An essential part of any Every Day Carry (EDC) setup is the quintessential multi-tool. Small yet powerful, multi-tools pack a lot of function into a very small package to make sure you’re ready for whatever the world throws at you.
Most multi-tools contain needle nose pliers, a wire cutter, a knife blade, and an assortment of other small tools. From files to scissors to screwdrivers, a good multi-tool brings the Boy Scout motto of “Always be prepared” into your adult life.
Choosing a good multi-tool can be tough, which is why we’ve found five of the best on the market and listed them below. While there are some that may have more tools or be a higher quality, each of these represent a great mix of size, function, and cost. Check them out and get your EDC game a one-up.
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Leatherman Wave
Easily the most popular maker of multi-tools out there is Leatherman. While Victorinox has been making Swiss Army Knives for quite a while longer, this manufacturer pretty much started the multi-tool market as we know it today.
A great example of this knowledge and history is the Wave. This is Leatherman’s best-selling multi-tool and for good reason. It includes 17 different tools and two different double-tipped screw bits. The body is stainless steel and the size is a perfect mix between being large enough for your hand and small enough to fit comfortably in your pocket.
The Wave will set you back around $100, but with the range of tools and quality found in the Wave, this is quite possibly the best deal in our little list. The Wave comes in black or stainless steel finishes, and can be found on Leatherman’s website here.
Leatherman Skeletool CX
If you’re looking to keep your EDC setup small, then you probably want a multi-tool that’s as easy to keep in your pocket as a typical folding pocket knife. While lacking the number of individual tools the Wave features, the Skeletool CX offers a small, light package that comes with a pocket clip attached.
The Skeletool, like the name suggests, is as bare bones as you can get with a multi-tool while keeping it useful. This tool includes seven individual tools including needle nose pliers, a locking blade, bottle opener, and two double-tipped screwdriver bits.
The Skeletool costs around $90 and comes in a tungsten-coated steel and carbon fiber finish. You can pick up the standard version in stainless steel and a spartially-serrated blade for around $70. You can find the Skeletool on Leatherman’s website, but there are less expensive retailers like REI.com that are just as trustworthy.
SOG Switchplier
The award for weirdest multi-tool on our list goes to the Switchplier, hands down. This wild-looking tool works like a switchblade by opening up with the push of a button. Folded up, the Switchplier looks thin and sleek, but when open it’s a full sized multi-tool that includes 12 unique tools.
The Switchplier comes in silver or black and will cost you around $65 from SOG’s website here.
Gerber Diesel
While the Skeletool and Switchplier focus on being compact while staying useful, the Diesel goes for functionality regardless of size. Gerber calls this tool an “industrial grade” multi-tool and for good reason.
Each of the 10 tools is larger and thicker than other models, and best of all the Diesel comes with Gerber’s patented one-handed open. Just flick your wrist and the pliers pop out of the front, ready to use. Each of the tools is locking, including the pliers, and the lock release is both easy to access and use while being strong and nearly impossible to accidentally release.
The Diesel will run you around $80 and can be purchased from Gerber’s website here.
Victorinox SwissTool
The company that started the trend of having more than just a knife in your pocket is still at it today. While you can still get an amazing Swiss Army Knife, Victorinox now makes their own version of the multi-tool with the same level of quality and craftsmanship you would expect from them.
The SwissTool is the most popular multi-tool from Victorinox and like all their other knives, it comes with a lifetime warranty. Individual springs hold each tool in place, making it both safe and easy to use.
The SwissTool comes in a black oxidized finish and can be purchased from Victorinox’s website here.