Last Updated: July 15, 2022
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Best Military Multi Tool in 2023

Whether you’re a handyman, beat cop, fisherman, hunter, mechanic, or a sergeant in the marines a multi-tool is an important piece of equipment to have on hand. You never know when something might go wrong and you might have to use some ingenuity to come up with a quick fix to keep things moving. In these situations, there is no greater asset than a multitool you can rely on.

There are a lot of different multi-tools out there and what each person needs from their multi-tool can be quite specific to their job. The needs of a handyman may be quite different from a marine or a hunter but there will naturally be some common overlaps in the tools each finds useful.


At A Glance: Our Top 3 Picks For Military Multitool


Here, we have picked out the best military multi-tools on the market and compared them against each other to help make sure you get the right one for you.

Top Product Overview

SOG Multitool - Powerlock Heavy Duty Multitool Pliers, Electrician Wire Cutter Multi Tool w/ Ballistic Nylon Multitool Sheath with Clip (S60N-CP)
  • Opens smoothly
  • Tools fold out easily
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Gerber Gear Suspension-NXT 15-in-1 Multi-Tool Pocket Knife Set - EDC Gear and Equipment Multi-Tool with Pocket Clip - Stainless Steel
  • Light
  • Low price
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LEATHERMAN, Wingman Multitool with Spring-Action Pliers and Scissors, Stainless Steel with Nylon Sheath
  • Great value
  • Good warranty
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Gerber Gear Multi-Plier 600 Needle Nose Pliers Set Bladeless Multi-Tool - 14-in-1 EDC Gear Multi-Tool with Protective Sheath - Survival Gear and Equipment - Black
  • Durable
  • Stainless steel
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LEATHERMAN, OHT One Handed Multitool with Spring-Loaded Pliers and Strap Cutter, Coyote Tan with MOLLE Black Sheath
Best Allrounder
  • High quality
  • Excellent cable cutters
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Victorinox SwissTool CS Plus 37 Function Multitool with Leather Pouch
  • Every tool you may need
  • Heavy duty, stainless steel
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LEATHERMAN, Wave Plus Multitool with Premium Replaceable Wire Cutters, Spring-Action Scissors and Molle Black Sheath, Black
  • One-hand opening
  • Scissors are great
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Bastex Multitool Knife 14-in-1 Multi-Purpose Pocket Plier Kit. Durable Stainless Steel Multi-Plier Multi-tool for Survival, Camping, Hunting, Fishing and Hiking
  • Very inexpensive
  • All tools lock
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LEATHERMAN, Charge Plus TTi Titanium Multitool with Scissors and Premium Replaceable Wire Cutters, Built in the USA, Stainless Steel
  • One-hand opening
  • High quality with titanium handles
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LEATHERMAN, Sidekick Pocket Size Multitool with Spring-Action Pliers and Saw, Stainless Steel with Nylon Sheath
  • Lightweight
  • Small for pocket use
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Best Military Multitools


SOG Powerlock S60N-CP Multitool

SOG Multitool - Powerlock Heavy Duty Multitool Pliers, Electrician Wire Cutter Multi Tool w/ Ballistic Nylon Multitool Sheath with Clip (S60N-CP)

The SOG Powerlock S60N-CP Multitool is made from 420 stainless steel and is made to  last and it also comes with a lifetime warranty, but only if you treat it right, so be sure to do so.

It features 18 different tools including the most common you’d expect, a sharp blade and bottle opener for example. What makes this multitool stand out is its patented compound leverage. They have added gears to give the pliers a bit more strength, well actually a lot more which is very handy if you’re a tradesman.

The tool has been gear towards electrical work and includes a wire stripper, wire crimper, and wire cutter. So if you do work with wiring often, this is a multitool to consider.

When using the multitool you’ll notice that all the tools open and close very smoothly and lock into place sop they don’t wobble around while you’re trying to fix something. This is nothing more annoying than a screwdriver that flops around or unsafe as a blade that could close at any moment.

The only downsides are that the saw seems a bit flimsy to some and the cover isn’t the best. Otherwise, it is well priced and made to a high quality that you can rely on. It’s available in two finishes, steel and black oxide, although the balckmoxide coating does tend to come off, so be aware of that.

Pros

  • Opens smoothly
  • Tools fold out easily
  • SOG plier gear system
  • Great price
  • Durable
  • Removable handle covers

Cons

  • Cover not so great
  • Saw seems flimsy
  • Coating can come off

Product Information

  • 18 tools
  • 9.6 oz
  • 4.6" long
  • Patented compound leverage
  • 420 stainless steel handle and tools
  • Lifetime warranty
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Best On A Budget

Gerber Suspension-NXT Multi-Tool

Gerber Gear Suspension-NXT 15-in-1 Multi-Tool Pocket Knife Set - EDC Gear and Equipment Multi-Tool with Pocket Clip - Stainless Steel

If you’re into multitools then you would have heard of Gerber and the Suspension-NXT Multi-Tool is their entry-level product which comes in at an astonishing price. They have designed it as a smaller multitool for the everyday carry user that clips conveniently to your pocket or trouser waist.

The multitool is made of stainless steel, is backed by Gerber’s lifetime warranty, and features 15 tools. All tools lock into place and some of the most useful include a wire stripper, medium flathead driver, awl, file, and ruler which are things most may need every day. The pliers are made with spring-loaded jaws which are designed to reduce fatigue while using them.

The Suspension-NXT Multi-Tool is not built to the same high quality as other Gerber tools and this is reflected in the price and together with the tension slowly wearing down is the only negative about this product.

Overall it’s a light, well-priced multitool that’s very handy and I’d recommend it as one to have around the house for those DIY emergencies or if you want one but want to use it too often.

Pros

  • Light
  • Low price
  • Smooth opening
  • Tools lock nicely
  • Pocket clip

Cons

  • Not high quality (reflected in price)
  • Tension wears down

Product Information

  • 15 tools
  • 4.2 x 1 x 4.2 inches
  • 6.4 oz
  • Stainless steel
  • Lifetime warranty
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LEATHERMAN Wingman Multitool

LEATHERMAN, Wingman Multitool with Spring-Action Pliers and Scissors, Stainless Steel with Nylon Sheath

Introducing Leatherman and their Wigman Multitool that they even label as one of their best.  It’s a great outdoors tool as well as being suited for odd jobs around the house or to have as a workman’s aid, ready for any quick fix. It’s light, compact, and will stay in your pocket thanks to the handy removable pocket clip.

This guy is made of stainless steel and features 14 tools including a knife, pliers, screwdrivers, wire cutters, a wire stripper, scissors, a package opener, a bottle opener and can openers, a file, and a ruler.

All the tools on the Wingman can be opened with only one hand which keeps your other hand free while you’re working. No need to drop a screw, open up the screwdriver and start again, those days are gone with this multitool.

Unfortunately, only the knife and scissors lock into place which can make using the other tools a bit cumbersome and the ruler has been labeled as useless but some users.

Overall it’s a top-quality tool that’s light, easy to use, will last, and pretty good value.

Pros

  • Great value
  • Good warranty
  • One-hand opening
  • High-quality steel
  • Light

Cons

  • Only knife and scissors lock
  • Ruler is useless

Product Information

  • 14 tools
  • 6.9 oz
  • 3.8 x 1 x 2 inches
  • One-hand opening
  • 25-year warranty
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Gerber MP600 Multi-Plier

Gerber Gear Multi-Plier 600 Needle Nose Pliers Set Bladeless Multi-Tool - 14-in-1 EDC Gear Multi-Tool with Protective Sheath - Survival Gear and Equipment - Black

The Gerber MP600 Multi-Plier while being a multitool was made to address one key part of the marketplace, the ‘no knife’ work policy or to travel on planes with. You can take this multitool anywhere because this is no blade included and for those of you who work airside or in places with ‘no knife’ policies, this is the perfect one for you.

The MP600 is made from stainless steel with a sexy black oxide finish that makes it look like it means business. It features 13 tools including a needlenose plier, 3 flat drivers, Phillips driver, file, replaceable RemGrit saw, replaceable cutters, can and bottle opener, scissors, and a ruler.

It’s not missing much, is it? My favorite thing about the MP600 is that you can open the pliers with a simple flick of the wrist, just one flick and out they shoot, how cool is that?

This multitool is light, easy to use, of excellent quality, value and it comes with a lifetime guarantee. I would buy it instantly if I had to work in a ‘no knife’ kind of place

Pros

  • Durable
  • Stainless steel
  • One-hand opening pliers
  • All tools lock
  • No-knife policy approved
  • High quality

Cons

  • Wire cutters not reliable
  • No carbon scraper

Product Information

  • 13 tools
  • 9 oz
  • 5.7 x 1.8 x 3.1 inches
  • One-hand opening pliers
  • Complies with no-knife policy
  • Stainless steel
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Best Allrounder

LEATHERMAN OHT

LEATHERMAN, OHT One Handed Multitool with Spring-Loaded Pliers and Strap Cutter, Coyote Tan with MOLLE Black Sheath

The Leatherman OHT was Leatherman’s first 100% one-hand opening multitool and it’s got some specialized tools for anyone carrying firearms or needing to use oxygen tanks, like a diver maybe.

The OHT is made from stainless steel and features a lot of useful tools each of whiches location has been imprinted on the handle to make them quick and easy to find.

How handy is that? The OHT features 16 tools of which there are; 3 knives, pliers, screwdrivers, wire cutters, a strap cutter, a cleaning rod/brush adaptor for firearms, an oxygen tank wrench, and more.

All the tools lock safely into place once fully opened so you can use them with confidence and without any hassle.

This is one of Leatherman’s best tools and if you’re into hunting, work in the military or use oxygen tanks as part of life-saving, the OHT has the exact tools you need waiting to sit on your belt. It’s made with great quality and thought, comes with a 25-year warranty but it is a little more expensive than your average multitool.

Pros

  • High quality
  • Excellent cable cutters
  • One-hand opening
  • Stainless steel
  • All tools lock

Cons

  • A little expensive

Product Information

  • 16 tools
  • 8.8 oz
  • 3.5 x 5 x 2 inches
  • Stainless steel
  • One-hand opening
  • 25-year warranty
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Best Of The Best

Victorinox SwissTool CS Plus

Victorinox SwissTool CS Plus 37 Function Multitool with Leather Pouch

Where would the world be without the Victorinox Swiss Army Knife? Well probably in the same place but you’d have a lot of bored little boys who never got their first multitool when they were far too young. But let’s forget the wee Swiss Army knife Mum carries on her car keys, to only use the corkscrew now and then, and let’s look at the Victorinox SwissTool CS Plus.

This is the one and only Victorinox multitool in the lineup and in true Swiss style, they haven’t missed a trick. The CS Plus features 37 different functions to create a walking toolbox that sits on your waist ready to deal with anything that may come along. I’m not going to list them all, not even the carbon scraper!. Just check out the tool list on amazon, but trust me it has everything.

Every part of this is made from high-quality stainless steel, every tool locks into place and can be accessed from the outside of the handle, so there is no need to open it up to get to the tools.

The CS Plus is made for every occasion, is heavy duty and will last a lifetime, maybe even without the lifetime warranty. It is at the top end of the multitool price spectrum but well worth it.

Pros

  • Every tool you may need
  • Heavy duty, stainless steel
  • Lifetime warranty
  • Looks great
  • All tools accessible while closed (not pliers)
  • Incredible quality

Cons

  • Expensive
  • No carbon scraper

Product Information

  • 37 tools
  • 10oz
  • 6 x 6 x 4 inches
  • Stainless steel
  • Lifetime warranty
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LEATHERMAN Wave Plus Multi tool

LEATHERMAN, Wave Plus Multitool with Premium Replaceable Wire Cutters, Spring-Action Scissors and Molle Black Sheath, Black

The Leatherman Wave is a best-seller amongst Leatherman’s multitools and is recommended by many worldwide. They market it as ‘ready for anything’ and it pretty much is.

Again, as will all Leatherman’s it comes with a 25-year warranty and is made from quality stainless steel. The Wave Plus is an upgrade of the old wave which now includes premium replaceable wire cutters as well as 17 other tools including; pliers, wire stripper, knives, saw, spring-action scissors, ruler, can & bottle openers, files, and screwdrivers.

Every tool locks into place so you can use them safely with confidence, there will be no play in that handle. It’s also been designed for one-hand opening so you can still use your other hand while working away.

it’s an excellent everyday multitool that will last a long time. It’s priced quite high in the Leatherman range but that is a reflection of the quality.

Pros

  • One-hand opening
  • Scissors are great
  • High quality & durable
  • Tools lock nicely
  • Replaceable wire cutters

Cons

  • Black finish scratches easily

Product Information

  • 18 tools
  • 10.6 ounces
  • 2 x 2 x 2 inches
  • Stainless steel
  • 25-year warranty
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Bastex Multitool

Bastex Multitool Knife 14-in-1 Multi-Purpose Pocket Plier Kit. Durable Stainless Steel Multi-Plier Multi-tool for Survival, Camping, Hunting, Fishing and Hiking

The Bastex Multitool is by far the cheap and cheerful option of the bunch and comes in at a record-breaking 15 dollars but still features some stainless steel and a limited lifetime replacement warranty, how do they do it? if you want a multitool around the house you won’t use very often, this may be just what you’re looking for.

It features 14 tools which are pretty average but considering the price actually pretty good for what you might pay. It’s rugged, durable, will last, all the tools lock. It has everything you’d expect from a normal multitool and the only downsides I can find are that the knife isn’t sharp and the Philipps screwdriver is too small.

Pros

  • Very inexpensive
  • All tools lock
  • Good quality for the price (15 USD)
  • Sturdy

Cons

  • Not high quality (price reflected)
  • Not sharp
  • Philips is too small

Product Information

  • 14 tools
  • 11.2 oz
  • 5.1 x 2.9 x 1.5 inches
  • Stainless steel & metal (not specified)
  • Limited Lifetime Replacement Warranty
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LEATHERMAN - Charge Plus TTi Titanium Multitool

LEATHERMAN, Charge Plus TTi Titanium Multitool with Scissors and Premium Replaceable Wire Cutters, Built in the USA, Stainless Steel

The idea behind Leatgherman’s Charge Plus TTi was to put all of Leatherman’s most useful tools and requested features into one multitool with premium materials, hence the titanium and the higher price point. The titanium handles give extra strength to the tool while the super-sharp S30V steel knife blade is corrosion-resistant (not sure why they aren’t all corrosion-resistant being stainless steel).

The premium stainless steel Charge Plus TTI comes with 19 tools all of which lock into place and can be opened with one hand. There’s nothing particularly special about the range of tools in this one, but they are all very useful and very well made. It does have a replaceable pocket clip and quick-release lanyard ring which are useful features if dropping your tool from up high on construction or overboard are a worry.

The Charge Plus TTIn is a great tool but an unnecessary expense as a Leather 50% cheaper will do the exact same job.

Pros

  • One-hand opening
  • High quality with titanium handles
  • Lightweight
  • Super sharp blade

Cons

  • Expensive

Product Information

  • 19 tools
  • 12.8 oz
  • 5 x 2 x 0.8 inches
  • Stainless steel
  • 25-year warranty
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LEATHERMAN Sidekick Pocket Size Multitool

LEATHERMAN, Sidekick Pocket Size Multitool with Spring-Action Pliers and Saw, Stainless Steel with Nylon Sheath

The Sidekick has been made to be light, fit in your pocket, and be useful in everyday life, just like the Gerber Suspension NXT. It has all the standard features you might expect from a multitool while still upholding Leatherman’s stamp of quality and 25-year guarantee.

The Sidekick is made from stainless steel and features 14 tools including knives, pliers, screwdrivers, wire cutters, bottle opener and can openers, a file, a saw, and a ruler. Every tool locks into place and can be accessed using one hand so your other hand can be busy working. One of the best features is the belt clip that lets you slip in for easy access.

If you’re looking for a small generic tool with a great price and quality, this is one to go for.

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Small for pocket use
  • Well made & high quality
  • Belt clip
  • Good price

Cons

  • Sharp angles
  • Limited variety

Product Information

  • 14 tools
  • 6.9 oz
  • 3.8 x 1 x 1 inches
  • Stainless steel
  • 25-year warranty
SEE ON REI
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What To Look For, A Buyers Guide

There are hundreds of multitools on the market today each one a little different from the next. Finding the right one for you is a very personal choice and is dependent on what you’re likely to use for most, therefore, I won’t go into much detail but I’ll focus on the bigger picture scenarios.

Quality Of Material

This is a really important consideration when you’re shopping for a multitool. The quality of the metal is going to define how long the multitool lasts and how well each tool works. Most of the multitools in this review are made from stainless steel which as we all know is an excellent material but others use an unspecified metal. Make sure you get a multitool that’s made to last, especially in the environment you’re working in.

Number of Tools

The number of tools between multitools varies considerably, from 13 – 37 in this review alone. The amount and types of tools you need are up to you and what you’re likely to use the multitool for. They all have tools in common such as pliers and a knife but it’s the little specific ones that’ll make the tool useful to you.

The Price

The price of a multitool directly affects its quality, you get what you pay for. The range is quite large, from $15 to over $200 in this review and your choice will depend on how often you use it and how reliable you need it to be. If you just want one around the house to use now and then, perhaps a cheap option will work fine, but if you depend on it every day or in an emergency situation, you’re going to want one that has your back and pay a little extra.

Gerber vs Leatherman

There isn’t much of a difference between these two brands, they both make excellent multitools, but I will share something from my own personal experience here. I have spent the majority of my life on boats and have always had a Gerber or Leatherman in my bag and this is what I found when each one has been exposed to the sea.

A leatherman starts to rust almost instantly after a day, to keep it alive you have to oil and clean it every day or it will simply rust and fall apart. I even know people who buy two so they can switch between them each day to leave one to soak at home.

The Gerber however, only had a tiny bit of rust around the screws holding the tools in place, I didn’t have to maintain it for over 3 months. This is most likely particular to the specific products I was using, Leatherman wave v’s Gerber Bear Grylls, but it might have something to do with the quality of the steel tool. If you go out to sea with your multitool my advice is to get a Gerber.

Our Favorites

The best allrounder is Leatherman OHT. This one-hand opening tool is slick, cool, durable, and has everything you might need on the job, even a gun cleaner and an oxygen tank opener. It’s a piece of kit you can rely on that’s also great value.

LEATHERMAN, OHT One Handed Multitool with Spring-Loaded Pliers and Strap Cutter, Coyote Tan with MOLLE Black Sheath
2,257 Reviews
LEATHERMAN, OHT One Handed Multitool with Spring-Loaded Pliers and Strap Cutter, Coyote Tan with MOLLE Black Sheath
  • BEST OF BOTH WORLDS: The OHT is Leatherman's first 100% one-hand-operable multitool, equipped with pliers and blades; Tough enough for jobs on site, at home or outdoors
  • 16 TOOLS IN 1: The OHT packs 16 tools, including knives, pliers, screwdrivers, wire cutters, a strap cutter, a cleaning rod/brush adaptor for firearms, an oxygen tank wrench, bottle and more

The best on a budget is the Gerber Suspension NXT. This is a well-made multitool that has all the standard tools you need for an amazing price. If you’re looking for something to use now and then while not breaking the bank, look no further.

Sale
Gerber Gear Suspension-NXT 15-in-1 Multi-Tool Pocket Knife Set - EDC Gear and Equipment Multi-Tool with Pocket Clip - Stainless Steel
22,252 Reviews
Gerber Gear Suspension-NXT 15-in-1 Multi-Tool Pocket Knife Set - EDC Gear and Equipment Multi-Tool with Pocket Clip - Stainless Steel
  • 15-IN-1 MULTI-TOOL: Features spring-loaded needle nose pliers, wire stripper, small/medium/large flathead drivers, #2 cross driver, awl, nail file, scissors, tool lock, can opener, bottle opener, 2.25" partially serrated blade, lanyard point & pocket clip
  • SURVIVAL GEAR AND EQUIPMENT: Made from stainless steel that will stand the test of time and conveniently travel with you with a tool lock, lanyard point, and pocket clip

The best of the best is the Victorinox CS PLus. This multitool while being more expensive than the rest seems to outlive/work any other tool out there and some of its owners. It’s made to a ridiculously high quality and with 37 tools, there isn’t much you can’t fix.

Sale
Victorinox SwissTool CS Plus 37 Function Multitool with Leather Pouch
506 Reviews
Victorinox SwissTool CS Plus 37 Function Multitool with Leather Pouch
  • A CUT ABOVE THE REST: Compact, agile and ready to face any adventure head-on. Our range of Swisstools continue to be an icon of utility and smart design. These are the most robust tools currently available in the Victorinox range.
  • DURABLE CONSTRUCTION: Renown Swiss made stainless steel construction. Each tool is accessible from the outside and locks into place with its own spring and lock for ultimate precision, comfort, convenience and safety.