I bought my first multi tool, a Gerber in 1995. At the time, there weren’t nearly as many to choose from as there are today. I remember the primary contenders being Gerber (which I think had just come out about that time), Leatherman, or the SOG Paratool. I wanted a convenient pocket sized tool chest that contained what a I felt were the most useful tools I’d need/use at the time, that could be carried comfortably in a pocket. All of my choices were a little heavy in a pocket, todays choices provide a lot more options. My criteria hasn’t really changed tool selection wise . I still like a knife blade, a file, some basic tools like screwdrivers, wood saw, pliers, scissors, and wire cutters. After quite a few years the Gerber went missing and I missed the convenience of that tool so much I went out looking for a replacement. At the time about 2003, I picked up a SOG Powerlock. Since then I’ve bought a variety of Leatherman tools, but about 2007 I discovered the Utility and convenience of a lighter weight and more compact Victorinox Swiss Army knife and find a good SAK supplemented with a Leatherman Squirt covers most of my everyday needs and these combined tools are pretty easy on the pocket.

Something I don’t like about so many of the current multi tool choices is how gaudy they look. They remind me of the cheap looking overseas made models of yesteryear. I still prefer the tool metal, utilitarian tool like appearance of those early multi tools.

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