multitools

[ForgeCorvus]

Just to throw in to the mix.

I rock a SOG Powerlock, I like it for a couple of reasons:

The pliers are a monster. Compound leverage and I can cut welding rods or barbed wire with ease

The 'V' cutter, great bit of kit and handy to cut string (or WHY) in public (as its not a 'scarey stabby thing'). Ideal as a safety cutter (and yes, it cuts seatbelt).

The saw punches well over its weight, I'd put it head-to-head against any MT saw on the the market.

Its User-customisable, you can buy and fit any Powerlock tool to any Powerlock (as long as you remember that some places have to have short tools in them). Try that with a Leatherman and you can kiss your guarantee bye-bye

Bad points?..... Well, I hate the knife blade (half serrated and chisel-grind... Yuk!!). But thats OK as I was always planning on loosing it anyway (maybe replace it with wire-strippers) to make my locking MT street-legal (I carry two folding knives already, if I wanted a third I'd go to a fixed)

The SOG guarantee is only for the first user, Leatherman is good for 25 years no matter how many people had it before you

[Sirmattyb]

I was looking at SOG tools used to be well impressed with their range of knives etc however I have been disappointed with build quality on the last couple of pieces I have seen.....

[ForgeCorvus]

I can't speak about their other lines (some of which are a bit too Mall-Ninja Tacticool for me to take seriously )

But, I'd rather have my SOG then my Dad's Leatherman

[tanstaafl]

Cheers for all the advice etc I've gone for the Leatherman wingman 33 quid of amazon looks pretty rugged and will serve the purpose.

Good choice, if they dont come with a pouch look here http://www.amazon.co.uk/Leatherman-Fuse ... last+pouch should fit

[hazzy]

I have a Leatherman Surge.
I looked on the American Ebay site and found one for sale at £60, normally £120 here.
Because we are not allowed to buy Knives on European Ebay I messaged the seller and bought it privately.
It was sent with a description of being a tool and did not have to pay any import duty.
The Surge is a great tool, especially the pliers which are very strong unlike many other multitools.
It does have a locking blade, which is safer, but I cannot see anyone getting in trouble with it unless you are doing something to draw attention to it.
All in all nothing can replace a box full of tools but this comes close, I use it daily and I would'nt be without it.
I also purchased a Falkinven F1 from China via the AliBaBa site for £16, £120 over here.
Obviously I was a bit suspicious as to its authenticity and have taken it to a couple of knife dealers. They said it was the genuine article and that Falkinvens are now made in China.
Whether it is genuine or not it is still a great knife with a full tang and thick, strong and very sharp blade.