Finding a good quality multi-tool can be a little harder than most people think. Many of them have similar features that are tough to tell apart. This is why we put this review together.
There are numerous survival multi-tools out there; different brands, different styles, and so on. This article will look at five of the best multi-tools you can get your hands on right now.
Picking the best one will help save you a little cash in the long run and allow you to fully trust and rely on your gear.
If you often encounter the unexpected or like to be prepared for any situation, then chances are you carry a multi-tool. The concept of combining various tools into a single device is an old one.
It comes off as no surprise that hundreds of multi-tools are available on the market. That’s why, we put together this list of the best multi-tools on the market.
We present you the best multi-tools available from the top manufacturers to help you cut tighten, loosen, open or, twist your way through
It took us quite some time to come up with this list. If you’re into survivalism and prepping, you’re going to like what we’ll review in this article. The multi-tools in this piece have been endorsed by many survivalists worldwide.
Once we managed to pick out the best of the best, we looked at how they’d do in the wild. Anyway, let’s take a look at the best survival multi-tools.
Best Survival Multi-Tools – Reviews & Buying guide for 2021
BEST OVERALL: Leatherman Wingman
The Leatherman Wingman is a great multi-tool that you can use to complete small tasks at work, for projects around your house, or when you’re out camping.
A fantastic, pocket-sized, lightweight stainless steel survival multi-tool, the Leatherman Wingman has newly-designed spring-action pliers and a one-hand, outside-accessible opening blade.
This survival multi-tool is a beautiful everyday carry that seamlessly combines scissors, spring-action pliers, and twelve other valuable tools.
Features
- This top-quality survival multi-tool has a total of fourteen tools that can handle almost any small task. The different tools included in this product include a ruler, a file, a can and bottle opener, a package opener, a wire stripper, wire cutters, screwdrivers, spring-action pliers, and, of course, a knife.
- Leatherman also has a great guarantee policy. They stand behind by all the products they release from the Oregon-based factory. They offer a 25-year warranty because they’re confident the multi-tool should last you a lifetime.
- You can also open all the Leatherman’s tools with only one hand, even the one you can’t access from the outside. There’s also a locking blade that allows you to cut stuff confidently.
- The tool’s removable pocket clip and lightweight, compact size help ensure the Wingman is always on hand. Your Leatherman will always be accessible and ready to be put to work.
Pros
- Fourteen useful tools in one
- The tool can be further subdivided into blade-out and blade-in designs
- Sharp knife blade
- 100mm in length when folded
- Pinch-type or butt-type wire cutter
Cons
- A little on the pricey side
- A bit bulky because of the clip placement
Runner-up: Leatherman Surge
The Leatherman Surge is a powerhouse survival multi-tool with easy-to-use locks, incredibly long multi-tool blades, and one of the enormous multi-tool pliers.
Four outside-opening blades, 154cm replaceable wire cutters, and a unique blade exchanger help provide you with both quick and easy access to all the tools you require at any given moment.
The Leatherman Surge was specifically designed and manufactured to handle complex tasks. It measures about 3.1-inches in length and weighs around 12-ounces.
Features
- The Surge is one of Leatherman’s biggest survival multi-tools for heavy-duty jobs. It’s built using the company’s longest multi-tool blades, its largest pliers, and locks that are very easy to use.
- The Surge has twenty-one tools in total. It has four outside-opening blades, premium replaceable wire cutters, and a unique blade exchanger. Accessing all the twenty-one premium tools is pretty straightforward.
- This particular product also has a great guarantee. Like most other Leatherman products produced in the Portland, Oregon factory, the Surge also has a 25-year-warranty. The company is confident enough that it’ll last you a lifetime.
- Furthermore, all the tools on the Surge can be used with only one hand, including the ones you can’t access from outside. Also, the unique locking features it has helps make it something you can always use with confidence.
- One of the most interesting features of the Leatherman Surge is its modular wire cutters. These wire cutters have blades that you can easily remove for replacement, sharpening, or cleaning. Like we mentioned earlier, all tools are easily accessible, including these unique wire cutters.
- You won’t have to fumble around too much looking for tools during an emergency. The Surge’s versatile and high-quality build allows it to be the only survival multi-tool you’ll ever need.
Pros
- High-quality wire cutters
- Has a 25-year warranty
- Features a total of 21 different tools
Cons
- Very standard and regular tool functions
Alternative: Leatherman Skeletool CX
The sleek new Leatherman Skeletool CX multi-tool takes you back to basics, although very cool basics at that. The Skeletool CX survival multi-tool features only the most useful and necessary tools because that’s all you need sometimes.
With a carabiner/bottle opener, pocket clip, bit driver, pliers, and a stainless steel 154cm blade, you’re all set. Its low volume, lightweight design makes it the perfect size.
This ultra-functional, ultra-light survival multi-tool is great for everyday use because it has all the tools you usually use daily.
Features
- This high-quality multi-tool is ready for anything. With that said, it is designed with the back-to-basics mindset. This particular Leatherman only has the most necessary tools and features, making it an ideal multi-tool device for everyday carry and use.
- The large bit driver, carabiner/bottle opener, 154cm knife blade, hard-wire cutters, and needle-nose pliers help make it incredibly functional.
- It’s also an efficient device. Why? Because the truth is, sometimes you’ll only have one hand free, especially in certain emergency scenarios, and you’ll need something that you can work properly with just that one hand.
- All the Skeletool CX tools can be easily accessed using one hand, even those you can’t get to from the outside. Furthermore, its locking blade will ensure you can cut things with confidence. Its pocket clip feature and lightweight design ensure that it’s something that can always be on hand. You’ll always be able to get to it quickly whenever you need to use it.
- Lastly, it also has the Leatherman 25-year warranty. It means that you can expect it to serve you well for a very long time. If it gets spoiled during that period, just send it back to Leatherman, and their team will fix it up in no time.
- All Leatherman survival multi-tools are both manufactured and fixed in the United States.
Pros
- Has both regular and needle nose pliers
- Has both hard and regular wire cutters
- It’s gone back-to-basics with a total of 7 tools
- Features handle bit storage
Cons
- Doesn’t have serrated blades
- The pocket clip bends and breaks easily
Alternative: SOG PowerAssist Black Oxide
SOG Strong is a U.S-based knife and tool company founded in 1986. They’ve been making high-quality survival multi-tools for quite some time now. The SOG PowerAssist is one of them.
The PowerAssist is manufactured using stainless steel, which has a black oxide finishing on both the double SAT blades, which are incredibly sharp straight from the box and on the handle.
Also, you’ll be able to cut more and sharpen less because of their excellent edge retention feature.
It has a total of 16 tools designed to do a wide variety of things in very efficient ways while still maintaining the multi-tools optimum durability, strength, and quality.
Features
- With 16 different useful tools, this device can efficiently handle a wide array of tasks. If the PowerAssist can’t fix what you need to be fixed, then that job probably needs something that has a power cable. It also features a high-quality oil and wax coat, which increases corrosion resistance straight from the box.
- Proprietary SOG technology provides users with double the power you’d get from your ordinary multi-tool pliers. The two SOG-assisted blades include one serrated SAT and one straight edge opening knife. Some of the other tools on the SOG PowerAssist include a ruler, crimpers, wire cutters, bottle/can openers, file, V-cutter, two knives, four screwdrivers, and pliers.
- Oh, and there’s also a sheath. All in all, SOG has managed to develop an incredibly durable survival multi-tool that both preppers and survivalists can fully rely on. That said, it’s something that everyone can carry with them daily.
Pros
- 16 different versatile hand tools
- A plier with double the power because of compound leverage
- Black oxide coating
Cons
- Sometimes, the handles can get a little slippery
Alternative: Gerber 07400 DET
Like most of the survivalists out there that use gear from this manufacturer, Gerber is simply unstoppable. Decades of dedication and innovation have ensured they come with high-quality products every time.
Well-known as a master of both tools and knives, Gerber’s life-saving, problem-solving goods are designed to help you accomplish certain specific tasks.
In today’s world, some of those tasks will require you to have much more than just a mere blade.
When you place this high-quality multi-tool in the steady and skilled hands of an engineer, one of the first things that’ll come to their mind is how they survived so long without it.
This a fair consideration when you think about the product’s compact versatility. Its robust stainless steel outer has a non-reflective, black coating that won’t produce give-away glints when using the tool under the sun.
Also, Gerber’s patented one-hand opening pliers feature can prove to be a lifesaver when using the device in the field.
Features
- The Gerber multi-tool features the Saf.T.Plus locking system, has durable stainless steel construction, and has an attractive butterfly overall aesthetic. The fact that it’s so functional helps make it a tool that countless work and survival professionals can rely on daily.
- However, one of the best things about this product is the feeling you get when it’s in your hand, and the grip provided when in use. It’s arguably the most ergonomic product on this list, and you will get to see this once you use the multi-tool for yourself. It’s sturdy yet light and allows the user to put quite a lot of pressure on it to fall out of the hand when in use.
- It’s 100% nylon and has a reliable, rigid overall design with a black, non-reflective finish. You can use it in various industrial, tactical, survival, hunting, military, and outdoor situations. All products on the Gerber roster have been field-tested, including this one. It has a blasting cap crimper and a C4 Punch.
Pros
- An easy to grip handle
- 12 useful functions
Cons
- The open handle can be a bit of a pain when the device is in use
How To Choose A Survival Multi-Tool
There’s no one survival multi-tool that you can say is the absolute best. Everyone has different needs, and what might suit one person might not suit another.
You need to know what you’d like to use the multi-tool for. With that said, there are a few things you need to consider before you go out and get your survival multi-tool.
#1 Multi-Tool Type
![Best Survival Multi-Tools 11 #1 MULTI-TOOL TYPE](https://preppersultimateguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/MULTI-TOOL.jpg)
Many of the best survival multi-tools out there are of the folding variety. It is because these types of multi-tools are often the strongest ones. But, the bulky folding multi-tool is not something everyone can carry around.
You need to think about what type of multi-tool will best suit you.
#2 Number of Tools
The best survival multi-tool products have at least 15 different tools both inside and outside. However, try not to get hung up on the numbers. Many tools don’t necessarily mean that it’s a good option.
Instead, look at how functional the multi-tool generally is. Does it have what you’ll need to get the job done? You do not need five different types of pliers when all you need is just one or two.
A true survivalist does a lot more than switch out the tools in their toolbox. A good-quality multi-tool will contain features that will help them survive in the wild or catastrophes that may lead to people’s displacement.
Consider things that can help you light fires, catch fish, set traps, and cut woods.
#3 Purpose
![Best Survival Multi-Tools 12 #3 PURPOSE](https://preppersultimateguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/tools.jpg)
Whatever you intend on using the multi-tool for, you’ll want one that’s both efficient and lightweight. Look for one with blades that are easy to use and are lockable for safety.
One-hand functionality gives you easy and quick access. Think about carrying options for hiking and EDC. The outdoor adventurer and survivalist will want tools to survive in the wild.
#4 Size and Style
Size and style are more about preference. However, let purpose guide you. A sturdy survival multi-tool is a great thing to have in a bug-out bag or home survival kit.
Keychain multi-tools and folding multi-tool knives are perfect for EDC, and TSA has approved most survival wallet cards.
#5 Durability
In general, the manufacturer’s warranty on the product will give you an idea of how long it will last and how durable the multi-tool is.
Of course, however, you will still need to ensure proper maintenance of the multi-tool if you want it to work effectively over a long period.
#6 Locking Mechanism
![Best Survival Multi-Tools 13 #6 LOCKING MECHANISM](https://preppersultimateguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/LOCKING-MECHANISM.jpg)
Locking mechanisms aren’t just about safety. Suitable locking mechanisms mean that the multi-tool will have the capability of handling more demanding tasks because there won’t be too much strain on the device’s pivot point.
However, the multi-tools that have superior locking mechanisms usually cost a lot more, so you need to keep this in mind as well.
Though, it’s always worth paying for quality, especially when it’s the difference between injuring yourself or accomplish the task safely.
The true survivalists will usually have several survival multi-tools. Keep one in your vehicle or boat, bug-out bag, and survival kit. Hikers and campers should have one on their person at all times.
That way, you won’t have to be borrowing from the other storage areas.
Emergencies don’t announce themselves, and during one, you probably won’t have enough time to recall when last you had it.
Best Survival Multi-Tools: Frequently Asked Questions
What multi-tools do the military use?
![Best Survival Multi-Tools 14 WHAT MULTI-TOOLS DO THE MILITARY USE?](https://preppersultimateguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Gerber-Multi-Plier.jpg)
The military uses the Gerber Multi-Plier as their preferred survival multi-tool option. The military prefers this product because it comes in many different configurations, i.e., RemGrit saw or sight tool, bladeless or blade, non-replaceable or replaceable wire cutters, blasting cap crimper, or needle-nose pliers, and blunt nose pliers.
The main feature of this particular Gerber multi-tool is that you can open the pliers with the flick of your wrist.
Should I carry a multi-tool?
The main reason why most people would like to have a multi-tool is preparation. Anything could happen at any time. At their very core, survival multi-tools are utilitarian.
Almost every aspect of it is functional in some way. There’s rarely any extraneous formatting or material that’s used.
The best reason you should carry a multi-tool is that you always need to be prepared. Another big reason why it’s good to have a multi-tool on your person at all times is that they can help provide you with effective and simple solutions to your everyday problems.
Many of them come with a wide array of tools that can do many different things.
What is the most important survival item?
![Best Survival Multi-Tools 15 WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT SURVIVAL ITEM?](https://preppersultimateguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/knife.jpg)
The most important survival tool is, without a doubt, a knife. A good survival knife should be sharp, small, and lightweight. A knife’s blade can come in handy in so many scenarios.
Knives can be used for slicing or cutting, trapping, wood carving, fire making, self-defense, first aid, and as a makeshift screwdriver.
Many hikers, outdoor adventurers, survivalists, and even the military themselves know how important a knife blade can be. If the multi-tool you’re thinking of buying doesn’t have a good blade, maybe you should consider something else. The knife can save your life when you’re in the wild or are off-grid.
Are multi-tools worth it?
Multi-tools were most commonly used by soldiers, survivalists, and artisans worldwide because of their versatility and usefulness in sticky scenarios. It’s only recently that engineers, metalworkers, and designers have started carrying them around for work as well. Anyway, the truth is, these devices are worth it. Why?
For starters, they allow you always to be ready for anything. Almost every aspect is functional in some way. Secondly, it’s very convenient.
If you have a loose screw, an unopened bottle, or a stray thread, you’ll get to see just how quickly and conveniently a multi-tool can help you solve these problems.
Wrapping Up
A survival multi-tool is basically like a mini toolbox in some ways. It can help accomplish very many day-to-day tasks, from building makeshift shelters to sparking fires.
As you can see above, they come in different styles like the folding multi-tool, the classic folding knife, and, the newest of them all, the survival business card.
The best multi-tools for survival are highly portable, versatile, and durable. What we’ve reviewed in this article has fulfilled those criteria. No matter what you happen to be searching for, the list provided above should have something you can consider.
Hopefully, now you know a bit more about some of the best multi-tools for survival and how to pick what would best suit you. So, what are you waiting for? Get yours today!
If you’ve read until here, then you’re not going to regret the choice you make, so don’t be anxious or afraid of picking the wrong one.
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