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    • Multi Tools

    Multitools: The World's Best Leatherman, Victorinox & Gerber Multi-Tools for EDC & Field Use

    The right multitool is the one you actually have on you when you need it. Knifeworks carries the industry's most trusted multitool brands — Leatherman, Victorinox, Gerber, and CRKT — across every size, configuration, and price point from ultralight EDC to heavy-duty trades tools. Every multitool in our catalog is sourced directly from authorized manufacturer channels and backed by full warranty support. Use the filters on the left to shop by brand, tool count, weight, and intended use.

    Compare Selected
    Authorized Dealer Every multitool is 100% genuine — sourced direct from Leatherman, Victorinox, Gerber & more.
    Full Warranties Honored Leatherman's 25-year warranty and Victorinox's lifetime warranty fully supported on every purchase.
    Fast Shipping Most orders ship same or next business day from Columbia, Louisiana.
    ️
    Real Carriers on Staff We carry multitools every day. Ask us anything before you buy.

    The Ultimate Multitool Buyer's Guide (2026)

    Everything you need to choose the right multitool — from tool count and plier types to blade steel, body material, carry options, and use-case recommendations. Click any topic to expand.

    Why a Multitool? The Case for Carrying More Than a Knife ﹢

    A quality folding knife handles cutting tasks better than any multitool blade. A dedicated screwdriver drives screws more efficiently than a multitool driver. A purpose-built file, saw, or wire cutter all outperform their multitool equivalents individually. So why carry a multitool?

    Because the multitool's value is not individual tool performance — it is having the right tool when you have nothing else. The moment you need a flathead screwdriver and only have a knife, or need to strip a wire and only have a folder, the multitool transforms from a compromise into a lifesaver. For EDC carriers, travelers, outdoor professionals, and anyone who works with their hands, a multitool is the difference between solving a problem immediately and waiting for the right tool.

    • Travelers: One tool replaces a small toolkit in your checked bag
    • Outdoor professionals: Field repairs, gear maintenance, and emergency tasks in a single package
    • EDC carriers: The tool you actually have when a situation arises beats the perfect tool sitting in your truck
    • First responders and military: Compact, reliable, multi-function capability under stress
    The Multitool Principle The best multitool is the one you actually carry. A full-size Leatherman Wave in a belt pouch beats a premium multitool sitting in your glove box every single time. When evaluating multitools, always consider carry weight and size first — a tool you leave behind because it is too heavy or too bulky has zero value when you need it.
    Plier Types: Needle-Nose, Regular & Replaceable Components ﹢

    The pliers are the heart of any multitool — they are the primary tool that justifies the entire package. Understanding plier type, jaw design, and construction quality helps you choose a multitool that performs when it matters most.

    Plier Type Jaw Design Best For Found On
    Needle-Nose Tapered to a fine point — accesses tight spaces Electronics, fishing, fine mechanical work, wire work in confined areas Leatherman Skeletool, Supertool 300
    Regular / Lineman's Wide flat jaw — maximum gripping surface Heavy-duty gripping, bending, crimping, general mechanical work Leatherman Wave+, Surge
    Combination Needle-nose taper with wider mid-jaw Versatile — handles both fine and heavy gripping tasks Victorinox SwissTool, most standard multitools
    Replaceable Components Wire cutters with swappable hardened inserts Hard wire and cable cutting — inserts replaced instead of whole tool Leatherman Wave+, Surge, MUT
    ✂️ Wire Cutters — The Most Important Plier Feature The wire cutter portion of the plier jaw is the component that wears out fastest under hard use. Leatherman's replaceable wire cutter inserts on the Wave+ and Surge are one of the most practical engineering decisions in multitool design — when the cutters dull you replace a $10 insert rather than a $100+ tool. For any multitool that will see regular wire cutting use, replaceable cutter inserts are worth prioritizing.
    Tool Count & Configuration: How Many Tools Do You Actually Need? ﹢

    More tools is not always better. Every additional tool adds weight, bulk, and complexity to the multitool design. The best multitool configuration is one where every tool present earns its place — and nothing is carried just to inflate the tool count on the spec sheet.

    Tool Count Typical Configuration Best For Example Models
    5–8 tools Pliers, knife, screwdrivers, bottle opener Ultralight EDC, minimalist carry, travel Leatherman Skeletool, Victorinox Swisstool Spirit X
    10–14 tools Full plier suite, multiple drivers, saw, file, scissors General everyday carry, outdoor use, field work Leatherman Wave+, Victorinox SwissTool
    15–21 tools Everything above plus specialty tools — awl, ruler, can opener Maximum field utility, professional trades, emergency preparedness Leatherman Surge, Supertool 300
    Specialty Configuration Purpose-built for specific use — military, hunting, cycling, automotive Targeted professional applications where specific tools are critical Leatherman MUT (military), Leatherman Surge (heavy trades)
    ⚖️ The Tool Count Trap A 21-tool multitool that includes three screwdrivers, two files, and a toothpick is not more useful than a well-configured 12-tool model. Before buying, list the five tools you reach for most often in daily life — then find the multitool that includes those five tools in the best quality configuration. That is your multitool, regardless of the total tool count.
    Multitool Blade Steel: What to Expect and Why It Matters ﹢

    The blade on a multitool is a genuine cutting tool — not a token addition. Quality multitool makers treat the blade with the same seriousness as a dedicated folding knife, selecting steels that balance edge retention with the practical reality that most users will not own a dedicated sharpening system for their multitool blade.

    Steel Found On Edge Retention Corrosion Resistance Ease of Sharpening
    154CM Leatherman premium models ★★★★☆ ★★★★☆ ★★★★☆
    420HC Leatherman standard models, Buck multitools ★★★☆☆ ★★★★★ ★★★★★
    X50CrMoV15 Victorinox SwissTool series ★★★★☆ ★★★★★ ★★★★★
    1.4116 German Steel Victorinox standard models ★★★☆☆ ★★★★★ ★★★★★
    S30V Leatherman MUT and specialty editions ★★★★☆ ★★★★☆ ★★★★☆
    One-Hand Opening on Multitool Blades One of the most overlooked features on a multitool is whether the blade deploys one-handed. The Leatherman Wave+ and Surge feature outside-accessible blades that open without unfolding the multitool — making them function as genuine one-hand-deploy folders in emergency situations. For anyone who carries a multitool as their primary cutting tool, outside-accessible blades are the single most important feature to verify before purchasing.
    Body Material & Construction: Stainless Steel, Aluminum & More ﹢

    Multitool body material affects weight, corrosion resistance, grip, and durability under the repeated stress of daily deployment and use. Here is what you will find across the major multitool makers in our catalog.

    Material Weight Durability Corrosion Resistance Best For
    420 Stainless Steel Heavy ★★★★★ ★★★★☆ Heavy-duty work, maximum durability, trades use
    400 Series Stainless Medium-Heavy ★★★★★ ★★★★☆ Standard EDC and professional use — most production multitools
    6061 Aluminum Light ★★★★☆ ★★★★★ Ultralight carry, outdoor adventure, minimalist EDC
    Titanium Light ★★★★★ ★★★★★ Premium carry, collector editions, maximum corrosion resistance
    Glass-Filled Nylon Very Light ★★★☆☆ ★★★★★ Budget-friendly, lightweight carry, non-marking surfaces
    ️ Weight vs Capability Trade-Off The most capable multitools — Leatherman Surge at 12.5 oz, Supertool 300 at 9.6 oz — are genuinely heavy for daily pocket carry. The most pocketable multitools — Leatherman Skeletool at 5 oz — sacrifice tool count for carry comfort. The sweet spot for most EDC users is the 6–8 oz range where the Leatherman Wave+ and Victorinox SwissTool Spirit live — enough capability for 95% of situations at a weight that does not dominate the pocket.
    Top Multitool Brands at Knifeworks: Who Makes the Best in 2026 ﹢

    The multitool market is anchored by a handful of manufacturers who have spent decades refining their mechanisms, tool selection, and manufacturing precision. Here is how the major brands in our catalog compare.

    Brand Origin Known For Price Range Top Models
    Leatherman Portland, Oregon USA The original modern multitool — inventor of the pliers-based folding multitool in 1983. Most comprehensive lineup in the industry. $30–$200+ Wave+, Surge, Skeletool, MUT, Supertool 300
    Victorinox Ibach, Switzerland Swiss Army Knife heritage — precision Swiss manufacturing, the SwissTool series brings Victorinox quality to plier-based multitools $60–$180 SwissTool Spirit X, SwissTool Spirit Plus
    Gerber Portland, Oregon USA Military and tactical multitools — Gerber Center-Drive patented center-axis driver design $40–$150 Center-Drive, Suspension NXT, Crucial
    CRKT Tualatin, Oregon USA Innovative compact multitools and specialty tools — Columbia River quality at accessible prices $30–$100 Sells, Crossbones
    Leatherman — The Original and Still the Standard Tim Leatherman invented the modern folding plier-based multitool in Portland, Oregon in 1983 — and Leatherman has remained the industry benchmark for over 40 years. Every Leatherman is still made in Portland, Oregon under direct quality control. The Wave+ has been in continuous production since 1998 and remains the best-selling multitool in the world in 2026 — a product lifecycle that speaks for itself.
    Choosing by Use Case: Quick Reference Guide ﹢

    Not sure which multitool is right for you? Match your primary use environment and carry style to the right configuration and a top recommendation from our current catalog.

    Use Case Priority Features Size / Weight Our Top Pick
    Everyday Carry — General Outside blade access, scissors, screwdrivers Medium — 6–8 oz Leatherman Wave+
    Ultralight EDC / Travel Minimal tool count, belt clip or keychain carry Light — under 5 oz Leatherman Skeletool
    Heavy Trades / Construction Heavy-duty pliers, bit driver, maximum tool count Heavy — 10–13 oz Leatherman Surge
    Outdoor / Camping Saw, can opener, scissors, fire-starting capability Medium — 6–9 oz Leatherman Wave+ or Victorinox SwissTool Spirit
    Military / Tactical Bolt override tool, bronze carbon scraper, firearm-specific tools Medium-Heavy — 8–11 oz Leatherman MUT
    Fishing & Water Use Line cutter, hook remover, needle-nose, corrosion resistance Medium — 6–8 oz Leatherman Wave+ or Skeletool CX
    Precision / Electronics Fine needle-nose, small bit drivers, magnifier Light-Medium Victorinox SwissTool Spirit X
    Gift / Premium Premium materials, presentation quality Varies Leatherman Surge or Victorinox SwissTool in gift box

    Multitools: Frequently Asked Questions

    Expert answers from the team at Knifeworks — your authorized dealer for Leatherman, Victorinox, Gerber, CRKT, and the full multitool catalog.

    What is the best multitool for everyday carry in 2026? ﹢

    The Leatherman Wave+ remains the best-selling and most recommended everyday carry multitool in 2026 — 18 tools including outside-accessible blades that deploy one-handed without unfolding the tool, replaceable wire cutter inserts, scissors, multiple screwdrivers, a saw, and a file at 7.5 oz. It has been in continuous production since 1998 and remains the benchmark against which every other multitool is measured.

    For buyers who prioritize lighter carry, the Leatherman Skeletool at 5 oz with 7 essential tools is the best ultralight option. For buyers who want Swiss manufacturing heritage, the Victorinox SwissTool Spirit X is the premium alternative with exceptional fit and finish.

    What is the difference between a multitool and a Swiss Army Knife? ﹢

    The primary difference is the pliers. A traditional Swiss Army Knife — the Victorinox Soldier or Tinker style — is a multi-blade folder without pliers, organized around a central pivot with blades, drivers, and tools deploying from the handle. The plier-based multitool — invented by Tim Leatherman in 1983 — places working pliers at the center of the design with all other tools folding into the handles that form the plier body.

    Victorinox bridges this gap with the SwissTool series — a full plier-based multitool built to Swiss engineering standards. For buyers who want the Swiss Army heritage with full plier capability, the SwissTool Spirit is the natural choice. For buyers who want the broadest tool selection and the longest track record in plier-based multitools, Leatherman is the answer.

    Are multitools allowed on airplanes? ﹢

    Multitools are generally not allowed in carry-on baggage on commercial flights because they contain blades and tools that exceed TSA restrictions. A multitool with a blade of any length is classified as a knife by TSA and must be packed in checked baggage.

    The only exception is multitools without a blade — a tool with pliers, drivers, and other non-blade tools but no knife blade may be permitted in carry-on at TSA discretion. Always verify current TSA regulations before traveling and when in doubt pack your multitool in checked baggage. International travel adds additional complexity — check the regulations for every country on your itinerary.

    What is the Leatherman Wave+ and why is it the most popular multitool? ﹢

    The Leatherman Wave+ is an 18-tool stainless steel multitool made in Portland, Oregon. It has been in continuous production since 1998 — an extraordinary product lifecycle that reflects a design that genuinely works for virtually every user in virtually every situation. Its key advantages over competitors:

    • Outside-accessible blades: Both the plain and serrated blades deploy one-handed without opening the multitool — functioning as genuine folding knives in emergency situations
    • Replaceable wire cutter inserts: When the cutters dull, replace a $10 insert rather than a $100+ tool
    • 18 tools at 7.5 oz: The best capability-to-weight ratio in the full-size multitool category
    • USA manufacturing: Made in Portland, Oregon under direct Leatherman quality control since day one
    • 25-year warranty: Leatherman's comprehensive warranty covers defects and many types of damage for 25 years
    What is the Leatherman MUT and who is it for? ﹢

    The Leatherman MUT (Military Utility Tool) is a purpose-built multitool designed specifically for military personnel and firearm owners. In addition to the standard multitool tool suite it includes a bolt override tool for clearing AR-15 bolt overrides, a bronze carbon scraper for cleaning carbon buildup, a punch for driving out pins, a firearm disassembly punch, and a cleaning rod adapter.

    The MUT is used by active military personnel, law enforcement, competitive shooters, and serious firearm owners who want a dedicated maintenance tool alongside full multitool capability. For anyone who carries or maintains an AR-platform rifle the MUT is the most purpose-appropriate multitool available at any price point.

    What is the Gerber Center-Drive and what makes it different? ﹢

    The Gerber Center-Drive features a patented center-axis screwdriver design — the main bit driver sits on the center axis of the tool rather than at the end of a folding arm. This geometry gives the Center-Drive genuine full-rotation driver torque — you can drive screws the same way you would with a dedicated screwdriver, not the awkward limited-rotation technique required by most multitool drivers.

    For buyers whose primary multitool use case involves driving screws — tradespeople, mechanics, builders — the Center-Drive's driver geometry is a genuine functional advantage over conventional multitool designs. It is purpose-built for driver-heavy applications and delivers meaningfully better performance in that specific task than any standard multitool design.

    How do I maintain and sharpen a multitool? ﹢

    Multitool maintenance keeps the mechanism smooth, the blade sharp, and the tools functioning reliably through years of carry and use:

    • Clean regularly: Dirt, debris, and dried lubricant accumulate in the pivot area and tool channels. Use compressed air to clear loose debris, then wipe with a cloth lightly dampened with isopropyl alcohol.
    • Lubricate the pivots: Apply a single drop of quality oil to each pivot point periodically. Open and close all tools to distribute. Avoid heavy greases that attract debris.
    • Sharpen the blade: Use a fine ceramic rod, diamond card, or the Leatherman Blade Exchanger for compatible models. Most multitool blades sharpen at 20–25 degrees per side — the same as a standard EDC folder.
    • Replace wire cutter inserts: On Leatherman Wave+, Surge, and compatible models, replace the wire cutter inserts when they feel dull — do not try to sharpen them. Replacement inserts are available directly from Leatherman.
    • Check the warranty: Leatherman's 25-year warranty and Victorinox's lifetime warranty cover many types of tool failure. Before attempting to repair a broken tool, contact Knifeworks for warranty guidance.
    What multitool brands does Knifeworks carry? ﹢

    Knifeworks carries the industry's top multitool brands — all sourced directly from authorized channels and backed by full manufacturer warranties:

    Leatherman, Victorinox, Gerber, CRKT, and more.

    Not sure which multitool is right for your carry style, work environment, or budget? Contact our team — we carry multitools every day and we are here to help you find the right one.

    Shop Multitools with Confidence at Knifeworks Every multitool in our catalog is sourced directly from authorized manufacturer channels — guaranteed genuine, fully warranted, and backed by a team that actually carries these tools. From the Leatherman Wave+ to the Victorinox SwissTool, the Gerber Center-Drive to the Leatherman MUT — the full multitool spectrum is here. Fast shipping. Expert support. Real knife people who carry multitools too.