pocket clip multi-tool

[Armored farmer]

Does anyone carry a Leatherman Surge or Wave ith the new pocket clip??

I need help with my edc arrangement.
I am a farmer and have been cursed with the ability to fix stuff. Therefore I want to have with me at all times a knife, pliers, and screwdriver. I have carried these items in all ways possible. The most convenient is a multi-tool. I have both a Leatherman Super-Tool 200 and a Gerber Diesel. Each have features that I like. Neither have a one hand opening knife blade. I have a Leatherman Skeletool, pocket clip, one hand opening, screwdrivers...but too light duty.
I could get used to a SAK/pliers combination...but I insist on a lockblade knife.

Here are my criteria:
a. 4" lockblade
b. one hand opening
c. pliers
d. screwdrivers
e. scissors
f. pocket clip to keep tool oriented in pocket. also easier to get to when seated
g. good sturdy quality
h. corkscrew and/or caplifter (optional)

Knowledgable knife knerds please help!

 

[hso]

cursed with the ability to fix stuff

I know what you mean. My Mom would ask me to fix this or that "before your Dad gets home" from the time I was 6 or 8.


I'm not aware of any multitool that has all those features with a pocket clip. Pocket clip models tend towards light weight minimalist tools to keep from dragging your pants down. The more versatile tools are heavier and tend to ride on a belt.

I suggest you'll expand your options if you don't insist on the 4" length of the blade and be happier. Most pocket tools don't have corkscrews so I'd suggest dropping that to get more options.

Look at the Leatherman full size Skeletool and Charge TTi for most of the features you're looking for, except the clip. The folks at SOG built in the ability to customize their multitools so you should look at the Power Assist and tune it to your tastes with the wrenches you can get from them to take it apart and put it back together again. I have an old palm pinching Gerber that doesn't get used, SOG Power Plier that does get used around the field and barn and house, Leatherman Crunch that gets used around the place as well. I've been highly tempted to get the Charge TTi or the Power Assist, but until I loose or break the Crunch or the Power Plier I just can't bring myself to spend the money.

 

[Armored farmer]

Leatherman is offering a pocket clip/lanyard ring for some models now. Wave, Surge, maybe others. I like pocket clips best because of the carry options. I sometimes wear bibs over my jeans, or a toolbelt, or a gunbelt......all interfere with belt pouches.
I have a Skeletool that I carry when I dress casual, but is too light duty for (real) work.

Probably the best combination for me is a SAK/slip joint pliers. I insist on a one-hand lockblade with pocket clip.
I know it is rediculous but some days I carry two knives to get what I want for that day.
As far as the corkscrew goes, we have two winerys nearby both owned by friends. I have need to pull a cork from time to time.

 

[Tirod]

I've tried the tools from Gerber, Buck, Victorinox, and many Leathermans. The 4" lockblade was never displaced, I kept it and rotated the others as needed. I found it was the primary tool and something I needed 24/7, the multitools remained an accessory.

Weight is the primary EDC issue - if it's big enough to be useful, it's not a pocket tool, and it can't take the same position as the knife or EDC flashlight - another device that becomes very predominant as you get older. All the better tools were then relegated to deep pocket carry, or on a sheath. That meant little ones for light work, like at the auto parts counter I'm employed at, and a sheath version on the belt for my time off.

Gerber Multipliers: rough rugged duty, interesting flick out jaws, military issue. The blunter lineman style pliers do good mechanical work, but aren't fine tipped for delicate issues.
Victorinox: Big, classy, excellent finish and extremely refined detail on the proper shape of the tools. The go-to-war pliers I took, they can file the rivets off Master padlocks and get into your locker to retrieve the keys, cut hard wire well, and the eyeglass screwdriver actually functions.
Buck: Interesting, no longer in production
Leatherman: The originals were minimalist and not so good, very hard on the hands. The Wave offers the liner lock blade, it's smaller in keeping with the tool. The Juice is a good smaller tool, but as you downsize, the pliers become ineffective.

The main problem with ALL multitools is that they have limited ability to grab onto nuts and bolts. The Crunch, and other Vicegrip designs address it, but at the loss of room to put more tools, or seriously high prices. The annoying fact is that a cheap 99c 6" crescent wrench will do as well in that job.

It boils down to some hard thinking about the tools priorities, and with them in order, finding which tool enhances what's important, and minimizes what's not - for you. It's not likely we'll see as much innovation in this area as the '90s, it's an established market, and the public voted on what worked better in general. Those models still sell, things like the Bear Grylls tinypliers are just Gerber churning the market (they're ok for 9.99.)

Having the liberty to just grab the better tool off the peghook when needed, I don't much carry a multiplier, which is the real issue: if the dedicated single purpose tool is in reach, it's preferred. A multitool is always a compromise, and there is likely no perfect one.

 

[Armored farmer]

if the dedicated single purpose tool is in reach, it's preferred. A multitool is always a compromise, and there is likely no perfect one.

So true....
Sometimes you need a light screwdriver to remove an access panel to find out which real tools you need. I sometimes don't have the luxury of even being with walking distance of the proper tool.

Oh yes Streamlite Stylus in my pocket at all times. I was called into duty to light the pilot on the furnace at church one Sunday.....Streamlite and Skeletool to the rescue.

 

[hso]

we have two winerys nearby both owned by friends

Well, that makes perfect sense!

AND makes it more challenging, as well.

If the 'biner is acceptable it expands the options.

Have you considered getting a kydex sheath made that would clip to your pocket so you could carry the tool that fits your needs?

 

[Owen Sparks]

All farmers know how to fix stuff. It is part of the job.

 

[Armored farmer]

All farmers know how to fix stuff. It is part of the job.

Sometimes the difference between knowing how, and doing, is as simple as having a screwdriver on you.

Jack of all trades ....master of none.

 

[hso]

Look at the upcoming Wingman and Sidekick from Leatherman.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RVc1irAx4j8

 

[Armored farmer]

Thanks hso,
That 'Wingman' may just be the ticket. I will look into finding one of those....thanks!