Essential multi-tool...

[OkobojiEagle]

For years I have carried a Victorinox Hiker (swiss army knife) every day all day.  I wouldn't consider not having it with me when I fish, but I've become more curious about carrying a multi-tool with me as well when enjoying my outdoor endeavors. For those of you that carry a multi-tool when fishing, what brand/model is it and do you actually use it often in a day of fishing?

 

I'm eyeing the Leatherman Wave and Sidekick.  I think the Sidekick would satisfy my needs EXCEPT I really like the diamond dusted file (hook sharpening) that is on the Wave!  Can anyone with experience tell me if the Wave file is available to purchase separately and could it be changed with the file on the Sidekick?  

 

I'm open to experienced comments about both the Wave and Sidekick as well as other favorite multi-tools you've owned/used.  Thanks

 

 

oe

[Darren.]

Interesting thread, OE. Look forward to results.

Always carried a Victorinox pocket knife with me
of one variety or another. Often thought of getting
a Leatherman or other multitool.

 

Won a cheap piece of junk one at a BPS raffle years
ago. I know a quality mt would be...much better  

[Yakalong]

I don't carry a multi tool but always have with me a pair of needle nose pliers and a pocket knife.

[Catt]

I don't even own one

 

I've carried a Old Timer Sharp Finger since 1974

 

If I need tools I have a small tool box dedicated to fishing.

[Crestliner2008]

I stopped using multi-tools a few years back. Mainly due to their lack of rust resistance. The one I bought (Cost me $75.00!) was suppose to be stainless, but it didn't hold up well after a full season of use. And it was too bulky and heavy.  Now I rely on my trusty Shrade folding knife (in sheath) on my belt on one hip and a pair of 6" needlenose pliers on the other. Haven't run into a situation where one or the other couldn't get me out of trouble.

 

The idea behind multi-tools is great. However, size constrictions and weight require them to be just a compromise at best, on the real tools they attempt to duplicate. They'll certainly do in a pinch, but the real tools are truly so much better. Just my opinion!

[TheRodFather]

I carry one almost all the time.  I use one at work because at any given time I could be very far from my toolbox and walking back to it for a pliars/flathead/phillips head/cutters is simply a huge time/energy waster.   A lot of my fishing is done on the way into, or on the way home from work, so it's on me.

 

I own quite a few leathermen including the Wave, and while it has a lot of nice features, I find that it can be a pain to carry because it requires a sheath, so there is more "prep" involved with taking it on and off and deploying.  You can pocket carry it but it is pretty big and bulky to be sitting in the pocket.

 

At this point I have settled on the "rev", it has the features I want and a pocket clip that makes it convenient to carry and deploy with one hand.  I have a wingman also, but don't have it in front of me right now, I believe the sidekick is a model that has a built in pocket clip.  

 

The fact that the knife of the tool is able to be deployed without opening up the tool is a nice feature as well.  As for hook sharpening, this pen sharpener came in a sharpening kit I had laying around and sits in my tackle back if I need to sharpen a hook.

 

http://www.acehardware.com/product/index.jsp?productId=34967246&KPID=18465522&cid=CAPLA:G:Shopping_-_Catch_All_-_New&pla=pla_18465522&k_clickid=bf5d819a-8314-413b-bc74-15ff08b931dc

 

One thing to note, Leatherman company or it's owner/s are rumored to be anti-gun, I haven't found much of any evidence that proves this one way or another, just something I have heard.  If that is an issue for you, People seem to like the Gerber multi tools, I personally do not. 

 

TRF

[mixel]

Carry one in my vehicle, but never while I'm fishing. I carry a very small and very light knife when I'm fishing. It's all I need.

 

And the cost of some of the better ones have gotten to ridiculous levels, especially considering when I usually only find use for 2 or 3 tools within the entire set.

[Tim Kelly]

I always have my leatherman wave in my pocket. I'm a plumber and it's constantly being used at work and while fishing. The diamond file is great for hook sharpening, the blades and scissors are always useful and the pliers do a good job unhooking fish. Invaluable.

[Maxximus Redneckus]

I carry  a pocket knife and. schrade tough tool it has needle nose vicegrips love it 

[tholmes]

 

Gerber multi-tool. Can't remember the model number, but it looks just like this. I've been carrying it ever since my wife gave it to me over 15 years ago. I had to replace the belt sheath, but the tool is still going strong.

["hamma"]

I have several multi tools, but then yet I fish bass, trout, stripers, take the kids fishing etc, so I have many venues to need such.

 The ones I found valuable have pliers, scissors, a file, knife, and screwdrivers. If a multitool doesnt have at least the first four? I dont buy it.,... I do have a leatherman in my truck. But most of what I use for fishing I think are gerbers I got at lowes for around 20 bucks apiece

[Bankbeater]

Never carry one. I have a pocket knife in my pocket and pliers and wire cutters in the tackle bag.

[CTBassin860]

I have a Stanley multi tool in my bag at all times.I've used the saw to cut branches and pesky pickers out of my way more times than I can count.

[Jagg]

6 hours ago, tholmes said:

 

Gerber multi-tool. Can't remember the model number, but it looks just like this. I've been carrying it ever since my wife gave it to me over 15 years ago. I had to replace the belt sheath, but the tool is still going strong.

I have a Gerber Recoil that I carry with me everywhere and it has held up really nice. Bought it in 2003 and bought a couple back ups a couple years after. I take a Gerber 400 Fisherman and Gerber 600 Fisherman with me out on the water depending on what I'm fishing for. Love my Gerbers.

 

BTW: that looks like a MP 400 or scout 400.