By Cole Briggs

You don’t carry a multitool because you want to look like a contractor. You carry one because at 2:00 AM, when your car battery dies or a piece of gear fails, you need a solution that doesn’t require a trip to the hardware store. A Leatherman isn't just a collection of tools; it’s an insurance policy against mechanical failure. But picking the wrong one means carrying dead weight. You need to know which tool fits your life, not just your pocket.

Our Top Picks

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Table of Contents

• Our Top Picks
• Quick Answer
• The Anatomy of a Good Carry
• Size vs. Utility: The Trade-Off
• Steel Matters: S30V and Beyond
• Locking Mechanisms and Safety
• Carry Position and Hardware
• The Verdict: Making the Call
• Frequently Asked Questions

Best Overall

LEATHERMAN, Surge, 21-in-1 Heavy-Duty Multi-tool for Work, Home, Garden, DIY & Auto, Stainless Steel

$159.95Check Price

Pick #2

LEATHERMAN, Signal, 19-in-1 Multi-tool for Outdoors, Camping, Hiking, Fishing, Survival, Durable & Lightweight EDC, Made in the USA, Coyote Tan

$149.95Check Price

Pick #3

LEATHERMAN, Signal, 19-in-1 Multi-tool for Outdoors, Camping, Hiking, Fishing, Survival, Durable & Lightweight EDC, Made in the USA, Topographical Print

$149.94Check Price

Quick Answer

If you want one tool for everything, get the Leatherman Wave+ for its balance of size and capability. If you prioritize pocket carry and discretion, choose the Leatherman Squirt PS4 or Charge TTi. Avoid oversized models like the Surge unless you have a specific trade reason; they are too bulky for daily urban carry. Match the tool to your actual needs, not the marketing hype.

The Anatomy of a Good Carry

In my line of work, we talk about "mission essential." For daily carry, that means tools you will actually use. A common mistake beginners make is buying the biggest tool they can afford. They assume more tools equal better preparedness. That’s wrong. More tools mean more moving parts, more weight, and a higher chance of something breaking or getting lost.

A functional EDC multitool needs three things: a reliable primary blade, a set of pliers that don’t feel like toothpicks, and a screwdriver set that fits standard screws. Anything beyond that is bonus. If you’re buying your first Leatherman, ignore the niche tools like wire strippers or can openers unless you have a specific job that requires them. Focus on the core mechanics.

Build quality is non-negotiable. Leatherman has dominated this market for decades because their tolerances are tight. When you snap a tool shut, it should click with authority, not wobble. If there’s play in the handles, put it back. You want a tool that feels like a single unit, not a collection of loose parts held together by hope.

Size vs. Utility: The Trade-Off

Here’s the hard truth: you can’t have a full-sized plier tool that fits in a skinny jeans pocket without discomfort. You have to choose between bulk and capability. The "Goldilocks" zone for most people is the mid-size category. Tools like the Leatherman Signal or the Wave+ offer serious cutting power and robust pliers without turning your hip into a brick wall.

If you live in an urban environment, go small. The Squirt PS4 is tiny, but it’s surprisingly capable. It has pliers, a blade, and screwdrivers. It disappears in your pocket. You won’t feel it, which means you’ll actually carry it every day. Consistency is key in EDC. If it’s uncomfortable, you’ll leave it at home.

On the other end of the spectrum, avoid the oversized tools like the Surge or the Raptor unless you work in construction or field maintenance. These are workbench tools, not pocket tools. They’re heavy, they dig into your thigh, and they attract attention. For daily carry, discretion is a feature. You want to be prepared, not conspicuous.

Steel Matters: S30V and Beyond

Not all steel is created equal. In the world of blades, hardness and edge retention matter. Leatherman uses several types of steel, but for EDC, you want to look for S30V or CTS-204P. These are premium stainless steels that hold an edge longer than standard 420HC steel.

If you’re buying a tool with 420HC blades, know that you’ll need to sharpen them more often. They’re softer and dull faster. For a daily driver, this is annoying. S30V is harder, meaning it stays sharp through more cuts. It’s also more corrosion-resistant, which matters if you live in a humid climate or sweat a lot.

Don’t get obsessed with hardness ratings (HRC). A blade that’s too hard can chip under lateral stress. Leatherman balances this well, but if you see a tool with ultra-hard steel and thin blades, be cautious. You want toughness, not just brittleness. For most users, S30V is the sweet spot between durability and ease of sharpening.

Locking Mechanisms and Safety

Safety isn’t just about not cutting yourself; it’s about the tool staying open when you apply force. Leatherman uses two main locking systems: LockBack and Posi-Lock. LockBack is the classic design, where a spring-loaded lever locks the blade in place. It’s reliable, simple, and easy to clean.

Posi-Lock is newer. It uses a ball-bearing system that locks the tool when you push it open. It’s smoother and allows for one-handed opening on some models, but it can be harder to clean out debris. If you work in dirty environments—construction sites, farms—LockBack might be more forgiving.

Always test the lock before you rely on it. Open each tool, apply gentle pressure, and ensure it doesn’t slip. A slipping blade is dangerous. If you feel any hesitation or wobble, the tool isn’t safe for heavy use. This is a critical check that many buyers skip.

Carry Position and Hardware

How you carry your multitool changes how you use it. Belt clips are standard, but not all clips are created equal. Look for a clip that allows the tool to hang vertically or horizontally based on your preference. Vertical carry is often more secure and less likely to snag on clothing.

If you prefer pocket carry, consider a sheath. Leatherman makes nylon sheaths that protect the tools and reduce bulk. They’re not as quick to access as a belt clip, but they’re smoother in tight pockets. For tactical or outdoor use, a MOLLE-compatible pouch might be better.

Don’t ignore the weight distribution. A poorly balanced tool will swing around on your belt, getting in the way. Hold the tool by the clip and see if it feels stable. If it flops around, it’ll annoy you within an hour. Comfort dictates consistency. If you’re comfortable, you’ll carry it.

The Verdict: Making the Call

Choosing a Leatherman is about honesty with yourself. What do you actually do? Do you fix things around the house? Do you hike? Do you just want peace of mind? If you’re unsure, start with the Wave+. It’s the benchmark for a reason. It has everything you need without the bloat.

If you’re minimalists, go Squirt PS4. If you need serious cutting power and don’t mind the bulk, look at the Charge TTi. Avoid gimmicks. You don’t need a built-in flashlight if you already carry a dedicated tactical light. You don’t need a wire stripper if you’re not an electrician.

Invest in quality, maintain it, and carry it every day. That’s how you get value. A tool sitting in a drawer is just metal. A tool on your belt is part of your daily life.