Leatherman, always

calanta · 08-17-2011, 03:22 PM

I can not remember I time that I did not carry a Leatherman and shopping for a new one today I came across the Wave & Micro-max. My question for those who are the survival geeks out here, which is better or would you recommend something else for the woods?

dinosaur · 08-18-2011, 07:29 AM

Leatherman tools are great. Personally I carry an assortment of tools which include a crescent wrench, pliers, vice grip, and a small claw hammer. They all have their own belt loop pouch and are made by Carolina Knife and Tool or Shcrade. I also have a small tape measure and a razor knife. You'd be surprised what I can build in the woods.

outwest · 08-18-2011, 07:43 AM

I think a tool kit might be the best bet, kind of like what dino is saying. A leatherman can work good for many things but not all things and who knows one time out you might need a random _____ (insert any tool not in a typical leatherman).

Newanderthal · 08-18-2011, 10:40 AM

My Skeletool has never let me down in the woods, hills, swamps, or mountains while backpacking, canoeing, or hiking, nor has it failed at work... all 75,000 miles of it.

Soldat · 08-23-2011, 05:05 PM

Had a leatherman once and lost it. Sheath tore open. It cost so much that I never replaced it. I still carry my Buck 110 Hunter. Carried one since 76.

Pathfinder1 · 10-11-2011, 03:56 PM

I usually don't trek very far,
when all around me black bears are.

I used to carry a Leatherman...it's a fine multitool. It stays in my UTE now. Have replaced it with another multitool...with more useful functions...sold by Winchester...and for about a quarter of the cost of a Leatherman...!! Got it from The Sportsman's Guide a few years ago. Have not been able to find it on Winchester's web site since. May not be made anymore, but is a good unit.

outdoorchick · 10-11-2011, 08:28 PM

Aww...Pathfinder you got my hopes all up until I read that you couldn't find it anymore. I want to get my husband a leatherman for Christmas and I know it will probably last forever , but they are kind of pricey!

oldsarge · 10-12-2011, 08:46 AM

Always have a Leatherman in my pack along with a good Swiss army knife. I believe I have one of those whinchester multi tool also. It is a good quality tool for the money. I have had mine for years.

Pathfinder1 · 10-12-2011, 11:05 AM

I usually don't trek very far,
when all around me black bears are.

To outdoorchick, et al: I've Googled multi-tools and found quite a selection at various price ranges.

beemerphill · 10-12-2011, 02:09 PM

When I am not doing "outdoor" stuff, my EDC is a Midnight Manager Victorinox. When I am outdoors, my old original Leatherman goes with me. Mine is the original plain jane vanilla no frills model. The first one I had got pretty beat up, but the factory really does stand behind their products. You just send an old beater in, and, like magic, a few days later a new one appears in your mail box. They have one of the better tools for everyday use, and by far the best warranty. No questions, and no hassles.
If you are panning a major project, take along the appropriate single use tools. They will work, and last, much longer, and probably do a better job. A multi-tool is just for occasional use. They are not designed for heavy-duty work.
If you stick to the major brands, and don't get one too heavy to carry, you should get good service out of any of them.