Which multitool do you recommend?

Discuss Spyderco's products and history.
Kahz
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Which multitool do you recommend?

#1

Post by Kahz »

Hello all,



My 4th marriage anniversary is coming up (also our 10th anniversary together all in all), and I want to get my husband a nice multitool as part of the gift. I am undecided, though. I have seen the Spyderwrench, but it just doesn't end up convincing me as a practical tool (sorry Sal <img src="sad.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>), and I am undecided between a Leatherman or a Gerber.



Can anyone here give me some guidance as to which one is best of the three? Pros and Cons: Spyderco vs. Leatherman vs. Gerber. Personal opinions all count and I will be forever grateful.



As a background: My husband is a Network Administrator/Computer geek, so I know he uses tools quite often in his trade. He still uses a Swiss Army Knife I gave him almost ten years ago, but I am aware that he sometimes needs more tools than just that.



Thanks for the help.



Kahz



"Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic." - Clarke's Third Law
ftkinney
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#2

Post by ftkinney »

i looked at both about 10 years ago and went with the gerber, i thought the one hand slide opening was the best, the blade seemed better, only the little leatherman and i have big hands, i like the quality of the brand i had a gerber gator and a LST at the time. but now they have advanced and changed so much i like the replaceable cutting egdes on the newest? gerber.

good luck

FTK
GlockDoc
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#3

Post by GlockDoc »

Since you say your hubby is a computer geek and he already likes the swiss army knife, I suggest you look at the SAK CyberTool.
Check out bladeforums.com knife reviews for some more information.

"I just thought of something. What if this thing can read minds?" "He's gonna be real mad when he gets to me." THE THING
ftkinney
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#4

Post by ftkinney »

i think glockdoc has a very good point.

FTK
Gatekeeper
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#5

Post by Gatekeeper »

Kahz...
Check out the Leatherman Juice series. They're like SAKs (hehe SAKs) on steroids. Sorry, I couldn't resist that one.
You'll probably need one of your own when ya see 'em.

4 out of 5 voices recommend playing with matches. The Gatekeeper
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Clay Kesting
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#6

Post by Clay Kesting »

Kahz,

I only buy Leatherman multi-tools for much the same reasons that I collect Spyderco knives. Tim Leatherman was the true innovator in this area (as was Sal with knives) and the other companies, with the notable exception of Spyderco, seem to have been too busy trying to find a way around Tim's patents to be truly innovative (just MNSHO <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>). I have one of the original PST's, a Micra and a Crunch. The Crunch is an exceptional tool if you have need of locking jaws and also has a built-in hex adaptor. On the downside it doesn't have as many tools as the other models. The Micra goes with me everywhere on my keyring with a Photon light as I find it more useful to have scissors with me all the time than pliers. The thing I like most about the PST is that the pliers are needle-nosed, and these might also suit your husband in his line of work. My advice would be to look at the Leatherman Pulse, same pliers and compact size as the original PST but all the blades lock. I think your husband would probably find it more useful than the Spyderench if he is working with electronics.

Clay

Don't worry that the world might end tomorrow, in Australia it's tomorrow already.
mrb
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#7

Post by mrb »

Kahz

I'm with Clay totally.

I have about 6 Leatherman's - they have never let me down, their service has been good - I once had a faulty pouch - sent them an email and had a new one airmailed out (to Australia) within a week.

That service is very much like we get from Spyderco.

I've been in IT for 10 years - and used a Leatherman nearly every day - the Wave is probably the most versatile for my needs.

I've haven't got a Pulse yet - but they do look pretty good.

I also really like (and carry every day now) the SideClip - very slim, clips neatly IWB.

My opinions only - hope it helps.
mrb
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#8

Post by mrb »

Kahz

I'm with Clay totally.

I have about 6 Leatherman's - they have never let me down, their service has been good - I once had a faulty pouch - sent them an email and had a new one airmailed out (to Australia) within a week.

That service is very much like we get from Spyderco.

I've been in IT for 10 years - and used a Leatherman nearly every day - the Wave is probably the most versatile for my needs.

I've haven't got a Pulse yet - but they do look pretty good.

I also really like (and carry every day now) the SideClip - very slim, clips neatly IWB.

My opinions only - hope it helps.
Ted
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#9

Post by Ted »

Kahz,
I have quite a few tools and I would suggest a LM Pulse. I like the locking mechanism and smooth handles a lot.
If you don't need scissors, then the new supertool (200?) is even bigger and has a saw.
I'm a bit hesistant for the Juice series because they don't have locking as far as I know.
yog
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#10

Post by yog »

I have both the Spyderwrench and the Leatherman Wave.

The Spyderwrench is more heavy duty and is ideal for activities like cycling. For computer work (like your husband) I would go with the Leatherman. The needle nosed pliers are excellent for getting into those tight spaces.
BladeMaster
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#11

Post by BladeMaster »

Kahz,
I have a few multitools:
- A GERBER MultiPlier (non-locking original model)
- A Leatherman PST
- A Leatherman Wave, and a Wave Tool Adapter
- A Leatherman Micra
- And of course, a Spyderco SpydeRench
Out of all of them, my favorite is the Leatherman Wave with the PST a close second. I like the PST because it has all of the essential tools and it is the original multi- purpose tool.
The Wave is my favorite due to its four exterior locking blades, rounded handles( the extra comfort this feature offers is amazing !), and tool selection...I especially like the fold out sissors. Add in the Wave Tool Adapter (Not the regular Tool Adapter, it won't fit right) and your hubby will be ready for anything.
After reading what your husband does, I would imagine that he could benefit from the Wave's needle-nose(and regular)pliers as well.

Get the LEATHERMAN WAVE
- WAVE tool alone retails for about $60.00 - $70.00
- WAVE Tool Adapter ( highly recommended )retails for about $20.00

The BladeMaster
-PROUD TO BE AMERICAN-
Kahz
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#12

Post by Kahz »

Thanks everyone for your help. I am leaning now more towards Leatherman, probably the Wave or ST200.

I might get the Spyderwrench for myself but that will be after the Howard Viele. <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>

Again, thanks, you have all helped a lot.

Kahz

"Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic." - Clarke's Third Law
thorin hammer
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#13

Post by thorin hammer »

It isn't a Leatherman or a Gerber, but I carry a Schrade Tough Tool. Perfect for computer work. Needle nose pliers with wire cutters and wire strippers on the screwdriver, a metal and wood file. The file really comes in handy. It has a big serrated blade and a smaller 50/50 blade. Four of the blades lock: Knife, Philips, and flat screwdriver, and the big serrated blade. Best but not least it can be opened one handed, butterfly style. I have used it for 6 years doing everything from home wire projects to getting into computers. It has never let me down.

Here is a link: http://www.schradeknives.com/

All the blades on the Gerber lock. On the Leatherman, I have no idea if the blades lock. I have a Leatherman Side Clip, none of the blades on it lock. I also have the Spyderwrench, but haven’t used it yet.


Some laws permit, what honor dose not.
akbell
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#14

Post by akbell »

Do NOT buy the Spyder Rench!!! The pliers are useless. If you really want one I'll sel you mine. I will press my 5 year old Leatherman back into service. Don't care for the Gerber, too many moving parts.
akbell
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#15

Post by akbell »

Do NOT buy the Spyder Rench!!! The pliers are useless. If you really want one I'll sel you mine. I will press my 5 year old Leatherman back into service. Don't care for the Gerber, too many moving parts.
xcentrix
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Location: South Africa

#16

Post by xcentrix »

Kahz ,I have to agree with gatekeeper ,the juice is fantastic , I saw it for the first time yesterday and couldn't resist ! Ted is correct in it not having lock blades but that doesn't bother me, I have carried SAK's for years without self inflicted amputation and don't intend to start now! Until yesterday my only multitool was a SOG paratool which I bought umpteen years ago when they first came out here , the leatherman didn't excite me as I found the grip a little hard on the hands . The SOG has given faithfull service and has many times helped to keep my old VW beetle mobile.
I must confess when I came across this thread I went looking at multitools again and would probably have settled for the Wave , may still end up getting one , Until I saw the Juice. I know that the Juice will get carried more !-so easy to put in the pocket - hardly know it is there !
BARCODE
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#17

Post by BARCODE »

I CARRY A LEATHERMAN PULSE EVERYDAY. IT HAD EVERY TOOL I NEED WHEN I DON'T HAVE MY TOOL BOX HANDY, AND EVERYTHING LOCKS, MEANING I DON'T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT SCREWING SOMETHING IN AND HAVING IT CLOSE ON MY FINGER....OUCH!
Lt.Hawkins
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#18

Post by Lt.Hawkins »

for geeks here, check out www.thinkgeek.com

they have a few SAKs, some LMs, a few other brands i haven't heard of, but they're all techie-oriented.

(i happened to get my PST from there... its BLACK! i was surprised.)

i've also picked up a number of caffinated drinks from there for long nights (like this one is gonna be <img src="wink.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>)
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