The Leatherman Wave+ is the right multi-tool for most preppers — 18 tools, 420HC steel, 8.5 oz, and a proven 25-year track record at around $100. If you need better blade steel and can spend $175, the Charge+ TTi upgrades to S30V and titanium handles. If you want the lightest EDC option, the Skeletool CX does it at 5 oz and $75. Everything else on this list serves a specific niche. Here’s the full breakdown so you can match the tool to your actual use case.
How We Evaluated These Multi-Tools
Every tool on this list was evaluated on five criteria relevant to a prepper or outdoor user:
- Blade steel quality — edge retention, corrosion resistance, ability to resharpen in the field
- Tool selection — does it include the tools that actually get used (pliers, wire cutters, saw, screwdrivers) without useless filler?
- Lock reliability — does each tool lock open securely? A folding tool that closes on your hand is dangerous.
- Weight and portability — every ounce matters in a go bag; every bulge matters in a pocket
- Value — cost relative to real-world durability and performance
Quick Comparison: All 10 Multi-Tools at a Glance
| Multi-Tool | Tools | Weight | Blade steel | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leatherman Wave+ | 18 | 8.5 oz | 420HC | ~$100 | Best overall — go bag, EDC, home |
| Leatherman Charge+ TTi | 19 | 8.2 oz | S30V | ~$175 | Premium pick — best blade steel available |
| Leatherman Skeletool CX | 7 | 5.0 oz | 154CM | ~$75 | Best EDC — lightest full-quality option |
| Leatherman Signal | 19 | 7.5 oz | 420HC | ~$115 | Best for wilderness/bug-out — fire starter + whistle + hammer |
| Victorinox SwissTool X | 26 | 6.5 oz | Victorinox steel | ~$120 | Best for precision tasks — most tools in class |
| Gerber Center-Drive Plus | 16 | 13.0 oz | 420HC | ~$80 | Best for mechanical/repair tasks — centered driver |
| Leatherman Wingman | 14 | 7.0 oz | 420HC | ~$40 | Best entry-level — solid starter tool |
| Gerber Dime | 12 | 2.2 oz | Stainless | ~$25 | Best keychain/backup — ultra-light |
| Leatherman Crunch | 15 | 6.7 oz | 420HC | ~$75 | Unique: locking pliers for mechanical work |
| Leatherman MUT | 16 | 11.2 oz | 420HC | ~$175 | Tactical/firearms maintenance specialist |
The Top 10 Reviews
1. Leatherman Wave+ — Best Overall
Price: ~$100 | Weight: 8.5 oz | Tools: 18 | Blade steel: 420HC
The Wave+ has been the benchmark full-size multi-tool for over two decades for good reason. Its 18 tools include the ones that actually matter in a survival or prep context: needlenose pliers, regular pliers, hard-wire cutters, wire cutters, 420HC knife, serrated knife, saw, scissors, three screwdrivers (small, medium Phillips, large), can opener, bottle opener, ruler, file, and two bit drivers.
The key design advantage: all four main tools (both knife blades, saw, and file) deploy from the outside of the closed tool — you don’t need to open the handles to access them. In the dark, in the cold, with gloves on, this matters enormously.
What’s good: Proven reliability, 25-year Leatherman warranty, outside-accessible blades, best tool selection in its class, widely available parts and accessories.
What’s not: 420HC steel is functional but not exceptional — loses edge faster than S30V. Weight (8.5 oz) is noticeable in a pocket. No fire starter or whistle (see Signal for that).
Best for: Primary go-bag multi-tool, home tool, anyone who wants one tool that handles everything.
2. Leatherman Charge+ TTi — Best Premium Pick
Price: ~$175 | Weight: 8.2 oz | Tools: 19 | Blade steel: S30V
The Charge+ TTi is the Wave+ with significant upgrades: S30V steel blade (used on high-end fixed blades, dramatically better edge retention), titanium handle scales (lighter and more corrosion resistant), and a slightly larger grip. At 8.2 oz it’s actually marginally lighter than the Wave+ despite the premium materials.
S30V vs. 420HC is a real difference in practice. In field use, the S30V blade stays sharp through tasks that require resharpening on a 420HC blade. The trade-off: S30V is harder to sharpen without diamond stones. If you maintain your tools well, this is the better blade. If tools go months without maintenance, the difference narrows.
What’s good: Best blade steel in the multi-tool category, titanium handles reduce weight vs. the steel Wave+, all the same tool selection plus carbide blade sharpener.
What’s not: $75 premium over the Wave+. S30V requires diamond sharpening stones to properly sharpen in the field. Not meaningfully better for non-blade tasks.
Best for: Serious outdoor use where blade performance over weeks of use matters. The splurge pick for those who want the best.
3. Leatherman Skeletool CX — Best EDC/Lightweight
Price: ~$75 | Weight: 5.0 oz | Tools: 7 | Blade steel: 154CM
The Skeletool CX makes a deliberate trade: tool count (only 7) for weight (5 oz — the lightest quality multi-tool available). What it keeps: needlenose pliers, hard-wire cutters, 154CM knife blade, bit driver (with pocket clip that doubles as carabiner/bottle opener). What it drops: saw, scissors, can opener, most screwdrivers.
154CM is an excellent steel — better than 420HC, close to S30V in practical use, easier to sharpen. For a daily carry tool, this is arguably the most functional steel-to-price choice on this list.
What’s good: Lightest option at 5 oz, excellent blade steel for the price, minimal profile for pocket carry, carabiner clip useful for bag attachment.
What’s not: No saw, no can opener, no scissors. Not a full survival tool on its own — pairs best with a dedicated fixed blade knife alongside it.
Best for: Everyday carry when weight and pocket profile matter more than full tool range. Good secondary tool in a go bag alongside a full-size option.
4. Leatherman Signal — Best for Wilderness/Bug-Out
Price: ~$115 | Weight: 7.5 oz | Tools: 19 | Blade steel: 420HC
The Signal is the multi-tool designed specifically for outdoor survival scenarios. Its differentiators over the Wave+: a built-in ferro rod fire starter, emergency whistle (audible at 100+ meters), and a hammer end. It also includes a more functional saw (full-length compared to the Wave+’s shorter blade) and a sharpening stone.
For a bug-out bag where the multi-tool may need to function without backup tools, the Signal’s fire-starting and signaling capabilities add genuine emergency value. For urban prep where you have other fire-starting methods, these additions are redundant.
What’s good: Ferro rod + whistle add survival-specific capability, hammer useful for shelter building and tent stakes, full saw more functional than Wave+’s, all tools outside-accessible.
What’s not: No scissors (sacrificed for survival features). No S30V option available. Ferro rod is a backup fire starter, not a replacement for a lighter.
Best for: Bug-out bag primary tool, wilderness camping, anyone who wants one tool that covers all bases in the field without additional fire/signaling gear.
5. Victorinox SwissTool X — Best for Precision and Variety
Price: ~$120 | Weight: 6.5 oz | Tools: 26 | Blade steel: Victorinox stainless
The SwissTool X has the most tools of any option on this list at 26 functions — and unlike Swiss Army knives, they’re all full-size and locking. Victorinox’s proprietary steel isn’t rated like Leatherman’s (no 420HC or S30V designation), but it’s known for being easy to sharpen and holding a serviceable working edge.
The extra tool count comes from a comprehensive driver set, multiple blade options, and more specialized tools (metal file, metal saw, wood saw, chisel). For fine repair work, the precision is slightly better than Leatherman’s tools. For rough outdoor work, Leatherman’s pliers feel more robust.
What’s good: Most tools in class, excellent fit and finish, lighter than its tool count suggests, strong warranty.
What’s not: Steel not independently rated (though widely considered excellent). Pliers not as beefy as Leatherman options. Less commonly stocked in hardware stores for comparison.
Best for: Repair-focused use, anyone who values sheer tool variety, Swiss Army brand loyalists upgrading to a full-size platform.
6. Gerber Center-Drive Plus — Best for Mechanical/Repair Work
Price: ~$80 | Weight: 13.0 oz | Tools: 16 | Blade steel: 420HC
The Center-Drive’s defining feature is its screwdriver: it’s mounted on the center axis of the pliers, making it feel and function like a real screwdriver rather than a folded bit driver. For anyone who does regular mechanical work (vehicle maintenance, equipment repair), this makes a genuine difference in usability and torque.
The major trade-off: at 13 oz, it’s the heaviest tool on this list by a significant margin. It’s a work tool, not a pocket tool. It won’t live comfortably in a go bag unless that bag is vehicle-based and weight isn’t a constraint.
What’s good: Best screwdriver performance of any multi-tool, comes with 12 standard hex bits, robust construction, full-size pliers feel.
What’s not: 13 oz is heavy for a pocket or pack tool. Not suited for everyday carry. No scissors.
Best for: Vehicle emergency kit, home toolbox backup, anyone who uses the screwdriver more than any other tool.
7. Leatherman Wingman — Best Entry-Level
Price: ~$40 | Weight: 7.0 oz | Tools: 14 | Blade steel: 420HC
The Wingman gives you the core Leatherman platform — needlenose pliers, knife, saw, scissors, screwdrivers, can opener — at $40. The spring-loaded jaws are a standout feature at this price: the pliers open automatically when you release them, which makes repeated use significantly faster. Same basic steel as the Wave+ (420HC), fewer tools, simpler design.
What’s good: Best value in the Leatherman lineup, spring-action pliers feel premium at the price, solid build quality, one-hand openable knife.
What’s not: No outside-accessible blades (must open handles to get to knife). Fewer tools than Wave+. No hard-wire cutters.
Best for: First multi-tool purchase, kids’ go bag (ages 12+), backup tool, budget-constrained builds.
8. Gerber Dime — Best Keychain/Backup Tool
Price: ~$25 | Weight: 2.2 oz | Tools: 12 | Blade steel: Stainless
At 2.2 oz and keychain-sized, the Dime provides 12 tools including spring-loaded pliers, scissors, blade, flathead screwdrivers, file, package opener, tweezers, and a bottle opener. It’s not a heavy-use tool — it’s a “better than nothing” tool that’s always with you because it weighs nothing.
The steel is unrated generic stainless — functional but not impressive. The tools are small and feel slightly flimsy compared to full-size options. But for $25 in a bug-out bag’s front pocket or on a keychain, it fills real gaps when a full-size tool is in another bag.
What’s good: Under $25, essentially weightless at 2.2 oz, spring-action pliers work well, fits anywhere.
What’s not: Tools are small and not suited for real mechanical work. Steel quality unrated. More backup tool than primary tool.
Best for: Keychain carry, every-day-carry backup, a second multi-tool in a kid’s go bag, glove box.
9. Leatherman Crunch — Best for Mechanical Specialists
Price: ~$75 | Weight: 6.7 oz | Tools: 15 | Blade steel: 420HC
The Crunch is the only multi-tool on this list with locking pliers — the jaws lock around a nut or bolt like a small pair of Vise-Grips, allowing sustained torque without holding pressure with your hand. For mechanical work on vehicles or equipment, this is a unique and genuinely useful capability. For general prep use, it’s a specialty tool that most people won’t need.
What’s good: Unique locking pliers function, solid tool selection, good for mechanical work where sustained grip is needed.
What’s not: Specialty tool that only makes sense for specific use cases. No outside-accessible blades. No scissors.
Best for: Vehicle emergency kit, mechanical trades, anyone who regularly needs a small adjustable wrench.
10. Leatherman MUT — Best for Tactical/Firearms
Price: ~$175 | Weight: 11.2 oz | Tools: 16 | Blade steel: 420HC
The MUT (Military Utility Tool) is designed specifically for firearms maintenance — it includes a bronze carbon scraper, a cleaning rod adapter, a disassembly punch, and a bolt override tool. These features are genuinely useful for AR-15 and M16 platform maintenance. For non-firearms-focused preppers, you’re paying for and carrying tools you’ll never use.
At 11.2 oz it’s the second heaviest option on this list. For a dedicated tactical prep kit or range bag, it makes sense. For a general go bag, the Wave+ covers more ground at less weight and cost.
What’s good: Unmatched for firearms maintenance, robust construction, bronze scraper and cleaning tools are well-designed.
What’s not: Heavy at 11.2 oz. Expensive for what it offers outside firearms context. No scissors.
Best for: Firearms owners who clean and maintain their own weapons, tactical prep builds, range bags.
Which Multi-Tool for Which Kit
| Kit type | Recommended tool | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Urban 72-hour go bag | Leatherman Wave+ | Best all-around tool selection, outside-accessible blades, proven reliability |
| Wilderness/bug-out bag | Leatherman Signal | Adds fire starter + whistle + hammer for field survival scenarios |
| Everyday carry (pocket) | Leatherman Skeletool CX | Lightest quality option at 5 oz, excellent blade steel |
| Home emergency kit | Wave+ or Charge+ TTi | Weight not a factor at home; max tool selection is the priority |
| Vehicle emergency kit | Gerber Center-Drive Plus | Best for mechanical tasks; weight not a factor in a vehicle |
| Kid’s go bag (12+) | Leatherman Wingman | Full function at $40, safe for supervised teen use |
| Keychain backup | Gerber Dime | 2.2 oz, $25, always with you |
Common Mistakes When Choosing a Multi-Tool
- Buying based on tool count alone. A 32-function multi-tool that includes 8 variations of screwdrivers and a magnifying glass is worse than an 18-function tool with the right tools. Prioritize: pliers + wire cutters + knife + saw + screwdrivers. Everything beyond that is bonus.
- Ignoring blade steel. The multi-tool blade is one of the most-used components. 420HC (standard Leatherman) is functional; S30V (Charge+ TTi) holds an edge significantly longer. If you’re going to use the blade regularly in the field, the $75 premium for S30V is worth paying once rather than sharpening weekly.
- Not testing the locking mechanism. Every folding tool should lock solidly in the open position. Test it before you need it: open each tool fully, apply lateral pressure. If it wobbles or springs back, that’s a safety risk on the knife and a reliability risk on the pliers. Leatherman and Victorinox both have excellent locking; some budget multi-tools do not.
- Buying a multi-tool instead of a fixed blade knife. A multi-tool’s knife is a utility blade. For serious cutting — batoning, food prep, camp tasks — a dedicated fixed blade (Mora Companion at $15, ESEE-3 at $100) outperforms any multi-tool blade. For a bug-out bag, carry both: fixed blade for cutting tasks, multi-tool for everything else.
- Never using it before an emergency. A multi-tool you’ve never deployed has tools you don’t know how to open quickly under stress. Carry and use yours regularly — even just for around-the-house tasks. Familiarity with the tool layout is a real advantage when you need it fast.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between the Leatherman Wave+ and Charge+ TTi?
The primary difference is blade steel: Wave+ uses 420HC (good), Charge+ TTi uses S30V (excellent). The Charge+ TTi also has titanium handles (lighter, more corrosion resistant) and includes a carbide sharpener. All other tools are essentially the same. For $75 more, you’re paying for meaningfully better blade performance and slightly premium materials. Worth it if you use the blade regularly in the field; less critical for home emergency use.
Do I need a multi-tool if I already have a fixed blade knife?
Yes — they serve different purposes. A fixed blade handles cutting, batoning, food prep, and field tasks. A multi-tool handles everything else: tightening screws, cutting wire, opening cans, accessing tight spaces with pliers. In a go bag, they’re complementary, not redundant. The Leatherman Skeletool CX (5 oz) alongside a Mora Companion (4 oz) gives you 9 oz of combined functionality that covers nearly every scenario.
Is the 25-year Leatherman warranty worth considering?
Yes — it’s a real warranty, not marketing language. Leatherman repairs or replaces tools that break under normal use for 25 years, no questions asked. In practice, Leatherman tools rarely fail — but knowing the warranty exists removes the cost anxiety from a $100–$175 purchase. Gerber offers a similar lifetime warranty on most tools. Victorinox offers lifetime against manufacturing defects.
Can I take a multi-tool on a plane?
No — multi-tools with blades over 2.36 inches are prohibited in carry-on luggage by TSA. All 10 tools on this list fall in that category. Pack them in checked luggage or ship ahead. If you need an airport-friendly EDC option, the Leatherman Style PS ($30, no blade, 2 oz) is TSA-compliant and covers pliers, scissors, and basic drivers.
What’s the best multi-tool under $50?
Leatherman Wingman at ~$40. It includes the core Leatherman platform — spring-action pliers, 420HC knife, saw, scissors, screwdrivers, can opener — at the lowest price in the Leatherman lineup. The Gerber Dime at $25 is the keychain/backup option at that budget. Avoid unbranded or ultra-cheap multi-tools — locking mechanisms on sub-$20 tools frequently fail, and a blade that closes on your hand mid-task is genuinely dangerous.
Bottom Line
For most preppers building a go bag or home emergency kit, the Leatherman Wave+ (~$100) is the right call — proven design, right tool selection, outside-accessible blades, and a 25-year warranty. If the budget stretches to $175, the Charge+ TTi is a meaningful upgrade in blade performance. For wilderness and bug-out use, the Signal adds fire-starting and signaling capability that’s genuinely useful when you’re away from infrastructure. And if weight is the constraint, the Skeletool CX gives you a quality 5-oz tool that disappears in a pocket. For the complete go-bag picture this tool fits into, see our survival kit packing guide and our review of the 11-in-1 survival tool card.
