I still really rate my Kershaw mutlitool, since it's got a mole grip for holding stuff (and is generally a decent multitool, to boot). Other than that, I mostly just have an assortment of SOG tools, but they've gone down in my estimation now they don't do them in spangly gold (TiN, really) coatings.

Even though I'm no outdoorsman by any measure, Leatherman used to run ads in FHM that would make me drool over their big tools.

Apparently there were pictures of girls in that magazine too.

Not sure exactly what you are talking about but just spotted this on /*/ and began to snigger idiotically about your 'Leatherman' talk.

Sage for brain damage.

(A good day to you Sir!)

>>2059

You can live without those spangly gold coatings. You'll know yourself the utility of the tool is what really matters. If there was a choice of two tools I could take with me that differed in no other way I'd likely go for the one with mole grips over pliers. They have that many more uses.

Although everyone goes for the plier-based multitools for their survival or camping adventures, don't overlook the penknife or swiss army knife form. Victorinox do a good range too in various compact forms. They are also seen as less 'threatening', which comes in handy when carrying or using it in public, thanks to generations of acceptance of that brand and form factor.

>>2059

Come to think of it, most tools I've used with the TiN coatings have shown little to no benefit from it. Certainly not worth paying a lot more for unless you want it to match your handbag and high heels. The quality of the metal below the coating is what really counts and as such I concentrate on that instead. I've seen very cheap tools with TiN coatings too, just to look flash on paper and in the packet.

OP here. Just to make things simpler, are there any shit brands or products I should avoid?

>>2072 For example, Rolson are cheap on ebay. Are they bad enough not to buy?

Yeah, the coating was only ever cosmetic. But dammit, a gold multitool is a thing of joy, and it didn't compromise it in any way.
TiN coating seems to make a bit of difference on milling cutters, but it certainly won't turn cheesy Chinese crap into something useful.

>>2073
Depends how strapped for cash you are. Can you try to hold and use one before buying it?
Things that I'd try to avoid would include blades that fold back and amputate fingers when you're really leaning on them, and a tendency to nip bits of skin when you close stuff. It's only pain, but can be quite annoying. How bad can the Rolson ones be for a tenner? (but a good multitool will last you forever, and make you happy every time you whip it out (especially if it's spangly gold (or maybe I'm just easily pleased))