I think if your hands are big, get the surge.

SOG powerlock, I have broken leathermans in weeks and this is still going strong after a few months.
Its also very well made and engenered and is customizeable.

what features you want on your tool are up to you but i would suggest leatherman over any of the competition.

i have held them all in my hands and the leathermans just feel much more solid.i have given many leathermans hell with no problems whatsoever.leatherman pioneered the multi-tool industry and has the best warranty and customer service,not to mention the largest selection of tools.

they may cost more but are the busse of multi-tools while the other ones are the SOGs and gerbers of multi-tools literally.

my thoughts.

Rainwalker made me a belt pouch for my Surge that is a survival kit. I’ll admit, it’s nothing like a complete kit. But I’m way ahead of the game when I have it. And when I walk out the door, I have it on my belt. It carries: the Surge; one bit-kit with assorted screwdriver bits; 4” X ¼” fero rod; a matching piece of fatwood; T shank saw blades—wood, hacksaw, and masonry/anything; 1 Leatherman bit extension, 1/8” drill bit with a hex shank base, that fits the bit extension tool, and a LED AAA flashlight.

Are there other things I’d like in my ideal emergency kit? Sure. Would I rather have this than nothing? Bet your sweet bippy. The beauty of it is, I always have it. Plus a few other things that are EDC.

I've been using a Gerber 400 Compact Sport Multitool for years now, never had a problem. It's done everything I've ever asked it to do.

northern1, how do you figure 25 years is a better warranty than Lifetime <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/doh.gif" alt="" />

who's got a lifetime warranty.

Victorinox (Swisstool) Sog and Gerber.

so if Leatherman were to be compared to Busse, wouldn't/shouldn't they have a lifetime warranty?! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/banghead.gif" alt="" />

not necessarily.for one busse's warranty is extremely rare is any market and while busse has a TRUE lifetime warranty they really dont even need it.that is them going above and beyond for us,the customer.

the reason i compared leatherman to busse is because I FEEL it is a better made product,an innovator in its field like busse and its warranty and customer service reputation are the closest to mimicking busse's.

gerber doesnt have a lifetime warranty.they have what they call a
"LIMITED LIFETIME WARRANTY" which only applies to the original owner.

SOG's warranty is also for the original purchaser only and most importantly doesnt cover normal wear.

so these lifetime warranties might not even approach 25 years.

victorinox:

"guarantees to be of first class stainless steel and also guarantees a lifetime against any defects in material and workmanship.

leathermans:

this warranty does not cover abuse,alteration,unauthorized or unreasonable use of your leatherman tool.

so dont give it a tanto blade or use it for something outrageous and your covered for 25 years.

regardless of "fine print" victorinox and especially leatherman have a reputation for excellent customer service.they are known for quality and their warranty.i just like leatheman better.

while I'm not a big fan of Gerber, their customer service is quite excellent, I've heard of them sending "extra" stuff back on tools they've replaced or fixed which is pretty sweet.

in print, even "small print" is much better than nothing at all and while Leatherman is honoring older stuff now (over 25 yrs), will they honor it after a few more years? I have not heard/read of Sog or Gerber or Vic asking for receipts of original owners for returned products (yet!).

I like Leatherman, they do make many interesting designs, I like my LM MTs and wouldn't mind more but I don't like their prices, I'll wait for deals or second hand ones.

LM also uses plastic in some models, which to me won't last long, do any plastic tools last long? I personally wouldn't compare that to Busse, more like Benchmade or Spyderco.

and what's up with LM sheaths?! they are crap now or not adding one (Skeletool)
you would think with a name like "Leatherman" they would have the best ones! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/banghead.gif" alt="" />

I heard Swiss tools are really nice multi-tools. If they are anything like thier knives, I'm sure they are sweet tools.

i havnt experienced any bad LM sheaths.i have leather and nylon.again,thats just personal preferance.i use a small MALICE clip on the back of the nylon one and it fits perfect coincidentally.

i agree about the plastic.i'm all about strength and longevity.i wonder if they are trying to market to the ever more popular "light hiking" crowd.it does seem up their alley a bit.

when it comes to LM i stick with the good ole' fasion stuff like WAVE's.the funky,new age designed stuff isnt for me.

i personally like LM the best.i have always been sketchy on gerber anything.if they have good customer service thats great but i'd assume not have to use it.
the LMF is a good knife w/ good sheath.

some of SOG's stuff rubs me the wrong way.i admit they do have a really cool multi-tool and i like their more traditional,leather stacked handled,clean cut fixed blades but think some of their other stuff trys to hard to be
"uber tactical" and i really dont like the "FUSION" line...which is only guarenteed one year.

never been a big swiss guy either so i guess all thats left for me is LM.

they all do make good stuff.i'm just brand name picky and snobish,i admit,thats why i'm on the scrapyard forum right?these are just my personal opinions which i'm sure you really care about...lol