Multitools are survivalists’ best companions, and this gerber vs leatherman tiny metal rectangle unfolds to a small arsenal of tools.
In fact, having one of these on you while traveling spares you the hassle of carrying around anywhere between 5 to 30 different items, including screwdrivers, knives, pliers, scissors, fire starters, nail clippers, tweezers, bottle openers, and much more!
The thing about multitools is that many brands make them, therefore making the process of finding the best one of these a bit tricky.
To help you with that, this review list puts such as Gerber vs Leatherman vs Sog vs Victorinox, in a head-to-head review, which aims at helping you find the best multitool for your needs. So, let’s jump right in!
Contents
The 5 Best Survival Multitool Reviews
Firstly, let’s start by reviewing 5 of the best survival multitool options on the market from the most reputable brands.
1. Leatherman Skeletool Multitool
- EVERYTHING YOU NEED: A compact 5-ounce multitool with a combo knife, bit driver, pliers and more; Light enough to use as your everyday carry, strong enough to tackle tough jobs
- 7 TOOLS IN 1: Includes a knife, pliers, a large exchangeable bit driver, wire-cutters and a carabiner/bottle opener; Includes an extra bit stored right in the handle
- OUR GUARANTEE: We’re proud to stand behind every product that leaves our factory in Portland, Oregon; That’s why we offer our 25-year warranty, so you can be confident your Leatherman lasts a...
Leatherman is one of the largest manufacturers of multitools in the world, so the Skeletool is a great example of what an essential survival multitool knife should be.
This multitool is made of top-grade stainless steel, therefore offers an excellent level of durability while staying as light as 5 ounces.
The multitool offers a 7 in 1 solution that is easy to access and use, including a highly functional knife, screwdriver bits, wire cutter, and a carabiner for easy storage and pairing it with paracord.
While this model offers fewer tools than other multitools on the list, it gives room for all the essential ones without being too expensive. The tool is backed by 25 years of warranty to add a layer of security to your purchase.
Pros
- Premium construction with adequately sized tools
- Easy access and incredibly lightweight
- Covered by a 25-year warranty for a worry-free purchase
Cons
- Despite being of very high quality, the tools are relatively fewer compared to other models
2. 22-01471N Multitool
- EDC Gear: This Gerber multitool features 12 integrated tools with a butterfly design for easy everyday carry
- Lightweight Multitool: The open frame of this multitool makes it great for carrying on your tool belt or in your pocket
- Versatile EDC Tool: The Suspension multitool is easy to open, making it convenient for accessing your needle nose pliers, knife and more
If you don’t want to spend a lot of money but you still want a quality multitool with various functions, you’re going to love this one!
This Multitool is an excellent model that features 12 different tools in a compact butterfly knife design.
The open-frame design also allows you to clip the multitool to your belt loops or your MOLLE tactical bag.
The knife is pretty easy to unfold but it has a safety locking system that protects you from cuts or injuries while in your pocket.
This model technically has more tools than the Skeletool, but the items are sometimes too small to function as seamlessly as the Skeletool, such as the scissors and the screwdriver bits.
Pros
- Ideal for buyers on a strict budget
- The stylish open-frame design makes it lightweight and easy to keep on you
- Equipped with a locking mechanism for safety
Cons
- The scissors and the screwdriver bits aren’t as high quality as other multitools
3. Victorinox Swiss Army SwissTool Spirit Plus Multitool
- Features 38 robust functions to complete your toolbox including - Needle nose pliers, Phillips screwdriver, nylon pouch, and combi-edge blade (See product description for full list of functions)
- Stainless steel construction provides lightweight and lasting durability for long term use
- Unique design allows you to access each tool individually from the outside of the handle; tools lock into place when opened and fold away with a simple slide of the release button
If you’re willing to splurge yourself in order to get one of the most versatile options the market has to offer, you have to keep the Victorinox option in mind.
All the multitools made by this company are swiss-made with an astonishing level of experience and smart engineering.
This allows the multitool to store more items than any other tool on the list with a whopping 38 functions.
In addition to all this, the Spirit Plus comes with a lifetime warranty, which guarantees an unmatched level of longevity.
Pros
- Durable nylon sheath included in the package
- Swiss-made multitool with exemplary construction
- Has the largest set of functions on the list
Cons
- Premium price tag
4. SOG PowerAssist Multitool
- 16 HAND TOOLS IN BLACK OXIDE 420 STAINLESS STEEL: The loadout for this EDC outdoor camping and hiking multitool includes pliers, screwdrivers, bottle and can openers, even a blasting cap crimper
- 2X PLIERS POWER W/ PATENTED COMPOUND LEVERAGE: A tough and lightweight multi-tool knife, tool kit and survival kit in one; this powerhouse pocket multitool cuts, crimps and tightens twice as easy
- EDC MULTITOOL SHEATH IN BALLISTIC NYLON: Use your everything tool with tools for work in the warehouse, office or home; or go backpacking, fishing and camping with this everyday carry multitool...
If you’re in the market for something that performs and feels as good as it looks, you might want to try out this one from SOG.
The PowerAssist is one of SOG’s flagships, offering up to 16 functions that are easy to access in a sleek design.
The multitool is also extremely durable, thanks to its 420 black oxide stainless steel construction, which gives many of the tools extra power to overcome the toughest of tasks.
The tools also come ready with wax and oil coating in addition to an impressive ballistic nylon belt sheath for protection when not in use.
Pros
- One of the most durable and stylish options on the market
- The tools are more powerful thanks to the 420 black oxide steel construction
- Wide range of functions that are adequately sized
Cons
- A bit heavy
5. Gerber vs Leatherman Wave Plus Multitool
- READY FOR ANYTHING: A fresh upgrade to our most popular multitool; Now includes premium replaceable wire cutters for tackling jobs tough, big and small for years to come
- INSTANT TOOLKIT: Packs a quiver of 18 tools, including pliers, replaceable wire cutters, wire stripper, knives, saw, spring-action scissors, ruler, can & bottle openers, files and screwdrivers
- OUR GUARANTEE: We’re proud to stand behind every product that leaves our factory in Portland, Oregon; That’s why we offer our 25-year warranty, so you can be confident your Leatherman lasts a...
Ending the list with another option from Leatherman , which shows the level of quality and craftsmanship that this company offers in its multitools.
The Wave Plus is made from the same quality stainless that the previously mentioned Leatherman model is made from.
However, the Wave Plus is a bit pricier because it offers an extended range of tools when compared to the Skeletool, with 18 nop-notch tools that will give you more functionality and options to overcome any survival situation.
Pros
- Surprisingly lightweight for a multitool with 18 functions
- Durable construction
- One-handed operation with locking mechanisms for safety
Cons
- The spring action scissors are a bit small
Gerber vs Leatherman – What to Look for When Buying a Survival Multitool
While buying a Gerber vs Leatherman survival multitool, there are a few aspects that you need to keep in mind in order to land the best option for you. These aspects include:
Materials and Durability
The vast majority of multitools out there are made of metal for durability. The best metal for a survival multitool is stainless steel because it resists corrosion while staying durable and highly functional.
Moreover, check the sheath and make sure that it’s made from sturdy fabrics or leather with double stitching for extra security.
Ease of Unfolding and Use
A multitool that is too hard or complicated is as good as nothing in a survival situation, which is why you always need to make sure that the tool has an adequate balance between grip and intuitiveness.
In addition to the tools themselves, make sure that the hinges and joints of the multitool are durable and won’t loosen up with continuous use.
Versatility of Tools
The main point of multitools is to offer as many essential tools as possible to save you space and luggage.
A good rule of thumb here is to create a list of all your priority tools that you’re looking for and check the multitools against them, then create a shortlist of all the multitools that have as many items on the list as possible.
Budget
Survival multitools come in a wide range of prices, so you have to keep your budget in mind, especially if you’re going to buy additional items for your trip.
Final Verdict – Gerber vs Leatherman
With that said, you now have a brief review comparison that puts Gerber vs Leatherman vs Sog vs Victorinox to help you pick the best survival multitool for your needs.
While picking a good multitool, you need to make sure that the tool has the most suitable gadget for your needs and that they’re functional and well designed.
Lastly, if you’re looking for a quick recommendation, we believe that the Leatherman multitools, whether it’s the Skeletool or the Wave Plus, have won the competition in our books for offering the best items with high functionality while staying lightweight and easy to use.
However, if you’re looking for an inexpensive alternative that functions properly, you might want to keep the Gerber Gear Multitool in mind.