Everyday Carry

The Best Leatherman Multi-tools for EDC

Authored by:
Everyday Carry
Reviewed by:
Bernard Capulong
Founder and Editor-in-Chief
14+ Years Reviewing EDC Products
The Best Leatherman Multi-tools for EDC

For many EDCers, Leatherman needs no introduction. The multi-tool maker has been covering bases and getting things done with their impressive array of tools for decades. But while they have plenty of options in their catalog, some multi-tools are better for EDC than others. Given how useful their tools are, it's a daunting task to pick the best one to carry, but we're here to help. In this guide we take a look at the most popular Leatherman multi-tools used for EDC by our very own community as well as new gear that we think can fill in when traditional multi-tools aren't an option. Whether you need a more compact, discreet tool or one for tackling heavy duty jobs, this guide will help narrow down your choices.


Tread Tempo

When Leatherman released the Tread to market, they changed the game with how you carried a multi-tool for EDC. It had all the tools you need, right on your wrist. That meant never worrying about having to weigh down your pockets with a heavier tool or how to carry one without resorting to a bulky holster or sheath. With the Tempo, you benefit from the Tread's wearable tool links while also gaining the functionality and style of a 200M water-resistant Swiss movement watch. Adding a wearable tool to your kit doesn't mean giving up wearing a watch now, either. If you want an all-in-one, multi-functional watch that looks good, frees up your pockets, and travels anywhere, the Tread Tempo's a solid pick.

Buy


Wave

If you had to pick just one well-rounded multi-tool that can do it all for years and years to come like so many of our own readers have, you can't go wrong with the Wave. It's one of Leatherman's best-selling models for a reason: it's got 17 useful tools from pliers to drivers to cutters, packed into a compact tool measuring only 4” when completely closed. Its secret to success lies in its externally accessible locking blades that deploy single handedly without even needing to open up the tool. It's a great balance of size and performance, ideal for everyday tasks where you don't need much larger tools.

Buy


Skeletool CX

For a lighter weight option where the blade is the star of the show, check out the Skeletool CX. With its compact selection of 7 useful tools, a stylish aesthetic of black, silver, and carbon fiber, and even a handy carabiner end on its handle—the Skeletool CX on first glance is designed to fulfill the needs of any EDCer. You get your beefy essentials like a full-sized pair of combo pliers and a large 154CM knife, paired with a versatile bit driver for when you need additional functions. These get packed into a skeletonized frame that cuts weight down to just 5 ounces, making the Skeletool easy to carry whether clipped or slipped into a pocket.

Buy


Wingman

Wingman: your best friend, your reliable partner, your go-to guy for all your needs. And since its debut in 2011, Leatherman's iconic multitool has become just that. The Wingman packs 14 essentials to solve all your everyday problems. Front and center are Leatherman's signature spring-action pliers, bolstered by two stainless steel handles on each side. You can access its scissors and 420HC blades one-handed from the inside, with smaller functions available to you when the Wingman is fully deployed. And with a built-in clip and 7 ounce weight, the Wingman is easy to carry so it always has your back. It's one of the best Leatherman offerings as far as its functionality:size ratio, perfect for those of you striving for maximum EDC efficiency.

Buy


Squirt PS4

While the usefulness and performance of larger multi-tools shouldn't be questioned, sometimes you just want to stay prepared without worrying about making room for a larger tool. Enter the Squirt PS4. At just 2.25” and 2 ounces, you can toss it on your keychain and still have access to a full suite of 9 EDC-focused functions. This includes a knife and scissors, various drivers, and of course, a miniature set of Leatherman's signature pliers. The Squirt also comes in a variety of colors to match your EDC's aesthetic perfectly.

Buy


Micra

The Micra is one of Leatherman's smallest multi-tools, but still one of their most useful with its 10 functions. It's able to save on size and weight by foregoing the usual bulky pliers; in their place instead are a pair of spring-loaded scissors which work well with the Micra's length when deployed. Rounding out its functions are knives, drivers, and even tweezers, all folding into a compact, 2.5” frame that weighs only 1.8 ounces. It's a versatile addition to any keychain, and with its large selection of colors, pairs well with any kit, too. If you prefer getting your cutting tasks done with scissors, this classic tool is one of the handiest things you can add to your keyring.

Buy


What's your favorite Leatherman for EDC? Leave a comment below with your pick and let your fellow EDCers know how it covers your bases.

This is a sponsored post presented by Leatherman.

Bernard Capulong

Founder and Editor-in-Chief


About the Reviewer
Bernard Capulong is an everyday carry (EDC) gear expert, entrepreneur, all-around nerd, and the founder and editor-in-chief of EverydayCarry.com—the largest online community for EDC gear enthusiasts. Since founding Everyday Carry in 2009, he’s built over a decade of experience in the industry, reviewing and highlighting brands and products, including pocket knives, flashlights, wallets, watches, bags, pens, and much more.

Bernard is known for bringing everyday carry out of obscurity and into the mainstream, having been published or featured in various publications such as GQ, TIME Magazine, The New York Times, VICE, HYPEBEAST, Outside, and many others. He has also played a part in curating, designing, and developing digital and physical products, resulting in successful crowdfunding projects or limited edition collaboration products with established softgoods brands. He stays on the pulse of the EDC industry by attending trade shows, participating in online interest communities, and actively engaging with fellow gear enthusiasts on social media.

In addition to being the editor-in-chief and main social media personality for EverydayCarry.com, Bernard is an avid gearhead and collector in general. His personal collections span technical bags, fountain pens, digital cameras, retro gaming hardware, personal hi-fi audio gear, and mechanical wristwatches, to name a few. Bernard Capulong is a prominent figure and trusted authority in the everyday carry industry with a career dedicated to helping people discover this hobby and stay prepared with quality gear.

Discussion (25 total)

Great review. For anyone who doesn't own a leatherman and is thinking about it, Leatherman knives/multi tools are a sort of "sonic screwdriver" for the EDC crowd. I've owned a Leatherman Crunch for a lot of years. That Crunch has never let me down.
Kev Hughes ·
Good review, I have a Micra on my keys all the time. For work I also carry a Supertool 300, then when out and about I swap that for a Wave, I sometimes swap the Wave for a Signal. I have various bags for different situations with anything from a Juice C4 to another Supertool 300 through Wingman etc, infact I even have an original Leatherman tool. Could say I have a little thing for Leatherman.
Craig Lock ·
Love the Avatar
I just picked up the Leatherman Signal a couple of months ago. While you lose the file and scissors you gain a small sharpener, ferro rod and whistle and the butt end works as a hammer. This tool is not for everyone, but works for me to back up my trekking kit as I spend a lot of time in less than civilized areas. Of course if I needed a more mechanically focused tool I also carry in my pack the SOG Powerlock.
JayMc ·
I keep a surge with a bit kit and extended driver in my pack, but a gen 1 Juice S2 is always in my pocket. The juice has been the best combination of size and functionality of all my multi tools.
Damba Zhalsaraev ·
I love my Juice C2. The most useful urban multitool.
Ruminator ·
I keep a Squirt in my office desk drawer for emergency use. But I always have either a Wave or a Surge on me when out and about. On hikes I generally carry the Surge. In-town I carry the Wave.

The Surge can do so much, although the price is size and weight. Leatherman makes good stuff.
Crater C33T for daily carry, Wave for the backcountry. Haven't let me down yet. The Tread Tempo doors look intriguing, though...
Antei ·
For me It's Leatherman Charge TTi. I bought it a few years ago, use it all the time as EDC multitool (with moderate intensity) and I have never been let down. The large screwdriver is a bit short sometimes, but that's it. I would like to be able to set pocket clip and ring for lanyard at the same time, but nobody's perfect.
NUNQUAM NON PARATUS ·
The Micra is a great mini multitool that covers a lot of bases but only takes up minimal pocket real estate.It is an excellent alternative to a SAK classic style tool, and one advantage it has over the SAK it ease of modification. You can easily modify a key and take the Micra apart to swap the key in for some lesser used tools.
Mike Renna ·
Ask and yea shall receive. Perfect! THANK YOU!
Sarge ·
I carry a Surge for years now. Moved from the original PST to Supertool 200 and then to Surge. I carry it in a Skinth Solutions cordura sheath
Simon ·
My Skeletool CX is very handy indeed. The blade is exceptional and the screwdriver & pliers have got me out of sticky situations more than a few times. Highly recommend it!
Mike Renna ·
Is it me or the array of models is dizzying? the wave retails for something over $100 but the wing man which I use is in the $30s 17 tools versus 14 for another 60-70 bucks? Has anyone seen a grid or some kind of comparison that details the tools on each model in a single view?
Justin C ·
I've had a charge on my belt since my days in the Corps, summer of 2007 and it has yet to fail me. Quality products from a great company.
My Wave and Skeletool are available when needed, yet my Juice CS4 is my EDC. Combine it with my Tread and Bit Kit, I've yet to be needing more. IMO, the Juice line is slightly underrated.
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