How to Choose a Multi-Tool for Everyday Carry or Camp Repairs
The Leatherman Wave Plus offers the widest tool range without excess bulk, making it the top pick for most buyers. Campers who want stronger pliers leverage often choose the heavier Victorinox SwissTool Spirit X. Minimalist carriers lean toward the compact Leatherman Skeletool CX for its low weight and one-hand blade access.
Eighteen tools fit into the stainless body of the Leatherman Wave Plus, covering wire cutting, sawing, and screw driving without swapping gear. It suits anyone who wants one pocket tool for most repair jobs. At 8.5 ounces, though, its weight is noticeable during all-day carry.
Tool count, steel quality, and carry weight tend to trade off against each other, which makes picking a multi-tool tricky. We compared blade steel type, pliers leverage, locking mechanisms, and owner feedback on durability to sort these seven picks by real use case.
What we recommend
Leatherman Wave Plus Multi-Tool
Spring-loaded pliers, wire cutters, and two 154CM blades that lock open all fit inside the Wave Plus’s stainless steel body, 18 tools in total. Weighing 8.5 ounces, it favors capability over pocket comfort. Replaceable wire cutter inserts extend its working life without replacing the whole tool.
Pros
- Full-size spring-loaded pliers with replaceable wire cutters
- Two locking blades plus saw, file, and scissors
- Stainless construction holds up to daily job-site use
Cons
- Heavier than slimmer EDC-focused tools
- Bulk can print through light pants pockets
Leatherman Skeletool CX Multi-Tool
Seven essential tools make up the Skeletool CX, including pliers, wire cutters, a bit driver, and a 154CM drop-point blade. Carbon fiber-reinforced nylon scales cut weight to 5 ounces. The blade opens with one hand and locks via a liner lock, separate from the pliers.
Pros
- One-hand-opening blade independent of the pliers
- Noticeably lighter than full-size multi-tools
- Pocket clip and carabiner loop for quick access
Cons
- Fewer specialty tools than 15-plus tool models
- Pliers require two hands to fold out
Gerber Suspension NXT Multi-Tool
One-hand-opening needlenose pliers and a 420HC drop-point blade anchor the 15 tools on the Suspension NXT. Stainless steel handles fold into a slim profile with a removable pocket clip. Owners report the spring-loaded pliers stay tight after repeated use.
Pros
- One-hand access to most outer tools
- Lower cost than premium multi-tool lines
- Removable pocket clip for belt or pocket carry
Cons
- 420HC holds an edge less long than premium steels
- Pliers head is smaller than full-size Leatherman models
Victorinox SwissTool Spirit X Multi-Tool
Twenty-seven functions, including pliers, wire cutters, and a locking blade, open from the outside of the handle on the SwissTool Spirit X. Stainless steel construction brings the weight to roughly 8.1 ounces. Its pliers head produces strong leverage for wire work and light repairs at camp.
Pros
- All tools open and lock without unfolding the pliers first
- Strong pliers leverage for wire cutting and repairs
- Swiss-made stainless construction resists corrosion
Cons
- Higher cost than most Leatherman and Gerber options
- Thicker handle profile than slim EDC tools
SOG PowerAccess Deluxe Multi-Tool
Compound leverage powers the spring-loaded pliers on the PowerAccess Deluxe, letting them swing open with one hand, backed by 18 tools total. A 420 stainless blade locks open alongside serrated and straight cutting edges. Stainless steel handle scales add durability for shop and garage use.
Pros
- Compound leverage pliers cut with less hand force
- One-hand deployment for pliers and most tools
- Sheath included for belt carry
Cons
- Heaviest tool in this lineup at 12.5 ounces
- Bulkier profile than pocket-focused multi-tools
Gerber Dime Multi-Tool
Keychain size and 2.2 ounces of weight define the Dime, which still packs 12 tools including spring-loaded needlenose pliers, a bottle opener, and tweezers. Its 420HC blade and handle are stainless steel for rust resistance. No locking mechanism is included, since the compact scissors and blade are meant for light, quick tasks.
Pros
- Small enough to carry on a keychain daily
- Spring-loaded pliers open with light finger pressure
- Low cost compared to full-size multi-tools
Cons
- No blade lock, so it is not built for hard cutting tasks
- Tools are too small for heavy-duty repair work
CRKT Ken Onion Guppie Multi-Tool
No blade comes on the Guppie at all; instead it pairs a bottle opener, flathead and Phillips screwdrivers, and a pry bar on a stainless steel body. At about 2 ounces, it clips to a keyring or bag zipper without adding bulk. Carrying no blade typically means it clears TSA carry-on screening, though rules can vary by airport.
Pros
- No blade means fewer carry-on restrictions while flying
- Compact enough for a keyring or bag clip
- Bottle opener and screwdrivers cover common quick tasks
Cons
- No blade or pliers for cutting or gripping tasks
- Limited to light tasks compared to full-size tools
Side by side
| # | Model | Tool count | Best for | Score | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Leatherman Wave Plus Multi-Tool | 18 tools | Best overall | 9.4 | Check price |
| 2 | Leatherman Skeletool CX Multi-Tool | 7 tools | Best for lightweight EDC carry | 9.1 | Check price |
| 3 | Gerber Suspension NXT Multi-Tool | 15 tools | Best value | 8.8 | Check price |
| 4 | Victorinox SwissTool Spirit X Multi-Tool | 27 functions | Best for full-size camping and survival use | 8.6 | Check price |
| 5 | SOG PowerAccess Deluxe Multi-Tool | 18 tools | Best for one-handed tool access | 8.4 | Check price |
| 6 | Gerber Dime Multi-Tool | 12 tools | Best budget | 8.2 | Check price |
| 7 | CRKT Ken Onion Guppie Multi-Tool | 6 functions | Best for TSA-friendly travel carry | 8.0 | Check price |
What matters most
What Makes a Multi-Tool Worth Carrying Pliers, a blade, and several screwdriver or file bits combine into one folding body on most multi-tools. Tool count ranges from single-digit EDC picks like the Skeletool CX to 25-plus function tools like the SwissTool Spirit X. Edge retention depends on blade steel, and 154CM generally holds an edge longer than 420HC. Card-style tools skip pliers entirely for a flatter profile, trading grip strength for pocket comfort.
Full-Size Multi-Tools for Camping and Field Repairs Stronger pliers leverage draws campers and property owners toward heavier tools such as the Wave Plus or PowerAccess Deluxe. Compound leverage designs, like SOG’s spring-loaded arms, multiply hand force for cutting wire or bending metal. Extra weight, sometimes over 12 ounces, is a fair trade when the tool replaces several loose items in a truck or pack. Field use also wears blades down faster than occasional home tasks, so replaceable wire cutter inserts matter here too.
How Much Do Blade Steel and Locking Mechanisms Matter? How often resharpening is needed depends heavily on blade steel, and premium steels like 154CM resist dulling better than basic 420 or 420HC stainless. A liner-locked blade keeps the edge from folding back during use, which matters more for cutting tasks than for light prying. Tools without a lock, like the Dime, are built for quick jobs rather than sustained pressure. Checking whether pliers, blades, and other tools lock independently or share one mechanism is worth doing before buying.
Choosing Between EDC Weight and TSA-Friendly Carry Lighter tools under 6 ounces, such as the Skeletool CX or Dime, ride comfortably in a pocket or on a keyring for daily carry. Frequent travelers should note that most bladed multi-tools are barred from airline carry-on bags, while blade-free tools like the Guppie generally pass screening. Simpler steel and fewer tools keep budget models such as the Dime or Suspension NXT priced below premium picks. Matching tool count and steel grade to how often the tool will see hard use matters more than chasing the highest function count.
Common questions
What is the best multi-tool for everyday carry?
Roughly 5 ounces and only 7 tools keep the Leatherman Skeletool CX a common EDC pick, since it limits pocket bulk while still including a locking blade and pliers.
Are Leatherman multi-tools worth the higher cost?
Premium 154CM blade steel and stainless bodies built for repeated use are standard on Leatherman tools, which explains the higher cost compared to entry-level 420HC tools like the Gerber Dime.
Can you bring a multi-tool on a plane?
Carry-on luggage typically bars bladed multi-tools, so travelers often pack them in checked bags or choose a blade-free option like the CRKT Ken Onion Guppie instead.
Leatherman Wave Plus vs Skeletool CX: which one should I buy?
Eighteen tools and full pliers for varied repair jobs suit users who choose the Wave Plus, while the Skeletool CX fits people who prioritize a lighter, 5-ounce tool for daily pocket carry.
What steel do most multi-tools use for the blade?
420HC or 420 stainless steel shows up on budget and mid-range multi-tools, while premium models like the Wave Plus and Skeletool CX use 154CM for better edge retention.
How many tools do I actually need in a multi-tool?
Only a handful of functions, such as pliers, a blade, and a screwdriver, see regular use for most owners, so a 7 to 15 tool model often covers daily needs without extra bulk.
Is a pliers-based multi-tool better than a card-style tool?
Wire gripping and cutting work better on pliers-based tools like the Wave Plus, while card-style tools trade that grip strength for a flatter, wallet-friendly profile.
Do multi-tools come with a lifetime warranty?
Lifetime warranties against manufacturing defects back both Leatherman and Victorinox multi-tools, according to their product listings, while coverage varies on other brands.
Which multi-tool works best for camping or backcountry repairs?
Full-size pliers and strong leverage make the Victorinox SwissTool Spirit X a solid pick for camp repairs, since all 27 functions open from outside the handle without unfolding the pliers first. Its 8.1-ounce weight suits a pack better than a pocket.
Final word
Full-size pliers, a locking blade, and 18 tools in one package keep the Leatherman Wave Plus the strongest all-around pick here. Frequent flyers or minimalist carriers should look at the CRKT Ken Onion Guppie instead, since its blade-free design clears TSA carry-on rules. Campers who prioritize pliers leverage over pocket weight may prefer the Victorinox SwissTool Spirit X.
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