Leatherman versus Swiss Army Knife

Leatherman-type or Swiss Army Knife-type multitool? Would a cheap knockoff work just as well? Here's how to decide.

Classic Swiss Army Knife (SAK) pocketknife multitools still make good, compact do-everything multitools.

When asked by Matt Buchanan at the 2008 Maker Faire whether a modern-day MacGyver would still use a SAK today, MacGyver TV series creator Lee Zlotoff

• reached into his pocket and pulled out a SAK with a built-in thumbdrive
• said that he carries both a SAK and a Leatherman tool
• speculated that the Leatherman was probably the next generation MacGyver tool.

Full-sized Folding Pliers

The Leatherman revolution in multitools began with the first Leatherman PST (Pocket Survival Tool) which came with a pair of full-sized folding pliers. This increased the weight and bulk of the tool, but also its usefulness.

Pliers can serve as

• hammer
• wire cutter
• wrench / spanner
• nail remover
• wire / sheet metal bender

Types, Brands and Models of Multitools

The small SAK and folding-pliers Leatherman continue to be the two main types of multitools. The main consideration is utility (Leatherman) versus small size and weight (SAK).

The popularity of Leatherman-type multitools can be seen from the number of different models available from:

• Gerber (Multi-Plier, Legend, Suspension, Radius, Diesel, FreeHand, Flik, Resolve, AutoRecoil)
• SOG (CrossGrip, Pocket Power, PowerLock, ParaTool, SwitchPlier)
• CRKT (Zillatool)
• Buck (X-Tract)
• KutMaster (Wrench-Head)
• Schrade (Tough Tool)
• Leatherman (PST, Wave, Core, SuperTool, Surge, Charge, Skeletool, Blast, Fuse, Kick, SideClip, Pulse, Juice)

SAK makers now also make Leatherman-type multitools

• Victorinox (SwissTool)
• Wenger (SwissGrip, PocketGrip)

Mini Leatherman models (example: Leatherman Minitool) also exists with

• Smaller pliers
• Knife blades smaller than a typical SAK
• Size and weight about the same as a SAK

Comfortable and Safe Pliers Grip

The original Leatherman's handles were infamous for cutting into the user's palms when the pliers were gripped hard. Newer designs have rounded edges to avoid such problems.

There should also be a gap between the handles when the pliers handles are squeezed. Otherwise, the handles could painfully pinch the palm if any flesh is caught between the handles.

Locking Tools

All tools (knife, screwdriver etc) should be lockable in the open position. This is for convenience as well as safety.

If not lockable, the tools should at least be held in place by springs like in a SAK.

One-handed Opening and Tool Accessibility

In the original Leatherman PST, the pliers had to be unfolded before any of the other tools could be deployed.

Newer designs allow some, if not all, of the tools to be used without first opening the pliers. More than a convenience, this can be useful in an emergency when speed can be crucial.

Some designs also allow single-handed opening of either the pliers or the other tools (especially the knife), or both. Again, this is a safety feature as during emergencies only one hand might be available.

Classic SAK multitools are two-handed opening only. As are older Leatherman models and cheap knockoffs.

Tool Selection

Tools should be classified into "must have" and "nice to have" categories to aid in selection of the right multitool.

Some possible "must have" deal breakers

• Phillips cross-head screwdriver (for computer technicians)
• Can opener (for campers)
• Large locking blade (for everyone)
• Quarter inch (1/4") socket for standard removable screwdriver bits (hex bit driver)

Whether SAK or Leatherman-type depends on whether or not full-sized pliers are required. If pliers are not required, a SAK remains a good - and lighter - choice. A SAK can also have a wider variety of specalized tools.