Reviews You Can Rely On

Comparing Multi-tool Knives

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Awards Editors' Choice Award Top Pick Award Editors' Choice Award Best Buy Award Top Pick Award 
Price $230 List$189.95 at Amazon
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$89.95 at REI
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$119.95 at REI
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$139.95 at REI
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Overall Score Sort Icon
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82
75
74
73
Star Rating
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Pros Impact surfaces, one-handed operation, swappable bits, fantastic knife blade steelTitanium handle, S30V steel blade, modular portability, full functionsCompact, light, multiple carry options, useful toolsComprehensive, well-made, aftermarket accessories and carry optionsVersatile and comprehensive outdoor tool kit
Cons Play in the hinges, too big for everyday carryHeavy, expensive, squashed-bit driverFew featuresProprietary bit driver, no pocket clip includedSpecialized components, independent parts can get lost
Bottom Line ARC is the multi-tool world's top dog. Combining premium materials and tool selection with the innovative FREE Tech system for one-handed use, the ARC is almost impossibly usefulThis exceptional product is equipped with almost every imaginable tool, organized and optimized for compact functionA multi-tool that optimizes ergonomics and portability by reducing the tool set to the most important ones for daily use and carryA full-function multi-tool from a great manufacturer at a very reasonable priceA purpose-built, specialized tool for outdoor adventure and wilderness survival, while also serving purpose around the house
Rating Categories Leatherman ARC Leatherman Charge+ TTi Leatherman Skeletoo... Leatherman Wave+ Leatherman Signal
Functions (40%)
9.0
9.0
5.0
8.0
7.0
Construction Quality (25%)
9.0
9.0
9.0
8.0
8.0
Ergonomics (20%)
9.0
7.0
10.0
7.0
7.0
Portability (15%)
6.0
6.0
8.0
5.0
7.0
Specs Leatherman ARC Leatherman Charge+ TTi Leatherman Skeletoo... Leatherman Wave+ Leatherman Signal
Number of Functions 20 + bits 19 + bits 5 + bits 18 + bits 17
Closed Dimensions (Measured) 4.3"L x 0.7"D 4.0"L x 0.8"D 4.3"L x 0.6"D 4.0"L x 0.7"D 4.5"L x 0.6"D
Weight 8.6 oz 8.8 oz 5.0 oz 8.5 oz
(9.5 oz w/ case)
7.6 oz
(8.7 oz w/ sheath)
Blades and Type 1 straight drop point 1 serrated gut hook type, 1 straight drop point 1 straight drop point 1 straight, 1 serrated 1 hybrid straight/serrated
Full Length w/ Primary Blade Open (Measured) 7" 7" 6.8" 6.9" 7.1"
Primary Blade Effective Edge Length (Measured) 2.5" 2.8" 2.6" 2.8" 2.6"
Pliers type Needlenose, standard with 2 replaceable wire cutters Needlenose with wire cutters, crimper Needlenose with 2 wire cutters Needlenose, regular, wire cutters, hard-wire cutters, crimper Needlenose, regular
Full Length w/ Pliers Open (Measured) 6.4" 6.2" 6.2" 6.3" 6.8"
Locking Tools? All but pliers All but pliers All but pliers All but pliers All but pliers
Scissors? Yes Yes No Yes No
Number of screwdrivers 4 1 integrated, many bits included, more available aftermarket for proprietary driver 4 included, more available aftermarket for proprietary driver 5 included/integrated, more available aftermarket for proprietary driver 2 included, more available aftermarket for proprietary driver and others available aftermarket for limited-function, standard 1/4 inch driver socket
File? Yes Yes, wood/metal & diamond-coated No Yes, wood/metal & diamond-coated No
Saw? Yes Metal and wood No Yes Wood
Openers Can, bottle Can, bottle Bottle Can, bottle Can, bottle
Tools Accessible Without Deploying Pliers? All Blades, saw, file Blade Blades, saw, file Primary blade, saw, sharpener
Other Important Features One-handed operation, extra included swappable bit drivers, replaceable wire cutters, impact surface Ruler, cutting hook, wire stripper None Ruler Knife sharpener, ferro spark striking rod, whistle, 1/4" socket
Sheath Included? Yes Yes No Yes Yes
Other Carry Options Pocket clip, sheath with extra bits Pocket clip, key ring Carabiner style clip, pocket clip Pocket Pocket, pocket clip, carabiner clip