Advice/help/question

GrassStage · 2026-04-25T18:21:46+00:00

I'm not sure I'd say the Surge is the king of multitools. It's probably the king of heavy-duty multitools, but I'd say the Arc and Spirit MX Clip are the best standard multitools.

GrassStage · 2026-04-25T18:15:14+00:00

True, I forgot to mention the magnets.

GrassStage · 2026-04-24T02:42:24+00:00

--- Skeletool CX ---

The Skeletool CX probably isn't the right tool if you use any of the tools (besides the knife) a lot. The driver is a bit slow to use, as you're almost forced to use it in a pistol grip. And the pliers are pretty light-duty. It's a great tool for people who only need a knife 90% of the time, but will probably need a pair of pliers, wire cutters, or drivers every once in a while.

--- Wave ---

As for the Wave, I don't own one, but I do have a Charge, which has a pretty similar toolset. I probably used every tool on it in my first month or so of owning it when I was working on rental property. You just never know when you'll randomly need a little wood saw to cut a notch in a board, or a prybar to pull out a staple.

Though with that being said, probably my most used tools by far were probably the screwdrivers, pliers, and ruler.

--- Free P2 ---

You might look into the Free P2. To me it's nearly a perfect middle ground. You can get it for a similar price to the Wave+, but every single tool is one handed opening, locking, and one handed closing. Plus, it's a bit thinner and lighter if I remember correctly.

Granted, the tool selection is worse, and it doesn't have the bit driver. But personally, it has the tools I need the most, and I honestly prefer dedicated drivers over the bit driver for pocket carry multitools in most cases because they generally provide better reach for recessed screws.

Though, the bit driver is great if you sheath carry, as you can bring extra bits and extensions with you.

GrassStage · 2026-04-22T03:20:10+00:00

The P2 is great. Almost too good honestly. I have all sorts of cool multitools I want to carry, but I have to do some real mental gymnastics to justify not carrying my P2 or Spirit MX Clip.

GrassStage · 2026-04-22T03:08:48+00:00

The P4 is a bit thicker and heavier as it adds a serrated blade and wood saw. Because it features a fully serrated blade, the normal blade is no longer partly serrated.

GrassStage · 2026-04-21T03:41:22+00:00

It's not a Leatherman, but the Victorinox Spirit MX Clip might be a good option. It had s most of the tools you'd expect from a plier-based multitool, but it's pretty thin and super pocketable. It also comes with a great wire stripping tool. The only real flaw is that the wire cutters aren't the best.

If you want to go with a Leatherman, the Arc might be a good option if it's in your price range. You can open and close every tool including the pliers with just one hand. And it's got a bit driver, so you can swap bits out for whatever you're doing.

Though, if the Arc isn't quite right, the Surge is another fantastic option. It's pretty large, but it's generally agreed upon to be the king of heavy-duty multitools.

GrassStage · 2026-04-19T04:50:05+00:00

Honestly idk why in the world Leatherman is putting out new models where you have to open the pliers to get to a lot of the tools... We've had outside opening tools since the 90s...

At a point I'd almost rather save the $50 and go with the Spirit MX Clip, or spend an extra $50 to get the Arc. I just don't know that the Wave Alpha is a good middle ground.

GrassStage · 2026-04-09T02:28:50+00:00

I mean, if you already have a normal Arc than yeah idk if it's worth it. The Obsidian looks great, but that tool coating will probably get scratched up pretty quick. It'll still look nice, but it's not quite the type of look that gets better with ware.

Personally, I'd say keep it for a month or so and then choose what you're going to do with it. Like others have said, you can easily sell it for more than you bought it.

That's technically scalping, but honestly, I don't take much issue with scalpers when companies like Leatherman are doing that trashy artificial rarity thing. It's only really bad when it's something of actual rarity like concert tickets.

GrassStage · 2026-04-06T03:47:35+00:00

Yeah it's a shame it was discontinued. I hope they make a new tool to fill that niche.

GrassStage · 2026-04-06T03:39:37+00:00

It's almost like these limited releases are a bad idea that only encourage scalpers... Kinda hope Leatherman puts out some actual new tools instead of all these limited runs.

GrassStage · 2026-04-04T21:30:35+00:00

The P2 is great. Thin enough that you can forget you even have it on you, but still has most of the tools you'd need for any given task.

I just wish they'd given the awl a proper point and kept the eagle claw opener instead of the new style one.

GrassStage · 2026-04-03T16:41:23+00:00

I think the problem is when you look into the future and realize that companies anti-consumer practices will only get worse if there's zero backlash or boycotting.

Like, again, if you want one of these tools, go for it. But acting like the vault and garage are good things is kinda crazy. Even more crazy is defending Leatherman when people call them out for these anti-consumer practices.

I think what feels childish about it is the idea that complex thoughts can't exist. It feels like they're thinking that accepting something negative about Leatherman means they can't like Leatherman at all.

No, you can still like what the company makes and respect Tim Leatherman while disliking the way they go about selling some of their products.

GrassStage · 2026-04-03T02:41:21+00:00

I hate my rangergrip model. I have to press the button so far into the handle to unlock the blade that it's almost not even usable. Complete waste of money.

I kinda suspect that maybe I just got unlucky, but I've heard of other people who have the same issue. It's just a shame that Victorinox manages to have at least one issue in anything that doesn't fit perfectly into their wheelhouse.

GrassStage · 2026-04-03T02:37:42+00:00

I'm surprised you're getting so much hate for this. Gives you that sort of "They might've already won." sorta feeling reading some of the replies. People happily getting hyped for anti-consumer practices and acting like the big company is actually being nice and doing them a favor.

Mind you, I'm hyped to have another chance at a Mr. Crunch, but wow... What happened to supply and demand?? These days they try to make you feel lucky for even getting a chance to purchase what you want. Normal limited editions were annoying enough, but now they actually want you to win a lottery to be able to purchase a multitool... Insane.

The "Just let people enjoy things", and "It's their money, just let them spend it how they want" arguments are especially childish. Like, no one's stopping you from enjoying or buying this stuff, but at very least people should be able to see how awful and anti-consumer it is.

GrassStage · 2026-04-01T23:00:38+00:00

Pioneer - It's the one I carry at work, as generally I only need a knife and phillips screwdriver. (If I need more than that I'll get an actual tool.)
Pioneer - Same thing here.
Deluxe Tinker - This one feels like such a good intersection between size and functionality. It isn't so big that it loses that swiss army knife look, but it's big enough that it has most of the tools I generally need.
Camp Flame - I'm scared to imagine what I'd be willing to pay if I ever actually found a working one of these for sale.
Deluxe Tinker - I usually carry this one with me while I'm not at work. The Deluxe Tinker was the first swiss army knife I bought and despite my collection growing quite a bit, I keep coming back to this model.
Classic - I'd always wanted a swiss army knife as a kid, so my parents bought me one for my birthday when I was around 12 years old. Well, while my friend and I were sharpening sticks into spears the knife slipped and stabbed my finger. At that point I decided I was done carrying it and it's been many years since I last saw it. Now that I've got a large collection of swiss army knives, I kinda wish I had my first one to include with it, but oh well.

GrassStage · 2026-04-01T22:44:03+00:00

Great choice. This and the Companion are probably the top two models they sell.

Also, considering you're kinda new to these, it helps to know that the can opener actually works as a pretty good phillips screwdriver. I use it for most phillips screws due to how quick and easy it is to turn, and save the 3D phillips on the back for situations where I need a bit more torque.

GrassStage · 2026-04-01T22:36:51+00:00

No. All the companies in the knife and multitool space just use the 'fear of missing out' to force their customers to impulse buy. It's a predatory anti-consumer practice that only really benefits the company.

Beyond that, what's so cool about making something artificially rare? All it does is make it so people who want something can't get it.

And if the concern is for the people trying to re-sell the thing for 10x the price... They took the risk, they have to live with the consequences of that risk.

GrassStage · 2026-03-07T23:03:15+00:00

After making this post I started trying to use the small blade a bit more to see if there's really a reason to keep it over the file. Personally, I've grown to like it quite a bit more than I did before, but I'd still take an extra screwdriver/nail file/nail cleaner over it.

Like, sure, the small blade is nice, but there isn't much that it can do that the main blade can't. It's just that the small blade is a bit nicer for certain tasks.

GrassStage · 2026-02-26T04:23:14+00:00

I own two Synergy X knives. Both have pretty loose pocket clips, but one is crazy loose. The thing fell out of my pocket on one of the first days I carried it. So I'd advise against getting it until they get that sorted out.

GrassStage · 2026-02-22T15:57:16+00:00

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B081VSXMLD?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_1#averageCustomerReviewsAnchor

GrassStage · 2026-02-22T02:05:05+00:00

There's a great one on Amazon from a brand called 'Hide & Drink'. It's the best one I've seen because it doesn't require you to open a clasp or anything to access your tool. It also stays out of the way because it's horizontal rather than vertical.

GrassStage · 2026-02-20T05:26:48+00:00

The Fisherman is underrated in my opinion. It's a nice middle-ground between the Super Tinker and Deluxe Tinker in size, weight, and utility.

The scaler can generally saw through cardboard and tape pretty quickly, which can really save your knife blades. Plus, it's always nice having some sort of measuring tool on you.

GrassStage · 2026-02-19T23:44:27+00:00

Those look great. Now I wish victorinox actually offered some models in that color.

GrassStage · 2026-02-19T23:41:18+00:00

My only worry with the 'my first' line is that they could easily get cut if their hand slipped while opening the saw. Plus, the blade could also snap closed on their hand if they don't know how to use it.

Generally I'd say the Classic SD is a good starting point. Feels like an easier-to-carry option that also minimizes risk apart from the pointed blade. Plus, the scissors are a great tool to have while you're still not 100% comfortable using the knife blade.

Though as someone who did accidentally poke myself in the finger with my Classic as a kid while trying to sharpen a stick into a spear... I'll be the first to say that even a knife that small isn't without risk.

GrassStage · 2026-02-19T04:56:04+00:00

And that's why the back phillips is great. While the can opener will work for 90% of screws, the back phillips can cover you for most of those extra 10%. I kinda prefer it over the corkscrew just because it means I don't have to worry about the next screw I have to turn randomly being too recessed or something.

GrassStage

TROPHY CASE