I have two leatherman tools: a PST II that I got in the 90s and used regularly for at least 15 years (it was the anchor on my keychain, and went everywhere with me), and a Juice S2 I got just a few months ago.
Comparing the two, I must say… they don’t make them like they used to. I mean, the Juice S2 is pretty nice… but it just doesn’t seem as sturdy or well-designed and the parts don’t fit together as cleanly. The colored plates feel particularly wimpy; no more using my multitool as a hammer. But my old PST II is still in great condition after a long time of frequent use and daily carry. It has, literally, gone to opposite ends of the world with me, and has been my primary tool for most of my life. Still in great condition, aside from needing to be cleaned a little.
As far as I can tell, the Wave is probably the best all-around multitool on the market… but it’s also too big and heavy for my purposes so I wanted something smaller and lighter. Preferably something with a diamond file, scissors, sturdy pliers, philips screwdriver, and at least wide and narrow straight-slot screwdrivers.
I couldn’t find anything with a diamond file which wouldn’t involve carrying something much heavier than my PST II, so I ended up making one to keep on my keychain. Got a cheap set of small diamond files, chopped the handle off one, drilled a hole through it, added a split ring, and now it’s one of the most useful things I’ve ever carried. With a keychain holding a 1xAAA torch, a small knife, and a diamond file, I hardly even need a multitool.
Oh, er, BTW… the reason I got a Juice S2 is because someone gave me a Leatherman Rebar and I traded it in for something more appropriate. The Rebar was, um, one of the least useful tools I’ve ever seen — at least for my purposes. It would have been a significant downgrade from my PST II (bigger and heavier, with fewer tools I’d use), so I shopped around to find something closer to optimal.
I think the numbers worked out to about 4-6 useful tools (out of 15) on the Rebar, vs 7-9 useful tools (of 10) on the Juice S2… and the latter is significantly lighter and easier to carry.
I really don’t know why my father decided to give me a new multitool. I told him repeatedly not to, because the one he gave me 15+ years ago was still just fine. I think he decided it was simply too old though, and that it was his responsibility to ensure his daughter had a good multitool. … and I think he was probably feeling a little guilty for having received some nice flashlights from me (SK-68, SRK, TK75).
I've always fancied one of the big SOGs. Problem is the prices I can get them for here are eye-watering.
I have a couple of Gerbers and the DX clone (low quality) of the EOD tool. And a rather nice Wave clone which you will find reference to from Mr. Admin in an old multitool thread.
And plenty of no-name ones. And a Leatherman Blast which feels much more solid than the Gerbers. All of them have seen heavy use as they tend to be what gets grabbed when pulling network cabling. I'd like one with a good spring-loaded punchdown tool with all the various punchdown blades (88, 110, Krone, BT).
I loathe the Gerber idea of a cross head screwdriver. But they do have better scissors (Surprisingly useful even with a 3/4" cut) than any of the others I've used.
My dream multitool would have cable cutting and stripping tools, a saw for wood and another one for metal and a punchdown tool as well as the usual. I imagine if anyone made such a device I probably wouldn't be able to afford it.
My first ever purchase from DX was a two inch long (opened) multitool.
I have a Kick, Skeletool, PST 2 and a Victorinox Swisstool.
The Swisstool is a serious bit of kit, but it is very heavy and I don’t find the tools very accessible (I bite my nails), the Kick is ok - I keep mine in a EDC pouch as it has non-locking tools.
The Skeletool is a recent addition, I really like it - it’s very well put together. Limited tool range though, I would have been disappointed if I paid full price.
The PST 2 still stands up as a good tool. I use mine often.
It was brought up in another post about how PRICEY multi tools are across the big pond. Why not hook up with someone in America? Send them the money & they can buy & ship it cheaper that the price overseas? Haven’t really researched this idea… but thought it might be worth a try.
I bought a Paul Chen MultiTasker a few years ago and find that it makes a good in-car or travelling tool.
It has the Paul Chen name but as he is better known for his high-end swords it was a farmed out piece. It’s unusual in the fact tgat it is based round shears rather than pliers. There is a thread on them at Multi tool forum They are a substantial bit of kit that you have to have the need for before you slip them into your pocket or onto your belt. It definitely needs a good oiling and general looking after to keep the shears and some other bits rust free as they are high carbon steel, the handles are chromed and quite slippery when wet.
The shears slide down into the handles to close everything up.
Available from Heinnie Haynes £9.95 in the Clearance section and a bit of a bargain at that price, anyone in the U.K. should seriously consider these as a cheap but useful multi-tool.
Paul Chen Multitasker
A solid multi tool from Paul Chen. With all the quality and design you come to expect from experienced makers. It has a diverse range of tools for almost any daily task.
Features: Large Shears / Cutters, Pliers, 2 1/2” Locking Blade with thumb stud, Saw, Removable File, Phillips Screw Driver, 2 Flat Head Screw Drivers, Can Opener, Bottle Opener. It also has a handy pocket clip so it is always to hand.
I like them as they are a bit different and definitely useful, very strong and a bit on the heavy side. The knife blade locks and the other tools are all held open or closed by strong springs. The saw works particularly well and the carbon steel knife blade takes a razor sharp edge. They are built round the Gerber sliding system.
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And from the MultiTool Forum, it looks like they were also sold by Fiskars at some point. -
Though the wave is nice!
