I have been carrying multitools as long as I can remember. Starting way back as a kid with a cheap Leatherman-like tool that my parents gave to me as a gift. As I got older I purchased a few Leathermans and received a few more as gifts. I’ve had anything from the small novelty or pocket sized ones to the full size super “every tool you’ll never need” tools.

The last few years I’ve constantly had a Victorinox “Swiss Tool” either on my belt or in my laptop bag or backpack. The only bit on it I don’t like is the knife: it is a 2″ blade with all but the bottom 3/4 of an inch or so having serrations. I really do not like serrated knives for tools (ok for some uses in the kitchen) and since I carry a plain edge knife with me anyway it has not been an issue.

The pliers are strong and grip well, the handle is comfortable, and all the other tools have been used frequently for both their intended and not-intended uses. The tool has held up extremely well except for the awl which somehow I managed to put a nick in the edge.

I also just recently acquired a SOG Powerlock tool by way of a contest on a forum I frequent. I’ve been carrying it for the last week or two and have decided it will be the tool that stays in my hip quiver for shooting at the archery range and at 3D shoots when I start attending them. The tool lives up to it’s claims of having some of the strongest gripping and wire cutters due to the unique design of the jaw.

However, I find the tools that are included in the handle to be quite the pain to deploy and put away. The Powerlock has these flip covers that must be flipped up to deploy the tool, and then flipped back down again to close the handles. The biggest issue I have with them is that they are constantly popping off of the tool. You could in theory leave the covers off the tool all together, but they do provide some comfort in the handle when using the pliers. With the covers removed there are some slightly sharp edges that press into your hands when squeezing the pliers, like the old original leatherman tools. Nothing dangerous, just some discomfort over the otherwise comfortable grip with the covers on.

I plan on getting at least two more tools, one of the newer, standard Leatherman models to try out, as well as the Leatherman MUT to throw in my range bag. but I’m also finding I don’t use the pliers part of the tool all that often. Because of this, I will be picking up a SAK Farmer to see how it will be replacing my Swiss Tool as an EDC item.