The Best Multi-Tools Made in the USA
I’m familiar with Gerber, Sog, and Victorinox multi-tools but none compare to the high quality of Leatherman tools. Frankly, Leatherman makes the world’s best multi-tools and they’re still proudly made in Portland, Oregon, USA.
Why Trust Me?
I know how hard it is to find honest recommendations and to narrow down American made gear. This is why I started American Gear Guide. I take my recommendations seriously and only recommend the best of the best. Of course this is my subjective opinion but I’m confident it won’t disappoint. Here are a few reasons to trust me:
- I make independent recommendations based on personal experience (not paid to endorse a product).
- As a passionate outdoorsman that reviews gear for a living, I also actually own and use all American made gear.
- My background includes 10 yrs working with the Forest Service as a Wildland Firefighter, Ranger, Wildlife Crew-leader, and Forest Ecologist. I’ve been certified as a Wilderness First Responder (WFR) and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). I’ve backpacked extensively throughout the USA and 34 countries including in Central & South America, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. See About page for more.
- I attend industry trade shows like Outdoor Retailer to stay informed on the latest innovative equipment.
- This guide receives regular updates with the newest gear.
- I encourage continuous learning & self improvement, so I welcome your criticism. If you think I missed anything then please leave some helpful suggestions.
Leatherman ARC
Leatherman constantly improves on what you thought was the perfect multi-tool. I’m incredibly impressed with Leatherman’s latest flagship, the ARC. Like the Free P4 before it, the ARC pulls out every engineering stop with 20 magnetic locking tools accessible with one hand. The ARC answers my only nitpick with the P4; the ARC includes bit drivers lacking in the P4 to multiply its functionality. Another excellent addition is a premium Magnacut steel blade. I now own 4 Magnacut blades and they are the real deal, known for their combination of edge retention, rust resistance, and toughness. After 5 days of sitting wet in my PFD on a packraft expedition, my magnacut blade doesn’t have a spec of rust. Last observed price: ~ $250
Click for Current Pricing from Amazon
Click for Current Pricing from REI
Leatherman Skeletool
The Skeletool is a light 5 oz multi-tool with only the tools you need most. Its tools include: needlenose pliers, regular pliers, hard-wire cutters, wire cutters, 420HC combo knife, carabiner/bottle opener, and a large bit driver. I tend to carry the skeletool more than others due to its lighter weight. The pricier CX version features an upgraded 154 CM non-serrated blade.
Last observed price: ~ $70 – 90
Click for Current Pricing from Amazon
Click for Current Pricing from REI
Leatherman Signal Multi-Tool
The Leatherman Signal has nearly everything you could wish for in a survival tool. In addition to your usual tools, this innovative multi-tool contains a fire starter and a diamond coated sharpener. The Signal features 19 tools including: Needlenose pliers, regular pliers, 154CM replaceable hard-wire cutters, wire stripper, 420HC combo knife, saw, hammer, awl w/ thread loop, can opener, bottle opener, 1/4″ hex bit driver, bit driver, 1/4″ box wrench, carabiner, 3/16″ box wrench, safety whistle, ferrocerium fire rod, diamond coated sharpener.
Last observed price: $140
Click for Current Pricing from Amazon
Click for Current Pricing from REI
Leatherman Wave Plus & Alpha
The Leatherman Wave family are renowned multi-tools. Combined with the optional bit kit, a bit capable Leatherman covers an extensive variety of uses. The latest Wave Alpha is basically a tricked out Wave with grippy G10 handle scales and a superb Magnacut steel blade. I’ve built a long list of memories with my Wave including stitching a cut on my hand with fishing line (& whiskey). The newer Plus and Alpha versions incorporate replaceable wire cutters to the original classic.
Last observed price: ~ $120 – 199 (depending on model)
Wave Plus
Click for Current Pricing from Amazon.com
Click for Current Pricing from BladeHQ.com
Wave Alpha
Click for Current Pricing from Amazon.com
Click for Current Pricing from REI
Leatherman T4
Think of the Leatherman T4 and smaller T2 as the American-made answers to Swiss Army Knives. The T4 is a light 4.3 oz multi-tool with 12 tools including spring loaded scissors and a one-hand opening 2.2″ long 420 HC main blade. The more minimal T2 forgoes the scissors, file, and tweezers of the T4 for an even lighter weight of 3.3 oz.
Last observed price range: ~ $70
Click for Current Pricing from Amazon
Click for Current Pricing from Cabela’s
Leatherman Rev Multi-Tool
The Rev is the best bang for your buck multi-tool available. It’s a high quality, fully functional multi-tool that thankfully doesn’t weigh you down like a brick in your pocket. If you’re looking for a one handed opening knife on your multi-tool, then step up to the slightly more expensive Leatherman Wingman.
Last observed price range: ~ $50
Click for Current Pricing from Amazon
Leatherman Sidekick & Wingman
Here are a couple more excellent and affordable options with one handed blade access and spring loaded pliers. The main difference between these two is the Sidekick includes a folding saw where the Wingman substitutes for scissors.
Last observed price range: ~ $70
Sidekick
Click for Current Pricing from Amazon.com
Wingman
Click for Current Pricing from Amazon.com
Click for Current Pricing from REI
Leatherman Bit Kit
This Leatherman Bit Kit expands your driver’s capabilities with 21 double-sided bits that provide 42 handy tools. I’ve tightened up countless oddball screws with my bit kit.
Last observed price range: ~ $25
Click for Current Pricing from Amazon.com
Click for Current Pricing from Sportsman’s Warhouse
Popular Pages:
The best backpacks made in the USA for hiking, backpacking, climbing/mountaineering, backcountry skiing, and simple everyday use.
Only our favorite gear, the top American made equipment that earns our Editor’s Choice and Best Buy Awards.
Find the highest quality survival preparation equipment to take on any emergency.
Here you’ll find a lineup of the best headlamps made in the USA for camping, backpacking, running, hiking, biking, fishing, and all things in the dark.
Want the best hiking, backpacking, or work boots made in the USA for Men and Women? Here they are!
Your guide to the best water bottles, reservoirs, and hydration systems you can find.
Looking for the lightest, highest-quality, weatherproof tents available? You should look here.
My personal recommendations for the top ten EDC folding knives made in the USA. If you’re looking for men’s gift ideas, this isn’t a bad place to start.
Discover the best sleeping bags in the world, which happen to be made in Seattle, WA and San Jose, CA, USA.
Nothing but the lightest, the comfiest, and the most durable camping mattresses available.
My search for the best American-made phone cases and screen protectors has ended in success. Here are the results.
Looking for the top sunglasses made in the USA? You’ve come to the right place.
If you ever want to purchase ANYTHING from Amazon, REI.com, Cabela’s, or Sportsman’s Warehouse… even for dog food or toothpaste, then you can help me without costing you a single penny. If you use my links to make a purchase within 24 hrs then I will receive a tiny credit that will help my site pay its dues and continue running. So all I ask is that if you find the free info here useful and you need to make a purchase at Amazon, REI, etc. then please use the links on this site. This costs you nothing extra but will help provide myself and this website a dollar or two to help keep on trucking.
You can bookmark the following sites and each time you purchase something it will help American Gear Guide in a small but significant way. Bookmarkable links: Amazon, REI.com, Cabela’s, or Sportsman’s Warehouse.