Best Survival Multi-Tool

Best Multitool for Survival, Emergency, Camping, Outdoors, Work

We admittedly had a hard time writing this article without aggressive bias. We have used Leatherman multi-tools since we were kids and they've NEVER failed us. The blades hold their edge, they're sturdy and they're super useful.

I personally got my first Leatherman Wave shortly after they came out in the late 90's. I've tried a dozen or more different multi-tools from multiple companies and the Wave holds its ground every time. I still use the same Wave multitool while the other multitools and blades sit in drawers or truck compartments. 

With that in mind, we wanted to take a fresh look at the modern all purpose tool options and see if we could unseat the Wave as the go-to survival multitool. For survival, we have found the best option.

The Top Survival Multi-Tools

After pulling out our numerous multi-tools and purchasing a few others we didn't yet own, we came to a solid conclusion. For common emergencies and survival situations a few tools stand out at the top. 

Best Survival Multi-Tool

Heavy Duty Survival Multitool

Heavy-duty multitool for emergencies, survival and the outdoors

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Best Light-Duty Multi-Tool

Leatherman Wave Multitool

Popular, reliable light-duty survival multi-tool

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Best Swiss Army Knife

Field Master Swiss Army Knife

Best Swiss Army Knife for emergencies and EDC - light weight folding multi-tool that covers everything

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Best Compact Multi-Tool

Leatherman Skeletool Multitool

Compact EDC survival multitool for emergencies and the outdoors

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Survival Multi-Tools

Cutting tools have been around since the cavemen. The first recorded multi-tool was invented by a Roman around 200-300 AD. It was a bit awkward to handle. Fortunately, modern multi-tools are much more portable and handy. 

I've been involved with the Boy Scout program for decades. I've been on hundreds of campouts and other adventures. I've likely used my multi-tool at most of them. What I've found over the years is there are really two tools you use most of the time. A few other tools are used on occasion. The remaining tools are almost never used. A lot of the tool usage has to do with the type of adventure or work you're doing. However, for most people, a compact multi-tool with a few key tools is all you'll need.

The real trick is to justify the utility of the tools compared to the increase on bulk and weight. While each tool by itself isn't particularly bulky or heavy, adding a bunch of them together along with the structure to support them can add a lot of weight to your pocket, belt or pack. 

Two Most Commonly Used Multi-tool Tools

You can likely cover 80% of tool needs with 2 tools. You can get away with carrying a Leatherman Skeletool for most occasions. I've carried (EDC) the Leatherman Freestyle (now discontinued) for years and almost never find myself wishing I had more. The tool-to-weight/bulk ratio is perfect. The 2 most used tools are:

1. Knife Blade - Whether you're cutting cord, prepping fire fuel, opening food packages, cleaning fish, etc. a knife blade gets used A LOT. If given the choice between straight and serrated blades I choose straight every time. A straight edge is so much easier to sharpen and sturdy under aggressive usage.
2. Pliers - I see pliers as stronger fingers. Crimp hardware, grab on to and pull on things, untie synched up knots, clip zip ties, etc. with either the needle nose or the normal pliers.

Occasionally Used Multi-tool Tools

When you do need more, these are the common tools you'll need. 

1. Wire Cutter - You may cut ties, twine, paracord, wire and other connectors with wire cutters. It's surprising how often you need them.
2. Driver Bits - Tightening screws when you don't have a dedicated screw driver around is easily accomplished with a multi-tool driver.
3. Scissors - It's surprising how often I've used scissors to cut paper or open packages. It's not frequent in the outdoors but in vehicles or garage settings it can be common.
4. Saw Blade - When I was young I was excited to use the saw blade on my tool. However, as handy as it seems, it's not very common that you need to cut a branch 2 inches around or less. It just doesn't get used much. But it's one of the coolest tools.
5. File Blade - On occasion you need to file down burrs or other wood or metal edges. Some people use the files for their fingernails. 
6. Can Opener - We've opened a can of chili or soup on numerous campouts. Well-designed openers make can opening very efficient.
7. Bottle Opener - Very few bottles these days require an opener, especially in outdoor or survival settings. However, I've used mine for holiday bubbly. 
8. Ruler - In hundreds of outings and trips I've only used the ruler for measuring fish and a few other items. Most of the time if you're serious enough about measuring something you have a tape with you.
9. Awl - An awl or punch is usually used to puncture something or bore a hole. It can be handy in a pinch as long as it locks when used.

Rarely Used Multi-tool Tools

1. Magnifying Glass - I've only ever burned ants with a magnifying glass. They can be used to start fire assuming it's not dark or overcast.
2. Fish Scaler - I've never used or needed a fish scaler. We just cook the fish with the skin on and then remove the skin when we eat them. In a survival situation you might eat the skin as well but in my opinion it's not worth the weight.
3. Others - Swiss Army Knives and some multi-tool makers add tools you'll likely never use in a real scenario. As an example, I really wanted to like the Survival multi-tool Leatherman put out called the Signal. However, when I think about surviving using the tiny ferro rod or hammer end it seems very impractical. I think there is a survival tool that could be made for the outdoors but it'd have to be a bit more practical. Hard to outdo the Wave.

The goal is to acquire a multi-tool you'll use frequently without packing around extra bulk and weight. No need to have a tool you'll leave at home because it's too cumbersome. A good multi-tool is the one you'll carry and use.

 Emergency and Survival Uses for Multi-Tools

There are endless uses for multi-tools in an emergency. I was on the trail (hiking, biking, fishing, ATVing) on 200 outings in 2020 - I used my multi-tool many dozens of times. I only used certain tools and used them a lot. Here are some common situations to be prepared for:

• cord cutting
• fire fuel prep
• food cutting and prep
• device adjustment
• wire cutting
• stronger fingers (pliers)
• crimping
• measuring
• sawing
• package opening
• can opening
• filing
• screw driving (slotted and phillips)

Based on this list of common survival uses we likely need one multi-tool. We'll highlight two tools we think work best: one is an EDC tool and the other is best for go-bags or belt carry. The features and tools should include:

• durable
• light weight
• proven
• knife blade
• pliers
• wire cutters
• saw
• file
• can opener
• bottle opener
• large and small driver bits (phillips and slotted)
• scissors

There are multi-tools with dozens of tools. In emergency situations you'll never use most of them. For example: how often have you ever seen a fish scaler used? How about a leather awl? Even the ferro rod on the new Leatherman survival tool will likely never get used. For 80% of emergency situations a certain set of tools will get the job done. For the other 20% of the time, the tools you need can't fit on a knife (i.e. car jack). 

A lot of today's new tools are gimmicky or just add weight to the tool. Make sure you get a multi-tool you will use.

The ACTION Multi-Tool is the Best Survival Multi-Tool for Emergencies

While the Leatherman Wave has a proven track record for more than 2 decades and internet research indicates that a huge number of outdoorsmen, survivalists, and preppers we found a new multi-tool we prefer for survival. Don't get us wrong, we still love our Wave. However, the ACTION is better suited for survival activities.

Action Multi-Tool Functions

01. Needle Noes Pliers (Reinforced)
02. Standard Pliers (Spring loaded)
03. Wire Cutters (Replaceable)
04. Hard Wire Cutters (Replaceable)
05. Electrical Crimper
06. 420 Knife Blade (Deep profile)
07. First Aid Scissors
08. Wood Saw
09. Cord Cutter (For paracord, twine, rope)
10. Can Opener (Sharp edge)
11. Bottle Opener
12. Wood/Metal File
13. Awl/Hole Punch (Sharp edge)
14. Slotted Screwdriver (3mm)
15. Slotted Screwdriver (5mm)
16. Slotted Screwdriver (6mm)
17. Phillips Screwdriver (Bit extension)
18. Accessory Bits (11 bits)

So, Why the ACTION Multi-Tool?

Remember our usefulness-to-bulk/weight ratio we discussed above? The ACTION has just the right toolset and yet it's also the right size for regular carry. For non-work use, it's too heavy for every day carry for most of us. However, it's perfect for outdoor activities and survival situations.

My rancher father-in-law and his son carry multi-tools on the ranch daily. They've switched to this workhorse as their go-to multi-tool.

What We Like

We love the following qualities:

• Toolset - the selection of tools is just right for most applications and you don't feel like you're carrying tools you'll never use.
  • The main knife is wedge shaped for wood processing and heavy duty use
  • The scissors and designed for first aid applications with the blunted tip intended for use against skin
  • The cord cutter is ideal for paracord and other line
  • The bit drivers allow use for many applications
• Sturdy structure - The structure is super sturdy and can handle all sorts of heavy duty abuse.
• Blade accessibility - The 4 most commonly used blades can be deployed without opening the pliers. With the flick of a finger you can be using the blade of choice.
• Blade lock release - The blades lock out rigid for safe usage. However, they collapse when needed with a simple push of the lock safety.
• Needlenose pliers - The size and angle of the needlenose pliers is perfect for most applications. I use the tool on zip ties, fishing, knot untying, etc.

ACTION Survival Multi-Tool vs Other Tools in Normal Applications

Over the years both of my Leatherman tools have become extensions of my hands. Sometimes I'll realize I've been using the tool without consciously taking it out of my pocket. The ACTION Survival Multi-tool is the same.

In preparation for this article I chose to swap out my Leatherman with other tools. I tried products from Gerber, SOG, generic Amazon brands, etc. I found I started using the ACTION more than even my Leatherman. However, I gave each two weeks and multiple outings. Here's what I found:

• Some had too much flex in their body. They didn't feel sturdy, especially when using the pliers.
• Some didn't have access to the blades without opening the pliers up.
• Some had tools that were superfluous and never used.
• I broke the blade on one in a normal firewood prep application. That one really perplexed me. I've broken a Leatherman blade once in 20+ years and I was really abusing the tool.
• Some of the tools were heavy.

I love my Leatherman Wave and will always have one. However, I've found I use my ACTION more frequently and have an additional one for my bug out bag.

Caveats and Warnings

• Multi-tools are made of metal. Metal can break. Using blades inappropriately (i.e. using them as levers) can result in injury.
• You can't take most multi-tools on the airplane.
• Honor the blood circle. If you're using a knife, no one should approach you within the diameter of your outstretched arm.
• Alwasy cut away from yourself.

Leatherman Wave Is the Best Light-Duty Use Multi-Tool

We've loved our Leatherman Wave Multi-Tools since their debut. They're sturdy and functional. I've personally used mine hundreds of times over the years in day-to-day EDC applications as well as a number of emergency situations.

What we Love

The Leatherman Wave is the go-to multi-tool for millions of the prepared. Here's why:

Functions - The functions of the Leatherman Wave seem to fit so many situations. From cutting cord, preparing firewood, opening packages, clipping wire, tightening screws, and so much more, the Wave tackles so many challenges.

It includes:

01 Needlenose Pliers
02 Regular Pliers
03 Premium Replaceable Wire Cutters
04 Premium Replaceable Hard-wire Cutters
05 Electrical Crimper
06 Wire Stripper
07 420HC Knife
08 420HC Serrated Knife
09 Saw
10 Spring-action Scissors
11 Ruler (8 in | 19 cm)
12 Can Opener
13 Bottle Opener
14 Wood/Metal File
15 Diamond-coated File
16 Large Bit Driver
17 Small Bit Driver
18 Medium Screwdriver

Durability - When used as intended, the Wave holds up very well. None of the implements are intended as levers but they do have specific functions. The tool can handle anything short of 'heavy duty' applications.

Size/Weight - The size is perfect for the common hand size and fits into a pocket if needed. It's also light enough to carry on a daily basis.

We love our Leatherman Wave and would recommend it for emergencies and survival, including go-bags and emergency kits.

ACTION Multi-Tool is the best Survival Multi-Tool

There are a ton of great options for survival multi-tools for emergency situations. Many would be perfect carry (EDC) options. However, when you think 'best-of' the ACTION is the best multi-tool for emergencies.

Having said that, also consider the Wave, Skeletool and Swiss Army Knives for Every Day Carry tools. 

Heavy Duty Survival Multitool

Heavy-duty multitool for emergencies, survival and the outdoors

Buy On Amazon

Leatherman Wave Multitool

Popular, reliable light-duty survival multi-tool

Buy on Amazon

Leatherman Skeletool Multitool

Compact EDC survival multitool for emergencies and the outdoors

Buy on Amazon

Field Master Swiss Army Knife

Best Swiss Army Knife for emergencies and EDC - light weight folding multi-tool that covers everything

Buy on Amazon