The Rabenstranger

I recently posted a question on my Facebook page asking whether people preferred Leathermen or Swiss Army Knives. I was dismayed to learn that some people didn’t even know what I was talking about. Now, I understand that not everyone shares my hobbies and in our culture young people in particular don’t really use tools much but it seems to me that a multi-tool would probably come in handy occasionally for just about everyone.

So, for educational purposes here is a Leatherman:

Originally intended to be used by bicyclists as a compact toolkit for making repairs on the trail, the Leatherman, with it’s handy folding pliers is one of the most popular multi-tools. It now comes in a wide variety of sizes and configurations. It has also spawned a myriad of copycats. My favorite current model.
The Swiss Army Knife:

The Swiss Army Knife is an older design and is largely responsible for popularizing multi-tools. These knives are famous for being the tool of choice of both Macgyver (in many languages, the Swiss Army Knife is called a Macgyver or Macgyver Knife) and the Boyscouts (they also use this style). While the idea of a knife featuring a variety of tools that fold into the handle has been widely copied, Victorinox is the only official (and one of the best) supplier of Swiss Army Knives. My favorite current model.
Personally, I have one of each. The pictures above show the models which I own. I carry the leatherman above in my backpack everyday and it has saved my bacon when I had bike trouble a couple of times. I prefer the leatherman because I am routinely in need of pliers. However, the Swiss Army Knife is much more compact and could prove handier for some users.

Actually, looking at the dealer websites, I think if I had to pick a new tool right now I would get a Swiss Army Leatherman.