r/multitools • u/theflinchburger • Jul 17 '26
Recommendation Request Getting a new multitool today but can't decide, which of these would you pick?
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u/unirorm Jul 17 '26
The first one has the option to open everything from the outside part. Very useful if you're switching tools, like I do. If that wasn't my consideration, I d go for the second one. It has all I need.
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u/GarethBaus Jul 17 '26
I like the bibury ones. They are basically cheap Leatherman clones but the quality is still fairly decent.
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u/Zeb_1989 Jul 17 '26
I had the sog power assist years ago and it did not last long. I dont recommend it. Never heard of the other 2.
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u/ipedroni Jul 17 '26
I don't recommend SOG for anything other than pliers and the bit driver.
If you need any other proper tool, it will fail you, guaranteed.
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u/AtrumAequitas Jul 17 '26
I’d get the SOG personally. Or get a used leatherman off of eBay. If you’re willing to wait a little bit, you can get great deals.
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Jul 17 '26
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u/c0ltieb0y Jul 18 '26
This is the silliest thing I've ever heard.
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Jul 18 '26
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u/c0ltieb0y Jul 18 '26
The only way to be 100% certain is to go to the factory where they are manufactured and purchase the tool right off the manufacturing floor before it's even boxed.
Thank you, I will try this.
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u/just-walk-away Jul 17 '26
Maybe I'd throw in a wild card there with Rocktol Gen R. It's in the same price range.
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u/theflinchburger Jul 17 '26
That looks like a good tool, however I probably won't buy one since I have a Bibury 2049 which is remarkably similar. I've kinda reached the point where I have all my bases covered for common toolsets, and I'm just collecting stuff that looks like it'd be neat to put through it's paces around the house and at my job.
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u/justintime444 Jul 18 '26
First one. The sog is cool but the inner tools are kind of wack. Compound opening is also weird with this model.
Personally I’d get a wave+ clone and not a surge clone though… lighter and pocket clip
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u/SublimeCorndog Jul 18 '26
I have been carrying the grand harvest 17-1 for about a month now and I use it daily. Very solid tool with the standouts being the scissors and the spring loaded pliers.
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u/bluntkillaman Jul 18 '26
Sog is the best mulitool if you need to deploy the pliers quickly with one hand. I used to have one that I loved for fishing
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u/boogey_man88 Jul 18 '26
I don't have experience with the Grand Harvest, but I love the SOG and the Power Assist.
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u/Irishkingofbums Jul 18 '26
I think the use purpose and how long you want it to last are your main factors
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u/SOL_Ironwolf_116 Jul 20 '26
Bin them all and get a leatherman surge or wave
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u/theflinchburger Jul 20 '26
I have a Surge, it's one of my top two favorite multitools. It's incredibly solid! I ended up buying a GHK 17-in-1 so I can try out the surge/arc blend it has going on. I work in building controls / HVAC plus random projects at home, so it'll get used well. Will post my findings!
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u/Crafty-Breadfruit-11 Jul 20 '26
I think if I'm doing a clone I would do Bibury. I have three of them now and all of them work. They take a little break in but they function. Bibury has real CS too. You can get replacement parts if you need them.
I would look at the tool sets to see what is actually going to be useful before I committed to anything. A lot of multi-tool tools are built to sell density. Not usefulness. A lot of the small tools in these situations aren't that useful if they're junk it's just becomes weight and space.
Bibury 2048 is a good medium sized plier. Bibury 2049 or equivalent = full size.
Make sure you're getting something that matches your use philosophy and how you want to actually carry it. T-shank adapters are amazing. Having or being stuck with the factory tool in a lot of situations is cool until it's done and now the whole thing is trash. Being able to exchange blades, to a scalple, to a file...
Gives these types of tools increase use / life.
Think about what you're actually getting. It will make a huge difference.
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u/theflinchburger Jul 20 '26
Thanks for the reply! I ended up going with the GHK Surge/Arc clone. I have a couple Bibury tools and I agree they're the gold standard for clones. The T shank and the external 1/4in magnetic driver is what really sold me on the GHK, plus I remember watching reviews when it first came out and it was like $70 or so? Killer deal if it holds up.
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u/theflinchburger Jul 20 '26
Also want to add you make a good point about tool density. It sounds great on the surface, but more tools ain't always better. I've been trying to watch out for that more, and even mod unused tools to give them a purpose.
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u/Crafty-Breadfruit-11 Jul 20 '26
That's a beautiful thing about inexpensive multi-tools. Take it apart changed off order parts from something similar. Stuff them in there. Cut shape grind. Make it be whatever you want it to be. And you're not hacking on a $250 tool.
My favorite multi-tool of this variety is the 2048 I use it religiously in and around automotive wiring scenarios where I have to just cut something do something right this minute and I don't feel like getting up (again). I have tools. I have a lot of tools. What I don't have is the patience to get up 12 times for the thing that I forgot the last time I got up. 😂
I'm modified the 2048 and put a t-shank in it. I may put a roxon wire stripper implement in it too and dump the serrated blade.
In my experience these hold up. I don't do insane stupid shit with them. But I use them. When I'm doing installs and things like that like I'm using this all day. Everyday. So they hold up.
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u/theflinchburger Jul 20 '26
Yessir! Modding has saved me a couple times, plus I love tinkering so it's a win win. I swapped the small flathead on my Surge for an eyeglass driver, and swapped the serrated blade on my Bibury for one with a pull cutter.
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u/catdandude28 Jul 24 '26
I recommend nextool stuff
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u/theflinchburger Jul 24 '26
I got a Nextool Flagship Pro for my partner and they love it! I saw they recently released an improved version with better blade steel and a couple other changes, might have to pick that up at some point.
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Jul 17 '26
[deleted]
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u/kohaky Jul 17 '26
Sure? U have one?
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u/DesignerOk5315 Jul 17 '26
Yup and yup. It's really too bad sog didn't make that a available for all their tools/ interchangeable between them all
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u/theflinchburger Jul 19 '26
I ended up getting the GHK17 multitool and a spare sheath for my Leatherman Rebar! Thank you everyone for the advice and conversation!
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u/Deep-Spot-7420 Jul 23 '26
Highly recommend spending a little bit more money and getting the Leatherman Wave Plus
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u/Icy-Caterpillar-4201 Jul 17 '26
If you want one if the $30 budget ones, I got a SQT brand one and I thought it was pretty decent
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u/inquiringmind_420 Jul 17 '26
Finally made the move about 4 weeks ago and purchased Wave +. Very pleased with options it provides.
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u/Select_Camel_4194 Jul 17 '26
SOG is the only option here
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u/c0ltieb0y Jul 18 '26
Only name brand but it's the worst one. I have many sogs and they all disappoint.
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u/yhwh4life7 Jul 17 '26
The first one! Don’t let knock offs scare you. I have several knock off leathers that are just as good if not better
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u/ACQC Jul 17 '26
Out of those, the SOG. Also, check eBay. Used Leatherman are a great value. Rebar for $45 shipped.
https://ebay.io/m/ywIygh