The Scout's Guide to Picking the Perfect Multi Tool
Leatherman has been one of the most trusted brand names for multi tools for over 20 years. Tim Leatherman first came up with the idea of his first multi tool when he was traveling Europe and was using his trusty old Scout knife for a variety of repairs and jobs… but was also really in need of pliers as well! He decided to take action and design exactly what he needed.
Fast forward from the 1980’s to now… and there are quite a few to choose from!
The Styles
It can be tough to decide on the perfect multi tool for you, so we have broken each one down to make it easy to pick. (Hint, hint… this also makes it super simple to pick out the perfect gift!)
The six Leatherman multi tools we carry are listed below. The list starts with the style made for the youngest Scouts and then moves into adult-sized tools, starting with the smallest and lightest-duty and moving to more specific and heavier duty multi tools.
Leatherman Squirt
The Squirt Ps4 is perfect for minor tasks on the go. It is keychain-sized, making it great as a secondary multi-tool. It is the smallest of the Leatherman tools we carry so that it can literally be attached anywhere by its included key ring attachment. The pliers, wire cutters, and scissors are all spring-action to provide easy tool action as well.
Included Tools:
- Spring-action needlenose pliers
- Spring-action regular pliers
- Spring-action wire cutters
- 420HC knife (1.6 in)
- Spring-action scissors
- Flat/Phillips screwdriver
- Bottle opener
- Wood/metal file
- Medium screwdriver
Leatherman Sidekick
The Sidekick is a pocket-sized multi tool that's designed as a carry-with-you-everyday tool. It's a little smaller (and lighter weight) than the other full-sized multi tools so it is more feasible to throw in your pocket and go. It is another one that would make a great first multi-tool, especially for someone that is always out and about, with great value. Because it is really made for being on the move, it comes with a sheath, lanyard ring, and replaceable pocket clip included. Like the Wave, it also features one-hand operability.
Included Tools:
- Spring-action needlenose pliers
- Spring-action regular pliers
- Spring-action wire cutters
- Wire stripper
- 420HC knife (2.6 in)
- 420HC serrated knife
- Saw
- Ruler (1.5 in)
- Can opener
- Bottle opener
- Wood/metal file
- Phillips screwdriver
- Medium screwdriver
- Small screwdriver
Leatherman Wave
The Wave is Leatherman’s bestselling tool, hands down. It is great for anyone – the All-Around MVP, if you will. This should be a tool that you always have handy in your house (and a great way to help thin out that junk drawer of all of those tools!). If you don’t have a multi-tool yet (or know someone that doesn’t), this would be our first suggestion.
The Wave has an all-locking feature that allows you to lock all tools into place and be able to apply pressure to finish the job, along with one-hand operability (so you can get the tool you need in-hand with just one hand).
Included Tools:
- Needlenose pliers
- Regular pliers
- Premium replaceable wire cutters
- Premium replaceable hard-wire cutters
- Electrical crimper
- Wire stripper
- 420HC knife (2.9 in)
- 420HC serrated knife
- Saw
- Spring-action scissors
- Ruler (8 in)
- Can opener
- Bottle opener
- Wood/metal file
- Diamond-coated file
- Large bit driver
- Small bit driver
- Medium screwdriver
Leatherman Signal
The Signal is 100% made for the outdoorsman. It is the perfect tool for Scouts, coming with an emergency whistle, fire starter, and hammer (for those tent stakes, of course!). Like the Wave, it has an all-locking feature so you can really get after the job at hand, along with a removable pocket clip and one-hand operability.
Included Tools:
- Needlenose pliers
- Regular pliers
- Premium replaceable wire cutters
- Premium replaceable hard-wire cutters
- Wire stripper
- 420HC combo knife (2.73 in)
- Saw
- Hammer
- Awl with thread loop
- Can opener
- Bottle opener
- ¼” Hex bit drive
- Bit driver
- ¼” Box wrench
- Safety whistle
- Ferrocerium rod
- Diamond-coated sharpener
Leatherman Super Tool 300
The Super Tool 300 is the mac daddy as far as the number of tools and the variety it has. It features heavy duty construction and added EOD-specific tools like a military-performance-spec cap crimpers and fuse-wire cutters. It also comes with the largest and strongest set of pliers. It is made for the everyday worker. Like the Wave, it has all-locking capabilities to allow you to really get to work, and a lanyard ring to keep it portable.
Included Tools:
- Needlenose pliers
- Stranded-wire cutters
- Premium replaceable wire cutters
- Military performance spec cap crimper
- Electrical crimper
- Wire stripper
- 420HC combo knife (3.2 in)
- Saw
- Replaceable T-shank metal saw
- Replaceable C4 punch
- #8-32 cleaning rod/brush adaptor
- Awl with thread loop
- Ruler (9 in)
- Can opener
- Bottle opener
- Phillips screwdriver
- Large screwdriver
- Medium screwdriver
Small screwdriver
Leatherman Charge
The Charge is a premium multi tool with upgraded, high quality steel. If you are looking for a gift that carries some heft, this is the one. It’s really great for anyone looking for a higher-end multi tool; think of it as the Wave on steroids. This multi tool comes with the all-locking feature and one-handed operability, along with a replaceable pocket clip and quick-release lanyard ring.
Included Tools:
- Needlenose pliers
- Regular pliers
- Premium replaceable wire cutters
- Premium replaceable hard-wire cutters
- Electrical crimper
- Wire stripper
- 154CM knife (2.9 in)
- 420HC serrated knife
- Saw
- Spring-action scissors
- Cutting hook
- Ruler (8 in)
- Can opener
No matter which Leatherman you decide is right for you, they ALL come with an amazing warranty (25 years!) and are built with high quality in mind in their Portland, Oregon.
So there you have it! A full rundown of our Leatherman multi tools. Which is your favorite? Be sure to share in the Comments section! You can also snap a picture of your Leatherman tool in action and tag us on Instagram using #ScoutShopBSA for a chance to be featured.
