I'm looking to buy a multitool and I don't know anything about them, so I thought I would solicit some advice here. I've looked at the Gerbers and leathermans but would love to hear about any others and what everyone's personal favorites are.

Thanks

Leatherman Wave or Surge. The Wave is going to handle 99% of what you need. If weight and size doesn't matter to you then I would go with the Surge. The Surge is a much bigger tool. I've heard people complain about the Surge being too big for their hands. The Surge's size is an advantage and a disadvantage. The biggest plus of the Surge is the "T-Shank" saw and file blade. The Surge will allow you to use any "T-Shank" blade with the tool.

http://www.boschtools.com/Products/Accessories/Pages/BoschProductCategory.aspx?catid=138

a little more info Arkie; like -how will you probably carry it? pocket, pouch/sheath, clip, or not on you?
-would you like a "tank" or something smaller?
-what will be your main uses for it? like more plier based or other tool? some have scissors, some don't, some have files some don't etc.
-is warranty important? Leatherman is 25 yrs, Swisstool is lifetime.

like any tool, you personally have certain needs and wants and a multitool can fit those needs, some more than others.

Different people have different needs so like WD said, more info would probably help.

For myself, if I was asked to list the top 3, they'd be: the Leatherman Surge, the Swisstool, and the Leatherman Wave. Not necessarily in that order depending on your personal needs.

My personal EDC is the Surge, along with 3 or 4 different kinds of saw blades and several different types of screwdriver bits. I will admit that most of the time I could get by with much less, but it's good to know I've got all that stuff if I need it. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

this is perfect timeing because I JUST GOT my leatherman surge, and it's my first multitool.
I am very impressed with it.
it's sturdy and has so many versatile options!
also I was suprised the knife looked so good.
it's kind of roughly finished, but it is shaving sharp and a decent thickness and grind and stuff.
I think it would be a little big for edc, but I normally just edc a small knife so...
<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />
I've held a swisstool and it seems sturdy, although I held it a few days ago, so I don't remember it feeling much more sturdy than the surge.
and I think a 25 year warranty is good enough for me.
<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

but anyways, specifics will def. help. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

SOG!
They have some really nice multi tools.

lol 25 years IS a "lifetime" to teenagers!

<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />
lol
indeed!

It's kinda sad to be on the other end though... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

I have a few Leatherman's that I bought new, and they're no longer under warrantee! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/sad.gif" alt="" />

They're still going strong though! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I'm not really sure that is a problem Jeff. I sent a older Leatherman off for a friend to get the main blade replaced. He used it for a prybar (wrong tool for the job, he should have been using a DMCG <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />). I sent the tool to Leatherman with a note, "Please replace broked blade." Leatherman sent the tool back repaired and no questions ask.

I had a Leatherman and was really dissapointed in the quality, my possy drive screwdriver started to round off the first time I used it and then the locking mechanism broke the first time I used the can opener !!!
I know some swear by them but my experience just soured me a little so I bought a Swiss tool Spirit and love it, feels really comfy to hold and use, quality is great, I would not change it !

I would agree with Pitman, the Victorinox Spirit IMO is the best multitool I have.
For quality, for the feel, for the tools and how smooth they are and for their warranty.
I personally consider it the "Busse" of MTs.

Leatherman is really good also, so many models and tons of folks luv em.

SOG is very good, you can easily switch out the tools for ones that fit your needs and they have geared pliers, strongest of them all.

Gerber...is hit or miss with them, I've read more complaints/problems with them
than any of the big boys but their customer service is excellent and they have some fun designs.