I can’t agree with this question more, also why does the jet setter not have the nail file and flathead? I can’t abide it when people say the mini champ is better than the manager either cos it’s just full of junk you don’t need, I mean why have a package opening tool or orange peeler when you have a knife?
Leatherman's Style PS is probably the best option for a realistic EDC (most people don't need to carry a wood saw and metal file in their pockets all the time) multitool, when paired with a realistic EDC Swiss Army Knife. It being discontinued is a mind boggling decision from Leatherman. Resellers are asking $80+ for them on ebay.
They think you will buy multiple products if there's no one product that would be enough for you. Lazy as hell solution (and a disgusting one) as opposed to keeping the best products (Manager, or one of the FEW European legal carry Leathermans the Style PS) and improving on them even further. They're lazy and greedy.
A lot of the discontinued tools (like the juice and the squirt) end up coming back on warranty because they’re too lightweight and people use them too hard.
@@DavySilverwind The micra doesn’t break though, and all the rest of them do. Leatherman was replacing all the broken styles and decided it wasn’t in their best interest to manufacture something that loses them money.
Thanks Dominic. This video has been brewing for 6-7 months so it was interesting to distill it down so other people wouldn't need to research (and buy) everything I had to. Took me forever to sort out all the Vic options but it was a fun journey.
100% agree. I carry real toothpicks so swapping the pen for the toothpick is totally worth it. I’ve been looking to buy another and I can’t even find them on eBay. It’s all Midnite Managers. Feel like I got lucky to get a new one a few months back.
My dad got me a clear red manager when I was probably 10 and I still carry it every day about 15 years later. It’s an awesome complement to a larger knife and a flashlight! Glad to see someone else agrees!!
The Rambler has been my most-carried knife for years. I rotate other, larger knives just for fun. But the Rambler is always there because I can't stand being without "tools". Plus, you can't beat the small scissors! 🙂
I carried a SD Classic on my keychain every single day for about 33 years until the scales finally broke all to pieces a few days ago. I now have the Rambler. May it last just as long! If it does, that means I will have made it to 100!
Great video! I’ve had and used the Victorinox Mini Champ for so long that I only paid $20 for it. I think it’s worth the current asking price of $50 - $60. Best all around knife I’ve ever owned.
Nice informative video. I carried the mini champ for 60 days and wrote down the implements I used. All in all it lead me back to the rambler unless I am travelling by car or hiking then the midnight manager comes in handy with the red light and pen. Either way they still typically are my backup or quick use multi-tools.
I've had a Dime on my keys for the last year and have had plenty of opportunities to make use of its various tools. I think what's important to remember with a tool this size is that it will have limitations and am very aware when using the pliers that I could probably break them by squeezing the grips too hard, that the blade isn't the sharpest (though it's definitely better after sharpening) and some of the other tools are compromises, but if it's all that you're carrying, you can do a lot more than with nothing, and it frequently saves me from having to go and grab a bigger tool from the car/ bike/ garage/ drawer which is why I purchased it.
Please keep making multitool videos. You have inspired my EDC and make great practical and engaging videos. Maybe a video about the best multitool leatherman has every made? Idk but any video you make with a multitiool is a great video!
The Gerber ArmBar series probably deserve a mention here. Not a fan of the scissors, but it's one of the better portable bit drivers out there. With that said, my own small Victorinox is the 65mm Nail Clip 580. It's a great tool if nail care is high on your EDC priorities.
What an excellent video for someone wanting to get their first EDC that takes up minimal space! I love the idea of the Rambler, and then I saw that metal Alox version and I love that! Your custom version with the bigger knife is also really cool! 😎👍
I've carried a Leatherman PS4 for years but I am now on my last one so this video was great helping me sort out options for my next multi tool. Thanks!
EvoWood 10 got horrifyingly expensive now... It was like $35-40 when I bought it years ago. Now it's freaking $64. The shrink wrap sheath is a super good idea! I appreciate you.
I've collected many mini tools and multi tools over the past couple years and keep coming back to the victorinox manager/rambler as my minimal carry and the swiss champ/cybertool as my 5th pocket carry. It's amazing that after all these years those designs have stood the test of time. Still won't prevent me from trying out all the new ideas though!
My hands down replacement for the squirt series is the Olight Otacle P1 and P1S for $25USD. Base model is plier main tool w/ small fold out scissors, but i prefer the P1S w/ scissor main tool and a fold out file.
I’ve been carrying a Leatherman Micra on my keys for the past 3 years and I’ve never had a problem with the scissors. They cut perfectly fine. And if they end up going dull, sharpen them. It’s not hard to do.
I ‘discovered’ the rambler some years back and have had one on my keychain ever since. I highly recommend it for anyone, sure, it’s small, but if you work in an office environment, as I do, it’s size makes it non-threatening, as opposed to almost any other size knife… I mean, I’ve had pull look at me askance and ask why I need a knife, when I’ve carried a 91 mm Victorinox, but with the 58 mm size, that knife no one even balks at when I need to pull it out! It’s other tools are all usable and helpful! Of course if you need a larger blade, then get yourself a dedicated larger blade, like a full size Griptilian or whatever with a deep carry clip, but keep that in your pocket in the office and add the rambler to your keychain so you don’t freak out your coworkers… the rambler is so small and light you’ll never notice it in your pocket, but it’s always there,for a non-threatening option.
Watching this video it was like you were reading my mind, the Rambler has become my go-to little gift for those who don’t EDC, but I always wish it could have been the Manager, which I have carried for years. It would be very nice if Victorinox would offer some of the Classic SD scales on the Rambler as well, as the ladies seem to prefer something more visually interesting than the basic red.
Wow, amazing video!! Very helpful and insightful. I would highly recommend looking at the Nextool Mini Sailer it is a compact keychain-size multitool only slightly larger than the Leatherman Squirt PS4. It has pliers, a knife blade, scissors, a flat head, a two-dimensional Phillips, a SIM card ejection tool, a can opener, and a bottle opener. It has replaced my Leatherman Squirt on my keychain. Also, they have a knifeless version that they claim is TSA-approved. Would highly recommend checking them out!
The Rambler is my go to dad/office tool. The Philips is great for battery cases, the nail file is very handy for a chipped nail, the blade works well for opening packages, and the scissors work just fine for cutting tags, tweezers have pulled a few splinters, the toothpick is great for clearing out a USB-C port, and the bottle opener works in a pinch, plus it's small and light in the pocket and does just fine for when I'm not carrying my Leatherman signal. Side note: when I'm flying I switch to my Kershaw PT-2
I have had many multitools and knives in the past and for everyday carry I had a Gerber Vise on my keys for a couple of years, but the knife wasn't the best and the keychain hook broke. So I looked elsewhere for a replacement. I have just got the Leatherman Bond and whilst it is bigger and doesn't have scissors, I find myself using it multiple times a day. I am very happy with all the tools and the build quality is very good. Also being a UK citizen this is classed as legal carry. I would highly recommend it.
This is a fine review of several small multi tools. So many of them have a bottle opener. I’ve carried a pocket knife for more than 60 years and never once used a bottle opener. Thanks for sharing your review…from east Tennessee.
NexTool Mini Sailor is also honorable mention. It is designed to be replacement of Leatherman Squirt. Also it is much better quality than Mini Flagship. The only downside is that it lacks a nail file. They now have a TSA friendly variant that is even lighter and also has glow in dark bead.
I carried a Rambler for years. Felt like a change so swapped it out for a Squirt PS4. Must admit I prefer the squirt, the little pliers are so handy and serve most of the purposes I used the tweezers for and more, imo the squirt blade is better but the Victorinox scissors are best. It’s absolutely mental that leatherman discontinued it, I’ll likely go back to the Rambler if it ever gets lost/broken.
The midnight manager adds pen and torch to the basic Rambler but then looses a holder for toothpick and tweeters. The part solution is to make a case out of leather or cork leather with three layers. Two layers are used to trap the scale tools - tweeter and toothpick - and a pin. This is also useful for the Alox versions. The upgrade to the class SD is the 74 mm Executive and Ambassador. The Ambassador has the same nail file as the 58 mm Classic where as the Executive has a different design that is also longer but not as good as the file found on the 91 mm range. The Executive also has the orange peeler knife with the flat blade screw driver tip. Unfortunately it has been discontinued. The first 91 mm SAK to improve on the Classic SD tool set is the Mountaineer, followed by Ranger then Champ. The compact has an inferior file.
Team Rambler reporting. Magnetic, in-line Philips is most useful and sturdy construction of this SAK allows it to punch far above its weight. It is a great addition to any EDC set.
Great video! I really appreciate your approach to edc and have actually implemented a lot of your ideas into my own small tool kits in the last year. I carry a victorinox Manager as the consistent base of my everyday carry. I have them in Brass, Copper, Titanium, carbon fiber and a variety of other colors and match them up with a keychain flashlight and folding knife in matching materials/colors (because why not? haha) When I want to be as minimalist as possible I carry a rovyvon a4 titanium and one of the managers and it’s really all I actually need if I’m being honest. It’s such a shame that they’ve been discontinued.
Where is the Nextool mini sailor? There are two versions, pliers and scissors. Now there is even a version with mini pliers. I added a file from the scissors-based version to the pliers-based version and use it that way. It meets 90% of my daily needs.
Personally I carry the Nextool NE20237 (Scissor based) when I'm not working and I think it would have fit your list perfectly especially with the slip joint blade being legal to carry around more European countries and it features a small set of pliers which can come in handy and I paid less than 20GBP which would be somewhere up to 30USD roughly
ive been using the nextool mini flagship for years now. keep it in my wallet. having those amazing scissors and a knife the perfect size for a package opener has come in handy more times than i can count. a very useful little tool. that said, its not made of the greatest materials and is getting some pretty noticeable signs of wear and tear, including the scissors sticking. i will probably buy a new one when i move countries later this year.
Just stumbled upon this video and channel - perfect amount of detail and yet to the point. Clean editing and audio. Subscribed (and now on the hunt for a Rambler)
I think the video undervalued the practicality and adaptability of the keychain multi-tools, such as the Gerber Dime, which have proven to be effective for outdoor enthusiasts tackling demanding trails like the Appalachian Trail. These compact multi-tools are praised for their lightweight design and useful functionalities, including pliers, a knife, scissors, and various drivers. Product quality can vary due to factors like manufacturing processes and cost management strategies, which can affect sharpness and finish. While some brands may produce less consistent quality in order to lower costs, many users report positive experiences with these tools and can easily sharpen them as needed. Instead of generalizing negatively just about your limited use with the tools, it's more constructive to assess each product based on user feedback and performance. This approach offers a more nuanced understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of these tools in outdoor scenarios. Personally if I worked for any of these companies I would flag for removal.
@@todd.parker Mr. straw man, I never said that we shouldn't criticize poorly made products or those that don't perform well. Instead, my point was about the importance of a nuanced evaluation based on broader user experiences. Generalizing negatively based on limited use can overlook the practical advantages that many users find in multi-tools like the Gerber Dime. Criticism is important, but it should be constructive and informed by comprehensive feedback rather than just personal experiences. Please discuss the strengths and weaknesses of these tools more thoroughly without resorting to such childishness. Thank you.
FYI the combo tool on the bantam does work as a philips. You have to hold it at an awkward angle because it's the corner of the tool, but as long as you do your part to hold it right it does grip in philips quite well. Similar for the flathead/file on the classic/rambler. It's formed to work as a philips. So if you're just running the classic grinding it down like you did kills that function. BUT with the rambler what you did makes perfect sense considering it has a dedicated philips anyway.
Yeah, I showed how you can make it work by angling it but it's not great. Better than nothing tho. As you said, the 58mm screwdriver is sort of a compromise to kinda be a flat head and kinda work on philips which makes sense on the SD but the Rambler has a proper philips so might as well make the screwdriver a good flat head.
Great video, Todd! Love that custom alox Rambler! I carried a Manager on my keys for years. I tried a MiniChamp for awhile, but did not like it. It's set up totally differently than the Manager/Rambler, and the tools were confusing to find. But I really liked the orange peeler and emergency blade. Fortunately, Victorinox once made a Rambler with those two extra tools. It's called a Vagabond and set up very logically like the Manager/Rambler. I bought a couple of Vagabonds on Ebay and added the retractable pen. I call my modification the VcGyver LOL. I also really like the Swiss Card Lite and Swiss Card NailCare. I replaced the blade on my SC Lite with a metal file from Optics Planet for $2, so both cards are bladeless and good for travel. With the mag glass, quattro screwdriver, nail file, scissors, pen, pin, toothpick and tweezers, it frees me up to leave the VcGyver at home and just carry a normal folder if I want. Recently, I picked up a Nextool MiniSailor Lite which is also bladeless if I want to travel with a small multitool with pliers. It's not bad, although frankly I could just take the Knipex Cobra 100s, 711L Lollipop, Steinwhale bits and Klein 4" safety scissors and have a much better collection of bladeless tools all around.
@@todd.parker While I typically find it easiest and fastest to use the L handle for torque and spinning the Lollipop in my fingers when the screw is loosened, I wanted to add that both the tiny Gear Infusion EverRatchet and much larger Doohickey Ratchet work well with the Lollipop on tough screws. Slips over a bit extender before seating the extender in the Lollipop. Flip the EverRatchet or Doohickey Ratchet to go the other way...
@@todd.parker Circling back on this, great to see the Lollipop and mini pry bar featured in your latest Surge kit video! BTW - they say the market abhors a vaccuum. Keep your eyes peeled on 711L. In early November they will release an in line ratchet that will fit in your Leatherman Surge/Wave/Signal/Skeletool/Arc flat bit exchanger!
I been EDC a minichamp in my coin pocket with a Fenix E12. Normally have one additional fullsize took if I plan to be doing extra things. That tends to alternate between the Vic Climber or Leatherman Curl.
I agree, the Rambler is the best choice, but after years i decided to go with the mini champ, i usually carry a combo of a 91mm Vic and a 58mm Vic, one with alox scales and one with the scale tools....a black compact and alox mini champ is my favorite combo..... thanks for the video, i agreed with your conclusions....also, that alox rambler is beautiful, wanted one of those for years! Greetings from Maastricht
I think the Jetsetter is aimed at those, who know they’ll only ever need to open a cap bottle and maybe carefully snip open a letter. So visiting friends or an office worker* who’s not allowed to carry a knife in the office. The Manager is aimed at the person, who told *, they were not allowed to carry a knife in the office.
I have had the SOG Powerpint in my 5th pocket for the last couple years and use it multiple times a day. I really like it. Might not fit the criteria here, but definitely worth a look.
Interesting offerings in this class. As a carabiner requiring carrier, I want to see the Style PS come back. But as an owner who has sent mine back 4 times for warranty repair on the scissor spring , I hope they retire it with the intent to replace it with a much better scissor solution.
@@todd.parker Sounds about right. I have paid for more in shipping charges for the “25 year warranty” than I paid for the Style PS itself. All 4 times the spring broke while the scissors were not in use. I want to support the Leatherman company, but I can’t any longer. I have been recommending the Roxon brand to family, friends and co-workers. I have been eyeing the Roxon Flex platform for a while now. Thinking about selling by 30 year old Leatherman Super to pay for it.
Yep, that Phillips head on the Rambler is so sweet. Seems to fit so many Phillips screws and is magnetized too (I think). And Victorinox scissors of all sizes beat everyone else’s. I need something a little bigger so I’ve been carrying the Victorinox Cadet for years. So thin, light and pretty. 😊 The flathead tool works well as a box tape breaker over gumming up the knife blade. Safer too. Hoping against all odds that they’ll add scissors to these before I die.
Great, now I ordered a midnight manager (even considered the @work for a moment) even after already owning nearly every other tool you hav3 shown. The nextool mini is my GoTo tool if I’m out and about (the scissors are great), and the squirt is my bedside tool. But since i barely use the pliers i gladly trade them for a light and a pen. The question is: what do i do with the squirt? It might end up in multitool purgatory (ea my collection)…or maybe it’s my new car tool….anyways, „thanks“ for feeding my addiction 😁😉
I have a Micra and a Style PS, and the Style's tiny scissors are much better than the Micra's larger ones, which tells you how bad those Micra scissors really are. And the Style is hands down much better than the Micra in every other way. Crazy that Leatherman discontinued the Style, but kept the Micra.
I find the Tinker models more interesting and they aren't expensive when buying used, but they are heavier. They are larger which doesn't bother me but the weight I can start to feel, and for that weight I can carry a Leatherman Juice or even better a Skeletool.
$25 Gerber Vise pairs well with my LM Crunch(ALSO discontinued🤬) EDC. LM's Crunch is/was the best lockdown, vicegrip-based multitool I ever found, makes for a great crimper. The hexbit driver in the handle and a Gerber's little keychain makes crawling through rack rooms 1000x easier
Thanks for the video! Excellent and enjoyable as always. ONE THOUGHT: have you seen the Nextool Mini Sailor Lite version? Maxlvledc worked with them to design it as an alternative to Style PS, and better built TSA friendly alternative to the Dime. Its 2.4 oz so a bit heavier, but is a nice TSA friendly option, and affordable.
Hey Victorinox… Rambler in red Alox… License to print money… You’re welcome. Edit: didn’t watch the whole video. You actually say the same thing. Kudos 😅
Rambler has been my EDC. Love the useful functions without any excesses. But I still have my bigger tools like Charge and Champ in the car glove compartment or home.
Olight Otacle K1 is pretty close to an Alox Rambler. 73 x 22 x 8 (mm) and 1.55oz for $20 No toothpick or Phillips driver though! I'm also a fan of the Mini Sailor Scissors although its a touch too big for my keychain.
I actually managed to shear my victorinox scissors at the base of one of the blades on my minichamp, must have been a manufacturing defect it had since I bought it judging by the colour of the material after it snapped. I'd had it for probably 10 years at that point, but their lifetime warranty was great! Within 24 hours I had a postage label and it was back to me within a week. Hope I don't have to test their lifetime warranty again, but I know they'll honour it even if I do. I've had that knife on my keychain for the past 6 years or so, and probably will for the foreseeable future. I have bigger ones, but I have to remember to take them with me - which means I usually don't. At least this one I'll always have when I need.
Great review, I have Nextool mini Sailor, Vic classics and Vic Midnight manager and they are greats. But I want Vic Manager which is the best option for me, but u r right 40$ is toooo much for this. Lest demand to rise it again :)
That thing is packed with utility. Vic has so many options, I didn't ever cover that one. 58mm models are fun because you can go over the top with features and it's still super tiny and light.
the best thing about the Victorinox Compact is the little diamond file on the back of the hook tool… I wish they’d all have that. the Rambler is nice, too… but they used to make something called the Vagabond, that had the extra cut & pick hook knife tool, and an additional blade. I also wish they’d bring back the 74mm SAKs… something with the Rambler’s toolset in the larger size would be nice 👌
I've had the Swiss Army knife with the pen and red LED that came with the Nextel Motorola i90c since 2002. The light still works somehow. I keep that on my car keys. I need to order a pen replacement and sharpen the blade a bit.
I totally agree about the Victorinox Classic SD - WHY is the knife, arguably the most used tool, on the same side as the keychain attachment!? It's infuriating and basically renders it useless as a keychain knife.
As someone who carries the micra on and off since the 90s I don't think you are supposed to close it when using the knife, file or big flat head. I think it's intended to be open on one side so you have a full length handle and can still be attached to your keys when using these tools. And I can tell you the scissors shouldn't do what yours were doing I know there was a bad batch or two somewhere in the 2010s, and this happens when you are rough on them, or they can do this over time and you need to retighten the rivet or replace it.
Yeah, I think my scissors are either dull or messed up but it’s hard to know. I just didn’t live the design as much as other options, the PS4 was so good, too bad it’s discontinued
Yeah, huge fan of the bigger, minimal Alox knives like the Pioneer X. I had a Bantam X (scissors) made by a modder and it's really nice, just a little smaller than yours.
I like the SAK nail clip 580. The nail clippers are excellent, scissors are excellent, has nail file, knife blade of the classic sd and you have the tweezers and tooth pick
Hi Todd! Amazing video; honestly one of the best ones I've seen on this subject!!! I really want to get one of those 3D printed trays for a micro screwdriver. Where can I buy one? I couldn't find the link to your Etsy page. Many thanks and greetings from The Netherlands :)
Had a very similar experience, and also ended up with the rambler! Countycomm makes some nice feeling scales that I got, and threw on. They sell in a honeycomb or topographical pattern titanium. Not quite as slick as the alox, though
The Rambler or Manager (adds a pen) is on my keychain. I keep that and a mini flashlight (A8) on a magnetic keyring I can easily pop off when I don't want them in my pocket, or to make them easier to use. The Jetsetter would be so much better if they just added a file onto the edge of the multi-tool. I just open the scissors to use them as a mini-blade when needed. The mini Champ is such a missed opportunity... just update it already Victorinox!!!
Years ago I wanted to skate by as light as possible on my EDC so I only carried a Victorinox Vagabond, a long discontinued 58 mm model, and it worked well until I had to build a display rack one day, and that little guy just wasn't up to the task. I'll give it a go again though and carry my midnite mini champ, but those tiny blades make me a bit apprehensive, that's for sure.
The Jetsetter really should be the rambler minus the knife, I think that would be most people's travel multitool if Victorinox would actually make it. I have a couple of leatherman squirts and victorinox ramblers stashed away. Glad I did too since the squirt is discontinued.
WHAT IS WITH ALL THIS DISCONTINUING OF THE BEST STUFF!!!
I can’t agree with this question more, also why does the jet setter not have the nail file and flathead? I can’t abide it when people say the mini champ is better than the manager either cos it’s just full of junk you don’t need, I mean why have a package opening tool or orange peeler when you have a knife?
Leatherman's Style PS is probably the best option for a realistic EDC (most people don't need to carry a wood saw and metal file in their pockets all the time) multitool, when paired with a realistic EDC Swiss Army Knife. It being discontinued is a mind boggling decision from Leatherman. Resellers are asking $80+ for them on ebay.
They think you will buy multiple products if there's no one product that would be enough for you. Lazy as hell solution (and a disgusting one) as opposed to keeping the best products (Manager, or one of the FEW European legal carry Leathermans the Style PS) and improving on them even further. They're lazy and greedy.
A lot of the discontinued tools (like the juice and the squirt) end up coming back on warranty because they’re too lightweight and people use them too hard.
1000%
So crazy that leatherman discontinued all their best micro tools and kept the worst one.
Yeah, seriously. They are focusing on larger, super premium tools which is a shame
The P4 😥
@@DavySilverwind The micra doesn’t break though, and all the rest of them do. Leatherman was replacing all the broken styles and decided it wasn’t in their best interest to manufacture something that loses them money.
This video is sooo good. You have done a remarkable job explaining it perfectly.
Cheers,
Dominic
Thanks Dominic. This video has been brewing for 6-7 months so it was interesting to distill it down so other people wouldn't need to research (and buy) everything I had to. Took me forever to sort out all the Vic options but it was a fun journey.
@@todd.parker I'm super annoyed they discontinued the manager...easily their best model imo
100% agree. I carry real toothpicks so swapping the pen for the toothpick is totally worth it. I’ve been looking to buy another and I can’t even find them on eBay. It’s all Midnite Managers. Feel like I got lucky to get a new one a few months back.
My dad got me a clear red manager when I was probably 10 and I still carry it every day about 15 years later. It’s an awesome complement to a larger knife and a flashlight! Glad to see someone else agrees!!
I discovered the Rambler a while ago and now I don’t need anything else. It’s perfect and solves every problem you may have easily.
cant find rambler in my country, im not gonna buy it from amazon due to shipping costs :(
The Rambler has been my most-carried knife for years. I rotate other, larger knives just for fun. But the Rambler is always there because I can't stand being without "tools". Plus, you can't beat the small scissors! 🙂
The rambler is definitely the king of this category.
Your custom knife is very impressive!
I carried a SD Classic on my keychain every single day for about 33 years until the scales finally broke all to pieces a few days ago. I now have the Rambler. May it last just as long! If it does, that means I will have made it to 100!
You can get replacement scales. It’s got plenty of life left!
@shedlife1783 That is true! My kids gave me that knife. Definitely a keepsake! A keeper!
Aw man that victorinox with the spyderco blade is sick
Had my Leatherman Micra for almost 20 years now.
Great video! I’ve had and used the Victorinox Mini Champ for so long that I only paid $20 for it. I think it’s worth the current asking price of $50 - $60. Best all around knife I’ve ever owned.
Nice informative video. I carried the mini champ for 60 days and wrote down the implements I used. All in all it lead me back to the rambler unless I am travelling by car or hiking then the midnight manager comes in handy with the red light and pen. Either way they still typically are my backup or quick use multi-tools.
I've had a Dime on my keys for the last year and have had plenty of opportunities to make use of its various tools. I think what's important to remember with a tool this size is that it will have limitations and am very aware when using the pliers that I could probably break them by squeezing the grips too hard, that the blade isn't the sharpest (though it's definitely better after sharpening) and some of the other tools are compromises, but if it's all that you're carrying, you can do a lot more than with nothing, and it frequently saves me from having to go and grab a bigger tool from the car/ bike/ garage/ drawer which is why I purchased it.
Please keep making multitool videos. You have inspired my EDC and make great practical and engaging videos. Maybe a video about the best multitool leatherman has every made? Idk but any video you make with a multitiool is a great video!
The Gerber ArmBar series probably deserve a mention here. Not a fan of the scissors, but it's one of the better portable bit drivers out there.
With that said, my own small Victorinox is the 65mm Nail Clip 580. It's a great tool if nail care is high on your EDC priorities.
What an excellent video for someone wanting to get their first EDC that takes up minimal space! I love the idea of the Rambler, and then I saw that metal Alox version and I love that! Your custom version with the bigger knife is also really cool! 😎👍
I've carried a Leatherman PS4 for years but I am now on my last one so this video was great helping me sort out options for my next multi tool. Thanks!
EvoWood 10 got horrifyingly expensive now... It was like $35-40 when I bought it years ago. Now it's freaking $64.
The shrink wrap sheath is a super good idea! I appreciate you.
I've collected many mini tools and multi tools over the past couple years and keep coming back to the victorinox manager/rambler as my minimal carry and the swiss champ/cybertool as my 5th pocket carry.
It's amazing that after all these years those designs have stood the test of time.
Still won't prevent me from trying out all the new ideas though!
For me pliers is the most important part of a multi tool.
My hands down replacement for the squirt series is the Olight Otacle P1 and P1S for $25USD. Base model is plier main tool w/ small fold out scissors, but i prefer the P1S w/ scissor main tool and a fold out file.
I love my leatherman squirt. Didn't realize they discontinued it! So glad i got it when i did. Carry it every day
I’ve been carrying a Leatherman Micra on my keys for the past 3 years and I’ve never had a problem with the scissors. They cut perfectly fine. And if they end up going dull, sharpen them. It’s not hard to do.
The suspension clip is the solution to an edc problem I have been having for years thank you sir
I have a squirt on each set of keys I own. Having pliars is a must for me as it can tighten m10 nuts in a pinch.
I ‘discovered’ the rambler some years back and have had one on my keychain ever since. I highly recommend it for anyone, sure, it’s small, but if you work in an office environment, as I do, it’s size makes it non-threatening, as opposed to almost any other size knife… I mean, I’ve had pull look at me askance and ask why I need a knife, when I’ve carried a 91 mm Victorinox, but with the 58 mm size, that knife no one even balks at when I need to pull it out! It’s other tools are all usable and helpful! Of course if you need a larger blade, then get yourself a dedicated larger blade, like a full size Griptilian or whatever with a deep carry clip, but keep that in your pocket in the office and add the rambler to your keychain so you don’t freak out your coworkers… the rambler is so small and light you’ll never notice it in your pocket, but it’s always there,for a non-threatening option.
Watching this video it was like you were reading my mind, the Rambler has become my go-to little gift for those who don’t EDC, but I always wish it could have been the Manager, which I have carried for years. It would be very nice if Victorinox would offer some of the Classic SD scales on the Rambler as well, as the ladies seem to prefer something more visually interesting than the basic red.
Your custom rambler is *awesome*
Thanks! It was pricey but it’s been kind of perfect.
@@todd.parker Nice! That's good to hear!
Still carrying it every day and don’t see myself going back, thanks again for this masterpiece
Love it, thanks again!
@@todd.parker You're very welcome Sir, glad you love it!
Wow, amazing video!! Very helpful and insightful. I would highly recommend looking at the Nextool Mini Sailer it is a compact keychain-size multitool only slightly larger than the Leatherman Squirt PS4. It has pliers, a knife blade, scissors, a flat head, a two-dimensional Phillips, a SIM card ejection tool, a can opener, and a bottle opener. It has replaced my Leatherman Squirt on my keychain. Also, they have a knifeless version that they claim is TSA-approved. Would highly recommend checking them out!
The Rambler is my go to dad/office tool. The Philips is great for battery cases, the nail file is very handy for a chipped nail, the blade works well for opening packages, and the scissors work just fine for cutting tags, tweezers have pulled a few splinters, the toothpick is great for clearing out a USB-C port, and the bottle opener works in a pinch, plus it's small and light in the pocket and does just fine for when I'm not carrying my Leatherman signal. Side note: when I'm flying I switch to my Kershaw PT-2
Been carrying Classics for about 30 years, bur after watching this I'm going to try a Rambler. Thanks - well done.
I have had many multitools and knives in the past and for everyday carry I had a Gerber Vise on my keys for a couple of years, but the knife wasn't the best and the keychain hook broke. So I looked elsewhere for a replacement. I have just got the Leatherman Bond and whilst it is bigger and doesn't have scissors, I find myself using it multiple times a day.
I am very happy with all the tools and the build quality is very good.
Also being a UK citizen this is classed as legal carry.
I would highly recommend it.
This is a fine review of several small multi tools. So many of them have a bottle opener. I’ve carried a pocket knife for more than 60 years and never once used a bottle opener. Thanks for sharing your review…from east Tennessee.
I think it's a cheap feature to include. I also don't have much of a need for a bottle opener.
Funny, a bottle opener is half the reason I carry a small knife. The SAK rally goes with me all the time I'm not carrying something more substantial
NexTool Mini Sailor is also honorable mention. It is designed to be replacement of Leatherman Squirt. Also it is much better quality than Mini Flagship. The only downside is that it lacks a nail file. They now have a TSA friendly variant that is even lighter and also has glow in dark bead.
I carried a Rambler for years. Felt like a change so swapped it out for a Squirt PS4.
Must admit I prefer the squirt, the little pliers are so handy and serve most of the purposes I used the tweezers for and more, imo the squirt blade is better but the Victorinox scissors are best.
It’s absolutely mental that leatherman discontinued it, I’ll likely go back to the Rambler if it ever gets lost/broken.
The midnight manager adds pen and torch to the basic Rambler but then looses a holder for toothpick and tweeters. The part solution is to make a case out of leather or cork leather with three layers. Two layers are used to trap the scale tools - tweeter and toothpick - and a pin. This is also useful for the Alox versions.
The upgrade to the class SD is the 74 mm Executive and Ambassador. The Ambassador has the same nail file as the 58 mm Classic where as the Executive has a different design that is also longer but not as good as the file found on the 91 mm range. The Executive also has the orange peeler knife with the flat blade screw driver tip. Unfortunately it has been discontinued.
The first 91 mm SAK to improve on the Classic SD tool set is the Mountaineer, followed by Ranger then Champ. The compact has an inferior file.
Always reccomend the victorinox rambler, always
Team Rambler reporting. Magnetic, in-line Philips is most useful and sturdy construction of this SAK allows it to punch far above its weight. It is a great addition to any EDC set.
For countries that have strict knife laws the Rambler is the perfect choice.
Great video! I really appreciate your approach to edc and have actually implemented a lot of your ideas into my own small tool kits in the last year. I carry a victorinox Manager as the consistent base of my everyday carry. I have them in Brass, Copper, Titanium, carbon fiber and a variety of other colors and match them up with a keychain flashlight and folding knife in matching materials/colors (because why not? haha) When I want to be as minimalist as possible I carry a rovyvon a4 titanium and one of the managers and it’s really all I actually need if I’m being honest. It’s such a shame that they’ve been discontinued.
I love Rovyvon flashlights. I have owned several and they are awesome.
Where is the Nextool mini sailor? There are two versions, pliers and scissors. Now there is even a version with mini pliers. I added a file from the scissors-based version to the pliers-based version and use it that way. It meets 90% of my daily needs.
Personally I carry the Nextool NE20237
(Scissor based) when I'm not working and I think it would have fit your list perfectly especially with the slip joint blade being legal to carry around more European countries and it features a small set of pliers which can come in handy and I paid less than 20GBP which would be somewhere up to 30USD roughly
ive been using the nextool mini flagship for years now. keep it in my wallet. having those amazing scissors and a knife the perfect size for a package opener has come in handy more times than i can count. a very useful little tool. that said, its not made of the greatest materials and is getting some pretty noticeable signs of wear and tear, including the scissors sticking. i will probably buy a new one when i move countries later this year.
Just stumbled upon this video and channel - perfect amount of detail and yet to the point. Clean editing and audio. Subscribed (and now on the hunt for a Rambler)
Great in depth video! I'm also hooked on these "minis" for the same reasons and own several of the models in your video.
I think the video undervalued the practicality and adaptability of the keychain multi-tools, such as the Gerber Dime, which have proven to be effective for outdoor enthusiasts tackling demanding trails like the Appalachian Trail. These compact multi-tools are praised for their lightweight design and useful functionalities, including pliers, a knife, scissors, and various drivers. Product quality can vary due to factors like manufacturing processes and cost management strategies, which can affect sharpness and finish. While some brands may produce less consistent quality in order to lower costs, many users report positive experiences with these tools and can easily sharpen them as needed. Instead of generalizing negatively just about your limited use with the tools, it's more constructive to assess each product based on user feedback and performance. This approach offers a more nuanced understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of these tools in outdoor scenarios. Personally if I worked for any of these companies I would flag for removal.
So you don't believe in criticizing products that are poorly made or don't perform well? Gotcha.
@@todd.parker Mr. straw man, I never said that we shouldn't criticize poorly made products or those that don't perform well. Instead, my point was about the importance of a nuanced evaluation based on broader user experiences. Generalizing negatively based on limited use can overlook the practical advantages that many users find in multi-tools like the Gerber Dime. Criticism is important, but it should be constructive and informed by comprehensive feedback rather than just personal experiences. Please discuss the strengths and weaknesses of these tools more thoroughly without resorting to such childishness. Thank you.
I have a squirt PS4, travelling with me all around Europe, I like it a lot! It helped me out many times. What a shame that it got discontinued...
FYI the combo tool on the bantam does work as a philips. You have to hold it at an awkward angle because it's the corner of the tool, but as long as you do your part to hold it right it does grip in philips quite well.
Similar for the flathead/file on the classic/rambler. It's formed to work as a philips. So if you're just running the classic grinding it down like you did kills that function. BUT with the rambler what you did makes perfect sense considering it has a dedicated philips anyway.
Yeah, I showed how you can make it work by angling it but it's not great. Better than nothing tho. As you said, the 58mm screwdriver is sort of a compromise to kinda be a flat head and kinda work on philips which makes sense on the SD but the Rambler has a proper philips so might as well make the screwdriver a good flat head.
Great video, Todd! Love that custom alox Rambler! I carried a Manager on my keys for years. I tried a MiniChamp for awhile, but did not like it. It's set up totally differently than the Manager/Rambler, and the tools were confusing to find. But I really liked the orange peeler and emergency blade.
Fortunately, Victorinox once made a Rambler with those two extra tools. It's called a Vagabond and set up very logically like the Manager/Rambler. I bought a couple of Vagabonds on Ebay and added the retractable pen. I call my modification the VcGyver LOL.
I also really like the Swiss Card Lite and Swiss Card NailCare. I replaced the blade on my SC Lite with a metal file from Optics Planet for $2, so both cards are bladeless and good for travel. With the mag glass, quattro screwdriver, nail file, scissors, pen, pin, toothpick and tweezers, it frees me up to leave the VcGyver at home and just carry a normal folder if I want.
Recently, I picked up a Nextool MiniSailor Lite which is also bladeless if I want to travel with a small multitool with pliers. It's not bad, although frankly I could just take the Knipex Cobra 100s, 711L Lollipop, Steinwhale bits and Klein 4" safety scissors and have a much better collection of bladeless tools all around.
Good call on the vagabond, that’s a cool configuration. I’ve been using my 711L lollipop driver a ton recently and it’s so good.
Can't wait to see your review of the Lollipop! BTW FixIt Sticks makes a little mini pry bar hex end wrench tool that works great in the Lollipop.
@@ParkerBinion Ooh, thanks for the idea, that looks like a nice addition to a EDC kit. In my cart...
@@todd.parker While I typically find it easiest and fastest to use the L handle for torque and spinning the Lollipop in my fingers when the screw is loosened, I wanted to add that both the tiny Gear Infusion EverRatchet and much larger Doohickey Ratchet work well with the Lollipop on tough screws. Slips over a bit extender before seating the extender in the Lollipop. Flip the EverRatchet or Doohickey Ratchet to go the other way...
@@todd.parker Circling back on this, great to see the Lollipop and mini pry bar featured in your latest Surge kit video! BTW - they say the market abhors a vaccuum. Keep your eyes peeled on 711L. In early November they will release an in line ratchet that will fit in your Leatherman Surge/Wave/Signal/Skeletool/Arc flat bit exchanger!
I been EDC a minichamp in my coin pocket with a Fenix E12. Normally have one additional fullsize took if I plan to be doing extra things. That tends to alternate between the Vic Climber or Leatherman Curl.
I agree, the Rambler is the best choice, but after years i decided to go with the mini champ, i usually carry a combo of a 91mm Vic and a 58mm Vic, one with alox scales and one with the scale tools....a black compact and alox mini champ is my favorite combo..... thanks for the video, i agreed with your conclusions....also, that alox rambler is beautiful, wanted one of those for years! Greetings from Maastricht
I think the Jetsetter is aimed at those, who know they’ll only ever need to open a cap bottle and maybe carefully snip open a letter. So visiting friends or an office worker* who’s not allowed to carry a knife in the office.
The Manager is aimed at the person, who told *, they were not allowed to carry a knife in the office.
I have had the SOG Powerpint in my 5th pocket for the last couple years and use it multiple times a day. I really like it. Might not fit the criteria here, but definitely worth a look.
Interesting offerings in this class. As a carabiner requiring carrier, I want to see the Style PS come back. But as an owner who has sent mine back 4 times for warranty repair on the scissor spring , I hope they retire it with the intent to replace it with a much better scissor solution.
Those darn scissors! Mine were broken too so I couldn't show them working in the video
@@todd.parker Sounds about right. I have paid for more in shipping charges for the “25 year warranty” than I paid for the Style PS itself. All 4 times the spring broke while the scissors were not in use. I want to support the Leatherman company, but I can’t any longer. I have been recommending the Roxon brand to family, friends and co-workers. I have been eyeing the Roxon Flex platform for a while now. Thinking about selling by 30 year old Leatherman Super to pay for it.
The Rambler has been on my keychain for several years. HIghly recommended.
My wife uses Style CS (the one with scissors) and she loves it. Why Leatherman had discontinued it is beyond me. It's so much better than Micra.
Your custom rambler is awesome. You should see about making them to sell. I'd buy one in a heartbeat
Yep, that Phillips head on the Rambler is so sweet. Seems to fit so many Phillips screws and is magnetized too (I think). And Victorinox scissors of all sizes beat everyone else’s. I need something a little bigger so I’ve been carrying the Victorinox Cadet for years. So thin, light and pretty. 😊 The flathead tool works well as a box tape breaker over gumming up the knife blade. Safer too. Hoping against all odds that they’ll add scissors to these before I die.
The Olight OKS2 is a perfect choice. It’s my first multitool and my favourite
Great, now I ordered a midnight manager (even considered the @work for a moment) even after already owning nearly every other tool you hav3 shown. The nextool mini is my GoTo tool if I’m out and about (the scissors are great), and the squirt is my bedside tool. But since i barely use the pliers i gladly trade them for a light and a pen. The question is: what do i do with the squirt? It might end up in multitool purgatory (ea my collection)…or maybe it’s my new car tool….anyways, „thanks“ for feeding my addiction 😁😉
I have a Micra and a Style PS, and the Style's tiny scissors are much better than the Micra's larger ones, which tells you how bad those Micra scissors really are. And the Style is hands down much better than the Micra in every other way. Crazy that Leatherman discontinued the Style, but kept the Micra.
I find the Tinker models more interesting and they aren't expensive when buying used, but they are heavier. They are larger which doesn't bother me but the weight I can start to feel, and for that weight I can carry a Leatherman Juice or even better a Skeletool.
Gerber Dime is awesome
The great thing about the midnight manager is you can write notes in the dark
$25 Gerber Vise pairs well with my LM Crunch(ALSO discontinued🤬) EDC. LM's Crunch is/was the best lockdown, vicegrip-based multitool I ever found, makes for a great crimper. The hexbit driver in the handle and a Gerber's little keychain makes crawling through rack rooms 1000x easier
Thanks for the video! Excellent and enjoyable as always.
ONE THOUGHT: have you seen the Nextool Mini Sailor Lite version? Maxlvledc worked with them to design it as an alternative to Style PS, and better built TSA friendly alternative to the Dime. Its 2.4 oz so a bit heavier, but is a nice TSA friendly option, and affordable.
Hey Victorinox… Rambler in red Alox… License to print money… You’re welcome.
Edit: didn’t watch the whole video. You actually say the same thing. Kudos 😅
Heck yeah. Especially alox with scale tools
Said the same thing this afternoon.
Rambler has been my EDC. Love the useful functions without any excesses. But I still have my bigger tools like Charge and Champ in the car glove compartment or home.
Right on
I like the concept of customized Victorinox tool
This is THE video I was looking for, thank you!
Best of all: Olight Otacle P1 Multitool and Victorinox Rambler
My Midnight Manager has been in the washing machine and dryer and still works great! I carry it all the time, so it was bound to happen eventually 😆
Impressive!
Manager's rule !!! Optimalist as it's finest for a keychain carry
Olight Otacle K1 is pretty close to an Alox Rambler.
73 x 22 x 8 (mm) and 1.55oz for $20
No toothpick or Phillips driver though!
I'm also a fan of the Mini Sailor Scissors although its a touch too big for my keychain.
Looks pretty good, thanks for the recommendation
I actually managed to shear my victorinox scissors at the base of one of the blades on my minichamp, must have been a manufacturing defect it had since I bought it judging by the colour of the material after it snapped.
I'd had it for probably 10 years at that point, but their lifetime warranty was great! Within 24 hours I had a postage label and it was back to me within a week. Hope I don't have to test their lifetime warranty again, but I know they'll honour it even if I do.
I've had that knife on my keychain for the past 6 years or so, and probably will for the foreseeable future. I have bigger ones, but I have to remember to take them with me - which means I usually don't. At least this one I'll always have when I need.
That’s done amazing service. The best tool is the one you have on you so these fit the ticket
Great review, I have Nextool mini Sailor, Vic classics and Vic Midnight manager and they are greats. But I want Vic Manager which is the best option for me, but u r right 40$ is toooo much for this. Lest demand to rise it again :)
Love the squirt PS4. Glad I bought a spare before it was discontinued.
The midnight mini champ is one of my favorite tools from Victorinox. The scissors are fantastic, I think because they have micro serrations on them
That thing is packed with utility. Vic has so many options, I didn't ever cover that one. 58mm models are fun because you can go over the top with features and it's still super tiny and light.
the best thing about the Victorinox Compact is the little diamond file on the back of the hook tool… I wish they’d all have that.
the Rambler is nice, too… but they used to make something called the Vagabond, that had the extra cut & pick hook knife tool, and an additional blade. I also wish they’d bring back the 74mm SAKs… something with the Rambler’s toolset in the larger size would be nice 👌
Totally agree on all that. 74-84mm is a great size. Imagine a larger Rambler!
I am rocking a Midnite manager @work that has an USB stick on it and a tiny torch with my keys, and that is 90% of what I need on my day to day
I've had the Swiss Army knife with the pen and red LED that came with the Nextel Motorola i90c since 2002. The light still works somehow. I keep that on my car keys. I need to order a pen replacement and sharpen the blade a bit.
I totally agree about the Victorinox Classic SD - WHY is the knife, arguably the most used tool, on the same side as the keychain attachment!? It's infuriating and basically renders it useless as a keychain knife.
As someone who carries the micra on and off since the 90s I don't think you are supposed to close it when using the knife, file or big flat head. I think it's intended to be open on one side so you have a full length handle and can still be attached to your keys when using these tools. And I can tell you the scissors shouldn't do what yours were doing I know there was a bad batch or two somewhere in the 2010s, and this happens when you are rough on them, or they can do this over time and you need to retighten the rivet or replace it.
Yeah, I think my scissors are either dull or messed up but it’s hard to know. I just didn’t live the design as much as other options, the PS4 was so good, too bad it’s discontinued
Pioneer Alox X is my always have it tool and my most used EDC item. No scale tools but the sleek design and sturdy build make it worth the trade off.
Yeah, huge fan of the bigger, minimal Alox knives like the Pioneer X. I had a Bantam X (scissors) made by a modder and it's really nice, just a little smaller than yours.
I actually really enjoy my Micra. Best scissors on any small multi I’ve ever used. The used one you bought must have been janky.
I like the SAK nail clip 580. The nail clippers are excellent, scissors are excellent, has nail file, knife blade of the classic sd and you have the tweezers and tooth pick
Hi Todd! Amazing video; honestly one of the best ones I've seen on this subject!!! I really want to get one of those 3D printed trays for a micro screwdriver. Where can I buy one? I couldn't find the link to your Etsy page. Many thanks and greetings from The Netherlands :)
The Gerber Curve is my favorite featherweight carry multitool!
Had a very similar experience, and also ended up with the rambler! Countycomm makes some nice feeling scales that I got, and threw on. They sell in a honeycomb or topographical pattern titanium. Not quite as slick as the alox, though
TH-cam algorithm needs to catch up on this one, I didn't get it suggested until two weeks later despite being subscribed
Oh man. The YT algorithm is so bad right now, I never see videos from people I subscribe to
Great video! Got me thinkin' about changing out my SAK Classic SD. Ever looked at the Swisstech Listig? I was leaning towards it.
I have a NexTool in my pocket kit, it’s actually a very good little multi tool.
currently rocking a gerber splice, as the scissors were more of a priority than another set of pliers :). it could just do with being a touch larger
Great vid, many thanks, Sir! Rambler is name of the game, love it. 👍😊
I can’t believe I hadn’t tried out the 58mm model until recently. I thought it was just the classic SD but the Rambler and Manager are awesome
The Rambler or Manager (adds a pen) is on my keychain. I keep that and a mini flashlight (A8) on a magnetic keyring I can easily pop off when I don't want them in my pocket, or to make them easier to use. The Jetsetter would be so much better if they just added a file onto the edge of the multi-tool. I just open the scissors to use them as a mini-blade when needed. The mini Champ is such a missed opportunity... just update it already Victorinox!!!
~ Mind meld ~
Years ago I wanted to skate by as light as possible on my EDC so I only carried a Victorinox Vagabond, a long discontinued 58 mm model, and it worked well until I had to build a display rack one day, and that little guy just wasn't up to the task. I'll give it a go again though and carry my midnite mini champ, but those tiny blades make me a bit apprehensive, that's for sure.
Rambler is my favorite 58mm. Victorinox needs to bring back the 84mm scissors
The Jetsetter really should be the rambler minus the knife, I think that would be most people's travel multitool if Victorinox would actually make it.
I have a couple of leatherman squirts and victorinox ramblers stashed away. Glad I did too since the squirt is discontinued.
Yeah, I get they need to balance the layers but replace the knife with something and keep the file layer or something
Burt’s Bees uses canola oil… switch to Dr. Bronner’s lip balm, or just Van Man’s beef tallow balm 👌