Hunting with a multi-tool?

[boom]

I’ve never really used a multitool. I have them and they always just ride in my glovebox for that “just in case” scenario. Awhile back that all changed. I kinda forgot a knife for a backpack trout fishing trip. I grabbed the glovebox tool and dropped it into my pocket. It was heavier but not problematic. It’s the “middle of the road” Leatherman FUSE. A Discontinued model.

Man. Total MVP. It zipped open trout with ease. The scissors are perfect for light fishing line. Snips it easily. The pliers get those deep hooked fish free easy. Moving a hot pot of crayfish around, the pliers were the perfect potholder.

I think I could process big game with it. It’s plenty sharp. The saw could come in handy on some light bones.

Anyone?

I’m going to buy the Victorinox version since I can get one of their knife blades crazy sharp.

 

[Blue72]

I used to love multi tools but all the tools are pretty much compromises and often damaged the item I was working on. I made an ultralight mini tool kit that actually work like real tools, and is lighter then a multi tool

But I still do understand the appeal

 

[muddydogs]

I carry the Leatherman Skeletool everyday whether at home or hunting. Its my backup knife blade, I carry a folder for general use, and I make it a point to not use the blade unless its absolutely needed so I always have a sharp blade on me. Sucks digging a sliver out of your finger with a mostly dull blade and my folder is always in some stage of needing sharpened due to lots of use. Other then not using the blade the pliers and screw drive tips see plenty of use. I realize that the Leatherman is a light duty tool and use it accordingly.

I went through a few of the bigger multi tools but found that I only really use the pliers and normal size screw driver tips so the Skeletool fits my needs and is lighter then the bigger multi tools.

Just thinking about how much I use a knife I just don't get how someone can walk around without some kind of blade in there pocket. Heck I don't smoke but I always have a mini Bic in my pocket as well.

 

[Cng]

My Leatherman Wave has completely replaced my pocket knife anytime I’m in the outdoors or working around the house. Like you say, it’s just so handy for camp chores and fishing.

I’ve never made an attempt to gut or skin anything bigger than a squirrel with it, but I’ve used the pliers to pull a deer’s hide as I skinned it.

I usually take the Wave and a fixed blade. I put a pocket clip on the Wave and it rides in my pocket most of the time I’m out. If I’m hiking hard and fast, I’ll put it in my belt pouch to keep from getting the whole thing soaked with sweat. I replaced the knife blade with an aftermarket S30V version and I love it.

As others have said, it’s never the perfect tool for the job, but I’ve found that it’s a great compromise and plenty good enough for the things I need from it. The convenience factor made me a convert.

 

[Tanner W]

I used to always try and keep my gerber mp600 with me outdoors, I found myself not wanting to take it with me since it’s oretty heavy. I seemed to mostly use it when fishing but wouldn’t use most of the tools so I switched to a gerber dime. It’s smaller, lighter and find myself carrying it with me more since I can put it in my Bino harness and forget about it.

 

[rayporter]

a small multi tool stays in my pack. for extended trips I carry a full size gerber, especially when horsepacacking or float hunting. the full size has saved my bacon twice. once when a mule got tangled in wire and once when a stove caught fire.

a small 6 in set of vice grips goes in the food box too. I have changed a spark plug with them.

as my pocket carry, my swiss army knife gets used a lot.

 

[Redside]

Leatherman skeletool, but it's always in my pocket.