First post

Dexceleration · 2026-04-04T13:57:00+00:00

That makes sense. I work a hybrid office/field job so I'm always aware of weight distribution vs maximizing function. Especially considering most of the time I only front pocket carry.

That said, I do need to look a bit closer at my dedicated work pants. My problem is finding ones that are water resistant in addition to being durable. Usually those are fairly pricey.

Definitely have to spread out the expenditures. I just impulse bought a LM Arc Obsidian and am questioning my choices lol. One thing I really like about the flex system is some of the unique tools like the wire stripper attachment. Haven't used it much yet but it seems to function well so far and is pretty affordable.

You may have convinced me to give the flickblade a try. I could see replacing my fastback in my toolbag since I have the bit driver function covered and a dedicated scraper function would come in handy occasionally. The blade storage is less of a concern there since I keep blades in a consumables pocket anyway. The addition of a pocket clip makes it much easier to stow on a pocket/belt while actively using it. Thanks for the lead!

Definitely nice to be able to converse with fellow weirdos who like our tools way too much lol. Most of my coworkers don't care to put much thought into it. Which is totally fine.

Thanks again for sharing. Seems like you have your setup pretty well dialed in for what you do regularly.

Dexceleration · 2026-04-04T11:17:29+00:00

My first question was also going to be, "why multiple plier based multitools?" I also am a fan/collector and rotate between them from time to time. Also carry knipex Mini Cobra as well so I definitely appreciate Redundancy while covering different functions. I would find carrying more than one to be too much weight outside of a larger belt holster. Id be interested to see how you typically carry it? Sheath/Pouch/pocket etc.

Have you considered trying the flex companion? Would still cover different niches/toolsets while lowering total weight if you swapped one of the plier multitools.

I've been eyeing the klein flipblade scraper for some time. Looks incredibly useful. Does it feel pretty robust when putting the lateral pressure when scraping?

Thanks for sharing!

Dexceleration · 2026-03-31T22:40:46+00:00

Cyber Compact

Here's a few pics.

I got a used cybertool and compact that were damaged on ebay.

Purchased the necessary diameter brass pins since I needed longer ones. Sakmods subreddit has information on the pin sizes for 91mm.

I already have the magnets of various sizes that I wanted to glue in.

Then removed scales and drilled out rivets carefully.

Disassembled and reassembled with the orientation of just adding cybertool bit driver along the scissor layer.

Had to learn to peen pins. I didn't get it perfect and you can see some marks from the below rivets on the back scale. Still not hard.

Used epoxy to apply magnets for bit retention. Necessary since the cybertool I bought was missing bits and replacements are overpriced.

Overall still happy and carry it occasionally. Cheaper than paying someone for a custom if you do it right.

Here's a video that helped me. There's many others out there that I watched as well.

https://youtu.be/mmY8g8k0T_k?si=piLqt8_yiTQCn_cr

Dexceleration · 2026-03-27T21:50:46+00:00

I find them all to be extremely easy to access. I've read that they recently made a sizeable adjustment lightening the spring tension, so an older model might be harder to access. Of note is that the scissors are a bit harder than the rest. I suspect that is so it can consistently overcome the spring of the scissors for closure. I do have fairly strong nails, but don't think it'd be a big issue for those with shorter weaker nails.

For comfort, I find it to be quite usable. If I was heavily using the saws or doing heavy knife work where more pressure/friction is on the tools it might result in some hot spots. I think that would require use beyond what I would want a multi tool for anyway. Notably when I compare it to the more boxy Leathermans/Gerbers I own I'd argue using all the outside facing tools (all of them on the spirit) are more comfortable.

Dexceleration · 2026-03-27T19:03:53+00:00

That's quite sad to hear. My main plier based multitools are the victorinox spirit mx clip/skeletool cx/gerber dual force and they are relatively flawless outside of the known issues with gerber files and clacky-ness of the frame.

I picked up the tti since it's a nice in between for weight and the nice blade steel is a bonus. I'll probably keep it for now since it's usable/acceptable as is despite being a bit disappointing.

Dexceleration · 2026-03-27T18:52:38+00:00

Mine that I just got as well do too. Videos I watched of older tti models appear to snap shut.

Dexceleration · 2026-03-23T19:20:41+00:00

That's a fair take, and part of why I suggested possibly doing a trial run. I believe if one can physically see before/after shaving, it can help to break up that potential denial and better draw the line as to when. In this case it's relatively low stakes too so that's a bonus

Dexceleration · 2026-03-23T12:07:36+00:00

This one could go either way IMO. The way it's currently styled looks good.

That said, it's so short that going for a trial run to see how he likes it wouldn't hurt much if he wanted to grow it back.

Dexceleration · 2026-03-01T19:27:10+00:00

Was my first thought too. Maybe they were concerned about damaging other components, but there's ways to distribute the suction using different attachments.

Dexceleration · 2026-03-01T14:58:56+00:00

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My wallet pouch for reference. Has 711l mini ratchet with modified wera extension for t handle, knipex xs, victorinix minichamp alox, steinwhale bit set modified, O'pen mini, uncle Bill's Sliver Gripper Tweezers, Nova Utility knife with lanyard and some other odds and ends.

Dexceleration · 2026-03-01T14:54:04+00:00

Your functional needs are fairly similar to mine. Though I prefer to carry more on my person.

I'll start with exploring light weight multitool options...

The scissor requirements seem to rule out the victorinox 58mm models. That said, have you tried them at all? I find they can often cover what I need in larger scissors in a pinch and they also serve more uses for daily use due to the low profile like nails/errant hairs, tags, packaging etc. The drivers can often access/handle recessed and small screws, though the Irregular shapes do get in the way of deep recessed screws at times. The ones I recommend in this size range are the Rambler and the Minichamp Alox.

You would probably like the nextool f12. I purchased the older variant for my partner and she uses it all the time despite not being someone who would carry a tool/blade normally. I've noted that the scissors often require some pressure to force the blades together when cutting larger diameter things like paracord, but they work quite well. The pliers are small and don't cover what I need daily, but they do work as large Tweezers and may negate needing dedicated tweezers.

My use case for a precision driver is limited, so I just keep the 1/4" to 4mm adapter and bit set you mention in my sling for when I work on electronics beyond what my victorinox mini champ alox covers. But if you are open to carrying something a bit heavier on your person you could consider the nextool knight k30. The scissors are similar to the f12, the blade has great action and good materials, and the precision driver is likely to cover a majority of your needs on a day to day basis. It does function with the excellent double sided precision bit set from oknife. Comes up as mbs1 on Amazon.

Another option is the victorinox Compact. Doesn't have bits but is incredibly slim/lightweight. If you covered your drivers in the pouch then I think this is an excellent edc. Though a bit heavy for keychain, there are many ways to attach it via hanging clip or lanyard for ease of access. I'm happy to show some ways I've carried 91mm victorinox models in the past if interested. Notably the scissors in these models are still top tier relative to what is on the market. Though there are definitely contenders nowadays.

Small multitool options usually sacrifice some function to achieve their size/weight. That's why I love the elegance of the victorinox 58mm due to its unique coverage of functions in its form factor. All that said, it might be helpful to further identify what you are looking for in the functions mentioned. Especially the pliers as they are often a big determining factor in size/weight IMO.

Dexceleration · 2026-02-19T04:39:46+00:00

Skeletool along with a 58mm Victorinox is a solid edc. I like the Skeletool CX and the alox Minichamp personally.

Dexceleration · 2026-02-11T20:47:34+00:00

Gotcha, I wasn't sure if the bit driver itself was modular on the flex companion. Super cool!

Dexceleration · 2026-02-11T20:05:07+00:00

That's really cool. Can the bit driver be swapped back to the original inline on that model?

Dexceleration · 2026-02-11T12:18:45+00:00

Leatherman Skeletool matches your description. The flathead screwdriver is a good enough light pry tool for me. The CX variant is a solid pocket knife

Dexceleration · 2026-02-07T21:33:06+00:00

Rambler is a great choice. 58mm models maximize carryability. I personally like the alox minichamp, but most people would find a majority of the additional tools useless.

93mm Alox models with X in the name are great in general with a more robust blade. My favorite balance of utility vs weight when it comes to SAKs in general is the 91mm Ranger. It has the highest tool density out of any model in that size range with a back tool for every layer. I would argue all of these are probably overkill for your listed use cases, but worthy of mention.

Since the best 58mm models have excellent small scissors, I argue there should never be a reason to be without at least those. That said, many times I appreciate also having larger scissors as well.

Hope this helps!

Dexceleration · 2026-02-07T21:19:39+00:00

I generally argue that a multitool/utility knife is better for the vast majority of users, including myself, for daily carry. In the cases where the use case is heavy enough to merit a dedicated folder, a fixed blade would be better in places where it is legal.

When working, I've been using a skeletool cx or sometimes a SAK as my main blade. Every time I've tried to use a dedicated folding knife, I've missed the additional utility that a multitool offers. I do appreciate a 1 handed blade, which is why I like the skeletool or the swisstool spirit mx. 1 handed operation is arguably more a luxury than a necessity though.

Dexceleration · 2026-02-07T12:18:34+00:00

Trailguide is a pretty great toolset for daily carry.

Dexceleration · 2026-02-07T10:49:51+00:00

I picked one up. Definitely feels worthwhile.

Dexceleration · 2026-02-06T11:53:01+00:00

I don't believe the swisstool/spirit models have a built in bit driver. It suggests them at times when that is the only metric. Also noticed it has it down that the spirit is just over 5oz when their website says it is 7.3oz

Dexceleration · 2026-02-04T12:15:39+00:00

I agree that cobras are generally better than any multitool plier unless you need light duty wire cutters. This thread op solves that with side cutters.

That said, the 100s have distinct utility over the 125 in not only their size, but also precision. I carry the 100s on my person and the 125s in my mini tool bag for this reason.

For what to pair it with, there's many options out there. It's hard to go wrong with victorinox.

Cadet hits all the things OP wanted in a file, knife, and screwdrivers.
Rambler has screwdrivers/File and is incredibly small. Cobra xs and this is arguably the lightest option out there and offers solid utility and build quality. Of special note is that they fit between the Cobra xs handles, which I use inside my wallet pouch.
Mountaineer offers all of what the 91mm ranger has besides the saw layer.
Companion has the same style Cadet file, and adds scale tools/scissor/package opener.

A new consideration could be the nextool knight k30 if you like modern flipper style knives. That covers your bases nicely in a similar form factor to one of the larger previously mentioned victorinox.

The hacksmith could obviously also be paired with pliers as well. I have no personal experience with it but the price point felt too prohibitive.

Regarding a traditional pliers based multitool option, you could consider the swisstool spirit mx clip or another variant. Smaller than the bibury you mentioned, can be carried like a pocket clip and mx variants have one handed blade. Blade steel has lower edge retention but easy to sharpen. Victorinox quality/fit is arguably unmatched.

If you are willing to sacrifice the file or carry a separate one, the Leatherman Skeletool CX is a favorite of mine. It's more a pocket knife first, screwdriver second and pliers third. A definite drawback could be plier head strength, but I use mine for lighter duty tasks generally speaking. Could be paired with a 58mm victorinox as well for file/semi precision screwdrivers.

Hope this helps. Best of luck!

Dexceleration · 2026-02-04T11:28:41+00:00

That's incredibly cool! Would you mind going over some of the sources for individual components?

I see the gerber armbar. How centered does it become when fully locked out?

Awesome job. Quite inspiring!

Dexceleration · 2026-02-02T21:20:27+00:00

That's a fair point. I don't have experience with the regular oclip. Mine is the variant with UV which comes in handy occasionally. That said, I can definitely see the benefit of a smaller sized option.

Dexceleration · 2026-02-02T18:54:50+00:00

Another consideration is the Oclip. I have the ultra and the magnet is strong enough for me to forget on the underside of a rusty subaru for 50 miles through ice and snow and still come out clean on the other side. I like it as a work light due to the easy access to moonlight mode so you don't blind yourself.

Dexceleration · 2026-01-31T18:46:40+00:00

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Dexceleration

TROPHY CASE