The men and women in blue have a lot on their plate these days and if you look closely at their gear you will notice that law enforcement has started to resemble the military. Then if you look at what the military is doing now and you will see that they are starting to resemble law enforcement. Their gear requirements and choices are almost universally merging.
One thing you will notice is the amount of gear that both military and law enforcement personnel have to carry these days. Although carrying a full-sized multi-tool may not be realistic, having a multi-tool integrated somewhere into their kit is doable.
There are three basic functions that military and LE personnel need their multi-tools to perform.
- Every Day Carry
- On the Job Support
- Training Support and Maintenance
Every Day Carry
With all the gear that the military and law enforcement carry there comes a point of diminishing returns. With the gear that is required to have there is no compromise, so any compromise will be with the personal gear they choose to carry. That is why it is important for them to find gear that fills multiple duties.
When it comes to EDC load-outs everyone’s needs are different. This is no different for military and law enforcement. What you can or want to carry will vary depending on many factors. If you are in law enforcement then what you carry will depend on what you do in law enforcement. If you are a beat cop who performs a lot of foot patrols you will have different needs than if you are a state trooper who finds themselves in a vehicle a lot or if you are in SWAT you will have a
In the military what you need will vary a lot depending on your MOS. A truck driver’s needs will dictate a different load-out than that of a medic or SAW gunner. The beautiful thing about multi-tools is that they are multi-tools. They can fill the needs of a variety of positions, under a variety of conditions.
Leatherman Skeletool
The Skeletool in all of its variants including the CX, RX and including limited edition models, can be a great alternative to carrying a pocket knife alone. With a pocket clip and a smaller but very capable blade that can be accessed just as easily as any modern pocket knife, it can easily fill the role of a pocket knife but with the benefits of a multi-tool as well, which makes it perfect for any military or law enforcement officer.
The Skeletool has something for everyone. If you what an upgraded knife blade then get the CX with its 154CM stainless steel blade. If you want a glass breaker or fully serrated knife blade then the RX is for you. If you want something a little more unique then check out some of their limited edition models.
Weighing in at only 5oz makes the Skeletool a perfect addition to your 1st line gear.
Features Common To All Skeletool Models
- 2.6″ Locking Knife Blade
- Weight – 5oz
- Replaceable Pocket Clip
- Needle Nose Pliers
- Wire Cutters
- Hard Wire Cutters
- Large Bit Driver
- Carabiner/Bottle Opener
- In Handle Bit Storage
For more info on the Skeletool CX Click here to my Recommended Tools page: (Best Lightweights For EDC)
Leatherman Wave+
The Wave+ is a full size, full-feature multi-tool that can be carried fairly easily with the add-on pocket clip, a sheath or just thrown in an EDC bag. The Wave+ would be comfortable in either 1st line or 2nd line gear.
One of the most popular multi-tool designs ever made, the Wave+ offers the best bang for your buck. There are two main reasons why the Wave has been so popular. The first has to be the outside-accessible blade design. Making its blade really easy to deploy. The second is the universal selection of useful tools.
Housing a wide variety of tools that should have what you need to tackle many daily tasks, from repairing a pair of glasses to trimming a loose thread on a uniform.
Features and Specs
- Closed Length – 4″
- Weight – 8.5oz
- 2.9″ 420HC Stainless Steel Blade
- 154CM Replaceable Wire Cutters
- Detachable Pocket Clip
Useful Tools
- Straight Edge Knife Blade
- Serrated Edge Knife Blade
- Needle Nose Pliers
- Wire Cutters
- Hard Wire Cutters
- Electrical Crimper
- Wire Stripper
- Saw
- Spring Action Scissors
- Can Opener
- Bottle Opener
- Wood/Metal File
- Diamond Coated File
- Large Bit Driver
- Small Bit Driver
- Medium Flat Blade Screwdriver
- Ruler
Leatherman Surge
The Surge is like the Wave’s big brother, on steroids. It’s bigger and heavier, a lot heavier actually, w
So what do you gain with all that weight? For starters, you gain a half-inch in closed length, which translates to half-inch longer blades and a much larger pair of scissors that are accessible when the tool is in the closed position.
You also gain more meat to grab a hold of, to take advantage of the much stronger pliers you will find on the Surge. Because of the extra size and weight, carrying the Surge would be best left to 2nd and 3rd line gear.
Features and Specs
- Closed Length – 4.5″
- Weight – 12.5oz
- 3.1″ 420HC Stainless Steel Blade
- 154CM Replaceable Wire Cutters
Useful Tools
- Straight Edge Knife Blade
- Serrated Edge Knife Blade
- Needle Nose Pliers
- Wire Cutters
- Hard Wire Cutters
- Electrical Crimper
- Wire Stripper
- Saw
- Spring Action Scissors
- Can Opener
- Bottle Opener
- Awl w/ Thread Loop
- Wood/Metal File
- Diamond Coated File
- Blade Exchanger
- Large Bit Driver
- Small Flat Blade Screwdriver
- Medium Flat Blade Screwdriver
- Ruler
On The Job Support
Having something to help, not only with daily fixes but also with job-specific tasks, is a win-win for anyone who has to carry a lot of gear. For some, on the job support could be in their pocket on their belt, vest or even in an EDC bag or toolkit. Because these would be either direct support or back support for their primary tools, these should ideally be kept on
Either way, the tool should be very durable and capable of performing the necessary tasks. Although there are many different job positions in the military and law enforcement that could benefit from having a good multi-tool, only one position is it almost mandatory, an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician or EOD. Luckily for them, the multi-tool industry has a few high-quality options available to choose from.
I have never been involved with any EOD related work before so I wondered; What tools make a multi-tool useful to an EOD technician? After some research, I found out what was commonly needed.
- Blasting Cap Crimper
- Wire Cutters
- Wire Strippers
- Electrical Crimper
- C4 Punch
Leatherman Super Tool 300 EOD
If you want the workhorse of multi-tools then you want a Leatherman Super Tool 300 and the Super Tool 300 EOD has the right tools to get the job done and the quality to back it up. The ST300 EOD gave up the serrated knife blade and a file but gained a replaceable metal saw and a C4 punch, plus a redesigned plier head.
The redesigned plier head has a smaller needlenose tip for more precision and control. The main body of the pliers head has a blasting cap crimper in the place of the standard pliers.
Features and Specs
- Closed Length – 4.5″
- Weight – 9.6oz
- 3.2″ 420HC Stainless Steel Blade
- 154CM Replaceable Wire Cutters
Useful Tools
- Blasting Cap Crimper
- Replaceable C4 Punch
- Knife Blade
- Needle Nose Pliers
- Wire Cutters
- Electrical Crimper
- Wire Stripper
- Saw
- Awl w/ Thread Loop
- Replaceable T-shank Metal Saw
- #8-32 Cleaning Rod Adaptor
- Small, Med and Large Flat Head Screwdrivers
- Phillips Screwdriver
- Bottle Opener
- Can Opener
- Ruler
Leatherman MUT EOD
Leatherman took the same approach when designing the MUT EOD as they did with the ST300 EOD. By taking a multi-tool platform and swapping a tool here and there until they got it right. Using the same design plier head as the ST300 EOD they were able to check off the blasting cap crimper and wire cutters. Leaving only one last thing, the C4 punch, easy fix, Leatherman spun off the standard punch and threaded on the C4 punch.
If you want your multi-tool to perform double duty then the MUT EOD has some advantages over the ST300 EOD. Although the MUT may not be
Features and Specs
- Closed Length – 5″
- Weight – 11.2oz
- 3″ 420HC Stainless Steel Knife Blade
- 154CM Replaceable Wire Cutters
Useful Tools
- Blasting Cap Crimper
- Replaceable C4 Punch
- Knife Blade
- Needle Nose Pliers
- Wire Cutters
- Electrical Crimper
- Wire Stripper
- Saw
- Replaceable Cutting Hook
- Bolt Override Tool
- Replaceable Bronze Carbon Scraper
- Hammer
- Replaceable T-shank Metal Saw
- #8-32 Cleaning Rod Adaptor
- Large Bit Driver
- Carabiner/Bottle Opener
SOG PowerLock EOD
SOG’s offering in the EOD multi-tool line up takes a slightly different approach. SOG, in an effort to maintain the full use of the pliers, chose to place the blasting cap crimper near the pivot in the handle side. Between the location of the blasting cap crimper and the Compound Leverage System, crimping becomes really easy on the hands.
The Compound Leverage System which is unique to SOG, it is what SOG is known for. So it’s only fitting that their EOD model is fitted with it as well. With the Compound Leverage System you gain the most powerful pliers you will find in a multi-tool of equal size. This system is great for anyone who wants precision control of the pliers.
Besides the pliers, the Powerlock EOD also comes with a great selection of basic tools that you would expect from a general-purpose multi-tool in addition to the EOD tools, but like the ST300 EOD, the Powerlock EOD has to be opened up to gain access to the tools in the handles.
Features and Specs
- Closed Length – 4.6″
- Weight – 9.6oz
- 420 Stainless Steel Blade
Useful Tools
- Blasting Cap Crimper
- Wire Cutter
- Hard Wire Cutter
- Compound Leverage Needle Nose Pliers
- 1/4″ Driver
- Awl
- Partially Serrated Knife Blade
- Bottle Opener
- Can Opener
- 3 Sided File
- Small, Medium and Large Flat Blade Screwdrivers
- Phillips Screwdriver
- Ruler
- Scissors
- Wood Saw
Training Support and Maintenance
Most multi-tools that are made for military and law enforcement are really just weapon maintenance tools. These are usually too large and heavy to carry on your first line gear, at least to carry all day every day. Plus many of the tools that they contain are specific to maintaining their rifle and/or pistol.
Although all of the multi-tools that made my list do have easy access knife blades, due to their size and weight, many of these multi-tools are still best suited for a deployment or range bag.
Leatherman MUT
Very similar to the MUT EOD, the MUT has a standard type needle-nose pliers instead of the blasting cap crimper. It also has a replaceable firearm disassembly punch in place of the C4 punch. Except for those things and some cosmetic differences they are basically the same.
Real Avid Pistol Tool
The Real Avid Pistol Tool is the most comprehensive pistol maintenance multi-tool available. Although this multi-tool has some tools specifically for the Colt 1911 design, it also has huge selection tools for general care and maintenance for a variety of weapon systems.
Features and Specs
- Closed Length – 4-7/8″
- Weight – 6.9oz
- Locking Tools
Useful Tools
- 3″ 420 Stainless Steel Knife Blade
- 1911 Government Bushing Wench
- 1911 Officer Bushing Wrench
- 4 Bondhus Protanium Hex Keys
- 2.5″ Long Bit Driver
- 6 Bit Drivers
- 3/32″ Pin Punch w/ 8-32 Threads
- Fine Metal File
- Hammer Surface
- 8-32 Threaded
Reciver
Gerber MP1-AR
As the name implies, the Gerber MP1-AR is a great companion for any AR weapon system. With all the tools you need to keep your AR clean and running smoothly. There are parts of an AR that are a little tricky to get clean without the right tools, well this has the right tools. With the butterfly opening design, Gerber added spring-loaded pliers to make one-handed use much easier. Also, all of the tools are locking for ease of use and safety, including two knives, one straight edge and one serrated.
Features and Specs
- Closed Length – 4.3″
- Weight -9.7oz
- Locking Tools
Useful Tools
- Spring Loaded, Forged Needle Nose Pliers
- 2.75″ Straight Edge Knife
- 2.75″ Serrated Knife
- Wire Cutters
- Wire Stripper
- Carbon Scraper
- Takedown Pin Punch
- Dental Style Carbon Pick
- Magnetic Bit Driver
- 12pc. Bet Set: Torx, Hex, Phillips,
- Trigger Assembly Pin Punch
- Front Sight Adjusting Tool
Real Avid 223 Tool
If you are looking for one tool to maintain your AR/MSR platform this is the one. This thing comes with all the weapon-specific tools you need plus a knife and needle-nose pliers. The Tanto style blade made from 440C stainless steel has a combination edge, part serrated and part straight edge. To top it off it comes with a 10pc bit set, and an A1/A2 sight adjusting tool, which all fit nicely into the molle compatible sheath.
Other notable features are the three-position locking bit driver and the multi-function carbon scraper which removes carbon from all critical bolt carrier group surfaces.
Features and Specs
- 3.25″ Combo Knife Blade
- G10 Grip Plates
- MOLLE Sheath
AR/MSR Specific Tools
- A1/A2 Front Sight Adjusting Tool
- 10 Function Carbon Scaper
- Cotter Pin Puller
- Bolt Override Tool
Other Useful Tools
- Detachable Pin Punch
- Replaceable Carbide Wire Cutter
- Detachable Hooked Pick
- 8-32 Threaded Post and Receiver
- Needle Nose Pliers
- Carbide Glass Breaker
- Tap Hammer
- Metal File
- 3 Position Locking Bit Driver
- 12 Bits: T10,T15,T20,#1 Phillips,3/16″ Flat and 3/32″ Flat
Multitasker – Series 3
If you spend any time on my site you will know that I’m a big fan of Leatherman, Primary because of their overall quality, fit and finish. So it’s not very often that you will hear me rave about the amazing quality of another brand, but the Multitasker Series 3 is just that, a multi-tool of fantastic quality!
The quality starts with the pliers, they start with a solid piece of billet D2 tool steel and machine it via CNC for a perfect fit. Then it’s coated with CarboNitride rust and corrosion prevention. Then they finish it off with a set of G10 grip scales.
There is one unique tool that the Multitasker has that you won’t find on any of the others on the list, a castle nut wrench. I find this kinda neat but at the same time kinda gimmicky too. I say this because any professional-grade AR will have a properly staked castle nut that should never come loose, but at the same time I know people who have changed the buffer tube for whatever reasons and don’t properly re-stake it.
Features and Specs
- D2 Tool Steel Pliers
- G10 Grip Scales
- Removable Pocket Clip
- 3″ D2 Tool Steel Knife Blade w/Thumb Stud
Useful Tools
- 3/8″ Hex for LaRue Mounts
- 1/2″ Hex for Scope Rings
- Dual Lug M4 Castle Nut Wrench
- Flat Head Screwdriver
- 3/32″ Pin Punch w/8-32 Male Threads
- Radiused Tip Carbon Scraper
- 1/4″ Magnetic Bit Driver
- M16A2 Front Sight Adjusting Tool
- Bits: #1 Phillips,3/32″Slotted,3/16 Hex,9/64″ Hex, 1/8″ Hex, 7/64″ Hex,T10 and T15 Torx
