Multi-tools are an essential part of many people’s everyday carry. This guide will explain what a multi-tool is and why it’s necessary. We’ll also introduce you to a few of our favorite multi-tools and show why they deserve a place in your pockets.
Best Multi-tools — 2023 Edition
The Best Overall Multi-tool: Leatherman Wave+ [Buy] / [Full Review
The Best Multi-tool Upgrade: Leatherman FREE P4 [Buy] / [Full Review]
The Best Keychain Multi-tool: Leatherman Style PS [Buy] / [Full Review]
The Best Budget Multi-tool: Gerber Dime [Buy] / [Full Review]
The Best Lightweight Multi-tool: SOG Flash MT [Buy]
Leatherman Wave+ | Leatherman FREE P4 | Leatherman Style PS | Gerber Dime | SOG Flash MT |
 |  |  |  |  |
| $$$$ | $$$ | $ | $ | $$ |
| No. of Functions: 18 | No. of Functions: 21 | No. of Functions: 9 | No. of Functions: 15 | No. of Functions: 7 |
| Weight: 8.5 oz | Weight: 8.6 oz | Weight: 1.58 oz | Weight: 2.2 oz | Weight: 4.7 oz |
| Key Features: Eyeglass screwdriver | Key Features: Made in the USA | Key Features: Tweezers built into the handle | Key Features: Spring-loaded scissors | Key Features: Compound leverage pivots |
| Buy Now | Buy Now | Buy Now | Buy Now |
Leatherman Wave+ Multi-tool
PurchaseKey Features
One-hand operable
Eyeglass screwdriver
Outboard blades
Specifications
No. of Functions
18
Weight
8.5 oz
Materials
420HC, stainless steel
For many, the Leatherman Wave+ is the be-all-end-all of the multi-tool world. With 18 tools, including needle nose pliers, replaceable wire cutters, and a bit driver, the Wave+ is a strong contender for the best tool on this list. Another key feature is the outboard 420HC stainless steel blades, saw, and metal file that doesn’t need the tool unfolded to open. All the tools lock in place for security. One underrated feature of the Wave+ is the precision screwdriver, which comes in handy for any glasses wearer in a pinch. And once you get the hang of the can opener, it’s one of the most intuitive can openers you can EDC.
Leatherman Raptor Rescue Multi-tool
PurchaseKey Features
Pocket clip
Lanyard hole
Carbide glass breaker tip
Specifications
No. of Functions
6
Weight
5.8 oz
Materials
420HC, glass-filled nylon, stainless steel
The Leatherman Raptor Rescue is a pair of emergency shears leveled up to their max potential. On its face, the Raptor Rescue is a multi-tool geared for first responders dealing with emergencies. The 420HC stainless steel shears can cut through clothing and rough material. The strap and ring cutter is tailor-made for dealing with casualties as an EMT or medical professional. The oxygen tank wrench is another emergency lifesaving function, and the carbide glass breaker rounds it all out. A pocket clip makes it easy to EDC this tool in your pockets, and it folds up into a compact 5” when not in use.
Leatherman Charge+ TTi Multi-tool
PurchaseKey Features
Gut-hook/strap cutter built into the serrated knife
One-hand operable
Dual-tone design
Specifications
No. of Functions
19
Weight
8.89 oz
Materials
420HC, S30V, titanium
In many ways, you can consider the Charge+ TTi from Leatherman a leveled-up version of their venerable Wave+ multi-tool. It has the same general form factor and feature set, making it one of the best multi-tools on the market. Where it differs significantly is in the materials. Where the Wave+ features a stainless steel frame, the Charge+ TTi, true to its name, features lightweight titanium construction. The replaceable steel cutters have been upgraded to 154CM, making them hardier against continual use. The blade steel on the knife has also been upgraded, with a premium S30V composition that makes it good enough to be your daily driver knife.
Leatherman FREE P4 Multi-tool
PurchaseKey Features
Magnetic locking
Made in the USA
One-hand operable
Specifications
No. of Functions
21
Weight
8.6 oz
Materials
420HC, stainless steel
Leatherman put everything they knew into making multipurpose tools and put it into the FREE P4. This modern rendition of the plier-style multi-tool features a one-handed opening aided by the magnets built into the tool’s frame. And every one of the FREE P4’s tools except the pliers is outboard. You don’t have to open the multi-tool up to use them. And when you open and close the tool and engage the functions, you get a satisfying magnetic click when you lock and unlock the mechanisms. Compared to the popular Wave+, the FREE P4 has an integrated pocket clip and a more robust set of spring-loaded pliers for your convenience.
Victorinox Swiss Tool Spirit X Multi-tool
PurchaseKey Features
Made in Switzerland
Ruler built into handles
Blade lockable
Specifications
No. of Functions
24
Weight
7.37 oz
Materials
Stainless steel
When you think of Victorinox, you probably think of their iconic Swiss Army Knives. However, Victorinox also makes a made-in-Switzerland line of competent plier-style multi-tools. The Swiss Tool Spirit X is one of their most popular models in the everyday carry community. The Spirit X is a compact yet fully-featured multi-tool with outboard tools and nail nick openings. At 7.4 ounces, this is a lightweight multi-tool for its 4.1” size. And there are an impressive 24 functions built into the tool itself. The rich feature set includes tools such as a punch and reamer, a chisel and scraper, and a pulling hook.
Leatherman Skeletool CX Multi-tool
PurchaseKey Features
Full-sized blade
Locking blade
One-hand operable
Specifications
No. of Functions
7
Weight
5 oz
Materials
154CM, DLC coating
The skeletonized body of the minimalist Leatherman Skeletool CX belies its name. That lightweight build makes it a popular multi-tool. Another draw comes from the full-size knife with a 154CM stainless steel composition that beats most multi-tool blades. And despite its small size, the Skeletool packs a punch. It weighs only 5 ounces for carrying ease. Its other tools include wire cutters, pliers, and a carabiner that also acts as a bottle opener. You can also use the carabiner clip to attach it to a pack for carrying convenience. All the functions except the pliers are accessible without opening it up.
Leatherman Signal Multi-tool
PurchaseKey Features
Outdoor focused toolset
One-hand operable
Pocket clip and carabiner
Specifications
No. of Functions
19
Weight
7.5 oz
Materials
420HC, DLC/Cerakote coating, stainless steel
The Leatherman Signal is a purpose-built outdoors camping everyday carry tool. It features hardy survival options such as a ferrocerium fire starter and an emergency whistle. It also features the standard Leatherman needle nose pliers with replaceable cutters. The carabiner clip also has a hammer section for driving stakes and nails home. The combo 420HC stainless steel knife is in tip-top shape, and its can and bottle opener help ensure you’re ready for the long haul. And with Leatherman’s 25-year warranty, you can rest assured that you’re getting a quality tool you can rely on when you’re out in the field.
Victorinox Pioneer X Alox Multi-tool
PurchaseKey Features
Spring-loaded scissors
Lightweight
Made in Switzerland
Specifications
No. of Functions
9
Weight
3.3 oz
Materials
Alox scales, Sandvik steel
With all the plier-style tools on this list, it’s easy to forget the venerable Swiss Army Knife. Victorinox’s line of SAKs is the preferred tool for anyone who does not care to have a full-sized pair of pliers in their EDC. The result is a competent knife with a set of useful additions. And the Victorinox Pioneer X Alox is one of the best renditions of this formula. Its aluminum scales give the Swiss Army Knife a more premium treatment and add a bit of robustness to the overall design.
Gerber Center-Drive Multi-tool
PurchaseKey Features
Bit driver-focused ergonomics
One-thumb opening system
Made in the USA
Specifications
No. of Functions
12
Weight
9.5 oz
Materials
420HC, stainless steel
Not to be outdone by the dominance of Leatherman and Victorinox on the list, Gerber has innovated on the idea of the plier-style multi-tool with the fast-open Center-Drive. It features a center-axis screwdriver that yields maximum torque and rotation. It’s compatible with bits of your choosing, extending the usefulness of the screwdriver in the design. The long outboard full-sized blade made of 420HC stainless steel can take the place of most everyday carry knives. The pliers are spring-loaded for easy one-handed thumb opening. And the made-in-America quality of Gerber shines through the stainless steel composition of the blade itself.
Gerber Shard Keychain Multi-tool
PurchaseKey Features
Keychain-sized
Limited lifetime warranty
Airline safe
Specifications
No. of Functions
7
Weight
1 oz
Materials
Titanium nitride-coated steel
Where other multi-tools focus on having a lot of functions in one package, the Gerber Shard keeps things simple. It’s a minimal tool that is small enough to go on your keychain. Its compact size and lack of a sharp blade also mean it’s carry-on compliant for travel. And with its portable go-everywhere design, you get seven essential functions. It has a distinctive combination pry bar and flathead driver. It can also be used to open bottles and cut through tape and packaging when you don’t have a knife.
Leatherman Style PS Multi-tool
PurchaseKey Features
TSA-compliant
Tweezers built into the handle
Integrated carabiner
Specifications
No. of Functions
9
Weight
1.58 oz
Materials
Glass-filled nylon, stainless steel
Leatherman tools are great for EDC for the most part until you try to take them on a plane. The large size of the tools and the knife will get your prized everyday carry centerpiece confiscated at security. But that’s not the case if you bring the Leatherman Style PS. It’s a compact plier-style multi-tool with eight essential functions that omit the blade and keeps the spring-loaded pliers small enough to remain TSA-compliant.
EverRatchet Clip Multi-tool
PurchaseKey Features
Unique ratcheting system
Built-in clip
Bit holder
Specifications
No. of Functions
12
Weight
0.56 oz
Materials
Titanium
The EverRatchet Clip multi-tool lets you carry a unique ratcheting screwdriver with a hex bit on your keychain or hanging off a belt loop. Its compact 2.38” long body houses the rest of the functions, including a bottle and box opener, a prying and scoring tool, a scraper, a flathead screwdriver, and seven hex wrenches.The sides of the tool also feature metric and imperial rulers as well as angle markings to help you in standard measurements and DIY projects.
Gerber Prybrid Utility Multi-tool
PurchaseKey Features
Push button lock
Retractable standard blade
Made in the USA
Specifications
No. of Functions
8
Weight
2.9 oz
Materials
G10 handle scales
If you spend a lot of time cutting boxes and packaging daily, the Gerber Prybrid Utility is hard to beat. Its main draw is the inclusion of a retractable and replaceable utility blade. And with its push-button lock, the blade fixes into place during use. It takes standard contractor edges and is the preferred tool because rough material like cardboard will quickly dull a regular knife. The backside of the Prybrid Utility houses the dedicated pry tool that gives the tool the other part of its name. Both give you essential functions that save you and your EDC knife from damage from being used where it shouldn’t.
Gerber Armbar Drive Multi-tool
PurchaseKey Features
Dedicated bit driver
Textured aluminum handle
Made in the USA
Specifications
No. of Functions
8
Weight
3.1 oz
Materials
Stainless steel, aluminum
The Gerber Armbar Drive has a compact form factor reminiscent of a standard EDC folding knife. It has a large usable fine edge blade like a folder, but it also includes an extendable bit driver. Alongside those EDC essentials are an awl and a pair of scissors that also fold out for easy deployment. And the reinforced tail end of the Armbar Drive functions as an impromptu hammer. Open it up, and you get a combination pry bar and bottle opener. That’s a lot of function for a portable tool that weighs just 3.1 ounces and measures only 3.625” fully closed.
Leatherman Bond Multi-tool
PurchaseKey Features
Inspired by original PST
Non-locking mechanism
Contoured handles
Specifications
No. of Functions
14
Weight
6.21 oz
Materials
420HC, stainless steel
The Leatherman Bond is based on the original PST multi-tool from the 1980s that started the concept of EDCing a folding pair of pliers that can do so much more. Its slim design has been updated for modern everyday carry, and it features 14 essential functions. The tool layout of the Philips head and flathead screwdrivers, in particular, have been moved around on the tool. You also get wire cutters and a wire stripper, which were not present on the original multi-tool. And all this easy-to-use practicality is packed into a small 4” long and 5.8-ounce package priced as an affordable entry into the multi-tool EDC world.
Gerber Dime Multi-tool
PurchaseKey Features
Spring-loaded scissors
Butterfly opening
Made in the USA
Specifications
No. of Functions
15
Model
2.2 oz
Materials
Stainless steel
The Gerber Dime is one of the most affordable tools on this list, and as such, it features in the pockets of many EDCers in the community. But don’t mistake its price to denote lesser functionality. The Gerber Dime will do you much better than a 99-cent store tool. It has sturdy stainless steel construction and a butterfly-style open that gives you a familiar 12-tool format of fold-out pliers, drivers, and a plain-edged blade. One handle has an external bottle opener and a removable pair of tweezers. And the key ring lets you flip this tool onto your keychain for EDC carry convenience.
Gerber Dual-Force Multi-tool
PurchaseKey Features
Larger jaw
Butterfly opening
Outboard components
Specifications
No. of Functions
12
Weight
12 oz
Materials
Stainless steel
The Gerber Dual-Force is a unique take on the folding multi-tool that includes for the first time an adjustable slip-joint plier design that lets the user take on bigger tasks and fasteners. The large teeth on the jaws give twice the jaw strength and grip force than a standard needlenose multi-tool. And in the handles of the blade, there’s an outboard Center-Axis bit holding screwdriver that’s easy to use. The full-size 3.25” blade also locks into place and is ready to take on most EDC tasks that would otherwise require a standalone blade.
BigIDesign TPT Slide Multi-tool
PurchaseKey Features
One-handed operation
Multiple integrated tools
Pocket clip and lanyard
Specifications
No. of Functions
14
Weight
1 oz
Materials
Titanium
The sleek minimalist titanium design of the BigiDesign TPT Slide keeps things light, and the compact size means it doesn’t take up too much valuable space in your pockets. Its primary tool is the slide-out utility blade that you can operate with a single hand. While the tool takes a standard contractor blade, it comes with one you can reverse to function as a camp fork in a pinch. At the back of the tool, a dedicated flathead screwdriver can operate as a scraper and a pry tool, and a hex wrench is also built-in.
SOG Flash MT Multi-tool
PurchaseKey Features
D2 blade
Compound leverage pivots
4mm bit driver
Specifications
No. of Functions
7
Weight
4.7 oz
Materials
Stainless steel
SOG’s Flash MT is a unique butterfly-style multi-tool that is lightweight and compact and takes the best of their technologies and puts it into one immaculately designed tool. The needle nose pliers come with SOG’s compound leverage tech in the pivots, amplifying your grip strength and making it easier to hang onto fasteners or cut through wire. Another stand-out feature is the spring-assisted opening D2 tool steel blade on the outboard handle. It locks into place with SOG’s XR lock. And there’s a 4mm bit magnetic bit holder driver that works well with the included flathead and Philips heads.
How to Pick the Best Multi-tool for Your EDC
As its name implies, the multi-tool includes multiple tools in one package. You can take on several tasks using the right implement with a multi-tool. For a lot of people, their EDC knife takes on that role. But a multi-tool should not be treated as the same thing as an everyday carry knife. Even though many multi-tools come with a knife, they are a different part of your EDC.
When most people picture a multi-tool in their mind, an image of a Leatherman appears. That’s because they pioneered the design of the plier-style multi-tool. But while Leatherman’s venerable place in the multi-tool world is unquestioned, other tools exist too. This guide will present a few alternatives for your consideration and discuss why they’re worth picking up for your everyday carry.
What Qualities Should a Good Tool Have?
It’s easy to focus too much on how many functions a multi-tool has. That’s understandable; the more tools you have, the more tasks you can accomplish. But you’ll quickly find that the multi-tools that attempt to cram many features into one thing are too bulky and unwieldy for everyday carry. It’s essential to consider the number and type of functions a multi-tool has, but there are other things you should consider when adding a multi-tool to your everyday carry.
- Weight: A multi-tool that’s too heavy for your pockets will end up being one that you don’t EDC. Keeping things under five ounces is a good rule of thumb. That’s the maximum weight a standard EDC pocket knife will run you.
- Materials: High-quality stainless steel is the most common material used in constructing multi-tools. Usually, they come with bare metal handles, but some have plastic or nylon scales. More high-end tools might swap things out for titanium to lighten your load.
- Portability: Aside from the weight and size of the item, its portability is essential. It would help if you thought about whether the tool is easy to carry. Does it come with a clip? Does it have a holster or another way to attach to your gear? And it would be best if you considered whether the multi-tool is helpful for your everyday carry based on what it can do.
Necessary and Extra Features
Getting lost in the sauce while searching for features on your next multi-tool is common. Think about the tools you need daily, and treat any extras that come with it as a bonus. Sometimes, having a simple and lightweight tool makes it easy to use and easy to EDC. But if you need more tools than the average person, focus on that need.
- Knife: If you can EDC a knife, a multi-tool must have a good one. After all, it takes up the same space as a dedicated blade.
- Pliers: The presence of pliers marks the critical difference between the two types of EDC multi-tools. If you need them, ensure the tool you select includes a pair.
- Bottle opener: These are almost always included on every multi-tool, and for a good reason. A bottle opener is one of the most valuable features of an EDC multi-tool.
- Screwdrivers: From flathead to Phillips to accepting hex bits, the screwdriver is an essential part of a multi-tool setup.
- Scissors: While you might think a knife can open most things, sometimes it’s easier and safer to use a pair of scissors instead. And when they’re spring-loaded, they can be a joy to use for an extended time.
- Clip: A clip is less of a function and more of a convenience. Having one on your tool lets you attach it to your pants pocket or your gear. Without one, it is prone to flop around as you move.
- Clamshell opener: These let you easily open clamshell plastic packages and boxes, all without having to draw the blade on your tool.
- File: Nothing beats having a file on hand when you need to shape or reduce material evenly.
- Saw: Saws get you through rough wood and material quickly. The serrated jaws on the blade dig into the material far better than a standard knife edge.
- Serrated blade: Less aggressive than a saw blade, serrated-edged blades retain the ability of a knife to slice and chop.
- Can opener: Whether camping in the woods or in an emergency survival situation, being able to open canned foods can mean the difference between life and death.
- Glass breaker: A glass breaker might seem like a quaint addition to a multi-tool until you need to get out of a sinking car through the windows.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which multi-tool brand is best?
Leatherman and Victorinox are the community’s favorite everyday carry multi-tool brands. They face strong competition from SOG and Gerber.
What multi-tool do Navy SEALs use?
SOG multi-tools and knives have a deep history of use by Naval Special Forces such as the SEALs.
Which is better Victorinox or Leatherman?
It’s a personal choice. The biggest differentiating factor is whether you prefer plier-style tools or something more like the Swiss Army Knife.
How we picked
Decades of experience and deep connections in the everyday carry industry give us a unique viewpoint on the market to inform our product recommendations. We have the depth of information for thousands of products that have come before and an extensive eye on the market to see what’s new and trending for each piece of gear. The result is a buying guide that we feel is informative and useful for EDCers of every trade, industry, and budget.
What is Everyday Carry?
Everyday Carry is both the concept of what people carry in their pockets and the process of picking out gear that thoughtfully considers what one wants or needs in their daily lives. It encompasses everything from style to preparedness to utility, meaning an entire industry full of valuable tools and essentials to choose from.
Why you should trust us
Our team has decades of combined experience in all aspects of everyday men’s essentials, from wallets to pens to bags and everything in between, and we know where to find great gear ideas that you may not come across at your local stores or when shopping online. Our expertise with the industry and familiarity in design, materials, and usability help you make more informed choices when it comes to picking up your next piece of gear.
