I’ve Tested Nearly Every Leatherman Multitool. Here Are the 5 Best, Ranked

ProsAll tools open from the outsideMagnaCut blade is sharper and more durable than a normal steel bladeConsMost expensive Leatherman on this listThe very best Leatherman I’ve tested is without question the Leatherman Arc. It’s the most well-rounded of any multitool from the company and stands out simply by doing everything well. The tools are all functional and sturdy, with no filler or useless additions. The Arc’s MagnaCut blade is one of the best that I’ve tested across all brands, standing out for both its sharpness and durability.Where it sets itself apart is its magnetic opening and closing functionality. This design makes for smooth, one-handed transitions. It holds tightly when it’s closed and moves freely when open.The Leatherman Arc is also designed with all the tools facing outward on the body. This means that every tool (save for the pliers) is fully accessible without having to open the handles.Read Full Leatherman Arc ReviewKey SpecsDimensions4.25 x 1.3 x 0.68 in.Weight8.6 ozMaterialStainless steelNumber of Tools/Functions20ProsLarge scissor far more effective at cutting than most multitool optionsMagnaCut blade is durable and sharpConsDoes not come with a hip clip or loop for carryingWhile not quite at the same caliber as the Leatherman Arc, the Wave Alpha outperforms the top-tier multitool in a few notable ways. The most significant is the scissors. They’re the largest on any of the Leatherman plier-based multitools, and you can tell right away. I was able to cut cleanly and easily through construction paper and thin cardboard without any real issue. Considering that many multitool scissors are borderline unusable, this was a refreshing change of pace.Outside of that, I love the Wave Alpha handle more than nearly any other Leatherman I’ve tested. The composite material feels a little grippier and a lot more comfortable in my hand than the typical steel used on most others.Read Full Leatherman Wave Alpha ReviewKey SpecsDimensions4.04 x 1.36 x 0.84 in.Weight8.26 ozMaterialStainless SteelNumber of Tools/Functions16Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsComes with keychain ring and is small enough to fit next to your keysCentral scissors work better than most multitools scissor attachmentsConsIs not a real replacement for a full-sized multitoolMuch smaller than most other Leathermans I’ve tested, the Micra is perfect for the day-to-day minutiae of life. Its tool set is not meant for a DIY job but instead to handle the most basic everyday needs. It sports tweezers, a bottle opener, a nail file, and the entire thing is built around a small set of scissors.In essence, it has everything you might need to fix a daily inconvenience. You’re able to open a package, file a hangnail, pluck an ingrown hair, or crack open a beer all from a multitool that is compact enough to fit comfortably on your key ring.Read Full Leatherman Micra ReviewKey SpecsDimensions4.2 x 0.75 x 0.37 in.Weight1.8 ozMaterialsStainless steelNumber of Tools/Functions10ProsComes with ferro rod for starting campfiresThe body locks in place, keeping the two handles from openingConsHammer tool is just a blunt end to the bodyWhile the general multitool is great for everyday carry, the Leatherman Signal is designed with a little more specificity. The multitool has a set of tools meant for camping and the outdoors. This includes a saw, a steel blade with a serrated edge, a ferro rod for generating sparks for a campfire, and a carabiner for hooking easily onto a backpack.The ferro rod completely detaches from the body and is pretty impressive at generating sparks when used in tandem with the saw. In fact, I was able to start a small fire using just the rod and a small pile of torn-up paper with relative ease. The ferro rod also doubles as an emergency whistle.Read Full Leatherman Signal ReviewKey SpecsDimensions4.04 x 1.36 x 0.84 in.Weight7.5 ozMaterialStainless steelNumber of Tools/Functions19Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsFoldable design compresses it downComes with a rule on the length of the scissor bladeThe Leatherman Raptor Rescue shears are not a traditional multitool by any means. Rather, they’re specifically designed to help you in an emergency. That said, the crossover comes from the variety of use cases that the shears cover. Like a multitool, the Raptor Rescue shears have several different functionalities built into the body. These include a small ruler, a seat belt cutter, a glass breaker, and even a ring cutter.It’s also quite compact and folds down to fit easily in a back pocket or, more importantly, the center console of your car. While it certainly isn’t a tool I’d carry with me every day, it’s one I hope I have close by on the days that matter the most.Read Full Leatherman Raptor Rescue ReviewKey SpecsDimensions7 x 5 x 1.5 in.Weight9.6 ozMaterialCarbideNumber of Tools/Functions6Tom Price is a reviews editor for Popular Mechanics while also contributing to Runner's World, Best Products, and Bicycling. Here at Popular Mechanics, Tom loves testing out home appliances, smart tech, gear for city life and outdoor adventures, small gadgets like watches and multitools, and anything else you can find piled up at his hoarder's nest of a desk. Prior to working here, Tom attended NYU, graduating with a degree in English and a minor in creative writing. He also wrote for Best Reviews, The Daily Beast, and other publications covering tech, fitness gear, gadgets, and lifestyle products. Furthermore, he covered startup news, pop culture, and even professional wrestling. To follow more of his work, check back here for new stories.