In late 2010 a larger second run was made which included a few silver-scaled models with standard red shields, rather than the single color scales This is directly related to the weight consideration. When shopping for a multitool, your objective should be to get the best components possible within your given budget. This is one of the places where Leatherman shines. Given that, I can't really give this version a fair review. If you want to get it scissors on a plane, it sounds like it works. I just haven't had the energy to test that theory when push came to shove. And for the most part, the Signal lives up to its billing as “a perfect fit for every adventure.” Leatherman’s signature combination of pliers, various edges, and easy-access tools make this not just a good camping multitool, but a solid everyday companion. It’s got that wonderful bit-swapping magic, along with replaceable wire cutters and a legitimately wonderful small saw.

The only real disappointment tool-wise was the wire stripper which didn't work at all for me when I tried it (trying to strip the wires for a lamp cable). But maybe it works well for other cables, and it was just a bonus anyway not at all a reason why I bought this knife. Like all small tools, the MiniChamp also has its shortcomings. However, I will mention just a few that bother me sometimes.There is no point in comparing the individual tools side-by-side as all the tools in both the MiniChamp and the Micra are very small and one will not have any significant advantage over the other. This change of mind return policy is in addition to, and does not affect your rights under the Australian Consumer Law including any rights you may have in respect of faulty items. And while the aforementioned big three brands have a lot of quality products, there are a few stinkers even in their lineups. To help you sort the garbage from the gold, we’ve assembled a list of multitools, balancing quality, versatility, tool count, and price point Tweezers is also good to have, and of course the knife blade (which is small but sharp and works very well). But sometimes, things you didn’t anticipate become the most valuable. Take the eyeglass screwdriver on the Wave+. This precision instrument has seen a ton of use, serving as the perfect complement to the rest of the kit.

I'm also a big fan all of the knives in my "medium" category quite a bit. Which one works for you is really a matter of what features you want and if an additional feature is worth the, typically minor, increase in weight. These are 3 of my favorites. Still, this popularity comes at a cost. Cheap, poorly built multitools are everywhere, from store-brand models to souvenir garbage. Rather than sink your money into something that’ll break the first time you try to turn a screw or snip a piece of wire, you need something that’ll live up to the hardworking ethos multitools seem to project. This is another excellent option in the "medium" size SAKs. It has a lot of the elements I really like about the Champ Plus: the eyeglass screwdrivers, the pen, the pin, the magnifying glass, but is not as bulky. Two key things missing from Champion Plus are fish scaler / ruler (which I don't care much about) and the wood saw (which actually I do like as I said earlier). While I like this one A LOT whether or not I use it compared to the Army Fieldmaster depends on if I'm in a wood saw mood or a magnifying glass, eyeglass screwdriver, pen, pin mood. It's also slightly bulkier than the Fieldmaster. I use this one most of the time when I'm not using my champ plus because I typically use things like the magnifying glass and pen more than the wood saw. Also, the screwdriver isn't the "T" screwdriver, which is a bit easier. I also like having an eyeglass screwdriver with me. So, if I had to recommend one SAK to someone, it is probably this one.

Naturally, when it comes to which SAK to buy, there are fundamental choices to be made about what size of SAK you want as well as what functionality. Obviously, that can be personal preference. So, while I'm not going to list the features of each type of SAK, I'll talk about why I like particular knives (or don't) comparing their feature based on my preferences. I think I'm probably fairly "typical", but if you have different preferences your opinions won't necessarily match mine, of course. Multitools have been a regular part of our kits for as long as we can remember. Beyond several lifetimes’ worth of experience at camp and on the trails, various members of the GearJunkie staff have worked everywhere from retail and the wilderness to construction and power plants. The Rambler’s main blade is sharp, and the scissors are hefty enough to snip through a length of paracord. They’ll also serve as adequate nail clippers, should the need for personal maintenance arise. The file and flathead sit next door, with the grinding surface facing outward. Users will have to reach over the scissors to deploy this limb. This takes a bit of adjustment for those used to the Classic’s inward-facing layout, and could result in additional wear on the exposed portion of the file. The Rambler along with other EDC favorites, like the Leatherman Skeletool This SAK is basically the Champ Plus only with pliers. As I mentioned, I don't think terribly much of the pliers, but if I'm just throwing it in a drawer or a glove compartment and not trying to carry it around, why not have one with the pliers. :) I do own one I keep in my car for that reason. Too big to EDC for me.

This full-size, budget-friendly offering from Leatherman serves as a one-two punch. And at just over half the cost of our top offering, its cash-to-capability ratio is actually arguably higher. A second larger run of silver Alox scaled Ramblers with the standard red Victorinox shield was completed for SB in 2011. Several other runs have followed Small quantities of Sunset Orange Ramblers were produced in August 2012 for SB. This shade of orange has not been used before. Several other models were produced at the same time with this new color But don’t gloss over that 3D Phillips head. You might be surprised at what a difference it makes on tiny screws. In fact, for all the knives and multitools I test on a regular basis, the Rambler may be my most-used combination of scissors and blade. This change of mind return policy is in addition to, and does not affect your rights under the Australian Consumer Law including any rights you may have in respect of faulty items. To return faulty items see our Returning Faulty Items policy.That’s the thing about multitools — there’s no better way to test their do-anything ethos than to put them to work. And once you’ve broken down an electrical box or assembled a household of furniture with a Wave+, you get to know the tool inside and out. Buyers Guide: How to Choose a Multitool Specialized Tools This is one I probably carry more than I should. I like it more than the Champ version (not listed in my review) because it doesn't have the pliers which add significant size and I personally find not very useful. The pliers are too small to get good torque. If I want pliers I end up pulling out a "real" set.