The 19 Best Multi-tools in 2023
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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 |
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$$$$ | $$$ | $ | $ | $$ |
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
Purchase
Leatherman Raptor Rescue Multi-tool
Purchase
Leatherman Charge+ TTi Multi-tool
Purchase
Leatherman FREE P4 Multi-tool
Purchase
Victorinox Swiss Tool Spirit X Multi-tool
Purchase
Leatherman Skeletool CX Multi-tool
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Leatherman Signal Multi-tool
Purchase
Victorinox Pioneer X Alox Multi-tool
Purchase
Gerber Center-Drive Multi-tool
Purchase
Gerber Shard Keychain Multi-tool
Purchase
Leatherman Style PS Multi-tool
Purchase
EverRatchet Clip Multi-tool
Purchase
Gerber Prybrid Utility Multi-tool
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Gerber Armbar Drive Multi-tool
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Leatherman Bond Multi-tool
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Gerber Dime Multi-tool
Purchase
Gerber Dual-Force Multi-tool
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BigIDesign TPT Slide Multi-tool
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SOG Flash MT Multi-tool
PurchaseHow to Pick the Best Multi-tool for Your Everyday Carry
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 everyday carry 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 everyday carry.
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 everyday carry. Keeping things under five ounces is a good rule of thumb. That's the maximum weight a standard everyday carry 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 everyday carry. But if you need more tools than the average person, focus on that need.
- Knife: If you can everyday carry 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 everyday carry 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 everyday carry 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 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.
Jonathan's photographic works have appeared on numerous online websites, print, video, and television outlets for over a decade. Jonathan's previous clients include Blizzard Entertainment, Red Bull, ESL, Razer, and several other endemic and non-endemic esports sponsors and brands. His work also features heavily in online competitive gaming communities, especially those of the StarCraft and Fighting Game genres. You've likely seen his work if you've spent time in a stream or in-game chat over the years.
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.
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