In terms of construction, SOG and Gerber both deliver high-quality multi-tools, designed to withstand demanding tasks and harsh conditions. SOG’s multi-tools are crafted from high-quality stainless steel, ensuring long-lasting durability. They also feature SOG’s patented gear-driven Compound Leverage system, allowing twice the plier power of conventional designs. If that’s the case, can it withstand the force or will it break? Obviously even the best survival multi-tools aren’t invincible, but you want that breaking point to be very high.

One thing that was surprising was the blade play on the knife. I’d prefer no assist and less slop, but I think, given the design, there needs to be some fidget room for the assist to work. Conclusion Here’s a little tip: If you’re heading off to college or striking out on your own, a multi-tool like the PowerAccess Deluxe will undoubtedly come in handy.

Value

The functions they have are all highly versatile and useful as well. You might need it for constructing shelter one moment and starting a fire the next. Features Compound Leverage plier heads for smooth open and close and increased gripping power. A total of 21 tools are on the heavy duty, stainless steel PowerAccess Deluxe including two knife blades, can & bottle opener, wood saw, two flat screwdrivers, Phillips screwdriver and a 1/4" driver with hex bit kit.

Not only that, but we’re friends with other survivalists who could give us great recommendations as well. All of them have just as much (or more) experience than we do, and we trust them completely. The Leatherman Wave+ brings heaps of value to the Leatherman line-up. Leatherman takes 90% of what makes the Charge so impressive and sells it for 60% of the cost. What you get is the Wave+ and an excellent value. The Leatherman Wingman is even less expensive, by a significant margin, but has fewer features and is made with lesser quality materials (though most users may not notice the weight savings of steel vs. titanium casing). For a full-featured tool, the Wave+ is the bargain shopper's choice. All-around stainless steels with similar qualities to the best 440 Series metals, providing good sharpen ability, good edge retention, and high corrosion resistance. PRODUCT WEIGHT We wish the main blade were not serrated. Yes, a serrated edge cuts a few things a little better than a straight edge. But that serrated edge suffers or completely fails to cut other things, especially when it is dulled. Once dull, a serrated edge is more difficult to sharpen, whereas the included sharpener on the Signal could be used to resurface an entirely straight-edged blade. The inclusion of a serrated portion on the blade seems like a marketing move more than a practical one. The Signal is unique and functional. It isn't too huge or too clumsy to use. With it, Leatherman comes another step closer to abandoning their proprietary bit driver interface. They built in the expected "squashed" bit driver, but they also included a standard 1/4 inch drive bit holder. We like this. The standard bit holder isn't oriented in an ideal fashion, but it is better than nothing. For survivalists looking for a multi-tool designed with bushcraft in mind, while also functional around the home, the Signal is a great piece of gear to add to the kit. Tool complement: Needlenose pliers, wirecutters, center-drive screwdriver, bottle opener, pry tool, and assisted-open knife

The types of functions in a survival multi-tool will play a big part in determining the kind of versatility it offers. That’s why we pointed out the number of functions and tools for each product on our list. The SOG Flash MT is a really light multitool — the lightest with full-size pliers. Those pliers also happen to have SOG’s compound leverage system, giving a lot of force when gripping items. Testing & Notable Features The few tools it includes — an upgraded steel blade, good pliers, screwdrivers, and a bottle opener — are the most often used, and this tool gets these right. But that's it; if you're seeking all the tools possible, you'll be let down with this stripped-down modal. Of the remaining tools, though, our biggest complaint is with the bit driver. With the Skeletool CX, even more than with other models, Leatherman could have easily included a standard 1/4" bit driver. Still, we have tested this model for over three years, and it has slowly grown on us. Thus, the Skeletool is our top recommendation for a portable, daily multi-tool to leave clipped on your person at all times. The cost of a multi-tool is an important consideration. SOG multi-tools tend to be moderately priced, making them a viable option for budget-conscious users who don’t want to compromise on quality.

With functions, more is better, to a point. We choose a "multi-tool" because it has "multiple tools". We want multiple tools, of course. But we also need for each of those tools to be functional. Cramming in more, just to have more, is ineffective if the additional features don't work. Any multi-tool is going to optimize one attribute at the expense of the function of one or more of the others. The Baton Q4 optimized the screwdriver function. As a screwdriver, the SOG works nearly as well as a stand-alone option. With aftermarket accessories, it will even more closely approximate a dedicated screwdriver. All the other features of the SOG are significantly compromised in the interest of optimizing the screwdriver. Construction Quality Founded in 1986, SOG Specialty Knives started its journey by reproducing the unique combat knife carried by US Special Ops in the Vietnam War. Since then, SOG has expanded its product line to include a range of high-quality multi-tools. They are known for their innovative designs, durability, and particularly, their gear-driven Compound Leverage system. Leatherman Tools – An Overview The big thing you need to think about is which ones will actually be useful, and which are unnecessary. Some products out there (none of the ones on our list of course) cram in a million different functions that do nothing but compromise weight and portability.

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SOG and Gerber multi-tools present their individual approach to tool inclusion and innovation. SOG’s philosophy is to combine traditional tools with unique ones, like V-cutter or blasting cap crimper, which gives their multi-tools an edge with specific user groups such as outdoor enthusiasts or even military personnel. But if you’re curious about the main factors we consider, this section is for you. It doesn’t cover the intangibles you’ll notice when you get your hands on one, but it should be helpful. Durability The pliers deploy smoothly and with even friction. We have come to expect this super-smooth pliers action on SOG tools. The PowerAccess Deluxe has mechanically advantaged pliers much like we have tested extensively on other SOG tools. We notice at least a little greater holding power from pliers like this. One of the questions we get from time to time is, “what’s the difference between a survival multi-tool and a regular one?” It seems like they’re all pretty much the same at first glance.