Pocket tools - which to get?

[ktang 34]

I just lost the Swiss Army knife that I have had for the last 12+ years on a business trip. It was the Victorinox kind.

Which pocket tools would you recommend? I was thinking of getting a Leatherman, but with a 3/8" hex driver so I could tighten the LS2 bolts on my skates and a Philips driver so I could adjust my helmet screws. I also need a scissors attachment.

I also have a Victorinox wallet kind with the scissors and knife, but it doesn't have any mini screwdriver tools.

[Allsmokenopancake 0]

I have a skatemate helmet repair kit, and just a basic penknife that has one blade.

The 3 pronged tool that comes with the kid has both types of screwdriver head and an allen key type head

Pretty handy

[Rustpot 1]

I like the Gerber tools a lot more than the Leatherman ones. Gerbers have one-hand opening (the plier head comes out the top on rails, no folding required) and the tools have a lock on them. I feel the hinges for the tools are nicer as well, and the Gerber won't cost you as much but you can get the same features like changeable driver heads.

Gerber uses Fiskars brand scissors

The Victorinox multi-tool isn't as good either, IMO

http://www.gerbergear.com/product.php?model=7564

That's the one I reccomend

[gman 0]

I went through this a few years ago. The Gerbers and the others just did not feel as good in my hand or seem as substantial as the Leatherman. I settled on the Leatherman Wave. It is too big for a "pocket knife" though. You have to use the belt sheath in my opinion. I also like the fact that I can get the blades out one handed. I use the blades much more often than the pliers. The Swisstool felt really good but it is HUGE and heavy. Like most things, the best idea would be to go to a knife store and look at and handle as many different ones as you can.

THere are some pretty good knife and blade forums out there kind of like this one. Bladeforum or Bladeforum(s).com is one that I go to now and then. Lots of good info, and there is even a section on multitools and one on SAK's (swiss army knives).

[Doctor Hook 0]

I back Leatherman. Great product.

[bheidepr 0]

I have both Leatherman and Gerber. (not sure models)

The Leatherman has a smaller profile and hard to hold tightly as pliers. Gerber is larger and seems to be easier to handle to work the tools.

Both will serve similar functions just fine it is more a personal preference.

(I carry my Gerber more :0 )

[TBLfan 25]

one thing to look for is how the tools come out. With tools like the gerber and buck's tool they open differently so that you have a nice flat surface on the handles of the pliers. Other tools can be uncomfortable to use because you have to thin metal rails digging into your hand. With gerber you get what you pay for, spend a little extra and you'll get a better tool. The lower end ones are complete crap and get returned often.

[Rustpot 1]

one thing to look for is how the tools come out. With tools like the gerber and buck's tool they open differently so that you have a nice flat surface on the handles of the pliers. Other tools can be uncomfortable to use because you have to thin metal rails digging into your hand. With gerber you get what you pay for, spend a little extra and you'll get a better tool. The lower end ones are complete crap and get returned often.

I've had my Gerber 400 for probably 6-7 years now and the only thing I've needed to do to it was sharpen the blade. I used it to cut steel cable, I've used it as a pry bar, a hammer, etc for several years of shop use. The main hinge is a little looser than new, but the jaws line up, the tools in the handle are smooth, the locks still work, and the head slides out just fine (I do oil it once a year just to keep corrosion away)

Maybe they cheapened on construction - I remember paying upwards of $45-50 for it and they only had the 400 and 600 models at the time (I didn't need all the jazz the 600 had)

[TBLfan 25]

yeah, those are solid as rocks. There's a couple newer models under $40 that are complete junk. My dad has had one for years that he paid like $55 for from target and it's still going strong. If I needed one I would buy a gerber.

[ktang 34]

Thanks for all the input, guys. I didn't even know about the Gerbers; I might have seen some, but I wouldn't have known who made them.