out bag or just your basic emergency stash. This is one of those times when buying that $20 tool is not something I would do.

• Know the limits of a multi-tool

Not all multi-tools are built the same and you have to realize that even the best tool can only take so much abuse, general wear, or neglect. The good ones are tough but if you push them you can definitely break one of the tools or mess of a mechanism. Use common sense when using them and you will get the best results and not be as likely to hurt yourself.

• Get the right size

When I say size I am talking about the overall length when closed. You need to be able to grip your multi-tool comfortably. I have larger hands but sometimes a Leatherman Wave seems too bulky for me.

Women and kids need tools that are smaller than the ones used by the average man. Pay attention to measurements when ordering online. It doesn’t hurt to get out a ruler so you can consider what you are getting.

Leatherman Family Of Multi Tools

Waxing Nostalgic For The Original Leatherman

When I was in college I bought just the standard Leatherman and by the time I eventually lost it 8 years later or so they had stopped making the standard. The reason I like it was that it had all the basics you needed and nothing more.

The quality of the metal and the heft became the standard I used to gauge any other multi-tool. Here is the basic tools I consider essential to a multi-tool for prepping and general work around the farm.

• Pliers
• Screwdriver
• Knife
• Bottle Oppener
• Leather Punch
• File
• Wirecutters

Optional But Nice

• Saw
• Scissors

Beyond this, I feel I am just carrying weight I don’t need.

Leatherman Wave

Size: 4 inches closed and 8.5 oz

Even though I mentioned finding the Wave a bit bulky at times, it is one of the better multi-tools out there that has a lot of tools on it. I like that the knife part and the bottle opener are on the outside where I can get to them with ease.

The pliers are sturdy and the wire cutters can be used to cut thick wire when needed. We have built a lot of fences using the Wave for cutting the thinner wire for attaching field fence to posts. In terms of quality it is worth the $90 if you are they type of person that has an easy time keeping up with tools. This is one you will want to wear on your belt.

Leatherman Rev

Size: 3.8 inches closed and 5.9 oz

The Rev has an amazing 14 tools and can be found for $30 retail price. This is a bargain for what you get and it comes with Leatherman’s 25-year warranty. I can attest to the fact that Leatherman definitely follows through on their warranty. We had an older Leatherman that had been discontinued but was still under warranty when a tool broke.

We sent this decade-old Leatherman back and they sent us a Wave instead. They really stand by their products. I like this tool because it is affordable enough to have a lot of them around the house and not be worried if one gets misplaced. There are no scissors but honestly the scissors on any multi-tool are not ideal so I feel they are something nice to have but I can do without.

Schrade ST11 Tough Tool Multi-Tool

Size: 4.1 inches closed and 7 oz

While I am going to include Schrade on this list because they are a well-known brand and available at a good price, it is important to note that they are not made in the USA anymore. This has led to some poor reviews from longtime customers. On the other hand, there are a lot of new customers that seem to be very satisfied with the performance of these tools.

I like the larger and more functional scissors offered on this tool. For a multi-tool to keep in the kitchen drawer this would be a viable option. This tool has all the features of a basic multi-tool such as a flat head and Phillips screwdriver bit, knife blade, bottle opener, wire cutters, pliers, etc. For a budget multi-tool it is worth trying out.

Boker Plus Tech Outdoor Folding Knife 7 Tool Model

Size: 6 oz and 3 ¾ inches closed

Boker makes quality knives for sure. I definitely admire the attention they have paid to details when designing this multi-tool. First off it doesn’t really look like a multi-tool when everything is folded up. Boker has also made the blade length long enough to be functional but still within the legal limits of places with stricter knife laws.

This tool has all the basics and none of the extras that just weigh you down most of the time. The one exception is that this multi-tool has a glass breaker which makes it stand out a bit from a lot of other multi-tools that just don’t go there.

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