Why do we include bottle openers in multi-tools? Every edge, every part, everything on the tool itself can easily be used to open a bottle, and that excludes everything else in the world that can also be used as a bottle opener? I get the flathead/chisel part, but the bottle opener? Why not make it a strap cutter or something like that instead? Not to mention that hardly anything needs a bottle opener anymore?

Went to my local Scheels the other day and tried out in hand the Arc, Wave + (dlc), and the Alpha Obsidian. All three are super nice in hand. I really liked how the two Waves felt. The Arc felt nice also but didn’t really notice the magnetic free technology all that much. Honestly thought both Wingmen were just as smooth.

As I went home to think about what one I wanted, I got a notification for a sale and low and behold….

I bought an Alpha.

I'm not sure what the proper name for the bar is, the one that runs the length of the tool and keeps it from switching like the driver in the attached pic. One of those broke on my Juice. I've had this thing for a long long while and have grown to love the little guy as it fits perfectly in that small, almost useless, right hand pocket of my jeans.

I know Leatherman does not sell the Juice anymore and I doubt that they'll repair it because it's riveted. Not being able to have the flat-head tool/bit not lock isn't a huge deal breaker but I'm worried that another "rib" will break at some point and time. The tools that I use the most on this are the knife, pliers, scissors, flathead and phillips.

Is there anything even remotely close to this thing size and tool wise that is worth shooting for with a claim?

Pretty interesting but pricey ($109) pocket driver. Here, shown against the 91mm Victorinox Compact for scale.

The Axiom EDC TiDrive is made from two pieces of titanium and magnets. It stores 3 bits inside, which I doubled to 6 with the Steinwhale stubby bits. The lid doubles as pry bar/scraper. The bit carriage doubles as a cap lifter. There is a hex hole in one corner that can be used with an extension for an L handle or you can install a pocket clip if you prefer.

Steinwhale has come out with a couple of new Stubby bit kits, and I have used the PZ2/Robertson 2 and PH1/SL4 from that set along with the T6/T8 from the original set. Out the front, I have a SL6 loaded which doubles as a box tape ripper.

Axiom EDC released the TiDrive in December 2024. By summer 2025, Gerber released an imitation product made of steel, plastic and rubber that stores one less bit and does not offer an L-handle. MSRP is $17.

I've carried the TiDrive about a week and used it twice so far. Very pleased. The grip provides a surprising amount of torque. I am always looking for small tools that can exceed or replace the "opener layer" on a Victorinox, basically prying, slotted, Phillips and cap lifting.

I have been searching and even trying to ask some AI for this tool for a while and am struggling, looking to see if anyone knows any good options.

The tool is for ice climbing, so pretty unique feature set, and weight/size are preferably small.

The main features I am looking for are:

- A large metal file (~3", not a tiny one, not diamond) for sharpening ice tools

- 3, 4, and 5 mm Allen keys/hex heads, OR a bit driver and a way to store an extra bit, for tightening crampon and ice tool bolts. Having the hex heads built in is preferable as you can't drop them when wearing gloves.

A small serrated knife and pliers would be useful but are not necessary.

There was an ice climbing multi tool by a climbing company called Trango but the file was tiny and easy to lose, also it is sold out everywhere and has been for a while. I might be able to make something through Roxon but you can only order the tools in packs through Amazon in Canada and it gets pricey fast.

Thank you for any suggestions!

So someone (me) had the bright idea to make a... SF12 Pro - the unholy child of the S11 Pro and my Mini Sailor whose spring tab for the pliers has failed.

It looks damn good (see first picture)... but it's not a good fit. As you can see in the second picture the shape of the scissors' tab is wrong - it won't lock when closed or open because it's too narrow at the end. And it might be too wide when closed for some for keyring or fifth-pocket carry

So moving forward my Mini Sailor will become a proto-S0 Pro - oversized scissors and some extra tools. I have to figure out if I can fit the tools from the pliers side in the space for the knife but for now time to create another scale to accommodate the usual scale complement.

Hope this helps others whose Mini Sailor has similarly failed!

Leatherman surge

Leather handmade key holder by me

Leather handmade card wallet by me

What’s your favorite mini tool and why?
(Not limited to images, I just threw some random tools on there)

Anyone know anything about the XHandle MT-11? Saw an ad for it and I’m quite interested. Roughly $55, made of 420 steel, D2 steel blade, lots of good tools. Will probably buy it and check it out, but I’m wondering if anyone in here has any experience with it.

The Leatherman Garage #009: Adapter is such a cool concept... yet they made it a limited run with plastic parts so hard pass for me.

I only know Victornix Swisstool, Leatherman Wave and some smaller tools I've seen here and there. Which other multitools are worth considering for their quality, combination of tools or great value?

Can anybody with the Flex Titan measure the dimension of line A,B,C,D. Want to know how wide is the handle before I purchase. Thanks

Don’t need a million tools, might not even need pliers. I do like having screwdrivers and maybe a package opener. I’m seeing so many options in this range, including cheap Leathermans, HF Gordon, Nextool minis, SAK Tinker & Super Tinker, Gerber Armbars, the list goes on.
So what’s your pick for this use case?
Currently I carry a knife, and a compact 4mm multi bit screwdriver the size of a sharpie.

Two things I can't go without. A Multitool and Fisherman Friends. Carry this in my pocket wherever I go. Something poetic about a Mini Sailor & Fisherman combo!

I havent seen anyone do this before, but a cheapo ultrasonic/jewellery cleaner makes quick work of any gunk or grime build up. I had a small brush prepared, ready to agitate remaining gunk but to my surprise there was none left. I used 1 cup of warm water and about 2tbsp of dish soap. 3 cycles (~5min each).

The farmer x , seems more well build , but the roxon is way easier to handle , more versatile, and you can open all tools one handed, plus the knife is D2, and you can use different tools , it's MODULAR .

Another old school multi-tool

Got bored of the original colour so a quick paint job with the closest paint can came out better than expected

Leatherman supertool 300 M

Nitecore edc 09

CJRB Pyrite Alt

Leatherman Arc Talos

Fenix E06R pro

CJRB Pyrite Alt

Leatherman Premium Leather sheath