Should I get a Swiss Army Knife or a multi-tool like the Leatherman Wave?
Posted: August 1st, 2010 | Author: admin | Filed under: Questions | Tags: camping, expat, gap, occupation, stop gap, toolbox | 3 Comments »I do not need it for my occupation. I’m a male in my 20s. I’d use it for hiking/camping, mostly.
I also may use it as a stop-gap replacement for a full set of tools at times. (I’m an expat that moves a lot, and can’t lug around a toolbox. I say "may" because I might be moving back to the U.S. soon and would have more tools.)
Thanks!
Both.
I’m a strong believer everyone should carry a pocketknife (it will stop them asking to borrow mine!); they come in useful for all sorts of things and make life just that little bit smoother
Something like the Victorinox Alox Farmer should last for ever, looks very nice, and can be picked up fairly cheaply. They’re slim and light for carrying in a pocket, and there’s also some nice looking leather belt cases for them. Plus, they’re legal to carry just about everywhere (a concern if you move around a lot and might not be aware of the local laws).
It won’t, however, do everything a bigger, heavier Leatherman style tool will. If you’re going to go Leatherman, I’d spent a bit more and buy the Charge (same tool set as the Wave, but better quality materials). Victorinox also make a very good multi-tool that’s about the same size, but lighter; the SwissTool Spirit. I’m not alone in thinking the build-quality is slightly better than a Leatherman, but the Charge design/materials are more appealing… just another option to think about.
I find the Leatherman style tools are a bit big/heavy to carry all day everyday and instead keep a larger tool (a Victorinox SwissTool X, with the Surge being the Leatherman option) in my bag that goes with me just about everywhere (also has waterproof clothes, sunglasses, gloves, first aid kit and stuff in… things you might need away from home, but most people rarely take). I just leave it in the car whenever I go anywhere, so I don’t have to carry it, but it’s not far away if I need anything from it.
I am a "Wave" owner and highly recommend it. I use it at work and play as I am a maintenance engineer for a large building complex. I am constantly chased down for quick repairs on stuff and the "Wave" is a major time saver. There are other brands, Gerber for one, but I am as said a happy "Wave" owner
buy one today!
Definitely the leatherman. You cant go wrong with that!!