I'll try to frame this question more precisely than my last attempt.  If you carry a multi-tool (or Swiss army type pocket knife), what model is you're favorite?  More importantly, what tools does it have you consider necessary and what tools does it have you consider a waste of space.

 

While I've been given several "no name" multi-tools I haven't found any of them to be useful enough to carry either in my boat or my pocket when hiking/shore fishing.  I do carry a Victorinox Swiss army knife... camper model.  A 4" knife (closed) it has 2 knife blades (the smaller  of which I wish was serrated) a saw blade which I consider indispensable, bottle opener/flat head screw driver/wire stripper, can opener/smaller flat head screw driver, awl and a cork screw which I wish was replaced with a hook.  The toothpick and tweezers I consider useless.

 

Thanks for reading and contributing.

 

 

oe

 

 

addendum: If I could redesign this knife I would replace the cork screw with a hook, exchange the shorter knife blade with a serrated blade (both mentioned above), and replace the can opener with a diamond dusted file.

Leatherman Wingman.  I like the pocket clip.  I like that the blade is on the outside and opening the entire tool is not a requirement to use it.  The pliers are used often.  The scissors see little use but they are nice to have.  The drivers get some use.  I have been using mine for 4 or 5 years and I abuse it.  For $30 I feel I have gotten my moneys worth.   

You can carry a small tool box ~ or you can carry one of these.

 

They both have gotten done whatever little "emergency repair" (and I'd like to emphasize the word Little here) perfectly.

 

Wingman's in the truck & the Diesel's in the boat.

 

A-Jay

 

I have a couple of Gerber tools. Both have been handy from time to time. One of them is ten years old and has been used and abused, but doesn't look it. Also have a Leatherman Micro that I found. It fits in the watch pocket of my jeans and is always with me. It's also been handy a few times.

 

Last but not least I have a Leatherman Tread. I have no idea how handy it is; haven't tried to use it for anything, but it's nifty gadget; and I'm a sucker for gadgets. Manly bracelet may very well be an oxymoron, but I'm wearing one.

I've been carrying a Gerber compact multi-tool for about 15 years. My wife bought it for me for my birthday, and it's been the most useful gift I've ever received.  I use (and sometimes abuse) it almost every day. The tools that I use the most (in order) are the pliers, knife, screwdrivers, and scissors. The only tool on it that I've never used is the can opener. The one thing I wish that it did have is a file.

 

 It's held up remarkably well. I had to replace the sheath about 5 years ago, but other than that, no problems at all.

 

Tom

couple different leatherman's. Forget the models...Keep it around mainly for the pliers. I always keep a knife in my pocket.

Leatheran Charge or Wave . The diamond file sharpens hooks real well . It does a good job at sharpening trebles too .