What does EDC mean to you? EDC or Everyday Carry, for some, i what you have on you right now, the things that are on your person. To others, it’s not only what you are carrying in your pockets but also what you have in a bag or in a vehicle nearby. The things that you carry in your personal EDC system are not randomly chosen. These are items that solve problems in your daily life.
What I find crazy, is that with the versatility of multi-tools, why there are not more people carrying multi-tools in their EDC systems. With a number of multi-tools ranging from less than 2oz to more than 12oz there is one that should be a good fit for almost anyone. As you increase the multi-tools size and weight, the capabilities of the multi-tool increase substantially. This trade-off is something to consider when choosing a new multi-tool.
- Gerber Dime
- Leatherman Squirt PS4
- SOG Crosscut 2.0
- Leatherman Skeletool
- Gerber Crucial
- SOG PowerPint
- Leatherman Wave+
- Gerber MP600
- SOG PowerAssist
- Leatherman Rebar
- Leatherman Surge
- Leatherman Super Tool 300
Top Keychain Multi-Tools
Although keychain multi-tools are quite small, don’t discount their EDC potential. Their size and weight may fool you into thinking that they are kids toys, but you would be mistaken. Made from quality materials these mini multi-tools are strong, durable and full of features that will surprise you.
Gerber Dime
The
Even though the Dime is small it is packed with many features that you see on its full-size counterparts. Like a knife, scissors, file, and more. The Dime does have one unique tool that could be a lifesaver for some, a retail package opener. This little feature alone may be worth the price of this tool.
Features and Specs
- Weight – 2.2oz
- Closed Length – 2.75″
- Wire Cutter
- Knife Blade
- Coarse and Fine File
- Retail Package Opener
- Tweezer
- Medium Flat Blade Screwdriver
- Spring Loaded Needle Nose Pliers
- Cross Driver
- Bottle Opener
Leatherman Squirt PS4
The Leatherman Squirt may not have as many tools as the Dime, but it makes up for it by being smaller and lighter, even though its made with better materials. The Squirt PS4 replaced the now-retired Squirt P4 which I have logged many miles on (note pictures below).
The Squirt P4 has served me well but it was always missing something, a pair of scissors. Well, Leatherman solved this with the PS4, but at the cost of an awl and a small screwdriver. With a keychain multi-tool, you have only so much real estate to work with so there is give and take.
Features and Specs
- Weight – 2.0oz
- Closed Length – 2.25″
- Handle – 6061-T6 Hard Anodized Aluminum
- Spring Action Needle Nose Pliers
- Wire Cutters
- 420HC Knife
- Spring Action Scissors
- Wood/Metal File
- Flat/Phillips Screwdriver
- Medium Flat Blade Screwdriver
- Bottle Opener
SOG Crosscut 2.0
The SOG Crosscut 2.0 is another budget keychain multi-tool. The lightest mini multi-tool on the list. It is also the only one that does not have needle nose pliers but in its place, they have scissors using their Compound Leverage system.
The Crosscut seems to be gear towards personal care, with all the bases covered – scissors, nail file, toothpick, and tweezers. Although it seems geared towards personal care it also has some classic multi-tool features.
When it comes to cost the Crosscut is definitely in the budget category. The price is right but overall quality is hit or miss. It’s a good thing that it comes with a lifetime warranty.
Features and Specs
- Weight – 1.7oz
- Closed Length – 2.5″
- Handle – 420 Stainless Steel
- 7CR13MOV Stainless Steel Knife Blade
- Scissors
- Nail File
- Toothpick
- Tweezers
- Small Flat Blade Screwdriver
- Medium Flat Blade Screwdriver
Bottle O pener
Top Pocket Size Multi-Tools
What is a pocket-size multi-tool? It’s the sweet spot in multi-tool sizes for someone who carries a pocket knife, the integration or replacement of a pocket knife with one of these multi-tools would be seamless and you would notice no real change in how it interacts or feels within the rest of your EDC system. This is because most of the multi-tools in this category have a pocket clip and an externally accessible knife blade, just like a typical pocket knife.
Leatherman Skeletool
The Leatherman Skeletool is one of my favorite minimalist multi-tools. The Skeletool is perfect for that person who wants to carry a multi-tool and a pocket knife but doesn’t want or have the ability to carry both. With the Skeletool you get a pocket knife and the basic tools like needle nose pliers and a large bit driver. The Skeletool can also store an extra bit in the handle, doubling the bit driver capacity without carrying anything extra.
One thing that I really like that Leatherman is doing with the Skeletool is the number of different variations that they offer for the Skeletool lineup. Leatherman is always making limited production and Special Edition models with different blades and various color options.
To learn more about my favorite Skeletool model the Skeletool CX click here to check out my Recommended Tools page: (Best Lightweights for EDC)
Features and Specs
- Weight – 5.0oz
- Closed Length -4 “
- Handle – Stainless Steel
- 2.6″ Combo 420HC Knife Blade
- Needle Nose Pliers
- Wire Cutters
- Hard Wire Cutters
- Large Bit Driver
- Carabiner/Bottle Opener
Gerber Crucial
The Gerber Crucial has exactly that, the crucial tools that you need. The basics are covered within this small package. The Crucial is built around the butterfly opening style of multi-tool with externally accessible knife blade and tools, plus a strap/seatbelt cutter. One nice feature that the Crucial has is ultra-fine needle nose pliers, which makes it easy to manipulate items with precision.
The only down side to the Crucial is its overall build quality. The finish tends to wear off quickly. Also the strap cutter will drift open in your pocket, which can be problematic, as it is very sharp. So carrying it by the pocket clip is a must, but it is a great budget option.
Features and Specs
- Weight – 5.0oz
- Closed Length -3.6″
- Handle – Stainless Steel
- Combo Edge Stainless Steel Knife Blade
- Needle Nose Pliers
- Wire Cutter
- Strap Cutter
- Flat Blade Screwdriver
- Phillips Screwdriver
SOG PowerPint
The SOG PowerPint has many tools and features for a multi-tool in this category. Although I would consider the PowerPint a budget option, it has a lot going for it. The PowerPint has all the features of a full-size multi-tool just downsized to fit in the smaller package. You have to keep in mind this is a budget multi-tool made overseas so the quality will be hit or miss. Luckily SOG offers a lifetime warranty for any problems that you may encounter.
Features and Specs
- Weight – 4.2oz
- Closed Length -5″
- Handle – Stainless Steel
- Stainless Steel Straight Edge Knife
- Stainless Steel Fully Serrated Knife
- Wire Cutter
- Hard Wire Cutter
- Small Flat Blade Screwdriver
- Phillips Screwdriver
- Awl
- 3 Sided File
- Can Opener
- Bottle Opener
- Scissors
- Line Cutter
- Ruler
Unique Tools and Features
- Compound Leverage Needle Nose Pliers
- Protractor
- Jewelry Driver
Top Full Size Multi-Tools
Full-size multi-tools are considered the standard size for your average full featured multi-tool. This is probably the most diverse category of multi-tools, which makes narrowing down the list of qualified candidates quite difficult.
Leatherman Wave+
The Leatherman Wave has been one of the top-selling multi-tools for many years and for good reason, it’s a great design that brought the multi-tool into a new space. The new design allowed for the knife blades to be accessed without having to open the multi-tool up this change narrowed the gap between multi-tools and pocket knives.
Since Leatherman made the original Pocket Survival Tool there hadn’t been a more important innovation in the multi-tool industry until the introduction of the original Wave. The most recent iteration of the Wave is the Wave+ with its updated pliers and Leatherman’s continued commitment to quality.
Features and Specs
- Weight – 8.5oz
- Closed Length -4″
- Handle – Stainless Steel
- 2.9″ Knife Blades
- 420HC Stainless Steel Straight Edge Knife
- 420HC Stainless Steel Fully Serrated Knife
- Replaceable Hard-Wire Cutters
- Saw
- Spring Action Scissors
- Wire Stripper
- Electrical Crimper
- Wood/Metal File
- Diamond Coated File
- Small Bit Driver
- Large Bit Driver
- Medium Flat Blade Screwdriver
- Bottle Opener
- Can Opener
- Ruler
Gerber MP600
Like the Wave, the core design of the Gerber MP600 has been around for quite awhile. Taking from its roots the MP600 employs Gerber’s original one-handed opening, sliding pliers head design, with just a few modern upgrades like locking blades and replaceable wire cutter inserts
If that isn’t enough to consider getting one then maybe the fact that Gerber is the number one supplier of multi-tools to the US military and has been for many years, so you know you are getting a well-built multi-tool. I have one of the early models that
Features and Specs
- Weight – 9oz
- Closed Length -4.92″
- Handle – Stainless Steel
- Needle Nose Pliers
- Replaceable Tungsten Carbide Cutter
- Wire Crimper
- Straight Edge Knife Blade
- Fully Serrated Knife Blade
- Small Flat Blade Screwdriver
- Medium Flat Blade Screwdriver
- Large Flat Blade Screwdriver
- Phillips Screwdriver
- File
- Can Opener
- Bottle Opener
- Ruler
SOG PowerAssist
The SOG PowerAssist is the first and only multi-tool that has not one, but two assisted opening knife blades the SOG PowerAssist is defiantly unique in the multi-tool landscape of today. If you include the Compound Leverage pliers system that SOG employs, you have an even more unique multi-tool with amazing pliers strength.
Features and Specs
- Weight – 9.6oz
- Closed Length – 4.6″
- Handle – 420 Stainless Steel
- 420 Stainless Steel Blades
- Assisted Opening Straight Edge Knife
- Assisted Opening Fully Serrated Knife
- Compound Leverage Needle Nose Pliers
- Hard Wire Cutter
- Wire Crimper
- Blasting Cap Crimper
- 3 Sided File
- V-Cutter
- Phillips Screwdriver
- Small, Medium & Larger Flat Blade Screwdriver
- Bottle Opener
- Can Opener
- Ruler
Leatherman Rebar
The Leatherman Rebar may not be the latest and greatest in modern designs with externally accessible or assisted opening blades but it still makes the list because it is simple and elegant much like the original Leatherman Pocket Survival Tool but with a few upgrades. The Rebar comes with replaceable wire cutter blades and a couple of extra tools.
Features and Specs
- Weight – 6.7oz
- Closed Length -4″
- 100% Stainless Steel Construction
- Needle Nose Pliers
- Replaceable Hard-Wire Cutters
- Wire Stripper
- Electrical Crimper
- 2.9″ Knife Blades
- 420HC Straight Edge Knife
- 420HC Fully Serrated Knife
- Saw
- Awl w/Thread Loop
- Wood/Metal File
- Large Flat Blade Screwdriver
- Small Flat Blade Screwdriver
- Phillips Screwdriver
- Bottle Opener
- Can Opener
- Ruler
Top Heavy Duty Multi-Tools
The Heavy Duty category is made up of tools that meet the heavy-duty standards. There are two things that heavy duty multi-tools offer you, larger tools and more tools. These are the largest and most robust of the multi-tool family.
The advantages of having a heavy duty multi-tool are apparent when you really need a tool that closely resembles the full size and specific tool you are utilizing. The larger tools give you the feel and function of their full-size counterparts.
Leatherman Surge
The Surge is Leatherman’s largest and most capable multi-tool to date. Weighting a hefty 12.5oz the Surge is packed with 21 tools including 4 outside, easily accessible tools. Two one-handed opening knife blades, large spring-action scissors, and a blade exchanger. With the blade exchanger, you can change the blade between a saw or a file depending on your needs.
Features and Specs
- Weight – 12.5oz
- Closed Length -4.5″
- Handle – Stainless Steel
- 3.1″ Knife Blades
- 420HC Stainless Steel Straight Edge Knife
- 420HC Stainless Steel Fully Serrated Knife
- Blade Exchanger
- Replaceable Hard-Wire Cutters
- Saw
- Spring Action Scissors
- Wire Stripper
- Electrical Crimper
- Wood/Metal File
- Diamond Coated File
- Large Bit Driver
- Large Flat Blade Screwdriver
- Small Flat Blade Screwdriver
- Bottle Opener
- Can Opener
- Awl w/Thread Loop
- Ruler
Leatherman Super Tool 300
The Leatherman Super Tool 300 is basically the Rebar’s BIG brother. With the same tools and design structure just larger, a real workhorse. At 3.2″ long, the ST300 has the largest knife of any Leatherman multi-tool. The ST300 is large enough to easily use while wearing gloves and the strongest pliers head that Leatherman makes, making it perfect for heavy duty gripping and cutting tasks.
Features and Specs
- Weight – 9.6oz
- Closed Length -4.5″
- 100% Stainless Steel Construction
- Needle Nose Pliers
- Replaceable Hard-Wire Cutters
- Wire Stripper
- Electrical Crimper
- 3.2″ Knife Blades
- 420HC Straight Edge Knife
- 420HC Fully Serrated Knife
- Stranded Wire Cutter
- Saw
- Awl w/Thread Loop
- Wood/Metal File
- Large Flat Blade Screwdriver
- Small Flat Blade Screwdriver
- Phillips Screwdriver
- Bottle Opener
- Can Opener
- Ruler
