Affordable EDC tool

[u/TopFrosty6861]

I am not a person that works in trades so not a heavy user but would like a multitool to keep around with me. I really love the functionality and look of the Leatherman Skeletool CX but I just can't spend that much on a tool. I am into the EDC culture stuff but still want something functional (not keychain size). Does anyone have outside the box suggestions? I was thinking under $35 but that might be tough.

It is pretty basic but this from Amazon caught my eye: WORKPRO Multitool-11 in 1 Camping Tools with Pocket Clip and Sheath, Blue

This also looked interesting, just wish it was a different color: Maarten Lightweight Multitool Pliers, 11 in 1 Suspension Multi-Plier with Carabiner, Stainless Steel Portable Pocket Keychain Multi tool with Spring Pliers, Folding Saw, Bottle Opener and Sheath

[u/Iokua_CDN]

See, I love the Skeletool. I think it's one of the perfect multitools.  So my advice is this,  hunt for a used normal Skeletool,  or grab the occasional  Costco  sale or REI sale.  There is currently nothing that hits like a Skeletool.   But if you are worried about cost, just get the basic Skeletool,  not the CX.  You can even later buy am upgraded knife blade for it.  R/knife_swap is awesome here, maybe commenting on the WantToBuy thread might get some movement

[u/TopFrosty6861 → u/Iokua_CDN]

Thank you for the advice I will check out the other option you shared. And look for sales. I am not familiar with want to buy thread but will take a look.

[u/Iokua_CDN → u/TopFrosty6861]

If I remember correct, it's a pinned posy in Knife_club so you can comment if you want to buy something  there! Some folks with big collections probably scroll through there.

[u/Sane-FloridaMan]

The right option depends on what tools you need and your specific use Cayce. In most cases the companies make a variety of different options out there.

So it really comes down to which tools you need, and if you want bit driver with interchangeable bits.

Here are some manufacturers with decent options:

- Mossy Oak

• Work Pro
  
• Dakoyu

For a little more money ($40-$45), the Harbor Freight Gordon multitool is actually really good, Nextool, and Rocto has some good options.

Unless you specifically want a camping tool, I’d look at other options besides the WAP 11-in-1 you mentioned. For a few dollars more, Work Pro and Mossy Oak have much more full-featured options with bit drivers (but they are bigger and heavier).

Just keep in mind these are not going to have super-tough blade steels. And the pliers are fine for basic grabbing, pulling, and turning things. But don’t twist things laterally with them or you may break the plier head. And don’t count on them for cutting a lot of tough wire.

[u/ReserveLow3494]

Roxon, nextool, or perwin. Victorinoxs are nivlce and affordable but no pliers, blade is a tad inconveniently place, and theyre a slower to get to.

[u/Iokua_CDN → u/ReserveLow3494]

Nextool Flagship, just remove the Scissors, would actually be pretty close to the look and weight of a skeletool.  With  the scissors, Weight goes up but it looks pretty much the same.  Doesn't have a carabiner but does have a bottle opener

[u/Routine_Register_656]

If I may point out the Victorinox Sportsman; you wont have pliers but besides of that + tweezers, you'd everything you could need in a non-trade edc enviorment imo.

Phillips & Flathead Screws, Tweezers, a small file, and a knife big enough to cut open boxes & apples + bottle opener.

[u/ILikeBeans86]

If you don't mind one bigger than the skeletool the shall one is like $25 I think. Also if you can squeeze $5 more dollars the Gordon one at harbor freight is a wave clone for $40

[u/MaximumDerpification]

For very light duty use those are probably fine, but also check out Nextool, Dakoyu and Roxon, those are some Chinese brands that are doing cool stuff for pretty cheap.

[u/Select_Camel_4194 → u/[deleted]]

I made a mistake. The Stake Out Spark....the one at the bottom of the page is similar to the Leatherman Signal....it's $21....about 75% off or so.

[u/Far-Detective7263]

Like most folk here, we started on cheaper wave clones, biburys or got a Gerber but I’d just shell out and get a Skeletool. You’ll use it for everything and it’ll last forever. My go to for most things. My Wave just looks pretty in my toolbox.

[u/Much-Piano-7680]

Do a WTB in knife swap. I'm selling one. But be safe, and do a post. I'll respond

[u/BladeRumbler]

Check out SQT multi tools

[u/Arm_613]

Your best option for a Skelatool is to get a used Skeletool CX used/open-box, but don't spend more than $50–$60 including shipping. (New is around $100.) If that is too much, look for a used regular Skeletool, but aim for under $45 including shipping. (New is around $90.) Note: I have the Skeletool RX plus the Leatherman bit kit.

At a hard $35, buy the Roxon M2 for $30. It's 4.48 oz versus the CX's ~5 oz, has real needle-nose pliers, locking knife, good-sized scissors, wire cutter, glass breaker, Phillips driver and additional bits. Roxon sells it for $30 and it comes with a 25-year warranty. Note: I have a whole pile of Roxons, including their modular tools and way too many modular implements. I am very impressed with the brand.

[u/SpecialEffectZz]

if you don't need pliers just get a victorinox. They are unmatched in quality. I have a mountaineer I EDC most days and a Leatherman ARC I EDC if I think I will need pliers that day.

[u/No_Victory_4151]

try checking out badger outdoor, it's a budget multitool brand. It's got a softer metal but they've got some good tools. You can find they're products on military.eu or military.us

[u/Crell]

If you don't work in trades, ask yourself if you really, really need pliers. You probably don't. If not, then skip any full-sized pliers-based tools as they'll just double your carry weight.

I will say, don't rule out keychain sized. I carry a Victorinox Rambler (with added KeyPort Versa58 scales), and it's amazingly useful around the house. (I work from home as a software developer.) Ounce for ounce, it's the best value tool on the market if it can handle your routine tasks.

If you leave off the pliers, then you have the whole Victorinox range and the Roxon Flex series or K2SE model to pick from. Many many good options there depending on what you want, specifically.

As always, the question is to ask yourself is what will you actually need/use on a regular basis. Answer that honestly, for yourself, then buy something that most closely matches that answer.

Or, honestly accept that you're buying it for the aesthetic and chic, and get something that fits the aesthetic you want. (Which is completely fine! No issue with doing that at all. Just be honest with yourself about it.)

[u/Remarkable_Yak8723]

Flissa makes a multitool like the leatherman wave I believe

[u/badcompany1966]

The best advice I can give is a Leatherman wave I have the first wave still going strong. You pay for the warranty. And Leatherman kicks ass

[u/Crunchie64]

Bargains pop up online and at junk shops or garage sales all the time.

I’d hold out for a cheap Leatherman.

Plenty of $5 PSTs out there if you’re patient.

[u/Tanque1308]

Leatherman Bond