A multi-tool is the single most useful object you can put in your pocket. It replaces a knife, pliers, screwdrivers, scissors, and a bottle opener — and it's there the moment something breaks, loosens, or needs opening. But not all multi-tools are created equal, and the wrong one will rattle in a drawer while you reach for a dedicated tool.
We tested 5 of the most popular EDC multi-tools for 30 days, putting each through 15 standardized tasks: cutting wire, driving screws, gripping bolts, opening cans and bottles, cutting cardboard and paracord, and a 3-foot drop test. Here's which ones earned a permanent spot on our belts.
Our testing methodology: Each multi-tool was carried daily for 30 days and used for a minimum of 3 tasks per day. We tested every implement (pliers, knife, scissors, screwdrivers, saw, file) on representative materials, measured plier grip on hex bolts, and dropped each tool from waist height onto concrete 3 times to test lock-up and hinge durability.
Quick Verdict: Our Top Picks
Best Overall: Leatherman Wave+
18 tools, full-size pliers, one-hand blades, and a 25-year warranty. It's the multi-tool every other tool is measured against — and it still wins.
Best Budget: Gerber Suspension NXT
15 tools, outside-accessible everything, and $40. It does 90% of what the Wave+ does for a third of the price.
Best Minimal Carry: Victorinox Huntsman
If pliers aren't your priority, the 3.4 oz Huntsman packs a knife, scissors, and a saw into a pocket-friendly classic that's legal nearly everywhere.
1. Leatherman Wave+ — The Gold Standard
The Wave+ is the multi-tool by which all others are judged, and 30 days of hard use confirmed it's still the king. The full-size pliers bite bolts hard, the replaceable wire cutters slice through 12-gauge wire cleanly, and the one-hand-opening blades deploy with a thumb flick. The "+" adds replaceable wire cutters to the original Wave — the one weakness it ever had.
Pros
- Full-size pliers with replaceable wire cutters
- One-hand-opening knife and saw
- All tools lock securely
- 25-year warranty
- Rugged stainless steel construction
Cons
- Expensive at $120
- Heavy for pocket carry (8.5 oz)
- Some tools require opening pliers to access
- No scissors inside (but a separate small pair is outside)
| Tool Count | 18 |
|---|---|
| Weight | 8.5 oz |
| Closed Length | 4 in |
| Pliers | Full-size, replaceable wire cutters |
| Blade | 420HC, one-hand opening |
| Locking | All tools lock |
| Warranty | 25 years |
| Made In | USA |
Bottom line: If you want the best multi-tool available and are willing to pay for it, the Wave+ is the answer. It's the one we reach for first, every time.
2. Leatherman Wingman — The Affordable Everyday Tool
The Wingman is Leatherman's best budget play: a spring-loaded plier head (so the pliers reopen automatically), outside-accessible knife and scissors, and a comfortable grip — all for $45. It lacks the Wave+'s full-size plier bite and premium feel, but it covers everyday tasks effortlessly.
Pros
- Spring-loaded pliers are genuinely useful
- Outside-accessible knife and scissors
- Great value at $45
- Lightweight 7 oz design
- Leatherman 25-year warranty
Cons
- Smaller pliers than the Wave+
- Fewer tools (14 vs 18)
- Knife steel is softer (420HC)
- No replaceable wire cutters
| Tool Count | 14 |
|---|---|
| Weight | 7 oz |
| Closed Length | 3.8 in |
| Pliers | Spring-loaded, standard wire cutters |
| Blade | 420HC, outside-accessible |
| Locking | Knife and scissors lock |
| Warranty | 25 years |
| Made In | USA |
Bottom line: The Wingman is the best entry point into quality multi-tools. Spring-loaded pliers and outside-accessible tools make it a joy to use, and $45 gets you into the Leatherman ecosystem.
3. Gerber Suspension NXT — The Value All-Rounder
The Suspension NXT is Gerber's answer to "why pay more?" Every tool is outside-accessible, so you never have to fish around inside the handle. The pliers are spring-loaded, the tools lock, and at $40 it's the most complete budget multi-tool we tested.
Pros
- Every tool accessible without opening the pliers
- Spring-loaded pliers
- All tools lock
- Excellent value at $40
- Lightweight and slim
Cons
- Softer steel than Leatherman
- Pliers are smaller and lighter-duty
- Less premium feel
- Limited warranty vs. Leatherman's 25 years
| Tool Count | 15 |
|---|---|
| Weight | 6.4 oz |
| Closed Length | 4.25 in |
| Pliers | Spring-loaded, standard |
| Blade | Stainless, outside-accessible |
| Locking | All tools lock |
| Warranty | Limited lifetime |
| Made In | China |
Bottom line: The Suspension NXT is the best budget multi-tool for most people. Outside-accessible tools and locking everything make it feel far more expensive than $40.
4. SOG PowerLitre — The Compact Lightweight
The PowerLitre is SOG's compact, lightweight answer for people who want pliers without the bulk. It uses SOG's "Compound Leverage" pliers, which multiply your grip force — so this little tool grips like a much bigger one. At 5.4 oz it disappears into a pocket, yet still packs 13 tools.
Pros
- Compound Leverage pliers amplify grip force
- Lightweight and compact (5.4 oz)
- All tools lock
- Great pocket carry
- Comfortable contoured handle
Cons
- Smaller pliers than full-size rivals
- Fewer tools (13)
- Knife blade is short
- Some tools are fiddly to open
| Tool Count | 13 |
|---|---|
| Weight | 5.4 oz |
| Closed Length | 4 in |
| Pliers | Compound Leverage, compact |
| Blade | 5Cr15MoV stainless |
| Locking | All tools lock |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
| Made In | China |
Bottom line: If you want pliers but hate bulk, the PowerLitre is the compact choice. Its Compound Leverage grip genuinely outperforms its size.
5. Victorinox Huntsman — The Classic Swiss Army Knife
The Huntsman is the definitive Swiss Army Knife — and it proves you don't need pliers to have a great multi-tool. It centers on a sharp main blade, famously precise scissors, and a wood saw, wrapped in Victorinox's legendary red scales. At 3.4 oz, it's the lightest and most carry-friendly tool here.
Pros
- Legendary Victorinox build quality
- Excellent scissors and main blade
- Ultra-light at 3.4 oz
- Non-threatening, legal nearly everywhere
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- No pliers
- Tools don't lock
- Blade is on the shorter side
- No one-hand opening
| Functions | 15 |
|---|---|
| Weight | 3.4 oz |
| Closed Length | 3.6 in |
| Pliers | None (knife-centric) |
| Blade | Stainless, 2.4 in |
| Locking | Non-locking (slipjoint) |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
| Made In | Switzerland |
Bottom line: If pliers aren't your daily need, the Huntsman is the lightest, friendliest, most refined carry here — and it's been doing it for over a century.
Full Comparison Table
| Spec | Wave+ | Wingman | Suspension NXT | PowerLitre | Huntsman |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $119.95 | $44.95 | $39.99 | $49.95 | $39.99 |
| Tools | 18 | 14 | 15 | 13 | 15 |
| Weight | 8.5 oz | 7 oz | 6.4 oz | 5.4 oz | 3.4 oz |
| Pliers | Full-size | Spring | Spring | Compact | None |
| All Tools Lock? | Yes | Partial | Yes | Yes | No |
| Best For | Full-size work | Budget EDC | Value all-round | Compact pliers | Minimal carry |
Buying Guide: How to Choose a Multi-Tool
Pliers vs. Knife-Centric
The biggest decision is what you'll actually use it for. If you fix things, grip bolts, cut wire, or work mechanically, get a pliers-based tool (Leatherman, Gerber, SOG). If you mostly open packages, cut string, and do light tasks, a knife-centric Swiss Army Knife is lighter and more refined.
Outside-Accessible Tools
The best multi-tools let you open the knife and scissors without unfolding the pliers. This one feature separates a tool you'll use constantly from one that lives in a drawer.
Locking Tools
Locking blades and tools are safer under load and generally required if the blade is over a certain length. Non-locking (slipjoint) tools are lighter and legal in more places, but you must be careful with them.
Weight vs. Capability
There's a direct trade-off: the Wave+ gives you full-size pliers at 8.5 oz, while the Huntsman gives you 90% of daily utility at 3.4 oz. Decide how much weight you're willing to carry every single day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a multi-tool worth carrying every day?
Yes, for most people. A multi-tool replaces a pocket knife, pliers, screwdrivers, scissors, and a bottle opener in one compact package. If you regularly fix things, open packages, or work with your hands, it's the highest-utility item you can carry.
Leatherman vs Swiss Army Knife: which is better?
It depends on the tool you need most. Leatherman-style tools center on full-size pliers, making them better for gripping, wire-cutting, and mechanical work. Swiss Army Knives center on a knife and scissors, making them lighter and better for everyday small tasks and food prep.
Are multi-tools legal to carry?
In most places, yes, but the knife blade inside a multi-tool is still subject to knife laws. Check blade-length and locking-blade restrictions in your area. Most multi-tools are under the common 3-inch limit, but some areas restrict locking blades.
How long do multi-tools last?
A quality multi-tool from Leatherman, Gerber, SOG, or Victorinox will last decades with basic care. Leatherman and Victorinox back this up with 25-year and lifetime warranties respectively. Budget tools from no-name brands often develop hinge play and dull steel within a year or two.
Final Thoughts
After 30 days and hundreds of tasks, the Leatherman Wave+ remains the multi-tool to beat. It's the most capable, best-built, and most confidently warrantied tool you can carry — and it justifies its $120 price.
For most people, though, the Gerber Suspension NXT at $40 is the smarter buy. It does nearly everything the Wave+ does, with outside-accessible tools, for a third of the price. And if you want the lightest, friendliest option, the Victorinox Huntsman is a century of refinement in your pocket.
The best multi-tool is the one you'll actually carry. Pick the weight and tool set that match your real life, and it'll pay for itself the first time it saves a trip to the toolbox.
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