The multi-tool is a true, man’s best friend. It’s something that never leaves your side and always knows how to help. So regardless of how you spend your time outdoors, the right multi-tool can help you navigate through most situations with confidence. But how do you know which survival multi-tool is the best for you? Well, I wrote this article to introduce the best survival multi-tool for your needs.
I’ve compiled a list of the top 6 best survival multi-tools options of 2023, along with their unique features and benefits. I also included a guide on essential features to consider when selecting the perfect survival multi-tool to match your needs.
Just as a little preface… the only two brands you find below are Victorinox and Leatherman. There’s a reason though.. Other “main brands” just don’t compete with the quality Victorinox and Leatherman’s multi-tools offer. However, each of these brands’ tools have different distinctions making them slightly equal as competitors.
So if you were to ask “Is Leatherman or Victorinox better?”
My answer: It depends. We’ll get into all of this nitty-gritty stuff below.
Top 5 Survival Multi-Tools of 2023
There’s no shortage of survival multi-tools on the market today, but none are created equal. To help you make an informed decision, I’ve narrowed down the top 6 survival multi-tools of 2023 that offer the perfect combination of functionality, durability, and versatility. These multi-tools have been tried and tested by true survivalists and have proven their worth in the toughest situations.
Each of these multi-tools, boasting distinct features and benefits, will be explored in depth in the subsequent sections. From the infamous and affordable Victorinox Huntsman to the specialized Leatherman Signal, there’s something for everyone in my top 6 list.
Now let’s find your perfect tool.
1. Victorinox Ranger Grip 78 (Or Hercules)
Best Multi Tool Overall
The Victorinox Ranger Grip 78 is a highly versatile and durable survival multi-tool that boasts a variety of features.
Known as one of the best Swiss army knives for true survivalists, the Ranger Grip 78 offers essential tools for survival situations, making it a reliable pocket knife.
The non-serrated knife blade in this multi-tool is particularly advantageous due to its versatility and precision. It is suitable for a wide range of cutting tasks, allowing for cleaner and more accurate cuts, and is easier to sharpen compared to serrated blades.
Having the Victorinox Ranger Grip 78 on hand ensures preparedness for any survival scenario.
Features:
- Ergonomic Handles with Non-slip Rubber
- One-handed-opening 3.9-inch Locking Blade
- Wood Saw
- Can Opener
- Small Screwdriver
- Cap Lifter
- Large Locking Screwdriver
- Wire Stripper
- Punch, Reamer
- Phillips Screwdriver
- Key Ring
- Toothpick
- Tweezers
Things To Note:
- No Pliers
Pricing:
$159.99
2. Victorinox Outrider
Best Compact Multi Tool
Compact and reliable, the Victorinox Outrider is an excellent option for everyday carry (EDC) due to its lightweight design. This multi-tool is designed with outdoor enthusiasts and survivalists in mind, boasting a wide range of features (listed below):
And more.
The non-serrated knife blade in the Outrider ensures versatility and precision, making it a reliable choice for various cutting activities in survival situations. Carrying the Victorinox Outrider provides a reliable ally to overcome any obstacle that arises.
Features:
- Locking Blade (Non-Serrated)with Liner Lock Mechanism
- 5 mm Lockable Screwdriver
- Bottle Opener
- Wire Stripper
- Wood Saw
- Can Opener
- 3 mm Screwdriver
- Reamer/Punch
- Corkscrew
- Long Phillips Screwdriver 0/1
- Scissors
- Tweezers
- Toothpick
- Key Ring
Things To Note:
- No Pliers
Pricing:
$159.99
3. Victorinox Huntsman
Best Budget Multi Tool
The Victorinox Huntsman is a popular multi-tool that offers a variety of practical tools, including:
Its wide range of features makes it an excellent choice for survival situations.
Like other Victorinox multi-tools, the Huntsman’s non-serrated knife blade provides versatility, precision, and ease of sharpening. The extensive assortment of tools assures readiness to confidently confront any survival situation.
Features:
- Large Blade
- Small Blade
- Corkscrew
- Can Opener
- Small Screwdriver (also for Phillips Screws)
- Bottle Opener
- Large Screwdriver
- Wire Stripper
- Reamer
- Key Ring
- Tweezers
- Toothpick
- Scissors
- Multipurpose Hook
- Wood Saw
Things To Note:
- Blade doesn’t have a locking mechanism
Weight:
3.4 oz
Pricing:
$57.00
4. Leatherman Surge
Best Leatherman Multi Tool
The Leatherman Surge is a heavy-duty multi-tool that offers a wide variety of leatherman tools, such as:
Renowned for its durability and versatility, the Surge features 21 tools in one.
The Leatherman Surge:
Provides a dependable and adaptable instrument
Ideal for managing an array of tasks in survival situations
Has a durable construction
Offers an extensive tool selection
Is a top choice for true survivalists
Features:
- Needlenose Pliers
- Regular Pliers
- Premium Replaceable Wire Cutters
- Premium Replaceable Hard-wire Cutters
- Stranded-wire Cutters
- Electrical Crimper
- Wire Stripper
- 420HC Knife
- 420HC Serrated Knife
- Saw
- Spring-action Scissors
- Awl w/ Thread Loop
- Ruler (8 in | 19 cm)
- Can Opener
- Bottle Opener
- Wood/Metal File
- Diamond-coated File
- Blade Exchanger
- Large Bit Driver
- Large Screwdriver
- Small Screwdriver
Things To Note:
- No Tweezers/Toothpick
Pricing:
$149.95
5. Leatherman Charge+ TTI
The Leatherman Charge++. TTI is a high-quality and versatile multi-tool that features a super steel knife blade, a titanium handle, and 19 tools, including a sharp hook for cutting straps. This multi-tool is known for its superior materials and construction, an impressive selection of features, an ergonomic design, and long-term durability.
The main knife blade of the Charge++. TTI is constructed from premium S30V steel, ensuring a strong and sharp edge. Equipping yourself with the Leatherman Charge++. TTI guarantees readiness for any survival situation.
Features:
- Needlenose Pliers
- Regular Pliers
- Premium Replaceable Wire Cutters
- Premium Replaceable Hard-wire Cutters
- Electrical Crimper
- Wire Stripper
- S30V Knife
- 420HC Serrated Knife
- Saw
- Spring-action Scissors
- Cutting Hook
- Ruler (8 in | 19 cm)
- Can Opener
- Bottle Opener
- Wood/Metal File
- Diamond-coated File
- Large Bit Driver
- Small Bit Driver
- Medium Screwdriver
Things To Note:
- No Tweezers/Toothpick
Pricing:
$189.95
6. Leatherman Signal
Most Unique Multi Tool
The Leatherman Signal is a unique multi-tool that is equipped with specialized survival features, such as:
While the primary blade of the Signal is serrated, its specialized survival features make it a valuable addition to any survivalist’s toolkit. The Leatherman Signal, a multi-tool explicitly engineered, aids in conquering outdoor challenges.
Features:
- Needlenose Pliers
- Regular Pliers
- Premium Replaceable Wire Cutters
- Premium Replaceable Hard-wire Cutters
- Wire Stripper
- 420HC Combo Knife
- Saw
- Hammer
- Awl w/ Thread Loop
- Can Opener
- Bottle Opener
- 1/4” Hex Bit Drive
- Bit Driver
- 11/4″ Box Wrench
- Carabiner
- 3/16″ Box Wrench
- Safety Whistle
- Ferrocerium Rod
- Diamond-coated Sharpener
Things To Note:
- No Tweezers/Toothpick
- Doesn’t Have A Non-Serrated Blade
- Ferrocerium Rod Is Quite Small
Pricing:
$159.99
Essential Features To Consider
When selecting the perfect survival multi-tool, it’s important to consider the essential features that will truly make a difference in a survival situation, ensuring you have a good multi tool and the best survival multi at your disposal, as well as a reliable survival tool.
Subsequent sections will shed light on the significance of features like a non-serrated knife blade, saw, toothpick and tweezers, and pliers in your multi-tool, as well as other tools that may be included.
1. Non Serrated Knife Blade
As discussed earlier, a non-serrated knife blade is essential in a survival multi-tool for various cutting tasks. Non-serrated blades offer several advantages, including:
Versatility
Precision
Ease of sharpening
Durability
Easy maintenance
They are suitable for a wide range of cutting tasks, allowing for cleaner and more accurate cuts with their straight edge, and are easier to sharpen compared to serrated blades.
In addition, non-serrated blades are more durable and less prone to chipping or breaking, making them a reliable choice for heavy use in survival situations. Choosing a multi-tool with a non-serrated knife blade offers access to a flexible and reliable cutting instrument.
2. Saw
A saw is another essential feature to consider in a survival multi-tool, as it can be utilized for cutting wood and other materials in emergency scenarios. Using a saw offers several advantages, including:
Versatility
Precision
Efficiency
Portability
Safety
A saw in your multi-tool promises swift and efficient cutting of various materials when required, making it a valuable asset in survival situations. Whether you need to construct a shelter or cut firewood, a saw in your survival multi-tool will prove to be incredibly useful.
3. Toothpick And Tweezers
Toothpicks and tweezers may seem like minor additions to a survival multi-tool, but they can be quite useful for personal hygiene and removing splinters. A toothpick can be utilized to clean between teeth, while a tweezer can be employed to remove food particles from teeth.
Moreover, tweezers can be used to remove splinters from the skin, which can be particularly helpful in survival situations where medical help may not be readily available. Incorporating a toothpick and tweezers in your multi-tool ensures readiness for these seemingly minor but critical tasks in survival situations.
4. Pliers
Pliers are an essential component of any survival multi-tool, as they can be used for:
Gripping and manipulating objects in a range of scenarios
Bending wires with the help of pliers and wire cutters
Tightening bolts
Holding small objects securely
They are particularly useful for these tasks.
Equipping your survival multi-tool with pliers guarantees the availability of the appropriate tool for diverse tasks at crucial moments. By choosing a multi-tool with pliers, you’ll be better prepared to tackle any challenge that comes your way in a survival situation.
Comparing Top Brands: Leatherman, Gerber, And Victorinox
As mentioned earlier, the top brands in survival multi-tools are Leatherman, Gerber, and Victorinox. Each of these brands has its own strengths and weaknesses in terms of quality, features, and durability. To help you make an informed decision, let’s compare these top brands.
Leatherman is known for its superior quality tools and a 25-year warranty as standard, making it a reliable choice for long-lasting multi-tools. Gerber, on the other hand, has gained recognition as the top EDC multitool brand, offering a good mix of features and capabilities. Victorinox, famous for its Swiss Army Knives, offers superior construction quality and is particularly renowned for the Evolution 18, the best EDC Swiss Army Knife.
Selecting a survival multi-tool requires thoughtful consideration of factors such as:
The brand’s reputation
Quality
Warranty
The specific features and tools each multi-tool offers
By comparing Leatherman, Gerber, and Victorinox, you can make an educated decision based on your personal preferences and survival needs.
Summary: Finding Your EDC Survival Tool
In conclusion, having a reliable survival multi-tool is essential for anyone who spends time outdoors or wants to be prepared for unexpected situations. The top 5 survival multi-tools of 2023, including the Victorinox Ranger Grip 78, Victorinox Outrider, Victorinox Huntsman, Leatherman Surge, and Leatherman Charge+. TTI, and Leatherman Signal, offer a wide range of features and benefits to cater to different needs and preferences.
When selecting a survival multi-tool, it’s vital to consider essential features such as a non-serrated knife blade, saw, toothpick and tweezers, and pliers. By examining the top brands, Leatherman, Gerber, and Victorinox, and their offerings, you can make an informed decision and choose the best survival multi-tool for you. Here’s to being prepared and ready to face any challenge that comes your way!
Frequently Asked Questions
A multi-tool is an essential tool for any survival situation, especially the ‘best of’ action multi-tool and other great carry (EDC) options such as the Wave, Skeletool and Swiss Army Knives.
These tools are designed to be lightweight and compact, making them easy to carry and use in any situation. They are also designed to be versatile, with a variety of tools that can be used for a variety of tasks. From cutting, sawing, and prying to screwing, unscrewing, and opening bottles.
The highest rated multi-tool is the Leatherman Free P4, available at Amazon. It features a full range of tools suitable for heavy-duty tasks and eliminates the need for carrying multiple tools.
It offers impressive design, variety, and durability.
Yes, the military does use leatherman tools. The Leatherman Military Utility Tool (MUT) and other multi-tools are specifically designed for military use in collaboration with personnel, featuring specialized tools for on and off-duty use.
The top 5 survival multi-tools of 2023 are the Victorinox Ranger Grip 78, Outrider, Huntsman, as well as Leatherman Surge, Charge+ TTI, and Signal.
Survival Resources
Suggested Reading:
Bushcraft by Mors Kochanski
Mors Kochanski has long been revered as an expert in the field of wilderness education. His comprehensive book is a bestseller that should be read by anyone with a passion for being outdoors. With step-by-step instructions and diagrams that are simple to follow, along with a color photo supplement, readers will learn the essential skills needed to survive and enjoy the wilderness. Topics include fire lighting and maintenance, chopping wood and felling trees, shelters, safe use of axes and bush knives, plants and animals necessary for survival, food and water collection, outdoor cooking, and wilderness first aid.
Other Resources:
SEEK: Seek is an app that works without service to identify plants from around the world. I personally use this app all the time and enjoy its accuracy of it. Plus, as I said, it works without any cell service which is huge.
Thanks for checking out my guide on finding the best survival multi tool!
Here are a few more related articles:
- Best Bushcraft Gear Of 2023: What Everyone Needs To Thrive
- What is Bushcraft? An Introduction To The Art Of Wilderness Survival
- Pathfinder Basic Survival Class Review
Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above are affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. If you have any questions about the companies or my status as an affiliate, please don’t hesitate to e-mail me.
Hey there! My name is Tanner and I specialize in outdoor survival, bushcraft, expeditions and adventure travel.