(This page contains affiliate links (paid link). If you buy something through one of those links you will NOT pay more, but we may receive a small commission.)
Are you looking for the best multi-tool you can get your hands on?
With the vast array of great multi-tools on the market today, it’s a daunting task to narrow down what’s best. Here are a few options to take into consideration, hopefully making your choice easier.
These Are My Top Picks
Leatherman Charge+TTI (click to check current price on AMAZON) (paid link) The TTI is Leatherman’s flagship multi-tool, with the finest knife in the fleet.
Leatherman Charge+ (click to check current price on AMAZON) (paid link) The Charge+ is basically the same as the TTI but with aluminum skin and a 154CM knife blade.
Victorinox SwissTool Spirit X (click to check current price on AMAZON) (paid link) The SwissTool is probably the most refined multi-tool made today.
Why I Picked The Leatherman Charge+ TTI
For me, the choice was easy. Leatherman, who crafted the modern multi-tool, has never forgotten what got them where they are today, great tools and great quality. The Charge series of tools have the best-generalized tool-set, along with the best materials
The Charge+ TTI is considered a full-size multi-tool but with the pocket clip, it slips right into your pocket and blends away until needed.
There are three main features that make this my top pick. The first feature is its primary knife. The TTI is the only multi-tool that I know of that uses high-quality S30V stainless steel. Strength, durability and edge retention all come together to make this a great steel for frequent use. Although this is the primary reason that it does cost more than the Charge+. Is the cost worth it? I think so, but you can’t go wrong either way.
The second thing, the outside-accessible tools. Being able to access both knives quickly makes it really nice when you need your knife and you need it now, or if you need a file or saw they are quick and easy to get to.
Lastly is the general tool-set that the Charge+ TTI and the Charge+ have. Having a wide variety of useful tools is why we have multi-tools and finding a single tool that will cover your needs unlikely but the Charge series comes close.
Charge+ TTI Specific Features
- Titanium Grip Scales
- S30V Stainless Steel Main Knife Blade
- Weight – 8.9oz
- Crimper
Charge+ Specific Features
- 6061-T6 Aluminum Grip Scales
- 154CM Stainless Steel Main Knife Blade
- Weight – 8.3oz
Shared Features
- All
locking Blades and Tools - One-Hand Opening Blades
- Ruler
- Detachable Lanyard Ring
- Detachable Pocket Clip
Shared Tools
- Needle-nose Pliers
- Regular Pliers
- Replaceable Wire Cutters
- Replaceable Hard-Wire Cutters
- Standard Knife
- Serrated Knife (420HC Stainless Steel)
- Spring Action Scissors
- Saw
- Wood/Metal File
- Diamond-Coated File
- Cutting Hook
- Large Bit Driver
- Small Bit Driver
- Large Flat Blade Screwdriver
- Wire Stripper
- Can/Bottle Opener
Victorinox SwissTool Spirit X
At this point, you are probably wondering, if I love Leatherman so much, why do I have the SwissTool included on my list.
The answer is easy, its absolute quality and refinement make up for its lack of features (when compared to the Charge
The problem I have with the SwissTool is that it is so beautiful and refined I would never what risk damaging it or even getting it dirty for that matter. No one understands the level of refinement until they have held one for themselves, even though it’s not my top pick, if you like the features of the SwissTool, go for it, you won’t regret it.