Leatherman vs Gerber vs Victorinox vs SOG Multi-Tools

Although Leatherman started the pliers-based multitool genre, Victorinox, SOG, and Gerber all make great multi-tools for EDC too. There are key elements that set them apart from each other, and those differences are worth considering when picking the right tool for you.

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00:00 Pliers-Based Multi-Tools

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[Stevenobody]

I was a machine gunner in the army from 2000 to 2004. Gerber was my goto to clear jams as I could deploy it with one hand quickly

[muskyman]

Mainly a Gerber guy, but have some SOG’s, too. I think I’ve owned 1 leatherman. What one of them needs to do is offer a build your own, so you can select the tools you want most.

[rrmanparty]

10 years in the US Navy. Attached to 3 ships. Multiple deployments. Leatherman was the only multi-tool sold in the ships stores. NEVER went anywhere when we were haze grey and underway without my Leatherman on my hip. Used it probably hourly for different tasks. Bought it in 1991. I still use it to this day. My brother was US Army and a Gerber guy. But for my money the Leatherman is....well.. THE Man!

[MrJankert]

i got my Gerber Needlenose Multi-Plier 600 Basic in 1998, it just came out.
and i still have the same one, has been on my belt ever sins. Gerber warranty is excellent.
had the needle nose replact and the blade, free of charge in 2019. and they gave me a new pouch as well.
i am a farmer need the tool every day, and hard use at that. love the tool.

[TheGrenadier]

For me it's always Victorinox >> Leatherman >>> SOG > Gerber, not only in pliers but in all sorts of multitools. All three of the last brands have fine innovations and interesting ideas compared to the relatively basic Victorinox features, but none can compete in terms of finish, fit, rust resistance, robustness and overall usability. Victorinox set standards twenty years ago and even when it doesn't seem to lead in this niche of the multitool world, it remains a very strong competitor.

All that said i'm a strong advocate of pairing a Victorinox swiss army knife of any model with a dedicated set of pliers, like these small Knipex. I think it's better to have functions separate from the gripping tool itself, but that's me.

[iamarawn]

When you buy the SOG, also buy the leatherman ratcheting bit driver. It fit's in there and then you have a ratchet screwdriver for 1/4" bits. In fact, knifecenter, if you read it, recommend it to people that want to buy the power access or the power pint. It's an epic combination.

[leighdriver]

I watched a guy ruin his Gerber wire cutter from just cutting a standard coat hanger...I cut it repeatedly with my Leatherman with no problems... Gerber told him that was considered abuse of the tool...sooo guess which one you should buy

[megagene]

I have a Leatherman Wave+ that usually stays in my home and a Skeletool CX for EDC since it is very slim, lightweight, has a pocket clip, and has most of the important tools that I would need when out and about.

[jamesR]

I've used a SOG Power Access Assist from your videos for the past 4 years. It's worked amazing for me. The 1/4" bit driver has been the real MVP

[SoldMyKidsForKnives]

I love my Leatherman Free P4. Fantastic multi-tool. By far one of my favorites. For a smaller multi-tool, I find the Gerber Dime is one of my favorites.

[troyspurling]

I've always been a Leatherman guy. I own several, but the one I use the most is the Rebar. I am intrigued with the big pliers Gerber in this video and the Victorinox.

[graemegourley]

I've owned 1 Leatherman, 1 sog and 1 Swiss Tool. And hands down the best was the Swiss Tool X.

[randelrobbins]

I've had my Victorinox Swiss Tool for over a decade. I abuse it, but am responsible when prying. I've used it as a hammer on several occasions (I'm talking about very hard strikes) and it's completely fine. The thing that probably helps the Victorinox the most is their heat treatment process; it's legendary. Blade is EASY to sharpen and can take a very keen edge. Scissors are the best in the industry. I could go on and on.

[DylanLey]

Love the Leatherman Free series! I'm currently carrying the 40th Anniversary tool!

[flapxjackson]

I’ve bought a tool from all these brands. My two favourite tools are the standard SwissTool and the Leatherman Charge. It depends on my mood as to which one I carried at work. But the SwissTool has been winning the last few years. Both are high quality tools. I used to love the Gerbers with the slide out plier heads. But I grew to dislike them because the handles could pinch my palm when I squeezed them.

[trlarosa]

Gerber dual force looks amazing. Thanks for sharing!

[jerrypomroy]

Thomas’ “bali” opening of the Free P4 just sold my fidget mind on a new multi-tool.

[jayr]

I carry a Leatherman Skeletool everyday. It clips o to my😊 mmbelt loop and really has most of the tools that I ever need. There is a Leatherman wave plus in my console just in case. My surge sits at home, waiting for me to put it on keto. I changed out the glass breaker tip on the screwdriver for a flat / Phillips bit from another model that I own.

[scottmeacham]

Outstanding presentation!
Thanks for sharing these with us!

[bjackson]

Thank you very much for the spoiler alert up front. Saved me a lot of time.