utility and multi-tools

[Tony]

In another thread, there was some discussion about the usefulness and durability of multi tools.

Let's get some other folks input here.

I've never done too much with them, but honestly, I've never been in a zombie survival situation where I needed to rely on them either, so I'm no fair judge...

What brands have you guys used, and what has your experience been with them?

[bruce]

I carry 2 things with me everyday. A smith and wesson SWAT folding knife witha razor sharp 3 1/2 inch blade and a Leatherman Multitool. The lLeatherman is the best tool I have ever owned and it has saved my a$$ on plenty of occasions and I plan on wearing it when the infestation begins. I personally prefer the Wave model, it has everything a swiss army knife has sans the tweezers and toothpick plus all the actual blades lock into place. I have one on me and 1 in each car just in case.

[OVERKILL]

 I just don't feel I need a lot of the tools they put on these, does anyone know of a customizable multi tool, or even a company that makes to order or something.

[bruce]

you would be suprised at how much you can actually use a multi-tool on a daily basis! The only difference between a multi-tool and a swiss army knife is  a corksrew and tweezers I would guess that a custom made multi-tool would likely be very expensive to make a one-off every time. What are you looking at having on one? Just for my own curiosity..

[sventhewarrior]

I'm a big fan of my leatherman. I got it as a confirmation present, and I carry it with me everywhere. I've used it for everything from cutting string to picking locks. Mine is the Charge, with the titanium body plating, so it's relatively light. I'm basically just a grown up Boy Scout at heart, and I love my knife.

[OVERKILL]

you would be suprised at how much you can actually use a multi-tool on a daily basis! The only difference between a multi-tool and a swiss army knife is  a corksrew and tweezers I would guess that a custom made multi-tool would likely be very expensive to make a one-off every time. What are you looking at having on one? Just for my own curiosity..

 About the only 2 things I use are the blade, the screwdrivers and the pliers. I've never found anything that the saws, awls, punches and scissors could do that a knife couldn't. I carry a P38, so I don't need the can opener and most of them don't work very well anyway. I don't need a bottle opener, I don't drink anything with pop off lids. I don't see much point in carrying a bunch of useless things I don't need. I don't doubt you can find a use for a multi tool on a daily basis, but how many of the individual tools go unused. I do wish they had the tweezers, but dont see much need in the corkscrew.   

[sventhewarrior]

Yeah, I don't have a corkscrew, but I love my saw. It's got a factory diamond edge. Yes, it's pretty ridiculous, but it can saw through anything. I sawed through a deadbolt lock with that baby. (I locked myself out of the house.) You would be amazed how much stuff in there is actually useful. Mine also has a file in it, which I mostly use to sharpen blades. Ironically, I can't sharpen my knife with it, but I can sharpen my machete, or whatever else needs to be sharpened.

[OVERKILL]

 Most of the saws I've seen in those things are only woodsaws. I don't need one of those since I have a trick to break off good sized green limbs or dried wood. A saw that can cut through steel may be of more use though, and worth packing for that, the pliers, and the screwdrivers even if I don't use anything else on it.

[OVERKILL]

 I forgot to add the greatest reason to own a multi-tool, the last part of the name. Some places that ban concealed weapons or what have you have idiots enforcing these rules that believe a pocketknife is a weapon. You would be less likely to have an item with the word "tool" in the name to be confiscated and therefore more likely to actually have it when needed.

[¥ Killer Juggalo ¥]

Swiss-army knife has the best use to me... it has a can-opener... knives... and mine has a little flashlight...

[sventhewarrior]

One other advantage that most of the newer leathermans have is that they can be opened one handed. This is incredibly useful if you ever have to use it to defend yourself. You keep it in the case on your belt, and if you need it you flick it out.

Now, I'm not suggesting that you would ever want to use a leatherman against zombies. The blade really isn't long enough to do any real damage, and knives are at best a last resort anyway. If you're down to that, you might as well try to break their necks with your hands. (Not suggesting either method.)

Against people, however, a knife is a pretty effective weapon, and more importantly. No one's going to try to strongarm someone who's armed. Not worth the trouble.

[killer-M]

I'm in boy scouts and the best weapon i have is a big pocketknife and it's a 10 function so I'll get out the LED light shine it in there eyes and stab them in the head!!!

[Robin Holmes]

As far as we're aware, they're unstunnable with bright light.

[TheAngelKing47]

I stick with Gerber even though they're made in Mao land now. I don't like Leatherman but that's just because of political reasons, some while back they made a multitool in chrome blue for the ATF's Asset Forfeiture Division that was inscribed "Always Think Forfeiture". So it's Gerber for the win.

[OVERKILL]

 Glad I heard that about Leatherman and the ATF, they're on the boycott list now. What kind of warranty does Gerber have?