Leatherman Options

[David]

Looking for hive mind advice...

Wanting to buy a multi-tool for my 15 year old - but he loses stuff so I don't want to spend a million dollars.

I really like the leatherman signal because it has:
knife
saw
pliers
belt-clip
Other useful doodads like can opener.
https://www.cabelas.ca/product/10840...nal-multi-tool

But I'm NOT spending $200 after taxes on my boy. Love him but not that much.
(the skeletool doesn't ahve a saw and the other models don't have a belt clip)

Any suggestions for a less expensive but still decent quality multi-tool that is not leatherman?

Much appreciated.

David

[35rem]

Gerber, has everything you listed and then some. Good enough for the USA and Canadian Forces.

https://www.kmstools.com/multi-tool-...YaAifSEALw_wcB

[high horse Hal]

imo forget the belt clip, a knife or tool needs to be secured instead of flopping around
then pick the tools he'll actually use in real life not some shtf fantasy
pliers and saw are good for building things
an awl is good for fabric and leather repairs
can opener is good so he can build a trailside lunch

[BRvalley]

there are a quite a few knock off leathermans on amazon, buddy has one but not entirely sure which one, regardless it seems to be respectable quality and value for the price....much better than the mossy oak multi tool I had that came as a free gift with something, it was a cheap pos, knife couldn't hold an edge, scissors broke apart, teeth on pliers misaligned

just search multi tool on amazon and you'll get plenty of options well under $100

https://www.amazon.ca/Multitool-Tita...6-c72c1df98776

[Ron.C]

Leatherman are imo better quality then Gerber. Leatherman Wave is my favourite.

Had a couple issued Gerber mutlitools in the Cdn Forces. I would not spend my own money on one .

[David]

Thanks guys...

Hadn't thought of Gerber...
Good to know the amazon stuff isn't all crap...
Yep all the "relevant" doo-dads Hal - you named everything my son needs minus an emergency screw driver.

David

[BimmerBob]

My only word of advice when looking is to ensure you get one with a locking blade so that it can't fold in on his fingers when he is using it as something other than a knife (which if he is like 100% of the people I know, he will).

Cheers and good luck with finding something suitable for your young man.

Be well.../B

[jlirot]

I have gotten a few things for my kids - and they usually lose them. Cabelas has some really inexpensive knock offs that you won't mind if they lose...

[landphil]

At 15 he must have a bit of money of his own? I know my boys sure do. How about a 50-50 deal where his own investment may just help him take a bit more care to not lose or abuse it?

[mad_mallard]

Another fan of Leatherman. Although they have sure crept up in price. On my second wave. First one I used the hell out of it , ended up being replaced under warranty , no questions asked.