One key thing every multi-tool should provide is an easy access to all the useful tools that come with them. There is one out there that will suit you. Some of the multi-tools featured come without pliers and have a dedicated screwdriver instead, others focus around the pliers. Think about what tools you need and want, then find a product that matches. For example, I’ve used the can opener on the Gerber once but I use the pliers every day when I’m working and I know the screwdriver with come in handy if I break down or need to fix something. Your best bet to make sure the multi-tool has the tools you need and would use regularly. When picking a leatherman alternative it’s not always best to pick the one with the most tools. If you do spend a lot of time in or on the ocean, make sure to pick a Gerber or Victorinox leatherman alternative as these brands use excellent steel that stops salt water from rusting your multi-tool. I’ve had Leatherman’s rust to the point they can’t be used when working at sea, but my Gerber survived just fine. It does come in different levels of quality though and you should be wary of this. Stainless steel is a great material as it’s corrosion-resistant and the best stainless steel won’t even rust when it comes into contact with saltwater. We touched on quality a little in the price section and if you have read all the reviews above, you’ll notice that every leatherman alternative featured is made from stainless steel. At the same time, if you’re on a budget, don’t go a cheap option with lots of tools, go for a trusted brand with fewer tools as it will last much longer. Overall, if you can afford it, don’t be shy of a higher price as it makes for a longer-lasting product. You can opt to buy a more affordable leatherman alternative with fewer tools than others for a much more affordable price than one with say 28 tools, as less stainless steel is needed to make it. The amount of stainless steel used can affect the price quite a lot, however.

Since most multi-tools are made from stainless steel, which is expensive and comes in a range of qualities, manufacturers can not build a cheap leatherman alternative out of high-quality stainless steel or they would lose money. In the world of multi-tools, price is a direct reflection of the quality of the product. What To Look For In The Best Leatherman Alternatives Price Overall, you can beat the Truss on price and quality when it comes to Leatherman alternatives. The Truss comes in a MOLLE sheath and if you roll with a tactical backpack, then you’ll be able to attach it anywhere. The blades are super sharp and excellent on flat surfaces but there are some complaints regarding their length, as they are a little shorter than usual. Every tool, bar the pliers, is easy to access from the outside and firmly locks into place. The Truss comes with 18 tools from pliers to blades, screwdrivers, scissors, and a lot more. The Gerber barely rusted and the Leatherman had to be thrown in the bin. The Truss is made from quality stainless steel and having carried one of these and a Leatherman in my backpack around the ocean the Gerber wins. The Gerber Gear Truss Multitool is one of the best leatherman alternatives out there, especially if you’re on a budget. Gerber has been working hard to compete with Leatherman in the multi-tool market and they’re doing a good job. But it does come with a lifetime warranty. This makes cleaning it a little trickier than a Leatherman. The one downside to the Spirit X is that you can not take it apart. The locking mechanism is tough and it holds well making it safe to use to the blades and saw with some cutting pressure.Īt just 0.31 lbs it’s super light to carry and included with the Spirit X is a tough nylon sheath that you can attach to your belt and there is a lanyard hole so you can hang it around your neck too. When closed, all the tools bar the pliers are easily accessible from the outside and firmly lock into place when opened. Ths Spirit X comes with 22 functions from pliers to wire strippers, blades, scissors, and screwdrivers. Our first leatherman alternative comes from the original Swiss Army Knife manufacturers Victorinox, and their Victorinox Swiss Army Swisstool Spirit X is one of the best multi-tools around.Īs with all Victorinox tools, the Spirit X is made from the highest quality Swiss stainless steel which can handle the rough and tumble of the outdoors and blocks rust in saltwater environments too.

Samsonite multi tool pliers