I've had my Leatherman Wave for over 20 years. Used the file to saw through a brass shaft to install an ATM lock. I've had to hide it in bushes outside the National Air and Space Museum in DC because I wasn't allowed to bring it in for security reasons. I've had to hide it in an outside public trash can because I couldn't bring it in the passport office in DC. I still carry it in the original genuine leather sheath. I've never had to service it although the opening action is extremely loose now. Tons of scratches. I've been so close to hitting the submit button on a new Leatherman Surge or Wave +. But I just can't bring myself to do it. When you've relied on a tool for so long that has never let you down you just have to be loyal. It will definitely outlive me.
I love my Wave (with bit kit and ratcheting bit driverl) and my Victorinox Compact. The Compact gets used EVERYDAY. They're supremely useful and reliable tools. My Swisstools never see action. I guess I'm too used to my Wave and all those bits to "trust" the Swisstools to replace it. I recently obtained 3 Victorinox Explorers (I need a magnifying glass as my eyes aren't what they used to be and I love the inline philips), and a Trekker (was a gift). The Compact is waiting to jump right back in the pocket...😅 The James Brand Ellis is nice, but it's no Swiss Army Knife killer.
I’ve been using Gerber since I joined the Navy in 2002. I’ve tried every brand and nothing compares to Gerber. Everyone has their cute stories on why they love their version of their tool. Respect to all of them. After a multitude of deployments, in various environments, under extreme conditions, Gerber has not failed me. I use it to this day in construction and EDC. Over 20 years of real world use, I’d do a commercial for free.
For me it is for sure the Gerber Armbar Drive. I had the slim version but now have the regular version as I lost the slim. Either or, it is my favorite because it has the tools I love most and use most while being super small. That full size screwdriver tool gives you the best part of the Center Drive for a fraction of the price and size. No other company does a better screwdriver.
I've had a Gerber Dime scissors break off in my had just when closing it. It's junk, the black finish doesn't last. The Leatherman PS4 is a lot better. However the PS4 bottle cap opener is way worse.
Gerber Dime isn't anywhere near the 7 best multi-tools. If the aim was to talk about the best budget multi-tools, I get it. But otherwise it's shoddily made, poorly executed, it often will break, its only good tool is the retail opener. I'd recommend the Leatherman Squirt over it if we're going in the same size-class. Hell, I'd recommend the Skeletool over it as well if we're talking top 7.
On second thought...I retract my statement. I would love the Gerber Dime done right. I feel it is indeed the perfect size as an EDC tool. I just wished the materials were high quality material.
Actually, I would argue that it’s one of the best in it’s category. Maybe not the best overall, but the best keychain, TSA friendly multitool, I would definitely say it’s one of the best.
As an electrician that does strictly remodels this is an absolute essential tool. ua-cam.com/users/postUgkx0vyBwjtx9GGOuiqUVT2sRoYqmDoNT_RI Being able to precision cut any material with a light weight tool is priceless.I upgraded to this Dewalt 20v from a competitor's 12v. The Dewalt 20v is just as light as the competitor's 12v. I am extremely pleased with the overall performance and battery life of this tool. As far as oscillators go, they just aren't very ergonomic tools. The dewalt oscillators have an offset handle that do make them somewhat more ergonomic than the competitors' oscillators.
I carry only Leathermans. They are the best on the market. I've tried them all and Leathermans last, are tough and ergonomic and cover about anything you'll ever need. Their customer service is excellent and they stand by their tools. I must say however that the past few years, their fit and finnish has tanked and their prices are ridiculous for all but the most basic models now.
I am a fan of funktonality multitools, i am such a big fan that i mostly wear 2 multitools by my side one leatherman and one victorinox. I trust both Companys with my live and i am proud of it
I recently bought the Swiss Tool Plus (Black) and I absolutely love it. I do believe that it would have been interesting and perhaps more comparable to have one of the Swiss Tool models such as the Plus, X or Spirit (all have clips) instead of the Compact. Then it becomes a more like for like EDC comparison on form and function since that was the emphasis for at least half of the video. Nice job nonetheless.
Wife has a wave+, I have a surge, squirt, and crunch. Gotta say I love them all, but have to agree on the "just get this" status of the wave. As far as SAKs go... oh boy. I have a trekker, a champ, a midnite manager@work, wife also has a midnite manager@work, a rangergrip 79, and evogrip s557. Out of all of that, I just plain love the manager because I got it for "edc" at work as a professor. I would always carry an extra pen, USB stick, flashlight, and pocket knife on me and that really got bulky in slacks, so the midnite manager really helped simplify and slim things down. Too bad they are discontinued :(
I just wish they made an improved version of the Powerpint with less tools you don't need as EDC and the remaining tools higher quality.I absolutely love the form factor, the pliers and the small screwdriver but I don't wanna fumble around to use the bottle opener, the Skeletool did it great having it on the outside and I like that the Free requires only one hand to deploy it too. Same with the strap cutter, I find myself going for the serrated blade most of the time. Who even uses an awl that frequently? And might as well ditch the can opener too. A one hand accessible blade would be neat, really miss that on the Powerpint too when compared to my Leathermans.
@@davekrauser7070 the main blade sits a little too tight to open it onehanded and you can tell it just isn't made for that, i'm mostly happy with my P2 ever since
Had a squirt s4 for about 20 yrs but blade got so small after all the sharpening, looked for a replacement now that it is discontinued. Gerber Splice is prob the closest thing and am surprised it doesn't get mentioned much. My only complaint so far is how stiff the tools are, but have to think it will break in over the years.
The definition of “TSA compliant”is, in the practice, a little blurry. It depends on the criteria of the airport personnel. I usually travel because of my job, and carried for example a Gerber Dime Travel on a work trip, without problems while leaving, but when returning home I had to send my luggage in the hold because they found that same tool and considered it as an “not classified type of tool” (I was lucky that the security guard didn’t confiscate it). Anyway, for me, the Gerber Dime is an excellent multitool even not having a blade.
I have a Victorinox jetsetter on my keychain. About the least threatening tool I can think of. When I went to a festival, they told me to leave it at the entrance, and that they'd "take care of it". When I went to pick it up, the security guard told me it got stolen. But I think he just wanted to keep it for himself. Because there were far more valuable things laying there, like a whole ass bottle of perfume
Don't get me wrong I have some Leatherman models and they are really good but the one I actually use the most is my SOG PowerPint ... and I don't open it to press the black bar to unlock I just pull another tool out slightly so it lets go of the lock
Funny thing is that "gerber" is the french word for puke. If I wanted to say "they make me puke" in french I would say "ils me font gerber". I felt it was crucial to share that here. Thank you
I've had many leathermans for edc such as the tread,3 waves,surge,skeletool, 2 rebar, supertool 300, sidekick,wingman,rev and mut eod but i now carry the sog powerpint as my edc
I’m having a hard time understanding you making a “top best multitool” video without even merely mentioning the Victorinox Spirit X. That’s quite possibly the best made and functional one out of all these.
Gerbers are chonky and the steels do not warrant the prices. They are not only bulky and more difficult to use, they wear out and break way too easily and the warranty and customer service is lacking at best
Have the Gerber dime. Saw it somewhere once and thought nice probably a keychain edc. Well it didn’t work that well I guess a nice small multi tool but really doesn’t work that well. Pliers too fragile for anything really and for the size and price you would be better with pretty much any small Victorinox
13:45 The scissors on the Gerber Centredrive seem awful in comparison to the Victorinox ones. Testing them might be a better idea than just looking at their size or shape but it fails even on a cursory assessment given the handle gives no room for your thumb.
I used to have a Swiss Army knife Champion (da big one). My main gripe: The blades DO NOT LOCK! After almost losing a thumb to this lil non existing feature, I swore off them. (decades ago), never again. Was carrying a Gerber MP600 DET for a long time, but some features on that I do not need noe moe. Leatherman Wave+ as EDC for me now.
The Evogrip series aka Delémont or previously known as Wenger have a locking mechanism. They make a big one of those. Also the 111mm pretty much all have a locking mechanism. Same for the swisstool.
@@Mike-fx4ut Yeah it seems being a Victorinox fanatic is a virus you can catch online and I got it pretty bad haha! From what I heard Victorinox were spread enough to survive but Wenger didn't survive the airport restrictions after 2001. They were selling most of their knives in duty free zones in airports. Don't quote me on that but I heard the Wenger guys then started Swiza. These knives locks too. Btw they make Swisstools with a blade that can be opened with one hand.
Roger the Victorinox statement, these thangs had been just about everywhere! Big n small. Couldn't escape 'em... Sorta WARNORD for them Vic fans: I REALLY almost a thumb. Ahm also a south paw, which might complicate a few things... then again... I'm quite happy with the Wave+ so far. That is one sharp blade outta the box. It sees less use as I getting a few centuries older every year, but it is a handy EDC. Happy camper. :)
@MankindFails: And completely OFF topic: just noticed that you are also a George Carlin aficionado. :) Wanna talk about the OLD & ORIGINAL SNL? His first appearance there... :) And, of course: GILDA. And the bees...
I've had my Leatherman Wave for over 20 years. Used the file to saw through a brass shaft to install an ATM lock. I've had to hide it in bushes outside the National Air and Space Museum in DC because I wasn't allowed to bring it in for security reasons. I've had to hide it in an outside public trash can because I couldn't bring it in the passport office in DC. I still carry it in the original genuine leather sheath. I've never had to service it although the opening action is extremely loose now. Tons of scratches. I've been so close to hitting the submit button on a new Leatherman Surge or Wave +. But I just can't bring myself to do it. When you've relied on a tool for so long that has never let you down you just have to be loyal. It will definitely outlive me.
@@joedimaggio3146 thank you for the response and information. I will definitely do that.
@@vedder10 no problem
I love my Wave (with bit kit and ratcheting bit driverl) and my Victorinox Compact. The Compact gets used EVERYDAY. They're supremely useful and reliable tools.
My Swisstools never see action. I guess I'm too used to my Wave and all those bits to "trust" the Swisstools to replace it.
I recently obtained 3 Victorinox Explorers (I need a magnifying glass as my eyes aren't what they used to be and I love the inline philips), and a Trekker (was a gift). The Compact is waiting to jump right back in the pocket...😅
The James Brand Ellis is nice, but it's no Swiss Army Knife killer.
I broke into fort Knox using just my Gerber dime it really paid off
Don’t do it! Hahaha. I love my wave but thought I’d replace it with a gerber center drive and compared to my wave,i literally hate it lol.
I’ve been using Gerber since I joined the Navy in 2002. I’ve tried every brand and nothing compares to Gerber. Everyone has their cute stories on why they love their version of their tool. Respect to all of them.
After a multitude of deployments, in various environments, under extreme conditions, Gerber has not failed me. I use it to this day in construction and EDC. Over 20 years of real world use, I’d do a commercial for free.
I believe it, just a shame Gerber isn't what it use to be though. Buy a new Gerber and it may not last 5 years nowadays.
Gerber is the quality / budget king of plier based multitools. My original Gerber Suspension has been my go to for over 20 years.
The Gerber Dime is not TSA compliant with the blade it carries. The Gerber Dime *Travel*, however, carries that claim. Important distinction.
For me it is for sure the Gerber Armbar Drive. I had the slim version but now have the regular version as I lost the slim. Either or, it is my favorite because it has the tools I love most and use most while being super small. That full size screwdriver tool gives you the best part of the Center Drive for a fraction of the price and size. No other company does a better screwdriver.
I've had a Gerber Dime scissors break off in my had just when closing it. It's junk, the black finish doesn't last. The Leatherman PS4 is a lot better. However the PS4 bottle cap opener is way worse.
Gerber Dime isn't anywhere near the 7 best multi-tools. If the aim was to talk about the best budget multi-tools, I get it. But otherwise it's shoddily made, poorly executed, it often will break, its only good tool is the retail opener. I'd recommend the Leatherman Squirt over it if we're going in the same size-class. Hell, I'd recommend the Skeletool over it as well if we're talking top 7.
On second thought...I retract my statement. I would love the Gerber Dime done right. I feel it is indeed the perfect size as an EDC tool. I just wished the materials were high quality material.
Actually, I would argue that it’s one of the best in it’s category. Maybe not the best overall, but the best keychain, TSA friendly multitool, I would definitely say it’s one of the best.
Squirt is legit :)
As an electrician that does strictly remodels this is an absolute essential tool. ua-cam.com/users/postUgkx0vyBwjtx9GGOuiqUVT2sRoYqmDoNT_RI Being able to precision cut any material with a light weight tool is priceless.I upgraded to this Dewalt 20v from a competitor's 12v. The Dewalt 20v is just as light as the competitor's 12v. I am extremely pleased with the overall performance and battery life of this tool. As far as oscillators go, they just aren't very ergonomic tools. The dewalt oscillators have an offset handle that do make them somewhat more ergonomic than the competitors' oscillators.
spam
I carry only Leathermans. They are the best on the market. I've tried them all and Leathermans last, are tough and ergonomic and cover about anything you'll ever need. Their customer service is excellent and they stand by their tools. I must say however that the past few years, their fit and finnish has tanked and their prices are ridiculous for all but the most basic models now.
I am a fan of funktonality multitools, i am such a big fan that i mostly wear 2 multitools by my side one leatherman and one victorinox. I trust both Companys with my live and i am proud of it
I recently bought the Swiss Tool Plus (Black) and I absolutely love it. I do believe that it would have been interesting and perhaps more comparable to have one of the Swiss Tool models such as the Plus, X or Spirit (all have clips) instead of the Compact. Then it becomes a more like for like EDC comparison on form and function since that was the emphasis for at least half of the video. Nice job nonetheless.
Got a Surge, Wingman (my first), a Micra, Squirt and a Gerber pry-brid. My bottle opener on the squirt has been modded into a wirestripper.
Wife has a wave+, I have a surge, squirt, and crunch. Gotta say I love them all, but have to agree on the "just get this" status of the wave. As far as SAKs go... oh boy. I have a trekker, a champ, a midnite manager@work, wife also has a midnite manager@work, a rangergrip 79, and evogrip s557. Out of all of that, I just plain love the manager because I got it for "edc" at work as a professor. I would always carry an extra pen, USB stick, flashlight, and pocket knife on me and that really got bulky in slacks, so the midnite manager really helped simplify and slim things down. Too bad they are discontinued :(
Being a bit old school I enjoy my SAK Farmer and my Gerber multi tool simple and effective is MO
i still love my SAK Spartan. However, i have recently got a Gerber Armbar. For the IT guy on the go, it works like a charm.
I want a Leatherman muti-tool but can't afford it. I have the powerpint and i love it, perfect tool for edc. Thanks for the video
I just wish they made an improved version of the Powerpint with less tools you don't need as EDC and the remaining tools higher quality.I absolutely love the form factor, the pliers and the small screwdriver but I don't wanna fumble around to use the bottle opener, the Skeletool did it great having it on the outside and I like that the Free requires only one hand to deploy it too. Same with the strap cutter, I find myself going for the serrated blade most of the time. Who even uses an awl that frequently? And might as well ditch the can opener too. A one hand accessible blade would be neat, really miss that on the Powerpint too when compared to my Leathermans.
The straight blade on my powerpint can be opened with just my thumb and a flick. Strange it doesn't work for you.
Powerpint unlocks all outside tools by opening another tool bud. A little homework goes a long way.
@@davekrauser7070 the main blade sits a little too tight to open it onehanded and you can tell it just isn't made for that, i'm mostly happy with my P2 ever since
Great and informative video. Was the Gerber "Dual force" left out because of it's size or lack of tools?
I'll stick with the King. The Leatherman Surge.
Had a squirt s4 for about 20 yrs but blade got so small after all the sharpening, looked for a replacement now that it is discontinued. Gerber Splice is prob the closest thing and am surprised it doesn't get mentioned much. My only complaint so far is how stiff the tools are, but have to think it will break in over the years.
The definition of “TSA compliant”is, in the practice, a little blurry. It depends on the criteria of the airport personnel. I usually travel because of my job, and carried for example a Gerber Dime Travel on a work trip, without problems while leaving, but when returning home I had to send my luggage in the hold because they found that same tool and considered it as an “not classified type of tool” (I was lucky that the security guard didn’t confiscate it). Anyway, for me, the Gerber Dime is an excellent multitool even not having a blade.
I have a Victorinox jetsetter on my keychain. About the least threatening tool I can think of. When I went to a festival, they told me to leave it at the entrance, and that they'd "take care of it". When I went to pick it up, the security guard told me it got stolen. But I think he just wanted to keep it for himself. Because there were far more valuable things laying there, like a whole ass bottle of perfume
Swisscard nailcare is actually pretty handy to carry when travelling abroad. It has a lot of useful tools, just not a blade.
The only thing the Gerber dime pliers are good at our plucking out nose hairs and don't go for the thick ones you'll break the pliers
Don't get me wrong I have some Leatherman models and they are really good but the one I actually use the most is my SOG PowerPint ... and I don't open it to press the black bar to unlock I just pull another tool out slightly so it lets go of the lock
Yyyeeeeaaaahhh. My Gerber broke literally the first time I used it. Lolz
James Brand Ellis costs about as much as a car payment 😮
Funny thing is that "gerber" is the french word for puke.
If I wanted to say "they make me puke" in french I would say "ils me font gerber".
I felt it was crucial to share that here. Thank you
wave is not made in the usa anymore, but mexico , that is why only the Free lineup is made there and has the stamp
No phillips on the Victorinox Compacts makes it unsuitable for edc.
Leatherman Micra tool .
I've had many leathermans for edc such as the tread,3 waves,surge,skeletool, 2 rebar, supertool 300, sidekick,wingman,rev and mut eod but i now carry the sog powerpint as my edc
I don’t think the Dime is TSA compliant
The serrated blade on the first ruins it
Why no P4?
Always Victorinox
I just with someone could tell me the best multitool to carry.... so far I'd rather carry a tool box.
フリーPシリーズは下から指を挟んで振り上げ開くんだよ
I’m having a hard time understanding you making a “top best multitool” video without even merely mentioning the Victorinox Spirit X. That’s quite possibly the best made and functional one out of all these.
Would fit on a most expensive multitool list
@@Skobeloff...Well maybe, but that's irrelevant for a video titled best multi-tool. It didn't say best for lowest price.
the dime is NOT tsa compliant what
Gerbers are chonky and the steels do not warrant the prices. They are not only bulky and more difficult to use, they wear out and break way too easily and the warranty and customer service is lacking at best
Pity only the SAK and Dime are legal carry in uk and as such aren’t edc able thi s side of the pond!
Where the hell are you finding the Gerber dime for "about $20"?
Actually upon review all your prices are way out of date.
Not including the Victorinox Swiss Tool/Spirit makes this video pointless.
🤩👍❤️🙂💯🔥😍
No Skeletool ? Video fail !
while no longer in production, i carry the leatherman juice xe6. same size as the SAK swisschamp and very stylish and useful.
1:14 Wait Whaaaat!!!!!
if you are well verse with the center drive , you know that the plier can open single handedly with just a light flick.
Bro really included the powerpint in a top edc tool list 😂😂
Bro comments on videos with no knowledge.😂😂😂
This is my knife. There are many like it, but this one is mine. My knife is my best friend. It is my life. Please do not challenge my best friend.
Have the Gerber dime. Saw it somewhere once and thought nice probably a keychain edc.
Well it didn’t work that well I guess a nice small multi tool but really doesn’t work that well. Pliers too fragile for anything really and for the size and price you would be better with pretty much any small Victorinox
13:45 The scissors on the Gerber Centredrive seem awful in comparison to the Victorinox ones. Testing them might be a better idea than just looking at their size or shape but it fails even on a cursory assessment given the handle gives no room for your thumb.
You left out the fact that the dime has tweezers. They've come in handy a few times for me.
I used to have a Swiss Army knife Champion (da big one). My main gripe: The blades DO NOT LOCK! After almost losing a thumb to this lil non existing feature, I swore off them.
(decades ago), never again.
Was carrying a Gerber MP600 DET for a long time, but some features on that I do not need noe moe.
Leatherman Wave+ as EDC for me now.
The Evogrip series aka Delémont or previously known as Wenger have a locking mechanism. They make a big one of those. Also the 111mm pretty much all have a locking mechanism. Same for the swisstool.
Thank you for the info, I will have to check that out. :) Also didn't know Wenger got sold....humm...
@@Mike-fx4ut Yeah it seems being a Victorinox fanatic is a virus you can catch online and I got it pretty bad haha! From what I heard Victorinox were spread enough to survive but Wenger didn't survive the airport restrictions after 2001. They were selling most of their knives in duty free zones in airports. Don't quote me on that but I heard the Wenger guys then started Swiza. These knives locks too. Btw they make Swisstools with a blade that can be opened with one hand.
Roger the Victorinox statement, these thangs had been just about everywhere! Big n small. Couldn't escape 'em... Sorta WARNORD for them Vic fans:
I REALLY almost a thumb. Ahm also a south paw, which might complicate a few things... then again...
I'm quite happy with the Wave+ so far. That is one sharp blade outta the box. It sees less use as I getting a few centuries older every year, but it is a handy EDC. Happy camper. :)
@MankindFails: And completely OFF topic: just noticed that you are also a George Carlin aficionado. :) Wanna talk about the OLD & ORIGINAL SNL? His first appearance there... :)
And, of course: GILDA. And the bees...