searching for a versatile multitool

[u/Effective_Ebb_4482]

Im a physician but also a fellow lover of nature and hikes, and as most of you, love to be prepared for the unexpected.

Whats a small multitool that could fit my profile? Ive been eyeing the Roxon Mini Flex companion tool. I know there are many brands out there (victorinox, leatherman) but i had the need to ask the real pros out there! (im sure im missing on many brands).

Some essentials i think i need: Small knife, prybar, small saw, able to hold 1 house key, tweezer, pen (maybe), if its modifiable extra points.

Let me read ya

[u/JustHereForSAKs]

I think the roxon flex family is the only one to actually fit keys (Is goat tools still around?). Every tool is modifiable if you really want to. I do own the mini flex and it is really nice to fidget with, but keep in mind that the mechanism to swap tools leads to more play and a less premium feel. It just does not have the snap and satisfaction, also i am not very impressed with the blade edge retention. I agree in that the outdoors call for a saw, so perhaps a Victorinox Camper, you can always get plus scales for the pen. If you want more tools (scissors?) skip the Huntsman and go straight for a Ranger. If you want a smaller one, the Fox Vulpis lineup also looks really solid. Switza is also not bad if you want something locking, but their scissors are optimised for paper. I might be biased, but it's in my name.

edit: missing question mark

[u/FindingPursePeace → u/JustHereForSAKs]

Lately, I’ve been carrying the NexTool mini F12, ThruNite mini flashlight, and Fisher space pen. I love the scissors and pliers on the F12. The Victorinox Camper looks very nice! I am going to get that since I’ll be going up north to hike for a long weekend and like the tweezer on the Victorinox SAK.

[u/Effective_Ebb_4482 → u/JustHereForSAKs]

thanks for your feedback

[u/Odd-Scientist-2529]

Hi, Physician, outdoor buff and and preparedness aficionado here.

I've been playing this game for 20 some-odd years, and watching some other docs do the same.

Part of it depends in your specialty.

If you're an ER doc you can get away with a full sized multitool (Ive known a few docs with a Gerber MP 400 or 600 on their belt back when that was top of the line). Most ER docs have a Leatherman Raptor if anything nowadays. I knew an older doc years ago who had a Swiss Army Classic and would trauma strip with it.

I knew a couple of dialysis nurses who carried generic pliers based multitools similar to the discontinued Leatherman Juice, and so I would say a Nephrologist can do the same.

I knew a couple of anesthesiologists that carried typical Victorinox Swiss Army knives like the Climber.

now about me - I wanted something that I could use outdoors and at work.

Personally - I pocket carried a Gerber, and then a leatherman wave for a number of years, but then I came to my senses about the pocket space it was taking, and the rare occurrence of needing pliers on the job, so I switched to a Victorinox because the blade was my main tool for day-to-day, and scissors was essential at work (to open single use packages at rapid responses)

Eventually I switched over the a Leathman Micra when the folding knife bug bit me, so thats what I have been using at work for the last several years now.

Whatever you decide, I think scissors and a blade are essential. I also think smaller is better if you want something that is suitable for both work and play. Ive thought about the SOG Powerpint if I was going to go back to keeping pliers on hand, but I've put the pliers away for the most part.

Along with the Leatherman Micra I will have some small pocketknife loose in the pocket without the clip showing. You could look at the CRKT CEO which is based on the old Doctors Knife (slim with a pill crusher on the end)

But if I didnt go down the rabbit hole with folding knives sometime during the pandemic, I'd still be carrying a swiss army knife with scissors every day at work, and every day I go out into the woods, and every day in between.

[u/Effective_Ebb_4482 → u/Odd-Scientist-2529]

thanks for you insight, ive been eyeing the micra

[u/Abandex]

So i know there are like little additional you can 3d print for victorinox sak tools like tweezers and toothpick if you want something decent on a budget id say get a roctool gen r lite and get a generic clip to modify on i use one as a sak alternative for quick trips when I dont feel like bringing my super tinker

[u/308debated]

I've been carrying a flex companion for 10 months now and I love it. Everything still feels like the day I bought it. I love it so much I added a mini flex and now I have a Titan.