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Skeletool

The Best Multi-Tools Made in the USA

By Matt Mullins – updated June 12, 2024

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: ~ $230

 

Click for Current Pricing from BladeHQ.com

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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: ~ $75 – 90

 

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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

 

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Leatherman Free P4

Like the flagship ARC mentioned above, the Free P4 is an impressive multitool. The magnetic locking tools are smooth and decidedly not gimmicky. The only downsides I find are the lack of the bit driver and that the design creates blades that are shorter than on the Wave and Charge models so if you care about longer blades and bits then I suggest sticking with those options. If you want the latest tech with a few less tools and a little less weight then check out the Free P2. Last observed price: ~ $150

 

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Leatherman Wave Plus & Charge TTI Plus

The Leatherman Wave is a renowned multi-tool that holds its own with the latest designs while remaining surprisingly affordable. Combined with the optional bit kit, the Leatherman tool covers an extensive variety of uses. The Charge TTI+ is basically a tricked out Wave with lightweight titanium handles and a premium S30V steel knife blade. I’ve built a long list of memories with my Wave including sewing a cut on my hand with fishing line (& whiskey). The new Plus version incorporates replaceable wire cutters to the original classic. 
Last observed price: ~ $120 – 190 (depending on model)

 

Wave +
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Charge TTI +
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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

 

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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

 

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Leatherman Sidekick & Wingman

A superb affordable option with one handed blade access and spring loaded pliers. The main difference between the two is the Sidekick includes a folding saw where the Wingman substitutes for scissors.
Last observed price range: ~ $70

 

Sidekick
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Wingman
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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: ~ $30

 

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