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10 Best Survival Multi Tools 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

LEATHERMAN, Wave+, 18-in-1 Full-Size, Versatile Multi-tool for DIY, Home, Garden, Outdoors or Everyday Carry (EDC), Black

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,427
Material
Tool Selection
Size and Weight

Most important from
12198 reviews

Material
Replaceable wire cutters are a big deal for durability and long-term use.
Tool Selection
You can feel the upgrade when you hold it in your hand—well made and most of the tools you need are there.
Size and Weight
Heavy, kinda clunky, but very useful and built sturdy, holding up to a lot of use.

The Leatherman Wave+ stands out in the survival multi-tool category with its impressive 18-in-1 tool selection, making it suitable for a variety of tasks ranging from DIY projects to outdoor adventures. Weighing just 8.5 ounces and compact in size, it is convenient to carry, making it ideal for everyday carry (EDC) or taking on camping trips. Its durable stainless steel construction promises longevity, and the backing of a 25-year warranty speaks to the brand's confidence in its product.

Among its features, the inclusion of premium replaceable wire cutters is a significant advantage, allowing for extended use without the need for replacement. The easy-to-use spring-action scissors and saw further enhance its practicality for DIY projects and repairs, ensuring you have the right tools at your fingertips.

The Wave+ has many strengths, but it may not appeal to everyone. Some users might find the tool selection overwhelming if they only need a couple of specific functions. Additionally, though it is designed for ease of use, individuals with smaller hands may struggle with the tool's bulkiness during operation. There are budget-friendly alternatives that could serve casual users just fine without the premium price tag of the Wave+.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,427
Material
Tool Selection
Size and Weight

Most important from
12198 reviews

Material
Replaceable wire cutters are a big deal for durability and long-term use.
Tool Selection
You can feel the upgrade when you hold it in your hand—well made and most of the tools you need are there.
Size and Weight
Heavy, kinda clunky, but very useful and built sturdy, holding up to a lot of use.
#2

LEATHERMAN, Skeletool CX, 7-in-1 Lightweight, Minimalist Multi-Tool for Everyday Carry (EDC), Home, Garden & Outdoors, Black & Silver

Rating
9.8
Material
Tool Selection
Size and Weight

Most important from
2679 reviews

Material
The Leatherman Skeletool CX feels like holding a piece of art, with everything well-made from the materials to the hinges.
Tool Selection
Despite its minimalist design, all seven features of the tool are surprisingly useful, even the pliers.
Size and Weight
This multi-tool is perfect for daily carry due to its lightweight and compact size, easily fitting into a purse or pocket.
Ease of Use
The built-in carabiner and pocket clip provide convenient carry options, making it ideal for fishing or other outdoor activities.
Brand Reputation
Leatherman's lifetime warranty is impressive, with excellent service that makes the tool look like new even after years of use.

The Leatherman Skeletool CX is a versatile 7-in-1 multi-tool that caters to outdoor enthusiasts and everyday users alike. Weighing only 5 ounces and compact in size, it’s designed for easy carrying, making it an excellent choice for camping, hiking, or simply for daily tasks around the house and garden. The combination of a sharp straight-edged blade, pliers, bit driver, wire cutters, and a bottle opener offers a well-rounded selection of tools that cover essential needs without overwhelming the user with unnecessary features.

One strong point of the Skeletool CX is its build quality. Made from stainless steel and backed by a 25-year warranty, this multi-tool is engineered for durability, ensuring it can withstand the rigors of outdoor use. The lightweight design does not compromise functionality, and the tool's minimalist nature makes it easy for beginners to handle. Additionally, its black and silver color scheme gives it a sleek, modern look.

The Leatherman Skeletool CX is an excellent option for anyone seeking a lightweight, durable, and functional multi-tool for everyday tasks and outdoor adventures.

Rating
9.8
Material
Tool Selection
Size and Weight

Most important from
2679 reviews

Material
The Leatherman Skeletool CX feels like holding a piece of art, with everything well-made from the materials to the hinges.
Tool Selection
Despite its minimalist design, all seven features of the tool are surprisingly useful, even the pliers.
Size and Weight
This multi-tool is perfect for daily carry due to its lightweight and compact size, easily fitting into a purse or pocket.
Ease of Use
The built-in carabiner and pocket clip provide convenient carry options, making it ideal for fishing or other outdoor activities.
Brand Reputation
Leatherman's lifetime warranty is impressive, with excellent service that makes the tool look like new even after years of use.
#3

LEATHERMAN, Rebar Multitool with Premium Replaceable Wire Cutters and Saw, Coyote Tan with Nylon Sheath

Rating
9.6
Material
Size and Weight
Ease of Use

Most important from
5192 reviews

Material
This multitool exceeds expectations with its premium replaceable wire cutters, which handle tough materials effortlessly.
Size and Weight
The LEATHERMAN Rebar is exactly what I wanted for years; it's a wish come true with its perfect balance of size and functionality.
Ease of Use
The case is durable and the tool is easy to access, adding to the overall convenience and user experience.
Locking Mechanism
The multitool's all-locking mechanism enhances safety and usability, making it a reliable tool for various tasks.
Brand Reputation
Despite concerns from some early reviews, the build quality of my Rebar was flawless and met the high standards typical of Leatherman products.

The LEATHERMAN Rebar Multitool, available in Coyote Tan with a Nylon Sheath, is crafted from 100% stainless steel, ensuring durability and longevity. The tool features 17 different functions, ranging from knives and screwdrivers to wire cutters and a saw, making it highly versatile for a variety of tasks in survival situations. Its compact size (4 inches when folded) and reasonable weight (0.57 pounds) ensure it is portable and easy to carry around without adding much bulk to your gear.

The all-locking mechanism is a crucial feature, as it enhances safety by ensuring that each tool remains securely in place during use. Additionally, the inclusion of replaceable wire/hard-wire cutters adds to its long-term usability, as these components can be easily replaced if worn out over time. Users appreciate the Leatherman brand for its robust build quality and the 25-year warranty that offers peace of mind regarding the tool's reliability.

However, a couple of downsides include the relatively high price point compared to other multitools in the market and the fact that the saw might be less effective on tougher materials. Nevertheless, with a high customer rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from over 5,000 reviews, this multitool is well-regarded by users for its performance and reliability. Therefore, it is an excellent choice for those needing a reliable, versatile, and durable multitool for various survival situations and everyday use.

Rating
9.6
Material
Size and Weight
Ease of Use

Most important from
5192 reviews

Material
This multitool exceeds expectations with its premium replaceable wire cutters, which handle tough materials effortlessly.
Size and Weight
The LEATHERMAN Rebar is exactly what I wanted for years; it's a wish come true with its perfect balance of size and functionality.
Ease of Use
The case is durable and the tool is easy to access, adding to the overall convenience and user experience.
Locking Mechanism
The multitool's all-locking mechanism enhances safety and usability, making it a reliable tool for various tasks.
Brand Reputation
Despite concerns from some early reviews, the build quality of my Rebar was flawless and met the high standards typical of Leatherman products.

Buying Guide for the Best Survival Multi Tools

Choosing the right survival multi-tool can be a crucial decision, especially if you find yourself in a situation where you need to rely on it for various tasks. A good survival multi-tool should be versatile, durable, and easy to carry. When selecting the best fit for you, consider the types of activities you will be engaging in, the environment you will be in, and the specific tasks you anticipate needing to perform. Here are some key specifications to consider when picking a survival multi-tool.
MaterialThe material of a survival multi-tool is important because it affects the tool's durability, weight, and resistance to corrosion. Common materials include stainless steel, titanium, and aluminum. Stainless steel is strong and resistant to rust, making it a popular choice. Titanium is lighter and equally strong but can be more expensive. Aluminum is lightweight but not as durable as the other two. Choose a material based on the balance between weight and durability that suits your needs.
Tool SelectionThe selection of tools included in a multi-tool is crucial because it determines the range of tasks you can perform. Common tools include pliers, knives, screwdrivers, can openers, and saws. Some multi-tools also include specialized tools like fire starters, whistles, or fish scalers. Consider what tasks you are most likely to encounter and choose a multi-tool that includes those specific tools. If you need a multi-tool for general use, a model with a wide variety of tools is ideal.
Size and WeightThe size and weight of a survival multi-tool are important for portability and ease of use. Larger multi-tools may offer more features but can be cumbersome to carry. Smaller, lighter tools are easier to carry but may have fewer features. Consider how you will be carrying the tool—whether in a pocket, on a belt, or in a backpack—and choose a size and weight that you are comfortable with. If you need to carry it for long periods, a lighter tool may be more suitable.
Ease of UseEase of use refers to how easily you can access and operate the tools within the multi-tool. Tools that can be opened with one hand are particularly useful in survival situations where you may need to act quickly. Look for multi-tools with smooth mechanisms and ergonomic designs that fit comfortably in your hand. If possible, try out the tool before purchasing to ensure that you can easily access and use all the features.
Locking MechanismA locking mechanism is important for safety, as it prevents the tools from folding back unexpectedly while in use. There are various types of locking mechanisms, such as liner locks, frame locks, and button locks. Choose a multi-tool with a reliable locking mechanism that you find easy to operate. This is especially important for tools like knives and saws, where stability and safety are critical.
Brand ReputationThe reputation of the brand can be an indicator of the quality and reliability of the multi-tool. Established brands often have a history of producing durable and well-designed tools. Research customer reviews and expert opinions to get an idea of the brand's reputation. Choosing a multi-tool from a reputable brand can give you confidence in its performance and durability.

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