Whoa, thanks for the tip on that new leatherman "style" knife. It's actually a bit heavier than the victorinox classic (my classic sd w/ plastic stayglow scales weighs .7) But this negligible weight penalty is well worth the benefit of the better blade. I'm def grabbing this in the future. Thanks

Darvin, thanks for posting that! The PS4 is just about exactly what I'm looking for. I do wish there was a version that left out the screwdrivers and included a pair of tweezers, but this is pretty awesome. I was planning on settling for a Squirt P4 in the next couple of weeks, so thanks for cluing us in!

Oh i like how the Style CS looks.

Plus the clip on it functions as a bottle opener!!! SOLD

http://www.leatherman.com/products/product.asp?id=479&f=8&c=1

I know this makes the SUL'ers crazy, but multi-tools in general cross that line. I'm not going out without some basic tools. And that doesn't mean a 9" knife and a buck saw.

I've been able to break out of the "perfect tool" box by combining tools.

I like the Victorinox Trekker knives, but they don't have scissors. A Classic takes care of the problem and gives some "tool redundancy." I carry a Classic on my survival keyring with firesteel, whistle, tinder capsule and LED light. The Classic can be combined with many other knives or multi-tools to add functionality.

Some folk have just taken the scissors out of a Classic or other Swiss Army knife to use. Not a bad idea, and there are lots of TSA-confiscated knives on eBay for cheap.

The other scissor route is to use a small set of Fiskars embroidery or crafts scissors. They are 0.5oz and about 1000x more usable than any scissors packaged in a knife or multi-tool. I got a bunch at a flea market for $2 each. These are excellent for first aid kits too. Add a short piece of tubing for a point cap.

The hemostats-for-pliers is pure genius. The lock too, making a great "third hand" for repairs. Good for shoving a needle through thick layers of cloth too.

I haven't seen tweezers from a Swiss Army knife or multi-tool that were really usable. I want something with really fine tips and a good gripping surface for going after splinters and thorns. I want to be able to apply good pressure, which you just can't do with SAK tweezers; the broad flat surface just doesn't do the trick. The small tick-removal tweezers aren't too bad, but I prefer something like surgical tweezers with sharp textured tips. Still very light weight.

You could pick your favorite knife, add the crafts scissors, the hemostats, and a much better pair of tweezers for less weight and cost--- and improved functionality over a multi-tool. It's not a nice little wowee-gee package, but we should be over that allure after getting an UL kit together.

Also, I have a Leatherman Skeletool CX, which is a very well made tool and light for its functionality. Do not try to pry with the insert screwdriver-- the holder will pop apart and it is a terror trying to get it back together. If I were out on something like a bike it might be worth the weight for a multi-tool. I use a multi-tool at work all the time, but not on the trail.

yes i use the Wave one hand operation it is a very efficient and effective tool. i'm a real man do manly things. got the nickname mcgyver.

http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:epZ2uoWEdRQJ:www.popularmechanics.com/home/reviews/4296698+how+can+i+become+a+multi+tool+tester&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us

I posted awhile ago about my modifications to my PS4:

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/forums/thread_display.html?forum_thread_id=33095&skip_to_post=281578#281578



Since then I replaced the half serrated blade with two blades (one straight and one serrated), and I added a fine-tooth hacksaw. It now weighs 2.1 oz.

You didn't say what size you were looking for, but I carry two Leatherman multi-tools (both with locking blade, pliers and scissors) when backpacking. I have the Leatherman Squirt PS4 on my keychain, and I carry this all time even when not backpacking.

http://www.amazon.com/Leatherman-831195-Squirt-Black-Keychain/dp/B0032Y2OT6/


I carry the larger Leatherman Surge in the backpack.

http://www.amazon.com/Leatherman-830160-Pocket-Multitool-Leather/dp/B000E28164/

Edited by Cephalotus on 12/31/2010 21:13:25 MST.

You can get a blank SOG multitool of any size and just buy the items you want and put them on. I have the standard multitool size with the main pliers, and then I added on an awl, locking knife blade, scissors, can opener/flathead/half phillips. Mine weighs in at 3.5oz.

There are several SAK's (Swiss Army Knives) that fit your criteria. I would look at a Victorinox Hercules if you don't mind the 111 mm size. If you want something a bit shorter there are several Wenger Evo's at 85mm with those tools. I'd go with the Hercules myself. Personally, I have little use for pliers and a locking blade but do insist on a saw. It's the Victorinox Huntsman or Hunter for me.

The Minibuck Tool doesn't have a locking blade, but it works for me. I filed the lanyard loop off and carry it in my kitchen kit. When a fellow hiker needs a tool: it's Minibuck to the rescue.

How effective are those pliers?

Can you really clamp down on stuff with them, and do they grip, or will it bend the tool/cut your hand?

For anyone interested, there's a Buck 350 on ebay. $5, but still 4+ days left. You can find it
HERE

hope this helps someone =)

edit- link not working, but you can just search 'Buck 350' on ebay

Edited by cwayman1 on 01/01/2011 22:40:07 MST.