When I was 9, my father gave me my first survival multi-tool for Christmas – a Leatherman PST, which had 14 tools. I carried it with me wherever I went and made my friends insanely envious.
I didn’t realize it at the time, but my father set me up to become a lifetime survivalist.
While I still love that original multi-tool I got, I’m not a traditionalist. I know that today’s survival multi-tools have come a long way since the original Leatherman.
Today’s multi-tools are:
- Lighter weight
- Made from tougher materials
- Rust-resistant
- Have a vast variety of tools – including full-size tools
- Are safer and stronger thanks to features like better locking systems
If you are serious about self-reliance, then carrying a multi-tool as part of your everyday carry (EDC) is one of the best habits you can get into.
Oh, and even decades later, I still enjoy making my friends envious of my cool multi-tools.
Comparison Chart
Best Multi Tool
Heavy Duty Multi Tool
Closed Size (inches):
7.25
Best Micro Multi Tool
Closed Size (inches):
1.9
Warranty:
Limited lifetime warranty
The 5 Best Survival Multi Tools
It wasn’t easy for me to narrow down the best survival multi-tools to just five. I chose these because they are quite different from each other in terms of price, size, and functionality.
Best Entry Level Multi Tool
Leatherman Wingman
Best For: Survivalists looking for an entry-level survival multi-tool.
The Leatherman Wingman is one of the most popular survival multi-tools by the brand. That doesn’t necessarily mean it is the best, though – it is just one of the cheapest Leatherman multi-tools you can buy.
The Wingman won’t give you the reliability of more expensive Leatherman tools, but you will still be impressed with what it can do for the price.
See:
- Low price
- Small size
- One-hand deployment
- Not suitable for larger jobs
- Heavy for size
Type:
Folding
Number of Tools:
14 including needlenose pliers, wire cutters, scissors, combo knife, screwdriver, and more.
Closed Size (inches):
3.8
Weight:
7 oz
Warranty:
25 Years
Choosing the Best Survival Multi-Tool
As I am constantly saying on this website, there is no one best survival tool (just like there is also no one best way to pack a Bug Out Bag or make a survival plan.)
Each person’s needs are very different. You’ve got to narrow down your unique needs to figure out the best tool for you.
With that said, there are some things you always need to look at when choosing a multi-tool for survival.
Multi-Tool Type
Most of the survival multi-tools which made it to the “best” list are of the folding type. This is because these are generally the strongest.
However, not everyone can always carry around a bulky folding tool. You might want to consider some other types such as the one below.
Number of Tools (Functionality)
Some of the best survival multi-tools have over 20 different tools. Just don’t get caught up in the numbers. Lots of tools do NOT necessarily mean better.
Instead, look at the functionality of the multi-tool. Does it contain the tools you actually need? I don’t need 10 different types of screwdrivers when one or two will suffice for my needs.
Durability
In general, you can look at how long the manufacturer’s warranty is to understand how durable the survival multi-tool is. Of course, you’ll still need to take care of it.
Read this post on how to clean a multi-tool.
Locking Mechanism
The locking mechanism isn’t just about safety. A good locking mechanism means the multi-tool will handle more demanding jobs because it won’t have as much strain on its pivot point.
Just be warned that the best survival multi-tools with good locking mechanisms will cost much more. Quality is worth paying for, though – especially when it is the difference between actually getting the job done or injuring yourself in the attempt.
What do you think is the best survival multi-tool?
